Dragon's Egg - Act III

[senseiseth]

I hear a voice call out, instinctively I begin to reach for the hilt of my long sword. I stop before I grip the blade, prudence staying my hand. "I am Hall Alricsen, I have come from the city of Melar. To whom am I speaking?" (Gods I hope I used the right grammar).

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I tilt my head, recognizing neither the voice nor the name. "My name is Líadan. What brings you here from Melar, Hall Alricsen?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I enter the spear, hoping to find Keitsumah...

((PM sent))

...and check on how Grim is doing with those oil bottles. If he doesn't have at least a couple dozen by now, I better help him! In fact, I'll help anyway, so I can sit and think of where to stockpile them. Or maybe each militia man can have a couple bottles on him. No, but they'll toss them too. We need several dozen bottles!

As I sit to prepare my weapons, I think I'll ask Cadell and the militia guy (if they're sitting here with nothing to do), "Could you help pour oil in these bottles? The more we have, the better..."

Before I go on, I see Liadan talking to a--a militia man? No... can't be.

"Um, Liadan? And... Hall, is it? I'm Baldhart Eisenberg. Not to be rude, but would you mind pouring some oil into these bottles while we get acquainted? Oh... I should probably explain that this village will soon be attacked by gnolls and goblins. They were kind enough to tell us. So, yeah, now that you're here we'll try to keep you alive. These bottles of oil will help."

I fill a bottle with oil then stuff it with an oily rag to demonstrate.

"They'll help make gnolls and goblins dead, which is synonymous with us keeping alive."




((@Sensei, if you don't know, Baldhart is a 6'9" woman wearing a kilt and a bearskin cloak with a huge sword sheathed on the back. Her face and muscular limbs are covered in streaks of woad paint. She has a cute oxhorn hairstyle... that's probably her only feature that you'd describe as 'cute.' The hair is sticking up out of her helmet made from an animal skull. It has several hatchmarks on it: 19 on the right and 3 on the left, if Hall is inclined to notice such a detail.))

 

[senseiseth]

Hall

"Melar is a nice city, but it was a little stagnating for my personal growth," I say to Líadan. "What about yourself?"

(I just noticed the post by Legendary Sidekick, in case anyone read the pre-edited post) "Pleasure to make your acquai....gnolls and goblins you say? Well, why didn't you say so! Fighting, hacking, and getting that nice swish sound when you swing a blade, count me in." Course that would explain the mementos at the Tyr temple, I think to myself. "So, Baldhart was it? Where did you get the woad paint? I've always wanted to have some in a tussle. And, uh, what are doing with the bottles again?"

 

[Ireth]

((@Sidekick, Hall and Liadan are outside the Spear, not inside. Baldy would see them on the road before reaching the building. Also, Cadell is probably asleep at the moment, since it's been hours since everyone left the meeting.))

Liadan

"I came to be with my beloved, and aid him and his comrades as a healer. Hello, Baldhart," I add, glancing up at the other woman as she approaches.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Oops. Okay... I'll just go on as if Baldy's trying to get Hall to come in to help.))



"Wha--? Really!" Did I just giggle like a schoolgirl? "I can get my make up kit if you really want some. I'm running out but, aw, there must be a place I can get more, or I can gather woad plants and make some. I'll need a mortar and pes..."

Hall asked about the oil. That's more important.

"Never mind. Come to my room for the paint, and I'll tell you what the oil bottles are for. Not much to tell, really. Nissa will fly above the enemies, light the rag, and drop the bottle. They will die horribly, as they deserve since they killed families in their homes."

Um, Baldy? You just mentioned my name.

Yes.

And that I fly.

Yeah... I did that, didn't I?

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
Aliron stays in the shadows, listening.
Alert and ready with the bow.

 

[senseiseth]

(Writing this on a Nook, so forgive the typos)

"What, in their homes! Oh I lokk forward to spilling their innards onto the ground, and bath the earth in their blood. Let's get to work, much is neded to be done before we send these [censored] to Hel," I say to Balhart, "But I hope to get my Woad on before the battle commences."

 

[Keitsumah]

(hello sensei! btw -my username is my character, and she is a small elf with brass-colored hair, an amethyst necklace that glows, and a grey cloak. Batos is a white half-warg wolf with blue eyes.)

(also, @Steerpike, could Keit possibly have a new, slightly altered weapon? What kind of damage would it do? look below and you'll see it -i think it would add a two to the total damage)

I open the door to my room and nearly fall down the stairs, grasping the supplies i have managed to turn into an assortment of spears, slings, and one new kind of weapon i decided to experiment with. Then i head out to find the others. "Ah, Baldart! There you are! Someone strange has-" my gaze flicks to the stranger- "Oh. I see he's already here. Batos you really need to make sure no strangers come in without warning..." the last bit is muttered more to myself than anyone else, and i blink afterwards, eyebrows drawing together when i sense the wolf's attitude. "You- gah i am not going to deal with this! Go hunt or something if you're so crazy to kill!"

Dumping my load on and empty table with a loud clatter, i look up and eye the stranger. "My name is Keitsumah, and though you likely haven't met him yet Batos will be along soon. The fact that he didn't challenge you on the way in this village surprises me, so he must have sensed something different about you. Hmm..." I shake my head and grab a new prototype for a weapon I've been trying to make, though i am not exactly sure if it would work very well. I had taken one of the branches from earlier and smoothed it into a staff, then corded the dried grass into a thin rope at both ends and attached two of the larger rocks. When i strike with my normal staff, it can only knock out a human or elf at best- but that has to be a head blow as well. The rocks at the ends may do some added damage.

Baldhart approaches Keit and hands her a letter.

"Any chance Batos could sniff out Ankari's trail and deliver this note to him? Or… or would you need to go with Batos? He really seems to be able to do quite a bit if you ask him to, so I won't be surprised if he can deliver it himself!"

Dear Ankari,

As promised, I passed your message to our party without it being tainted by my opinion. In fact, Cadell thought I agreed with the message. However, I was not the only one in our party who cannot trust the gnolls' intentions.

Cadell and Liadan favored peace. Aliron and Bressel did not trust the gnolls to go into an abandoned town, and could only assume they meant to burn Arendal without the bother of resistance. They also suspected they remain loyal to Aslaug despite their words. Keitsumah, like myself, cannot forgive the murder of children. Aldar also favors battle, making the party's vote 5 to 3 in favor of defending Arendal against the gnolls. (Mauve's position is unclear, but her vote would not overturn the party's decision. Your vote is counted among the three in favor of peace with the gnolls.)

Only Grim and Gisla were present to speak on behalf of Srilkind and Arendal, but I believe the elders share their sentiment that the gnolls who attacked Srilkind have committed an atrocity that no peace treaty can amend.

Aliron and I discussed our options, and we both trust you to follow the majority of the party, as we cannot protect Catli if we are divided. I trust this message has reached you, and you will use your skills to let us know where the attack is coming from.

I suggest you find a way to help without making your presence apparent to either side. The battle may become complicated, and ultimately, this will endanger the children—those of Arendal as well as those with us.



There is one offer I can make to avoid unnecessary violence, that is, if the gnolls would not attack Arendal knowing they cannot capture Catli:

If Ghendra is willing to step ahead of his army, I will present him with evidence that Catli can no longer be tracked from afar by magic. He must be unarmed (with neither shield nor sheathed weapon) and more than 100 feet ahead of his army or any cover of trees if he wishes to meet before battle. It must be Ghendra for this evidence to be handed over. I know his face though he does not know mine. Since you will meet him, feel free to tell him that I will come to him unarmed, and 100 feet ahead of our army, bearing this evidence if he is interested. If wishes to hide behind his army like the baby-killing coward that he is, he may attempt to receive this evidence by prying it from my cold, dead fingers.


OXOX,
Baldhart

PS - Thank you for delivering the berries to Mauve. I don't actually have a means of knowing that you did this. It must be my blind faith.


"Yes, i can do that. And since Batos is helping us with the attack I'll assume the villagers will be more lenient about his entering the town." i say, setting the stone-staff down. Then i put my hand to the necklace, looking at the wall. My eyes glaze over and the jewel glows brightly for a moment:

Batos, come. I whisper into his mind, and the wolf takes off at top speed for the inn.

The jewel ceases to glow and I look at the door, counting off on my fingers. one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine...

On ten, the wolf bursts through the door and streaks through the room to skid to a halt at my feet. he pants for several seconds, then suddenly stands up and goes from happy-doggy to a growling feral animal. His warg half shows as his mane stands on end, and his tail and ears rise as he focuses his gaze on the stranger. In all sense of the word, he looks like he's about to kill the man, but i know better. Batos isn't serious about it, he's just "testing" the new pack-member.

I look up and raise my eyebrows at the man, wondering how he will react. The letter hands loosely in my hand, but i decide to let batos do this before i have to send him off once more.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"In that case, follow me." If Hall comes with me, I make introductions before heading upstairs. Well, Keit introduced herself already and—yup, there's her dog!—looks like he can handle the delivery. "Thanks," I tell Keit.

Then to Hall, I go on saying, "This is Grim."—gesturing to the man filling bottles with oil—"He is from Srilkind, or what's left of it. If not for him, there would be no survivors at all." I guess Liadan already spoke of Cadell, but I introduce him anyway. "Liadan surely mentioned Cadell. I still think of him as Sir Cadell, though I believe he prefers to drop the formality. Huh… I thought he'd be here, too. And Bressel's digging holes, and…" Alin wouldn't make his presence known anyway. "Oh well. I guess everyone else can introduce themselves when they show up."

I head up to my room and signal Hall to follow. I don't think he'll get the wrong idea.

Really, Baldy? You're six-foot-nine. I think he'd take no for an answer if the question even came up.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

Baldhart mentions Cadell, and I look to Hall. "Cadell is my beloved, whom I mentioned earlier. You'll meet him eventually." I can only assume he went back to bed, since I don't see him here.

 

[Keitsumah]

(i read beforehand that Baldart and the others were in the inn, and then she said that they were in the inn in her post after mine. by going down the stairs i mean leaving keit's room and going into the main room at the front where the other were, but i still added that she went and found them anyways)

 

[senseiseth]

Hall

"Greetings and salutations to you all," I say to my new acquaintances, "It is a honor and a privilege to meet you....Or is it privilege and honor? Ah well, it's a pleasure to meet you all. And I would blame not the wolve too much, I have always had a special connection with animals, especially the canine vareity. Courze, not looking like his next will be my neck would be nice, but I guess beggars cannot be chosers." Baldart beckons me to her room, I just hope this strictly professional, but I follow.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I say to Hall, "Right this way sir, and I'll have some paint for you in a jif—"

Baldy! Watch where you're go—!

CONK!

"Dammit!" I remove my skull helm. "I guess it's fine." Looking at Hall's great helm, I say, "I should get myself one of those."

I open a drawer and take out my make up kit.

"There's a mirror right here. Have at it, then."



I wait patiently for Hall to apply the woad paint, while I sharpen my blade.

You sharpened it before heading to Srilkind.

Oh, right. Just as well I don't draw my weapon. I might make the new guy nervous.

New guy?

Oh, come now, Nissa. You know how these new party members just keep showing up.

Very well. Get to know him. Don't just sit and watch or you'll creep him out.

Right.



I remove the skull helm.

"This town you're from… is it possible to purchase horses there? Preferably a war pony, if one could hold me, that is."

 

[senseiseth]

"Hey, you have no idea how many times I've done that myself," I say to Baldart, "and I am sure that there is at least one steed that could serve your needs." I take out a whetstone and make sure it is all right for me to sharpen my sword.

"So you mentioned before about Srilkind, and what's left of it. What the Hel happened there?"

 

[Steerpike]

Grim fills the bottles quickly, a couple of militia-men enlisted to aid him. He seems somewhat comforted by Baldhart's words about the events in Srilkind, though a darkness still hands over him. The militia-men work in silence, though their jaws tighten whenever an elf passes into view. With the death of their priest and gnolls lurking in the woods nearby, it seems they have had their fill of outsiders, and non-humans are generally rare in the village. When Batos is near, the two men appear to grow nervous, thought the presence of the wolf does not seem to affect Grim, and he accepts the presence of humans and elves alike with as much cheer as he can muster under the circumstances.

The group is still hard at work a couple of hours after midnight. Anticipatory energy keeps everyone alert, though with the exception of the newcomer, Hall, everyone is lacking sleep. Another night like the past two will certainly have a negative impact on the ability of the group to perform, if good rest isn't had at some point.

Outside, the night grows colder, and small flakes of snow drift down from the dark sky. Not enough to be considered a storm, or even a real snow, but instead flurries that float on the cold breeze that comes in off the ocean and bites at any exposed skin. The sound of the ocean breaking on the cliffs is always present, but apart from that the village is silent, and empty as a tomb except for the party, Grim, Gisla, and the few militia who remain on patrol or help out with the oil bottles.

As the night stretches further, Gisla stacks wood beneath her stove and sets it alight. Fifteen minutes later, the smell of egg and thick cuts of rabbit fill the inn. "I don't know if the rest of you are as hungry as I am, but we don't know how early the gnolls will arrive. Eat when you can, that's once thing life as a mercenary taught me." She taps one of the inns kegs and pours a small amount of ale into a number of mugs. "A little bit won't hurt anyone."

The heat from the stove warms the inside of the Maiden's Spear as the party continues to work. Apart from that, there is nothing but to talk and to wait.

((Baldhart can assume the smith complied with her requests, both to finish the work he was paid to do, as well as for additional weaponry for the defense of the village)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart's Room

As Hall takes out his whetstone, a familiar aroma works its way through the hall and into the open door of my room.

"Hmm… if you're all set with the woad paint, maybe sharpen that downstairs. Gisla must be back—and cooking!

"As for Srilkind, it was raided and burned. Many were in their homes. Most men died fighting. Several children escaped and found us. We rescued eight. One of the eight is a little girl named Burnbright. Her real name is Catli, daughter of Aslaug who I believe is a corrupt priestess—possibly demon-possessed, according to the gnolls who spoke to Cadell.

"What I do know is Cat—Burnbright is twelve. She wishes to follow Brynhild as I do and live her life. Her mother summons monsters and demons to capture her. I see no good coming from this 'reunion' with the woman who birthed but did not raise her child. I believe there is something special about the girl… something in her blood. It's the power the mother seeks, not the child. Not out of love."


​In the Hall (with Hall)?

If Hall will follow me downstairs, I'll introduce him to Gisla—inn keeper, follower of Brynhild… he can see her one arm and fine armor figure she's more than just a cook. Speaking of, I think I'll offer to help cook since Aga's not here.

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos's tail swishes once, and he watches Hall go upstairs with Baldart. A baffled look comes to my face, because for once i can't read his emotions.

"never mind." i mutter, then hold out the letter. "Batos, i need you to bring this to Ankari. But if you sense anyone coming head right for the village, or if you are too far away howl to warn us ahead of time. Okay?"

The wolf nods, then takes the letter in his jaws, careful not to damage it. I open the door and watch him leave, then turn to head back upstairs. When i notice one of the militia staring at me, i give him a small smile.

"Batos has saved my life more than once, and is a fierce warrior. If any of you end up fighting alongside him in this battle, he can understand your words, so there is no need to be afraid of him. I, myself, will be focusing on using my powers to tangle the gnolls up, and I can heal, so if you're injured, come to me or Liadan for that matter." I figure that giving them useful information will end up helping us int he long run, so with that, i head upstairs.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

The welcome scents of cooking eggs and meat reach me from downstairs, and I smile as I turn to wake Cadell. "Breakfast time, beloved."

I wait for him to dress fully, then we head downstairs together. He still looks tired, but better than before. No doubt a good meal will help us both further. We can worry about our armor and weapons once we've eaten.

We get settled with plates and mugs, and eat for a while in silence. I turn to Cadell between bites. "Everyone looks so grim and worried... Why not give us a song to lift our moods a little?"

Cadell

I tilt my head as Liadan speaks. "That does sound like a good idea. A shame I left my drum upstairs... though I suppose the table will do for now. But what shall I sing? Something to rouse the people for battle? Or something lighter to make them smile? I don't think the latter will go too far amiss right now."

Liadan smiles. "That sounds perfect. A little merriment will ease the tension."

I nod, thinking a while to call a song to mind. Then I tap a brisk beat on the table with my hand and gauntlet, getting the rhythm down before I start to sing. Maybe the rhythm can aid the men in their work as well.

"Trickster came a'calling
To find a totem here
To teach the foolish heart of man
Without installing fear.
Many came and many went
And still the Trickster paused;
Bear and Cat and Tiger tried
But had too many claws.
Dog and Wolf though wise indeed
Had teeth t'were quite a fright
And Owl with his tawny eyes
Could only see at night.
"No," the Trickster said at last
"Teachers, I see many.
But My way is full of laughter
And in you I see not any."

But beneath the tree where Eagle sat
Coyote told the tale
of silly hares cavorting
In the old country of Wales.
Raven stared unto the sun
And Crow sang awful songs
And Rabbit sat a'listening
With ears so wondrous long.

"Aha!" The Trickster danced a dance
Of mirth and vict'ry sweet.
He laughed a laugh and swooped a swoop
And landed at their feet.
"Of all here now," the Trickster said
"You are the very Beasts!"
But Rabbit said, "I'm sorry sir,
But of all, we are the least."

The Trickster smiled and raised a hand
And spoke: "I have a plan
The four of you shall help me
To teach the heart of Man.
Raven with your love of light
The Sun you'll steal and soon.
For the gift of warmth I give to man
To be the greatest boon.
And Crow, you silly creature
Who sings without a voice,
Teach man of pride and helping
You really have no choice.
Coyote my friend, together we'll spin
Many a tale at night,
And show man by our naughtiness
What really should be right."

At last He turned to Rabbit
With a twinkle in his eye
"You'll be my favorite creature
And here's the reason why:
Your eyes are bright, your feet are swift
Your ears hear round the bend
But your very simple humbleness
Will steal the heart of men.
Together we shall thwart the pains
The gods do throw to earth
And turn aside their fiery darts
With merriment and mirth.
And when time comes that men forget
The lessons animals render
T'will be the humble rabbit
That mankind will remember."

And round the Trickster the animals thronged
The birds and all the beasts
And humbly bowed to the king they found,
who thought himself "the least."

((Listen here: S.J. Tucker-Rabbit's Song, Lyrics - YouTube))

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I walk into the hall to see a new member of the party with the group.
"Well met friend, I am aldar, I guess you have taken my place as the new guy now. Dont worry these characters are all right."
I throw a sly wink cadell's way.

"So I have been in my room having a few ales and considering my options for the fight that seems to be approaching fast.
I wont be of much use with the archers unless I am handed a bow, So I reckon I may well be better alongisde the warriors on the ground, Behind them yes, I dont have armor or shields, So I will be relying on my spells. Actually I think I am going to summon my familiar, I think there should be time."

I go to walk to a secluded room so I can summon my familiar in peace but remember I have soemthing else to say.

"Looking at the map I think it is important to keep the road between here and the docks clear at all times, we may well need a getaway and running to the forests may well end up much worse for us."

((Will edit with summon familiar spell))