Ura rubs her chin. "Thank you, brother,“ she replies in Elven, "But stay with the tongue you are more comfortable with - we can translate." To the others, she says in common, "These stones were made to control things. Do you think those deformed cultists were being controlled, or controlling something? I‘ve always assumed they were willing participants in those dark rituals, and that the things they summoned were doing all of the controlling.“
Dokkalfol stared blankly at Austin's attempt at communication. If he understood the undercommon, there was no indication of it.
Following Ura's explanation to Austin and Uthal, of what the drow had been trying to say, the other member of the shop's staff, the young female high elf, joined the conversation.
"Forgive us. My name is Ljosalfia." She made her way through the party as she spoke, stopping for a split second to curtsy to each member, before stopping next to Dokkalfol. "It was rude of us to assume you all spoke to tongue of the land. And to allow Dokkalfol to struggle so," during the last part of which she shot a look at the shopkeep goliath; who in turn simply responded with an expression of an innocent smile.
The two elven members of the staff turned to each other and began talking in whispered, hushed tones. Whatever they were saying, the drow appeared to be much more comfortable with the arrangement than he had struggling with common speak. After an exchange of just a few sentences, Ljosalfia turned back to the group. "The stones are a catalyst, of magic used to control other magic. The way of or degree to which cannot be discerned at this time."
The shopkeep goliath, who seemed generally disinterested in the stones turned back to Uthal and continued to speak in giant
Ura's ears prick at the concise explanation Ljosalfia gives. "Humm... if someone were to try to use this controlling type of magic again, would these runes react, or are they one-use, one-ritual type of things only? I apologize for all the questions, but really, Dokkalfol is the first person we've met who seems to know anything about them at all -- and is willing to talk to us, rather than run us through for asking, if you get my drift." She smiles brightly at the two elves. "On a completely different note, what dialect were you two speaking, anyway? It's a variant of elven that I've never heard in my life, and I have to admit to being intrigued. I came to this continent to learn about the elves who lived here, after all, so I hope you'll also forgive my curiosity."
"Well of course the mountains to the NORTH. Only place you'd find real mountains on this land mass. Judging by your dress and title of priest, north of Cathaan, then?"
"I must apologize in turn. That's all Dokkalfol can tell. Without knowing the spells themselves, there's no way to say." Ljosalfia nodded apologetically. "And it would be only a guess, but I believe he sees them to be more a component, and only a small part of the picture."
"If you came to learn of the continent, I'm sorry, but the origin of his speech is not from Theviranne. There is Shinra influence to it, but it's the language of slaves brought over from a land called Vvardenfell. Dokkalfol was born here, but his lineage lay elsewhere. Again, our apologies. I am of a family lines on this continent though. If I can answer any questions, I will." While she spoke, Ljosalfia held the drows hand, as if to comfort him, though he didn't seem completely aware of the conversation, possibly given the established gap in his understanding of the common language. The holding of the hand may have been just as much to put herself at ease.
"Ma serannas", said Anearis in elvish. "I believe Ura could have more questions. I would simply ask if you know someone who might have a deeper understanding of the spells these stones are used for."
"Aye, North of Cathaan, I guess. I never paid much attention to anything to the south until I came down here. And what about my title, you don't have priests here?"
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"You've already helped us more than you know,"Ura says, squashing down her intrigue about this 'Vvardenfell' in order to focus on the task at hand. "You have our sincere thanks. And even a bit more gratitude if you can tell us where to find a mapmaker's shop from here." She pauses. "And you know, I could actually do with two or three more simple wax candles, come to think of it, and two or three flasks of lamp oil if you've got some to spare."
Austin leans against a shelf, listening as the others seem to know what they are doing here. "And do you know anything about the area south of here?" She speaks up as it seems to be moving towards a supply purchase. "Anything in regard to a tree that hides a passage somewhere?" She figures it is a shot in the dark, but no harm in asking.
The high elf replied to Anearis "Dokkalfol believes the stones use blood magic. That type of casting was outlawed under the rule of the old family, before the Emperor usurped the throne." She lowered her voice and leaned in closer as she continued "Rumor has gone around though that the Emperor and his circle were practicioners."
The goliath responded in kind to Uthal, still either oblivious or just uninterested in the conversation of the others.
"There are priests here, not many goliaths though. The reference to the title, but the human-made armor is what gave it away." Pausing a moment to look Uthal over, "How much do you know about goliaths, outside the clans from your mountains?"
He then motioned for Uthal specifically, and began heading back towards the 'Lounge'
"We do indeed. Not our primary inventory, but we have both. Three of each, 3 silver." Ljosalfia nods to Ura, and whispers to Dokkalfol, who in turn goes about the store. While Dokkalfol went to the shelves, Ljosalfia turned to Austin. "South of the city is a large forest. And then several smaller Shinra cities before reaching the border with the Southern Draken League." She hung her head slightly. The expression on her face showed a little confusion, but more than that she seemed almost disappointed with not having an answer to Austin's inquiry. "I'm sorry, I don't know of any tree with a hidden passage. Not many people live in the forest and their are very few markers for navigating it, without a guide maybe."
Dokkalfol returned with three white candles and three flasks of lamp oil. Ljosalfia received them and held them out toward Ura. "Regarding a mapmaker, I can't say of one specifically, but your best chances would be looking for one in the Upper District. Here in the Merchant's District, you may have to browse the general stores in hopes of finding what you're looking for." As though struck by inspiration, she continues, this time with a bit more optimism or perhaps hope, in her voice. "We do have an old political map of Theviranne, in the Lounge. I must admit it is a bit outdated though."
Uthal follows, the conversation half impossible for him to follow and outside of what he knows anyways.
"Not much. I doubt it will surprise you but the clans don't keep good records on other goliaths. It's simply 'They're not one of us, kill them.' Even the humans I've been in contact with don't know much about the clans, those that try usually end up dead or eaten by the Rogalaks. The priests were more interested in teaching me about the gods than about the continent. I've seen a few others of us but I've never really had the time to sit and talk about histories. As for the armor, it was a gift from my father. He told me that the south was dangerous and a thick skull would only get me so far."
Uthal laughs a touch at the last statement, remembering the old man.
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Anearis watched as Uthal followed the other Goliath behind the counter. He wondered what they could have been talking about in this guttural language he did not understand.
At the mention of the political map, Anearis responds with another question. "Would you allow us to consult this map you mentionned? If it can point us in the right direction, we would greatly appreciate it."
The long sleeves of the goliath's shirt were rolled up just below the elbow. He regularly pushed them up from his forearm as he moved them while speaking.
Taking Uthal back into the Lounge, the smaller room came into full view. The yellowish-orange glow that the party saw emitting through the open doorframe had been from a lit fireplace against one wall. The stone construction of the fire took up nearly the entire wall. The room was about 10 feet deep and 15 long, with two easy chairs and a short couch. It could comfortably fit a few individuals, however was not meant for large groups. On the inside, above the doorframe was a metal bar, with a heavy curtain pushed to the side, able to be pulled across and cover the doorway. The room smelled strongly of tobacco and strong uncertain spices.
There were a few side tables, on one which sat a small stack of four books. And the room contained only two decorations: the first was a portrait of someone with whom the party was familiar, the Archmeister himself. The other piece was a colorful map whom judging by the shape, and some names familiar to Uthal, was a map of Theviranne. It was the basic similar shape to that of the ruins map that had been provided to the party by Captain Sharpe and Adrian Tepes.
((Map provided in discord))
The goliath then proceeded to deliver a simple cultural geographic lesson to Uthal in their giant language.
"You had said the Northern mountains...there are two mountains in the north of Theviranne; that which you come from-" the goliath said pointing to the northeastern part of the continent (1), "and then a northwestern." He then ran his finger across the top of a land marked 'Kal Sultanate' (2). "Both have large groupings of goliath clans. You'll find smaller ones here and here as well." He pointed to two other sections, one in the north middle of the map (3) and then the center of the continent's west half (4).
"The goliaths here are like giant dwarfs. They live in caves and on cliffsides, mining from the rock and making everything from the stuff within." He said pointing (2).
Moving toward the top center (3)"These ones live more on foothills 'stead of mountains. Wear hides and furs. They wouldn't call themselves 'priests' though. They'd be shamans, healers, or smiters. Just not a common word with them."
"Then where I come from." Pointing towards (4). "We are not in the north. And we don't live in mountains. Small commune within stone walls."
"Why of course," Ljosalfia said to Anearis. She bowed her head slightly and held her arm out to her side, directing the geoup back towards the same door makes 'Lounge' which Uthal and the shopkeep goliath had just gone through.
Ura purchases her requested items, thanking Ljosalfia.
"You used some interesting words there. 'Before the Emperor usurped the throne.' I'm not native to this continent, so I'm quite curious about your history. How long has the current Emperor been in power? How are the locals feeling about his rule here anyway?"
At the mention of the map, she waves her hand. "Oh, that'd be perfect... outdated is still more up to date than my current ignorance,"Ura replies with a grin. Ignoring the avid conversation between Uthal and the shopkeeper, of which she can't understand a word, she peers over Anaeris's shoulder at the proffered map.
Then she points to the northern block. "Unclaimed territory? That must have since changed."Her finger trails to the disputed territory. "And that, too. How long ago was that disputed? Was it ever resolved? Is there still bad blood about it between the kingdoms?"
Flicking her eyes over the map, Ura is obviously bursting with more questions, but waits for Ljosalfia's answer before she asks.
Austin shrugs off the fact no answer was forthcoming in regard to the tree she had seen in her vision. She follows those entering the lounge, looking over the map in question.
Uthal continues his history lesson, taking great pains to try and remember everything.
"And how would these groups take to an outsider from another group? I don't believe that I would be welcomed home anymore, certainly not by my clan and unlikely by any other. But I would enjoy being able to sit and talk with someone who understands our ways. Moments like this are too fleeting and I find myself in need of ways of centering."
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Ljosalfia answered Ura's questions as they made to follow toward the Lounge. "It has been over 100 years since the Emperor took the throne. The previous ruler of Shinra was Tzar Nikolain, and the current ruler, his religious advisor. There was an uprising led by the advisor's zealots, which resulting in the murder of the Tzar, his wife, and every member of both their families. There's a fairy tale some tell about the Tzar's children, Alexeir and Anastrianna having escaped with the help of the the court magistrate and his wife, but it's origin is just that their bodies were never found."
She stopped just outside the door to finish the speaking before letting the rest of the group file into the Lounge. "Few noble families remained loyal, due to fear of meeting the same fate. Really only those who had their own strength in numbers really survived, but now the power of families such as my own has dwindled considerably.He rules by fear, not respect, but even still it's a strong enough fear that the oppressed and persecuted are just as likely to turn in political dissidents, as those twisted zealots that supported him."
Within the Lounge, the goliath continued conversing to Uthal in giant.
"The wild ones mostly keep to themselves. The northwest mountains, if you find them, dealing with them is like dealing with traders. Won't turn outsiders away, but don't let them in unless they got something to trade. Look down on women folk too"
He said turning his head towards the party as they began crowding into the room as well. "But the commune, accepting, don't matter what race you are."
Standing infront of the map, or as close as they could get to it, beside the bodies of the two goliaths, the members of the party could view it. Ljosalfia squeezed by, which was not a difficult task given her thin and small frame. She stood immediately in front of the map, which hung high enough on the wall, that she didn't block Uthal or the goliath's view of it. Stretching her arm out she was able to trace areas as she spoke.
"Its only 50 or more years old but considerable changes have occurred in that time. The unclaimed territory is not necessarily unclaimed, just run by tribal clans, none of which the larger nations recognize politically. The disputed lands may have had a sliver or so go to surrounding kindgoms, but are mainly divided up into a dozen or so small fiefdoms. The Sunken Peninsula lives up to its name as a large portion of its north was destroyed and lost to the sea. And Cathaan possesses a colony on its eastern coast, which is currently the only standing city of any size in that area. Shinra went through several border changes but comparatively has shrunk to half its size you see here. The rest of the continent has seen the same chaos. North of Shinra is now Azerim. The Southern Draken League divided in civil war now the League of Draken and the Northern Draken Republic. Arguably this land where Shinra, Gridehagia, and Northern Draken Republic meet is disputed. The three lands agree on the border, but there are thousands of nomadic tieflings that would say otherwise."
She turned away from the map to face the group, clasping her hands together and letting drop in front of her. "Unfortunately I don't know enough about the western end of the continent to say much else. But as I had mentioned the map is a bit outdated, and changes have occurred since." The verbal picture Ljosalfia had painted in an overlay was drastically different than what the party was looking at. While the continent of Theviranne may have maintained an isolated stature from the rest of the world, it may have been the very reason for the chaos and conflict that the party was beginning to understand as the very nature of life here.
From some of the party's own knowledge, they knew of other lands that have managed to peacefully exist with the same borders and rule for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Entire races, societies, and cultures running their natural courses, until they met their eventual fate; but in Theviranne perhaps passively or actively by forces unknown, societies are barely able to catch a breath before being overturned, shoved one way or another, or destroyed completely.
"This Emperor sounds more and more like a piece of work the more I hear about him,"Ura mutters under her breath with a grimace. "Does he happen to have a name? I hate describing dirtbags with such lofty titles, personally. Gives them too much credit."
She eyes Ljosalfia. "I'm assuming by your candid assessment of the situation here, and the fact that you work with the Archmeister, that you personally aren't one of those who would turn in... aeh... shall we say, critics like myself. Are there any other like-minded establishments in the city you'd encourage our motley crew to visit, in that case? Particularly a pub or an inn or the like, where weary travelers can put up their feet and get a bite to eat?" she asks very carefully, keeping an eye on the elf's reaction to her probing.
As Ljosalfia traces the map, Ura soaks it in, trying to memorize every detail she can see. "Tribal clans? Of people like my friend here," Ura says, nodding at Uthal, "Or elves? Or a mix of both, or something completely different?"Despite the urgency of their current mission, Ura can't shake off her desire to fulfill her reason for coming here in the first place -- to find the elves native to this continent, and perhaps her own origins in the process.
Listening to Theviranne's history lesson, Ura's brow wrinkles. "A continent continually torn by strife... tell me, are all these kingdoms mainly human ones, or are there recognized Kingdoms run by other demi-humans somewhere out here, besides in the shadows of the uncharted, or the disputed lands? It sounds like the Northern or Southern Draken League might be home to more dragonborn. Or maybe Gridehagia a homeland for Tieflings?"she guesses, a note of hope in her voice.
Thinking about the conflicts being described, Ura can't help but wonder aloud. "Maybe the evil we've been sent to hunt down has been buried so long under this continent that it's poisoned the very civilization here. How can they be continuously torn by strife for all these years? Most people get weary of it after a while, but this continent can't seem to slack its thirst for conflict. It's beyond strange. More like alarming."
Anearis frowns at the dire description of Shinra’s governance. Apparently, Caathan wasn’t the only power on this continent to be ruled by the corrupt. Though maybe not the same kind of corruption.
"War is a vicious cycle of aggression and revenge, Ura. Though the darkness rooted in this land probably is not helping in that matter.", replied Anearis to Ura’s comment.
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Austin looks at the drow, then asks, in Undercommon...
"Can you explain better in this language?" .
Ura rubs her chin. "Thank you, brother,“ she replies in Elven, "But stay with the tongue you are more comfortable with - we can translate." To the others, she says in common, "These stones were made to control things. Do you think those deformed cultists were being controlled, or controlling something? I‘ve always assumed they were willing participants in those dark rituals, and that the things they summoned were doing all of the controlling.“
Dokkalfol stared blankly at Austin's attempt at communication. If he understood the undercommon, there was no indication of it.
Following Ura's explanation to Austin and Uthal, of what the drow had been trying to say, the other member of the shop's staff, the young female high elf, joined the conversation.
"Forgive us. My name is Ljosalfia." She made her way through the party as she spoke, stopping for a split second to curtsy to each member, before stopping next to Dokkalfol. "It was rude of us to assume you all spoke to tongue of the land. And to allow Dokkalfol to struggle so," during the last part of which she shot a look at the shopkeep goliath; who in turn simply responded with an expression of an innocent smile.
The two elven members of the staff turned to each other and began talking in whispered, hushed tones. Whatever they were saying, the drow appeared to be much more comfortable with the arrangement than he had struggling with common speak. After an exchange of just a few sentences, Ljosalfia turned back to the group. "The stones are a catalyst, of magic used to control other magic. The way of or degree to which cannot be discerned at this time."
The shopkeep goliath, who seemed generally disinterested in the stones turned back to Uthal and continued to speak in giant
"Which lands do you hail from?"
Uthal disengages from the other conversation as well.
"The mountains to the north. I was a member of the clans before I became a priest."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Ura's ears prick at the concise explanation Ljosalfia gives. "Humm... if someone were to try to use this controlling type of magic again, would these runes react, or are they one-use, one-ritual type of things only? I apologize for all the questions, but really, Dokkalfol is the first person we've met who seems to know anything about them at all -- and is willing to talk to us, rather than run us through for asking, if you get my drift." She smiles brightly at the two elves. "On a completely different note, what dialect were you two speaking, anyway? It's a variant of elven that I've never heard in my life, and I have to admit to being intrigued. I came to this continent to learn about the elves who lived here, after all, so I hope you'll also forgive my curiosity."
The goliath laughed to Uthal.
"Well of course the mountains to the NORTH. Only place you'd find real mountains on this land mass. Judging by your dress and title of priest, north of Cathaan, then?"
"I must apologize in turn. That's all Dokkalfol can tell. Without knowing the spells themselves, there's no way to say." Ljosalfia nodded apologetically. "And it would be only a guess, but I believe he sees them to be more a component, and only a small part of the picture."
"If you came to learn of the continent, I'm sorry, but the origin of his speech is not from Theviranne. There is Shinra influence to it, but it's the language of slaves brought over from a land called Vvardenfell. Dokkalfol was born here, but his lineage lay elsewhere. Again, our apologies. I am of a family lines on this continent though. If I can answer any questions, I will." While she spoke, Ljosalfia held the drows hand, as if to comfort him, though he didn't seem completely aware of the conversation, possibly given the established gap in his understanding of the common language. The holding of the hand may have been just as much to put herself at ease.
"Ma serannas", said Anearis in elvish. "I believe Ura could have more questions. I would simply ask if you know someone who might have a deeper understanding of the spells these stones are used for."
"Aye, North of Cathaan, I guess. I never paid much attention to anything to the south until I came down here. And what about my title, you don't have priests here?"
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"You've already helped us more than you know," Ura says, squashing down her intrigue about this 'Vvardenfell' in order to focus on the task at hand. "You have our sincere thanks. And even a bit more gratitude if you can tell us where to find a mapmaker's shop from here." She pauses. "And you know, I could actually do with two or three more simple wax candles, come to think of it, and two or three flasks of lamp oil if you've got some to spare."
Austin leans against a shelf, listening as the others seem to know what they are doing here. "And do you know anything about the area south of here?" She speaks up as it seems to be moving towards a supply purchase. "Anything in regard to a tree that hides a passage somewhere?" She figures it is a shot in the dark, but no harm in asking.
The high elf replied to Anearis "Dokkalfol believes the stones use blood magic. That type of casting was outlawed under the rule of the old family, before the Emperor usurped the throne." She lowered her voice and leaned in closer as she continued "Rumor has gone around though that the Emperor and his circle were practicioners."
The goliath responded in kind to Uthal, still either oblivious or just uninterested in the conversation of the others.
"There are priests here, not many goliaths though. The reference to the title, but the human-made armor is what gave it away." Pausing a moment to look Uthal over, "How much do you know about goliaths, outside the clans from your mountains?"
He then motioned for Uthal specifically, and began heading back towards the 'Lounge'
"We do indeed. Not our primary inventory, but we have both. Three of each, 3 silver." Ljosalfia nods to Ura, and whispers to Dokkalfol, who in turn goes about the store. While Dokkalfol went to the shelves, Ljosalfia turned to Austin. "South of the city is a large forest. And then several smaller Shinra cities before reaching the border with the Southern Draken League." She hung her head slightly. The expression on her face showed a little confusion, but more than that she seemed almost disappointed with not having an answer to Austin's inquiry. "I'm sorry, I don't know of any tree with a hidden passage. Not many people live in the forest and their are very few markers for navigating it, without a guide maybe."
Dokkalfol returned with three white candles and three flasks of lamp oil. Ljosalfia received them and held them out toward Ura. "Regarding a mapmaker, I can't say of one specifically, but your best chances would be looking for one in the Upper District. Here in the Merchant's District, you may have to browse the general stores in hopes of finding what you're looking for." As though struck by inspiration, she continues, this time with a bit more optimism or perhaps hope, in her voice. "We do have an old political map of Theviranne, in the Lounge. I must admit it is a bit outdated though."
Uthal follows, the conversation half impossible for him to follow and outside of what he knows anyways.
"Not much. I doubt it will surprise you but the clans don't keep good records on other goliaths. It's simply 'They're not one of us, kill them.' Even the humans I've been in contact with don't know much about the clans, those that try usually end up dead or eaten by the Rogalaks. The priests were more interested in teaching me about the gods than about the continent. I've seen a few others of us but I've never really had the time to sit and talk about histories. As for the armor, it was a gift from my father. He told me that the south was dangerous and a thick skull would only get me so far."
Uthal laughs a touch at the last statement, remembering the old man.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Anearis watched as Uthal followed the other Goliath behind the counter. He wondered what they could have been talking about in this guttural language he did not understand.
At the mention of the political map, Anearis responds with another question. "Would you allow us to consult this map you mentionned? If it can point us in the right direction, we would greatly appreciate it."
The long sleeves of the goliath's shirt were rolled up just below the elbow. He regularly pushed them up from his forearm as he moved them while speaking.
Taking Uthal back into the Lounge, the smaller room came into full view. The yellowish-orange glow that the party saw emitting through the open doorframe had been from a lit fireplace against one wall. The stone construction of the fire took up nearly the entire wall. The room was about 10 feet deep and 15 long, with two easy chairs and a short couch. It could comfortably fit a few individuals, however was not meant for large groups. On the inside, above the doorframe was a metal bar, with a heavy curtain pushed to the side, able to be pulled across and cover the doorway. The room smelled strongly of tobacco and strong uncertain spices.
There were a few side tables, on one which sat a small stack of four books. And the room contained only two decorations: the first was a portrait of someone with whom the party was familiar, the Archmeister himself. The other piece was a colorful map whom judging by the shape, and some names familiar to Uthal, was a map of Theviranne. It was the basic similar shape to that of the ruins map that had been provided to the party by Captain Sharpe and Adrian Tepes.
((Map provided in discord))
The goliath then proceeded to deliver a simple cultural geographic lesson to Uthal in their giant language.
"You had said the Northern mountains...there are two mountains in the north of Theviranne; that which you come from-" the goliath said pointing to the northeastern part of the continent (1), "and then a northwestern." He then ran his finger across the top of a land marked 'Kal Sultanate' (2). "Both have large groupings of goliath clans. You'll find smaller ones here and here as well." He pointed to two other sections, one in the north middle of the map (3) and then the center of the continent's west half (4).
"The goliaths here are like giant dwarfs. They live in caves and on cliffsides, mining from the rock and making everything from the stuff within." He said pointing (2).
Moving toward the top center (3)"These ones live more on foothills 'stead of mountains. Wear hides and furs. They wouldn't call themselves 'priests' though. They'd be shamans, healers, or smiters. Just not a common word with them."
"Then where I come from." Pointing towards (4). "We are not in the north. And we don't live in mountains. Small commune within stone walls."
"Why of course," Ljosalfia said to Anearis. She bowed her head slightly and held her arm out to her side, directing the geoup back towards the same door makes 'Lounge' which Uthal and the shopkeep goliath had just gone through.
Ura purchases her requested items, thanking Ljosalfia.
"You used some interesting words there. 'Before the Emperor usurped the throne.' I'm not native to this continent, so I'm quite curious about your history. How long has the current Emperor been in power? How are the locals feeling about his rule here anyway?"
At the mention of the map, she waves her hand. "Oh, that'd be perfect... outdated is still more up to date than my current ignorance," Ura replies with a grin. Ignoring the avid conversation between Uthal and the shopkeeper, of which she can't understand a word, she peers over Anaeris's shoulder at the proffered map.
Then she points to the northern block. "Unclaimed territory? That must have since changed." Her finger trails to the disputed territory. "And that, too. How long ago was that disputed? Was it ever resolved? Is there still bad blood about it between the kingdoms?"
Flicking her eyes over the map, Ura is obviously bursting with more questions, but waits for Ljosalfia's answer before she asks.
Austin shrugs off the fact no answer was forthcoming in regard to the tree she had seen in her vision. She follows those entering the lounge, looking over the map in question.
Uthal continues his history lesson, taking great pains to try and remember everything.
"And how would these groups take to an outsider from another group? I don't believe that I would be welcomed home anymore, certainly not by my clan and unlikely by any other. But I would enjoy being able to sit and talk with someone who understands our ways. Moments like this are too fleeting and I find myself in need of ways of centering."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Ljosalfia answered Ura's questions as they made to follow toward the Lounge. "It has been over 100 years since the Emperor took the throne. The previous ruler of Shinra was Tzar Nikolain, and the current ruler, his religious advisor. There was an uprising led by the advisor's zealots, which resulting in the murder of the Tzar, his wife, and every member of both their families. There's a fairy tale some tell about the Tzar's children, Alexeir and Anastrianna having escaped with the help of the the court magistrate and his wife, but it's origin is just that their bodies were never found."
She stopped just outside the door to finish the speaking before letting the rest of the group file into the Lounge. "Few noble families remained loyal, due to fear of meeting the same fate. Really only those who had their own strength in numbers really survived, but now the power of families such as my own has dwindled considerably. He rules by fear, not respect, but even still it's a strong enough fear that the oppressed and persecuted are just as likely to turn in political dissidents, as those twisted zealots that supported him."
Within the Lounge, the goliath continued conversing to Uthal in giant.
"The wild ones mostly keep to themselves. The northwest mountains, if you find them, dealing with them is like dealing with traders. Won't turn outsiders away, but don't let them in unless they got something to trade. Look down on women folk too"
He said turning his head towards the party as they began crowding into the room as well. "But the commune, accepting, don't matter what race you are."
Standing infront of the map, or as close as they could get to it, beside the bodies of the two goliaths, the members of the party could view it. Ljosalfia squeezed by, which was not a difficult task given her thin and small frame. She stood immediately in front of the map, which hung high enough on the wall, that she didn't block Uthal or the goliath's view of it. Stretching her arm out she was able to trace areas as she spoke.
"Its only 50 or more years old but considerable changes have occurred in that time. The unclaimed territory is not necessarily unclaimed, just run by tribal clans, none of which the larger nations recognize politically. The disputed lands may have had a sliver or so go to surrounding kindgoms, but are mainly divided up into a dozen or so small fiefdoms. The Sunken Peninsula lives up to its name as a large portion of its north was destroyed and lost to the sea. And Cathaan possesses a colony on its eastern coast, which is currently the only standing city of any size in that area. Shinra went through several border changes but comparatively has shrunk to half its size you see here. The rest of the continent has seen the same chaos. North of Shinra is now Azerim. The Southern Draken League divided in civil war now the League of Draken and the Northern Draken Republic. Arguably this land where Shinra, Gridehagia, and Northern Draken Republic meet is disputed. The three lands agree on the border, but there are thousands of nomadic tieflings that would say otherwise."
She turned away from the map to face the group, clasping her hands together and letting drop in front of her. "Unfortunately I don't know enough about the western end of the continent to say much else. But as I had mentioned the map is a bit outdated, and changes have occurred since." The verbal picture Ljosalfia had painted in an overlay was drastically different than what the party was looking at. While the continent of Theviranne may have maintained an isolated stature from the rest of the world, it may have been the very reason for the chaos and conflict that the party was beginning to understand as the very nature of life here.
From some of the party's own knowledge, they knew of other lands that have managed to peacefully exist with the same borders and rule for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Entire races, societies, and cultures running their natural courses, until they met their eventual fate; but in Theviranne perhaps passively or actively by forces unknown, societies are barely able to catch a breath before being overturned, shoved one way or another, or destroyed completely.
"This Emperor sounds more and more like a piece of work the more I hear about him," Ura mutters under her breath with a grimace. "Does he happen to have a name? I hate describing dirtbags with such lofty titles, personally. Gives them too much credit."
She eyes Ljosalfia. "I'm assuming by your candid assessment of the situation here, and the fact that you work with the Archmeister, that you personally aren't one of those who would turn in... aeh... shall we say, critics like myself. Are there any other like-minded establishments in the city you'd encourage our motley crew to visit, in that case? Particularly a pub or an inn or the like, where weary travelers can put up their feet and get a bite to eat?" she asks very carefully, keeping an eye on the elf's reaction to her probing.
As Ljosalfia traces the map, Ura soaks it in, trying to memorize every detail she can see. "Tribal clans? Of people like my friend here," Ura says, nodding at Uthal, "Or elves? Or a mix of both, or something completely different?" Despite the urgency of their current mission, Ura can't shake off her desire to fulfill her reason for coming here in the first place -- to find the elves native to this continent, and perhaps her own origins in the process.
Listening to Theviranne's history lesson, Ura's brow wrinkles. "A continent continually torn by strife... tell me, are all these kingdoms mainly human ones, or are there recognized Kingdoms run by other demi-humans somewhere out here, besides in the shadows of the uncharted, or the disputed lands? It sounds like the Northern or Southern Draken League might be home to more dragonborn. Or maybe Gridehagia a homeland for Tieflings?" she guesses, a note of hope in her voice.
Thinking about the conflicts being described, Ura can't help but wonder aloud. "Maybe the evil we've been sent to hunt down has been buried so long under this continent that it's poisoned the very civilization here. How can they be continuously torn by strife for all these years? Most people get weary of it after a while, but this continent can't seem to slack its thirst for conflict. It's beyond strange. More like alarming."
Anearis frowns at the dire description of Shinra’s governance. Apparently, Caathan wasn’t the only power on this continent to be ruled by the corrupt. Though maybe not the same kind of corruption.
"War is a vicious cycle of aggression and revenge, Ura. Though the darkness rooted in this land probably is not helping in that matter.", replied Anearis to Ura’s comment.