”Ah Ara! You are such a moodkiller!” He glances out in the morning sky and breath in the smell of the street. “Do you think a war will break out because of the resent events?”
"Yes, I honestly think a war is going to ravage the lands all over Talia. Thankfully, Tulcanis and Novgortah seem to be aligned, and we may add Urthar to this alliance once we hand over this letter."
Aramae stares at Edgar for a moment.
"Come to think of it, you have not told me where you hail from, that I can recall. To be fair, neither of us have had the opportunity to speak of ourselves at length. Perhaps when we hit the road towards Sundaraic, all of us will have a chance to share our tales."
Oryxis can't help but eavesdrop on Ara and Edgar: "What you see as an evil, my people see as a necessary part of life. If it weren't for the constant struggle out on the planes, the weak would start to dominate and the pride would die out. A harsh environment keeps our minds sharp and our bodies tough. And it provides other nations with a reason to hire us as mercenaries. If it weren't for strife or the threat thereof, we wouldn't have met, I think"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Perhaps, but attempting to assassinate every ruler simultaneously is always an evil act. There will always be disagreements between the nations, yes, but there are much better ways to resolve disputes. And if one feels they absolutely must raise their weapon as a means to do so, there could be scheduled and controlled matches within confined arenas where those with issues and/or their chosen champions could battle to decide what the result of the argument is. It is not my preferred method of debate, but it is far better than risking countless innocent lives been ng lost all because one man or woman wants something they do not currently possess. Oryxis, I do not think we will ever agree on which is the better option between raising your sword or raising your voice. However, it is ironic that neither will ever be fully accepted and utilized properly. There are simply too many people with too many opinions and none of them being truly correct."
"Look, I don't disagree, and for what it's worth my people are also skilled orators and bards. We pride ourselves for our famed leonic wit, if in battle or in a tavern, it matters little. But I'll also tell you one thing: there's no such thing as an innocent man. It's the great lie of all the faiths, they try to sell us on this idea of good things happening to good people and people who do bad things deserving bad things happening to them as a punishment. Well I say that's a rotten deal! We don't know what the rules are, we can't control our futures, and in the end even the best intentions can lead to bad outcomes. As far as I'm concerned, we're all born guilty of some horrible evil that we're going to commit during our lifetimes and all the intervening time between birth and death is just a desperate struggle between our capacity for empathy and compassion and our greed and selfishness. We try to place laws on these turbulent outpourings we call life, we try to order tings around us, but in truth, the order too is an illusion, and all we do is sacrifice our freedoms so that we can be reasonably sure to have a secured future. I embrace the chaos of not knowing what my future holds, and I am ready to face the challenge the gods have placed before us and throw it triumphantly back in their faces when I shall perish!"
It's the longest you have heard Oryxis talk, and he speaks with such an itensity and convinction that he is almost breathless by the time he finishes, a firey wild look in his eyes.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Your passion for your personal beliefs is admirable. But you speak of entirely different things than I. I have never claimed to be perfect, nor have I claimed anyone else to be, not even Tisus. I have always believed that the world needs its share of both order and chaos. And there will be those that fight, in one way or another, for one side of that ever shifting cosmic balance or the other."
After they have begun their cart ride towards Sundaraic and picked up the dwarven man's package from his contact along the way, Aramae speaks once more both with seriousness and a smile.
"You all know I worship Tisus, but you do not know the full extent as to why. Yes, I try to uphold his beliefs as is the way of religion, but I also feel that I owe him my very life. You see, although I hail from Tulcanis, I was not born there, or anywhere on Talia. I was born on the seas, amidst a raging storm that was rocking my parents' boat to and fro! My mother was forced to give birth to me right then and there! And miraculously she did. Not long after my parents and I were stranded on an island for a time, where we were rescued by a passing vessel from Tulcanis. As I grew, I discovered arcane talents the lines of this."
Aramae casts Shocking Grasp so his hand and arm alight with electrical energy, and then lets it fade a few seconds later.
"My family were allowed to live and work in Tulcanis, where I learned of Tisus, and other religions of course. You can see how I naturally came to such a conclusion that I was allowed to live by his hand, and granted a means of power. And, although I needed no more convincing, I had received confirmation last night that Tisus is watching over me. He had shown me visions of a location, one he must wish me to venture to. And someday I shall, but we have this matter to attend to first."
(Sorry to intrude on the conversation, don't let me stop you. Just going to set the scene.)
The tabaxi duo, having collected your cart, swing back into the city to grab the rest of the group. As you do Edgar visibly pales a bit and retires to the back of the cart to rest. With the others aboard you make your way to the bridge. There is no one standing there but as you cross Edgar weakly calls out to say that you have a package.
Edgar, in your sickened state you're not sure if you're hallucinating or not but you swear a dwarf just appeared at the back of the cart, placed the box inside, and then left, with merely a wink as acknowledgement.
With your package collected you make your way out of the city. With the gates now open it is slow moving through the throngs of people also leaving now that they are allowed. You exit near the cliffs and begin your trip down the winding, switch-back path, the roar of the great waterfall a constant companion.
Having decended a thousand feet down to the plains below you make your way beside the river, past the docks filled with boats. On the other side of the harbour you see a large grouping of tents being assembled and dwarves in their brass armor moving too and fro. The beginnings of a great army.
You turn to the north at a fork in the road, the other path continuing to follow the river as it begins to curve south. A large bridge of dark wood and stone guides you northwards and into a series of low hills filled with scrub brush. Based on what you know of the routes Aramae, you estimate you have two days until you reach Sundaraic.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
(sorry for the break. School Term just finished and as a teacher I just crashed.)
"A cart? that was a good idea." Fenro walked along beside the cart chatting with the others and learning about this new job they had been given. As he did so he continued to think about the vision he had seen and felt a pang that he was travelling further from his home, and with no clear progress being made. Surely they would find someone who could help him with this.
As they reach the bridge, Fenro turns to Aramae as he sits in the cart."I must admit, I know little of the geography around here. I will take your lead on directions. I must say though that it is nice to be outside the city walls though. There is a certain freedom out here. Though nothing like my homeland, that is for sure."
"Ah yes. I gather you feel the same about being within full forests and lush fields as I do about being on the sea. As for our travel, if we stick to this road we should arrive in Sundaraic in a matter of days."
Aramae could likely have seen Fenro's thoughts being elsewhere, a look Aramae himself recently had.
"I had asked Edgar if he too was contacted by his patron deity during the night, and he was not. But I suspect that you have by yours. Now, if you do not feel up to sharing, I will not pry. However I too have had that look of thoughts being miles away. I do offer you this. Regardless of where or when we attempt to accomplish our respective spiritual journeys and in which order, we agree to help the other to the best of our abilities. My task is incredibly important to me and I am sure yours is equally as important to you."
You can see that Oryxis is uncomfortable with the talk of religion: "I don't mean to argue, you've got your faith and it's guided you well. But I don't see how being born in harsh circumstances makes you alive because of a god. I'd rather say you're alive despite them. At least that's my view, and I think you deserve more of the credit for your life and your actions than some being that destroys or creates life as if it was as easy as cutting the rind off some cheese. But I do worship some things, in my own way. I worhsip Strength and Cunning, the two sharpest blades in any warrior's arsenal. I live for battle, and nothing compares to the feeling of seeing an enemy break and accept their own defeat at your hands. So as long as you're happy to have me along with you and you're not afraid of wading into battle at my side, I'm happy to help you in whatever endeavours you may have, even those that involve your beliefs."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"You have strength in spades, noone can question that. I have yet to see a demonstration of your cunning, though I am hardly lacking in that area, myself. Your blunt assumptions regarding my birth and choice of religion aside, I am happy to have you alongside me, and appreciate your assistance."
Aramae gives Oryxis a warm smile and pay to the shoulder.
"Lyrika, you have been rather quiet. Do you have any opinions on anything that has been said so far? What about you, Fenro?"
"I don't know. I have never seen religion or deities as a strict set of rules to follow, more like a parent watching over us and guiding us as we make our journey through life. Sometimes we listen to each other and sometimes we don't, but either way, I know that they are always there. I can go to them for advice when I need it and sometimes they kick my butt and show me exactly what I should be doing, whether I like it or not. I think this was one of those times. Oryxis, I appreciate the drive to be in command of your own life. There is nothing more comforting than knowing you can stand on your own two feet. But there are things out there that just don't make sense if you shut yourself off. Imagine if you had cunning and strength AND the blessing of the gods? You would be unstoppable."
"Very well said. Imagine it, Oryxis. Your weapons, maybe even your muscly arms themselves imbued with the power of storms! Or perhaps another thing entirely, depending on the deity you choose. And regardless whether or not you choose Tisus, or another, or none at all, I will respect your decision. But it is as Fenro has said. The gods will always have their place in the world, exerting their influence in their own way. And Tisus will always have a place in my meager portion of the world. Nothing can shaky belief in him. Not even this 'God Above All'. Who's name is apparently 'Aramet'. Yes, it is rather close to my name, but that cannot be more than mere coincidence. After all, my parents gave me my name and at the time they were not even aware of Talia herself, let alone the pantheon within."
Oryxis lisens to his companions, in deep thought: "I have to be honest, that's not how I've thought about the issue for a long time. Not me being chosen by the gods, but choosing them instead. Still in command of my destiny, but with spiritual guidance from above? It's something to ponder. Do you both know of any gods of war or cunning, that respect the will of their followers and encourage them to forge their own paths?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Tisus respects me and allows me to live out my days in my own way. Perhaps you can discover your own religion if we ever arrive in Tulcanis. As diverse and wide range its culture, you will undoubtedly find something or someone to peak your interest."
(Would I have at least heard of something Oryxis is looking for while in Tulcanis?)
”Ah Ara! You are such a moodkiller!” He glances out in the morning sky and breath in the smell of the street. “Do you think a war will break out because of the resent events?”
Aramae hangs his head slightly.
"Yes, I honestly think a war is going to ravage the lands all over Talia. Thankfully, Tulcanis and Novgortah seem to be aligned, and we may add Urthar to this alliance once we hand over this letter."
Aramae stares at Edgar for a moment.
"Come to think of it, you have not told me where you hail from, that I can recall. To be fair, neither of us have had the opportunity to speak of ourselves at length. Perhaps when we hit the road towards Sundaraic, all of us will have a chance to share our tales."
“I think so to. A lot of people are going to die only so that some can gain some power...”
“You are right I never did tell you, did I? Well I’ll tell you all about my tribe and family once we are on the rode.”
Aramae smiles.
"And I shall do the same."
Oryxis can't help but eavesdrop on Ara and Edgar: "What you see as an evil, my people see as a necessary part of life. If it weren't for the constant struggle out on the planes, the weak would start to dominate and the pride would die out. A harsh environment keeps our minds sharp and our bodies tough. And it provides other nations with a reason to hire us as mercenaries. If it weren't for strife or the threat thereof, we wouldn't have met, I think"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Perhaps, but attempting to assassinate every ruler simultaneously is always an evil act. There will always be disagreements between the nations, yes, but there are much better ways to resolve disputes. And if one feels they absolutely must raise their weapon as a means to do so, there could be scheduled and controlled matches within confined arenas where those with issues and/or their chosen champions could battle to decide what the result of the argument is. It is not my preferred method of debate, but it is far better than risking countless innocent lives been ng lost all because one man or woman wants something they do not currently possess. Oryxis, I do not think we will ever agree on which is the better option between raising your sword or raising your voice. However, it is ironic that neither will ever be fully accepted and utilized properly. There are simply too many people with too many opinions and none of them being truly correct."
"Look, I don't disagree, and for what it's worth my people are also skilled orators and bards. We pride ourselves for our famed leonic wit, if in battle or in a tavern, it matters little. But I'll also tell you one thing: there's no such thing as an innocent man. It's the great lie of all the faiths, they try to sell us on this idea of good things happening to good people and people who do bad things deserving bad things happening to them as a punishment. Well I say that's a rotten deal! We don't know what the rules are, we can't control our futures, and in the end even the best intentions can lead to bad outcomes. As far as I'm concerned, we're all born guilty of some horrible evil that we're going to commit during our lifetimes and all the intervening time between birth and death is just a desperate struggle between our capacity for empathy and compassion and our greed and selfishness. We try to place laws on these turbulent outpourings we call life, we try to order tings around us, but in truth, the order too is an illusion, and all we do is sacrifice our freedoms so that we can be reasonably sure to have a secured future. I embrace the chaos of not knowing what my future holds, and I am ready to face the challenge the gods have placed before us and throw it triumphantly back in their faces when I shall perish!"
It's the longest you have heard Oryxis talk, and he speaks with such an itensity and convinction that he is almost breathless by the time he finishes, a firey wild look in his eyes.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Take a breath, my ferocious friend."
Aramae gives Oryxis a pat on the back.
"Your passion for your personal beliefs is admirable. But you speak of entirely different things than I. I have never claimed to be perfect, nor have I claimed anyone else to be, not even Tisus. I have always believed that the world needs its share of both order and chaos. And there will be those that fight, in one way or another, for one side of that ever shifting cosmic balance or the other."
After they have begun their cart ride towards Sundaraic and picked up the dwarven man's package from his contact along the way, Aramae speaks once more both with seriousness and a smile.
"You all know I worship Tisus, but you do not know the full extent as to why. Yes, I try to uphold his beliefs as is the way of religion, but I also feel that I owe him my very life. You see, although I hail from Tulcanis, I was not born there, or anywhere on Talia. I was born on the seas, amidst a raging storm that was rocking my parents' boat to and fro! My mother was forced to give birth to me right then and there! And miraculously she did. Not long after my parents and I were stranded on an island for a time, where we were rescued by a passing vessel from Tulcanis. As I grew, I discovered arcane talents the lines of this."
Aramae casts Shocking Grasp so his hand and arm alight with electrical energy, and then lets it fade a few seconds later.
"My family were allowed to live and work in Tulcanis, where I learned of Tisus, and other religions of course. You can see how I naturally came to such a conclusion that I was allowed to live by his hand, and granted a means of power. And, although I needed no more convincing, I had received confirmation last night that Tisus is watching over me. He had shown me visions of a location, one he must wish me to venture to. And someday I shall, but we have this matter to attend to first."
(Sorry to intrude on the conversation, don't let me stop you. Just going to set the scene.)
The tabaxi duo, having collected your cart, swing back into the city to grab the rest of the group. As you do Edgar visibly pales a bit and retires to the back of the cart to rest. With the others aboard you make your way to the bridge. There is no one standing there but as you cross Edgar weakly calls out to say that you have a package.
Edgar, in your sickened state you're not sure if you're hallucinating or not but you swear a dwarf just appeared at the back of the cart, placed the box inside, and then left, with merely a wink as acknowledgement.
With your package collected you make your way out of the city. With the gates now open it is slow moving through the throngs of people also leaving now that they are allowed. You exit near the cliffs and begin your trip down the winding, switch-back path, the roar of the great waterfall a constant companion.
Having decended a thousand feet down to the plains below you make your way beside the river, past the docks filled with boats. On the other side of the harbour you see a large grouping of tents being assembled and dwarves in their brass armor moving too and fro. The beginnings of a great army.
You turn to the north at a fork in the road, the other path continuing to follow the river as it begins to curve south. A large bridge of dark wood and stone guides you northwards and into a series of low hills filled with scrub brush. Based on what you know of the routes Aramae, you estimate you have two days until you reach Sundaraic.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"It will be some time before we arrive in Sundaraic. You have heard my story, now I am curious to hear yours."
(We can say Edgar told his at this point. Gosset could leave it in the Talia chat when he returns, I suppose.)
Aramae sits as comfortably as one can in a cart, giving everyone a gentle smile, curious who will chime in next.
(sorry for the break. School Term just finished and as a teacher I just crashed.)
"A cart? that was a good idea." Fenro walked along beside the cart chatting with the others and learning about this new job they had been given. As he did so he continued to think about the vision he had seen and felt a pang that he was travelling further from his home, and with no clear progress being made. Surely they would find someone who could help him with this.
As they reach the bridge, Fenro turns to Aramae as he sits in the cart. "I must admit, I know little of the geography around here. I will take your lead on directions. I must say though that it is nice to be outside the city walls though. There is a certain freedom out here. Though nothing like my homeland, that is for sure."
"Ah yes. I gather you feel the same about being within full forests and lush fields as I do about being on the sea. As for our travel, if we stick to this road we should arrive in Sundaraic in a matter of days."
Aramae could likely have seen Fenro's thoughts being elsewhere, a look Aramae himself recently had.
"I had asked Edgar if he too was contacted by his patron deity during the night, and he was not. But I suspect that you have by yours. Now, if you do not feel up to sharing, I will not pry. However I too have had that look of thoughts being miles away. I do offer you this. Regardless of where or when we attempt to accomplish our respective spiritual journeys and in which order, we agree to help the other to the best of our abilities. My task is incredibly important to me and I am sure yours is equally as important to you."
You can see that Oryxis is uncomfortable with the talk of religion: "I don't mean to argue, you've got your faith and it's guided you well. But I don't see how being born in harsh circumstances makes you alive because of a god. I'd rather say you're alive despite them. At least that's my view, and I think you deserve more of the credit for your life and your actions than some being that destroys or creates life as if it was as easy as cutting the rind off some cheese. But I do worship some things, in my own way. I worhsip Strength and Cunning, the two sharpest blades in any warrior's arsenal. I live for battle, and nothing compares to the feeling of seeing an enemy break and accept their own defeat at your hands. So as long as you're happy to have me along with you and you're not afraid of wading into battle at my side, I'm happy to help you in whatever endeavours you may have, even those that involve your beliefs."
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"You have strength in spades, noone can question that. I have yet to see a demonstration of your cunning, though I am hardly lacking in that area, myself. Your blunt assumptions regarding my birth and choice of religion aside, I am happy to have you alongside me, and appreciate your assistance."
Aramae gives Oryxis a warm smile and pay to the shoulder.
"Lyrika, you have been rather quiet. Do you have any opinions on anything that has been said so far? What about you, Fenro?"
"I don't know. I have never seen religion or deities as a strict set of rules to follow, more like a parent watching over us and guiding us as we make our journey through life. Sometimes we listen to each other and sometimes we don't, but either way, I know that they are always there. I can go to them for advice when I need it and sometimes they kick my butt and show me exactly what I should be doing, whether I like it or not. I think this was one of those times. Oryxis, I appreciate the drive to be in command of your own life. There is nothing more comforting than knowing you can stand on your own two feet. But there are things out there that just don't make sense if you shut yourself off. Imagine if you had cunning and strength AND the blessing of the gods? You would be unstoppable."
"Very well said. Imagine it, Oryxis. Your weapons, maybe even your muscly arms themselves imbued with the power of storms! Or perhaps another thing entirely, depending on the deity you choose. And regardless whether or not you choose Tisus, or another, or none at all, I will respect your decision. But it is as Fenro has said. The gods will always have their place in the world, exerting their influence in their own way. And Tisus will always have a place in my meager portion of the world. Nothing can shaky belief in him. Not even this 'God Above All'. Who's name is apparently 'Aramet'. Yes, it is rather close to my name, but that cannot be more than mere coincidence. After all, my parents gave me my name and at the time they were not even aware of Talia herself, let alone the pantheon within."
Oryxis lisens to his companions, in deep thought: "I have to be honest, that's not how I've thought about the issue for a long time. Not me being chosen by the gods, but choosing them instead. Still in command of my destiny, but with spiritual guidance from above? It's something to ponder. Do you both know of any gods of war or cunning, that respect the will of their followers and encourage them to forge their own paths?"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Tisus respects me and allows me to live out my days in my own way. Perhaps you can discover your own religion if we ever arrive in Tulcanis. As diverse and wide range its culture, you will undoubtedly find something or someone to peak your interest."
(Would I have at least heard of something Oryxis is looking for while in Tulcanis?)
(The Goddess of War is Thuna. Anyone can make a religion check to see what you know about her.)
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
(I did see Thuna on the list, but I wasn't sure if Aramae had heard of it. Here goes with my +1 to religion. :P )
Religion: 11