"We could send out a scouting party," Aiden says. "There are not many ways into these mountains. They will certainly come through Quenlan pass." Aiden trails off, looking out the window of the tavern. "Maybe we could cut off their approach. In the pass, numbers mean very little. They would not be able to bring their full force to bear. A strong shield-wall could hold them and we could pour magic and arrows at them from the sides, given enough time to prepare."
He looks back to the table. "If we must fight. We should speak to this baron first. Tell him plainly that Sheercleft is not his property. Perhaps allow him to buy from the mines at a discounted rate. That is what he's after, no? The iron?"
"Cambria is tois hunder an' fifty miles awa'," Ringrut notes, cleaning a tankard behind the bar. "Ah dunnae kinn when thes baron sit it, but his army will need at leest a month tae march aw th' way up ben th' Wentwuid an' intae th' moontains."
At the mention of what the baron is after, Vark shares a worried glance with Seid who is sat right beside him at the long table. He seems about to say something, but Ringrut's information derails whatever he was about to say. "A month?!" An agitated breeze rustles his red streaked hair as he continues. "I thought- I thought they'd be here much sooner. If that's the case then we should go see Aury as soon as possible, if we leave tomorrow maybe we could go and be back before the baron gets here... maybe we could close up the pass a little with a rockslide before we leave to slow them down."
"I know you are worried for your friend, but I do think that we need to address this problem before leaving. Preparations can start here while we talk with the Thanes and then perhaps we could still have time to go and see Aury. I would not block the pass of the mountain. As Aiden said it could be used in our advantage and I wouldn't like to stop trade now that it has been resumed. Had that first caravan returned? We should talk with them or their guards to have more information about this pass... "
Aiden frowns. "The journey to Endelfjell is long and treacherous," he says. "Destroying a trade road would do more to harm Sheercleft than anything the baron could do." He pats the air in a placating gesture. "I know you are concerned for your friend, Vark, but I do not think it is wise for us to leave Sheercleft right now. We need to stay and make preparations."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Vark huffs. “It wouldn’t be long and treacherous if I went by myself. I can fly, and turn invisible, and- and teleport... OH! I could teleport to Wydrioth! We’d just need to uncover the circle here... look I know we need to make sure Sheercleft is safe but... I don’t know what I’d do to help prepare anyway. Seid,” he turns to the wizard with a pleading look in his eyes. “I was already thinking about that one spell in that spellbook in the library, the one that can summon a mount... I’m pretty sure I could learn it and it’d be faster than a regular horse, and if I teleported to Wydrioth I’d be at Endelfjell in no time! Ya know now that I think about it... I’m pretty sure Aury has a circle too... coming back would be even faster! Aury is the only one we know who might know something about Matthew and the dawn gods and Shahar... I’m concerned about him yeah, but he could also help us figure all this stuff out... and... maybe you could come with me? I’d... I’d like you to meet him.” He gulps down the welling emotions and turns back to the others. “What do you guys think? We’d be back before the baron gets here, I promise.”
"I still do not think it is wise," Aiden says. "And will you be drawing on Matthew's power to do this? That could be dangerous in and of itself." He shakes his head, then shrugs. "But you're an adult. Nobody can keep you here if you really feel you must go."
He looks at Thurston. "How was the circle here buried? If we can clear it for Vark, we could bury it again." He looks back to Vark and Seid. "Then, once you've found...Aury?...Aury's circle, you can send us a message and we can unbury it, then cover it again once you're through."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Damnit, Vark!" Bründir leaps slaps the table and leaps from his seat. The sudden burst of energy overshadows the look on his face, "Don' ya dare go seein' a damned lightnin' giant an' take just him. I'd give my right foot, my left eye, an' a whole lot of others with pairs t'see'im, let alone meet'im. Takin' just Seid, well...well that just wouldn' be fair." The dwarf flops back down in his seat, a wall of mugs growing before him and threatening to block him from the world.
"Fact is, yer right, though. This baron ****'s got Mabinogi about'im it might s'well be their banner comin'. If yer Aury can help us - myself preferrin' a bit more personal touch - then I say we take it. Ya made th' trip 'ere b'fore, so how was it then? Think ya mentioned bein' thrown off a mountain, yeah? Well, now yer jus' climbing back up, right?"
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
Brynja sighs and sets her mug back down on the table with a soft thud.
"Aye, the Cambrian soldiers'll likely take some time t'march up int' the mountains," she admits, nodding towards Ringrut in confirmation. "Common levies an' their supplies don' travel more than eight t'ten miles a day, so such an army'd take most of a month to march 'ere. 'Owever," the dwarf continues, eyeing each of the Acharnost in turn, "when did y'speak with the marquise, Vark? Two, three days ago? How long 'as she known that Reventlow is on 'is way? How long before then did 'e set out? They could be 'alf way 'ere already, an tha's not all. A fast rider can make that self same journey in three, four days. We 'ave to assume that 'e has eyes an' ears in the village."
Next, Brynja turns her focus on Vark.
"Lad. What'll y'do if y'cannae reach the circle? What if it's too dangerous an' y'ave t'turn back or get y'self killed tryin'? If there's one thing I know about you lot, it's that yer stronger t'gether. When the time comes, they need y'ere an' you need them wit ye."
Bründir muses behind his mugs, drifting into a listless stupor only once in the process. "Who d'we trust? Gonna take more'n just a few t'sniff a spy. Shit, this bastard might be knockin' our door in a fortnight!" The dwarf's escalating revelation caused him to rise above his drinks once more, "We'll need to t'muster our force, send riders down th'passes, an'ave ev'ry forge burnin' through th' nights."
"Vark," Bründir turns with a sudden epiphany, "I'm sorry t'take yer moment, an' I want t'see ya go, but can ya maybe jus' send word fer Khaz a Gungron letting lettin'em know? Ya got family, if a bit dif'rent, with Aury. I won' keep ya, but I'm jus' askin' ya t'help fer t'day."
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
Thurston first replies to Aiden about the condition of the circle.
"I maybe had tried to prevent those wizards to use it to appear on our backs uninvited...."
Then he hears the rest
"Vark my friend I know that you are worried about your friend. And there are things that keep showing and keeping us away from this. I tell you what... let's try to find as much information of this Baron and his army as we can. Start preparations here, contact the dwarves and once all has started and all is set in motion we see what time window and options do we have. Do we all agree?" he says looking around to the other Archanost. "Well, if so... let's see. Tell me, oh makers of wonders " he looks primary to the magic-users present, including the tiefling "any of your abilities could help us now to obtain some information?"
“I-... well-... if-...“ Vark stammers, clearly frustrated at the situation but unable to blame his companions for their concerns. At last he sighs and stares down at the table. “If they are almost here already then that’s different. Jex should be back soon and he’s the best at scouting and figuring out if there are spies... I could try to scry on them but that would be ‘drawing on Matthew’s power’.” He says snarkily, glancing at Aiden. “I could try to use the phantom steed to ride out towards Cambria until I get eyes on them. But if they are far away then that’d be a waste of time. I can also just ask Lady Wydrioth if she knows when the baron left.” He tilts his head into his hand and his daze goes distant again as he tries to consider every possibility. “But if it turns out that they are more than ten days away.... then I’m going.” He straightens, and looks at each of the Acharnost in turn. “I’m sorry but... Matthew is a bigger problem than the baron, and Aury... well he’s my oldest friend. I have to know that he’s okay. I do know that you all will be okay without me here... if it comes to that. And hey... if it does come to that then maybe I can bring Aureaonus back with me.” he says with a smile.
"Good lad! I like that plan. We'll be fine 'ere, Vark. We've got Seid, th' whole Archarnost ready, an' a town still pissed 'bout goblins takin' over. Ya need t'focus on gettin' there'n back with a giant friend." Bründir happily waved over another round of drinks at the prospect of such a meeting happening in his own town.
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
"Just remember," Brynja interjects, holding out a hand to slow Bründir's roll, "even if y'can win the battle, spears an' swords won't win this war. Lords an' ladies don't like the idea o'common folk with nobody t'tell'em what t'do. Y've gotta give 'em somethin' that they understand. A leader. A face for Sheercleft, even if it's only a figurehead."
"Whatever you decide," Aiden says, looking from Vark, to Brynja, to Bründir, and back to Vark, "Let me know." He throws back the ale that Bründir had called over and stands up, with a glance at Thurston. "We have a Blót to prepare for. Is there someone I can purchase a goat or a pig from somewhere? Even a cow."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
A deep chuckle rumbles from behind the bar where Ringrut is serving a miner his drink.
"Yoo'll be stoaner pushed tae fin' a coo 'at someone's willin' tae seel an' pig's only rarely gie brooght up frae Breanne, but goat's ur plentiful in th' moontains. Stoaner tae tam thocht. Ye micht want tae sae yer coin an' gang huntin'!"
Aiden blinks once, understanding about every other word of the dwarven bartender's statement. "A goat it is then. Thank you," he says, nodding to Ringrut. "I need a live animal, and I'm not much good with snares." He makes for the door, turning back to look at Thurston. "Join me at the temple when you can. I'll get a goat and prepare."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Bründir shakes his head at the two Norscans, "Ef i's not a scrap, it's blood. Cannae jus' drink an' be happy, a'ways some god wants this're that." The dwarf had to stop himself a moment as he remembered Dumdrengi still hung from his hip. Since Khaz a Gungron, the weapon had become more than a special blade. It was a symbol of one divinely chosen. Aside from purging Morrigan forces, Bründir had done little for the sake of Moradin. His ales seem to lose their flavor as he spent a moment in reflection since his renewal at the Dwarven hold.
"Ma, who's best t'lead Sheercleft? Yer right we need someone, but who?" Thoughts of ambition and status could help but slip into Bründir's thoughts, but pride was mixed with apprehension at the notion.
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
Brynja fixes Bründir with a look that says "don't ask stupid questions, boy."
"Every one of you 'as my respect an' gratitude for all ye've done for Sheercleft an' my lad," she tells the rest of the Acharnost, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "More 'an that; ye've won the 'earts of the people too. No mean feat, mark my words, but, still, I won't lie t'ye. It only goes so far in the face o' centuries o' fightin' an' ol' grudges."
"Who's best t'lead Sheercleft?" Brynja continues, turning her gaze back to Bründir. "That'd be a leader who they'll follow without question. That means not an orc, or a giant. Not an elf, or a ravager. It means one o' their own, who fought for 'em when all seemed lost. There's only one choice 'ere in this room."
Despite her low voice, the chatter of the other miners about the common room slowly falls silent as Brynja talks. She finishes and the air feels thick and alive with static. A tankard thumps on a table top. A boot stamps against the stone floor. First one and then another and another. Chairs scrape and men stand with a single word on their lips. A chant to the beat of miner's feet and thundering tables.
Bründir let out long sigh, emphasized with a long "Shit..." he knew he wasn't disliked, but he'd never dreamed of actually becoming a hero. A hand fell from the table and came to rest on Dumdrengi. His mind looked for some comfort or guidance in the cold steel. "S'there a word fer yes an' no?"
Leaping to his seat, Bründir relished the attention for a moment before giving a grateful wave and sitting down. As the chanting died, he leaned over toward the others, "I wasn't much fer Quinton, an' I hated his seat after'e died. Th' thought of it still feels like'im. I want what's best fer home, but I don' want that. I'd be a noble, right? All posh an' stuffy." Likely the drinks, but a melancholy fell over the boisterous dwarf.
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
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"We could send out a scouting party," Aiden says. "There are not many ways into these mountains. They will certainly come through Quenlan pass." Aiden trails off, looking out the window of the tavern. "Maybe we could cut off their approach. In the pass, numbers mean very little. They would not be able to bring their full force to bear. A strong shield-wall could hold them and we could pour magic and arrows at them from the sides, given enough time to prepare."
He looks back to the table. "If we must fight. We should speak to this baron first. Tell him plainly that Sheercleft is not his property. Perhaps allow him to buy from the mines at a discounted rate. That is what he's after, no? The iron?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Cambria is tois hunder an' fifty miles awa'," Ringrut notes, cleaning a tankard behind the bar. "Ah dunnae kinn when thes baron sit it, but his army will need at leest a month tae march aw th' way up ben th' Wentwuid an' intae th' moontains."
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
At the mention of what the baron is after, Vark shares a worried glance with Seid who is sat right beside him at the long table. He seems about to say something, but Ringrut's information derails whatever he was about to say. "A month?!" An agitated breeze rustles his red streaked hair as he continues. "I thought- I thought they'd be here much sooner. If that's the case then we should go see Aury as soon as possible, if we leave tomorrow maybe we could go and be back before the baron gets here... maybe we could close up the pass a little with a rockslide before we leave to slow them down."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"I know you are worried for your friend, but I do think that we need to address this problem before leaving. Preparations can start here while we talk with the Thanes and then perhaps we could still have time to go and see Aury. I would not block the pass of the mountain. As Aiden said it could be used in our advantage and I wouldn't like to stop trade now that it has been resumed. Had that first caravan returned? We should talk with them or their guards to have more information about this pass... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Aiden frowns. "The journey to Endelfjell is long and treacherous," he says. "Destroying a trade road would do more to harm Sheercleft than anything the baron could do." He pats the air in a placating gesture. "I know you are concerned for your friend, Vark, but I do not think it is wise for us to leave Sheercleft right now. We need to stay and make preparations."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Vark huffs. “It wouldn’t be long and treacherous if I went by myself. I can fly, and turn invisible, and- and teleport... OH! I could teleport to Wydrioth! We’d just need to uncover the circle here... look I know we need to make sure Sheercleft is safe but... I don’t know what I’d do to help prepare anyway. Seid,” he turns to the wizard with a pleading look in his eyes. “I was already thinking about that one spell in that spellbook in the library, the one that can summon a mount... I’m pretty sure I could learn it and it’d be faster than a regular horse, and if I teleported to Wydrioth I’d be at Endelfjell in no time! Ya know now that I think about it... I’m pretty sure Aury has a circle too... coming back would be even faster! Aury is the only one we know who might know something about Matthew and the dawn gods and Shahar... I’m concerned about him yeah, but he could also help us figure all this stuff out... and... maybe you could come with me? I’d... I’d like you to meet him.” He gulps down the welling emotions and turns back to the others. “What do you guys think? We’d be back before the baron gets here, I promise.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"I still do not think it is wise," Aiden says. "And will you be drawing on Matthew's power to do this? That could be dangerous in and of itself." He shakes his head, then shrugs. "But you're an adult. Nobody can keep you here if you really feel you must go."
He looks at Thurston. "How was the circle here buried? If we can clear it for Vark, we could bury it again." He looks back to Vark and Seid. "Then, once you've found...Aury?...Aury's circle, you can send us a message and we can unbury it, then cover it again once you're through."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Damnit, Vark!" Bründir leaps slaps the table and leaps from his seat. The sudden burst of energy overshadows the look on his face, "Don' ya dare go seein' a damned lightnin' giant an' take just him. I'd give my right foot, my left eye, an' a whole lot of others with pairs t'see'im, let alone meet'im. Takin' just Seid, well...well that just wouldn' be fair." The dwarf flops back down in his seat, a wall of mugs growing before him and threatening to block him from the world.
"Fact is, yer right, though. This baron ****'s got Mabinogi about'im it might s'well be their banner comin'. If yer Aury can help us - myself preferrin' a bit more personal touch - then I say we take it. Ya made th' trip 'ere b'fore, so how was it then? Think ya mentioned bein' thrown off a mountain, yeah? Well, now yer jus' climbing back up, right?"
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
Brynja sighs and sets her mug back down on the table with a soft thud.
"Aye, the Cambrian soldiers'll likely take some time t'march up int' the mountains," she admits, nodding towards Ringrut in confirmation. "Common levies an' their supplies don' travel more than eight t'ten miles a day, so such an army'd take most of a month to march 'ere. 'Owever," the dwarf continues, eyeing each of the Acharnost in turn, "when did y'speak with the marquise, Vark? Two, three days ago? How long 'as she known that Reventlow is on 'is way? How long before then did 'e set out? They could be 'alf way 'ere already, an tha's not all. A fast rider can make that self same journey in three, four days. We 'ave to assume that 'e has eyes an' ears in the village."
Next, Brynja turns her focus on Vark.
"Lad. What'll y'do if y'cannae reach the circle? What if it's too dangerous an' y'ave t'turn back or get y'self killed tryin'? If there's one thing I know about you lot, it's that yer stronger t'gether. When the time comes, they need y'ere an' you need them wit ye."
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
Bründir muses behind his mugs, drifting into a listless stupor only once in the process. "Who d'we trust? Gonna take more'n just a few t'sniff a spy. Shit, this bastard might be knockin' our door in a fortnight!" The dwarf's escalating revelation caused him to rise above his drinks once more, "We'll need to t'muster our force, send riders down th'passes, an'ave ev'ry forge burnin' through th' nights."
"Vark," Bründir turns with a sudden epiphany, "I'm sorry t'take yer moment, an' I want t'see ya go, but can ya maybe jus' send word fer Khaz a Gungron letting lettin'em know? Ya got family, if a bit dif'rent, with Aury. I won' keep ya, but I'm jus' askin' ya t'help fer t'day."
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 first replies to Aiden about the condition of the circle.
"I maybe had tried to prevent those wizards to use it to appear on our backs uninvited...."
Then he hears the rest
"Vark my friend I know that you are worried about your friend. And there are things that keep showing and keeping us away from this. I tell you what... let's try to find as much information of this Baron and his army as we can. Start preparations here, contact the dwarves and once all has started and all is set in motion we see what time window and options do we have. Do we all agree?" he says looking around to the other Archanost. "Well, if so... let's see. Tell me, oh makers of wonders " he looks primary to the magic-users present, including the tiefling "any of your abilities could help us now to obtain some information?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
“I-... well-... if-...“ Vark stammers, clearly frustrated at the situation but unable to blame his companions for their concerns. At last he sighs and stares down at the table. “If they are almost here already then that’s different. Jex should be back soon and he’s the best at scouting and figuring out if there are spies... I could try to scry on them but that would be ‘drawing on Matthew’s power’.” He says snarkily, glancing at Aiden. “I could try to use the phantom steed to ride out towards Cambria until I get eyes on them. But if they are far away then that’d be a waste of time. I can also just ask Lady Wydrioth if she knows when the baron left.” He tilts his head into his hand and his daze goes distant again as he tries to consider every possibility. “But if it turns out that they are more than ten days away.... then I’m going.” He straightens, and looks at each of the Acharnost in turn. “I’m sorry but... Matthew is a bigger problem than the baron, and Aury... well he’s my oldest friend. I have to know that he’s okay. I do know that you all will be okay without me here... if it comes to that. And hey... if it does come to that then maybe I can bring Aureaonus back with me.” he says with a smile.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Good lad! I like that plan. We'll be fine 'ere, Vark. We've got Seid, th' whole Archarnost ready, an' a town still pissed 'bout goblins takin' over. Ya need t'focus on gettin' there'n back with a giant friend." Bründir happily waved over another round of drinks at the prospect of such a meeting happening in his own town.
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
"Just remember," Brynja interjects, holding out a hand to slow Bründir's roll, "even if y'can win the battle, spears an' swords won't win this war. Lords an' ladies don't like the idea o'common folk with nobody t'tell'em what t'do. Y've gotta give 'em somethin' that they understand. A leader. A face for Sheercleft, even if it's only a figurehead."
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
"Whatever you decide," Aiden says, looking from Vark, to Brynja, to Bründir, and back to Vark, "Let me know." He throws back the ale that Bründir had called over and stands up, with a glance at Thurston. "We have a Blót to prepare for. Is there someone I can purchase a goat or a pig from somewhere? Even a cow."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
A deep chuckle rumbles from behind the bar where Ringrut is serving a miner his drink.
"Yoo'll be stoaner pushed tae fin' a coo 'at someone's willin' tae seel an' pig's only rarely gie brooght up frae Breanne, but goat's ur plentiful in th' moontains. Stoaner tae tam thocht. Ye micht want tae sae yer coin an' gang huntin'!"
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 blinks once, understanding about every other word of the dwarven bartender's statement. "A goat it is then. Thank you," he says, nodding to Ringrut. "I need a live animal, and I'm not much good with snares." He makes for the door, turning back to look at Thurston. "Join me at the temple when you can. I'll get a goat and prepare."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Bründir shakes his head at the two Norscans, "Ef i's not a scrap, it's blood. Cannae jus' drink an' be happy, a'ways some god wants this're that." The dwarf had to stop himself a moment as he remembered Dumdrengi still hung from his hip. Since Khaz a Gungron, the weapon had become more than a special blade. It was a symbol of one divinely chosen. Aside from purging Morrigan forces, Bründir had done little for the sake of Moradin. His ales seem to lose their flavor as he spent a moment in reflection since his renewal at the Dwarven hold.
"Ma, who's best t'lead Sheercleft? Yer right we need someone, but who?" Thoughts of ambition and status could help but slip into Bründir's thoughts, but pride was mixed with apprehension at the notion.
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
Brynja fixes Bründir with a look that says "don't ask stupid questions, boy."
"Every one of you 'as my respect an' gratitude for all ye've done for Sheercleft an' my lad," she tells the rest of the Acharnost, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "More 'an that; ye've won the 'earts of the people too. No mean feat, mark my words, but, still, I won't lie t'ye. It only goes so far in the face o' centuries o' fightin' an' ol' grudges."
"Who's best t'lead Sheercleft?" Brynja continues, turning her gaze back to Bründir. "That'd be a leader who they'll follow without question. That means not an orc, or a giant. Not an elf, or a ravager. It means one o' their own, who fought for 'em when all seemed lost. There's only one choice 'ere in this room."
Despite her low voice, the chatter of the other miners about the common room slowly falls silent as Brynja talks. She finishes and the air feels thick and alive with static. A tankard thumps on a table top. A boot stamps against the stone floor. First one and then another and another. Chairs scrape and men stand with a single word on their lips. A chant to the beat of miner's feet and thundering tables.
"Halfshield. Halfshield. Halfshield. Halfshield."
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
Bründir let out long sigh, emphasized with a long "Shit..." he knew he wasn't disliked, but he'd never dreamed of actually becoming a hero. A hand fell from the table and came to rest on Dumdrengi. His mind looked for some comfort or guidance in the cold steel. "S'there a word fer yes an' no?"
Leaping to his seat, Bründir relished the attention for a moment before giving a grateful wave and sitting down. As the chanting died, he leaned over toward the others, "I wasn't much fer Quinton, an' I hated his seat after'e died. Th' thought of it still feels like'im. I want what's best fer home, but I don' want that. I'd be a noble, right? All posh an' stuffy." Likely the drinks, but a melancholy fell over the boisterous dwarf.
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