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Dragon's Egg - Act IV

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
Brecht turns to Zoran. "Galt? He is inclined to favor the witchhunters. Their fortunes have risen along with his. I have only met him once, and he did not seem a bad man to me, at least in our single meeting, but there is something driving him. He was not always in favor of the methods the witchhunters use, but in the last year or so he has become increasingly willing to adopt those methods."

When Baldhart mentions Masama, Brecht looks toward the large man, who stands alert near the perimeter of the caravan, eyes toward the wilderness and the Taint beyond. "Asra? That is a name I have not head since my journeys in the south, many years past. Her followers tend to be good folk, Baldhart. Some are a bit zealous, or perhaps overly devout is a better way of phrasing it. But to no great harm, for the most zealous amongst them have an almost passive acceptance of anything the world has to offer, with the understanding that nothing happens but for Asra's will. I do not know how long this monk of Asra has been among you, but if it has been a short time then let me say that in my experience it is likely you can trust him, particularly if he gives his oath on a matter."

"As for the fire cleansing, I can tell you that even among the witchhunters there are few who believe it. It is a story told to the common folk and their priests, for it is much easier to convince folk to sacrifice one of their own when they believe they are aiding the victim by purifying their soul. The practice comes from ancient rituals for dealing with possession, and in the case of demonic possession, if no other avenue it available, the fire purification may indeed be the best course, for it frees to soul of the possessed into the afterlife. But in most cases it is entirely unnecessary."

"Be wary of second-guessing the motives of the witchhunters, though. There may be those among them who actively aid evil. It is inevitable, I suppose. But most of them are true believers, and that makes them all the more dangerous when you run afoul of them. The have no qualms of conscience about burning down a village to kill a witch hiding among the people, because they truly believe what they are doing is right!"

Listening to Zoran again, Brecht says: "I am sorry about what happened to your family. The Inquisition is a club when a scalpel is needed. I hope you find peace with the past - good paladins are rare in this world, and I believe we will need them. As I said, though, I share the Inquisition's goals in large part. The magic in this world is tainted. It corrupts its users - I have seen this myself. It has the potential to harm not only the caster but those around him. For this reason, I do not believe it is something that should be dabbled in. I do not believe in slaughtering innocents to stop it, but I do believe in stopping the individual who pursues these arts, both for their own protection and the protection of others. If the magic can be cleansed....well, I do not know how such a thing would be possible, but if that is your goal I wish you well. Peace between us, Zoran. I do not take offense at your words and I wish you well."

Steig, meanwhile, lumbers over next to Bressel, and in a whisper shared only between the two of them, asks: "What is she?" He cocks a thumb in the direction Branwen was led off.
 

Philster401

Scribal Lord
"Thank you, Brecht. Also speaking of purifying magic we found a ring that makes it safer to use , so there must be a way to at least weaken the taint if not complete cure. Have you heard of anyone doing research on the taint?"
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
Baldhart

I jump in, "Zoran refers to the ring worn by the sorceress, which was no doubt worn to keep powerful spells like that damn lighting bolt from turning against her."

I tell Brecht, "You will hear other rumors, including one that we travel with two outlaws, one of whom dabbled in magic. There is some truth to it, as the outlaws are former allies—deserters. Both were allowed to leave by the town militia as they did save lives when people-eating creatures from the sea attacked us. A lot happened in Arendal that tested—no, not just there… other allies of ours became darker versions of themselves.

"I understand you can't change their ways, but maybe you can focus them on the dark elves. If any of the witch-hunters are truly corrupt, they'll find a reason to leave the dark elves be, I suppose. But I believe most of the witch-hunters mean to defeat evil, and I'm hard pressed to believe all dark elves are evil… but the ones who gather here to kill the innocent and raise Aeron—they must be stopped.

"Some tactical advice you can pass on: the dark elves use a spell that creates absolute darkness—maybe a hundred feet wide. No one can see anything in this darkness, not even the dark elves. That's how we won. One made the world dark, and we stayed in the dark with them, except for the archers, who shot them when they came out. I had my hands on the sorceress' throat and almost choked her." I cross my arms. "I knew she'd turn into a giant spider lady. Snake lady, spider lady. Maybe the next will have a horse's ass.

"Anyway, the witch-burners like fire. They should bring fire and oil and bombard the darkness. In melee, step in and wait in silence. The dark elves expect the enemy to cower in fear from being blind. We didn't. We all lived and none of them did."

I can't let it go—what Brecht said about the witch-hunters burning a village.

"One thing I learned from seeing past allies commit dark acts. We make a choice when we battle the monsters in this world: to fight for the ones who need protection from the monsters, or to become monsters ourselves."
 

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
To Zoran, Brecht says: "The Taint here in the north is believed to be caused by Aslaug, a sorceress who appeared in recent years. Though why she created it, what she wants, and whether she is tied to greater evil in the south, none can say for certain. Though when I take back news of the dark elves, and where Aslaug can be found" he nods at Baldhart, "perhaps we can start putting pieces together.

"If you're referring to the larger evil that taints magic in the world, I know that there have been some who looked into it over the years, but with little result. The world's mages, those who understood magic the best, were lost at the end of the Great War, just when the magic became afflicted."

To Baldhart he says: "I will pass on the information you have shared, including your tactical information concerning the dark elves and the news of your former comrades. I believe most of the witchhunters are true believers, and not in league with evil, though I have been wrong before. They do not view themselves as becoming monsters. Their piety shields them from such considerations. I agree with you, however. It is the wrong path.

"I'm afraid I have not nearly so much information to share - at least not information that will be of direct benefit to the road ahead of you. I will say this, however...if you are heading north, it may be wise to speak to the dwarves. But be wary. Something is afoot with them. Very many of their kind have been recalled to their mountain halls of late, and they've all but disappeared from the open ground in the past couple of weeks. Something is going on there, though I cannot say what it is. Dwarves guard their secrets as tightly as their gold."
 

Ireth

Mythic Scribe
Cadell

"We met a small group of dwarves in the open recently," I say, looking at Brecht. "We defended them from a band of goblins riding wargs, and one of them, Darin son of Dain, remained in our company until his untimely death." I pull Darin's medallion out from under my tunic. "On our first meeting Darin gave me this, and named me Dwarf-friend. I lost my left hand fighting to protect him, and he deemed it a worthy sacrifice. If and when we reach the Drimmen-delve, I think this will at least allow us entrance, if it does not curry their favor."
 

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
Brecht steps toward Cadell and leans forward, looking at the medallion, but does not touch it. "Darin, son of Dain," he mutters. "I didn't not expect to see such a token granted by a dwarf to an elf." He nods to Cadell. "A noble sacrifice indeed, and dwarves do not give their medallions, or name Dwarf-friends lightly. I fear you will carry sorrowful tiding to the Drimmen-delve with you, though I have no doubt that you will be granted an audience. For you see, Dain, father of Darin, is King there, and will wish to hear first hand the account of how his third son fell."
 

Ireth

Mythic Scribe
Cadell

I nod solemnly. "Meeting Darin's father is something I have been dreading ever since Darin passed, for that reason. He told us of his lineage before his death. I can but hope the sorrowful tidings will not overshadow the hope we mean to bring, that the Taint will be eliminated and neither Aslaug nor Aeron will trouble our lands again."
 

Philster401

Scribal Lord
To Bretch, Zoran said, "Thank you, I wish you good fortune and hope you have success piecing things together."
Then to Cadell he asked, "Cadell your an elf right, you guys have long lifes, so have any of your people any research on the taint, or on how elven magic is different from others magics."
Finally to Baldhart he stated, "Baldhart I believe we should speak to the dwarves they might have information that could be helpful."
(Did we ever get the amount of gold in the chest sorted out because we still need to get supplies before we go and maybe Bretch could give us a discount.)
 

Ireth

Mythic Scribe
Cadell

I turn to Zoran and shake my head in regret. "You're unlikely to find any research on the Taint among my former people. We keep to our own affairs for the most part, as we have done for thousands of years. I count it a singular occurrence that the queen sent me to the north in the first place."

In my own mind I wonder whether my earlier suspicions were true, that the quest was a ruse and an excuse for her to be rid of me and my so-called madness. I keep silent about my final interactions with the queen, as well as Liadan's reason for being with me.
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
Baldhart

"Thank you," I say to Brecht. And since everyone's pretty much confirmed we're on our way to the dwarves, I simply add, "If our travels do lead us to the dwarves, we'll certainly look into the strange events surrounding them.

"As for our former comrades, not all of them became outlaws or dabbled in magic. One became easily angered, another lost his nerve to the point that he hid behind a table during battle… and then there was a man who just stood there and took it while a kobold mounted his back and beat on him.

"Even the outlaws are not nearly as dangerous as Aslaug's forces or the dark elves. I only mentioned them to you so you won't be surprised to hear rumors of Nissa connected with other rumors."


Nissa

I jump in, assuring Baldy, "Brecht, too, told me that he'd seen other fall under temptation." To Brecht I add, "The ones you see here have been tested many times, but still stand to fight the good fight."

I turn to the merchant, asking, "Do you have any clothes in her size?" I point to Baldhart. "Something befitting a monk," I suggest. Likely he'd have pants, not dresses, if anything. For fun I ask, "And how about a dress that fits me, but isn't too babyish?"
 

SeverinR

Valar Lord
Steig, meanwhile, lumbers over next to Bressel, and in a whisper shared only between the two of them, asks: "What is she?" He cocks a thumb in the direction Branwen was led off.

Bressel
"Thatis a sweet child who's life has been forever altered by this godblessed taint. With the help o good people, maybe we can keep her from falling into its control and the same for Branwen too. The evil magics forever changed them to what they are now."

"Might you have some arrows or bolts to sell? We can use any extra you have, we would pay for them o course." He annouces to the caravan.

Aliron
Slowly moves back and away, he moves further away so if needed he could sneak up behind them rather then shoot them from the side. Also using his new vantage point to check the rear of the wagons. (by slow 1/4 of normal movement but listening to make sure nothing changes.
Always paying attention to who he could safely shoot without endangering the group at all times. Moving to a point where he can see the rear of the wagons, but be within 30feet of the rear. So he could attack immediately if needed.
 
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Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
((Unless anyone objects, Baldhart would've suggested dividing the gold evenly, taking the extra drow gold over a regular and rounding her share and Nissa's DOWN since they have less needs than those who use weapons. She also would offer to keep the kids fed from her share and Nissa's.))



Baldhart

Since Nissa suggested I buy clothes, I approach the merchant. "I'll pay in coins, but I was wondering… what do you suppose these gems are worth? I mean to seek an appraiser in Ballara, but would you have a rough idea?"
 

Steerpike

Staff
Moderator
When Bressel tells Steig that Branwen is just another orphan, the merchant nods solemnly and lets it drop, though it is clear that he has seen or at least suspects something unusual about the child.

Brecht says to Cadell: "I believe Dain will listen to what you have to say. He is a proud king, as are all dwarf kings, but he will know that Darin would not present that token you wear to any but a trusted friend. Dwarves are not fond of elves, in my experience, but I do not think Dain will conclude that there was treachery without some evidence to support it. He is fair, and as with most of his kind can be expected to speak the truth."

Brecht thanks Zoran for the good wishes, and also thanks Baldhart for her advice and for clarifying the nature of her former comrades. He steps aside to make way for Steig once the group begins asking about wares that the merchant sells.

"Aye, I've got arrows and bolts both," Steig says to Bressel. "For arrows, let's say 2 gold per dozen. A gold and five silver for a dozen bolts."

"Clothes, on the other hand..." he shakes his head at Nissa. "No dresses in among this stuff, I'm afraid. Trousers, I have. Shirts and tunics too. And clothes suitable for children of various sizes that I believe would fit you, Miss van Donk. I can show you what I have."

When Baldhart approaches with the gems, Steig takes them one at a time, holding them up to the sky to get a look at them. "I'm not expert, mind you, but I think these would fetch a fair price. This one here - " he holds up the larger ruby " - it's imperfect. You can hold it up to the sky. See how the light scatters inside? Cracks inside, or else it's not a pure stone. That's my guess. Still, given the size I guess it'd fetch a couple hundred gold if you could find a place to sell it. The smaller ruby - well, that one's near perfect. Worth at least twice the larger one."

He holds up the diamond last, then lets out a low whistle. "I couldn't even begin to tell you what this one's worth. Don't see any flaws in it, but again I'm no expert. It'd be worth more than I could afford to pay, or any in Ballara for that matter. Probably fetch you a few thousand gold in a place like Mittelstadt. Up here, it'll fetch whatever someone can afford and is willing to part with."
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
Nissa

I look over the clothing, but tell the merchant, "Let me talk to our seamstress friend before I decide on anything. Perhaps you have something that would fit Baldhart?"

I approach Dalla, and ask if we can talk privately. If she's willing, I tell her, "We will ask the children if they wish to stay with us in Ballara, where they can remain safe at the temple, or accept a ride to Alfoss. I would appreciate if you could remain with us. I could use your skills to keep me clothed—without looking like a one-year-old that is. And I trust you with the children—the ones who will stay in our care.

"That said, Dalla, the one who promised to train you has departed. I can tell you we'll do all in our power to keep you safe. As for learning the bow, I imagine any elf among us would train you. Just ask."



Baldhart

"Holy sh…" Maybe I better use a more nun-like expression. I can't think of one, so I just stare at the diamond.

Thousands.

Maybe the two rubies combined are over a thousand.

I hold up the gems and say to my friends, "This is full plate armor. War horses. Weapons crafted by a master smith. A horse might be nice, but I don't need armor and weapons. Let's spend it for what it's worth in the way that benefits us most as a group. That'll mean I personally get very little from the diamond, but being rich won't mean a thing if I'm dead."

I look for pants—preferably something baggy like a monk would wear, something I can throw a good kick in. I also ask the merchant if he has a good pouch to keep these gems in. Something sturdy, but plain looking or even worn. If I'm to carry something of such value, I better appear to be a poor monk. I look for tops as well.
 
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Ireth

Mythic Scribe
Cadell

I nod slowly as Baldhart speaks of the diamond's worth, wondering what we might spend it on.

"Horses for those who don't already own them would help us move faster, I agree. Perhaps a pony for Biorn, and better armor and weapons." I look around at the others, wondering what they have to say.
 

Legendary Sidekick

Staff
Moderator
Baldhart

I'd rather we stay out of Alfoss, but then, maybe a big city isn't the best place for horse farms. Maybe Ballara is. Seems more likely we'd find horses inland as opposed to a seaside town, but then with the Taint…

I ask Steig and Brechtel, "Where in the north does one go to purchase strong horses? I don't suppose Ballara happens to be the place."
 

Philster401

Scribal Lord
"Dwarves they are known for their armor, so why don't we save buying weapons or armor until we get to their city. Also if we do go to the dwarves how long would it take, because we might also need food," Zoran said.
 
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