Sera moved like a storm through the streets, her boots striking the stone hard enough to echo. Glynnis called after her, but the old dwarf couldn’t keep up. Sera barely heard her name — the blood roared too loud in her ears.
The emissary.
She spotted the man near the unfinished guildhall, hands clasped behind his back as he examined the scaffolding. His fine clothes and calm posture only sharpened her fury.
“Give me strength…” she breathed, a half-prayer, half-growl. ( cast enhanced ability for strenght. )
The Sunblade flared to life in her hand with a blinding hiss — molten gold light spilling across the street.
Before the man could turn, Sera was upon him. She grabbed the front of his coat, yanked him backward, and slammed him against a stone pillar so hard the sound cracked like thunder. Dust rained from the beam above as her blade snapped up — but it was not someone she knew so it stabs into the pillar its edge a hair’s breadth from his cheek. ( str+brawl for 21 )
“Who—?” he started, but her strength lifted him clean off the ground. The living armor pulsed under her skin, lending her the power of rage and memory. The blade’s heat kissed the pillar, turning the stone red-hot and smoking.
Sera’s voice broke into a snarl. “I am Sera uth Darnon,” she spat. “You found me. Now tell me—who sent you?”
Sera pressed him harder against the scorched stone and the humming energy blade that soon would cut his head in two. the hilt of her weapon trembling in her hands. “Was it Hart?” she hissed, her voice raw and trembling with fury and pain. ( int 12)
The energy blade crackled inches from his face, its heat searing the air between them — her control balanced on the thinnest edge between vengeance and restraint. ( gets str+ath 23 to keep the grapple)
He presents to you Cartographer's Tools. "Start with this. There are magical maps in here somewhere that draw as you travel, and I'm taking one with me. But it helps to have mastered the skill of cartography first. Otherwise, the maps it draws will be rudimentary and off-scale. The key to good mapping is attention to detail!"
Merkas now has Cartographer's Tools. Please add it to your inventory. It's a practice set, that contains everything you need, as well as instructions, to craft detailed accurate maps. Merkas's Downtime Activity can be Train for Tool Proficiency. Once you are proficient in Cartography, you can upgrade purchase/trade for a quill or map that draws for you. Buckeran perfers to barter, because he's a bit of a hoarder. Present something of equal or greater value, and he'll hook you up. Larger towns or cities will also have magic items for sale.
"Spell levels," he continues, "are a way to rank magic. Cantrips are simple spells. Spells like Dancing Lights, Mending, or Prestidigitation are all examples of Cantrips. Any low level arcane user worth their salt can use at least one or all of these spells at will. As magic users become more powerful, they can use higher level spells which the arcane schools have ranked numerically. I suspect you can already cast many level 1 spells. Casters who can use Level 2 spells can do some serious damage when angered. Level 3 spells are reserved for some of the most powerful casters in the region. The most powerful Wizards, Warlocks, and Sorcerers in all of Krynn might one day acheive the ability to cast 9th Level spells. Spells which shape the world and alter reality itself... god-level spells. But few live so long to master their craft that way. What I seek is at least one caster who can use 6th Level Spells. No easy feat, young man. But it's possible to find them. Though it's likely they hide their power. Arcane craftsmen such as them are highly sought by Dragon Armies and the rebellion alike. So, they're either loyal to one side or the other... or in hiding to study their craft in peace."
He stops his monolgue and clears his throat. "DId you say you turned invisible and mute without intending to?!" He pulls out another book... a book of magical lore. "I've heard of this! I wouldn't say it's common though... but some mages and sorcerers struggle with this affliction... hmm..." He's silent for several moments while he flips through the pages. "My library isn't nearly as vast as Piruz's, but it helps to keep books on magical lore around when you keep as many magic items as I do. HERE!" He smashes his finger down on the page. "My boy, you are a Wild Magic Surge Arcane User!" He reads on, and his face droops sadly. "Um... err... yes. You can sometimes cast extra spells." He closes the book quickly and puts it away and desperately tries to change the subject to something more positive. "Most likely a sorcerer. They attain their magic abilities spontaneously, rather than through years of study, pouring through dusty tomes like these. You gain strength by doing! By living! Hohoho! Adventure is truly your calling, Merkas! Sorcerers often have a prestigious lineage. They often descend from dragon-blood or fey blood. My guess is that Ne-Haredowell descends from the fey. But your blue skin suggests you descend from a Blue Dragon! Fearsone creatures! Masters of lightning and dust! Tell me... are you particularly proficient in lighting magic?"
Accepting the cartography kits for Piruz gratefully, Merkas looks it over as he replies “Can’t say I am good any magic really, Just only figured out that I have some kinda of control of it, Like I can make Blinky appear whenever I want, sometimes I cam make a few floating lights appear, but I can’t have the lights at the same time as Blinky so I think they both might be the same magic thing? Make smaller objects, like 5 or 10 pounds, fly off really fast, start fires really quick , but that one turned me invisible last time, Barkly thought I turned into fire until I reappeared” Merkas laughs at his own expense “And a few other things, the whole wild magic thing seems right. Guess I will keep a log and let you know what else I discover I can do, and maybe what other things happen on their own. That way we can figure out what they’re all called. Anyway, Thanks so much for the info and the kit, I’ll put it to good use” After a bit more back and forth, the kender rises to leave “Oh and if you want feel free to see Gramma Kasi at the guild hall about joining, I know we just got started but having your know how and library would really help with gettin’ people taught and trained quicker, that way Santekh would have better protection.”
Merkas heads out towards the guildhall to let Kasi know of their departure and that he had invited Piruz to join. Coming around the corner as a blazing blade lights up and scorches a pillar, his yellow eyes go wide at the sight of Sera pinning a stranger up against the column, he breaks into a run pulling out Splinter and Shard, mumbling, “Yvonne, what’s going on now, Hope we aren’t goin’ to have to fight a group right outside our new place” (4-insight to gauge what’s got Sera so riled, 14-Int and 10-Perception to assess the area for other combatants other than the finely dressed piñata)
Getting up beside his friend he brandishes his daggers, oblivious to how un-intimidating he must look given the proximity of Sera’s blade and the fact his feet are inches off the ground already. “What we got, Sera? ‘Nother Seargent Crass culty, some left light weight minstrel playing bad tunes, or did he just try and vandalize our new place?”
Hastos eyes the bow and chuckles. “That’s very kind of you Kasi. Can you hold on to this one for me?” He chuckles as he as he puts it back. “Yea, something from one of the lower shelves for now.”
Kasi nods, and shows you a row of more affordable options. "What price does Master Hastos want?"
Longbow +1 (50 Stl)
Longbow +2 (250 Stl)
Arcing Sting Longbow (100 Stl)
Red-Feather Bow (100 Stl)
"Kasi can make magic bows and arrows, if Master Hastos want. Much cheaper to make. Take more time though. Give Kasi one or two week, and Kasi can enchant with any spell Kasi knows!" She lays down a list of spells she can enchant bows and/or arrows with:
Arrows (Common = 10 Stl, Uncommon = 25 Stl, Rare = 125 Stl for a set of 10):
Cure Wounds (Uncommon)
Ensnaring Strike (Uncommon)
Entangle (Uncommon)
Spike Growth (Rare)
Fog Cloud (Rare)
Because the prices aren't much better than what is being offered off the rack, you get the impression she's already cutting you a much bigger discount than she would any other guild member because you are a founding member. As you are shopping, you here a distant thump, and curious guild members start bustling out towards the guild hall. Cyrus, always ready for a fight, is first on the scene, blasting out the main hall with his spear already in hand! The kender, more hesitant, tiptoe towards the front entrance. Orr has not come out in view yet. Handar looks up from cleaning the kitchen and Kasi looks up from her notes, with one scaly eyebrow raised.
Sera moved like a storm through the streets, her boots striking the stone hard enough to echo. Glynnis called after her, but the old dwarf couldn’t keep up. Sera barely heard her name — the blood roared too loud in her ears.
The emissary.
She spotted the man near the unfinished guildhall, hands clasped behind his back as he examined the scaffolding. His fine clothes and calm posture only sharpened her fury.
“Give me strength…” she breathed, a half-prayer, half-growl. ( cast enhanced ability for strenght. )
The Sunblade flared to life in her hand with a blinding hiss — molten gold light spilling across the street.
Before the man could turn, Sera was upon him. She grabbed the front of his coat, yanked him backward, and slammed him against a stone pillar so hard the sound cracked like thunder. Dust rained from the beam above as her blade snapped up — but it was not someone she knew so it stabs into the pillar its edge a hair’s breadth from his cheek. ( str+brawl for 21 )
“Who—?” he started, but her strength lifted him clean off the ground. The living armor pulsed under her skin, lending her the power of rage and memory. The blade’s heat kissed the pillar, turning the stone red-hot and smoking.
Sera’s voice broke into a snarl. “I am Sera uth Darnon,” she spat. “You found me. Now tell me—who sent you?”
Sera pressed him harder against the scorched stone and the humming energy blade that soon would cut his head in two. the hilt of her weapon trembling in her hands. “Was it Hart?” she hissed, her voice raw and trembling with fury and pain. ( int 12)
The energy blade crackled inches from his face, its heat searing the air between them — her control balanced on the thinnest edge between vengeance and restraint. ( gets str+ath 23 to keep the grapple)
The servant's head cracks against the stone and he sucks air in sharply between his teeth. "Easy... easy. I'm just a servant. Master Goldenspear had his scouts scouring Krynn to find a lowly peasant girl said to have fled towards the barbaric wastes of Khur. Your farm has been foreclosed and its assets seized. But there is still a sizeable debt to be paid. None knew that little girl who abandoned her indentured servitude would become The Savior of Santekh." His tone, when announcing your title, seems derogatory as he flits a hand around the comparably tiny fortress town. "So I took it upon myself to investigate. I figured you'd take your daddy's sword to the first assassin you found. But, as you can see, I'm unarmed. Would you murder a road-weary unarmed travelor in front of the pitiable speck of a town you are credited to save?"
When you look around, you notice you're starting to gather a crowd. Apart from a dozen onlookers, Cyrus, Catt, and Ringmar have rushed out of the guild hall holding weapons. Orr is peering shyly from the door, and muttering what appears to be a readied spell. Shortly after, Handar lumbers out, weilding a meat cleaver. And in the distance, the Santekh guard is charging rapidly towards the scene.
"Or is it a crime to deliver a message?" His tone remains superior, in spite of the throbbing heading causing him to wince.
He looks down at the babbling blue kender. "It would seem you have a pet. Could you silence it, please? You've given me quite a head injury. My lord will add the medical expense to your tab."
“Oh, you’re one of those? Just kill him Sera, or cut off his ear, or tongue. I’ll back you up” Merkas stows his daggers and sits cross legged on top of his sack and smiles viscously. (Rolled intimidation twice in case Sera’s burning blade would give advantage. First roll=14 second roll=20)
He gestures to the others to stand down and just wait until Sera makes her move.
Hastos grans the axe from his back and with a hasty “I’ll be back.” He politely but insistently pushes through the guild members at the door and over to just behind Sera in time to hear “…or is it a crime to deliver a message?” Followed by the dig at Merkas.
”Do not confuse us for the law.” Hastos couldn’t hide his disdain in the word. “…or presume yourself an innocent. Maintain a respectful tongue.” (Intimidatio:8)
“Oh, you’re one of those? Just kill him Sera, or cut off his ear, or tongue. I’ll back you up” Merkas stows his daggers and sits cross legged on top of his sack and smiles viscously. (Rolled intimidation twice in case Sera’s burning blade would give advantage. First roll=14 second roll=20)
He gestures to the others to stand down and just wait until Sera makes her move.
Hastos grans the axe from his back and with a hasty “I’ll be back.” He politely but insistently pushes through the guild members at the door and over to just behind Sera in time to hear “…or is it a crime to deliver a message?” Followed by the dig at Merkas.
”Do not confuse us for the law.” Hastos couldn’t hide his disdain in the word. “…or presume yourself an innocent. Maintain a respectful tongue.” (Intimidatio:8)
If the servants false bravado was easy to see through earlier, it's fully caved now, as flop sweat soaks his garments. "As I said, I am unarmed, and am no real threat to you. I'm here to deliver a message."
Slowly, so as not to make the tensions higher, he reaches into his robes and produces a scroll and opens it so you can see. It's written in Solmannic Common, and details a carefully worded threat about your legal obligations to Hart Goldenspear. You are considered to be a criminal fugitive, and are hereby under arrest. Your life is forfeit if you resist, as the sentence is death. If you come quietly, Lord Goldenspear may be convinced to show mercy. The details of that mercy are unclear. But a "clean death" isn't exactly off the menu. More likely, he wants you to face trial and pay a sizable sum, or work off your debt when you are inevitably convicted.
The guards arrive at last and surround Sera and the servant. "Savior-- Sera Uth Darnon. If this man is harrassing you, please set him down so we can arrest him," one of them says in an uncertain voice. Either way, their swords and spears are clearly not pointed at Sera. As far as their concerned, a threat to Dawnbound is a threat to Santekh. But they aren't happy about provoking a lord from Solamnia.
The servant’s arrogance wavered as Sera’s companions arrived — Hastos steady and watchful, Merkas silent but dangerous. Still, the man clutched the sealed scroll like a sword, voice shaking only slightly as he read the decree aloud.
Her name. Her debt. Her “ownership.” The words burned through her. Solamnic law — twisted and cruel when wielded by men like Hart Goldenspear — still had power.
For a heartbeat, Sera stood frozen. Then she exhaled sharply and let the Sunblade’s glow fade. The servant dropped hard to the floor, gasping for breath. She turned away, trembling from rage and memory both.
“No,” she said at last, voice cold but steady. “He’s just a servant. If he’s insulted anyone here, we’ll deal with that lawfully. No blood, not today.”
To the guards who had gathered nearby, she added, “Stand down. We’ll handle this privately.”
She motioned for Hastos and Merkas to follow, leading the servant into a quiet chamber. The door shut with a heavy thud.
When she turned, her eyes gleamed like molten gold. “Hart Goldenspear sent you,” she said, every word edged in steel. “He killed me once. Stabbed me through and left me to die. But Paladine raised me up — body and soul. I am no man’s property now.”
Her hand hovered near her blade before she lowered it with effort. “But if your master truly invokes Solamnic law, then I will answer it. I’ll pledge my case before the Lord High Justice of the Order of the Rose myself. I make sure he is notefied. I’ll speak of the corruption that stains Hart’s house — of the crime he thought buried.”
Sera stepped closer, her voice low but unflinching. “Tell him that if he believes he can claim me by law, I’ll walk into Solamnia willingly. I’ll bring his sins into the light before the High Justice, under the gaze of Paladine. And may the god of truth decide which of us stands righteous.”
She met the servant’s eyes, waiting — not in fear, but in grim, burning patience — for his reply.
The guards lower their weapons and look at each other for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, Sera. But if you need anything, call on us." They begin to disperse the crowd, telling them to go about their business before returning to their patrols. The servant takes several moments to steady his breath and compose himself. He straightens his robes and tries to meet Sera's gaze, but he's still clearly shaken. Handar produces a glass of juice... a rare treat in Khur. And as the servant reaches for it, he moves the glass over to Sera's hand. "Guild members only, An' I don' reco'nize yer insignia." he says with a barely contained snarl. Handar is bristling like a warthog, and his knuckes are white on the counter. One wrong twitch from the servant and he'll clearly leap that counter and pummel that servant to mush.
The servant scowls at Handar and decides to meet his gaze instead. "I hoped you would see reason. Perhaps you're not as petulant as Lord Goldenspear described you. You'll surrender your arms and come with me quietly. And..."
He unbuckles some manacles from his belt.
"You'll wear these." Emboldened by the backing of his master and the law, he finally turns to look at Sera.
“Hang on now, you are in our house, our town, with our people. What makes you think you can just put shackles on our friend and take her away like a petty criminal?” Merkas climbs onto a stool nearby, motions to Handar for a juice, and eyes up the messenger. “Handar, give the guy some water at least, pretty sure he needs it after he wet himself earlier”
The Kender smiles at the man, with none of it reflected in his eyes. “Best you start with apologies, then explanations, and maybe we’ll consider going with you to clear up this misunderstanding.”
The servant produced a pair of cold manacles as if that alone granted him authority. He stepped forward, motioning the chain toward her—an attempt to make the arrest without the backing of Solamnic law. Sera’s jaw tightened.
“You’re far from Soamnia,” she said, voice low and hard. “This is Khur. You have no authority here. Trying to lead the local hero away in shackles without an army at your back would be dangerous for you as well. I’d rather not see you killed.”
Handor slipped her a small flask of juice; she accepted it and drank in a single, steady swallow. For a moment she considered offering him some—perhaps he could learn a little of courtesy and get some kindness in return—then pocketed the thought. Duty came first.
“I will go to Solamnia,” she continued, meeting the servant’s eyes without fear, “but not as your prisoner. Not now. We have a dragon’s lair to clear out, and that takes priority. Whether there’s truly a dragon there or not, we need that place examined and cleansed.” She left the rest unsaid.
She drew a breath and made her next words plain and resolute. “I will write to the Lord High Justice of the Order of the Rose and present my case. Hart Goldenspear will answer for his crimes. May Paladine judge us all.” Her voice carried the weight of someone who would see the matter through.
Sera turned her face to her friends. The burning anger in her chest cooled as she saw so many standing with her—Hastos, Merkas, Handor, Glynnis—ready to back her. A small, steady smile crept across her features.
“Perhaps we should get some rest before we set out,” she said, then turned away from the servant still holding the useless manacles. The man’s attempt to bind her had failed—here, among her people, she still had the choice of how to meet the law.
The servant realized his efforts would not be productive, and put his manacles away. "I'll stay the night at The Laughing Dwarf, then-"
"The hells ye will," Glynnis interrupted and crossed her arms with stubborn resolve.
Defeated again, the servant presses his lips together in frustration. "Very well. I shall seek accomodations in town for two nights. If you have not returned by then, I will send message to my lord that you have fled justice a second time. You know the punishment for a fugitive of the law, Sera."
With what dignity he has left, he strides out of the guild hall and proceeds to wander through Santekh.
Handar sighs, but it sounds more like a growl. After a moment, his stern visage turns to Sera and softens. Reaching over the counter, he wraps her in a bear hug, in spite of the odd texture of the clothing she wears. "I'm sorry lass. I thought we smuggled ye out where Hart could ne'er find ye. I must'a been sloppy." He lets go and looks around the room. "If that toad-assed inbred Goldenspear knows Sera's 'ere, 'n that means there's a target on'er back. We need ta be ready. We need ta keep arms nearby at all times."
Cyrus raises an eyebrow, as if the thought of some thin-necked bounty hunter could pose a threat amused him. Catt climbs up on a stool to make herself taller, and puts her little fists on her hips in a hero pose. "Then Dawnbound is ready!"
"YEAH!" Ringmar calls out in reply.
Orr the Unseen, silent until now, mutters softly, "I will prepare magical defenses."
Ringmar, startled to realize the ever-silent half-orc was there, nearly jumps out of his skin when Orr speaks, moving his legs so fast in place, you'd think we was tap dancing. Orr turns their gaze slowly towards Ringmar and attempts to offer a calming smile. "My apologies little one." They slowly turn their head to Sera. "I am unfamiliar with the region of Solamnia. Is Santekh in any danger? Are they allies of the Dragon Armies?"
"No." Handar explains. Again, Orr turns their gaze uncomfortably slowly. "Solomnia's the homeland of th' most stout resistance against tha Dragon Armies in all o' Krynn. It's a good land. But even the best kingdoms have tha occasional rotten lord. Harts one o' tha worst. Took damn near everythin' from us. Includin' loved ones." He takes a moment to think of what he lost getting here. And what Sera lost before that. "He's got plenty o' money... n power. But 'e can't send an army ta Santekh. Not from that far. Nor would'e be dumb enough to try it. Santekh an' tha Hachakee 'er tha only line o' defence against tha Green Dragon Army right now, and the king'd have him in chains if he tried ta start a war with allies. Me guess is, he's gonna' try ta handle this quiet."
Orr nods and slowly glides away... presumably to... prepare something?
Kasi, who was the last one to join the growing crowd watches Orr slink away, then looks to her leaders in the guild. "Kasi will inform the guard to keep an eye on the foreign-lander, and tell the Council what happened."
“Hey, how bout we take him with us?” Merkas says, a little to eagerly before adding “It’ll solve two things real quick, first he can’t send off any messages, and second we could keep an eye in him, though the message thing could be done with magic I s’pose, but anyway, at the very least he could feel like he’s ‘watching over’ Sera and she’s not ‘fleeing’, right?” The kenders little fingers making air quotes at the appropriate spots wile he keeps from spilling his drink. “Yeah he may try to make trouble for us on the trip, but he’ll learn quickly that that trouble falls on him as much as us”
Those with the closest relationship with Merkas will note that, though he’s a rambling as ever, there’s little joy in his voice but a determination that outweighs his size. “Sera ain't going back to be no slave, and we certainly ain’t paying the price this jerk wants either, clearing up this may mean clearing out a building or two, or maybe kidnapping and selling Golden Shower into his own servitude”
“If he goes with us, he will die - tragically, of course.” Hastos replies to Merkas with a grin.
“While I like the idea of keeping an eye on him, I think you’re right. He’ll cause trouble for us, intentionally or not.“ Hastos pauses. “I’m sorry to say this, but our best bet would be to have him stay somewhere where he can be watched closely.” He looks over at Glynnis. “I understand what I’m suggesting, and no one would blame you if you declined.”
”Perhaps assign him a guard to ensure his safety?” He looks to Kasi. “Having him die because word got out that he wants to take one of the Dawnbound away in manicles will only bring more complications. And he lacks common sense to keep a low profile.” A smirk returns to Hastos’ face. “And should our journey run longer than a couple of days, it would be unfortunate if he broke a law that causes him to be detained pending a hearing where I’m sure he be let off the hook in the interest of good will…”
Hastos rubs the back of his head. “And keeping him safe keeps the relationship between the two lands amicable.” And with a sigh he concludes “Seems like the right call.”
“Or that, really was hoping to force march him through the desert with Barkly spewing fire behind him, but if he’s kept safe and quiet in town here I have no complaints”
Sera nods to all her allies and friends. " Hastos talk sense... " she shake her head at the idea of bring him aling. Barkley the fire dinosaur would roast and eat him. " he better stay here...we have important things to do and it just be trouble drag him along. " Sera look at all her friends and it is heartwarming. She felt so protected and loved she stumble with her words..." I..I thank you for your suppirt and care...right now I feel you are the family I lost so long ago. " she hugs Habdor " not counting you...you been with me longer and I am so grateful. Do nit feel bad Golden..." she smile at Merkas twisting of the name " shower...found me. I did expect to return to Solamnia sooner or later. Paladine guide me but YOU give me the strenght and hope I can manage anything. " feeling quite mushy she whipe away a tear.Thunking what kind of knight she be who cries in emotional moments. " together!" She yell out. "Together Dawnbound stands strong!. Let us show anyone that try step on us, insult us or oppose us that we do not go down easy. Our cause is good. And we go out to do some good for this town and its people once more!" She rally. Hoping to inspire herself as all the people she was so lucky to call hers....
Kasi interjects, adapting the role of Santekh Councilor at this point. "Kasi, for now, is resource manager for Santekh. Kasi can assign housing, food, even guards if needed. Kasi will make papers that say stranger is honored guest from Solamnia. That comes with housing, food, wine, private company... and a guard escort while foreign-lander is in Santekh. Kasi will send word if foreign-lander leaves town..." she snaps her fingers, remembering something and shuffles back into her shop.
She returns with two sending stones. "Kobold make. Kobold use them on..." if she could blush, she would "raiding parties to share information. Is all Kasi have left from homeland except Kasi's bow."
They appear warn smaller than usual sending stones, and stained dark from usage. There are minor cracks and scorch marks along the stone, which may affect their functionality. Instead of the usual emblem you see on Sending Stones, a Cranium Rat totem, you see a jagged tooth mouth, like that of dragon teeth. But the carving is faded and barely visible. She holds one out to Merkas, like bestowing a treasured keepsake. "Kasi thinks they still work."
When Merkas takes the item, she steps back into her shop and whispers into the stone. Merkas hears a staticy voice on the other end. "Yabbak, do you hear Kasi?"
Replying in kobold “Yeah Gramma, I can hear you, some crackle crinkle sounds though, c’mon back”
Looking back at the group when Kasi returns he smiles, “Having him as an ‘honoured’ guest sounds like a great idea Kasi, be sure whoever is assigned to ‘protect’ him is very vigilant, wouldn’t want anything to happen to the poor man. And with that settled shall we head out, I’ll get Barkly and pick up Bucky, meet you guys at the gate?” Patting Sera’s thigh as he moves past her towards the door he says quietly for her to hear “I think having a knight show their emotions in the right place and time is better than ine that you can’t ever get a read on”
Then back to Handar with a wink “Be sure not to poison our guest ok”
Handar grins at Merkas. Kasi smiles and heads towards HQ to tell the other counciors and send a guard escort to find the stranger.
Merkas finds Buckeran sifting through his gear, re-evaluating his choices for traveling equipment. He seems giddy, but deep in thought and his eyes brighten with even more excitement when he sees you! "Merkas my boy! I'm so excited about this adventure! You know, when I first came to Santekh, I intended to join the army. They took one look at my hands, and assigned me a desk job." He laughs as he looks at his marred hands. "They're probably right, but I never really lost my wanderlust. Goblins, orcs, ogres, and bubgears... I've faced them all. But in my whole life, I've never seen a dragon! I had hoped that fighting the Dragon Armies would increase my chances of changing that! But... my adventuring days are behind me... I thought!" He clenches his fist. "But maybe there's one last grand adventure in me!"
You also see Kasi, heading into Amelista's office. Buckeran raises a bushy eyebrow. "Kasi seems to be taking to her role well. I'm glad to see it!"
Hastos can still make purchases from the Guild Shop through Ringmar, whom Kasi has entrusted to watch the shop when she has to handle Council business. What are Sera and Ne'Haredowell doing?
Sera moved like a storm through the streets, her boots striking the stone hard enough to echo. Glynnis called after her, but the old dwarf couldn’t keep up. Sera barely heard her name — the blood roared too loud in her ears.
The emissary.
She spotted the man near the unfinished guildhall, hands clasped behind his back as he examined the scaffolding. His fine clothes and calm posture only sharpened her fury.
“Give me strength…” she breathed, a half-prayer, half-growl. ( cast enhanced ability for strenght. )
The Sunblade flared to life in her hand with a blinding hiss — molten gold light spilling across the street.
Before the man could turn, Sera was upon him. She grabbed the front of his coat, yanked him backward, and slammed him against a stone pillar so hard the sound cracked like thunder. Dust rained from the beam above as her blade snapped up — but it was not someone she knew so it stabs into the pillar its edge a hair’s breadth from his cheek. ( str+brawl for 21 )
“Who—?” he started, but her strength lifted him clean off the ground. The living armor pulsed under her skin, lending her the power of rage and memory. The blade’s heat kissed the pillar, turning the stone red-hot and smoking.
Sera’s voice broke into a snarl. “I am Sera uth Darnon,” she spat. “You found me. Now tell me—who sent you?”
Sera pressed him harder against the scorched stone and the humming energy blade that soon would cut his head in two. the hilt of her weapon trembling in her hands. “Was it Hart?” she hissed, her voice raw and trembling with fury and pain. ( int 12)
The energy blade crackled inches from his face, its heat searing the air between them — her control balanced on the thinnest edge between vengeance and restraint. ( gets str+ath 23 to keep the grapple)
Accepting the cartography kits for Piruz gratefully, Merkas looks it over as he replies “Can’t say I am good any magic really, Just only figured out that I have some kinda of control of it, Like I can make Blinky appear whenever I want, sometimes I cam make a few floating lights appear, but I can’t have the lights at the same time as Blinky so I think they both might be the same magic thing? Make smaller objects, like 5 or 10 pounds, fly off really fast, start fires really quick , but that one turned me invisible last time, Barkly thought I turned into fire until I reappeared” Merkas laughs at his own expense “And a few other things, the whole wild magic thing seems right. Guess I will keep a log and let you know what else I discover I can do, and maybe what other things happen on their own. That way we can figure out what they’re all called. Anyway, Thanks so much for the info and the kit, I’ll put it to good use” After a bit more back and forth, the kender rises to leave “Oh and if you want feel free to see Gramma Kasi at the guild hall about joining, I know we just got started but having your know how and library would really help with gettin’ people taught and trained quicker, that way Santekh would have better protection.”
Merkas heads out towards the guildhall to let Kasi know of their departure and that he had invited Piruz to join.
Coming around the corner as a blazing blade lights up and scorches a pillar, his yellow eyes go wide at the sight of Sera pinning a stranger up against the column, he breaks into a run pulling out Splinter and Shard, mumbling, “Yvonne, what’s going on now, Hope we aren’t goin’ to have to fight a group right outside our new place” (4-insight to gauge what’s got Sera so riled, 14-Int and 10-Perception to assess the area for other combatants other than the finely dressed piñata)
Getting up beside his friend he brandishes his daggers, oblivious to how un-intimidating he must look given the proximity of Sera’s blade and the fact his feet are inches off the ground already. “What we got, Sera? ‘Nother Seargent Crass culty, some left light weight minstrel playing bad tunes, or did he just try and vandalize our new place?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Kasi nods, and shows you a row of more affordable options. "What price does Master Hastos want?"
"Kasi can make magic bows and arrows, if Master Hastos want. Much cheaper to make. Take more time though. Give Kasi one or two week, and Kasi can enchant with any spell Kasi knows!" She lays down a list of spells she can enchant bows and/or arrows with:
Bows (Common = 25 Stl, Uncommon = 50 Stl, Rare = 250 Stl):
Arrows (Common = 10 Stl, Uncommon = 25 Stl, Rare = 125 Stl for a set of 10):
Because the prices aren't much better than what is being offered off the rack, you get the impression she's already cutting you a much bigger discount than she would any other guild member because you are a founding member. As you are shopping, you here a distant thump, and curious guild members start bustling out towards the guild hall. Cyrus, always ready for a fight, is first on the scene, blasting out the main hall with his spear already in hand! The kender, more hesitant, tiptoe towards the front entrance. Orr has not come out in view yet. Handar looks up from cleaning the kitchen and Kasi looks up from her notes, with one scaly eyebrow raised.
The servant's head cracks against the stone and he sucks air in sharply between his teeth. "Easy... easy. I'm just a servant. Master Goldenspear had his scouts scouring Krynn to find a lowly peasant girl said to have fled towards the barbaric wastes of Khur. Your farm has been foreclosed and its assets seized. But there is still a sizeable debt to be paid. None knew that little girl who abandoned her indentured servitude would become The Savior of Santekh." His tone, when announcing your title, seems derogatory as he flits a hand around the comparably tiny fortress town. "So I took it upon myself to investigate. I figured you'd take your daddy's sword to the first assassin you found. But, as you can see, I'm unarmed. Would you murder a road-weary unarmed travelor in front of the pitiable speck of a town you are credited to save?"
When you look around, you notice you're starting to gather a crowd. Apart from a dozen onlookers, Cyrus, Catt, and Ringmar have rushed out of the guild hall holding weapons. Orr is peering shyly from the door, and muttering what appears to be a readied spell. Shortly after, Handar lumbers out, weilding a meat cleaver. And in the distance, the Santekh guard is charging rapidly towards the scene.
"Or is it a crime to deliver a message?" His tone remains superior, in spite of the throbbing heading causing him to wince.
He looks down at the babbling blue kender. "It would seem you have a pet. Could you silence it, please? You've given me quite a head injury. My lord will add the medical expense to your tab."
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“Oh, you’re one of those? Just kill him Sera, or cut off his ear, or tongue. I’ll back you up” Merkas stows his daggers and sits cross legged on top of his sack and smiles viscously. (Rolled intimidation twice in case Sera’s burning blade would give advantage. First roll=14 second roll=20)
He gestures to the others to stand down and just wait until Sera makes her move.
Loyalty Begets Honour
Hastos grans the axe from his back and with a hasty “I’ll be back.” He politely but insistently pushes through the guild members at the door and over to just behind Sera in time to hear “…or is it a crime to deliver a message?” Followed by the dig at Merkas.
”Do not confuse us for the law.” Hastos couldn’t hide his disdain in the word. “…or presume yourself an innocent. Maintain a respectful tongue.” (Intimidatio:8)
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
If the servants false bravado was easy to see through earlier, it's fully caved now, as flop sweat soaks his garments. "As I said, I am unarmed, and am no real threat to you. I'm here to deliver a message."
Slowly, so as not to make the tensions higher, he reaches into his robes and produces a scroll and opens it so you can see. It's written in Solmannic Common, and details a carefully worded threat about your legal obligations to Hart Goldenspear. You are considered to be a criminal fugitive, and are hereby under arrest. Your life is forfeit if you resist, as the sentence is death. If you come quietly, Lord Goldenspear may be convinced to show mercy. The details of that mercy are unclear. But a "clean death" isn't exactly off the menu. More likely, he wants you to face trial and pay a sizable sum, or work off your debt when you are inevitably convicted.
The guards arrive at last and surround Sera and the servant. "Savior-- Sera Uth Darnon. If this man is harrassing you, please set him down so we can arrest him," one of them says in an uncertain voice. Either way, their swords and spears are clearly not pointed at Sera. As far as their concerned, a threat to Dawnbound is a threat to Santekh. But they aren't happy about provoking a lord from Solamnia.
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The servant’s arrogance wavered as Sera’s companions arrived — Hastos steady and watchful, Merkas silent but dangerous. Still, the man clutched the sealed scroll like a sword, voice shaking only slightly as he read the decree aloud.
Her name. Her debt. Her “ownership.”
The words burned through her. Solamnic law — twisted and cruel when wielded by men like Hart Goldenspear — still had power.
For a heartbeat, Sera stood frozen. Then she exhaled sharply and let the Sunblade’s glow fade. The servant dropped hard to the floor, gasping for breath. She turned away, trembling from rage and memory both.
“No,” she said at last, voice cold but steady. “He’s just a servant. If he’s insulted anyone here, we’ll deal with that lawfully. No blood, not today.”
To the guards who had gathered nearby, she added, “Stand down. We’ll handle this privately.”
She motioned for Hastos and Merkas to follow, leading the servant into a quiet chamber. The door shut with a heavy thud.
When she turned, her eyes gleamed like molten gold. “Hart Goldenspear sent you,” she said, every word edged in steel. “He killed me once. Stabbed me through and left me to die. But Paladine raised me up — body and soul. I am no man’s property now.”
Her hand hovered near her blade before she lowered it with effort. “But if your master truly invokes Solamnic law, then I will answer it. I’ll pledge my case before the Lord High Justice of the Order of the Rose myself. I make sure he is notefied. I’ll speak of the corruption that stains Hart’s house — of the crime he thought buried.”
Sera stepped closer, her voice low but unflinching. “Tell him that if he believes he can claim me by law, I’ll walk into Solamnia willingly. I’ll bring his sins into the light before the High Justice, under the gaze of Paladine. And may the god of truth decide which of us stands righteous.”
She met the servant’s eyes, waiting — not in fear, but in grim, burning patience — for his reply.
The guards lower their weapons and look at each other for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, Sera. But if you need anything, call on us." They begin to disperse the crowd, telling them to go about their business before returning to their patrols. The servant takes several moments to steady his breath and compose himself. He straightens his robes and tries to meet Sera's gaze, but he's still clearly shaken. Handar produces a glass of juice... a rare treat in Khur. And as the servant reaches for it, he moves the glass over to Sera's hand. "Guild members only, An' I don' reco'nize yer insignia." he says with a barely contained snarl. Handar is bristling like a warthog, and his knuckes are white on the counter. One wrong twitch from the servant and he'll clearly leap that counter and pummel that servant to mush.
The servant scowls at Handar and decides to meet his gaze instead. "I hoped you would see reason. Perhaps you're not as petulant as Lord Goldenspear described you. You'll surrender your arms and come with me quietly. And..."
He unbuckles some manacles from his belt.
"You'll wear these." Emboldened by the backing of his master and the law, he finally turns to look at Sera.
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“Hang on now, you are in our house, our town, with our people. What makes you think you can just put shackles on our friend and take her away like a petty criminal?” Merkas climbs onto a stool nearby, motions to Handar for a juice, and eyes up the messenger. “Handar, give the guy some water at least, pretty sure he needs it after he wet himself earlier”
The Kender smiles at the man, with none of it reflected in his eyes. “Best you start with apologies, then explanations, and maybe we’ll consider going with you to clear up this misunderstanding.”
Loyalty Begets Honour
The servant produced a pair of cold manacles as if that alone granted him authority. He stepped forward, motioning the chain toward her—an attempt to make the arrest without the backing of Solamnic law. Sera’s jaw tightened.
“You’re far from Soamnia,” she said, voice low and hard. “This is Khur. You have no authority here. Trying to lead the local hero away in shackles without an army at your back would be dangerous for you as well. I’d rather not see you killed.”
Handor slipped her a small flask of juice; she accepted it and drank in a single, steady swallow. For a moment she considered offering him some—perhaps he could learn a little of courtesy and get some kindness in return—then pocketed the thought. Duty came first.
“I will go to Solamnia,” she continued, meeting the servant’s eyes without fear, “but not as your prisoner. Not now. We have a dragon’s lair to clear out, and that takes priority. Whether there’s truly a dragon there or not, we need that place examined and cleansed.” She left the rest unsaid.
She drew a breath and made her next words plain and resolute. “I will write to the Lord High Justice of the Order of the Rose and present my case. Hart Goldenspear will answer for his crimes. May Paladine judge us all.” Her voice carried the weight of someone who would see the matter through.
Sera turned her face to her friends. The burning anger in her chest cooled as she saw so many standing with her—Hastos, Merkas, Handor, Glynnis—ready to back her. A small, steady smile crept across her features.
“Perhaps we should get some rest before we set out,” she said, then turned away from the servant still holding the useless manacles. The man’s attempt to bind her had failed—here, among her people, she still had the choice of how to meet the law.
The servant realized his efforts would not be productive, and put his manacles away. "I'll stay the night at The Laughing Dwarf, then-"
"The hells ye will," Glynnis interrupted and crossed her arms with stubborn resolve.
Defeated again, the servant presses his lips together in frustration. "Very well. I shall seek accomodations in town for two nights. If you have not returned by then, I will send message to my lord that you have fled justice a second time. You know the punishment for a fugitive of the law, Sera."
With what dignity he has left, he strides out of the guild hall and proceeds to wander through Santekh.
Handar sighs, but it sounds more like a growl. After a moment, his stern visage turns to Sera and softens. Reaching over the counter, he wraps her in a bear hug, in spite of the odd texture of the clothing she wears. "I'm sorry lass. I thought we smuggled ye out where Hart could ne'er find ye. I must'a been sloppy." He lets go and looks around the room. "If that toad-assed inbred Goldenspear knows Sera's 'ere, 'n that means there's a target on'er back. We need ta be ready. We need ta keep arms nearby at all times."
Cyrus raises an eyebrow, as if the thought of some thin-necked bounty hunter could pose a threat amused him. Catt climbs up on a stool to make herself taller, and puts her little fists on her hips in a hero pose. "Then Dawnbound is ready!"
"YEAH!" Ringmar calls out in reply.
Orr the Unseen, silent until now, mutters softly, "I will prepare magical defenses."
Ringmar, startled to realize the ever-silent half-orc was there, nearly jumps out of his skin when Orr speaks, moving his legs so fast in place, you'd think we was tap dancing. Orr turns their gaze slowly towards Ringmar and attempts to offer a calming smile. "My apologies little one." They slowly turn their head to Sera. "I am unfamiliar with the region of Solamnia. Is Santekh in any danger? Are they allies of the Dragon Armies?"
"No." Handar explains. Again, Orr turns their gaze uncomfortably slowly. "Solomnia's the homeland of th' most stout resistance against tha Dragon Armies in all o' Krynn. It's a good land. But even the best kingdoms have tha occasional rotten lord. Harts one o' tha worst. Took damn near everythin' from us. Includin' loved ones." He takes a moment to think of what he lost getting here. And what Sera lost before that. "He's got plenty o' money... n power. But 'e can't send an army ta Santekh. Not from that far. Nor would'e be dumb enough to try it. Santekh an' tha Hachakee 'er tha only line o' defence against tha Green Dragon Army right now, and the king'd have him in chains if he tried ta start a war with allies. Me guess is, he's gonna' try ta handle this quiet."
Orr nods and slowly glides away... presumably to... prepare something?
Kasi, who was the last one to join the growing crowd watches Orr slink away, then looks to her leaders in the guild. "Kasi will inform the guard to keep an eye on the foreign-lander, and tell the Council what happened."
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“Hey, how bout we take him with us?” Merkas says, a little to eagerly before adding “It’ll solve two things real quick, first he can’t send off any messages, and second we could keep an eye in him, though the message thing could be done with magic I s’pose, but anyway, at the very least he could feel like he’s ‘watching over’ Sera and she’s not ‘fleeing’, right?” The kenders little fingers making air quotes at the appropriate spots wile he keeps from spilling his drink. “Yeah he may try to make trouble for us on the trip, but he’ll learn quickly that that trouble falls on him as much as us”
Those with the closest relationship with Merkas will note that, though he’s a rambling as ever, there’s little joy in his voice but a determination that outweighs his size.
“Sera ain't going back to be no slave, and we certainly ain’t paying the price this jerk wants either, clearing up this may mean clearing out a building or two, or maybe kidnapping and selling Golden Shower into his own servitude”
Loyalty Begets Honour
“If he goes with us, he will die - tragically, of course.” Hastos replies to Merkas with a grin.
“While I like the idea of keeping an eye on him, I think you’re right. He’ll cause trouble for us, intentionally or not.“ Hastos pauses. “I’m sorry to say this, but our best bet would be to have him stay somewhere where he can be watched closely.” He looks over at Glynnis. “I understand what I’m suggesting, and no one would blame you if you declined.”
”Perhaps assign him a guard to ensure his safety?” He looks to Kasi. “Having him die because word got out that he wants to take one of the Dawnbound away in manicles will only bring more complications. And he lacks common sense to keep a low profile.” A smirk returns to Hastos’ face. “And should our journey run longer than a couple of days, it would be unfortunate if he broke a law that causes him to be detained pending a hearing where I’m sure he be let off the hook in the interest of good will…”
Hastos rubs the back of his head. “And keeping him safe keeps the relationship between the two lands amicable.” And with a sigh he concludes “Seems like the right call.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
“Or that, really was hoping to force march him through the desert with Barkly spewing fire behind him, but if he’s kept safe and quiet in town here I have no complaints”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Sera nods to all her allies and friends. " Hastos talk sense... " she shake her head at the idea of bring him aling. Barkley the fire dinosaur would roast and eat him. " he better stay here...we have important things to do and it just be trouble drag him along. " Sera look at all her friends and it is heartwarming. She felt so protected and loved she stumble with her words..." I..I thank you for your suppirt and care...right now I feel you are the family I lost so long ago. " she hugs Habdor " not counting you...you been with me longer and I am so grateful. Do nit feel bad Golden..." she smile at Merkas twisting of the name " shower...found me. I did expect to return to Solamnia sooner or later. Paladine guide me but YOU give me the strenght and hope I can manage anything. " feeling quite mushy she whipe away a tear.Thunking what kind of knight she be who cries in emotional moments. " together!" She yell out. "Together Dawnbound stands strong!. Let us show anyone that try step on us, insult us or oppose us that we do not go down easy. Our cause is good. And we go out to do some good for this town and its people once more!" She rally. Hoping to inspire herself as all the people she was so lucky to call hers....
Kasi interjects, adapting the role of Santekh Councilor at this point. "Kasi, for now, is resource manager for Santekh. Kasi can assign housing, food, even guards if needed. Kasi will make papers that say stranger is honored guest from Solamnia. That comes with housing, food, wine, private company... and a guard escort while foreign-lander is in Santekh. Kasi will send word if foreign-lander leaves town..." she snaps her fingers, remembering something and shuffles back into her shop.
She returns with two sending stones. "Kobold make. Kobold use them on..." if she could blush, she would "raiding parties to share information. Is all Kasi have left from homeland except Kasi's bow."
They appear warn smaller than usual sending stones, and stained dark from usage. There are minor cracks and scorch marks along the stone, which may affect their functionality. Instead of the usual emblem you see on Sending Stones, a Cranium Rat totem, you see a jagged tooth mouth, like that of dragon teeth. But the carving is faded and barely visible. She holds one out to Merkas, like bestowing a treasured keepsake. "Kasi thinks they still work."
When Merkas takes the item, she steps back into her shop and whispers into the stone. Merkas hears a staticy voice on the other end. "Yabbak, do you hear Kasi?"
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Replying in kobold “Yeah Gramma, I can hear you, some crackle crinkle sounds though, c’mon back”
Looking back at the group when Kasi returns he smiles, “Having him as an ‘honoured’ guest sounds like a great idea Kasi, be sure whoever is assigned to ‘protect’ him is very vigilant, wouldn’t want anything to happen to the poor man. And with that settled shall we head out, I’ll get Barkly and pick up Bucky, meet you guys at the gate?”
Patting Sera’s thigh as he moves past her towards the door he says quietly for her to hear “I think having a knight show their emotions in the right place and time is better than ine that you can’t ever get a read on”
Then back to Handar with a wink “Be sure not to poison our guest ok”
Loyalty Begets Honour
“Tonight?!” Hastos says. “Well, it is probably best we move under the cover of darkness. Harder to pin down our location.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Handar grins at Merkas. Kasi smiles and heads towards HQ to tell the other counciors and send a guard escort to find the stranger.
Merkas finds Buckeran sifting through his gear, re-evaluating his choices for traveling equipment. He seems giddy, but deep in thought and his eyes brighten with even more excitement when he sees you! "Merkas my boy! I'm so excited about this adventure! You know, when I first came to Santekh, I intended to join the army. They took one look at my hands, and assigned me a desk job." He laughs as he looks at his marred hands. "They're probably right, but I never really lost my wanderlust. Goblins, orcs, ogres, and bubgears... I've faced them all. But in my whole life, I've never seen a dragon! I had hoped that fighting the Dragon Armies would increase my chances of changing that! But... my adventuring days are behind me... I thought!" He clenches his fist. "But maybe there's one last grand adventure in me!"
You also see Kasi, heading into Amelista's office. Buckeran raises a bushy eyebrow. "Kasi seems to be taking to her role well. I'm glad to see it!"
Hastos can still make purchases from the Guild Shop through Ringmar, whom Kasi has entrusted to watch the shop when she has to handle Council business.
What are Sera and Ne'Haredowell doing?
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Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk