Edgewalkers Campaign Thread

"Understandable. I just wished to confirm a thought." Vusgaar admitted somewhat haltingly prior to easing back in his seat, and keep a somewhat casual eye on the surroundings once more. Once it seemed that Talaak and the others were readying to depart, the ursine shifter sets down another 5 gold(equivalent) on the table and says, "For future rounds, should any and all find a desire for it. Consider it my ongoing thanks for the good word, and the hunting advice." He turns to take his leave on that point, aiming to be out the door ahead of the others, and posted up somewhere just outside to scout things out.

Ani would stand tall in support of Talaak’s words. She’d give a nod of thanks to Laisok for the information before she follows Talaak towards the door.

As Talaak speaks, the half-giant behind the bar narrows his eyes. "We don't need your judgement, thoughtstealer," he rumbles, but Laisok holds up a hand.

"Not worth it, Myrinn." She looks back at Talaak. "It's easy to be brave about something you haven't encountered. And I have no interest in helping Riedrans in the Tundra, no matter how noble your main goal is." She shrugs and has another drink.

The group Vusgaar is with all give him delighted looks and thanks after he covers the next round, giving him the sense he's made a few allies, or at least friendly faces.

Khern meets you outside. "Get anything good?"

Talaak shrugs, "We have identified a ringleader, a being named 'the Corruption'. It speaks to the Kalaak through their 'priests', called Voices, and seems to be urging and directing their savagery. It may be an altavar or an extremely clever mortal. These Voices go with their raiding bands. We could attempt to subdue the Voices, but something tells me that the problem would be back within weeks or months if we merely did that. Most likely we will need to chain or destroy this Corruption."

Khern nods. "Sounds problematic, to say the least. So we'll go, scout to see the scope of the issue, and figure it out from there, yeah? There are two more Edgewalkers at the border of the Tundra, both good kids. I know where to find them so we can pick them up on the way."

Ani would nod, "Yeah. Definitely need to learn more. Should we get a move on then?"

Demetrios was lost in his thoughts of paranoia, so much so he stayed near the entrance of the bar as the rest of them questioned Laisok. When he got filled in later from what she was able to provide them, his look only grew more serious. He would nod over Ani's words and say, "Yes, lets. We cannot waste anymore time than we already have."

Vusgaar perks up. "Agreed. Though along the way, Khern. Can you tell us more about these scouts, their personality and experience, for instance. As well as any potential... problems that may arise in regards to them." He asked curiously, yet dryly.

Khern nods. "Aali and Jhalaar. Both fresh from training, but I had them both for a few months of training and they're good kids. Smart and skilled. Aali draws on altavar power, but she does a spectacular job of controlling it. Specializes in fire and minds. Jhalaar is an archer and tracker, with a little minor altavar power - same kind as mine, more or less, although I can draw more, since I have more practice keeping it under control, and I specialize in close quarters combat. Both intensely devoted to Riedra, of course. Jhalaar can be a little hotheaded and quick to attack enemies of the Path, but she listens to superiors. Aali is the opposite, often inclined to try and convert foreigners even when it's no longer truly a good idea. They've spent the last couple weeks on the Tashanan border getting individual training to work in the Tundra and doing some practice forays."

The trip back to the border is mostly uneventful, and it's a relief when you're able to cross back in Riedra, where the shared dream and Soothing Voice are back.

Demetrios:

Traveling through Riedra to get to the Tashanan border is easy, as the well-patrolled roads make for fast, safe travel. You soon find yourselves outside a small outpost on the border, where you're met by two young women.
One of them wears little armor and has an amulet with the symbol of the Path of Inspiration around her neck. "I'm Aali," she introduces herself, giving Khern a brief nod.
The other wears leather armor and has a longbow across her back a quiver of arrows. She introduces herself as Jhalaar, adding wryly, "Glad you made it back from Syrkarn all right, and I hope you're ready for the Tundra. It's...cold, to say the least." She makes a face.

Talaak looks at them both, trying to get an idea of their individual combat strength.

"Greetings. I am Talaak."

Insight: 9

Talaak can't tell much more than what Khern explained, Aali is a mage and Jhalaar is an archer.

Meiara bows. "Greetings. It will be a pleasure to work with you."

With the return of the voice came inspiration. So, that morning Vusgaar was abuzz with activity, and tinkered on several of his own items. As the group neared the end of their preparations, he calls over to Demetrios and Talaak, confessing to have been blessed with the insight to draw out the hidden power of their arms and armor. Once the works down however, the drained Ursine shifter trudges more than walks along behind the others to their next destination...

Though less irritable then during their time in Sykarn, Vusgaar remained more taciturn than when he left. Even so, he acknowledged Aali and Jhalaar with an brief nod. "That, we're well aware." He places a hand on his chest. "I, am Vusgaar. It is this one's hope that you understand the importance of the mission. No matter perspective, it comes first." He said, eyes narrowing at the two.

After that night, Demetrios was more grumpy than usual, trying to mask his discontent by forcing himself to focus on other things such as the shield Vusgaar had enchanted for him. He thanked the shifter for the upgrade, hoping to prove that he would be better able to protect the team with it.

Upon meeting the new additions, he gives them both a bow of the head. "Demetrios." And says nothing more.

Ani would fiddle a few playful notes on her flute before bowing before the two newcomers. "Hi. I'm Ani." She'd wave. Looking around to her other group members who seem to be people of few words, she felt like she needed to say more to break the awkward silence. "I'm the newest of the bunch. How do you feel about a little music being played while on the road?" She'd smile sheepishly.

The new Edgewalkers each give you a polite nod as you introduce yourselves. To Vusgaar, Aali nods, eyes serious. "We know. The mission above all..speaking of which, you guys were supposed to have further details as to what exactly the mission is. We know we're going into the Tundra to deal with the Kalaak threat before it moves closer to Riedra, but do we have a more concrete goal?"

Jhalaar gives Ani a slight smile. "Some music on the road would be just fine, I think. As long as once we're in enemy territory, it doesn't attract undue attention, of course."

Talaak looks at the two with a measuring gaze, "The Kalaak are guided by their 'priests', called 'Voices'. These Voices receive their instructions from a being named the Corruption, which seems to be the mastermind behind the recent attacks and aggression. We have two choices. First, we can attempt to silence the Voices, though the Corruption may just designate new ones. The more permanent solution would be to find a way to disable, capture, or destroy the Corruption, which appears to be an altavar."

Jhalaar nods. "No matter what, we should probably try to track down a Kalaak raiding party first, if they'll have Voices with them. We can interrogate a captured Voice to find out where this Corruption resides or most strongly touches the world," she suggests.

"The Path is set. However, aside from madmen are there any other concerns that need be put forth in regards to the Tundra? Beasts or recent territorial... arrangements we should be made aware of before entering them among the residents." Vusgaar warily asked while eyeing the duo.