While the others talk of the grand plans for Sheercleft’s development, Vark mulls over the copious amount of information he’s just received. From the epic scenes magically projected on the walls, to the glimpses of black winged angels uploaded to his brain, to the lore of this ‘Trove Lord’ told to him by the Rhunki, Vark struggles to process all of these details and draw connections between them.
There was the dragon, maybe Arawn? And the witch on the mountain... was that the Morrigan? If only Seid had been there to see everything. Moments later, to Vark’s surprise, he gets a response to his internal ruminations.
“Vark? Is that you? Whats this about Matthew and the Morrigan and... Vark how are you talking to me? Have you learned the Sending spell?”
Vark stops in his tracks. “Wha- how-“ A look of panic crosses his face but quickly turns to elation. ‘The Sending spell.’“G-guys! Wait up! I... I think I learned a new spell! I mean... I know I did, I think I learned a bunch of new spells but... I just talked to Seid!” The giddy mage quickly focuses then attempts to send another message, this time speaking out loud.
“Yes! It’s me! Seid, oh my gods you’ll never believe what happened! We went beneath Khaz a Grungon into this vault and there was this-“ not yet realizing that the spell has limitations, he continues his spiel. “ruby but it was actually a codex that used to belong to Matthew and I bonded with if and it showed me a ton of stuff! Do you-“ Seid’s response cuts him off mid-thought.
“Easy, Vark; This spell is limited to short messages, try and be concise or you’ll burn yourself out. I’m excited to hear what you’ve learned.”
Even though his words are calm and instructional, the warm tone of Seid’s voice brings a blush to Vark’s cheeks. Now with a better understanding of how the communication works, Vark shares some of the key points of their recent adventure. In response Seid shares his thoughts and knowledge. The pair resolves to continue the conversation later with the help of the codex, and by the time the party reaches the tavern Vark has also filled the group in on Seid’s insights.
“Uhm... so... I still want to talk to Matthew about all this. After finding the codex he owes us some answers. So far what he’s said seems to be true, he just... withholds a lot. Are... is there anything you all think I should ask this time?” Vark takes a sheepish sip of his beer and looks to his friends gathered around the table. “Also... if anyone wants to join me when I talk to him... I think that would be ok.”
Trying to balance himself between respect and curiosity, Aiden nods. "I will join you, Vark, if only just to observe. I'm curious about this Matthew fellow. From what I have heard from you and the dwarves, he reminds me of...well...I suppose we will just have to see. I'll keep my theories to myself for the moment."
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Vark nods appreciatively to the two Norscans and after finishing their round, the trio sets off. Vark leads them to the same quiet intersection he’d found before and begins the ritual. With Path Maker’s tip he draws a nine pointed star into the ground, a symbol Thurston and Aiden would now recognize from the projections on the walls of the vault. Then he takes a finger to the tip of the spear and draws blood, allowing three of the crimson drops to fall into the center of the symbol. With the rites completed, he waits.
Once more, a cloud of red smoke erupts from the middle of the crossroads, engulfing Vark. However, his two Norscan friends see nothing. When the crimson mist has cleared, Matthew is standing before Vark in the same Dwarven form as he appeared the last time. Dressed all in scarlet-stained leather, the raven-haired Dwarf's eyes shine like the stone of the ruby itself. Aiden and Thurston see still only Vark.
"Good evening, Vark," Matthew remarks in the voice that the young half-orc has come to know so well. He pauses, regarding the sorcerer for a moment and then a creeping smirk spreads slowly across his face. "You have it, don't you? My codex. Its power suits you. Give it to me."
“H-hi Matthew. Uhm... yes I was able to get it from the vault.” He pulls the codex out and holds it close to his face, peering in to its shifting geometry. “It is quite powerful and... well it showed me a lot of things, things I was hoping you could tell me about.” He looks back to his patron with his trademark curiosity and innocence.
"Of course. What would you like to know?" Matthew replies with an air of the blasé, reaching out to take runestone as he talks. The Dwarf's eyes flicker towards Aiden only momentarily, otherwise fixated on the codex.
Aiden reaches out with divine perceptions, searching for a fiendish presence that would indicate Matthew's location, but finds nothing aside from Vark's faint aura. Driven by curiosity, he steps forward and waves his arms through Vark's ritual circle, starting at shoulder height and moving down.
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Bründir rouses himself from his stupor at the altar enough to return to the bench with Hurrig. "That. It's been nothin' but trouble since th' day I took it from home. It's special, no doubt there. Say a few words ov'r it, but it might blind ye. I jus' don' know what t'do now." The dwarf pauses for a moment, searching for words that held more than empty complaints, "Why me? It's got hist'ry longer'n any of us, an' should be hangin' off some king's belt."
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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
The Sonnlinor arches a stoic eyebrow at Bründir's raving, glancing over his shoulder at the worn, old blade that has been placed atop Moradin's anvil.
"This weapon is the source of your troubles?"
The priest turns and crosses to the statue, his boots clacking across the temple flagstones as he goes. He lifts the weapon carefully with both hands, inspecting the sword, before drawing it from its scabbard. "Old steel, but still sharp," the greybeard notes, eyes falling to the runes that run along the blade from the hilt. "You are right that its history must be long indeed - this blade was forged by a runelord. Do you know its name?"
“Oh, uhm s-sorry I should have introduced my friends: Aiden and Thurston. They were curious and wanted to accompany me so-“ he stops as Aiden begins feeling around for Matthew’s physical presence, then as the cleric senses nothing Vark turns to him. “Uhm... it’s more like an illusion than a summoning, but... well I figured you’d be able to see it.” He turns back to the scarlet clad dwarf. “Where are you now... I mean like, actually?”
"Sharp's not th' problem fer sure. It'll split a demon nose-to-arse. Dumdrengi's its name, an' Erik's th' only name I know tied to it. King Erik."
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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
The otherwise impassive Sonnlinor raises his thick, bushy eyebrows in what might almost be amusement when Bründir mentions Erik by name.
"Erik is a very old name, especially amongst royal houses. It means 'eternal ruler'. Of course, not every Lord Erik wielded a demon-slaying bastard sword forged by a runelord," the priest adds with a good-natured chuckle. "Have you looked any further into the matter? However did you come to wield the blade?"
"Spare me Kossuth's lapdogs and give me my CODEX," Matthew hisses between his teeth as Aiden's hands pass right through him. The ruby eyes of the devil's Dwarven form flare brightly as frustration seeps through, then the moment passes and Matthew smooths back his slick, black hair with his other hand. "You asked me the same question yesterday, Vark," he replies, more calmy. "I am in Beschcadik, investigating how to break the wards left by that confounded Stormchaser."
Aiden lets his arms fall to his side, feeling a bit foolish, but otherwise unperturbed. "That makes more sense," he says. He stands there quietly for a few moments, then says, "What's he saying?"
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Bründir splits a wide, genuine smile for the first time in days, "Readin' old hist'ry books has been on my list of chores, believe me, right behind chasing bandits out of a hole, savin' elf folk, runnin' from basilisks, kickin' an army out of my home, then runnin' across th' mountains 'ere." The dwarf stretches himself upright, "Came from m'dad, Ma kept it till I grew, then sat in my locker 'till I got a strange urge to do somethin' stupid like leave home to fight bandits."
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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
“W-well... I don’t know, maybe you moved somewhere else. I figured you could do that pretty easily...” the response is muttered out below his breath as Vark shrinks away from Matthew’s growing irritation. “Uhm... h-he called you ‘Kossuth’s lapdogs. And... he wants the codex.” There is a moment of deliberation on Vark’s face. His anxious imagination paints the scene of Matthew, the devil, the ‘deceiver’, snatching the runestone from his grasp and vanishing into the aether, abandoning him after finally getting his coveted rock. He watches Val’s wrath upon hearing of this betrayal, he hears Jex’s biting condemnation of his stupidity.... Before he knows it the palm that grips the ruby is slick with sweat and a lump like a hailstone has settled in his throat. He glances to his friends and remembers that they can not even see the powerful entity standing there before them. They couldn’t even touch him... is it truly just an illusion? Is this a test of loyalty? Aiden and Thurston watch as Vark’s face twists into a pained wince before suddenly the tension snaps and the warlock thrusts the ruby into Matthew’s grasping hand.
"Bründir...Halfshield." The surname came as an afterthought. "I don' know much of him, either. He died 'fore I could really know him. Ma didn't say much, either, except they were both adventuring types. All she ev'r said was he was good with a blade and wanted me t'have it."
Bründir lets the statement hang a moment before shifting, "What's a Runelord, exactly? Guessin' it's not a king or any ol' smith with a chisel or metal."
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
Aiden chuckles slightly. "I have no idea who this Kossuth is, but we're not servants of him." He turns to where Matthew must be standing. "You must have us mistaken for some others. We're servants of-"
He abruptly cuts off as Vark thrusts the codex toward Matthew. "Wait, that's probably not..." But it was too late. On instinct, his hand goes first to the warhammer on his belt, then up to the sword at his back.
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
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While the others talk of the grand plans for Sheercleft’s development, Vark mulls over the copious amount of information he’s just received. From the epic scenes magically projected on the walls, to the glimpses of black winged angels uploaded to his brain, to the lore of this ‘Trove Lord’ told to him by the Rhunki, Vark struggles to process all of these details and draw connections between them.
There was the dragon, maybe Arawn? And the witch on the mountain... was that the Morrigan? If only Seid had been there to see everything. Moments later, to Vark’s surprise, he gets a response to his internal ruminations.
“Vark? Is that you? Whats this about Matthew and the Morrigan and... Vark how are you talking to me? Have you learned the Sending spell?”
Vark stops in his tracks. “Wha- how-“ A look of panic crosses his face but quickly turns to elation. ‘The Sending spell.’ “G-guys! Wait up! I... I think I learned a new spell! I mean... I know I did, I think I learned a bunch of new spells but... I just talked to Seid!” The giddy mage quickly focuses then attempts to send another message, this time speaking out loud.
“Yes! It’s me! Seid, oh my gods you’ll never believe what happened! We went beneath Khaz a Grungon into this vault and there was this-“ not yet realizing that the spell has limitations, he continues his spiel. “ruby but it was actually a codex that used to belong to Matthew and I bonded with if and it showed me a ton of stuff! Do you-“ Seid’s response cuts him off mid-thought.
“Easy, Vark; This spell is limited to short messages, try and be concise or you’ll burn yourself out. I’m excited to hear what you’ve learned.”
Even though his words are calm and instructional, the warm tone of Seid’s voice brings a blush to Vark’s cheeks. Now with a better understanding of how the communication works, Vark shares some of the key points of their recent adventure. In response Seid shares his thoughts and knowledge. The pair resolves to continue the conversation later with the help of the codex, and by the time the party reaches the tavern Vark has also filled the group in on Seid’s insights.
“Uhm... so... I still want to talk to Matthew about all this. After finding the codex he owes us some answers. So far what he’s said seems to be true, he just... withholds a lot. Are... is there anything you all think I should ask this time?” Vark takes a sheepish sip of his beer and looks to his friends gathered around the table. “Also... if anyone wants to join me when I talk to him... I think that would be ok.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Trying to balance himself between respect and curiosity, Aiden nods. "I will join you, Vark, if only just to observe. I'm curious about this Matthew fellow. From what I have heard from you and the dwarves, he reminds me of...well...I suppose we will just have to see. I'll keep my theories to myself for the moment."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Thurston nods to Vark.
"As I said I will join you Vark. "
If he was disspointed to delay their drinks at the tavern or his pending conversation with Aiden he shows no sing of it.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Vark nods appreciatively to the two Norscans and after finishing their round, the trio sets off. Vark leads them to the same quiet intersection he’d found before and begins the ritual. With Path Maker’s tip he draws a nine pointed star into the ground, a symbol Thurston and Aiden would now recognize from the projections on the walls of the vault. Then he takes a finger to the tip of the spear and draws blood, allowing three of the crimson drops to fall into the center of the symbol. With the rites completed, he waits.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Once more, a cloud of red smoke erupts from the middle of the crossroads, engulfing Vark. However, his two Norscan friends see nothing. When the crimson mist has cleared, Matthew is standing before Vark in the same Dwarven form as he appeared the last time. Dressed all in scarlet-stained leather, the raven-haired Dwarf's eyes shine like the stone of the ruby itself. Aiden and Thurston see still only Vark.
"Good evening, Vark," Matthew remarks in the voice that the young half-orc has come to know so well. He pauses, regarding the sorcerer for a moment and then a creeping smirk spreads slowly across his face. "You have it, don't you? My codex. Its power suits you. Give it to me."
The instruction is clear, direct and assertive.
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
“H-hi Matthew. Uhm... yes I was able to get it from the vault.” He pulls the codex out and holds it close to his face, peering in to its shifting geometry. “It is quite powerful and... well it showed me a lot of things, things I was hoping you could tell me about.” He looks back to his patron with his trademark curiosity and innocence.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Aiden looks curiously at Vark as the half-orc begins speaking. "Uh, Vark," he says, his voice low, "If Matthew is here, we can't see him."
What's this Matthew character hiding?
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Of course. What would you like to know?" Matthew replies with an air of the blasé, reaching out to take runestone as he talks. The Dwarf's eyes flicker towards Aiden only momentarily, otherwise fixated on the codex.
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
Aiden reaches out with divine perceptions, searching for a fiendish presence that would indicate Matthew's location, but finds nothing aside from Vark's faint aura. Driven by curiosity, he steps forward and waves his arms through Vark's ritual circle, starting at shoulder height and moving down.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Bründir rouses himself from his stupor at the altar enough to return to the bench with Hurrig. "That. It's been nothin' but trouble since th' day I took it from home. It's special, no doubt there. Say a few words ov'r it, but it might blind ye. I jus' don' know what t'do now." The dwarf pauses for a moment, searching for words that held more than empty complaints, "Why me? It's got hist'ry longer'n any of us, an' should be hangin' off some king's belt."
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
The Sonnlinor arches a stoic eyebrow at Bründir's raving, glancing over his shoulder at the worn, old blade that has been placed atop Moradin's anvil.
"This weapon is the source of your troubles?"
The priest turns and crosses to the statue, his boots clacking across the temple flagstones as he goes. He lifts the weapon carefully with both hands, inspecting the sword, before drawing it from its scabbard. "Old steel, but still sharp," the greybeard notes, eyes falling to the runes that run along the blade from the hilt. "You are right that its history must be long indeed - this blade was forged by a runelord. Do you know its name?"
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
“Oh, uhm s-sorry I should have introduced my friends: Aiden and Thurston. They were curious and wanted to accompany me so-“ he stops as Aiden begins feeling around for Matthew’s physical presence, then as the cleric senses nothing Vark turns to him. “Uhm... it’s more like an illusion than a summoning, but... well I figured you’d be able to see it.” He turns back to the scarlet clad dwarf. “Where are you now... I mean like, actually?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Sharp's not th' problem fer sure. It'll split a demon nose-to-arse. Dumdrengi's its name, an' Erik's th' only name I know tied to it. King Erik."
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
The otherwise impassive Sonnlinor raises his thick, bushy eyebrows in what might almost be amusement when Bründir mentions Erik by name.
"Erik is a very old name, especially amongst royal houses. It means 'eternal ruler'. Of course, not every Lord Erik wielded a demon-slaying bastard sword forged by a runelord," the priest adds with a good-natured chuckle. "Have you looked any further into the matter? However did you come to wield the blade?"
"Spare me Kossuth's lapdogs and give me my CODEX," Matthew hisses between his teeth as Aiden's hands pass right through him. The ruby eyes of the devil's Dwarven form flare brightly as frustration seeps through, then the moment passes and Matthew smooths back his slick, black hair with his other hand. "You asked me the same question yesterday, Vark," he replies, more calmy. "I am in Beschcadik, investigating how to break the wards left by that confounded Stormchaser."
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
Aiden lets his arms fall to his side, feeling a bit foolish, but otherwise unperturbed. "That makes more sense," he says. He stands there quietly for a few moments, then says, "What's he saying?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Bründir splits a wide, genuine smile for the first time in days, "Readin' old hist'ry books has been on my list of chores, believe me, right behind chasing bandits out of a hole, savin' elf folk, runnin' from basilisks, kickin' an army out of my home, then runnin' across th' mountains 'ere." The dwarf stretches himself upright, "Came from m'dad, Ma kept it till I grew, then sat in my locker 'till I got a strange urge to do somethin' stupid like leave home to fight bandits."
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
"Your father wielded a runeblade?" The Sonnlinor asks with mild surprise. "What is your name, child?"
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
“W-well... I don’t know, maybe you moved somewhere else. I figured you could do that pretty easily...” the response is muttered out below his breath as Vark shrinks away from Matthew’s growing irritation. “Uhm... h-he called you ‘Kossuth’s lapdogs. And... he wants the codex.” There is a moment of deliberation on Vark’s face. His anxious imagination paints the scene of Matthew, the devil, the ‘deceiver’, snatching the runestone from his grasp and vanishing into the aether, abandoning him after finally getting his coveted rock. He watches Val’s wrath upon hearing of this betrayal, he hears Jex’s biting condemnation of his stupidity.... Before he knows it the palm that grips the ruby is slick with sweat and a lump like a hailstone has settled in his throat. He glances to his friends and remembers that they can not even see the powerful entity standing there before them. They couldn’t even touch him... is it truly just an illusion? Is this a test of loyalty? Aiden and Thurston watch as Vark’s face twists into a pained wince before suddenly the tension snaps and the warlock thrusts the ruby into Matthew’s grasping hand.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Bründir...Halfshield." The surname came as an afterthought. "I don' know much of him, either. He died 'fore I could really know him. Ma didn't say much, either, except they were both adventuring types. All she ev'r said was he was good with a blade and wanted me t'have it."
Bründir lets the statement hang a moment before shifting, "What's a Runelord, exactly? Guessin' it's not a king or any ol' smith with a chisel or metal."
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
Aiden chuckles slightly. "I have no idea who this Kossuth is, but we're not servants of him." He turns to where Matthew must be standing. "You must have us mistaken for some others. We're servants of-"
He abruptly cuts off as Vark thrusts the codex toward Matthew. "Wait, that's probably not..." But it was too late. On instinct, his hand goes first to the warhammer on his belt, then up to the sword at his back.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor