The soldiers assigned to guard the loggers look at each other and then burst out laughing.
"The Kapikulu is not in danger. The Kapikulu is the danger. Go back to your temple, Taneman. It would be wise to show Sarameian soldiers a little more respect."
Alaris reaches behind them and tugs the sack free from their saddle before upending it in front of the soldiers. Silver radiance crackles in the air as pointed helmets tumble from the sack, helmets of several of the fallen janissaries discovered by Caio and Shiva. "Your threats would be more credible if I did not keep tripping over these on my way to warn you. Your people are being hunted by denizens of this forest. The bodies appeared to have been killed, raped, and eaten - I pray in that order."
The paladin's eyes flare with quicksilver fire and Zadkiel stamps and digs at the ground, snorting and eying the soldiers with relish. Actual lightning begins to spark and crackle along the length of the javelin strapped across Alaris' back as they continue,"You must cease this operation now and begin preparing to leave. Today. Now. I will stay with you to offer my protection but you must not linger. The forest is full of rage and when it awakens fully, these workers you protect will be consumed. Please see reason and save their lives -- and your own!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The loggers stare wide-eyed at Alaris as though they are looking upon an angel sent to walk among them, causing even the soldiers to obviously hesitate.
"We have our orders," one battle-weathered man rebuffs gruffly. "We are soldiers of the sultan's janissary corp and proud of it! Perhaps a Taneman cannot conceive of such a thing, but we do not balk and flee at the threat of danger. We will stand our ground, for the empire!"
A cheer goes up from the other warriors, but it is weak and deflated. Alaris's words have weakened their conviction.
Alaris curls their lip at the second Taneman reference, but chokes back the sarcastic retort. Too many lives at stake to score cheap points...
"Are your orders to waste the lives of the sultan's servants out of a misplaced sense of e'sprit de corps? How much lumber will the sultan get if all these folk are slain?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The man narrows his eyes at Alaris for a moment, but the radiant paladin's words obviously give him pause. Pause enough, at least, to decide that this is not his problem.
"We take our orders from Boluk-bashi Kiraz," the janissary explains, gesturing south down a dirt track towards a distant clusters of tents. "If you are so convinced of our doom, then it is he who you must convince to tell the Chorbaji that this forest and its fairies pose too great a challenge for his men to hold a simple logging camp."
Alaris dismounts and collects the dropped helmets, before taking a long drink from a waterskin and pulling themselves back into the saddle. "Thank you for your kind welcome and clear directions!" the paladin grins before nudging Zadkiel towards the janissary camp.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
After a few minutes ride, Alaris finds a sea of conical tents arrayed before them. White on the bottom and green on top with red trim, they are smaller on the edges of the camp with a few larger ones near the middle. This must be an entire Sarameian orta. As the knight draws closer to the camp, they are challenged by a pair of lance wielding sipahi.
"Alaris Forien, servant of the Empire, commissioned to bring a warning to Boluk-bashi Kiraz."Not rude, but firm and no nonsense.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The sipahi sneer, but nod and escort Alaris between the rows of tents to one that is slightly larger and more ostentatiously embroidered than most. A gesture towards the opening flap indicates that the knight is to enter.
Inside, sits a handsome Sarameian man in a captain's uniform. He is eating his lunch and looks up with a frown at the unexpected disturbance.
Stay alert, Zadkiel... I wish these Sarameians could have the basic courtesy of sending a runner or providing an introduction... the paladin commands as they dismount and sling the sack of helmets over their shoulder. Ducking into the entryway, they nod to the frowning captain.
"Bogatyr Alaris Forien, Boluk-bashi Kiraz - in service to Lady Frej and the Sultan. Your soldiers were kind enough to provide me an escort. Are you missing any janissaries?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Indeed not, Boluk-bashi - I am legitimately curious. Had you noticed the forest devouring your patrols? I am bid warn you that unless you abandon this position today, your janissaries and your loggers will not see the following sunrise."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Boluk-bashi, please."Alaris drops the sack behind them and walks forward, extending their hands in a pleading gesture. "Forces of nature don't threaten anyone. I'm here to tell you what's coming, so I don't carry your people's blood on my conscience. I'm here to fight beside you if that's your choice. But I'm also here to tell you, leader to leader, that that'd be a stupid-ass choice."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Fight is exactly what you're going to do, Bogatyr," Kiraz snaps back at Alaris. "Don't you forget that it was the Kapikulu who conquered the 'impenetrable' Eazim forest. My commanding officer, the Chorbaji, will not accept a few janissaries lost to the trees as reason to disrupt our supply line. If you think otherwise, you're welcome to try to convince him yourself."
The captain scoffs and seats himself once more in front of his food.
"At what cost to the Kapikulu?"Alaris murmurs, a tinge of sadness flavoring their words more than defiance. "I am bound to preserve and protect Life and Light and Joy, at whatever cost. Point me in the direction of the Chorbaji, please, and thank you for hearing me."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Alaris marches across the Sarameian war camp, drawing wary glares from many of the soldiers as they go. The Chorbaji's tent is not hard to find - it is the largest and most ostentatious in the camp. However, more guards cross halberds in front of the knight when Alaris tries to enter. Inside, they can see the colonel through the open flap poring over a map on a table.
Zadkiel... I have a bad feeling about this. What is a Chorbaji doing in a logging camp? At least you're with me.
Alaris sighs as the halberds cross. "Not this again, friends. I am a servant of the Lady Frej and the Sultan, with an urgent warning for the Ghazi Chorbazi." They stand tall and balanced, fists on their hips, Volkfelder cloak fluttering in the slight breeze.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
While the group rests and waits for the return of their Bogatyr, Shiva’s mind is uncharacteristically still. Her thoughts carry her to the catacombs beneath the Black Sheep, down through the winding pathways to Temnitsa, then up the rising staircase to the abode of her Mistress. As she reminisces about the cold embrace of her lover, her focus suddenly flits to the copper-haired Sonya. She was likely enjoying the accommodations that Shiva’s gift afforded her.
“Girl troubles, huh? You certainly know how to pick them.” Her Other’s tone is one of sarcasm. “Yeah yeah, says the woman who once ****ed a mouth-breathing tiefling twice her size.”“Warlock. And hey, I hadn’t gotten any in weeks. Seems like a wicked libido is another trait that we share. But anyway, they’re on your mind. Why not ask your dwarf friend if she can contact them? She seemed to be able to do so with Ling.”
“Yeah, good idea. Thanks.” Walking over to Astrid, she takes a seat beside her. “Hey darling. I know that we’re carrying out the plan tonight, but would it put a strain on you to ask you to contact a few people for me?”
Zadkiel... I have a bad feeling about this. What is a Chorbaji doing in a logging camp? At least you're with me.
Alaris sighs as the halberds cross. "Not this again, friends. I am a servant of the Lady Frej and the Sultan, with an urgent warning for the Ghazi Chorbazi." They stand tall and balanced, fists on their hips, Volkfelder cloak fluttering in the slight breeze.
The guards glance stoically at one another and the man on the left gives a curt nod to his partner, who addresses Alaris.
"Your name and rank?" He asks, before entering the tent to speak quietly with the Chorbaji. After a few moments, the janissary returns and indicates for the paladin to wait nearby to be seen.
Several minutes later, Alaris is called inside. The map on the table has been covered and the colonel stands rigidly in the middle of the tent with his hands behind his back; the very image of a military man.
"Good day, Bogatyr," he declares in greeting. "My name is Chorbaji Sokmen of the 3rd Imperial janissary orta. I must admit that I wasn't expecting to meet a knight of your order beyond the Taneman border. My men tell me that you have an 'urgent warning' for me - how ominous. Would you care for a cup of tea?" Sokmen gestures to a glass and china tea set that rests on a low table surrounded by silk cushions near the wall of the tent.
Alaris removes their helmet and bows with respect as to an honored equal. "Thank you, Chorbaji Sokmen, for your hospitality. Blessed be the one who provides such a gift and blessed be the hands that prepared it. May I light the Lady Frej's incense and bless your camp?"The paladin draws out a tiny incense burner from their kit, and the aroma of the rich spices quickly drives out the stink of the military camp, replacing it with a gentle sweetness. Then they wait until the Chorbaji begins to move, and seat themselves on the cushions at the same time.
After accepting a cup and sipping, Alaris continues, "The road is cold and dry, and your tent warm and inviting. Thank you again. My duties have brought me through this region, and as I rode, I encountered several fallen janissaries within the forest. Not merely fallen; overwhelmed - slaughtered in number. There is a power gathering there, sir - the logging has angered the denizens of the forest. May I inquire after the strength of your position, given that I have approached through the wood?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Alaris reaches behind them and tugs the sack free from their saddle before upending it in front of the soldiers. Silver radiance crackles in the air as pointed helmets tumble from the sack, helmets of several of the fallen janissaries discovered by Caio and Shiva. "Your threats would be more credible if I did not keep tripping over these on my way to warn you. Your people are being hunted by denizens of this forest. The bodies appeared to have been killed, raped, and eaten - I pray in that order."
The paladin's eyes flare with quicksilver fire and Zadkiel stamps and digs at the ground, snorting and eying the soldiers with relish. Actual lightning begins to spark and crackle along the length of the javelin strapped across Alaris' back as they continue, "You must cease this operation now and begin preparing to leave. Today. Now. I will stay with you to offer my protection but you must not linger. The forest is full of rage and when it awakens fully, these workers you protect will be consumed. Please see reason and save their lives -- and your own!"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The loggers stare wide-eyed at Alaris as though they are looking upon an angel sent to walk among them, causing even the soldiers to obviously hesitate.
"We have our orders," one battle-weathered man rebuffs gruffly. "We are soldiers of the sultan's janissary corp and proud of it! Perhaps a Taneman cannot conceive of such a thing, but we do not balk and flee at the threat of danger. We will stand our ground, for the empire!"
A cheer goes up from the other warriors, but it is weak and deflated. Alaris's words have weakened their conviction.
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
Alaris curls their lip at the second Taneman reference, but chokes back the sarcastic retort. Too many lives at stake to score cheap points...
"Are your orders to waste the lives of the sultan's servants out of a misplaced sense of e'sprit de corps? How much lumber will the sultan get if all these folk are slain?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The man narrows his eyes at Alaris for a moment, but the radiant paladin's words obviously give him pause. Pause enough, at least, to decide that this is not his problem.
"We take our orders from Boluk-bashi Kiraz," the janissary explains, gesturing south down a dirt track towards a distant clusters of tents. "If you are so convinced of our doom, then it is he who you must convince to tell the Chorbaji that this forest and its fairies pose too great a challenge for his men to hold a simple logging camp."
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
Alaris dismounts and collects the dropped helmets, before taking a long drink from a waterskin and pulling themselves back into the saddle. "Thank you for your kind welcome and clear directions!" the paladin grins before nudging Zadkiel towards the janissary camp.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
After a few minutes ride, Alaris finds a sea of conical tents arrayed before them. White on the bottom and green on top with red trim, they are smaller on the edges of the camp with a few larger ones near the middle. This must be an entire Sarameian orta. As the knight draws closer to the camp, they are challenged by a pair of lance wielding sipahi.
"Halt Who goes there? State your business."
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
"Alaris Forien, servant of the Empire, commissioned to bring a warning to Boluk-bashi Kiraz." Not rude, but firm and no nonsense.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The sipahi sneer, but nod and escort Alaris between the rows of tents to one that is slightly larger and more ostentatiously embroidered than most. A gesture towards the opening flap indicates that the knight is to enter.
Inside, sits a handsome Sarameian man in a captain's uniform. He is eating his lunch and looks up with a frown at the unexpected disturbance.
"Yes? Who are you? How did you enter this camp?"
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
Stay alert, Zadkiel... I wish these Sarameians could have the basic courtesy of sending a runner or providing an introduction... the paladin commands as they dismount and sling the sack of helmets over their shoulder. Ducking into the entryway, they nod to the frowning captain.
"Bogatyr Alaris Forien, Boluk-bashi Kiraz - in service to Lady Frej and the Sultan. Your soldiers were kind enough to provide me an escort. Are you missing any janissaries?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Kiraz eyes the clanking sack over Alaris's shoulder with suspicion.
"It looks like you mean that as a rhetorical question, Bogatyr Forien," he observes. "What is it that you want?"
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
"Indeed not, Boluk-bashi - I am legitimately curious. Had you noticed the forest devouring your patrols? I am bid warn you that unless you abandon this position today, your janissaries and your loggers will not see the following sunrise."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The captain's eyes harden.
"Now that sounds like a threat," he notes. "You will find that officers of the Kapikulu do not take well to threats."
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
"Boluk-bashi, please." Alaris drops the sack behind them and walks forward, extending their hands in a pleading gesture. "Forces of nature don't threaten anyone. I'm here to tell you what's coming, so I don't carry your people's blood on my conscience. I'm here to fight beside you if that's your choice. But I'm also here to tell you, leader to leader, that that'd be a stupid-ass choice."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Fight is exactly what you're going to do, Bogatyr," Kiraz snaps back at Alaris. "Don't you forget that it was the Kapikulu who conquered the 'impenetrable' Eazim forest. My commanding officer, the Chorbaji, will not accept a few janissaries lost to the trees as reason to disrupt our supply line. If you think otherwise, you're welcome to try to convince him yourself."
The captain scoffs and seats himself once more in front of his food.
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 what cost to the Kapikulu?" Alaris murmurs, a tinge of sadness flavoring their words more than defiance. "I am bound to preserve and protect Life and Light and Joy, at whatever cost. Point me in the direction of the Chorbaji, please, and thank you for hearing me."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Alaris marches across the Sarameian war camp, drawing wary glares from many of the soldiers as they go. The Chorbaji's tent is not hard to find - it is the largest and most ostentatious in the camp. However, more guards cross halberds in front of the knight when Alaris tries to enter. Inside, they can see the colonel through the open flap poring over a map on a table.
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
Zadkiel... I have a bad feeling about this. What is a Chorbaji doing in a logging camp? At least you're with me.
Alaris sighs as the halberds cross. "Not this again, friends. I am a servant of the Lady Frej and the Sultan, with an urgent warning for the Ghazi Chorbazi." They stand tall and balanced, fists on their hips, Volkfelder cloak fluttering in the slight breeze.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
While the group rests and waits for the return of their Bogatyr, Shiva’s mind is uncharacteristically still. Her thoughts carry her to the catacombs beneath the Black Sheep, down through the winding pathways to Temnitsa, then up the rising staircase to the abode of her Mistress. As she reminisces about the cold embrace of her lover, her focus suddenly flits to the copper-haired Sonya. She was likely enjoying the accommodations that Shiva’s gift afforded her.
“Girl troubles, huh? You certainly know how to pick them.” Her Other’s tone is one of sarcasm. “Yeah yeah, says the woman who once ****ed a mouth-breathing tiefling twice her size.” “Warlock. And hey, I hadn’t gotten any in weeks. Seems like a wicked libido is another trait that we share. But anyway, they’re on your mind. Why not ask your dwarf friend if she can contact them? She seemed to be able to do so with Ling.”
“Yeah, good idea. Thanks.” Walking over to Astrid, she takes a seat beside her. “Hey darling. I know that we’re carrying out the plan tonight, but would it put a strain on you to ask you to contact a few people for me?”
The guards glance stoically at one another and the man on the left gives a curt nod to his partner, who addresses Alaris.
"Your name and rank?" He asks, before entering the tent to speak quietly with the Chorbaji. After a few moments, the janissary returns and indicates for the paladin to wait nearby to be seen.
Several minutes later, Alaris is called inside. The map on the table has been covered and the colonel stands rigidly in the middle of the tent with his hands behind his back; the very image of a military man.
"Good day, Bogatyr," he declares in greeting. "My name is Chorbaji Sokmen of the 3rd Imperial janissary orta. I must admit that I wasn't expecting to meet a knight of your order beyond the Taneman border. My men tell me that you have an 'urgent warning' for me - how ominous. Would you care for a cup of tea?" Sokmen gestures to a glass and china tea set that rests on a low table surrounded by silk cushions near the wall of the tent.
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
Alaris removes their helmet and bows with respect as to an honored equal. "Thank you, Chorbaji Sokmen, for your hospitality. Blessed be the one who provides such a gift and blessed be the hands that prepared it. May I light the Lady Frej's incense and bless your camp?" The paladin draws out a tiny incense burner from their kit, and the aroma of the rich spices quickly drives out the stink of the military camp, replacing it with a gentle sweetness. Then they wait until the Chorbaji begins to move, and seat themselves on the cushions at the same time.
After accepting a cup and sipping, Alaris continues, "The road is cold and dry, and your tent warm and inviting. Thank you again. My duties have brought me through this region, and as I rode, I encountered several fallen janissaries within the forest. Not merely fallen; overwhelmed - slaughtered in number. There is a power gathering there, sir - the logging has angered the denizens of the forest. May I inquire after the strength of your position, given that I have approached through the wood?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...