|
|
Post Reply
| Body |
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
6/9/2011 7:54:44 PM
PostID: 401601
|
Gavyn stood on a high slope overlooking the southern coast of Brittany. The snow fell slow and soft, melting into the coming waves. Below on the beach, men made their ships ready for winter sailing. Gavyn and his companions would soon be leaving on such a ship, heading south in pursuit of his captive sister Branwen. He had a hard time even remembering her. She was so young when he left home. He was young too. So young he had no inkling the course his life would take. Two years ago, almost a lifetime, Gavyn almost fatally shot the mage an ancient wizard, a spirit fallen from the Heaven's some say. The mage Sharku recovered and swore a vengeance against Gavyn mustered by his fear of the archer. Gavyn had since learned and had a hard time believing he had almost killed an immortal, and now that immortal mage feared him! So much so, Sharku had taken Gavyn's sister and sent her south, hoping Gavyn would leave the north, and Sharku to pursue her.
Gavyn's ears pricked at the sound of Col and Osred approaching. Osred, like Gavyn, was usually a man of few words. The two of them had spent months wandering the north countries in companionable silence. He was also the only other man Gavyn's hound Col trusted. Osred looked leaner than before, cured of his lycanthropy but not yet fully healed, he still walked with undaunted confidence. He moved up to stand next to Gavyn, Emeldir has cooked dinner. She would like you to join us. She wants to meet you before you 'steal' me away again. She knows I'm going, she knows this must be done and we are the ones to do it. She begrudges nothing.
OOC-Emeldir is Osred's wife. Gavyn has never met her and Osred hadn't seen her for over three years until last fall.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
6/11/2011 2:09:03 PM
PostID: 401740
|
The ranger stands from his kneeling position, his gaze still looking out across the cresting waves. The waves brought on memories of his life across the channel. The magic of those years was easy to forget when most of his early life was spent at the hands of his father. Those hands, strong and tough even as gnarled with old age as they were, had been quite successful in their intention.
The ranger had a hard time tracing his development from those early years. Then, he was full of life and dreams. He dreamed of running away with Audra, escaping his father's daily trials. Those dreams were no longer a part of him. He was an engine like those of the gnomes and dwarves, his frame was like that of a ballista, designed for hurling death. The death that machine inflicted was largely independent of the machine itself. The machine was just a tool, incapable of making any connection with its operator.
Gavyn would go with Osred. Osred had been there for him, unquestioningly, ever since Schwanberg. Neither of them had ever had anything in Schwanberg to call home, nothing to die for, and there were many times that they could have died. Yet, Osred had always followed Gavyn ten feet deep into whatever evil infested hole they managed to dig up.
Now, they were going into just such a hole again. Gavyn could smell it in the air. It smelled so wrong, and yet so necessary, like the burning of a sacked city. The city didn't ask to be burned to the ground, and it certainly wasn't right. Even as wrong as it smelled, there were reasons, often far enough removed to not even smell the carnage.
Gavyn didn't think that dinner was the most appropriate occasion on the eve of such. Osred's wife had cooked for them. They were just just barbarians bathing and dressing in dinner attire while she labored to provide a meal for them. If it wasn't for Gavyn, she could have Osred now and for many more years to come. How close she had come to losing him, how close Gavyn had come to losing his dear friend, and now they would go away again to play death in death's court. The ranger was honored that she would have him as a guest, even as fearsome as he was.
Gavyn smiled, knowing Emeldir couldn't really blame him for Osred's absence. Osred had that some bone as deep inside him as it was in Gavyn. It was that same adventuresome bone, not the ranger, that always pushed Osred away from home.
This post last edited on 6/17/2011 12:55:53 AM
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
6/18/2011 10:05:13 PM
PostID: 402520
|
Emeldir is rather curious about you. She sometimes refers to you as 'my second wife.' Can't say I blame her, all things considered. Is it just us going, or have you decided to ask anyone else to come along? I know that Ashlock is still hanging around and so is that Kerrick fellow and that dwarf Hart Stronghelm. I don't know about them Gavyn. They seem like clean people, too clean to get into the kind of trouble I'm certain were going to find. I'd take ten Nulfi's over that guy any day. Nulfi knows how to get a job done. I never thought I'd say this Gavyn, but I actually miss a few of those Griffons.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
6/23/2011 2:05:33 AM
PostID: 402985
|
"Well, Osred I miss them too. I know were going pretty far south, but I'm with you. The sooner we get back the better. Their friendly faces are waiting for us, I know that, just like Emeldir is going to be waiting for you. She'll be happy if we come back sooner than she expects, won't she? I'm telling you, you would think my sister would be able to look after herself, right?" The ranger laughs as they walk along, trying to cheer up on their way to dinner.
"Oh all those guys - I don't know, what do you think. We should make sure they know what they're in for, don't need any of them pulling a Lady Abril on us, do we? Why don't we go see them after dinner. If anything else, we can always send them up to Zutphen with our recommendations. I'm sure they could use some boys up there."
[ooc: I know Gavyn can fly across the country and Osred can probably keep up. I don't know about the dwarf and Kerrick, but Ashlock seemed pretty hardy.]
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
7/1/2011 8:40:15 PM
PostID: 404093
|
Your sister? the one who may or may not be a Druid of Avalon? Yea, I would think one such as her, if that's the case, could take of herself. If she couldn't what about the other witches or sisters of the Holy Isle? I don't put much stock in those stories Gavyn. She's your sister and we are going after her. Osred doesn't say anymore than that. The two men continue walking through the falling snow until the top a small hill overlooking a small valley with snug looking farmhouse at the far end. A small stream flows down the valley's center and passes within a hundred yards of the farmhouse and barns.
During the walk, Gavyn reflects on his recent companions. He knows Ashlock, also called Duncan Blackmoor is an accomplished ranger and Gavyn thinks he may also have the ability to change shape either through an enchantment or a natural ability. Gavyn doesn't think Ashlock would have any trouble keeping up with them, tracking or fighting. The others he is not so certain, particularly Kerrick and Sir Batiste. Batiste was an accomplished fighter, probably better than Gavyn in straight forward clash. He is also a knight, which could prove useful in the south, where Knighthood is held in much higher esteem than the marshlands of the North. Hart was also more than capable as a fighter. He just didn't know if they could keep up if push came to shove. Kerrick, Kerrick had quick hands and eyes. He is also reckless and has a tendency to drink too much. Twice during their trek across the marshes Gavyn saw him tipping at the flask a bit too greedily.
It doesn't take them long to reach the farm. The door of the main house opens wide, lighting up the immediate area and sending warm air cascading over them. A tall, broad shouldered, large breasted woman stands in the doorway waiting for them. She is not handsome or pretty in any regular sense, but there is something about her that catches the eye. Come on in Captain Gavyn, stews waiting. Do you prefer ale, wine or cider. We have all three. She doesn't introduce herself and neither does Osred. They both figure Gavyn already knows who she is. When they come to the door, she gives Osred a great hug and then turns to kiss Gavyn lightly on the cheek and ushers him into the house like one of her own.
Gavyn can smell beef stew, roasting goose, buttered eels, hot bread and fresh cream. A small table is set for them. Kronehart is sitting on a small stool by the fire, playing with a young boy and girl, who can only be Osred and Emeldir's children.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
7/2/2011 9:56:59 AM
PostID: 404108
|
Gavyn scouts the countryside the rest of the way Osred's house and keeps quiet, a little taken back by what his friend had to say. It was his sister, he knew that, and what it came down to was that if any of Osred's family went missing he'd go across the earth with his friend to bring them back, too. He hadn't been there for Osred when he nearly succumbed to lycanthropy, but this wasn't the time to worry about that. He keeps his eyes on the stream as they come in to the farm, always wary.
Gavyn would have to ask Ashlock to come along, knowing he would fit right along stride the two other rangers. Sir Batiste would also be a valuable ally, and may have a thing or two to teach Gavyn on his way to knighthood. Ashlock, too, for that matter as the ranger seemed more in tune with nature than Gavyn was. In fact, they would all be helpful, as companions always are in dire times. However, Kerrick's probably the only one that would "get his hands dirty" as Osred would say. The ranger planned to get in and get out, but it was always best to plan for the unexpected... he would have to make a decision when they headed out.
"Thank you, Emeldir, wine will do. Appreciate you having me and my men here for dinner. Last good meal I had was back in Zupthen. Well, I never knew you all had kids."
And so it was that the ranger, for the first time in his life, considered the notion of having kids. He had always put it off as wrong time, wrong place, and he never imagined he would make a good father, less he raise his kid to be just like him - an instrument of warfare. But, Osred had found a nice lady to bring up the kids while he went around saving the world... Anyway, the thought was short-lived. Ever-starved by Granger's magic and held by an unquenchable hunger, the ranger loses all focus at the steaming table of food.
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
7/14/2011 7:05:24 PM
PostID: 405432
|
Wine it is then,she says and pours Gavyn a healthy glass and hands it to him before turning to the two kids and proudly introducing them to Gavyn,Captain Gavyn, this is Oswine and Bernicia. Niether of the children are shy, both look at him without staring and say hello in clear tones.
Kronehart rises and they all sit and eat as readily as Gavyn if not as focused. Soon after the meal, Emeldir takes the children up to the loft and Osred and Kronehart break out their pipes and leaf. Kronehart says nothing until his pipe is lit and smoking, Camorra, have you heard of such a place? That is where I believe they plan to take your sister, if they are not there already. Fenya Arvidsdottir drives the ship south. You once knew her didn't you? I don't think she is the same. Maybe so, taking pay from the highest bidder regardless of consequence. You should know, it is hot in Hispania, much hotter than anything you have ever known. Take care to wear at least soft clothes and caps most times. The sun will bake your brains if you are not careful. I would also travel as close to the rivers as you can. Water is essential and you may also hear news or see things of value. I am sorry the druid's meeting has not come about as expected. Too many of these 'wise' old men are once again allowing semantic differences and petty jealousies to prevent any kind of useful alliance. If it turns out this woman is not your sister, would you return north to hunt Sharku or would you still rescue her?
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
()
7/16/2011 1:48:56 AM
PostID: 405598
|
The ranger gives the most caring smile he can, though his face is weathered and scarred. "Hello," he says to the children. That is all he says, feeling like the big ugly guy that came to take their daddy away.
"How do I get to Camorra?" he asks, "Have we a map we can look at? Why would Fenya take her there? It doesn't look like there's any one river that will take us there." The ranger wished to find out a lot more about Arvidsdottir's recent years, when the time came. It could be a trail to follow. He also needed to know how to get to Camorra. He also considers what kind of weather they'll be facing.
"How can the druids argue at a time like this? Kroneheart, you mustn't say that these differences are keeping you from seeing the darkness that we face." The ranger tries to learn as much as he can from Kroneheart about what role the druids are playing in all this.
Gavyn looks Osred in the eye when Kronehart asks his question, wondering what his friend would do in his situation. He admires the men and their smoke and how easily they would sleep. "I don't know, I guess we'll have to see."
Secure Rolls:
Knowledge nature 1d20(9)+10 = 19
gather info 1d20(12)+4 = 16
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
7/21/2011 1:53:51 AM
PostID: 406217
|
Kronehart speaks slowly, clearly pained by what he has to say,They don't all agree the 'darkness' we face is a necessary evil. Some of them actually believe it is the way of the World, a natural process and that we should go along with it. Others say we should fight with everything we have and know, including blood sacrifice to older powers just as evil as the ones we face. Unlike the Church of the Saints, the druids are far from unified in their beliefs and practices. Many of them are not even true members of a Druidic Order, but are more 'Nature Priests' than anything else. I am most concerned though about those druids left in Gaul and Albion, the remnant's of the established Orders from the Mystic Isle of Avalon. Their indecision and willingness to use old dangerous arts to court powers beyond their knowing, is deeply troubling. I see Sharku's hand in this, his or another from the ancient days. Radagast taught me well of those who came with him and those after. All of them ultimately failed, save Mithnar, who you might know as Olorin Greymantle.
They hear shuffling in the loft where Emeldir had taken the children. She has climbed halfway down the ladder carrying an armful of scrolls. Osred looks suprised and then proud when she unrolls them, revealing a map of Hispania(See Iberia in Southern Folder), and several smaller maps of the cities of Calatrava and Navarre. The maps are colorful and drawn better than any Gavyn has seen before. He also suspects they are more accurate than most maps, due to the sense he gets of the mapmakers skill and passion for his work. He can see Camorra is in the Kingdom of Leon along the Douro river. Emeldir watches all of them eagerly look over the map. She has a contented smile on her face,I figured you would need a map. Lady Annwyn was gracious enough to loan them to us. I can make rough copies for you and return these originals if you would like. Osred pulls her close, holding her her around the hips with his arm.
While looking at the map Kronehart tells them,Radagast told me that Sharku lived and studied there for some time a few hundred years ago. He said it was an evil place, full of enchantments and malice. One of Sharku's old students, Mithmor, dwells there still. He is an elementalist mage and necromancer well versed in the summoning and conjuring arts. He has the loyalty of the Blackbone and Splitskull Urokoi tribes. Mithmor has magically altered some of the orc leaders making them stronger, faster, harder to hit, and less susceptible to magic. This is usually done in a ceremony where captives are offered up to greater powers on the elemental planes and the abyss. Mithmor uses the captives as payment for the favors from the greater evil beings. Mithmor also enchants many items on a short term basis for the urokoi to use when they are going against a particularly hated foe. Be ready for that, these urokoi are not normal by any means. The good thing is, because of that, they are much easier to recgonize.
Osred, with his arm still wrapped around Emeldir says without flinching or hesitation,We rescue her, kill as many of her guards and such as possible, return her to wherever she wants and then go after Sharku. We will kill him Kronehart, or die trying.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
7/22/2011 3:23:32 PM
PostID: 406395
|
Gavyn sat very still listening to what the druid Kronehart had to say about the druids of the West and was a little disappointed by what he heard at first, but then he realized it really was no surprise that the Blue Wizard's influence had penetrated the divided druid orders. He was concerned for Kronehart who would have to face Sharku in his own way, and for those in the druid order who didn't even appreciate the magnitude of the evil that faced their world, too. "Kroneheart, you've already done more than others by preparing for Sharku and helping us. But the druids must realize what it is that faces them and even if it is a natural process it will still radically change their lives and the lives of those they love - it's a constant fight. Those who worship evil older powers are a plague in their own, but those who are good of heart, as I feel you are, must unite and save what little there is left of the good way, the way the Druid Granger taught me. Will you carry this message to what friends you still have among the druids?" The ranger looks over the maps Emeldir has noting the rivers and cities they will come across and estimates how long it would take them to reach Camora and where they would go from there. It's then he realizes how different of a place he was going to, a place he had never been before, and realizes all that he and Osred would be leaving behind while in the South. And, it seemed the South wasn't without problems of its own. The ranger nods in silent agreement with Osred's words, but he knew it may not be that simple. The druid had just toild them the region would be thick with the minions of Sharku's ex-student, Mithmor. "What is Mithmor's role in all this? He has control of legions of urokoi and studied under Sharku, surely he's just as rotten as the Blue Wizard, but does he have any connection with him now? Or is Mithnor working on his own in the South?" The ranger could only imagine what horrors Sharku would reek with an army of sacrificially enhanced urokoi reinforcements from the South.
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
7/27/2011 8:13:17 PM
PostID: 406875
|
Much has been done as you say, and much more remains for the doing. I will carry your message Gavyn, to the druids and others. Is there anything you would have me deliver to Zutphen? He takes a long drag of smoke and looks over the maps with Gavyn, keenly interested in them and Hispania on the whole.I don't know. Mithmor and Sharku had a falling out many years before. Sir Gringamore the Mourner seduced Mithmor to his side and convinced Mithmor to turn against Sharku. They suprised Sharku and together with Prelate Aguila and Duke Vintronus chased him out of Hispania and all the South. Sharku was not heard from for many years after that. It's quite possible that Fenya took Branwen on Sharku's behalf and is now working on her own. It's so very hard to say with such untrustworthy people. I have a hard time fathoming the motives and acts of those who are evil. I do know that Gringamore has close ties to many of the renegade welsh druids and mystics, in particular, Casnar of the Cornovii. That's a name we've heard before, one we know is now working with Bishop Remus and Duke Leonard. See how confusing all of this becomes? It's hard to sort such threads. Osred's gruff voice answers before Gavyn can,Let's just cut all these threads by killing everyone of them and not waste time sorting how they love and hate one another. That just seems like a waste of time to me. I'll see you in the morning Gavyn. We board "The Golden Bower" in the morning, bound for Bayonne. Osred sets his cup down and he and Emeldir retire to the loft, leaving Kronehart and Gavyn alone.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
()
8/1/2011 2:39:01 AM
PostID: 407251
|
The ranger looked at the map before him and pictured Sharku fleeing the South with Sir Gringamore and Mithmor chasing him from one direction, and Prelate Aguila at his heels from the other. If Sharku had fled the South many years before, than that explained his recent activity in the West. Gavyn didn't think that Fenya was acting on her own motives, but that she was still under the influence of some evil power, Sharku or otherwise. The ranger looks up to acknowledge Osred's withdrawal from the conversation at hand and recognized the determination in his voice. He nods to Osred, and waits for the two to leave the room. "Kroneheart, could we look over these maps just once more. I was wondering whose lands we'll be moving through on our way to Bayonne and further and which are the lands of Sir Gringamore, Mithmor, and Duke Vitronus roughly on this map here?" The ranger will spend a little more time becoming familiar with the factions that they'll be facing in the South so that he will know when to be friendly and when they'll need to stay out of sight. Seeing the wear in Kroneheart, the ranger apologizes. "We can continue this in the morning Kroneheart, before I leave, I know it is late. I... there is something else, if you don't mind, Kroneheart. This, here - it's been keeping me going for the last couple years now and, well I don't know. I've been having visions and delusions as of late. I can't sleep, but only can I stare ever vigilant. I worry, Kroneheart. The druid Granger gave this torque to me then, and I have not removed it since."
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
8/14/2011 4:30:48 PM
PostID: 408114
|
We can look over the maps, but my eyes are probably no better than yours. Gavyn, I have never traveled in those lands. Like you, I know only what I've heard. I do know that neither Gringamore of Duke Vintronus hold any lands there. Gringamore served in the armies of the Pope and Vintronus lost all claims and titles to those lands more than ten years ago. Of Mithmor, I know little. Kronehart looks at Gavyn with a quizzical look before touching and examining the torque around Gavyn's neck. Gavyn, such enchantments are not meant for you to wear forever, doing so is how men become wraiths and other type of shades that look like men, but are less so. If I were you, I would take it off when you sleep, give your self a chance to rest normally. I would also consider taking it off when eating to give your body a chance to regain it's strength and vigor normally. If you follow these guidelines, I think you should be okay. If not, I'll examine the torque with more thoroughness, unless you would have me do that now.
-------------------------
In the morning, Emildir tells Gavyn and Osred of the Bazaar and that she thinks that would be their best chance to gain information on Hispania.
-------------------------
The ranger shows up a little late. He had actually had just a little trouble finding the bazaar, only hearing about at the last minute. He walks around with a heavy pack on his back, seeing what there is to offer. He also looks around for Elberich, hoping to learn more of the mage's plans.
2.Dori Gemsceptre, dwarven jeweler and gem trader, specializing in elegant jewelry for women. An honest if hard bargainer. His tent is a deep blue color with silver fringe.
Gavyn wanders right on past the women's jewelry the first time around. Then he comes back later to see what he may be able to sell to them. Gavyn finds little of to interest him at first, then Dori walks up and offers to buy his drow chainmail for 1,200 gold pieces. No other vendor even showed the slightest interest. The other thing that he notices is that Dori wears a ring with a tree symbol much like the one on his armor.
3.Pondle is gnome merchant from Cornwall who sells fine clothing, shoes and other apparel exclusively to the noble and wealthy. He often dresses in purple and his tent is purple and gold.
Gavyn goes on ahead into the gnome's tent. He didn't think he would find anything road-weary, but he wouldn't chance passing something up. Gavyn doesn’t see anything interesting in Pondle’s tent, but he overhears the gnome discussing his travels in Hispania.
4.House Baronivitch, their standard is a Gold dragon on a red field. They are from the East, near Riga. They are selling mostly war gear and scrolls.
The ranger shows up to House Baronivitch, looking around at the armor that they have to offer. He would be willing to trade in his own gear for discounts on some of the finer ware.
5. Branham Brightring of the Brightring clan is a dwarven warrior and merchant selling missile weapons of all kinds, ranging from crossbows to ballistae. His tent is gray.
Gavyn stops by Branham's tent. Even if the dwarf didn't have anything other than crossbows, he would at least like to be reminded of his old friend Nulfi. Branham has all types and kinds of missile weapons, including silver broadhead arrows, regular broadheads, and eight arrows with electrical charges(2d8 damage). He also has three explosive grenades(1d12+5)for sale.
7.Mithnar is tall for a gray elf and has long silver hair and moon gold eyes. He openly practices magic and is selling elven wares, enchanted and otherwise. His tent is the color of a white moon.
Gavyn passes by Mithnar's tent and when he sees the elf he slows down to take a look. He wasn't sure what this mage would have to offer him... maybe just a bit of advice. But, he had always had mixed feelings about the elves, and wanted to see what he was like. More importantly, Gavyn wondered what Mithnar might have to say about the elves that had ambushed him.
Mithnar sees Gavyn and gives him a slow, gentle smile that quickly turns into a dark frown, “Those are not true elves. They are changed through enchantment and breeding. What you encountered are elves or their descendants, captured and changed by Sharku and his followers. We call them “Touri.” You should know they have two hearts, one in the normal place and another, smaller heart behind their stomachs. This gives them greater endurance and strength than normal. They are not immortal like the other elves though. This extra heart ages them like men, so they have little chance to gain any true wisdom. At one time they were Sharku’s servants through and through. That was until the Frost Giant Lord Fjolsvid captured some and convinced them to gain their freedom from Sharku. Fjolsvid lured many of them away. I can’t say who the ones attacked you served.”
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
8/22/2011 11:59:25 PM
PostID: 408640
|
The ranger looks back at Kroneheart after listening with his gaze away. "You know, Osred probably has the right of it. We'll have to learn as we go. I can only hope there will be those friendly to our cause in Hispania."
"As for the torque, I will take your advice and try taking it off for rest or to eat. For now, that will do." The ranger makes his way to bed, then.
- - -
To Dori the dwarf, "Perhaps we can barter. I have an interest in your ring, and , in fact, very little in this chain. What can you tell me about it, the ring that is, and what meaning it's symbol has to you?"
To Pondle the gnome, "Hello Pondle. I knwo you're busy, so I'll be brief. I'll be traveling in Hispania, around Camorra in fact. I imagine I may need to hire on some protection, and was wondering what you may advise, having traveled there recently."
Walking into Brightring's tent, the ranger looks like a man who knows what he is doing. He calls Branham up, "Hellow there, I've been looking around, and I've seen some stuff I like. Can you ghet me two quives of silver broadheads, six quivers of regular broadheads, and all of those arrows with the electrical charges. Oh, and how much would all that be with those three grenades there?"
And, inside Mithnar's tent, the ranger could be seen hearing the news from the elf of who is attacker's may have been. "Well, Mithnar, this is hard to hear, indeed. It was a curiosity, no more, I seek no retribution for the attack. I'll be going now." But, before the ranger leaves, he turns back. "I hope it was the frost giants who influenced the elves to attack, at least."
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
8/30/2011 3:09:55 AM
PostID: 408979
|
Dori looks casually at the ring, just glancing at it, like it was nothing special,This ring? It has signifigance to you? Dori take is off and holds it out for Gavyn to make a closer inspection,I believe it's Celtic or elven in design, not dwarven make for certain. I always thought it had something to do with the old druids and the World Tree, Ygrdasil. If you know more than that, I'd be happy to listen. Come, I'll count out the gold for the dark elf chain while you tell your tale.
-------------------------
Pondle's greeting is not nearly as warm as the others. He eyes Gavyn with clear suspicion while running his long, thin fingers through his fine beard.First things first, don't call it Camorra. The magyar will tar and feather you. They call it Zamorra and for the most part they rule the place now. The magyar have turned the place into a major slave trading city. The Iron Ring has a large estate there as do several other organizations of similar ilk. The whole area is not fit for men, leastways not anymore. The urokoi rove about the countryside and clashes between them and the magyar are quite frequent. Very few humans live there now and the few gnomes, dwarves or elves you might find are more than likely slaves. You should also know the upper reaches of the Douro river are not navigable by boat. There are too many cataracts, waterfalls and shallows, not to mention giants guarding the fords and charging outrageous tolls to cross. The Firegiants are allied with the Magyar. There are other giants as well, but they mostly travel in small, disorganized bands. Make certain to pack well. Bring anything you think you might need because there is no telling what you will find in the markets once, or if you reach Zamorra. I'm not sure what else I could tell you. Perhaps if you told me more of why you travel there I could help you better.
--------------------
Gavyn walks into Branham's tent, taking his time to check what he wants. He can see Branham watching him but not interrupting. The dwarf helps other customers but stays aware of Gavyn until the Ranger is ready for him. When Gavyn waves him over, Branham comes quickly and with much dignity says,Tis an honor to serve a Lord of Zutphen and Captain of the Sea Griffons. I can fill your order and more if allowed the time. I'll take 450 gold for what you have already chosen.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
9/2/2011 11:00:59 PM
PostID: 409161
|
The ranger looks closer at the ring and tries to discern whether or not it is magical. "I wear the symbol on my armor. A man named Pieart first told me about this symbol. We had been sailing down the Rhine at the time for a mercenary company and when we looted Scwanburg we found this armor buried away underneath a temple."
"Pieart had said then that it was a symbol that was once used by the ancient king of the West. This was a time when the magyar hid in their holes. Man's grip on the land was firm.
"That time is long ago now. Many believe these artifacts are all that is left of that ancient race of men. They were wise, and noble in spirit. The symbol reminds me to have hope."
- - -
The merchant's openness surprise Gavyn. "You have told me a lot already. It doesn't sound like a good place. Do you know of any agents of Sharku in Zamorra?"
- - -
"Thank you Branham. Have you any more magical ammunition. Or is there a way to enchant them on my own?"
Secure Rolls:
sense motive 1d20(9) = 9
sense motive pondle 1d20(19) = 19
branham motive pondle 1d20(3) = 3
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
9/13/2011 9:16:11 PM
PostID: 409707
|
Dori drops a coin and fumbles with a few others when Gavyn mentions Pieart. He stops counting and turns slowly, staring hard at Gavyn. Gavyn can smell the fear coming off the dwarf as Dori's quivering hand pours himself a glass of whiskey and he sits down, gathering his wits and breathing slow. In a shallow voice he says,Pieart would know, he and Camlin were always digging around old ruins and tombs and places sane men would never go. I thought you looked rougher than most, but if you know Pieart, that explains it. He pauses to down his drink, wipe his mouth and then pour another before looking up at Gavyn and realizing he hadn't offer Gavyn a drink.Sorry for my manners, would you like a drink? Pieart was right about your ring. My people have tales of those honorable men. Some of the last we dwarves trusted. The tree on the ring is a symbol of the White Tree of the Faithful of the Dunedain, "The Men of the West." It was the symbol of their Royal House and ruling family. I don't any of the particulars, like names and deeds of their kings. I do know one of my ancestors was friend and companion to one of their Kings who started his days as a Ranger, like yourself.
------------------------
Zamorra is not a good place, but then, you don't look so 'good' yourself. You'll probably fit right in. Pondle give Gavyn an even more skeptical look when Gavyn asks about associates of Sharku. He purses his lips and chooses his next words with care,I would not speak that name so openly, not here and certainly not in Zamorra or anywhere south of the Pyrenees. That name will get the attention of his allies, Dre-Raiku, Mithmor and Audignis, the Fire Giant Lord. His enemies will take note as well, Akarius the Orc Lord, Falluda the Snake King and the priests of Set. It is no easy road you take Ranger. I wish you well. If you would like to leave something for your family, I would see that it gets to them. Gavyn can tell Pondle is afraid of him and for him. He senses Gavyn is on some dangerous undertaking and the gnome doesn't want to know any more about it or what drives Gavyn. He also hasn't run because he knows it would be useless.
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
9/27/2011 1:12:27 AM
PostID: 410755
|
"Sure, I'll have a drink with you. Might as well, it's hard dealing with this terribly dangerous quest that I'm going into sometimes. I would like to hear more about you're friend, the one who started as a Ranger. I started as a Ranger, too, and sometimes I feel like that is the most truest of callings I've heard. Life as a mercenary is hard, but something about having the forest as your home instead of the castle always got my blood going."
---
"Listen here, Pondle. I'm not worried about all those big bad guys that are out there. It's not like I'm going to actively hunt them out... Well, I will hunt the Blue Wizard, but that's different. I'm going to Camorra, Zamorra, whatever you want to call it, and I'm going to burn a hole threw whoever stands in the way of me and my sister."
He glares down at the little gnome. "And let's say Dre-Raiku, the Set priests, and anyone else hear me coming; they should get out of the way. Only a fool would stand in the way of me now. You should probably tell all the fools that you know that I'm coming, and that they should probably just get going the other way."
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
10/29/2011 2:42:39 AM
PostID: 413488
|
Dori slowly pours the whiskey into Gavyn's glass and then another for himself. Gavyn can see light glinting in the glass and filtering through the amber whiskey,The ranger wasn't my friend, he was my ancestor's friend. He apparently lived as a ranger, wandering the length and breadth of the great forests of old. Many of his folk, the Dunedain Faithful, traveled and lived with him. Even though he was a noble, a King to be, he lived like a commoner for most of his young life. He was a great tracker and near fearless warrior. He wasn't much with a bow though, at least I never heard it mentioned in any of the stories. They called him Strider. Tharkun, who you probably know better as Olorin or Gandalf knew that great, ancient ranger who became King. He was here just a bit ago, not more than an hour has passed since he bought two of my rings and a fine, elegant necklace. He is probably still around somewhere. He is a curious old wizard, not much for foolishness but friendly enough for his kind.
---------------------
Pondle unconciously takes a step back, almost stumbling over as he does,I wouldn't stand in your way or your sister's, and I want nothing to do with the Blue Wizard. That kind of trouble ruins business. I don't know what you want, Pondle is slurring his words now and clasping and unclasping his hands,do you want me to talk about your coming or do you want me to stay silent. I don't know. It sounds like you want me to let mention you are coming, but I don't trade or traffic with the kind of fools who would listen if I was to say anything. Please Sir, Master Bowman, I don't want to get involved anymore than I already am...He stops and looks up at Gavyn, a worn, anxious, questioning look on his face,I'm not that involved am I?
|
Gavyn Merrick Rice
(Vernon)
11/3/2011 1:33:04 AM
PostID: 413824
|
The ranger sat there across from the dwarf. He was still as stone. His hair hang in a mess from his head and his brow cast a shadow over his eyes. Etched in his face were many a wrinkle and a scar. He rubbed his thumb over his glass, as if physically thumbing an idea over in his mind. He lifts his whiskey cup and takes a small sip. The cup makes a noise when he sets it back down, and then the ranger looked up at Dori. "I'm grateful for your sharing of your ancestor's story. I had never heard of this Strider before... You say Olorin was just here? I have met him before, did he say where he was heading? I would like to catch up to him."
- - -
The ranger towers over the gnome. He hadn't meant to frighten the gnome, but now he more believed the gnome's allegiance was not to those that would stay in his way. The ranger held the gnome in his blue-eyed gaze. He speaks slowly. "Little gnome, I do not mean to frighten you. You know not the position I'm in and the strain it puts on me. Many have personal interests, few see the value in the interests of others. I have recently come to see the interests of others, the interests of all. This new insight makes it difficult to know which is the right path to follow."
"I would have you remember this encounter, but not speak of it. I will not bring an innocent into this, although it may be that our paths will meet again. Should I see you in Hispania, I ask that you not account our seeing eachother again to chance. Should it be so, you will realize a role you must play in this. Do not worry if you know not of what I speak, I will not trouble you with it now."
"May we meet again, Pondle, little gnome friend. Remember the fear you felt today. If you fear for a friend's heartache, then steer them from evil. If you must, describe to them the fear you feel as I stand before you. I will show no mercy to those who stand beside, Dre-Raiku, Mithmor and Audignis, the Fire Giant Lord, or the wizard."
"Remember, gnome friend, you may play a part in this, yet. Until then, fare well."
Secure Rolls:
Track Olorin 1d20(6)+17+2 = 25
This post last edited on 11/3/2011 1:39:17 AM
|
| page of 2 pages containing 30 items.Items per page: |
Data
|