Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"

The warm, dry air and the moonlit sky of the Dessarin Valley welcome you as you exit Lance Rock, Rumble's axe a stoic, unmoving guardian. This late into the evening, you may be able to travel for only around an hour or so before having to stop and set up camp to rest your weary bones; no matter the destination, the choice of where to camp is the most pressing question awaiting answer.

Current Leads:

1. Bandits: Constable Harburk Tuthmarillar has heard rumors of a bandit lair south of town.
2. Ghost: Pell Mhandyver claims to have spotted a ghost near an old tomb near the hills outside of town.
3. Tricklerock Cave: Albaeri Mellikho pointed you here to rumors of legendary treasure.
4. Lance Rock: Kaylessa Irkell believes the source of many of Red Larch's woes can be traced here. You discovered that a necromancer dubbing himself the Lord of Lance Rock had taken roost within the rock's caverns, and swiftly dispatched him, but have not yet report this to Kaylessa.

Melek insists upon halting before dusk fully settles, claiming a need for prayer as well as rest. Once camp is made, he withdraws a short distance. There he kneels, the summoned blade resting upright before him, hands clasped over its golden pommel. No words pass his lips. Instead, he breathes... slow, deliberate inhalations and exhalations, as though drawing something unseen into his lungs and releasing it again to the darkening sky. When he returns, he carries a small kettle and prepares tea with quiet care. Only once seated does he begin

I told thee already of the man in my dreams, somewhere deep beneath the earth. It was not this Lord of Lance Rock. No, the figure of which I dreamt was greater than he... noble in bearing, but dreadful beyond reckoning.

Melek studies the steam rising from his cup as if searching it for the next words to speak.

Much of what I tell is impressions only: feelings, vague images. But his power was unmistakeable: power over the earth... Not the craft of a hedge-wizard, no. Vast, godlike Power... to mold the very earth to his will, to wield it like a weapon, and even to give it life.

A breeze stirs the flames of the campfire as Melek's voice lowers, his head slowly shaking from side to side.

And the faces... I remember the faces of his victims, of those who beheld his countenance... Such terror I have never seen... Whether they were his subjects or his slaves, I cannot say. But this I know: he is evil. And it is the will of my god that he be stopped.

Melek cools his tea with a gentle breath and sips it.

The dreams came, again and again, each different from the last. I made careful note of the images I saw: rolling hills, fields, canyons. With guidance I learned these to be scenes of the valley of the Dessarin. From Waterdeep I travelled. When I passed through Amphail, I knew I had come to the place of my visions.

The breeze returns, caressing his long hair and the edges of his robes. Melek looks into the faces of his companions, his voice stronger, resolve evident in the fix of his jaw.

Rumours and signs reached me of a disfiguring plague. I followed along the fringes of the Westwood and discovered the cave in which ye found me. The necromancer was unlucky chance. But perhaps the symbol of the eye has meaning. Perhaps in Red Larch or the hills beyond I will find signs or clues. That is where I must go.

When Aldric realizes how late it is — perhaps someone else points it out to him — he considers their options. "If we believe we have all but exterminated the many hazards of Lance Rock, perhaps we should camp inside and set off for Red Larch at sunrise or a little before?" He looks around at the others, inviting their opinions as well on this matter with only a slight scowl.

Arkun walks over to Brandy, patting her on the neck and gathering her for Rylan.  “That is fine with me.  As long as we are outside, here, rather than in that place.  We can set up watches, I only require 4 hours of rest.  I think all of us could use it after that.”  After Rylan has hold of her reins, Arkun walks around the nearby area, looking for any small critters that he can talk to.  After he has ritually cast speak with animals and asked about any other “danger” or “big folk” in the area, he goes to sit down leaning his back against the rock of the cave, crossing his legs and enters a trance like state.  He plans to take the late watch, his eyes used to the darkness.  He will converse with any animals nearby that will help him pass the time as he watches over their bruised and battered crew through the night.  

While Rumble hadn't been in any real physical state to make the journey through the night, neither had he balked at the prospect. Yet until Aldric added to Melek's entreaties, the genasi held firm in stance, if not in voice. A small sigh of relief nevertheless slipped out with the senior knight seeming to at least consider the option. "I mean, uhh, sounds good to me too, sir. I'll take second shift, if'n that's alright. I'm gonna grab a couple things from the cave real quick." He waits a beat to gauge Aldric's response (and maybe for added instruction), before either setting off back inside the cave or falling in line with whatever direction the older Orc commands.

If left to his own devices however, several minutes pass before he returns to the cave entrance carrying the legs of a wood table he meant to add to whatever campfire might've been struck up in his absence, if not to use to create one. No matter the case, Rumble works quietly and as deligently as injuries would allow him. "... Heh. This guy sounds like my ma." Rumble commented on after listening to Melek's story. At any looks of disapproval, confusion, or disdain, the genasi awkwardly clears his throat and adds, "I-I'm not saying that in jest. In case it wasn't already obvious, I'm... not from this plane of existence. Same goes for many of my ilk -- not all, but many." He confesses. "And while I couldn't say she's a goddess per se, back on my home plane, she darn near is. But, uhm... yer say'n this fella got designs on the material plane? And might've even been the one backing the Lord of Lance Rock?"

Melek looks thoughtfully at Rumble. He'd noticed the genasi of course, but hadn't thought to make a connection with the images of his dream. 

I don't think... Well it's possible that the man was... like thee, but I always assumed he was a mortal. A human. But I cannot say with certainty. Are there nobility in the Inner Planes?

Still, he couldn't see the connection between his dream and the Lord of Lance Rock. This necromancer had no earth-altering power, and there had been no eye symbol in his dream. Most likely this was just a random chance encounter.

Despite his elf-like appearance, Melek still requires sleep, and offers to take the third watch.

"Wha...What?" Said Rumble, squinting at Melek. He then chuckled a little and waved a hand in dismissal. "N-no, that wasn't what I... That weren't what I was getting at -- and to be clear, I'm quite mortal myself, fer the record." He sighs. "Same can't be said for my mother, but I digress." He paused for a moment to rub at his face and recenter himself, before utimately continuing: "Uhmm... To answer yer other question, there are indeed a sort of nobility amongst the various residents of the Planes -- the Plane of Earth included. My mother even inspired to join their ranks in the City of Jewels, but given the rebellion that led to my father, myself, and the freedom of several others, I'd imagine she's been set back on that particular endeavor for some time." 

Aldric sits by the fire, cleaning first his battleaxe and then his unused greatsword. He takes great care, using long, intentional strokes and inspecting his work in the firelight carefully. Only after he is fully satisfied does he break into a ration to soothe his belly. He dribbles some water over it to soften it some before chewing.

As the others talk themselves toward sleep, he listens in silence, appearing to be somewhere far away in his own mind.

When the others finally doze, the old knight begins a slow march around them to keep his mind sharp while he watches.

A City of Jewels! Melek says with raised brows. This is a sobriquet? Or is the city indeed made of jewels?

Melek sips his tea quietly for a moment before asking Rumble: If I may be so bold... what manner of being is thy mother? And from what did she free thee?

"Uhh... A sobri-what now?" Rumble scratching his head and even glanced over to the others to see if any else understood. "Uhmm.. Well, either way, uhh, I've never been there personally -- at least not in conscious memory. But, from the stories of heard from those fortunate enough to be able to go under their own volition, it more or less lives up to its name." He went on to explain.

At the follow-up question, the earth genasi started to answer, but then paused and furrowed his brows in such a way as to appear confused. "Wha? No, no, she ain't free me of anything! Well, except of any belief that a Dao are a goodly sort." He spits off to the side. "..Which to be clear, that is what she is. A Dao, or as a more scholarly type might put it, a Genie born connected to Elemental Earth, and beings with a fondness for riches and... slavery. And don't matter to'em if you were their child or not either where it comes to the latter." He said bitterly.

At even a remote look of confusion or curiosity, Rumble sighs and goes to further explain: "You know them, uhh, 'wish' granting beings you hear that often get trapped in bottles and lamps 'n stuff? That sort. 'xcept not all Genies can do that. And sometimes if one claims it can, it's only to convince ya to let'em free or manipulate ya for their own ends."

As the others speak, Rylan remains uncharacteristically quiet and melancholic. He sits apart from the others, gently patting the neck of his steed, Brandy. His mind drifts between the horrors he witnessed at Lance Rock and the concern that originally brought him to this land. He absently hums a tune. An old lullaby from his youth that came unbidden into his mind.

The crackling fire is the only accompanying sound, the departure of wildlife from this area providing a stark and foreboding silence, even with the undead now at rest. Arkun's exploration is soon able to confirm their absence, as Brandy is his only animal company throughout the night. The grim quiet at least provides an opportunity for rest, and your watches transpire without any disruption.

It takes a half day's walk in the baking sun to arrive back in Red Larch. The town is covered in a seemingly ever-present layer of dust, but the heat hasn't stopped the quarry workers, farmers, or miners from the surrounding hills that are dominating the town's streets at this hour, whether it be heading for home, the inn, the tavern, or any of Red Larch's many other bustling frontier destinations.

Current Leads:

1. Bandits: Constable Harburk Tuthmarillar has heard rumors of a bandit lair south of town.
2. Ghost: Pell Mhandyver claims to have spotted a ghost near an old tomb near the hills outside of town.
3. Tricklerock Cave: Albaeri Mellikho pointed you here to rumors of legendary treasure.
4. Lance Rock: Kaylessa Irkell believes the source of many of Red Larch's woes can be traced here.

Red Larch Known Locations:

1. Allfaiths Shrine: Wayside shrine used by many faiths and owned by none
2. The Swinging Sword: Three-story inn with stables and dining room
3. The Helm at Highsun: Ramshackle two-story tavern with good food and drink
7. Helvur Tarnlar, Clothier: Quality clothing store and point of contact for the Lords' Alliance
10. Drouth Fine Poultry: Red Larch's largest poultry shop
11. Jalessa Ornra, Butcher: Four buildings housing Red Larch's butcher and constable
14. Mhandyver's Poultry: Red Larch's less impressive poultry shop
15. Haeleeya's: Bathhouse and dress shop that doubles as a point of contact for the Emerald Enclave
16. Waelvur's Wagonworks: Workshop selling wheels, axles, and wagons
18. Mellikho Stoneworks: Red Larch's northern quarry

OOC: The red square isn't completely accurate, I just lifted the image from a previous page because I'm running short on time. You are approaching the town from the west, via the Kheldell Path on the left side of the map.

Marching accompanied by noisy armor, the oft removal of his kettle helm so that he can wipe sweat from his stubbled head, and occasional grumbles at being slower than he used to be, Aldric attempts to lead the group back to Red Larch. It isn't easy though, with the others' having younger legs and one riding a horse.

For a while at the beginning, he walks beside Melek, attempting to bring the newcomer up to speed on what the group discovered in town. He begins by introducing himself — Sir Aldric Harthstone of the Knights of Samular and marshal of Westbridge — and explaining his own reason for traveling to Red Larch: to find someone named Grimjaw in a place called Rivergard Keep. He eyes the elf (he assumes) as he says these things, trying to gauge whether he might know something concerning either the man or the place.

When they finally reach town, Aldric heads straight for The Swinging Sword. As he enters, he removes his helm again and looks for Kaylessa.

Melek passes the trip to Red Larch discussing the royalty of the elemental planes with Rumble, particularly whether their are beings higher than genies, whether there are competing dynasties of rule, and so on. He also expresses his view that such beings, powerful though they may be, are no gods. In Melek's opinion, the benevolent beings of the Celestial realms are the only true gods.

His first destination after arriving in Red Larch (for the first time) and again thanking the others for their aid and accompaniment, is the Swinging Sword, to see if any rooms are available, and to get properly washed up. A knight of the Order has a certain dignity to maintain, after all.

Once he feels more presentable, he heads to the Helm for some proper food, hoping to share a meal with the other knights there. Melek doesn't let too much time pass after lunch before he excuses himself and goes to the Allfaiths Shrine to give thanks for his rescue, to pray for guidance, and to record his experiences thus far in his journal. He has little interest in the mercantile establishments, and converses with locals only as much as necessary to be polite. A knight of the Order has little time for idle acquaintance, after all.

Talking with the others, the elf-like knight listens carefully to all the various rumours and leads being pursued. Melek knows nothing of Grimjaw, nor of Rivergard Keep. The leads directing them to the hills outside of town seem the most promising. However, although it's probably not directed related to his quest, as an initiate of the Order of the Gauntlet he feels it is his duty to put down lawlessness where possible, so investigating the bandits is also something he is willing to assist with.

Arkun accompanies the others to the Swinging Sword, sitting down and setting his pack down, he focuses inwardly and starts to meditate.  "My magic is tapped.  The way we are going, I'm going to need every bit of it intact to keep Mr. Steelbritches alive if we go bandit hunting.  Need a good rest, commune with my Lady.."   He holds his hand in a diamond like configuration and rests his head down on them, right above the table.  He takes deep breaths and waits...

Even with a number of lingering aches and pains from the prior days battle, Rumble marched alongside the others with nary a noise of complaint or word of discomfort. If anything, the earth genasi seemed almost downright chipper since the group's departure, having -- in his mind at least -- completed his first, true knightly task since leaving the company of the other Knights of Samular. At least... he had been for the first few minutes. However, when Melek sought to learn more about the elemental planes, Rumble couldn't help but grimace a little, but would provide what answers he could on the related subject.

The stone skinned warrior though quickly found himself reminding Melek that Rumble's previous station and upbringing had limited his learnings. So, while he could give some general answers, such as there being indeed some beings far more powerful than the Dao by magnitudes, such as ancient primordials and maybe a handful of deities that called the plane home, most names and exact standings escaped him beyond their monikers or supposed main worshippers

When Melek went on to express his own perspective about 'true gods', at that Rumble kind of raises an eyebrow at that, opens his mouth as if to say something, but then closes it and furrows his brows as if trying to figure out how best to say something. But eventually, he gives up with a shrug and just says, "Far be it fer me to muddy the waters of one's faith in the divine. But, as pops always used to say 'We are all but frogs in a well. Integral to the greater whole in ways unseen, but ultimately bound to never know the whole of reality; 'specially us mortals.' " With that and a pat to the shoulder, he left him in Aldric and the others care for the rest of the journey.

Upon finally arriving in Red Larch, Rumble never deviates from whatever path Aldric choose to walk to first, seeing the man as still very much his senior in the order. But for those less inclined to join in for the report, or simply possessed of business that lay elsewhere, he sure to put out to get a clear meeting up point before carrying on his way.

OOC: Let's start with the Swinging Sword, since everyone has mentioned stopping there first. Then, if you want to explore elsewhere, or split up, we can do that.

The ground floor of the Swinging Sword is settling into its evening rhythm. The waning sun casts a shadow through the swinging doors as you enter, and as your eyes adjust to the slightly darker interior, a voice calls out, "Well, lookie who!"

Kaylessa Irkell, the inn's proprietor, sets down the two trays of empty glasses she's carrying and wipes her hands on the cloth at her belt. She still cuts an imposing figure, the fortyish woman and her sturdy frame standing nearly six feet tall. "And you brought a new friend with you too! Welcome to the Swinging Sword, Kaylessa Irkell at your service. The kitchens are out again, but we got an arrangement with the Helm across the street in the meantime if you're wantin' dinner. If you need any food or drink, Ghileeda or I can help," she says to Melek, speaking with a heavy drawl and pointing out the young human maid currently carrying drinks to a table in the inn's common room, where a pair of dwarven men and a hardy-looking human woman, half-covered in soot, let out a hurrah.

"A gold piece'll get you a room to yourself, or you can sleep cheap for two silvers, food included," she says, turning back to the others. "I'd say don't leave a girl waitin', but you bein' back so soon probably means you're tired, so go on and get yourselves a seat, I'll be right over."

"Kaylessa," Aldric says after waiting patiently for the gregarious woman to say her piece, "we have returned from Lance Rock." He speaks evenly and directly — slightly warmer than he might when reporting to a superior. "Upon entering, we quickly encountered an undead menace." Ignoring her reactions, he continues: "It took a little time and some struggle, but we finally found the foul necromancer who called the Rock home. We engaged and successfully ..." He pauses, replaying the strange result of the "Lord's" demise. "... dispatched the necromancer. We believe we have removed all offending undead, but to be safe, we left up the warning signs to discourage further exploration."

His face softens a little, and the corners of his mouth arch upward slightly around his tusks. "Tyr judge me if I'm wrong, but I believe Red Larch will rest more easily now that that foul necromancer has been removed."

Rumble stomach grumbled a little at the mention of food; but, by some miracle he kept a straight face and held his tongue, knowing full well the importance of getting the report out first. To that end, he'd continue to follow Aldric's que, and otherwise simply nodded along at certain points as if to further back the Orc's claims. "Naturally, that won't be the end of any aid we may further render the town. But, we truly help this goes a long way of setting folks at ease, if only a little." He says with a soft smile as he finally speaking up. He then frowns as another thought finally occurs to him, and against all better judgement and sense of professionalism, he whispers to Aldric, "Pardon my lack of decorum, sir, but...Think we aught ask if she or anyone she know might've recognize that symbol we saw back there while we're at it? The weird floaty one."

Melek bows stiffly in response to Kaylessa's greeting. He swishes his cloak aside to reach for his money pouch, proffers the one gold piece for room and board, and asks, My good lady, might I inquire where I might refresh myself before dining? Whatever her answer, he extends his thanks for the service and requests tea along with whatever fare is being served.

At the noise from the other drinkers, he turns briefly to observe them. Judging by the soot clinging to their clothes and skin, he assumes they are likely local smiths or laborers. After a moment he looks away again, scanning the room for a table somewhat removed from the louder company.