Aiden takes the helmet and frowns at Thurston. "That's...not what I meant at all," Aiden says. "I just meant that if they had taken our fort, we would have tried to take it back." He laughs. "But don't be so sure what you would do, were you alone in the world with no friends and not a copper to your name."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"This is not their fort. They are not defending their land, or their families, or even their lives for they could have gone long hours ago. They were just evil man trying to obtain more profit from a sticky situation. Not everyone is able to redeem my friend. And thank to Thor stupid ones to dare to face us! "he puts a hand on the cleric's shoulder and he listen to his last sentences. "Oh, but I've been there my friend. As you know... and I choose not to be harm those who are weaker than me, but to protect them. The norns had our threads in their hands and only them know when and were they are going to cut it, but in the meantime, it's all about the choices we make. "
Aiden just shakes his head at Thurston's words. The paladin was so sure of himself. He hoped that Thurston was right, but nobody truly knew what they would do in any given situation until they were in it.
"Very well," Aiden says. "We should go rejoin the others."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Val grins at the praise from Brundir. "You are quite the fighter yourself, Brundir Halfshield." She leans down and slaps him hard across the back and shoulders. "I am glad to see that not all your kind feel that way." They walk in companionable silence for a time before coming to the kitchen. When he asks about her treatment in the other dwarven hold she is quiet a moment. "Close to what I expected, except for their leader. He treated me with honor. I respect him for that. He seems like he was quite the warrior in his day."
Bründir goes about the landers, cellars, and cupboards. The stores were stocked, but there was a feeling of unease knowing some of it was likely taken from hungry mouths elsewhere. Ignoring the sensation, Bründir gathered loaves and fruit into a few sacks, cheese and meat into another, and filled a small cask with water from an interior well. Not a bad offering for a dozen souls thinking they're as likely to be executed as starve to death.
"Ma came from a Khaz, so she was close as I ever came to 'real' dwarves. 'Oldest dwarf born in Sheercleft might well be petty limestone compared to bedrock of a true Khaz', she used to say." Bründir paused a moment, realizing already he was going down a rabbit hole, "What I mean is, Dwarves never really lose the ways of the holds. We're a stubborn lot, an' we don' trust easy. We build up like a great wall: If ye manage t'get in, ye'll never worry. We respect results, not promises. Ye came t'Khaz a Gungron with a body count few could match, and a dwarf carried to safety. Can't show better'n that, I say!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Val nods as she listens to Brundir's words. "That makes sense. My people also respect actions over words." She winces as she thinks back to some of her reservations about Vark, wondering if perhaps they were more intertwined with her own distrust of orcs after their slaughter of her people with the frost giants. "You have given me much to think about it. Thank you for speaking with me about this." She assists him with gathering up all the food. "Come let us fill the bellies of these fools and perhaps we can find out more from them about their masters."
"Right! Speakin' of actions, we'll see if they're worth keepin' round 'ere. If they don't, I'm sure th' elves'd love to have a face fer the troubles they've had." Bründir steps lively, not wanting to dawdle in a place where looters may still linger with arms filled with food instead of blades.
For the walk along to the dungeon, he mulls over what exactly he could offer for loyalty, and what the plan was going forward. He hadn't considered what it would be like to have a proper keep like a lord, and he certainly didn't intend to keep up prisoner's needs like free tenants. He liked the idea of using the ritual circle to get around, but who would occupy and watch the keep. There was still far too much to do before he'd consider being left behind to play housekeeper.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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 shadows of the dungeon are filled with sullen glares staring out at Bründir and Valaith as the two approach their captives. A few step forwards to see what is coming, but most hang back warily.
A sudden resentment mingled in Bründir's mind with pity. They were the enemy, and the ragged clothes of those who actually fought did little to assuage the appearance. Still, this was a diplomatic mission to make friends, not shame enemies. He set down a platter and sack just out of arm's reach and surveyed the darkened faces.
"Alright. First thing's first: I'm Bründir, this is Val. We've brought plenty o' food. We're not slavers, an' we're not jailers. Fine enough folks fer that work in Hyranatar, an' they happen t'be good friends. So, eat an' enjoy. We've got questions an' rather just have a nice talk about it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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 prisoners watch Bründir with varying degrees of mistrust. However, with the food still out of reach, nobody moves towards the bars, instead opting to wait and see what comes next.
With a heavy sign, Bründir rummages through the sacks and grabs a pinch of various foods, "If we wanted to t'kill anyone, we'd've done it already rather'n let ye sit in a cage an' waste food. Still, what it's worth..." The dwarf pops the food in his mouth and slides his offerings to the bars. "We're here fer now in case any if you want to talk. If not, someone'll be back in a few hours."
After assessing the first reactions to safe offering, Bründir will press a first question, "Anyone want t'tell us exactly who it was runnin' things 'ere, an' what exactly they meant t'do below with that portal?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
A lanky-looking boy barely old enough to be considered a man scuttles forwards towards the bars, his face half concealed by a mop of straight dark hair. He grabs a hunk of bread before quickly withdrawing. Others begin to follow suit.
"You know that," he tells Bründir with a mouth full between bites. "Megren ran the show. She and her sisters wanted to claim the mantle of the Morrigan."
"Right, heard somethin' to that. But the questions more 'Why', than 'What'. I don' s'pose they meant t'get so far up an keep raidin' a trade road. They happen t'mention a plan forward?" Bründir settles on his haunches and pulls a skin of Elven mead, though he doesn't divulge the contents. "See, I come from mines. We don' swing an' break fer fun, an' we don' like ore veins enough t'dig'em up fer show. There's reasons near an' far in what I did, even if I didn' know it. I'm sure same goes fer all ye."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
"So just bein' a regular pain in ev'rybody's ass, then? No plans t'take over th' world? No one person lookin' fer vengeneance against an' all that?" Bründir does his best not to sound condescending, but the tone is inevitable, "Don' mind my sayin' but I'm sure I could find better work fer y'all in about ten minutes without usin' some old goddess' name or any work that'd have ye behind bars." Bründir stands and folds his arms over each other and surveys the others, "We're here fer a good while, maybe t'stay. We could use hands, but we don' want to worry over knives in our sleep. If y'all show we can work t'gether, might be a home 'ere or safe passage elsewhere. Enjoy the food, more'll come later on."
If no others have anything to say, Bründir will leave them with the offer of possible freedom on their minds.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Valaith rubs her arms as she ponders the questions that arise, but she cannot seem to piece together the importance of them. Maybe the others would know? "Come, let us return, Brundir before the others wonder what has become of us. You all," she points at the prisoners. "If you wish to make something better of yourselves, think on it. We shall return and maybe with an offer to perhaps atone for your mistakes."
Aiden takes the helmet and frowns at Thurston. "That's...not what I meant at all," Aiden says. "I just meant that if they had taken our fort, we would have tried to take it back." He laughs. "But don't be so sure what you would do, were you alone in the world with no friends and not a copper to your name."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"This is not their fort. They are not defending their land, or their families, or even their lives for they could have gone long hours ago. They were just evil man trying to obtain more profit from a sticky situation. Not everyone is able to redeem my friend. And thank to Thor stupid ones to dare to face us! " he puts a hand on the cleric's shoulder and he listen to his last sentences. "Oh, but I've been there my friend. As you know... and I choose not to be harm those who are weaker than me, but to protect them. The norns had our threads in their hands and only them know when and were they are going to cut it, but in the meantime, it's all about the choices we make. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Aiden just shakes his head at Thurston's words. The paladin was so sure of himself. He hoped that Thurston was right, but nobody truly knew what they would do in any given situation until they were in it.
"Very well," Aiden says. "We should go rejoin the others."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Val grins at the praise from Brundir. "You are quite the fighter yourself, Brundir Halfshield." She leans down and slaps him hard across the back and shoulders. "I am glad to see that not all your kind feel that way." They walk in companionable silence for a time before coming to the kitchen. When he asks about her treatment in the other dwarven hold she is quiet a moment. "Close to what I expected, except for their leader. He treated me with honor. I respect him for that. He seems like he was quite the warrior in his day."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Bründir goes about the landers, cellars, and cupboards. The stores were stocked, but there was a feeling of unease knowing some of it was likely taken from hungry mouths elsewhere. Ignoring the sensation, Bründir gathered loaves and fruit into a few sacks, cheese and meat into another, and filled a small cask with water from an interior well. Not a bad offering for a dozen souls thinking they're as likely to be executed as starve to death.
"Ma came from a Khaz, so she was close as I ever came to 'real' dwarves. 'Oldest dwarf born in Sheercleft might well be petty limestone compared to bedrock of a true Khaz', she used to say." Bründir paused a moment, realizing already he was going down a rabbit hole, "What I mean is, Dwarves never really lose the ways of the holds. We're a stubborn lot, an' we don' trust easy. We build up like a great wall: If ye manage t'get in, ye'll never worry. We respect results, not promises. Ye came t'Khaz a Gungron with a body count few could match, and a dwarf carried to safety. Can't show better'n that, I say!
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
Val nods as she listens to Brundir's words. "That makes sense. My people also respect actions over words." She winces as she thinks back to some of her reservations about Vark, wondering if perhaps they were more intertwined with her own distrust of orcs after their slaughter of her people with the frost giants. "You have given me much to think about it. Thank you for speaking with me about this." She assists him with gathering up all the food. "Come let us fill the bellies of these fools and perhaps we can find out more from them about their masters."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"Right! Speakin' of actions, we'll see if they're worth keepin' round 'ere. If they don't, I'm sure th' elves'd love to have a face fer the troubles they've had." Bründir steps lively, not wanting to dawdle in a place where looters may still linger with arms filled with food instead of blades.
For the walk along to the dungeon, he mulls over what exactly he could offer for loyalty, and what the plan was going forward. He hadn't considered what it would be like to have a proper keep like a lord, and he certainly didn't intend to keep up prisoner's needs like free tenants. He liked the idea of using the ritual circle to get around, but who would occupy and watch the keep. There was still far too much to do before he'd consider being left behind to play housekeeper.
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 shadows of the dungeon are filled with sullen glares staring out at Bründir and Valaith as the two approach their captives. A few step forwards to see what is coming, but most hang back warily.
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
A sudden resentment mingled in Bründir's mind with pity. They were the enemy, and the ragged clothes of those who actually fought did little to assuage the appearance. Still, this was a diplomatic mission to make friends, not shame enemies. He set down a platter and sack just out of arm's reach and surveyed the darkened faces.
"Alright. First thing's first: I'm Bründir, this is Val. We've brought plenty o' food. We're not slavers, an' we're not jailers. Fine enough folks fer that work in Hyranatar, an' they happen t'be good friends. So, eat an' enjoy. We've got questions an' rather just have a nice talk about it."
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 prisoners watch Bründir with varying degrees of mistrust. However, with the food still out of reach, nobody moves towards the bars, instead opting to wait and see what comes next.
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 heavy sign, Bründir rummages through the sacks and grabs a pinch of various foods, "If we wanted to t'kill anyone, we'd've done it already rather'n let ye sit in a cage an' waste food. Still, what it's worth..." The dwarf pops the food in his mouth and slides his offerings to the bars. "We're here fer now in case any if you want to talk. If not, someone'll be back in a few hours."
After assessing the first reactions to safe offering, Bründir will press a first question, "Anyone want t'tell us exactly who it was runnin' things 'ere, an' what exactly they meant t'do below with that portal?"
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
A lanky-looking boy barely old enough to be considered a man scuttles forwards towards the bars, his face half concealed by a mop of straight dark hair. He grabs a hunk of bread before quickly withdrawing. Others begin to follow suit.
"You know that," he tells Bründir with a mouth full between bites. "Megren ran the show. She and her sisters wanted to claim the mantle of the Morrigan."
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
"Right, heard somethin' to that. But the questions more 'Why', than 'What'. I don' s'pose they meant t'get so far up an keep raidin' a trade road. They happen t'mention a plan forward?" Bründir settles on his haunches and pulls a skin of Elven mead, though he doesn't divulge the contents. "See, I come from mines. We don' swing an' break fer fun, an' we don' like ore veins enough t'dig'em up fer show. There's reasons near an' far in what I did, even if I didn' know it. I'm sure same goes fer all ye."
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 boy shrugs and continues to eat, still watching the dwarf with cautious interest.
"Megren always talked about bringing chaos. To elves, to dwarves, to men. To punish those who built this place."
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
"So just bein' a regular pain in ev'rybody's ass, then? No plans t'take over th' world? No one person lookin' fer vengeneance against an' all that?" Bründir does his best not to sound condescending, but the tone is inevitable, "Don' mind my sayin' but I'm sure I could find better work fer y'all in about ten minutes without usin' some old goddess' name or any work that'd have ye behind bars." Bründir stands and folds his arms over each other and surveys the others, "We're here fer a good while, maybe t'stay. We could use hands, but we don' want to worry over knives in our sleep. If y'all show we can work t'gether, might be a home 'ere or safe passage elsewhere. Enjoy the food, more'll come later on."
If no others have anything to say, Bründir will leave them with the offer of possible freedom on their minds.
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
"Why punish those who built this place? What is it?" Val's words come with a curious twist to them.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
The boy hesitates with the bread half-way to his mouth as the intimidating goliath woman speaks for the first time.
"Th-They said that it was a prison for their grandfather," he explains, "built by elves and dwarves."
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
Valaith frowns. "Their grandfather? How old were those witches?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"I find it hard to tell with dragonborn. Honestly, I avoided them as much as I could," the boy admits with a shrug.
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
Valaith rubs her arms as she ponders the questions that arise, but she cannot seem to piece together the importance of them. Maybe the others would know? "Come, let us return, Brundir before the others wonder what has become of us. You all," she points at the prisoners. "If you wish to make something better of yourselves, think on it. We shall return and maybe with an offer to perhaps atone for your mistakes."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden