Once the door has shut and cut the woman off from the rest of the party, the priest turns to answer Archibald. "The witch of the black wood? Well, I suppose it's in the name, isn't it?" He chuckles at that, but does elaborate further, "Her fate has long been intertwined with our own, and a story best left for another time. To be blunt about it, she travels the woods freely, and that raises suspicions. Furthermore, she 'recruited' a young lad from our village. It was some time ago, now, but people have grown accustomed to their families living and dying within half a day's walk at the furthest. It has caused some strife."
"Please, now, wait here. I will fetch the councilors."
"The council resides within the temple, there." He gestures to the large stone building. "But, if what usven chetowa has relayed is true, it is possible a somewhat more hostile party has intercepted them, in which case... I don't know, perhaps to the outskirts of town, one of the farms? Somewhere with few to no prying eyes, you understand."
Though Chatcho does his best to make out the party's direction, there is little to be gleaned from the stonework beneath their feet than the markings of where the arrows fell.
Aluve turns to the group. " The young lad is most likely our friend on the ship...speaking of which I wonder what happened? Branch was supposed to just wake him up and bring him along.....not sure what will happen if they try and find us now.
Aluve looks to the ceiling and then around the general room, taking in the surrounds and looking for anything that stands out.
Branch is hardly finished speaking when myrkfithr sveinninn answers, heading off in that direction as he explains. "The temple. The simple fact is, if they're not there, then they're lost to the winds. If that's the case, the best we can hope for is that they return of their own accord." Whether or not because it's not there, or because she doesn't spot it, Branch cannot seem to find any hint in land around them that might put them on the right path.
The council chamber strikes a middling position between the extravagance on display in the temple surrounding it, and the drab and function-over-form design of the buildings permeating the rest of the village. The room's lightning is primarily sourced through a bank of windows, just behind the councilor's table. Simple, dyed curtains hang on either side. For late-night meetings, a chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, and the walls host a healthy complement of iron lanterns that appear to be made to hold a candle, though none are present.
As myrkfithr sveinninn heads off to the temple suddenly, Branch about trips over her own feet trying to catch up. "Alright, so the temple it is. Anything we should be doing or not doing? I don't want our sudden presence to endanger those of our crew that are already there."
Chatcho waits for the Myrkfithr’s answer, considering he and Branch had agreed not to enter the temple just prior to retrieving Sveinninn. He anxiously clicks his mandibles while waiting.
"Well I wouldn't try to hurt anyone." Myrkfithr sveinninn responds, shrugging. Leading the party on a straighter path, he takes them through a field and around the side of the temple. Approaching its entrance, they too, see the crowd of people. A familiar face stands on the temple steps, orating to the crowd, "'Ese strangers are not'n new! We put it to a vote, did we not?" Shouts of approval. "To 'e 'ells with them strangers we said, did we not?!" The shouting is louder this time, more fervent. "And yet, our most honourable Kurvos thinks better than ye! 'e thinks that for 'e first time in memory, a different kind of stranger 'as come, one that miraculously wont raid'r stocks, and wont rob'r people! Hogswash!" He continues like this, so wrapped up in his own fervor that he does not recognize, or notice the trio of newcomers at the edge of the gathering. His two goons stand at the base of the steps, looking out over the crowd for opposition, but seem to likewise look over the three's position at the rearmost of the group. This ne'er-do-well, truly earning his name, seems to be whipping the townsfolk into a mob in an effort to oust the party from the safety of this 'Kurvos', whoever he is.
The priest enters the council chamber once more, bringing in tow a number of middle-aged to elderly persons. With the quickness of motions practiced for far too long, they file in and move to available seats at the councilor's table. The seats number ten in all, and are arranged so that they are paired off into five groups. The pair to the party's extreme left remain vacant, so too does one on the party's right, what would have been the fourth pairing. As well, the third--and middle--pairing is missing one of its partners. There is a dwarf who enters, as well, but he does not take a seat. Instead, he walks to the back of the room and stands in a corner, silently watching, and listening to what happens next.
The woman occupying the seat in the middle pairing wraps her knuckles harshly against the wood until everything is silent, the councilors comply almost immediately. Standing, she speaks. "The council of Sfera acknowledges its missing members: Councilors Griea and Huxx of house Thremix. With four houses to five, the council will proceed and will now hear the case of High Priest Thayvudd Korvus, in defense of the strangers." She bows at the waist before sitting once more, while the others dip their head respectfully to the party, and to the priest.
"Councilors, these people are not of those who have wrought us so much ill these years. I think it is plain enough to see, they walked in here, unchained and unarmed--willingly, councilors. And I need not tell you how they got here, of course. It can be seen as plainly as anything, would you squander that chance?"
"It is the how, Mr. Korvus, that worries us." The man of the 2nd house speaks. "It is not unheard of for strangers to wander out of the woods, but on a ship? Nay."
"I ask only that you hear their story, councilor Dest. Please, all of you." The priest looks to their affirmation, which is given in the slightest of nods by the woman who'd started the hearing. He then looks to the party, to see who would speak first.
"Well, it sounds like we have this, Kurvos, on our side for the moment at least? And that our friends are with them."Branch turns to Myrkfithr Sveinninn, "Do you know how we can find him without this start of a mob noticing us? This uh, could get ugly."
"I am Archibald Pike, youngest son to Lord Pike, and I am not used to having to... Justify myself in this way."
"I can tell you that our arrival on the ship was by chance, and not on purpose. I don't imagine anyone would choose to come to this gods forsaken land on purpose. We were attacked by those disgusting creatures of the dead and damned in the woods, and again by pirates further out on the water. We passed through that hellish city, fighting evil creatures with our every breath."
"I only wish I could tell you how and why we arrived. If I could, then perhaps I could leave."
He sits down with a nod to the rest of the group, feeling good about his explaination.
Aluve is taken slightly aback by this declaration just made by Archibald. The son of a lord....Aluve realizing he didn't really know much about the man. "What was the son of a lord doing on the boat with us? Why would he need to be smuggled across the lake?" The ranger pondered these questions but then quickly dismissed them for the moment and got back to the situation at hand.
Aluve stands after Archibald has finished and has settled himself back into a seat. "My name is Aluve Rainlife. I have been with this young lord for the entire ordeal. The ship we sail on came with us to wherever this is. We were all simply trying to cross a vast lake before we were somehow hit by a storm and sent to this land. We as a party and crew are completely self sufficient. We do not desire any of your treasures or land or any tangible good. We just came here to find help. A place to rest after venturing through the horrors of this realm. We were only hoping for some possible information on a way to get home....I mean anyway, no matter how perilous. We need a way back. So please, if you could find it in your hearts today to help us if you can. If you cant, then we will return to our ship and be on our way. If you can, we will accept all information you can give us before also heading off and finding our way home.
On our travels we met someone from your village, he is with us in fact one of my fellow party members went off to wake him for he was asleep on the ship. We were ambushed by those men before she could return....May I ask if there is a representative within this chamber that may perhaps see if they have arrived at the temple? Or possibly in town?
If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Aluve takes a deep breath and sits down next to Archibald awaiting a response from the counicl.
"Your guess is as good as mine." He answers, looking up at the troublemaker and then back to Branch, wracking his brain for anything that could be helpful in their situation. Speaking unsteadily at first, he takes a wild stab in the dark. "O-one of your allies could transport himself over a distance, could you do that, too? Bypass the crowd, maybe?"
The council listens intently as Archibald speaks. A moment passes after he's finished speaking where they share quiet words to themselves, before Aluve begins with his story. When he grows quiet once more, the council's deliberations are much more invigorated. Finally, Councilor Dest mutters his cold accusation, derision dripping from his tongue. "They are slavers."
The priest balks at this, and is about to rush to their defense when the matriarch of the third house speaks first, "Councilor Dest! There is hardly the proof for such an accusation."
"What more proof do we need?" He spits back, standing to more firmly emphasize his point. "None leave this village but on their boats, how else could they have come by this stray villager?"
Finally, Mr. Kurvos gets his word in, "I believe I know how, Councilor. There is one--"
At first, the councilor is confused by the priest's addition, but as he speaks his eyes grow wider and wider until they are full of fury. "That witch?" He roars, slamming his fist on the table. "That unholy thing!?" Before he can further rile himself, a thick fist lightly thuds the table next to his own. The dwarf's, who had approached from the corner of the room. He doesn't make a sound, but simply stares the councilor down. The man is silenced mid-rant, huffing, as he tries to speak but ultimately succumbs to the dwarf's mere gaze. Finally, he blurts out, "The house Dest abstains from this case," before storming out of the room.
"Thayvudd?" The dwarf addresses the priest, who nods. "She was with them when they arrived. She respected your wishes and refused to participate in the hearing." The dwarf nods quietly at this, then returns to his spot at the far end of the room without another word. After a moment of silence, the matriarch of the third house clears her throat and begins again. "You lot seem to have a knack for being in all the wrong places, at the wrong times. That woman and her apprentice are..." She seems lost for the words, and tries a different approach. "We are unfamiliar with your house, young master Pike, and as well we cannot answer your questions. The way back home has long been sought by our fathers and their fathers. If it is rest you want, we might be able to provide that, but we must receive fair recompense for housing you. These 'pirates' as you call them, they fashion themselves the rightful rulers of everywhere they sail. They have banned shipworks, banned weaponworks, and done all they are capable of to force our submission. If they knew we'd housed you, fugitives in their eyes, much ruin would be called down upon our town. If we were to do this it could only be at a price. But, our people are bold."
She sighs, a weariness about her that wasn't there a moment ago. "They have forced the council's hand, we have voted to oppose these 'pirates', these born banamathr, but we hold no true capability in doing so. I will be blunt with you. We will house you, we will do our best to tend to your ship, and to arm it if we can, if you will all swear oaths to aid us in our... There's no way else to call it--rebellion."
"Transport himself?" Branch tries to recall who did that.. maybe she missed it? "Now that's a trick, I uh... I can make it rain, does that help?" Taking a quick look across the crowd then, "Is there another way in? If you don't see him as part of this crowd, maybe he is in the temple?"
Aluve stands once more. "Thankyou councilors. Please if I may have a moment to discuss this with my party here. I myself am inclined to help you in your cause and appreciate the offer for housing. Is there someone available who might be able to exit the temple and see if my friends have caught up with us? If we are to aide you in this rebellion they will be a an invaluable addition to the cause."
Aluve turns to his companions.
"So...what do we think? I know we don't have to help them, but I feel we should. It may be of benefit if we do."
"I don't think I can participate in a 'rebellion' per se, but to fight off... An invasion? Of course, I would believe my father would find it righteous to do so. The senior officer we rescued would surely agree."
"Any of you may choose to leave to look for your companions, but none can enter again until the council has made its decision. Agree to our terms and we can begin our work while you search for them." The woman who seems to lead the council answers, before Aluve turns to speak with the rest of the party.
"Yes, on that sh--" Myrkfithr sveinninn is explaining when he is suddenly cut off as their tall, alien, friend disappears in a puff of mist. A like formation appears on the other side of the crowd, on the temple steps behind the troublemaker's guards, but in-front of the man himself. He is taken aback by the sudden appearance, stumbling back in sudden alarm. The crowd gasps, and a clamour rises as they, too, process the display. The man's guards don't seem to've noticed quite yet.
Chatcho shrugs at Branch and attempts to read tracks.
Survival: 15
Archibald turns to the priest.
"Why do people distrust the woman and her people?"
Paladin - warforged - orange
Once the door has shut and cut the woman off from the rest of the party, the priest turns to answer Archibald. "The witch of the black wood? Well, I suppose it's in the name, isn't it?" He chuckles at that, but does elaborate further, "Her fate has long been intertwined with our own, and a story best left for another time. To be blunt about it, she travels the woods freely, and that raises suspicions. Furthermore, she 'recruited' a young lad from our village. It was some time ago, now, but people have grown accustomed to their families living and dying within half a day's walk at the furthest. It has caused some strife."
"Please, now, wait here. I will fetch the councilors."
===================================================================================================================
"The council resides within the temple, there." He gestures to the large stone building. "But, if what usven chetowa has relayed is true, it is possible a somewhat more hostile party has intercepted them, in which case... I don't know, perhaps to the outskirts of town, one of the farms? Somewhere with few to no prying eyes, you understand."
Though Chatcho does his best to make out the party's direction, there is little to be gleaned from the stonework beneath their feet than the markings of where the arrows fell.
Aluve turns to the group. " The young lad is most likely our friend on the ship...speaking of which I wonder what happened? Branch was supposed to just wake him up and bring him along.....not sure what will happen if they try and find us now.
Aluve looks to the ceiling and then around the general room, taking in the surrounds and looking for anything that stands out.
Perception: 5 + 4 = 9.
Branch notices what Chatcho is trying to figure out and does the same, looking for any signs of their party and which way they might have gone.
15
(That was a survival roll)
She also looks to the man and asks, "Which way do you feel is best for us to go?"
Branch is hardly finished speaking when myrkfithr sveinninn answers, heading off in that direction as he explains. "The temple. The simple fact is, if they're not there, then they're lost to the winds. If that's the case, the best we can hope for is that they return of their own accord." Whether or not because it's not there, or because she doesn't spot it, Branch cannot seem to find any hint in land around them that might put them on the right path.
===================================================================================================================
The council chamber strikes a middling position between the extravagance on display in the temple surrounding it, and the drab and function-over-form design of the buildings permeating the rest of the village. The room's lightning is primarily sourced through a bank of windows, just behind the councilor's table. Simple, dyed curtains hang on either side. For late-night meetings, a chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, and the walls host a healthy complement of iron lanterns that appear to be made to hold a candle, though none are present.
As myrkfithr sveinninn heads off to the temple suddenly, Branch about trips over her own feet trying to catch up. "Alright, so the temple it is. Anything we should be doing or not doing? I don't want our sudden presence to endanger those of our crew that are already there."
Chatcho waits for the Myrkfithr’s answer, considering he and Branch had agreed not to enter the temple just prior to retrieving Sveinninn. He anxiously clicks his mandibles while waiting.
"Well I wouldn't try to hurt anyone." Myrkfithr sveinninn responds, shrugging. Leading the party on a straighter path, he takes them through a field and around the side of the temple. Approaching its entrance, they too, see the crowd of people. A familiar face stands on the temple steps, orating to the crowd, "'Ese strangers are not'n new! We put it to a vote, did we not?" Shouts of approval. "To 'e 'ells with them strangers we said, did we not?!" The shouting is louder this time, more fervent. "And yet, our most honourable Kurvos thinks better than ye! 'e thinks that for 'e first time in memory, a different kind of stranger 'as come, one that miraculously wont raid'r stocks, and wont rob'r people! Hogswash!" He continues like this, so wrapped up in his own fervor that he does not recognize, or notice the trio of newcomers at the edge of the gathering. His two goons stand at the base of the steps, looking out over the crowd for opposition, but seem to likewise look over the three's position at the rearmost of the group. This ne'er-do-well, truly earning his name, seems to be whipping the townsfolk into a mob in an effort to oust the party from the safety of this 'Kurvos', whoever he is.
===================================================================================================================
The priest enters the council chamber once more, bringing in tow a number of middle-aged to elderly persons. With the quickness of motions practiced for far too long, they file in and move to available seats at the councilor's table. The seats number ten in all, and are arranged so that they are paired off into five groups. The pair to the party's extreme left remain vacant, so too does one on the party's right, what would have been the fourth pairing. As well, the third--and middle--pairing is missing one of its partners. There is a dwarf who enters, as well, but he does not take a seat. Instead, he walks to the back of the room and stands in a corner, silently watching, and listening to what happens next.
The woman occupying the seat in the middle pairing wraps her knuckles harshly against the wood until everything is silent, the councilors comply almost immediately. Standing, she speaks. "The council of Sfera acknowledges its missing members: Councilors Griea and Huxx of house Thremix. With four houses to five, the council will proceed and will now hear the case of High Priest Thayvudd Korvus, in defense of the strangers." She bows at the waist before sitting once more, while the others dip their head respectfully to the party, and to the priest.
"Councilors, these people are not of those who have wrought us so much ill these years. I think it is plain enough to see, they walked in here, unchained and unarmed--willingly, councilors. And I need not tell you how they got here, of course. It can be seen as plainly as anything, would you squander that chance?"
"It is the how, Mr. Korvus, that worries us." The man of the 2nd house speaks. "It is not unheard of for strangers to wander out of the woods, but on a ship? Nay."
"I ask only that you hear their story, councilor Dest. Please, all of you." The priest looks to their affirmation, which is given in the slightest of nods by the woman who'd started the hearing. He then looks to the party, to see who would speak first.
"Well, it sounds like we have this, Kurvos, on our side for the moment at least? And that our friends are with them." Branch turns to Myrkfithr Sveinninn, "Do you know how we can find him without this start of a mob noticing us? This uh, could get ugly."
Archibald stands up.
"I am Archibald Pike, youngest son to Lord Pike, and I am not used to having to... Justify myself in this way."
"I can tell you that our arrival on the ship was by chance, and not on purpose. I don't imagine anyone would choose to come to this gods forsaken land on purpose. We were attacked by those disgusting creatures of the dead and damned in the woods, and again by pirates further out on the water. We passed through that hellish city, fighting evil creatures with our every breath."
"I only wish I could tell you how and why we arrived. If I could, then perhaps I could leave."
He sits down with a nod to the rest of the group, feeling good about his explaination.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Chatcho remains silent with bated breath.
Aluve is taken slightly aback by this declaration just made by Archibald. The son of a lord....Aluve realizing he didn't really know much about the man. "What was the son of a lord doing on the boat with us? Why would he need to be smuggled across the lake?" The ranger pondered these questions but then quickly dismissed them for the moment and got back to the situation at hand.
Aluve stands after Archibald has finished and has settled himself back into a seat. "My name is Aluve Rainlife. I have been with this young lord for the entire ordeal. The ship we sail on came with us to wherever this is. We were all simply trying to cross a vast lake before we were somehow hit by a storm and sent to this land. We as a party and crew are completely self sufficient. We do not desire any of your treasures or land or any tangible good. We just came here to find help. A place to rest after venturing through the horrors of this realm. We were only hoping for some possible information on a way to get home....I mean anyway, no matter how perilous. We need a way back. So please, if you could find it in your hearts today to help us if you can. If you cant, then we will return to our ship and be on our way. If you can, we will accept all information you can give us before also heading off and finding our way home.
On our travels we met someone from your village, he is with us in fact one of my fellow party members went off to wake him for he was asleep on the ship. We were ambushed by those men before she could return....May I ask if there is a representative within this chamber that may perhaps see if they have arrived at the temple? Or possibly in town?
If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Aluve takes a deep breath and sits down next to Archibald awaiting a response from the counicl.
"Your guess is as good as mine." He answers, looking up at the troublemaker and then back to Branch, wracking his brain for anything that could be helpful in their situation. Speaking unsteadily at first, he takes a wild stab in the dark. "O-one of your allies could transport himself over a distance, could you do that, too? Bypass the crowd, maybe?"
===================================================================================================================
The council listens intently as Archibald speaks. A moment passes after he's finished speaking where they share quiet words to themselves, before Aluve begins with his story. When he grows quiet once more, the council's deliberations are much more invigorated. Finally, Councilor Dest mutters his cold accusation, derision dripping from his tongue. "They are slavers."
The priest balks at this, and is about to rush to their defense when the matriarch of the third house speaks first, "Councilor Dest! There is hardly the proof for such an accusation."
"What more proof do we need?" He spits back, standing to more firmly emphasize his point. "None leave this village but on their boats, how else could they have come by this stray villager?"
Finally, Mr. Kurvos gets his word in, "I believe I know how, Councilor. There is one--"
At first, the councilor is confused by the priest's addition, but as he speaks his eyes grow wider and wider until they are full of fury. "That witch?" He roars, slamming his fist on the table. "That unholy thing!?" Before he can further rile himself, a thick fist lightly thuds the table next to his own. The dwarf's, who had approached from the corner of the room. He doesn't make a sound, but simply stares the councilor down. The man is silenced mid-rant, huffing, as he tries to speak but ultimately succumbs to the dwarf's mere gaze. Finally, he blurts out, "The house Dest abstains from this case," before storming out of the room.
"Thayvudd?" The dwarf addresses the priest, who nods. "She was with them when they arrived. She respected your wishes and refused to participate in the hearing." The dwarf nods quietly at this, then returns to his spot at the far end of the room without another word. After a moment of silence, the matriarch of the third house clears her throat and begins again. "You lot seem to have a knack for being in all the wrong places, at the wrong times. That woman and her apprentice are..." She seems lost for the words, and tries a different approach. "We are unfamiliar with your house, young master Pike, and as well we cannot answer your questions. The way back home has long been sought by our fathers and their fathers. If it is rest you want, we might be able to provide that, but we must receive fair recompense for housing you. These 'pirates' as you call them, they fashion themselves the rightful rulers of everywhere they sail. They have banned shipworks, banned weaponworks, and done all they are capable of to force our submission. If they knew we'd housed you, fugitives in their eyes, much ruin would be called down upon our town. If we were to do this it could only be at a price. But, our people are bold."
She sighs, a weariness about her that wasn't there a moment ago. "They have forced the council's hand, we have voted to oppose these 'pirates', these born banamathr, but we hold no true capability in doing so. I will be blunt with you. We will house you, we will do our best to tend to your ship, and to arm it if we can, if you will all swear oaths to aid us in our... There's no way else to call it--rebellion."
"Transport himself?" Branch tries to recall who did that.. maybe she missed it? "Now that's a trick, I uh... I can make it rain, does that help?" Taking a quick look across the crowd then, "Is there another way in? If you don't see him as part of this crowd, maybe he is in the temple?"
Aluve stands once more. "Thankyou councilors. Please if I may have a moment to discuss this with my party here. I myself am inclined to help you in your cause and appreciate the offer for housing. Is there someone available who might be able to exit the temple and see if my friends have caught up with us? If we are to aide you in this rebellion they will be a an invaluable addition to the cause."
Aluve turns to his companions.
"So...what do we think? I know we don't have to help them, but I feel we should. It may be of benefit if we do."
Archibald nods emphatically.
"I don't think I can participate in a 'rebellion' per se, but to fight off... An invasion? Of course, I would believe my father would find it righteous to do so. The senior officer we rescued would surely agree."
Paladin - warforged - orange
Chatcho uses misty step to teleport past the mob.
"Any of you may choose to leave to look for your companions, but none can enter again until the council has made its decision. Agree to our terms and we can begin our work while you search for them." The woman who seems to lead the council answers, before Aluve turns to speak with the rest of the party.
===================================================================================================================
"Yes, on that sh--" Myrkfithr sveinninn is explaining when he is suddenly cut off as their tall, alien, friend disappears in a puff of mist. A like formation appears on the other side of the crowd, on the temple steps behind the troublemaker's guards, but in-front of the man himself. He is taken aback by the sudden appearance, stumbling back in sudden alarm. The crowd gasps, and a clamour rises as they, too, process the display. The man's guards don't seem to've noticed quite yet.