"Kalahata was nothing short of a battlefield last we were there, though it may no longer be the case," Varielky answers. "Many rebels, with the help of many of the Red Cypress' druids, took up arms after a quarrel between the new high priest of Idiwala and a guard. The temple of Idiwala there became the bone of contention, and when we arrived, the city's garrison was all brought to end the conflict there, not in a peaceful manner, of course.
"The rebels, with the help of the druids and our distraction, escaped the temple. We do not know where they are now, but hopefully somewhere safe. I do not know what is the state in Kalahata now, following all that, but I imagine the flames of hatred towards the empire are once again kept low, for the meantime. Moreover, about half a chiliarchy of Empirical soldiers - from foot soldiers to Roc riders and all that's in between - are making their way to Kalahata. Might be there already by now. Those reinforcements will extinguish any open flames in Kalahata, but it's not impossible to imagine they might travel up the vale to seed fear in people's hearts. If they do, I'm not too sure you should welcome them with prisoners and a makeshift fort like this. The village will be decimated." They might not travel up the vale, too. That would be best, but the gods often set obstacles in the way of people as tests to their resolve.
Snow keeps an eye on the exchange between Elmahdi and Tamazaert, but leaves Varielky to report on what they know of Kalahata. She was right that if the column of soldiers were deployed into the Vale, it would be difficult for any of the villages of the region to oppose them.
Auger focuses on Tamazaert and offers to escort her to the temple should the others want to split up for any reason.
While walking Auger thinks of Py again. Momentarily worried at its absence, Auger reaches out to Py telepathically. Idly he looks around to see if he can recognize any temporary wards that might have impeded the alyasub.
Are you here? Is there anything to report?
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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 notices a spark of attraction and subtle flirtation from Elmahdi, which Tamazaert returns in a wary fashion. Varielky is completely oblivious to this dynamic.
Elmahdi escorts you to the temple.
“Your description of Kalahata comports with what we knew. But, a half chiliarchy en route to the city (OOC: love using that old word). That’s news. Weren’t expectin em so soon, Ellosh take em. Knew they’d send reinforcements, but maybe not for another week. I need t’ report this.”
“If you’re staying, maybe I’ll see you around,” he says, politely, to Tamazaert. She nods and half curtsies, keeping her attention mostly on Sura.
“G’bye, um, Elmodee,” Kotashin says.
You arrive at the Shrine to Namawa, god of travel and commerce. As you already know, Namawa is worshipped here as an androgynous god/goddess driving a golden team of oxen. A statue and frieze on the facade depict the diety splendorously with bands of golden rays splaying a straight across the outer walls and reflecting the morning sunlight.
When you arrive, the shrine is open, but empty. After several minutes, an acolyte, yawning, her robe done up hastily and incorrectly, hair in an untidy bun, appears, and begins lighting candles and incense. At first, ignoring you, she finishes her duties. Then after a few minutes gives you her attention, fixing her robes and hair impatiently.
At your request, she fetches the priest.
Soon, Isemrasen, Priest to Namawa enters from the back of the shrine. As he was before, so is he now a smiling older man with freckled lavender complexion, dimples, and high, bushy eyebrows.
Recognition is immediate, you exchange greetings, and he welcomes you to sit on a bench near the front. He sits on a chair on the floor to one side of the dais.
“Well met, heroes of the Vale. What winds and roads have brought you to our modest shrine?”
(OOC: roll persuasion if you are asking something of him)
"I see you already have an admirer", Snow whispers to Tamazaert as they walk towards o the temple, where he waits patiently for the priest to appear.
"Well met to you also", he says in greeting to Isemrasen, inclining his head in a sign of respect as the priest joins them
He takes his seat on the bench as offered and waits for Isemrasen to take to his chair.
"The winds of change and the roads of purpose bring us here. Our companion...", he says motioning to Tamazaert, "...is looking for a change of purpose, and wonders whether that could be in service to Namawa at your shrine here? She can of course speak for herself, but as we are known here in Asni we thought we might put in a good word for our hard working and diligent friend".
"It would bring us much happiness to know that she has found a place here in Asni", he adds, throwing the priest his most winning smile.
"Or, you know, just help her acclimate, find a place in the village. We just wanted to make sure she knows someone she can turn to, if she needs help," Varielky adds. She had no doubt Tamazaert could manage on her own, but why not help when one can?
However, by now, her heart is full of doubts. Is it a good idea for Tamazaert who wants a more peaceful life to live in a place that is very likely to become a stronghold of an uprising? Sure, it may be more secure than any other village, but it will also attract far more danger to it, and the empire was a force to be reckoned with.
She keeps those thoughts for herself, for the moment, but she'll certainly bring the matter up before they leave. Their journey was full of peril, and yet they were far more capable than any farmer picking up arms, and more importantly, mobile enough on the ship to escape most threats.
Tamazaert seems to blush slightly at Snow’s remark, but it passes quickly, and her eyes take on a certain hardness. “Men always find some target to aim their fancy at,” she responds.
Isemrasen, Priest to Namawa, takes in Snow and Varielky’s statements and turns to Tamazaert, who speaks for herself as well, offering whatever services she can.
The slightly disheveled acolyte walks past, makes a curt statement to the Priest, walks away frowning. Isemrasen seems barely able to control himself from rolling his eyes, chuckles, then turns back to Tamazaert appraisingly.
“In troubled times, our rites and services take on added significance, for conflict closes doors and roads, and brings many a sour wind from unwelcome quarters. What know you of Namawa, young lady?”
As it turns out, not much. But the priest seems emboldened by Snow’s cajoling and finds his way to thinking he can employ the young mother, perhaps relieving Farai, the acolyte, you take it, from some of her duties.
“Thank you sir! You won’t regret it. I’m a fast learner,” Tamazaert says, relief evident in her expression to you who have spent these last weeks around her.
She thanks you again, and Katashin and she, with Sura, remain in the shrine as you depart. She has virtually no personal belongings, just some blankets and a few changes of clothes in a pack which Kotashin helped to carry.
(OOC: more business in Asni, or return to the Reaver’s Word?)
Seeing how effective Snow's words are Auger sees little reason to add anything to the exchange with the priest and instead focuses on keeping Sura engaged while Tamazaert speaks for herself with the priest. Then before leaving he takes Tamazaert aside for a moment to wish her well, reminding her briefly of the time they spent together in the archives and expressing his confidence that she would be more than able to take on the tasks of an acolyte here in the village.
Before leaving Auger thinks to gift Tamazaert with some gold so that she could get herself started, "Fifteen for you to get yourself situated and fifteen more because children are demanding,"Auger finishes.
Then Auger walks out of the shrine and joins Snow, asking. "Were we going to resupply here? The healing potions I bought before all came from this shrine,"Auger says (OOC: I think).
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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
Varielky doesn't bring up her concerns in the end. Maybe she's just overthinking. And in the worst-case scenario, both Kotashin and Tamazaert could take up a sword to defend themselves against most common troops. But hopefully, the people of Asni won't be fighting any serious forces before Varielky can return and offer her help.
It doesn't take too long for Varielky to say goodbye. A few words, maybe a hug. At that moment, it felt enough to her. She probably would have given some gold if Auger didn't, but she decided it was best not to give too much once he did. The bigger the pile the more thieves might sniff it out. "We'll meet again, sooner or later. I know we will, it's fate. But next time, it wouldn't be because Sura was taken away." Of course, there was no reason to believe those words would come true, partially or entirely, but Varielky did. And with that, she's ready to go.
--
Varielky doesn't have anything else she wants to do in Asni for now, having warned them about the state of Kalahata already, so she's ready to leave when the others are.
“Alas, we are saving our potions of healing for the fight to come,” Isemrasen says, standing to bid you farewell.
“May your roads be straight and the wind always at your back.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” Tamazaert says to you. She kisses Varielky’s knuckle as a woman might their sister or superior, curtsies to Snow, and pecks Auger on the cheek. “Your children are lucky,” she says to him, her voice full to breaking, “having such a father.”
“Bye again, Valkraky, and Arger and Stone!,” Kotashin’s little gargly voice shouts, a tear welling up in one big round eye.
You take your leave.
You find that Herru and Gwasila are fine. They insist that you break fast with them and their little one. Soon, you are full with small sweet cakes, coffee and boiled eggs. They too bid you farewell.
Snow asks if it is ok to take a cake or two for those left on the ship, and then thanks their hosts and bids farewell, promising to return to see them.
He is then ready to leave.
"I am no soldier, and not used to fortifying a location, but they seem to have done well", he says, looking to Varielky for confirmation. "Let's hope the powers of the Red Cypress are enough to avoid a battle here".
With the village behind them, he thoughts turn towards the journey ahead.
You easily find your way back to the Reaver’s Word and to Baylen.
Granophyre’s excitement is palpable, for he senses that his goal is near. Benita La Cass glows with a quiet warmth when you arrive and seems satisfied with Tamazaert’s situation as you describe it.
“She’s tough. Maybe not born to wield a blade like you or me, bruiser. But she’s brave.”
The elder Das seems likely to spend the day in his cabin copying arcane inscriptions into his notes.
“Their language was complex and irrational, the Old Mystics. Irrational even to a scholar’s eye. But I will find the key and learn its mysteries…” he mumbles.
The sun is high and nearing the top of its arc across the sky. Do you set sail north?
Back on the Reaver's Word, Snow looks at his father a little concerned. Too often he was buried in his work, consumed by his search for the Old Mystics.
And then there was Granophyre, his excitement mirroring that of his Father after a particularly good day and a secret unlocked.
He started his own adventures with the goal of finding his father, and he knows the lure of knowledge and the feeling of making a discovery. He quietly determines once again not to become as consumed by his research though. To be aware of the world around him, his place in it, and his ability to shape it.
"How about you pilot the ship a while Father? Some fresh air and a decent view might blow out the cobwebs and allow fresh perspective?", he asks.
"It's not far now, we just have a short journey north".
(OOC: Assuming the skies are clear, we would have to do quite the circuit to avoid being seen. Possibly better to take a more direct route, although not straight to where we are going, maybe a few miles off then correct when closer and lower to the ground to put people off the track?)
Auger looks to Granophyre and notes his happiness and realizes it mirrors his own. So close to the end of this journey perhaps?
Auger tries to decide whether he is better placed on Baylen or on the airship, ultimately he decides to stick with the crew of the ship and asks Driss to accompany them on Baylen, once they get started. "I think avoiding attention from the Imperials is always a good idea, so traveling a more circuitous route seems like a good idea to me," Auger says to Snow.
For Snow's father, Auger keeps his distance. That one seems caught up in something about the Old Mystics that Auger is not comfortable with at all.
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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
"It is indeed impressive," Varielky answers but in a worried tone, "but fortifications can only hold against a certain amount of force, and the empire has more than enough to defeat them. Just recall Kalahata's city walls. Neither can they afford to lose a battle against the Vale, or it will incite revolts all over the empire. An Empire either gets crushed by a greater empire or crumbles from within. Unless people all across the empire revolt simultaneously, the people of the Vale can win only if the empire doesn't find out they no longer control them."
She pauses for a moment, thinking, before adding: "And if the empire does find out, Tama will find herself trapped right at the centre of everything."
“Hmmm? Oh yes, aye, yes. I’ll take us out of port, er so to speak,” Trivedi Das answers, his mind clearly elsewhere.
“It’s an island, my son,” he continues, in an excited whisper. “They live upon an island. It floats upon the southern seas, never remaining in the same place for long. That’s their secret. But I’ve worked it out, how to find ‘em. And I’ve worked out too, a way to contact them. Just between us. I’ll share my work with… with Master Strewn, when I know for certain.” He smiles, almost shaking with excitement.
After taking the ship up and away, he hands the helm to Snow and retreats to his cabin once again.
(OOC: It sounds like you sail north at not too high an altitude, perhaps keeping the river in sight but not flying directly over it, and meanwhile avoiding flying over castles and towns? And Baylen flies perhaps directly behind you?)
Auger stands on the bow of the deck, watching the scenery fly by far below, wondering at Varielky's words and not liking they very real outcome she was talking about for Tama as well as all the others here in the Vale. Something to work out, perhaps after helping Granophyre with this step. But first to leave the Vale and then to deal with the Orcs. Lost in thought, Auger moves to the stern and watches Baylen and Driss flying behind them. Soaring and searching below was Baylen, her eyes lighting upon something. A tasty morsel far below. A stag perhaps.
Finally, Auger comes back to himself and goes to find Varielky. "We have travelled together all this time and it appears Granophyre's goal is at hand. Have you given much thought to what follows after? I was planning on returning home. But what you said about the forces in the Vale has me thinking. I wonder if there is more to do here to help them in their fight."
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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
When Snow's father tells him that the Old Mystics reside on island that can move, he is reminded of the vision in the seed pod at the Tree. The one of the tower on the island, fleeting but memorable. He wonders whether to tell his father of the vision, but decides against it. One quest ata time, and it was currently time for Granophyre Strewn's quest.
He takes over the helm, and does his best to take the optimum route to keep prying eyes off the ship.
He looks down upon the river in the distance, remembering how he came to this part of the world. The Animu Borongo is hopefully still down there somewhere. But how could it now compare to sailing, flying even, a ship like the Reaver's Word.
He sees Strewn on the deck and waves him over.
"Remind me of the plan. We travel to the source of the Sebu, find a place to land and head out on foot to find the spot Safiyah wrote of?", he asks.
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Insight: 1! (+5), crit fail if it matters.
"Kalahata was nothing short of a battlefield last we were there, though it may no longer be the case," Varielky answers. "Many rebels, with the help of many of the Red Cypress' druids, took up arms after a quarrel between the new high priest of Idiwala and a guard. The temple of Idiwala there became the bone of contention, and when we arrived, the city's garrison was all brought to end the conflict there, not in a peaceful manner, of course.
"The rebels, with the help of the druids and our distraction, escaped the temple. We do not know where they are now, but hopefully somewhere safe. I do not know what is the state in Kalahata now, following all that, but I imagine the flames of hatred towards the empire are once again kept low, for the meantime. Moreover, about half a chiliarchy of Empirical soldiers - from foot soldiers to Roc riders and all that's in between - are making their way to Kalahata. Might be there already by now. Those reinforcements will extinguish any open flames in Kalahata, but it's not impossible to imagine they might travel up the vale to seed fear in people's hearts. If they do, I'm not too sure you should welcome them with prisoners and a makeshift fort like this. The village will be decimated." They might not travel up the vale, too. That would be best, but the gods often set obstacles in the way of people as tests to their resolve.
Varielky
Insight: 15+5=20 (Success!)
Snow keeps an eye on the exchange between Elmahdi and Tamazaert, but leaves Varielky to report on what they know of Kalahata. She was right that if the column of soldiers were deployed into the Vale, it would be difficult for any of the villages of the region to oppose them.
Insight: 5 +4 = 9.
Auger focuses on Tamazaert and offers to escort her to the temple should the others want to split up for any reason.
While walking Auger thinks of Py again. Momentarily worried at its absence, Auger reaches out to Py telepathically. Idly he looks around to see if he can recognize any temporary wards that might have impeded the alyasub.
Are you here? Is there anything to report?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Py is fine, no enemies to report.
Snow notices a spark of attraction and subtle flirtation from Elmahdi, which Tamazaert returns in a wary fashion. Varielky is completely oblivious to this dynamic.
Elmahdi escorts you to the temple.
“Your description of Kalahata comports with what we knew. But, a half chiliarchy en route to the city (OOC: love using that old word). That’s news. Weren’t expectin em so soon, Ellosh take em. Knew they’d send reinforcements, but maybe not for another week. I need t’ report this.”
“If you’re staying, maybe I’ll see you around,” he says, politely, to Tamazaert. She nods and half curtsies, keeping her attention mostly on Sura.
“G’bye, um, Elmodee,” Kotashin says.
You arrive at the Shrine to Namawa, god of travel and commerce. As you already know, Namawa is worshipped here as an androgynous god/goddess driving a golden team of oxen. A statue and frieze on the facade depict the diety splendorously with bands of golden rays splaying a straight across the outer walls and reflecting the morning sunlight.
When you arrive, the shrine is open, but empty. After several minutes, an acolyte, yawning, her robe done up hastily and incorrectly, hair in an untidy bun, appears, and begins lighting candles and incense. At first, ignoring you, she finishes her duties. Then after a few minutes gives you her attention, fixing her robes and hair impatiently.
At your request, she fetches the priest.
Soon, Isemrasen, Priest to Namawa enters from the back of the shrine. As he was before, so is he now a smiling older man with freckled lavender complexion, dimples, and high, bushy eyebrows.
Recognition is immediate, you exchange greetings, and he welcomes you to sit on a bench near the front. He sits on a chair on the floor to one side of the dais.
“Well met, heroes of the Vale. What winds and roads have brought you to our modest shrine?”
(OOC: roll persuasion if you are asking something of him)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I see you already have an admirer", Snow whispers to Tamazaert as they walk towards o the temple, where he waits patiently for the priest to appear.
"Well met to you also", he says in greeting to Isemrasen, inclining his head in a sign of respect as the priest joins them
He takes his seat on the bench as offered and waits for Isemrasen to take to his chair.
"The winds of change and the roads of purpose bring us here. Our companion...", he says motioning to Tamazaert, "...is looking for a change of purpose, and wonders whether that could be in service to Namawa at your shrine here? She can of course speak for herself, but as we are known here in Asni we thought we might put in a good word for our hard working and diligent friend".
"It would bring us much happiness to know that she has found a place here in Asni", he adds, throwing the priest his most winning smile.
Persuasion: 13+9=22
"Or, you know, just help her acclimate, find a place in the village. We just wanted to make sure she knows someone she can turn to, if she needs help," Varielky adds. She had no doubt Tamazaert could manage on her own, but why not help when one can?
However, by now, her heart is full of doubts. Is it a good idea for Tamazaert who wants a more peaceful life to live in a place that is very likely to become a stronghold of an uprising? Sure, it may be more secure than any other village, but it will also attract far more danger to it, and the empire was a force to be reckoned with.
She keeps those thoughts for herself, for the moment, but she'll certainly bring the matter up before they leave. Their journey was full of peril, and yet they were far more capable than any farmer picking up arms, and more importantly, mobile enough on the ship to escape most threats.
Varielky
Tamazaert seems to blush slightly at Snow’s remark, but it passes quickly, and her eyes take on a certain hardness. “Men always find some target to aim their fancy at,” she responds.
Isemrasen, Priest to Namawa, takes in Snow and Varielky’s statements and turns to Tamazaert, who speaks for herself as well, offering whatever services she can.
The slightly disheveled acolyte walks past, makes a curt statement to the Priest, walks away frowning. Isemrasen seems barely able to control himself from rolling his eyes, chuckles, then turns back to Tamazaert appraisingly.
“In troubled times, our rites and services take on added significance, for conflict closes doors and roads, and brings many a sour wind from unwelcome quarters. What know you of Namawa, young lady?”
As it turns out, not much. But the priest seems emboldened by Snow’s cajoling and finds his way to thinking he can employ the young mother, perhaps relieving Farai, the acolyte, you take it, from some of her duties.
“Thank you sir! You won’t regret it. I’m a fast learner,” Tamazaert says, relief evident in her expression to you who have spent these last weeks around her.
She thanks you again, and Katashin and she, with Sura, remain in the shrine as you depart. She has virtually no personal belongings, just some blankets and a few changes of clothes in a pack which Kotashin helped to carry.
(OOC: more business in Asni, or return to the Reaver’s Word?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow will thank Isemrasen for his graciousness, and then inquire as to the wellbeing of Herru and Gwasila, suggesting that they look in on them.
As he leaves the shrine, he will throw Tamazaert and Sura a smile, and a simple, "Fare well". Then he will bow formally to Kotashin.
If he spots a collection pot for the shrine, he will walk passed it as he leaves and drop 10 gold in.
He will then wait just beyond the shrine, in case Varielky's good byes take a little longer.
Seeing how effective Snow's words are Auger sees little reason to add anything to the exchange with the priest and instead focuses on keeping Sura engaged while Tamazaert speaks for herself with the priest. Then before leaving he takes Tamazaert aside for a moment to wish her well, reminding her briefly of the time they spent together in the archives and expressing his confidence that she would be more than able to take on the tasks of an acolyte here in the village.
Before leaving Auger thinks to gift Tamazaert with some gold so that she could get herself started, "Fifteen for you to get yourself situated and fifteen more because children are demanding," Auger finishes.
Then Auger walks out of the shrine and joins Snow, asking. "Were we going to resupply here? The healing potions I bought before all came from this shrine," Auger says (OOC: I think).
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
"It is tempting", Snow replies to Auger regarding resupplying, "But I fear the village have greater need of those supplies than we do".
"Part of me wishes we could stay and help", he adds, looking around at the village that was soon likely to be at the centre of conflict.
Varielky doesn't bring up her concerns in the end. Maybe she's just overthinking. And in the worst-case scenario, both Kotashin and Tamazaert could take up a sword to defend themselves against most common troops. But hopefully, the people of Asni won't be fighting any serious forces before Varielky can return and offer her help.
It doesn't take too long for Varielky to say goodbye. A few words, maybe a hug. At that moment, it felt enough to her. She probably would have given some gold if Auger didn't, but she decided it was best not to give too much once he did. The bigger the pile the more thieves might sniff it out. "We'll meet again, sooner or later. I know we will, it's fate. But next time, it wouldn't be because Sura was taken away." Of course, there was no reason to believe those words would come true, partially or entirely, but Varielky did. And with that, she's ready to go.
--
Varielky doesn't have anything else she wants to do in Asni for now, having warned them about the state of Kalahata already, so she's ready to leave when the others are.
Varielky
“Alas, we are saving our potions of healing for the fight to come,” Isemrasen says, standing to bid you farewell.
“May your roads be straight and the wind always at your back.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” Tamazaert says to you. She kisses Varielky’s knuckle as a woman might their sister or superior, curtsies to Snow, and pecks Auger on the cheek. “Your children are lucky,” she says to him, her voice full to breaking, “having such a father.”
“Bye again, Valkraky, and Arger and Stone!,” Kotashin’s little gargly voice shouts, a tear welling up in one big round eye.
You take your leave.
You find that Herru and Gwasila are fine. They insist that you break fast with them and their little one. Soon, you are full with small sweet cakes, coffee and boiled eggs. They too bid you farewell.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow asks if it is ok to take a cake or two for those left on the ship, and then thanks their hosts and bids farewell, promising to return to see them.
He is then ready to leave.
"I am no soldier, and not used to fortifying a location, but they seem to have done well", he says, looking to Varielky for confirmation. "Let's hope the powers of the Red Cypress are enough to avoid a battle here".
With the village behind them, he thoughts turn towards the journey ahead.
You easily find your way back to the Reaver’s Word and to Baylen.
Granophyre’s excitement is palpable, for he senses that his goal is near. Benita La Cass glows with a quiet warmth when you arrive and seems satisfied with Tamazaert’s situation as you describe it.
“She’s tough. Maybe not born to wield a blade like you or me, bruiser. But she’s brave.”
The elder Das seems likely to spend the day in his cabin copying arcane inscriptions into his notes.
“Their language was complex and irrational, the Old Mystics. Irrational even to a scholar’s eye. But I will find the key and learn its mysteries…” he mumbles.
The sun is high and nearing the top of its arc across the sky. Do you set sail north?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Back on the Reaver's Word, Snow looks at his father a little concerned. Too often he was buried in his work, consumed by his search for the Old Mystics.
And then there was Granophyre, his excitement mirroring that of his Father after a particularly good day and a secret unlocked.
He started his own adventures with the goal of finding his father, and he knows the lure of knowledge and the feeling of making a discovery. He quietly determines once again not to become as consumed by his research though. To be aware of the world around him, his place in it, and his ability to shape it.
"How about you pilot the ship a while Father? Some fresh air and a decent view might blow out the cobwebs and allow fresh perspective?", he asks.
"It's not far now, we just have a short journey north".
(OOC: Assuming the skies are clear, we would have to do quite the circuit to avoid being seen. Possibly better to take a more direct route, although not straight to where we are going, maybe a few miles off then correct when closer and lower to the ground to put people off the track?)
Auger looks to Granophyre and notes his happiness and realizes it mirrors his own. So close to the end of this journey perhaps?
Auger tries to decide whether he is better placed on Baylen or on the airship, ultimately he decides to stick with the crew of the ship and asks Driss to accompany them on Baylen, once they get started. "I think avoiding attention from the Imperials is always a good idea, so traveling a more circuitous route seems like a good idea to me," Auger says to Snow.
For Snow's father, Auger keeps his distance. That one seems caught up in something about the Old Mystics that Auger is not comfortable with at all.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
"It is indeed impressive," Varielky answers but in a worried tone, "but fortifications can only hold against a certain amount of force, and the empire has more than enough to defeat them. Just recall Kalahata's city walls. Neither can they afford to lose a battle against the Vale, or it will incite revolts all over the empire. An Empire either gets crushed by a greater empire or crumbles from within. Unless people all across the empire revolt simultaneously, the people of the Vale can win only if the empire doesn't find out they no longer control them."
She pauses for a moment, thinking, before adding: "And if the empire does find out, Tama will find herself trapped right at the centre of everything."
Varielky
“Hmmm? Oh yes, aye, yes. I’ll take us out of port, er so to speak,” Trivedi Das answers, his mind clearly elsewhere.
“It’s an island, my son,” he continues, in an excited whisper. “They live upon an island. It floats upon the southern seas, never remaining in the same place for long. That’s their secret. But I’ve worked it out, how to find ‘em. And I’ve worked out too, a way to contact them. Just between us. I’ll share my work with… with Master Strewn, when I know for certain.” He smiles, almost shaking with excitement.
After taking the ship up and away, he hands the helm to Snow and retreats to his cabin once again.
(OOC: It sounds like you sail north at not too high an altitude, perhaps keeping the river in sight but not flying directly over it, and meanwhile avoiding flying over castles and towns? And Baylen flies perhaps directly behind you?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger stands on the bow of the deck, watching the scenery fly by far below, wondering at Varielky's words and not liking they very real outcome she was talking about for Tama as well as all the others here in the Vale. Something to work out, perhaps after helping Granophyre with this step. But first to leave the Vale and then to deal with the Orcs. Lost in thought, Auger moves to the stern and watches Baylen and Driss flying behind them. Soaring and searching below was Baylen, her eyes lighting upon something. A tasty morsel far below. A stag perhaps.
Finally, Auger comes back to himself and goes to find Varielky. "We have travelled together all this time and it appears Granophyre's goal is at hand. Have you given much thought to what follows after? I was planning on returning home. But what you said about the forces in the Vale has me thinking. I wonder if there is more to do here to help them in their fight."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
When Snow's father tells him that the Old Mystics reside on island that can move, he is reminded of the vision in the seed pod at the Tree. The one of the tower on the island, fleeting but memorable. He wonders whether to tell his father of the vision, but decides against it. One quest ata time, and it was currently time for Granophyre Strewn's quest.
He takes over the helm, and does his best to take the optimum route to keep prying eyes off the ship.
He looks down upon the river in the distance, remembering how he came to this part of the world. The Animu Borongo is hopefully still down there somewhere. But how could it now compare to sailing, flying even, a ship like the Reaver's Word.
He sees Strewn on the deck and waves him over.
"Remind me of the plan. We travel to the source of the Sebu, find a place to land and head out on foot to find the spot Safiyah wrote of?", he asks.