Nikolai's face goes impassive as Vark produces the artifact and he watches him very closely. His head jerks downward as one of the pouches on his shoulder holster begins to shake and vibrate. He stares at Vark, as he carefully gets to his feet as he begins to take in the positions of those around him, his hand slowly moving towards a strange object hanging from the other side of his shoulder holster. "Tell me, what do you all know about The Crimson King?" He says slowly and with great care.
The luminous vision leaves Vark dazed momentarily, and the codex drifts down to his lap as his eyes readjust to the flickering campfire. “That... that was Shahar? Wow... I... I’ve never seen anything like that.” Vark gives a brief description of the vision he saw before addressing Nikolai’s question.
”C-crimson King you said, right? Well... that does sound like Matthew. He has lots of names: Gabriel, Abbathor, Asmodeus... He was one of the four generals in the Shadow War, once a human king who turned into a devil. What do you know of him?”
Bründir carries more interest than his Norscan comrade, but largely keeps quiet since these are matters beyond his scope. He does, however, roll through the multitude of stories taught by his mother to see if anything sticks out as a match...
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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
Nikolai levels his gaze at Vark, his eyes boring into Vark's eyes. "So, it is you." He sighs heavily as he continues putting some distance between himself and the Acharnost. "I think we have much to discuss, or possibly nothing at all. I leave that decision to you." His hand removes a strange contraption from the holster as his left breast; it has an angled handle with a trigger mechanism much like a crossbow, but with a protective loop of metal bent around it and a cylindrical tube. "Shall we parley? Or shall we partake in the dance of death?"
Val, who had remained quiet during this talks, leaps to Vark's side, Rook at the ready and Larkin shimmering into being beside her. "I do not know what you want, stranger, but no harm will come to Vark while we stand with him. Do you not know death when you see it?"
Aiden had gotten to his feet when the tiefling did, fearing the worst was coming. But now, with the strange device in his hands and the challenge hanging in the air, his eyes crackle with blue lightning. Sparks dance down his arms and he speaks with a very clear, very level voice. "I would think very carefully about your next move, were I you."
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Vark remains seated, mouth agape, the ruby still clutched in his hands. He almost looks hurt by the sudden display of hostility. “We... we were parleying though... is... is the Crimson King an enemy of Shahar? Just because I wield his power doesn’t mean that I follow him I just... I’m just trying to learn what he’s after.” he says, a resolute edge finding its way into his voice.
At the not so veiled threat of the stranger Thurston swallows what he was eating and says.
”You see? Here is what I was talking before. All that weird magic and letting those entities into your mind and under your skin. You are clearly going mad if you think any of us will allow you to harm our friend.
Now, calm down and listen. To be honest we had our reservations before, as Vark said he didn’t trust his patron entirely and we are trying to know more. No raid party that knows his worth runs into a village without scouting it before. Same principle here. We need to know more. And Vark has proven himself more than once and against dire test. I will not allow any stranger in the woods to doubt this and threaten him. “ he looks intensely to Nikolai “I don’t want to see if your magic has turned your brains blue or green. Please calm down.”
Bründir leaps and follows the others. Karakarin and Dumdrengi bare themselves as a bulwark of steel while the dwarf positions himself at the forefront. "Yep, what they all said. If yer head's in it, then I say ye go through me first. Yer toy better have a damn good punch, though. I'm not fast, but ye don' want me up close."
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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
His stance seems to relax, the tenseness of his shoulders lessens noticeably. “It would seem that perhaps I misjudged the situation. I must speak with my patron on this, but they have the the instructions to locate the herald of the Crimson King and bring them back to the light or destroy them if they cannot be redeemed. If what you say is true, then it might seem that you are not the herald or Shahar does not see your inner desires.”
"Yep! No heralds or kings 'ere." Bründir's tone lifted, but his weapons took longer to follow suit, "Just a naive lad with a knack fer makin' friends too easy. If we're more calm now, how 'bout we share on th' trip? Seems we all know a lot about things goin' on, but it's just pieces of a bigger picture."
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 ride up through Hyarantar pass and into the Ice Cap Peaks takes another two days. Although this is a trail that most of the Acharnost are used to by now, the heavy, grey clouds that billow and swell in the skies above are like a physical manifestation of the looming threat of Cambrian invasion.
It's around noon when the riders crest the ridge beyond Lord Erik's monument, treating them to a view of the village spread out around the ravine below. Given the mounting risk of inclement weather, the sight of Sheercleft nestled in its valley with warm lights flickering in the windows of the buildings is a welcome one indeed.
"Come on now, just a little bit more "the rest couldn't tell if Thurston was speaking to them or the horses "Thor's isn't happy with this stupid Baron and his puny machinations and he will soon show us why the giants fear him. Better to be under a roof by then... "
Aiden's eyes flash as distant lightning crackles across the sky. "That, and rain makes you look like one of old Veldr's dogs after a swim," Aiden says with a laugh. But the foreboding of the storm isn't lost on the cleric, and his mood sours as they spur their horses toward the village. A tempest was brewing, more fierce than any storm he thought he would have to weather when he began accompanying Thurston and his companions.
He looks back at the tiefling that had been travelling with them. Vark seemed to be quick to trust him, but Aiden wasn't completely sure that Vark's judgement hadn't been compromised by the ruby he carried. This stranger might be a danger to them. Or he may be a help. Wherever Nikolai ended up on that spectrum, Aiden would be watching.
While the children of Thor see the brewing storm as an omen, Vark sees the dark clouds as a point of focus. The churning skies match the swell of thoughts that have been stirring inside the young sorcerer's head since they left Morloth. It's true that they ride into potential conflict, but Vark is at least confidant that Sheercleft will not be caught unaware.
"That is... concerning news. I wonder if the Mabinogi are behind this. I'll alert the guards." Seid's response came to Vark with a slight magical hum through the runestone. He'd nearly forgotten to send word ahead about the incoming Cambrians, but after that first long night talking to Nikolai he knew he had much to update the wizard on. "Shahar is actually an infernal word; it means 'dawn'. It’s not yet clear if we can trust this Nikolai, but he could possibly be a powerful ally."
As the days went on, Vark indeed pressed the possibility that the tiefling could become an ally in what was feeling more and more like an inevitable conflict with Matthew. When Vark had first used the runestone to gaze upon the celestial entity he'd had an idea. The way Shahar's light had filled the ruby, changing it briefly from crimson red to pearlescent white... could it be possible that Shahar was powerful enough to remove or even replace Matthew's hold on the runestone? Over the next few days Vark shared this idea with Nikolai, as well as all they had learned about the runestone from their foray into its depths. In turn Nikolai explained the way in which his patron communicated with him, and decided to consult Shahar on what the enigmatic celestial thought about Vark’z plan. Upon seeing the deck of cards Vark was reminded of the card that Matthew had gifted him to allow him to scry on Aureaonus. This is far more complex though and as the nine cards were produced from the deck, Vark had no idea what any of it could mean. “Uhm… well… we’re both magicians right? And so is Matthew… The Sun looks positive… kinda looks like Shahar actually…” It would take some time to completely decipher the cryptic response, and Vark was eager to see what Seid’s interpretation would be.
Thunder rumbles now as these thoughts whip around Vark’s mind just as the wind whips at his cloak, but a smile comes to the young hero’s lips as Sheercleft comes into view. Despite the turmoil within and without, it feels good to be home.
The guards on the western side of the village are clearly watching for the Acharnost's return. By the time the riders have reached the refurbished hobgoblin checkpoint, Brynja, Dorno and Seid have gathered to meet them.
"How'd'y'always manage to bring home more trouble than y'left with, hm, lad?" Bründir's mother scolds jovially, reaching up to embrace him.
Dorno merely waves a big, wide smile, while Seid makes a beeline for Vark.
"Who's this then?" Brynja adds, nodding to Nikolai.
"Who Nik? He's....well maybe not a friend, but might be a big help. Why'd'ya say he's trouble? Ya just met'im!" Bründir hugs his mother and motions to Nikolai, "Name's Nikolai, not sure where he came from, but we can figure all that with drinks an' food. Speakin' of, it's been a long trip, an' there's more'n a few stories needin' t'be said." The dwarf turns a moment to the others, "Drinks on Seid! Or maybe Nik. Thurston, Aiden, I don' need task if yer drinkin'. Norscans're always good fer it. Well, come on. Are we all jus' gonna stand 'round blockin' a gate sober?"
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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
Thurston sits and downs a mug of ale to recover from their last leg of the journey. .
"Listen. We've learned that some Baron is marching here with an army to take control of the city. We've assumed that, now that you are free wouldn't want some stupid Baron who has nothing to do here to come and start everyone telling what to do... We should start to prepare the city for a siege. But we do need more information. " he turns towards the magic-users "Any of your tricks could be used to take a look on this army, their numbers, if they have magic-users or clerics with them..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP Character: A few ;)
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Nikolai's face goes impassive as Vark produces the artifact and he watches him very closely. His head jerks downward as one of the pouches on his shoulder holster begins to shake and vibrate. He stares at Vark, as he carefully gets to his feet as he begins to take in the positions of those around him, his hand slowly moving towards a strange object hanging from the other side of his shoulder holster. "Tell me, what do you all know about The Crimson King?" He says slowly and with great care.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
As the two magic-users dive into the study of the arcane, once again, Thurston loses interest and looks around for the dinner.
PbP Character: A few ;)
The luminous vision leaves Vark dazed momentarily, and the codex drifts down to his lap as his eyes readjust to the flickering campfire. “That... that was Shahar? Wow... I... I’ve never seen anything like that.” Vark gives a brief description of the vision he saw before addressing Nikolai’s question.
”C-crimson King you said, right? Well... that does sound like Matthew. He has lots of names: Gabriel, Abbathor, Asmodeus... He was one of the four generals in the Shadow War, once a human king who turned into a devil. What do you know of him?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Bründir carries more interest than his Norscan comrade, but largely keeps quiet since these are matters beyond his scope. He does, however, roll through the multitude of stories taught by his mother to see if anything sticks out as a match...
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
Nikolai levels his gaze at Vark, his eyes boring into Vark's eyes. "So, it is you." He sighs heavily as he continues putting some distance between himself and the Acharnost. "I think we have much to discuss, or possibly nothing at all. I leave that decision to you." His hand removes a strange contraption from the holster as his left breast; it has an angled handle with a trigger mechanism much like a crossbow, but with a protective loop of metal bent around it and a cylindrical tube. "Shall we parley? Or shall we partake in the dance of death?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Val, who had remained quiet during this talks, leaps to Vark's side, Rook at the ready and Larkin shimmering into being beside her. "I do not know what you want, stranger, but no harm will come to Vark while we stand with him. Do you not know death when you see it?"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Aiden had gotten to his feet when the tiefling did, fearing the worst was coming. But now, with the strange device in his hands and the challenge hanging in the air, his eyes crackle with blue lightning. Sparks dance down his arms and he speaks with a very clear, very level voice. "I would think very carefully about your next move, were I you."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Vark remains seated, mouth agape, the ruby still clutched in his hands. He almost looks hurt by the sudden display of hostility. “We... we were parleying though... is... is the Crimson King an enemy of Shahar? Just because I wield his power doesn’t mean that I follow him I just... I’m just trying to learn what he’s after.” he says, a resolute edge finding its way into his voice.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
At the not so veiled threat of the stranger Thurston swallows what he was eating and says.
”You see? Here is what I was talking before. All that weird magic and letting those entities into your mind and under your skin. You are clearly going mad if you think any of us will allow you to harm our friend.
Now, calm down and listen. To be honest we had our reservations before, as Vark said he didn’t trust his patron entirely and we are trying to know more. No raid party that knows his worth runs into a village without scouting it before. Same principle here. We need to know more. And Vark has proven himself more than once and against dire test. I will not allow any stranger in the woods to doubt this and threaten him. “ he looks intensely to Nikolai “I don’t want to see if your magic has turned your brains blue or green. Please calm down.”
PbP Character: A few ;)
Bründir leaps and follows the others. Karakarin and Dumdrengi bare themselves as a bulwark of steel while the dwarf positions himself at the forefront. "Yep, what they all said. If yer head's in it, then I say ye go through me first. Yer toy better have a damn good punch, though. I'm not fast, but ye don' want me up close."
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
His stance seems to relax, the tenseness of his shoulders lessens noticeably. “It would seem that perhaps I misjudged the situation. I must speak with my patron on this, but they have the the instructions to locate the herald of the Crimson King and bring them back to the light or destroy them if they cannot be redeemed. If what you say is true, then it might seem that you are not the herald or Shahar does not see your inner desires.”
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"Yep! No heralds or kings 'ere." Bründir's tone lifted, but his weapons took longer to follow suit, "Just a naive lad with a knack fer makin' friends too easy. If we're more calm now, how 'bout we share on th' trip? Seems we all know a lot about things goin' on, but it's just pieces of a bigger picture."
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 ride up through Hyarantar pass and into the Ice Cap Peaks takes another two days. Although this is a trail that most of the Acharnost are used to by now, the heavy, grey clouds that billow and swell in the skies above are like a physical manifestation of the looming threat of Cambrian invasion.
It's around noon when the riders crest the ridge beyond Lord Erik's monument, treating them to a view of the village spread out around the ravine below. Given the mounting risk of inclement weather, the sight of Sheercleft nestled in its valley with warm lights flickering in the windows of the buildings is a welcome one indeed.
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
"Come on now, just a little bit more " the rest couldn't tell if Thurston was speaking to them or the horses "Thor's isn't happy with this stupid Baron and his puny machinations and he will soon show us why the giants fear him. Better to be under a roof by then... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Aiden's eyes flash as distant lightning crackles across the sky. "That, and rain makes you look like one of old Veldr's dogs after a swim," Aiden says with a laugh. But the foreboding of the storm isn't lost on the cleric, and his mood sours as they spur their horses toward the village. A tempest was brewing, more fierce than any storm he thought he would have to weather when he began accompanying Thurston and his companions.
He looks back at the tiefling that had been travelling with them. Vark seemed to be quick to trust him, but Aiden wasn't completely sure that Vark's judgement hadn't been compromised by the ruby he carried. This stranger might be a danger to them. Or he may be a help. Wherever Nikolai ended up on that spectrum, Aiden would be watching.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
While the children of Thor see the brewing storm as an omen, Vark sees the dark clouds as a point of focus. The churning skies match the swell of thoughts that have been stirring inside the young sorcerer's head since they left Morloth. It's true that they ride into potential conflict, but Vark is at least confidant that Sheercleft will not be caught unaware.
"That is... concerning news. I wonder if the Mabinogi are behind this. I'll alert the guards." Seid's response came to Vark with a slight magical hum through the runestone. He'd nearly forgotten to send word ahead about the incoming Cambrians, but after that first long night talking to Nikolai he knew he had much to update the wizard on. "Shahar is actually an infernal word; it means 'dawn'. It’s not yet clear if we can trust this Nikolai, but he could possibly be a powerful ally."
As the days went on, Vark indeed pressed the possibility that the tiefling could become an ally in what was feeling more and more like an inevitable conflict with Matthew. When Vark had first used the runestone to gaze upon the celestial entity he'd had an idea. The way Shahar's light had filled the ruby, changing it briefly from crimson red to pearlescent white... could it be possible that Shahar was powerful enough to remove or even replace Matthew's hold on the runestone? Over the next few days Vark shared this idea with Nikolai, as well as all they had learned about the runestone from their foray into its depths. In turn Nikolai explained the way in which his patron communicated with him, and decided to consult Shahar on what the enigmatic celestial thought about Vark’z plan. Upon seeing the deck of cards Vark was reminded of the card that Matthew had gifted him to allow him to scry on Aureaonus. This is far more complex though and as the nine cards were produced from the deck, Vark had no idea what any of it could mean. “Uhm… well… we’re both magicians right? And so is Matthew… The Sun looks positive… kinda looks like Shahar actually…” It would take some time to completely decipher the cryptic response, and Vark was eager to see what Seid’s interpretation would be.
Thunder rumbles now as these thoughts whip around Vark’s mind just as the wind whips at his cloak, but a smile comes to the young hero’s lips as Sheercleft comes into view. Despite the turmoil within and without, it feels good to be home.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The guards on the western side of the village are clearly watching for the Acharnost's return. By the time the riders have reached the refurbished hobgoblin checkpoint, Brynja, Dorno and Seid have gathered to meet them.
"How'd'y'always manage to bring home more trouble than y'left with, hm, lad?" Bründir's mother scolds jovially, reaching up to embrace him.
Dorno merely waves a big, wide smile, while Seid makes a beeline for Vark.
"Who's this then?" Brynja adds, nodding to Nikolai.
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
"Who Nik? He's....well maybe not a friend, but might be a big help. Why'd'ya say he's trouble? Ya just met'im!" Bründir hugs his mother and motions to Nikolai, "Name's Nikolai, not sure where he came from, but we can figure all that with drinks an' food. Speakin' of, it's been a long trip, an' there's more'n a few stories needin' t'be said." The dwarf turns a moment to the others, "Drinks on Seid! Or maybe Nik. Thurston, Aiden, I don' need task if yer drinkin'. Norscans're always good fer it. Well, come on. Are we all jus' gonna stand 'round blockin' a gate sober?"
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 baron, not the tiefling y'twit," Brynja retorts, slapping at Bründir's leg. "Come inside and let's 'ear what y'all have in mind."
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
Thurston sits and downs a mug of ale to recover from their last leg of the journey. .
"Listen. We've learned that some Baron is marching here with an army to take control of the city. We've assumed that, now that you are free wouldn't want some stupid Baron who has nothing to do here to come and start everyone telling what to do... We should start to prepare the city for a siege. But we do need more information. " he turns towards the magic-users "Any of your tricks could be used to take a look on this army, their numbers, if they have magic-users or clerics with them..."
PbP Character: A few ;)