"Looks like someone else has been busy. You think they got our message?" Jex chuckles. He starts to look around for signs of battle, see if there is evidence of who attacked who, or weapon traces on the heads that might suggest the type of weaponry used. He looks around with excitement and glee.
"Clearly they got the message, and worried about the army decided to strike it as it marched to seed chaos and fear. We surely will be welcomed as heroes when we arrive."
"Oh that is very clever of them, and congratulations on your heroics!" An enthusiastic voice approached quickly from behind a berm behind the grizzly display. A man quickly emerged, mounted on a large horse draped in chain barding, bearing a lance and shield. Emblazoned on the shield was a symbol of an urn pouring out over a fortress. He wore gleaming metal armor that would've reflected the sun like a coat of pure light were it not for the smeared dirt and gore across its surface. Atop his head was a full helm with a bevor raised showing his face. By hid face alone, he couldn't have been older than his early twenties.
"Did I hear you say something about someone coming to repel the goblins? Is it you?" His speech carries a very distinct accent of Breannian origin. As he approached the wagon, it became apparent that he also wore a blue-and-white checkered tabard which bore the same emblem as his shield. "I am so pleased to meet you. I am Valen Benedictus, of Chateâu Bastion de la Mère de la Rivière. Do you have news of a mining town nearby, I believe called 'Sheercleft'?"
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex takes a sudden step back, slightly alarmed that he hadn't spotted the man. His muscles tense for a split second and his arm darts towards his back. In a flash though, he is relaxed again, taking a step forward and sideways within striking distance of the newcomer.
"Thank you and well met. Valen..." He chokes back on the last bit, changing his mind about beginning with an insult, he licks his lips, the second's pause buying enough time to disguise his mind searching through a million options of stories to tell, and truths to pick. "I am Jex, ambassador of Sheercleft. These are my travelling companions. What brings you to these parts? You don't look like a trader."
Valen's smile seems a permanent fixture as he looks over the wagon and travers, "You do not either. It is good I met you, Ambassador. News of goblin armies reached us and I was sent to see. You've heard of la Bastion, oui?" His eyes seem to expect praise and adoration for his arrival, "We go where we are needed, but we are too few to go everywhere. So, they send me to look, and I tell them what is needed."
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex looks around with a shrug, gesturing to his friends and the wagon. "We have controlled the situation. We are what Sheercleft needs." He gives a grin and a wink. "But our time and efforts can only do so much. Money and trade are needed."
"Money and trade? Nothing else?" Valen's lance dips back until it rests comfortably on his shoulder, "Ah, then I am so very eager to see this town of Sheercleft now. Je suis très béni..." His eyes seem to stare off at something distant, "To survive such an attack and still be so strong! Your home must have a great army, many healers, and strong walls," the irony of the statement is made almost tangible with Valen's star-struck revere, "And here I ride, late to help, and spilling blood like some....barbare...Such things are so disgraceful. My hands were made to heal and protect, not to chase fleeing cowards a like some bloodthirsty wolf." For the first time, his perpetual smile falters, and he seems to shrivel in his armor.
Looking about, he grows even more melancholy at the site of his roadside display. "Je m'excuse, great ambassador. It seems I've wasted your time and my own. You've scattered the goblins beyond reckoning and are in some hurry. If you would, Sheercleft is that way, oui?" He points south on the road from where you came, "I will leave you to whatever business is in the north. I'm certain you ride to spread news to the dwarves that they will have no fears of goblins in the mountains."
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Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark sheepishly steps closer to the towering mounted knight "Uhm w-we... Sheercleft I mean... could use more protection. We drove out the goblins but... well there is no great army or strong walls," he gives a look of uncertainty to Jex. Was the rogue just blowing smoke or was there some ulterior reason for the bravado?"And-and there are more threats to the region, once we've completed our business with the dwarves we plan to rid these lands of an evil coven of witches." his voice sounds a little more resolute as he brings up this other quest. "There are plenty of opportunities to help." he lets a moment pass before remembering to introduce himself "Oh! And I'm Vark, it's nice to meet you."
"Yes!" Jex claps Vark on the back. "The goblins did flee, but now they regroup. We ride to aid the dwarves, for it seems they are next to fall under attack!"
Thurston approaches the mounted man, his height making him at least as tall the cross of the armored horse.
" Well met Valen. We have, indeed, freed Sheercleft from the goblins that had taken hold of it, but as young Vark said these lands are far from beign free of dangers. If you stick around I can assure you that you will find plenty of it. Sheercleft still needs protection. And we are heading towards the dwarves to aid them. We recently discovered and destroyed a campment of these dreadful creatures. And there are the witches too... he lends a hand to him. I am Thurston Baratson, servant of Thor, wielder of Rikazzarik. "
Valaith leaves the talking to the others as she stands back with Rook ever at the ready, not quite trusting the altruism of this mounted knight and his timely approach. She does roll her eyes at Jex's claim to be the ambassador of Sheercleft, but chuckles to herself at this scoundrelous behavior. She watches the passes around them while the others speak to this man, fully believing him to be likely a distraction to allow the goblins to move in for an ambush...
Valen chuckles at Vark's contradicting story and stares a Jex with wordless superiority, "Lying is not an attractive act. There is no shame in needing help; it is why I came here. Now, you say the goblins are still marching, there's not a strong protection for Sheercleft, the dwarves are threatened, and now there are some kind of witches?" He points to Vark and smiles back to the others, "Is this some kind of joke you like to play in this area? Does the ambassador travel with a jester?
Thurston's shoulder's stand easily as tall as Valen's waist mounted on his warhorse. The massive figure at least strikes the knight as friendly and Valen gladly takes his hand. "I would gladly do anything I can to help you. I am glad to meet you, Thurston Baratson. Come, I will not delay you further. Let us go."
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Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"I did not lie. Sheercleft is safe, we routed the goblins and are rebuilding. It needs money and trade as I said. That is how it will get its army and its walls. We ride now to help the dwarves. Whether they need help we do not know, but we are capable of beating these vermin a third time. Do you carry a portable wall and an army? If not, then I say what we need from you is money and trade, as we're my first words!" He points at the ground, emphasising his truth has not been changed." And if you carry the opportunity of neither then" he shrugs "Go where you will, with us, or to Sheercleft it matters not for your presence will change no outcome."
"And I thank you. Any help against that goblins is welcome. I think that you speak truth... weird, but honestly. As my friend says do as you please for a strong arm is well received always. But let's move friends, we should not delay ourselves, time is of the essence."
Valen's ever-present smile falters little at Jex's showmanly offense, "Where are you from? Certainly not from around here. I do not mean to offend, just that everyone knows of Breanne's knights. Among them, those of la Bastion holds themselves to highest honor. We say, 'Strong Walls keep the work of Dame Brigantia's Hands'. Each man and woman is as strong as five of these filthy goblins, and our healers travel the country serving anyone in need." Valen straightens in his saddle and even his horse seems to swell with pride. "You want an army? I am Benedictus, given charge to travel the lands and report my findings. Should I find a cause - say, Sheercleft needs knights and healers - I report back and help is sent. Is this acceptable for you, or is money all you need?"
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Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex shrugs. "The army may be useful, though an army defending its walls is better motivated if its homes are behind them." He points knowingly, but his expression does soften as he thinks deeper. "Perhaps your army would be best served keeping us safe from the Dragonborn sorcerers though. Still first and foremost of what we need, is word spread that Sheercleft is safe and open for business. That is what will keep us safe in the long run, and army not under our direction will only keep us safe until it is ordered to be elsewhere. Is that a message you can spread? That we are open to trade again?"
"I was told Sheercleft has a mine, yes? We always need ore for smithies. Our other Benedictus go to many places as well. These were nothing for me," he nods to the spiked heads along the road, "But an attack en masse would overrun me. Though I do not want delays, it may be best to travel with you if you plan to return to Sheercleft after your meeting to the north."
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark's brow furrows at the jester comment, not sure whether or not to take offense, but he recovers as the knight seems to settle on traveling with the group. The addition sets the sorcerer in a cheery mood as they prepare to continue along on their path.
Jex scowls a little as they walk and waits until he is not around to talk to Val and Thurston at the back of the column. "He knows about the mines and was very quick to mention them. He tries to invite his army into our town, asking if it is well defended. I worry his order may want to take it for themselves."
Val glances over at Jex with a shrug. "He seems trustworthy. He is clearly a formidable warrior as evidence by the goblin heads. I feel he means well, but we shall see his true intentions as we travel with him. Should be become an adversary, we shall end him and his order as we do all threats that present themselves to us. No silly knight in shiny armor on a horse is a match for the Archanost." She slaps Jex upon the back. "Worry not, 'Ambassador'. I think you are just upset that he saw through some of your ruse."
Jex scowls, "He would not be the first we met that did not know the full intentions of those who sent them to Sheercleft. We should be careful." He looks knowingly at Val. "And my ruse would have been fine had everyone not been so fast and willing to advertise our weakness. We should not be so open, even to those who would have us believe them our allies."
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"Looks like someone else has been busy. You think they got our message?" Jex chuckles. He starts to look around for signs of battle, see if there is evidence of who attacked who, or weapon traces on the heads that might suggest the type of weaponry used. He looks around with excitement and glee.
"Clearly they got the message, and worried about the army decided to strike it as it marched to seed chaos and fear. We surely will be welcomed as heroes when we arrive."
"Oh that is very clever of them, and congratulations on your heroics!" An enthusiastic voice approached quickly from behind a berm behind the grizzly display. A man quickly emerged, mounted on a large horse draped in chain barding, bearing a lance and shield. Emblazoned on the shield was a symbol of an urn pouring out over a fortress. He wore gleaming metal armor that would've reflected the sun like a coat of pure light were it not for the smeared dirt and gore across its surface. Atop his head was a full helm with a bevor raised showing his face. By hid face alone, he couldn't have been older than his early twenties.
"Did I hear you say something about someone coming to repel the goblins? Is it you?" His speech carries a very distinct accent of Breannian origin. As he approached the wagon, it became apparent that he also wore a blue-and-white checkered tabard which bore the same emblem as his shield. "I am so pleased to meet you. I am Valen Benedictus, of Chateâu Bastion de la Mère de la Rivière. Do you have news of a mining town nearby, I believe called 'Sheercleft'?"
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex takes a sudden step back, slightly alarmed that he hadn't spotted the man. His muscles tense for a split second and his arm darts towards his back. In a flash though, he is relaxed again, taking a step forward and sideways within striking distance of the newcomer.
"Thank you and well met. Valen..." He chokes back on the last bit, changing his mind about beginning with an insult, he licks his lips, the second's pause buying enough time to disguise his mind searching through a million options of stories to tell, and truths to pick. "I am Jex, ambassador of Sheercleft. These are my travelling companions. What brings you to these parts? You don't look like a trader."
Valen's smile seems a permanent fixture as he looks over the wagon and travers, "You do not either. It is good I met you, Ambassador. News of goblin armies reached us and I was sent to see. You've heard of la Bastion, oui?" His eyes seem to expect praise and adoration for his arrival, "We go where we are needed, but we are too few to go everywhere. So, they send me to look, and I tell them what is needed."
"So, Ambassador, what is needed for Sheercleft?"
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex looks around with a shrug, gesturing to his friends and the wagon. "We have controlled the situation. We are what Sheercleft needs." He gives a grin and a wink. "But our time and efforts can only do so much. Money and trade are needed."
"Money and trade? Nothing else?" Valen's lance dips back until it rests comfortably on his shoulder, "Ah, then I am so very eager to see this town of Sheercleft now. Je suis très béni..." His eyes seem to stare off at something distant, "To survive such an attack and still be so strong! Your home must have a great army, many healers, and strong walls," the irony of the statement is made almost tangible with Valen's star-struck revere, "And here I ride, late to help, and spilling blood like some....barbare...Such things are so disgraceful. My hands were made to heal and protect, not to chase fleeing cowards a like some bloodthirsty wolf." For the first time, his perpetual smile falters, and he seems to shrivel in his armor.
Looking about, he grows even more melancholy at the site of his roadside display. "Je m'excuse, great ambassador. It seems I've wasted your time and my own. You've scattered the goblins beyond reckoning and are in some hurry. If you would, Sheercleft is that way, oui?" He points south on the road from where you came, "I will leave you to whatever business is in the north. I'm certain you ride to spread news to the dwarves that they will have no fears of goblins in the mountains."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark sheepishly steps closer to the towering mounted knight "Uhm w-we... Sheercleft I mean... could use more protection. We drove out the goblins but... well there is no great army or strong walls," he gives a look of uncertainty to Jex. Was the rogue just blowing smoke or was there some ulterior reason for the bravado? "And-and there are more threats to the region, once we've completed our business with the dwarves we plan to rid these lands of an evil coven of witches." his voice sounds a little more resolute as he brings up this other quest. "There are plenty of opportunities to help." he lets a moment pass before remembering to introduce himself "Oh! And I'm Vark, it's nice to meet you."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Yes!" Jex claps Vark on the back. "The goblins did flee, but now they regroup. We ride to aid the dwarves, for it seems they are next to fall under attack!"
Thurston approaches the mounted man, his height making him at least as tall the cross of the armored horse.
" Well met Valen. We have, indeed, freed Sheercleft from the goblins that had taken hold of it, but as young Vark said these lands are far from beign free of dangers. If you stick around I can assure you that you will find plenty of it. Sheercleft still needs protection. And we are heading towards the dwarves to aid them. We recently discovered and destroyed a campment of these dreadful creatures. And there are the witches too... he lends a hand to him. I am Thurston Baratson, servant of Thor, wielder of Rikazzarik. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Valaith leaves the talking to the others as she stands back with Rook ever at the ready, not quite trusting the altruism of this mounted knight and his timely approach. She does roll her eyes at Jex's claim to be the ambassador of Sheercleft, but chuckles to herself at this scoundrelous behavior. She watches the passes around them while the others speak to this man, fully believing him to be likely a distraction to allow the goblins to move in for an ambush...
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Valen chuckles at Vark's contradicting story and stares a Jex with wordless superiority, "Lying is not an attractive act. There is no shame in needing help; it is why I came here. Now, you say the goblins are still marching, there's not a strong protection for Sheercleft, the dwarves are threatened, and now there are some kind of witches?" He points to Vark and smiles back to the others, "Is this some kind of joke you like to play in this area? Does the ambassador travel with a jester?
Thurston's shoulder's stand easily as tall as Valen's waist mounted on his warhorse. The massive figure at least strikes the knight as friendly and Valen gladly takes his hand. "I would gladly do anything I can to help you. I am glad to meet you, Thurston Baratson. Come, I will not delay you further. Let us go."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex looks hurt.
"I did not lie. Sheercleft is safe, we routed the goblins and are rebuilding. It needs money and trade as I said. That is how it will get its army and its walls. We ride now to help the dwarves. Whether they need help we do not know, but we are capable of beating these vermin a third time. Do you carry a portable wall and an army? If not, then I say what we need from you is money and trade, as we're my first words!" He points at the ground, emphasising his truth has not been changed." And if you carry the opportunity of neither then" he shrugs "Go where you will, with us, or to Sheercleft it matters not for your presence will change no outcome."
Thurston shakes Valen's arm.
"And I thank you. Any help against that goblins is welcome. I think that you speak truth... weird, but honestly. As my friend says do as you please for a strong arm is well received always. But let's move friends, we should not delay ourselves, time is of the essence."
PbP Character: A few ;)
Valen's ever-present smile falters little at Jex's showmanly offense, "Where are you from? Certainly not from around here. I do not mean to offend, just that everyone knows of Breanne's knights. Among them, those of la Bastion holds themselves to highest honor. We say, 'Strong Walls keep the work of Dame Brigantia's Hands'. Each man and woman is as strong as five of these filthy goblins, and our healers travel the country serving anyone in need." Valen straightens in his saddle and even his horse seems to swell with pride. "You want an army? I am Benedictus, given charge to travel the lands and report my findings. Should I find a cause - say, Sheercleft needs knights and healers - I report back and help is sent. Is this acceptable for you, or is money all you need?"
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Jex shrugs. "The army may be useful, though an army defending its walls is better motivated if its homes are behind them." He points knowingly, but his expression does soften as he thinks deeper. "Perhaps your army would be best served keeping us safe from the Dragonborn sorcerers though. Still first and foremost of what we need, is word spread that Sheercleft is safe and open for business. That is what will keep us safe in the long run, and army not under our direction will only keep us safe until it is ordered to be elsewhere. Is that a message you can spread? That we are open to trade again?"
"I was told Sheercleft has a mine, yes? We always need ore for smithies. Our other Benedictus go to many places as well. These were nothing for me," he nods to the spiked heads along the road, "But an attack en masse would overrun me. Though I do not want delays, it may be best to travel with you if you plan to return to Sheercleft after your meeting to the north."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Vark's brow furrows at the jester comment, not sure whether or not to take offense, but he recovers as the knight seems to settle on traveling with the group. The addition sets the sorcerer in a cheery mood as they prepare to continue along on their path.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Jex scowls a little as they walk and waits until he is not around to talk to Val and Thurston at the back of the column. "He knows about the mines and was very quick to mention them. He tries to invite his army into our town, asking if it is well defended. I worry his order may want to take it for themselves."
Val glances over at Jex with a shrug. "He seems trustworthy. He is clearly a formidable warrior as evidence by the goblin heads. I feel he means well, but we shall see his true intentions as we travel with him. Should be become an adversary, we shall end him and his order as we do all threats that present themselves to us. No silly knight in shiny armor on a horse is a match for the Archanost." She slaps Jex upon the back. "Worry not, 'Ambassador'. I think you are just upset that he saw through some of your ruse."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Jex scowls, "He would not be the first we met that did not know the full intentions of those who sent them to Sheercleft. We should be careful." He looks knowingly at Val. "And my ruse would have been fine had everyone not been so fast and willing to advertise our weakness. We should not be so open, even to those who would have us believe them our allies."