“V-vark. Vark Galestone. Uhm- I...” he looks a bit nervously at his friends, catching the concerned faces of Jex and Thurston in particular. “Y-yes, we should rest, and then deal with the ruby as soon as we can.” His feet shift slightly as he squirms under the weight of attention. “I am actually feeling quite... winded. Can we go to rest now?”
"A good idea I think. If the wizards are not here with the goblins this time, then perhaps we have enough time to prepare properly. Is there a place we could rest?"Jex gathers all the courtesy he can muster with a stiff bow. "You see, when the goblins invaded sheercleft, they did not do so alone. It was a cover for a group of wizards, most of whom were evil, one ti remains to be seen. They sought to take control of a gem that housed a powerful being, we are not quite sure why. It is good that they have not come here, I feared a pattern repeating itself."
"Galestone..." Master Kragshield muses, "mountain-born... Go. Find yourselves beds for the night. Perhaps at the Hammer and Anvil. If you have further questions, you will find me here."
With a last nod to Master Kragshield Thurston leads the rest outside the room.
Once they are outside, and seeing that everyone has a worried face he realizes something.
"Friends, this is Aiden, Aiden, this are my trusted friends and companions, Jex, Bründir, Hurrig, Vark, Val and Valen who had recently joined us but has proven to be a wothry ally in the battlefield. I know Aiden back from home.Good lad " he pats Aiden's shoulder a little bit too strong " You lead the way old friend. The Hammer and Anvil and to some well earned mead. We've traveled far and almost without rest to reach the battle and the Aesir had witnessed a battle that it well deserve a song or two. Once we had our bellies full and out throats at easy with mead, then we can discuss out next step... Come on now friends, we need to sit and rest for a while. "
"Pleasure to meet all of you," Aiden says, nodding to each in turn. "You all fight well, at least from what I saw. Very-" He looks at Jex. "-theatrical at some points. But well fought. Come. I've been to the Hammer and Anvil a few times since being here. I'll show you the way."
He leads the group through the dwarven city toward the Hammer and Anvil. As they walk, to nobody in particular, he asks, "So, coming from Sheercleft, yes? And from what I heard in there, you've all had an interesting time. I'm not sure I understood most of it. That name Master Kragshield mentioned: 'The Trove Lord.' I'm fairly certain that's a dwarven deity, but I can't put my finger on it exactly."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Not a bad fellow this eh Thurston? Got a head on his shoulders." Jex is beaming from what he has apparently taken as a series of compliments, first with Thurston listing him first amoung his friends, then assuming positive connotations of theartrical, and assuming the kind words afterwards were directed mostly at him, as in his experience, all things tend to be. "He is indeed a dwarven deity, god of treasures and the depths. Worshiped by those who go the deepest and work with coin. Often depicted as a bearded stout fellow of serious demenour. Gruff you might say."
“The Rhunki said it was ‘The Trove Lord’s’ beacon. But... if it belongs to a god then... how can it be connected to Matthew?” Vark wonders aloud. “I’m uhm... I think I’m gonna try and talk to him. Once we get to the inn... I don’t know, maybe it’ll be good to have his perspective if it really is connected to him somehow.” He watches for the group’s reactions, especially those of Jex and Thurston.
"Matthew is a devil Lich, evil being who was trapped in a gem, maybe also by Spanglehelm a long time ago. He helps Vark out though, gives him some powers, and maybe he isn't a devil lich and just a nice misunderstood guy, even though a very learned professor says he's almost certainly a devil, as do other very smart people. But Vark and Seid both say he's probably OK, and Seid has never been a poor judge of character. " He coughs, indicating that this certainly isn't the case." But Vark asked us to trust him and we trust Vark, so we have agreed to give him a chance on the understanding Vark always tells us when he speaks to him, and that I should kill Vark if Matthew starts to use him for evil." He looks around. "Did I miss anything?"
Aiden stops walking, working his mouth, attempting to formulate something to say. He stares for a moment at the group, and, after a beat, he says, "So it's this way to the Hammer and Anvil."
He starts walking again. We'll have to unpack that later, I think.
“Matthew is NOT a lich. He... well he is a devil. But he wasn’t always... it’s... it’s complicated. More complicated than your imaginary professor friend could ever know.” he snaps. Vark broods for a moment before realizing they’d left out a detail. “Oh, uhm Aiden, Seid is a member of our group. He’s a wizard, very knowledgeable, he helped us defeat the mages that we’re trying to harness Matthew’s power. He stayed back in Sheercleft to do research on... well all of this.”
The Hammer and Anvil is a squat, square building not dissimilar to Ringrut's tavern back home, although it is a good bit larger. By the time the group arrive, it appears that the battle before the walls has been won. Soldiers roam the streets cheering and drinking together and the hold's inhabitants seem rejuvenated in spirit. Of course, no battle is without its casualties and there are also those drowning their sorrows or drinking to the memory of the fallen.
Inside the inn, a portly Dwarven matron with a fiery orange braids manages the customers at the bar, while servers see to the individual tables. A staircase besides the bar leads both up and down.
"Imaginary? Vark, I know you are concerned about how your decisions may weigh on your companions and the world, this is a terrible thing and I truly sympathise with you. But do not start casting around insults at my contacts. I will remind you that Thurston and Val spent a whole afternoon with him, and that he and I both independently came to the same conclusion as you and Seid together with all the books of the elven library at your disposal. And much faster I may add. The two of you continually act like I know nothing of which I speak about, but you must start giving me some credit, I know more than the wizard would have you believe and that is why I struggle to trust him, he tries to drive a wedge between us." He looks aside to the others. "That, and he arrived with the murderous force invading Sheercleft so clearly is either of questionable morals or a very poor judge of character." He looks back to Vark, with concern in his eyes. "Now I apologise if I did not make it sound complicated enough, but I did say we are trusting him for now because we trust you, and you are convinced that he is trying to do good now, but the fact remains, he is or was, a devil." He holds Varks eyes seriously for a second before lightening up. "So I am thinking I may get a room and sleep early, I know most of you may prefer a night of drinking though, so don't let me interrupt that." He heads to the bar to see about getting room for the night.
The more observant amongst the visitors from Sheercleft notice that the woman behind the bar bears a striking resemblance to Hurrig, and the Dwarf side-steps nonchalantly to stand behind the broad figures of Thurston and Valaith.
Vark glares at Jex’s words, knowing they hold truth but still feeling suspicious of this ‘professor’ he had never met. “I’ll be back later. Uhm... Aiden, it was nice to meet you.” He departs from the group as they enter the inn and walks off into the orderly dwarven streets. It’s not hard to find a crossroads, but finding one mostly devoid of traffic does take some time. Once Vark has located a suitably discreet spot, he takes Path Maker in hand and begins scrawling a nine pointed star at his feet. The magically enhanced spear carves fine lines into the surface of the stone as Vark focuses his attention on the infernal spark that clings to his soul.
Bründir, however, stormed across the bar as quickly as his screaming ribs and head would allow, paid for his room, and left. He returned half an hour later, changed from his armour and with a clean cloth around his head, but still wearing his sword, and found a table with room for everyone. Without waiting, he ordered a small feast and several drinks, assuming that he would be joined by the others momentarily.
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
"Excuse me" Jex approaches the bar. "My travelling companions and I are looking for a place to rest for the night, and we heard there may be some rooms available here. Would this be the case?"
To the brief discussion between Jex and Vark Thurston only points. "Oh the professor would love to know of this ruby. I'll make sure that I tell him all about it when we return." When Jex heads towards the inn he puts a big hand on Vark's shoulder
"Don't you worry my friend. We trust you. I can't think in no one better to deal with this entity. Be careful when you contact him about this gem. We will see what he has to say. Soon we will had helped this city too, but for now... let's celebrate our victory!"
Thurston takes a room too and heads directly to the bathroom. He undons his armor and checks his many wounds. There were a couple of them that, if wouldn't had been for Thor's help, could had ended very badly for him.
"Never let your enemy surround you, you fool bearded giant..." he says in a muffled and nasal voice, imitating one of his old instructors, as he passes one finger across the wound on his left side. That, for sure, would leave a scar. He takes a hot bath feeling his muscles relaxing after the fight. He would had let the water turn cold, but he was thirsty. Still wet and naked he takes his hammer and cleans it. "You see my friend? That was a good fight. Hope Thor and the Aesir are pleased. With you I will gain my place at the Valhalla." He then cleans his armor but left it at the room. With clean clothes and Rikkazarik on his hand he goes dwon to the main hall and joins Bründir and Aiden.
"Where are the rest? " he says pouring a pint of beer for them and another one for him " We have to toast all together but in the meanwhile, let's practice ourselves! " he raises his pint.
Red smoke billows upwards from the centre of the star, clouding the air before Vark. As the crimson mist dissipates, the half-orc sees a black-haired Dwarf standing upon the nine-pointed star that the sorcerer has carved upon the flagstones. The dwarf's eyes are as glistening rubies and he is dressed all in red leather armour and cap.
"Good afternoon, Vark," he greets in a familiar voice, deep and rich in tenor. Matthew glances up at the sun overhead, shading his eyes with one hand. "You grow bolder my friend. No longer afraid to call upon me in the light of day?"
Rooms at the Hammer and Anvil cost eight Dwarven Azril per night, while Bründir's requested cornucopia costs two Dwarven Gorl for everyone involved.
"Welcome lads!" The lady at the bar declares when approached. "You're the lot from Sheercleft I take it? Ye the talk o' the town by now. Rikadron they call you." She peers around Thurston, trying to get a better look at Hurrig.
Moradin's balls!" She exclaims in Dwarven, "Hurrig Magmabraids get ye damn beard out from behind tha' there Norscan fella right this instant!" The woman seems simultaneously furious and elated.
The Rhunki nods to Thurston in appreciation, but seems puzzled by the relevance of Jex's question.
"Only our own. We do not usually allow outsiders deep enough into the hold, but your friend here is a special case. What is your name, young man?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
“V-vark. Vark Galestone. Uhm- I...” he looks a bit nervously at his friends, catching the concerned faces of Jex and Thurston in particular. “Y-yes, we should rest, and then deal with the ruby as soon as we can.” His feet shift slightly as he squirms under the weight of attention. “I am actually feeling quite... winded. Can we go to rest now?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"A good idea I think. If the wizards are not here with the goblins this time, then perhaps we have enough time to prepare properly. Is there a place we could rest?"Jex gathers all the courtesy he can muster with a stiff bow. "You see, when the goblins invaded sheercleft, they did not do so alone. It was a cover for a group of wizards, most of whom were evil, one ti remains to be seen. They sought to take control of a gem that housed a powerful being, we are not quite sure why. It is good that they have not come here, I feared a pattern repeating itself."
"Galestone..." Master Kragshield muses, "mountain-born... Go. Find yourselves beds for the night. Perhaps at the Hammer and Anvil. If you have further questions, you will find me here."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
With a last nod to Master Kragshield Thurston leads the rest outside the room.
Once they are outside, and seeing that everyone has a worried face he realizes something.
"Friends, this is Aiden, Aiden, this are my trusted friends and companions, Jex, Bründir, Hurrig, Vark, Val and Valen who had recently joined us but has proven to be a wothry ally in the battlefield. I know Aiden back from home.Good lad " he pats Aiden's shoulder a little bit too strong " You lead the way old friend. The Hammer and Anvil and to some well earned mead. We've traveled far and almost without rest to reach the battle and the Aesir had witnessed a battle that it well deserve a song or two. Once we had our bellies full and out throats at easy with mead, then we can discuss out next step... Come on now friends, we need to sit and rest for a while. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Pleasure to meet all of you," Aiden says, nodding to each in turn. "You all fight well, at least from what I saw. Very-" He looks at Jex. "-theatrical at some points. But well fought. Come. I've been to the Hammer and Anvil a few times since being here. I'll show you the way."
He leads the group through the dwarven city toward the Hammer and Anvil. As they walk, to nobody in particular, he asks, "So, coming from Sheercleft, yes? And from what I heard in there, you've all had an interesting time. I'm not sure I understood most of it. That name Master Kragshield mentioned: 'The Trove Lord.' I'm fairly certain that's a dwarven deity, but I can't put my finger on it exactly."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Not a bad fellow this eh Thurston? Got a head on his shoulders." Jex is beaming from what he has apparently taken as a series of compliments, first with Thurston listing him first amoung his friends, then assuming positive connotations of theartrical, and assuming the kind words afterwards were directed mostly at him, as in his experience, all things tend to be. "He is indeed a dwarven deity, god of treasures and the depths. Worshiped by those who go the deepest and work with coin. Often depicted as a bearded stout fellow of serious demenour. Gruff you might say."
“The Rhunki said it was ‘The Trove Lord’s’ beacon. But... if it belongs to a god then... how can it be connected to Matthew?” Vark wonders aloud. “I’m uhm... I think I’m gonna try and talk to him. Once we get to the inn... I don’t know, maybe it’ll be good to have his perspective if it really is connected to him somehow.” He watches for the group’s reactions, especially those of Jex and Thurston.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Aiden blinks at the half-orc. "Matthew...is this another of your party I've yet to be introduced to? Where have they gotten off to?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Matthew is a devil Lich, evil being who was trapped in a gem, maybe also by Spanglehelm a long time ago. He helps Vark out though, gives him some powers, and maybe he isn't a devil lich and just a nice misunderstood guy, even though a very learned professor says he's almost certainly a devil, as do other very smart people. But Vark and Seid both say he's probably OK, and Seid has never been a poor judge of character. " He coughs, indicating that this certainly isn't the case." But Vark asked us to trust him and we trust Vark, so we have agreed to give him a chance on the understanding Vark always tells us when he speaks to him, and that I should kill Vark if Matthew starts to use him for evil." He looks around. "Did I miss anything?"
Aiden stops walking, working his mouth, attempting to formulate something to say. He stares for a moment at the group, and, after a beat, he says, "So it's this way to the Hammer and Anvil."
He starts walking again. We'll have to unpack that later, I think.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
“Matthew is NOT a lich. He... well he is a devil. But he wasn’t always... it’s... it’s complicated. More complicated than your imaginary professor friend could ever know.” he snaps. Vark broods for a moment before realizing they’d left out a detail. “Oh, uhm Aiden, Seid is a member of our group. He’s a wizard, very knowledgeable, he helped us defeat the mages that we’re trying to harness Matthew’s power. He stayed back in Sheercleft to do research on... well all of this.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The Hammer and Anvil is a squat, square building not dissimilar to Ringrut's tavern back home, although it is a good bit larger. By the time the group arrive, it appears that the battle before the walls has been won. Soldiers roam the streets cheering and drinking together and the hold's inhabitants seem rejuvenated in spirit. Of course, no battle is without its casualties and there are also those drowning their sorrows or drinking to the memory of the fallen.
Inside the inn, a portly Dwarven matron with a fiery orange braids manages the customers at the bar, while servers see to the individual tables. A staircase besides the bar leads both up and down.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Imaginary? Vark, I know you are concerned about how your decisions may weigh on your companions and the world, this is a terrible thing and I truly sympathise with you. But do not start casting around insults at my contacts. I will remind you that Thurston and Val spent a whole afternoon with him, and that he and I both independently came to the same conclusion as you and Seid together with all the books of the elven library at your disposal. And much faster I may add. The two of you continually act like I know nothing of which I speak about, but you must start giving me some credit, I know more than the wizard would have you believe and that is why I struggle to trust him, he tries to drive a wedge between us." He looks aside to the others. "That, and he arrived with the murderous force invading Sheercleft so clearly is either of questionable morals or a very poor judge of character." He looks back to Vark, with concern in his eyes. "Now I apologise if I did not make it sound complicated enough, but I did say we are trusting him for now because we trust you, and you are convinced that he is trying to do good now, but the fact remains, he is or was, a devil." He holds Varks eyes seriously for a second before lightening up. "So I am thinking I may get a room and sleep early, I know most of you may prefer a night of drinking though, so don't let me interrupt that." He heads to the bar to see about getting room for the night.
The more observant amongst the visitors from Sheercleft notice that the woman behind the bar bears a striking resemblance to Hurrig, and the Dwarf side-steps nonchalantly to stand behind the broad figures of Thurston and Valaith.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Vark glares at Jex’s words, knowing they hold truth but still feeling suspicious of this ‘professor’ he had never met. “I’ll be back later. Uhm... Aiden, it was nice to meet you.” He departs from the group as they enter the inn and walks off into the orderly dwarven streets. It’s not hard to find a crossroads, but finding one mostly devoid of traffic does take some time. Once Vark has located a suitably discreet spot, he takes Path Maker in hand and begins scrawling a nine pointed star at his feet. The magically enhanced spear carves fine lines into the surface of the stone as Vark focuses his attention on the infernal spark that clings to his soul.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Bründir, however, stormed across the bar as quickly as his screaming ribs and head would allow, paid for his room, and left. He returned half an hour later, changed from his armour and with a clean cloth around his head, but still wearing his sword, and found a table with room for everyone. Without waiting, he ordered a small feast and several drinks, assuming that he would be joined by the others momentarily.
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
"Excuse me" Jex approaches the bar. "My travelling companions and I are looking for a place to rest for the night, and we heard there may be some rooms available here. Would this be the case?"
To the brief discussion between Jex and Vark Thurston only points. "Oh the professor would love to know of this ruby. I'll make sure that I tell him all about it when we return." When Jex heads towards the inn he puts a big hand on Vark's shoulder
"Don't you worry my friend. We trust you. I can't think in no one better to deal with this entity. Be careful when you contact him about this gem. We will see what he has to say. Soon we will had helped this city too, but for now... let's celebrate our victory!"
Thurston takes a room too and heads directly to the bathroom. He undons his armor and checks his many wounds. There were a couple of them that, if wouldn't had been for Thor's help, could had ended very badly for him.
"Never let your enemy surround you, you fool bearded giant..." he says in a muffled and nasal voice, imitating one of his old instructors, as he passes one finger across the wound on his left side. That, for sure, would leave a scar. He takes a hot bath feeling his muscles relaxing after the fight. He would had let the water turn cold, but he was thirsty. Still wet and naked he takes his hammer and cleans it. "You see my friend? That was a good fight. Hope Thor and the Aesir are pleased. With you I will gain my place at the Valhalla." He then cleans his armor but left it at the room. With clean clothes and Rikkazarik on his hand he goes dwon to the main hall and joins Bründir and Aiden.
"Where are the rest? " he says pouring a pint of beer for them and another one for him " We have to toast all together but in the meanwhile, let's practice ourselves! " he raises his pint.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Red smoke billows upwards from the centre of the star, clouding the air before Vark. As the crimson mist dissipates, the half-orc sees a black-haired Dwarf standing upon the nine-pointed star that the sorcerer has carved upon the flagstones. The dwarf's eyes are as glistening rubies and he is dressed all in red leather armour and cap.
"Good afternoon, Vark," he greets in a familiar voice, deep and rich in tenor. Matthew glances up at the sun overhead, shading his eyes with one hand. "You grow bolder my friend. No longer afraid to call upon me in the light of day?"
Rooms at the Hammer and Anvil cost eight Dwarven Azril per night, while Bründir's requested cornucopia costs two Dwarven Gorl for everyone involved.
"Welcome lads!" The lady at the bar declares when approached. "You're the lot from Sheercleft I take it? Ye the talk o' the town by now. Rikadron they call you." She peers around Thurston, trying to get a better look at Hurrig.
Moradin's balls!" She exclaims in Dwarven, "Hurrig Magmabraids get ye damn beard out from behind tha' there Norscan fella right this instant!" The woman seems simultaneously furious and elated.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva