"And I do not appreciate to be patronize by fiends. Godlike or not. Oh I am being polite. At least trying to be as what you civilized people call polite. But I was there. I had a talk to Vark. He wasn't the master of his own body. He wasn't aware of what he was doing. I am sure that you offered him a deal in that moment, but I am sure too that you use those deals in your own benefit. Look, I love the boy, and I respect him. In the name of that love and respect I am going to give you a vote of confidence. But if I smell the smallest treachery in your deals with him... it would probably end badly. "outside a distant thunder can be heard, just a rumor in the room they are gathered. "Now, let's put that behind us and focus in our current problem. We should be sure that there is still a Sheercleft when Vark returns. So this Marcellus is just a mad dog who has been released of its leash, hiring gnolls with the excuse that we are beneath himself. An honorable man conducts himself with honor no matter the status or his enemies, therefore he is no an honorable man, I do not care his titles or his status. I am concern about the people of Sheercleft and his troops, mercenary or regular. I am not afraid of him, if he want to fight us he will face the mighty wrath of the Archanost. But I do suspect he will not dare to face all of us at the same time. We should talk to Jex and start sleeping in the same room making turns as we do in the wild. He could send assasins in an attempt to diminish our numbers before they get here, and to crush the moral of our people. We also should contact the dwarves "he says mostly to Seid and Bründir "and make that naming you Lord oficial as fast as possible..."
Aiden notes the slight red glow around the whites of Gabe's eyes -- the same red that bled from Vark's magic, whenever he called on Matthew's power. Aiden quirks an eyebrow at the display. Surely it was unintentional. Surely Matthew didn't feel the need to make a show of his power to intimidate them -- not someone as sure of themselves as he. Either Matthew felt quite fanatical about his deals and the red glow was a reflection of that, or Thurston had touched a nerve with the fiend. Either way, the detail was interesting.
"Gabe," Aiden says, emphasizing the pseudonym for its obvious falseness. "You seem highly concerned with deals and contracts and the like. You are not making a contract with us right now, are you? Surely your assistance now comes as an extension of Vark's contract with you."
It was a fair question, in his mind. And it would poke Matthew's fanaticism or sensitivity about the issue.
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"If you had entered an agreement with me, you would know it," Gabe tells Aiden emphatically, "just as you know this name from your research. I am here as a favour. Nothing has been asked for in return."
Aiden nods, satisfied for now with that answer. He adds one more stipulation. "Do not take action of any sort, even against our enemies, without speaking to us first."
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
It had been 11 days since Nakia had arrived in Sheercleft. No sooner had she arrived than Jex was gone, one brief night, a hushed, rushed conversation and a letter and he had gone with the sun. That had always been his way. He had done well though, that she could not deny. He had completed his task and more and what he was building here could prove incredibly fruitful. She glances over the paperwork once again, running a hand through the blackened ends of hair that still clung to her head. He was clever, for sure, everything worked and the projections were good, but some of it was just not sensible, not efficient.
“Thank your stars that I am here so soon Jex, This could have cost a small fortune.”
Downstairs the volunteers were beginning to clang the pots and pans as the orphanage came to life. It had taken her little time to become a part of this family, even with no introduction from Jex, they seemed happy to take her word that she spoke for him, and she had enjoyed the days working alongside them. The schooling had needed looking at, Jex’s idea of education was rather different from hers and some of the lessons the children were learning seemed inappropriate and the teachers inadequate. Something she could soon fix though, much of her retinue was back in Quenlan, but soon they would begin to arrive. There was a tap on the door and a small boy poked his head inside. She greeted him with a wide smile.
“Good morning Barnaby, what news.”
The small boy shuffled his feet.
“He has not arrived, the kobolds watched all night. There is urm…”
Nakia smiles again warmly, inviting him to continue.
“You asked to hear about the tower, they all seem to be gathering, and we, we heard another voice, but we couldn’t get any closer. Maybe he snuck back in?”
Nakia nods and hands the boy a coin. “Thank you, most helpful. I will be late for breakfast, please save me some oats and warmed water, but do not wait for me.”
She pats Barnaby on the head as she leaves. As ever, her footsteps fall evenly, and from a distance even Jex would not know that she hurried. There was, to the canniest observer though, a slight pace to her steps as she stopped around the corner in the chapel to light the flame at the small alter behind the false wall, and to give her prayers to the deity whose likeness stared down at her from the stone. Extinguishing the flame as her prayers finish, she scatters the ash across the alter and pulls her cloak tight around her as she once again hurries across the square to the foot of the tower. There is no grace to her movement and her face is common and few would describe her as pretty, but the kindness in her eyes and soft tunes she often sung had few feeling anything but positive thoughts of her and she was well known and liked amongst the tavern dwellers and miners in the village despite her short time here. Nobody stopped or questioned as she entered the tower and climbed the staircase, hoping to listen at the door she finds it open though. Caught in an awkward situation, she considers turning around but worries it would look too strange. She instead taps, almost nervously to announce her presence.
“Excuse me, I saw you all arriving from across the way there, and just wondered if I might ask a question.”
Her eyes dart towards Gabe curiously, but she forces her attention back to those she has seen from the meetings and the blot.
Bründir's shoulders sank as Val entered the room. While he was glad to see her so conveniently arrive to join this unintended meeting, having her and Thurston here with Gabe could be a liability. Still, he figured transparency was best, even if damage control might be needed. "Yes, Thurston, we need t'rally Sheercleft t'gether. I'm still not feelin' it, but seems most want me fer it. We need a meeting, much as I don' want Sheercleft's people fightin' again."
He breathes a heavy sigh as he walks out from behind his desk to greet Val. In reality, he was trying to subtley interpose himself between her and Gabe. There'd be no talking to Val if she went off the deep end, but maybe she'd be hesitant to fight an ally. "Val, Gabe's, well...Matthew, I think? He's 'ere fer help...from Vark. Still a bit shaky on it all, ye didn't miss more'n a few minutes of it now."
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 raises a hand to forestall the dark look that comes to Valaith's eyes. He turns, looking to the newcomer. "Hello..." he says, his voice drawn out by curiosity. All sorts of newcomers today. He wasn't entirely sure she was new. He hadn't spent enough time in Sheercleft to know each and every face, but he felt that he would likely have recognized her if he had seen her around before. "What's your question?"
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Nakia glances around awkwardly again, apparently unaware of what was being discussed but clearly picking up on the tension following Brundir"s announcement.
"It's just it seems to me that on your most recent return you are a little light, I was hoping to know what happened to the wagon and the fool who drives it."
She gives an awkward smile, but some clear concern penetrates through in her voice.
Aiden stifles a laugh. He had learned many things in his short time with Jex, but he would not call the half-elf a fool. "I believe he's on a...business trip up north at the moment. How can we help you...?"
He trails off, fishing for a name from the woman.
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"He's on a.. we'll, that's just the... That irresponsible... If he'd just tell me... Argh" She balls her fists for a second before apparently gathering herself.
"Apologies sir, I'm Nakia. I was supposed to be working with Jex on this venture" she gestures out of the window. "Building is ready, they reckon we'll open in a week or so. But it seems I'm on my own with it. The children could really use some stability, they've worked hard and I know they'll be disappointed if he's not there, perhaps they could show you all around? The big heroes, it could make a real difference for them."
Aiden looks surprised, and turns to consider the others. They were the "big heroes," as Nakia said. Not many around Sheercleft knew him yet, and he would venture those that did knew him as the man who slaughtered a goat and splattered its blood everywhere.
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Val looks around at all these assembled strangers, this strange new woman.. and… the icy rage washes over her like a plunge into a frozen lake back in her homelands. Larkin’s spectral form flashes into view at her side as she grits her teeth to bite back the primal scream that threatens to burst forth. Her muscled shoulders heave with the ragged breaths as she turns towards the person. “Matthew?! As in the demon who has been swindled Vark?” Rook comes over her head as she unslings the weapon and Larkin shifts into a defensive stance. “Why are you standing here?! Kill him!!”
Nakia takes a step back, though anyone looking at her would see the fear doesn't reach her eyes.
"Well it seems you are busy, maybe I should come back. Fighting a demon, not usually the best... Maybe put the hammer down... Oh Jex would never forgive me..."
The holy symbol drops from her sleeve into her hand, raised aloft as she mutters a spell in a gutteral language of hisses and cracks and glottal stops. Wards glow in the air around Val, a minor protection in the face of a demon, but perhaps it could stop her getting hurt in the inevitable retaliation.
Aiden raises a hand, stepping into the space between Val and Matthew. "He has agreed to help us," he says in clear Breannian. "I believe that he is bonded by his word. At any rate, his interests align with ours for the moment." His eyes dart to Thurston, somewhat aware of the...well, if not relationship, then at least something...between the two. Say something.
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Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"Unlike you, oh mountain beauty, Vark has never consorted with demons."
Rooks head begins to crackle with obsidian sparks and the man gives the weapon a meaningful look.
"Perhaps you should not be so quick to judge. Your friend has entered every agreement with me of his own free will and fully aware of the conditions. In fact, I've been more than accommodating."
Gabe's eyes are drawn back over his shoulder towards Nakia as her ward springs up around the giantess.
“Well.. Jex leaved back at Morlo… Val!! Wait!!” He puts himself between Gabr and the woman and almost hugs her and whispers “Not now we do not know what he has done with the boy… be patient not now.. not here…”
He then turns slowly towards the fiend. “Save it. Do not start again with that. Do not push it…”
“No matter how many times you repeat a lie. It doesn’t turns into the truth. You controlled Vark. You took away his free will and possessed his body to use him as a tool in this world to free you. “ It is one of the few times the Norscan is not raising his voice but the tension can be felt in every word “But as I said earlier we will discuss that in due time. Wanna waste the morning dancing around this? I have better things to do.”
The Norscan holds Gabe's look.
"And I do not appreciate to be patronize by fiends. Godlike or not. Oh I am being polite. At least trying to be as what you civilized people call polite. But I was there. I had a talk to Vark. He wasn't the master of his own body. He wasn't aware of what he was doing. I am sure that you offered him a deal in that moment, but I am sure too that you use those deals in your own benefit. Look, I love the boy, and I respect him. In the name of that love and respect I am going to give you a vote of confidence. But if I smell the smallest treachery in your deals with him... it would probably end badly. " outside a distant thunder can be heard, just a rumor in the room they are gathered. "Now, let's put that behind us and focus in our current problem. We should be sure that there is still a Sheercleft when Vark returns. So this Marcellus is just a mad dog who has been released of its leash, hiring gnolls with the excuse that we are beneath himself. An honorable man conducts himself with honor no matter the status or his enemies, therefore he is no an honorable man, I do not care his titles or his status. I am concern about the people of Sheercleft and his troops, mercenary or regular. I am not afraid of him, if he want to fight us he will face the mighty wrath of the Archanost. But I do suspect he will not dare to face all of us at the same time. We should talk to Jex and start sleeping in the same room making turns as we do in the wild. He could send assasins in an attempt to diminish our numbers before they get here, and to crush the moral of our people. We also should contact the dwarves " he says mostly to Seid and Bründir "and make that naming you Lord oficial as fast as possible..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
Aiden notes the slight red glow around the whites of Gabe's eyes -- the same red that bled from Vark's magic, whenever he called on Matthew's power. Aiden quirks an eyebrow at the display. Surely it was unintentional. Surely Matthew didn't feel the need to make a show of his power to intimidate them -- not someone as sure of themselves as he. Either Matthew felt quite fanatical about his deals and the red glow was a reflection of that, or Thurston had touched a nerve with the fiend. Either way, the detail was interesting.
"Gabe," Aiden says, emphasizing the pseudonym for its obvious falseness. "You seem highly concerned with deals and contracts and the like. You are not making a contract with us right now, are you? Surely your assistance now comes as an extension of Vark's contract with you."
It was a fair question, in his mind. And it would poke Matthew's fanaticism or sensitivity about the issue.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"If you had entered an agreement with me, you would know it," Gabe tells Aiden emphatically, "just as you know this name from your research. I am here as a favour. Nothing has been asked for in return."
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 nods, satisfied for now with that answer. He adds one more stipulation. "Do not take action of any sort, even against our enemies, without speaking to us first."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Gabe responds with a laissez-faire shrug.
"As you wish."
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
It had been 11 days since Nakia had arrived in Sheercleft. No sooner had she arrived than Jex was gone, one brief night, a hushed, rushed conversation and a letter and he had gone with the sun. That had always been his way. He had done well though, that she could not deny. He had completed his task and more and what he was building here could prove incredibly fruitful. She glances over the paperwork once again, running a hand through the blackened ends of hair that still clung to her head. He was clever, for sure, everything worked and the projections were good, but some of it was just not sensible, not efficient.
“Thank your stars that I am here so soon Jex, This could have cost a small fortune.”
Downstairs the volunteers were beginning to clang the pots and pans as the orphanage came to life. It had taken her little time to become a part of this family, even with no introduction from Jex, they seemed happy to take her word that she spoke for him, and she had enjoyed the days working alongside them. The schooling had needed looking at, Jex’s idea of education was rather different from hers and some of the lessons the children were learning seemed inappropriate and the teachers inadequate. Something she could soon fix though, much of her retinue was back in Quenlan, but soon they would begin to arrive. There was a tap on the door and a small boy poked his head inside. She greeted him with a wide smile.
“Good morning Barnaby, what news.”
The small boy shuffled his feet.
“He has not arrived, the kobolds watched all night. There is urm…”
Nakia smiles again warmly, inviting him to continue.
“You asked to hear about the tower, they all seem to be gathering, and we, we heard another voice, but we couldn’t get any closer. Maybe he snuck back in?”
Nakia nods and hands the boy a coin. “Thank you, most helpful. I will be late for breakfast, please save me some oats and warmed water, but do not wait for me.”
She pats Barnaby on the head as she leaves. As ever, her footsteps fall evenly, and from a distance even Jex would not know that she hurried. There was, to the canniest observer though, a slight pace to her steps as she stopped around the corner in the chapel to light the flame at the small alter behind the false wall, and to give her prayers to the deity whose likeness stared down at her from the stone. Extinguishing the flame as her prayers finish, she scatters the ash across the alter and pulls her cloak tight around her as she once again hurries across the square to the foot of the tower. There is no grace to her movement and her face is common and few would describe her as pretty, but the kindness in her eyes and soft tunes she often sung had few feeling anything but positive thoughts of her and she was well known and liked amongst the tavern dwellers and miners in the village despite her short time here. Nobody stopped or questioned as she entered the tower and climbed the staircase, hoping to listen at the door she finds it open though. Caught in an awkward situation, she considers turning around but worries it would look too strange. She instead taps, almost nervously to announce her presence.
“Excuse me, I saw you all arriving from across the way there, and just wondered if I might ask a question.”
Her eyes dart towards Gabe curiously, but she forces her attention back to those she has seen from the meetings and the blot.
Bründir's shoulders sank as Val entered the room. While he was glad to see her so conveniently arrive to join this unintended meeting, having her and Thurston here with Gabe could be a liability. Still, he figured transparency was best, even if damage control might be needed. "Yes, Thurston, we need t'rally Sheercleft t'gether. I'm still not feelin' it, but seems most want me fer it. We need a meeting, much as I don' want Sheercleft's people fightin' again."
He breathes a heavy sigh as he walks out from behind his desk to greet Val. In reality, he was trying to subtley interpose himself between her and Gabe. There'd be no talking to Val if she went off the deep end, but maybe she'd be hesitant to fight an ally. "Val, Gabe's, well...Matthew, I think? He's 'ere fer help...from Vark. Still a bit shaky on it all, ye didn't miss more'n a few minutes of it now."
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 raises a hand to forestall the dark look that comes to Valaith's eyes. He turns, looking to the newcomer. "Hello..." he says, his voice drawn out by curiosity. All sorts of newcomers today. He wasn't entirely sure she was new. He hadn't spent enough time in Sheercleft to know each and every face, but he felt that he would likely have recognized her if he had seen her around before. "What's your question?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Nakia glances around awkwardly again, apparently unaware of what was being discussed but clearly picking up on the tension following Brundir"s announcement.
"It's just it seems to me that on your most recent return you are a little light, I was hoping to know what happened to the wagon and the fool who drives it."
She gives an awkward smile, but some clear concern penetrates through in her voice.
Aiden stifles a laugh. He had learned many things in his short time with Jex, but he would not call the half-elf a fool. "I believe he's on a...business trip up north at the moment. How can we help you...?"
He trails off, fishing for a name from the woman.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
"He's on a.. we'll, that's just the... That irresponsible... If he'd just tell me... Argh" She balls her fists for a second before apparently gathering herself.
"Apologies sir, I'm Nakia. I was supposed to be working with Jex on this venture" she gestures out of the window. "Building is ready, they reckon we'll open in a week or so. But it seems I'm on my own with it. The children could really use some stability, they've worked hard and I know they'll be disappointed if he's not there, perhaps they could show you all around? The big heroes, it could make a real difference for them."
Aiden looks surprised, and turns to consider the others. They were the "big heroes," as Nakia said. Not many around Sheercleft knew him yet, and he would venture those that did knew him as the man who slaughtered a goat and splattered its blood everywhere.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Val looks around at all these assembled strangers, this strange new woman.. and… the icy rage washes over her like a plunge into a frozen lake back in her homelands. Larkin’s spectral form flashes into view at her side as she grits her teeth to bite back the primal scream that threatens to burst forth. Her muscled shoulders heave with the ragged breaths as she turns towards the person. “Matthew?! As in the demon who has been swindled Vark?” Rook comes over her head as she unslings the weapon and Larkin shifts into a defensive stance. “Why are you standing here?! Kill him!!”
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Nakia takes a step back, though anyone looking at her would see the fear doesn't reach her eyes.
"Well it seems you are busy, maybe I should come back. Fighting a demon, not usually the best... Maybe put the hammer down... Oh Jex would never forgive me..."
The holy symbol drops from her sleeve into her hand, raised aloft as she mutters a spell in a gutteral language of hisses and cracks and glottal stops. Wards glow in the air around Val, a minor protection in the face of a demon, but perhaps it could stop her getting hurt in the inevitable retaliation.
Aiden raises a hand, stepping into the space between Val and Matthew. "He has agreed to help us," he says in clear Breannian. "I believe that he is bonded by his word. At any rate, his interests align with ours for the moment." His eyes dart to Thurston, somewhat aware of the...well, if not relationship, then at least something...between the two. Say something.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Aiden Olrikson | Human | Tempest Domain Cleric of Thor
Gabe chuckles and swaggers over towards Valaith.
"Unlike you, oh mountain beauty, Vark has never consorted with demons."
Rooks head begins to crackle with obsidian sparks and the man gives the weapon a meaningful look.
"Perhaps you should not be so quick to judge. Your friend has entered every agreement with me of his own free will and fully aware of the conditions. In fact, I've been more than accommodating."
Gabe's eyes are drawn back over his shoulder towards Nakia as her ward springs up around the giantess.
"What a pretty parlour trick," he notes.
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
“Well.. Jex leaved back at Morlo… Val!! Wait!!” He puts himself between Gabr and the woman and almost hugs her and whispers “Not now we do not know what he has done with the boy… be patient not now.. not here…”
He then turns slowly towards the fiend.
“Save it. Do not start again with that. Do not push it…”
PbP Character: A few ;)
Thurston stands almost a foot taller than Gabe, but he holds the Norscan's gaze as though they were eye to eye.
"You don't have to like the truth, but the song remains the same. Not one falsehood has passed my lips."
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 stares him in the eye.
“No matter how many times you repeat a lie. It doesn’t turns into the truth. You controlled Vark. You took away his free will and possessed his body to use him as a tool in this world to free you. “ It is one of the few times the Norscan is not raising his voice but the tension can be felt in every word “But as I said earlier we will discuss that in due time. Wanna waste the morning dancing around this? I have better things to do.”
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Indeed you do," Gabe quips back with a knowing smile, "you have my brother's servants in your midst to entertain."
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