Post by redcoat on Mar 27, 2022 13:11:22 GMT -5
Username: Ancelas
In which an unlikely band of misfits find themselves caught up in a tide of rising darkness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 001
From the Journal of Alastair Fields…
After several weeks of travel south, myself and my traveling companions- Dr. Jaegerkreuz von Whittlewood and Jennar- found our way to Donal’s Crossing. We decided that settling in the gateway of Samara for a day or two would help us get our bearings and point us in our next direction. Seeing as it sits on a trade route, it was a safe bet for gossip and news. There we decided on the Halfling’s Hearth, a quaint little inn. Not the fanciest or comfiest furnishings, but also not the most expensive either.
There at the tavern below the rooms we sat and listened to the bards and gossipers. Jaeger had some good ale, and Jennar told some really peculiar jokes that I politely laughed at. I still don’t quite understand Aegien humor, but the nuances are starting to make sense.
We noticed a couple of elves, possibly Illyrians? I couldn’t place where they were from - one looked like a scholar, and the other had a sort of hand held cannon that I identified as a “fire arm.” A gunslinger, this far south? Wonders never cease! I also met a couple of Otonin folks, a kind kenku bird who’s name I couldn’t pronounce and a young lady named Konane. They were both polite, but I think I spooked them with my genial personality. It must be an Otonin thing?
We retired for the evening, but just as it was getting late all sorts of noises woke me up from my sleep- As well as my companions, and the rest of the town. After suiting up I found my party in the chaos- Half of the town was on fire. Men were grunting and calling war cries, swords were clattering, great.. Gutteral growls and howling came from the west, along the road to Kyr.
The horses screaming was… unsettling. After deliberation, the good Doctor convinced us to move toward the fire. The elves from earlier were on there way too, as well as the folks from Otori. The elves I understood, gunslingers are law people, but the Otori folk must be some kind of warriors too. Begrudgingly I followed, and we ran into a warzone. City guards were running away from the fray, commonfolk. A great wolf with a man riding it leapt out from the fire in the distance and snapped the neck of a horse, sending its rider flying. A woman was caught in the resulting panic, downed with a town guard trying to escort her away. We intervened.
I killed a man. I’m… not sure how I feel about this. Aside from awful. Very.. awful.
After the fight, we got each other's names. The maiden who was downed was a maid from Kyr, and her companion, Tobin, was her guard. Their city was apparently overrun by these monsterous, beastly men. We recovered strange weapons from the melee, and ran toward safety elsewhere.
From the Journal of Sae Cairel…
Tal insisted that we stop in the city, to save our provisions and our backs a little. It’s been awhile on the road, and short of going around the city there wasn’t really any argument that could be made for /not/ stopping. We stopped at a little hole in the wall inn- comfortable, clean, cheap. I wasn’t really feeling up to the bourgeoisie questions that come with middle class inns. We split a room and spent a comfortable night. Don’t tell him, but being around the bustle did make me feel a great bit better. I tried to drink my sorrows away, but I’m not that sort of girl. Instead, we gambled quietly for no stakes and just listened to a human strike out with a girl and her kenku friend. It was very cute, and lifted my spirits more than the beer I didn’t finish.
Drank to Kaladin’s memory. Retiring to our room we took our usual back-to-back pose and fell into our individual trances. We woke at the sounds of battle, and so used to it by now I think we were both armed, geared, and out the door before we even realized we weren’t back at Squadron. We were joined by the human- new to battle, but a competent medic and I would soon find out- his companions (A goliath and another, tall elf), and the human girl and her Kenku friend. We made our way towards the sounds of battle in time to see a fleeing guard and maid on horseback break through the lines, pursued by creatures that looked remarkably like the ones that Kaladin had described to me.
I managed to get a shot off without them noticing, and with the help of the rag tag band (and the guard, who I did admonish for fleeing over fighting) we took down most everything. Tali was a terrible shot, but did better after I reminded him to aim, then shoot. Spells at a distance aren’t that different than bullets. The kenku threw things that explode- I definitely want to learn more about that. Got to the last wolf before my gun jammed- of course on the final shot. Tali finished off the dire wolf, which angered the human girl terribly.
I think both humans haven’t been on the road long.
Tali wanted to go and help the guards hold the line, but despite myself I could hear Kaladin’s voice in my ear telling me that it was Mareki foolishness, and that I had more important things to do than throw myself into death. I pushed Tali into retreating, and he saw the wisdom of it. The male human didn’t seem offended when I recommended the human term ‘tactical retreat’. The Goliath looted the bodies, and we all scavenged what we could. I have a dagger to match Kaladin’s coin now. With much hesitation we left the city- joined by many who seemed to see standing their ground as a lost cause. I can’t excuse those abandoning their post, and another retreat is weighing heavily on me again.
From the Journal of Taliesin Davar…
Today was a rough day. Sae still won't go into detail about what she knows regarding the failure of her recent mission. There's a wall there. She's shut down the same way men returning from the war have.
My only success in this regard was in convincing her to stop at one of the homeliest places we'd seen since we initially left. As much as trancing on the road would move us along faster it was a slower pace she needed.
This choice became quite interesting when the expected sparse excitement was permeated by a young wizard fumbled interactions with people. It was as if he had been raised in a library with only books to tell him about interactions with the outside world. It was even moreso once the strange female he was clumsily flirting with started trying to make her Kenku friend perform parlor tricks.
If they weren't spooking the locals, then we could have used our honed dice skills to redistribute petty sums. Instead we found ourselves playing for a handful of beans. This continued for minutes before we turned in.
Before today we had transferred separately, but given the circumstances we tranced back to back. Just more evidence of the Mareki military upbringing. It would be a lie to say that the time entranced had little impact outside of recuperation.
It could have opened up a chance to find out more, but the sounds of screams removed that chance. It was like the war returned. We left to aid in whatever way we could only to see strange creatures riding large wolves terrorizing the inhabitants of the village. Joined by the strange people we had seen in the bar we fought back a wave of the creatures. I wasn't able toot the riders, but the wolves, those were easy to hit.
It was short work to get down to a single wolf that tried to get away. But proper tactics always say to never let the enemy get reinforcements. I dispatched the last wolf only to see more down the street. We were going to move on, but Sae made a good point that we were outnumbered.
I could swear I saw whatever was commanding them. It felt like he was looking dead at me. We could have taken him. But we ran. We ran and left the town to be wiped out like the Alurani.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 002
From the Adventures of Konane and Klinkle, an Oral History…
Klinkle isn't quite herself. I guess those strange, really large wolves aren't as nice as I thought they were… with the stories I keep hearing. There's a lot of bad people out here, but the ones we ended up with seem… okay? I'm sure she will be back to her old self after a nice rest. If… we can rest. It's like that night all over again. Running and running…
Except the elves. There's something weird about them. I'm not sure what to think of the lady's… boom stick… and the other's… magic. I've seen more blood than I ever thought I'd ever see in my life! It's too surreal. As much as my mother told me I'd be better off in the world, I kind of wish I stayed home. Even if it meant… well, I guess I'm better off out here.
At least there's Klinkle with me, and this boy, Alastair? He seems really smart! Even if he is new to all this, too. He had an orange book, and I am drawn to it. Maybe if I gain his trust, he'll let me read it? Though, he seems a little weary of me. Of everyone. And the large man… He doesn't seem to like it when I get too close to Alastair.
Oh and we met some red and blue people! With horns! I think they were called Teiflings? They seemed awfully friendly and nice. Then bandits happened… I wasn't about to leave Klinkle unprotected, and… well… everyone else kind of… really murdered the everything out of them. Literally.
Poor kind of elf girl got hit really bad, but I helped! Even if… I got blood all over my hands. I mean, killing a rabbit is pretty messy. But people… I guess the bigger something is, the more blood. Makes sense. But she's okay now! Alastair knew what to do right away. I want to be as smart as he is!
Now we can rest in a wagon! Or well, the more weary ones… and Alastair needs to study some magic items. Glasses that can do it for you! He's really amazing! I need to learn things from him…[/color
From the journal of Alastair Fields…
“Violence should never be your first answer. Nor the second or third. It's the most archaic and imprecise tool in your repertoire, and should seldom be considered, if ever…But it isn't without its place in the world. Those who delight in wanton violence must be met with violence, swift and surgical. lest those who delight in violence rally together. That is the path to Ruin. Remember this when you graduate and go on to change the world.”
O’Fenderberrin’s old lecture has been ringing in my ears since the fire.. It's only been a day, but I've seen so much violence. We took to the Astor woods after the town fell, Sae and Taelsin - the Elven Lawfolk - argued there was more cover there. Sae rapidly made a camp, Konane and Jennar foraged. I poked at my supplies for something useful. The Kenku remained ruffled. I consulted O’Fenderberrin’s book. Nothing immediately jumped out, but I did find some solace in my mentor’s notes. I can hear his voice in my head reading, this stuff.
Tobin and Valette were the names of the ones we rescued. Kyr fell just like Donal’s Crossing. They were traveling West to warn the King of the invasion. The elves confirmed. They called those monsters the Agents of Ruin, and they've enlisted dark elves and Dragons. We didn't learn much else before Howls chased us toward the Tranquil Road. At noon we took a break on the side of the road, exhausted.
A wagon approached during rest. Sae flagged them down with her badge. We met A tiefling named Jahn, traveling with his wife and kids. We warned him about Donal's Crossing, but then his wagon was accosted by highwaymen. We stepped in. I tried to shoo away one of the bandits attacking Jahn’s wife. I got him in the neck… at first I planned to stabilize him, but Jahn’s wife finished him. It’s… fitting, I think.
Taelsin is an amazing arcanist, yet his power fills me with dread. Sae is a terribly good shot with that hand cannon. Jennar lost his footing and ended up with an arrow in the belly. Konane and I stabilized him after the fighting was over. Doctor Wittlewood… appropriated some items that might be magical from those who fled or fell. Oddly, Taelsin couldn't identify them. I wonder what school of magic he studied. War elves must share a different philosophy… Like I'm one to talk. Jury rigged infusions and augments. But what works, works. Another O’Fenderberrin-ism. I shared my findings about some of the items, then hung out in the back of the wagon with Jennar and the tiefling family to identify the rest.
…I’ve been keeping it to myself, but my Identification Runes spotted a number of peculiarities and inconsistencies about my new allies. Especially Konane.. Especially Konane. I'm terribly scared. But there's nowhere for me to go now.
Heading north isn’t an option for multiple reasons. I'll continue traveling with Jennar and Doctor Wittlewood. Safety in numbers, despite what I saw.
From the Journal of Sai Cairel…
We fled the city, and the words leave a terrible taste in my mouth. I pushed my companions towards the woods- I felt the cover would outweigh any dangers that would be there, and the road was clogged with people fleeing the town. The woods would give us cover, and we’d be able to find a place for our wearier companions to rest while Tali and I could keep guard. As we left the city, I gave up my supply of torches to the town guards. We are Mareki, and are trained in night missions. I’d prefer the torches go to people that need them more than I, despite the human maid’s snarky response. Tali and I played parchment-boulder-shears. I won, so I led the party from the front. I led them for about four hours at a slow pace into the woods before I felt comfortable enough to stop and let our companions catch their breath. I set up camp as everyone took a moment to relax- going through the motions helped me calm from the previous battle and our flight. Tobin didn’t want to sleep, but I went eye to eye with her and ordered her to take a nap. I… probably less than gracefully demanded everyone’s names, but I was tired of referring to them as ‘the male human’ or ‘the goliath’. Jennar and Konane returned from hunting with several rabbits and some foraged berries and the likes, which we made into a fine breakfast.
Over breakfast, I gave my new companions a very brief explanation of the creatures we fought, and that they are servants of Ruin who had killed Kaladin. Tobin said that an enormous black dragon, companied by drow and the creatures we had fought had taken Kyr. I silently agreed with Alistair’s assessment of ‘terrifying’, but I didn’t say anything aloud. After discussing our best way to Astor city, we knew we would need to make our way to the Tranquil Road- a chorus of howls reminding us that we needed to keep moving. We reached the road a little worse for wear. As we reached the road, we talked about stopping for the night. The Doctor wanted to take the first watch, but between Tali and I we could take less time. I promised to wake him up first if anything happened, and we were set to bed down when Jahn and his wagon approached.
I flagged them down with my badge with Tobin, and I bet we looked like a very official set of officials. The tiefling pair were heading towards Donal’s Crossing, so it was good luck we ran into them. As we quietly discussed the crossing’s fate, several people came from the woods I assumed at first it was more refugees, but my gut reaction was incorrect as a Goliath stepped forward and ordered us to relinquish our goods. We gave them a chance to retreat. They chose not to. In my first shot I took out the leader’s eye, and in my second I blew off the rest of head. Jennar fell during the fight, but Alistair and Konane had everything well in hand.
We found the tieflings’ names were Aniya and Jahn, and they had two children with them - Davin and Arya. I have a soft spot for children, so my mood was definitely brightened seeing them peek out of the wagon. We looted the bodies and I put aside the gold for party funds. If we’re going to be travelling together, it’s not a terrible idea to have it for group expenses. Jennar, Klinkle, and Alistair took spaces in the back of the wagon, and we set off towards Astor once more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 003
Excerpt from “Worldwalker: The Collected Works of Jennar of Aegise”…
I continue a tale of travelers bold
Under the host of tieflings kind.
We sped along the eastward road
Leaving misfortune far behind.
At camp that night we talked and ate
Some theorized the monsters birth
A cult, a God of destructive weight
We pledged to deliver this information of worth.
Over the hours the roads grew thick
Others were told of the dangers ahead.
A decision was made fairly quick
My companions and I would delay this dread.
We left our escorts after tokens exchanged
A symbol given to seek help in the dark.
We found our way towards a man deranged
Refusing to move despite warnings stark
Through much discussion and intimidation
He allowed his farm to be a blockade.
With traps and bombs of great inspiration
We waited until horns sounded the raid.
The battle begins, will we win? Or die?
What fate awaits those who dare to defy?
From the Journal of Sae Cairel…
Talos Bless us.
Our retreat with the Tiefling family has come to an end, and despite the harried nature of it, it was enjoyable at times. I have warmed greatly to my new travelling companions. Alistair and Konane and their sweet innocence, Klinkle, Jennar, and Jaeger with their good natured competancy. And my Tali.
Talos above, I thought I would have more time.
We are making a final stand with a bunch of backwards jackasses who refused to retreat. I didn't want to scare the others, but it is…. it's a bowl. If our enemy has any sense at all, we will be very quickly dispatched.
Talos, please grant us an honorable death. A meaningful death. Let us buy the others time.
If you, reader, do stumble across this journal with some sympathy or honor in your heart, please carry my words and weapons to the nearest Gunslinger. Creatures of Ruin are returned, and are led by a Black Dragon. I do not know if it is Ruin herself. Cities have fallen, and this plague of locusts will cross this land without pause.
My heart is screaming words, but I am too much of a coward to commit them to paper. Besides, if only I fall they will just bring pain to those who live.
Talos protect my friends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 004
Date: Mourning Day, Lirin 13
Excerpt from “Worldwalker: The Collected Works of Jennar of Aegise”…
Monsters on wolfback
Horns sounded to turn the tide
Fire falls with the bodies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 005
Date: Azay, Lirin 17
From the Journal of Taliesin Davar…
Small victories and larger mysteries.
I expected Sae to turn and face the enemy, but I was surprised to see that the others opted to listen and make a stand even in a place where the odds were not with us. Even more amazing was that the Dellmon Ranch held some hidden gems. With prep we were able to stave off the first wave, but unfortunately a stalwart dwarf met a messy end near to Jaegar, who seemed to care more about the dwarf’s end than Kerbin.
The strange creatures of Ruin and their wolves - not the usual raging band of monsters. When the first wave of attacks fell back, their two generals - watching from afar - let us think we won. A small respite allowed everyone to come together and begin the work to ready to leave…. but then another wave attacked, with a core group to draw our attention while two others flanked us and set the ranch on fire. We survived, so did one of the Generals and the flanking party.
Valiantly the fires were fought while we saved those that could be saved. Kerbin wisely, finally, decided staying was not worth it. Luckily there wasn’t another wave. Memories long buried are surfacing and I’m not ready to handle them.
I sought solace, strength, unity, and answers. While everyone slept I asked what we needed, I asked for guidance. My trance revealed the answers. The home I don’t know, the father of the forest. Words of warning and confirmation that sight had been blocked.
The strange coin and weapons of the enemy were touched by Ruin. The very act of possessing a single piece would allow Ruin sight and access. Everyone was willing to destroy their pieces, everyone except Sae who needed to prove the existence of the invaders. This also betrayed that I do not follow Talos, as expected. Sae has gone silent for a time as we travelled.
Our journey has eased some. The horns haven’t sounded since we departed the Dellmon Ranch. Nor has there been any sight or sound to suggest they were following us again. Unfortunately what should have been a calm conversation with Sae erupted into something that likely has removed the trust she once had.
As we come upon Astor, the sights of airships and the sounds of a bustling kingdom hardly dissuade the thoughts of this group splitting to their own ends. Perhaps even Sae will part ways to move further in her order. Quite understandable with how things have unfolded so far. Perhaps Ruin will be enough to keep our little unit moving for a single purpose. One way or another my path will lead back to Illyria and Sor Aluran.
From the Adventures of Konane and Klinkle, an Oral History…
I'm exhausted. My feet hurt. Home haunts me even though I ran away. How could I do that? Why does my magic betray me? I was able to cast ice without issue, and yet fire came from my hand when I wanted to douse flames.
Perhaps it’s true. I am a bad luck omen. Jennar seemed to be… influenced by my mishap of magic. Did I cause that? She seemed awfully cross since, muttering to herself. Glaring at me when I asked if she was alright. The elves, Sae and… Taliesin? They are very good fighters, but there is conflict between them as well. They were happy with one another before they met me, probably.
I'm useless. I freeze when danger nears and I just want to flee. Run into the woods, hide… rest. The only helpful thing I have done is calm a horse. What good does that really do? The giant man… Jaeger? He could have simply lifted it up if it didn't do what he wanted.
They say it will be four days of travel to the city. Astor? How far away from home am I now… perhaps it would be best if Kinkle and I parted ways from this group when we arrive. All this terrible luck… surely it's my fault. What I am, what home would kill me for being… it's true. At least Klinkle doesn't seem to be bothered by it…
From the Journal of Alastair Fields…
After parting ways with the Demakos’, we found our way to a ranch. After seeing some other people try and warn the people living there- the Dellmon family- we decided to stay and help them survive the Wolf Riders that had been at our heels. We fortified and created weapons out of what we had, all while trying to reason with the man of the house who refused to leave.
After a hard won fight, we scared off our pursuers. They let us be after we had dispatched one of their commanders, I think, but the ranch itself was lost to fire by then. We just… didn't have what it took to put out the flames.
If I could do magic right. Even just invocation, or conjuring, just something, maybe -
But no, I can’t go beating myself up over it. As remote as they were, that ranch was doomed to burn. It’s just a place. The people are safe - that’s what matters.
And where my magic is concerned, or lack thereof? Maybe I’m not as helpless as that elven twat Lysander thinks. I don’t know for certain, but since we’ve been on the road I’ve felt different. Like I’m just on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. Feeling inspired since our victory, I pulled out one of my eighth-year projects and actually finished one. I made due with the materials I had, so it’s not the prettiest. But it works, and it works great.
If only you could have seen it come together, Professor. I get it now - the analogue tesseract effect is something you can’t teach, you need to see it. The dimensional manifold collapses so perfectly…
We traveled on the road with the Dellmon family for a few days. During one of our morning camp wrap-ups I may have let slip some of my concerns about Sae’s traveling companion, which may have made her more furious at him than at the old man… I didn’t intend to cause the chafing on… whatever it is they have going on. I guess elves are really touchy about religion. I need to remember that not everyone shares the same philosophies as the Great Schools - some folk take the devotion to the gods very, very seriously. The rest of the trip was a little… tense around those two.
Despite the hiccups, we’ve made it to civilization. At long last, we’re approaching the walls of Astor City. We did well. As strange as it is to consider us all as a ‘we.’ I’m still… very leery of this group. Once we discuss matters with the powers that be, I’m going to evaluate my situation and figure out where to go next. I wonder what everyone else’s plans are. Guess i’ll figure things out within the next few days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 006
Date: Azay, Lirin 17
From the Journal of Sae Cairel…
We survived the battle at the ranch. Until now they’ve proven themselves competent tacticians. They let us go for a reason.
It has come to light that Tali has been keeping secrets from me. I don’t mind that he doesn’t worship Talos - he’d never shown particular devotion before, and I understand that my own religious training was to raise a cleric - and as such I’m probably devout enough for the both of us. As we drew closer to the city, though, Kaladin’s death began to weigh heavily on me, and I got quiet. Tali assumed this was all about him, and confronted me, saying that it shouldn’t matter who an ally follows.
I admit, I lost my temper at that. Ally? After all of this time together, after all we’ve been through, he called me an ally. I thought we were more than that by now. I’d hoped that we were more than that by now. Hell, I’d very nearly said something at the ranch… but no. Good thing, I suppose.
I shot my mouth off, he threw me against a tree, I muttered some empty threats, and things have been awkward ever since. The others are keeping a distance from us… but that is nothing unusual. I want to be friends with them, but I’ve never been that good at making friends beyond Tali. I at least told Konane and Alistair that if they ever get in any trouble, they should contact me right away. The others are familiar with the roads and would likely know to call a favor when it’s needed, but those two glitter like bright pennies, and I worry that puts a target on their backs. I don’t want to see that shine fade.
Even if they don’t see me as a friend, I see them as one.
The Demakos family arrived safe as well, warning the city guard of our imminent arrival. We made our way nearly immediately to the castle, helped along the way by our newly outed Duchess. (I had incorrectly assumed Baroness, and I’m curious as to why they were so surprised I knew - I hadn’t hidden my knowledge from Tobin. Tamir. Honestly, are all humans so weird about gender? I want to see them tell Ratha she couldn’t be a bloodthirsty Mareki Warmaster because she had woman parts. Actually, I wouldn’t want to see it. Even my tolerance for gore has a breaking point.)
Other than being stalled at the gate for a moment, we were led quickly into the castle. Lady Susannah seems like a competent woman. I like her, though she seemed that she wanted to make us get cleaned up before seeing the king. That was… a bit frustrating. Urgent news does not wait for clean clothes. Thankfully Tali knows some magic and sped things along. We gave a report to King Elys and those present of his council, which was complete and thorough. He said he would contract my services, and I said that as long as the paperwork was done correctly, I would accept. That might have been insulting, but I’m still a little unclear as to how contracts are assigned in the Chapter House, as it was my first mission out. Released from King and Council, I did not stop for comfort and made my way straight to the Chapter House to report in.
I was met by a dwarven gentleman named Ferrick, who instructed me to meet with Archivist Kisaiya Jardani. I told her everything that happened in Otori and the Firbolg tribelands, no detail left unsaid. I handed over the dagger and warned of the scrying properties. They were uneasy letting me travel without another gunslinger, but being so understaffed they had no one for me. Small blessings. I claimed Tali as a partner, despite the fact that he isn’t currently speaking to me. I also handed over Kaladin’s pistol. His legacy is no longer mine to carry. Frankly, I’d rather have chopped off my own arm, but that would be “sentimental foolishness” as the man himself would say. I may have openly bristled at the idea of Kaladin’s pistol being handed off to another gunslinger. I don’t know if Archivist Jardani picked up on that - she also mentioned it might be enshrined in his memory.
My report now written, I find myself at odds, and with more bad ideas than good.
From the Journal of Alastair Fields…
After adjourning from the meeting with King Elyas and his council, we received payment, rooms, and a great meal. I think we were all pretty much done with field cooking, so spirits were pretty high. Sae said her goodbyes and headed to her chapter house, and Taliesin followed to deliver her payment from the king. That left the rest of us to our own devices for a bit. I decided to look through the book again and see if inspiration would bite me in the rump, to little avail.
Jennar caught me off guard. Again. More riddles, more subtle accusations about the book. After sitting and chatting, i came to understand that he thought this old dusty thing was magic. Do elves typically associate sentimental attachment with magic? I assured him there wasn’t anything magical and even let him look it over. Konane was wandering and met up with us- she was curious too. I explained why I had it, why I was always looking in it.
I don’t think I’m as scared of the magic my companions sling around- wary, but not.. scared. We got to know each other a little. Jennar’s running toward adventure, no real family back home. Konane and Klinkle are running from a very bad situation in Otori… It’s really a shame how they treat folk who are different over there. But that’s the Otonin’s way - and you know what? It’s not their way anymore. These two are in Samara, and by gum I’m gonna help them settle. At least that’s what I agreed to, in the end. I think I can do a pretty good job of showing the countryside to them? Find a place to settle? Yeah. it’s a plan.
And on the topic of plans, I had to speak with Jaeger. I owed him since Donal’s crossing and needed to pay him for his mercenary services. I also had to call an end to those services. Sure, I had a bag of gold from a King, enough to pay him what he’s worth, but how often was that going to happen? Not every week, for sure. We discussed the matter.
He’s not the kind to settle. But the way he described his plan was… nice. He wants to wander Samara and help people. Not.. go fight a war, he wants to help folk. He even suggested that I was doing well with my allies. Me! Surviving, excelling at… this… kind of work. He suggested he would follow Sae and Talesin, if allowed, and continue to aid and reap whatever coin he could from thankful travelers. There’s a kind of romantic ideal there that I can’t disagree with. Safety in numbers, a fellowship of professionals- or semi professionals learning their crafts. Helping people while exploring, and getting paid along the way?
What was it you told me, Professor? “There are more things in heaven and earth than can be dreamed up in your philosophies.” That’s what you ended up doing, wasn’t it? You formed a fellowship with the people in that tiny painting and traveled.
We’re heading out together as a group to restock supplies and buy some clothes. We had planned to discuss what we each planned to do later, but I think it won’t take much convincing to get the others to go along with Jaeger and the gunslinger. I’ll run it by everyone while we’re out.
I don’t know what’s up ahead of me, or us now I guess.. But you know, Jennar’s right - this feels like adventure, and maybe that’s what I need. No plan, just a moral compass and an ideal to live up to. Like the party in this picture.
Gosh, looking over this little painting… I can kind of see some of my new companions in these people. I mean, their personalities. The big guy looks a little like Jaeger, the way he’s smiling. and that tall guy with the ponytail could be Jennar, cool and aloof with the vest and all. And that red headed guy… Huh. He looks kind of familiar. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.
…Oh father of gods…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 007-008
Date: Azay, Lirin 17
From the Journal of Alistair Fields…
After noticing the strange resemblance in Fenderberrin’s painting, I got together with the group and did some shopping. I’d asked if miss Quora could arrange an audience for myself and Alain before we left. Jaegar went to find the elves, who had left after lunch, and rejoined us after a pleasant shopping trip. After getting fitted by the tailor, Talesin seemed to have some kind of episode and left for the castle… Probably in line with whatever him and Sae have been fighting over. The rest of us came home to find Miss Quora had set up a group meeting at dinner.
Awkward.
Lady Valette wants to pay us to get her home. I think it’s crazy, Jennar thinks it’s the best darn adventure idea ever. Alain also wants to hire us as a traveling party south to the city of Ilia. Now that is exciting - seeing the white tower is most definitely on my list of things to do. I eventually brought the tiny painting to Alain’s attention. He dismissed it, not recognizing anyone in the image, but explained how it could have been made.
I’m not satisfied. Konane of all people came by while I was tinkering later, suggesting I try the public bath. Mid-conversation some.. Inconsistencies cropped up in the back of my mind- Alain was a little too dismissive. If he knows something, then he chose to lie to me about it- and now he knows I’m onto something. Before leaving to take Konane up on her advice, I thought back onto my studies and recalled the Alarm ritual. A little runic here, a little geometry there- I’m fairly certain I made it work this time. Take that, Lysander.
I had a good chat with Jaeger about the situation, and found out that the baths are, uh, not quite as private on either side. The men folk can chat with the lady folk through the thin wall between the two sides. And the gap up top can, apparently, be climbed up to by nimbly bimbly elven folk. Apparently Elves don’t care which gender you are, or if you’re naked- if they want to talk, they talk. Awkward.
The next day I gathered some supplies, met with some very kind smiths, an alchemist, a jeweler, and shopped at a few more general stores. Thanks to the bag at my side, i thankfully had the means to carry all the junk I bought. Materials for the road.
I stopped in at the church, too… First time in a long, long time. I sought the wisdom of the All Seeing Eye- or at least, one of his priests. It felt… reassuring to know I wasn’t cursed by Ruin. I’m feeling a bit more optimistic.
I returned to the castle and spent the next day working. That entire… bath… ordeal ended up getting smoothed over the next evening when Sae came to visit. Both she and Jaeger agreed that I shouldn’t go nuts trying to get Alain to spill the proverbial bag of beans. We’re not exactly high on the totem pole- and Alain’s got some mysterious clout about him that no one seems to quite know the story behind. Best be careful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In which an unlikely band of misfits find themselves caught up in a tide of rising darkness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 001
From the Journal of Alastair Fields…
After several weeks of travel south, myself and my traveling companions- Dr. Jaegerkreuz von Whittlewood and Jennar- found our way to Donal’s Crossing. We decided that settling in the gateway of Samara for a day or two would help us get our bearings and point us in our next direction. Seeing as it sits on a trade route, it was a safe bet for gossip and news. There we decided on the Halfling’s Hearth, a quaint little inn. Not the fanciest or comfiest furnishings, but also not the most expensive either.
There at the tavern below the rooms we sat and listened to the bards and gossipers. Jaeger had some good ale, and Jennar told some really peculiar jokes that I politely laughed at. I still don’t quite understand Aegien humor, but the nuances are starting to make sense.
We noticed a couple of elves, possibly Illyrians? I couldn’t place where they were from - one looked like a scholar, and the other had a sort of hand held cannon that I identified as a “fire arm.” A gunslinger, this far south? Wonders never cease! I also met a couple of Otonin folks, a kind kenku bird who’s name I couldn’t pronounce and a young lady named Konane. They were both polite, but I think I spooked them with my genial personality. It must be an Otonin thing?
We retired for the evening, but just as it was getting late all sorts of noises woke me up from my sleep- As well as my companions, and the rest of the town. After suiting up I found my party in the chaos- Half of the town was on fire. Men were grunting and calling war cries, swords were clattering, great.. Gutteral growls and howling came from the west, along the road to Kyr.
The horses screaming was… unsettling. After deliberation, the good Doctor convinced us to move toward the fire. The elves from earlier were on there way too, as well as the folks from Otori. The elves I understood, gunslingers are law people, but the Otori folk must be some kind of warriors too. Begrudgingly I followed, and we ran into a warzone. City guards were running away from the fray, commonfolk. A great wolf with a man riding it leapt out from the fire in the distance and snapped the neck of a horse, sending its rider flying. A woman was caught in the resulting panic, downed with a town guard trying to escort her away. We intervened.
I killed a man. I’m… not sure how I feel about this. Aside from awful. Very.. awful.
After the fight, we got each other's names. The maiden who was downed was a maid from Kyr, and her companion, Tobin, was her guard. Their city was apparently overrun by these monsterous, beastly men. We recovered strange weapons from the melee, and ran toward safety elsewhere.
From the Journal of Sae Cairel…
Tal insisted that we stop in the city, to save our provisions and our backs a little. It’s been awhile on the road, and short of going around the city there wasn’t really any argument that could be made for /not/ stopping. We stopped at a little hole in the wall inn- comfortable, clean, cheap. I wasn’t really feeling up to the bourgeoisie questions that come with middle class inns. We split a room and spent a comfortable night. Don’t tell him, but being around the bustle did make me feel a great bit better. I tried to drink my sorrows away, but I’m not that sort of girl. Instead, we gambled quietly for no stakes and just listened to a human strike out with a girl and her kenku friend. It was very cute, and lifted my spirits more than the beer I didn’t finish.
Drank to Kaladin’s memory. Retiring to our room we took our usual back-to-back pose and fell into our individual trances. We woke at the sounds of battle, and so used to it by now I think we were both armed, geared, and out the door before we even realized we weren’t back at Squadron. We were joined by the human- new to battle, but a competent medic and I would soon find out- his companions (A goliath and another, tall elf), and the human girl and her Kenku friend. We made our way towards the sounds of battle in time to see a fleeing guard and maid on horseback break through the lines, pursued by creatures that looked remarkably like the ones that Kaladin had described to me.
I managed to get a shot off without them noticing, and with the help of the rag tag band (and the guard, who I did admonish for fleeing over fighting) we took down most everything. Tali was a terrible shot, but did better after I reminded him to aim, then shoot. Spells at a distance aren’t that different than bullets. The kenku threw things that explode- I definitely want to learn more about that. Got to the last wolf before my gun jammed- of course on the final shot. Tali finished off the dire wolf, which angered the human girl terribly.
I think both humans haven’t been on the road long.
Tali wanted to go and help the guards hold the line, but despite myself I could hear Kaladin’s voice in my ear telling me that it was Mareki foolishness, and that I had more important things to do than throw myself into death. I pushed Tali into retreating, and he saw the wisdom of it. The male human didn’t seem offended when I recommended the human term ‘tactical retreat’. The Goliath looted the bodies, and we all scavenged what we could. I have a dagger to match Kaladin’s coin now. With much hesitation we left the city- joined by many who seemed to see standing their ground as a lost cause. I can’t excuse those abandoning their post, and another retreat is weighing heavily on me again.
From the Journal of Taliesin Davar…
Today was a rough day. Sae still won't go into detail about what she knows regarding the failure of her recent mission. There's a wall there. She's shut down the same way men returning from the war have.
My only success in this regard was in convincing her to stop at one of the homeliest places we'd seen since we initially left. As much as trancing on the road would move us along faster it was a slower pace she needed.
This choice became quite interesting when the expected sparse excitement was permeated by a young wizard fumbled interactions with people. It was as if he had been raised in a library with only books to tell him about interactions with the outside world. It was even moreso once the strange female he was clumsily flirting with started trying to make her Kenku friend perform parlor tricks.
If they weren't spooking the locals, then we could have used our honed dice skills to redistribute petty sums. Instead we found ourselves playing for a handful of beans. This continued for minutes before we turned in.
Before today we had transferred separately, but given the circumstances we tranced back to back. Just more evidence of the Mareki military upbringing. It would be a lie to say that the time entranced had little impact outside of recuperation.
It could have opened up a chance to find out more, but the sounds of screams removed that chance. It was like the war returned. We left to aid in whatever way we could only to see strange creatures riding large wolves terrorizing the inhabitants of the village. Joined by the strange people we had seen in the bar we fought back a wave of the creatures. I wasn't able toot the riders, but the wolves, those were easy to hit.
It was short work to get down to a single wolf that tried to get away. But proper tactics always say to never let the enemy get reinforcements. I dispatched the last wolf only to see more down the street. We were going to move on, but Sae made a good point that we were outnumbered.
I could swear I saw whatever was commanding them. It felt like he was looking dead at me. We could have taken him. But we ran. We ran and left the town to be wiped out like the Alurani.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 002
From the Adventures of Konane and Klinkle, an Oral History…
Klinkle isn't quite herself. I guess those strange, really large wolves aren't as nice as I thought they were… with the stories I keep hearing. There's a lot of bad people out here, but the ones we ended up with seem… okay? I'm sure she will be back to her old self after a nice rest. If… we can rest. It's like that night all over again. Running and running…
Except the elves. There's something weird about them. I'm not sure what to think of the lady's… boom stick… and the other's… magic. I've seen more blood than I ever thought I'd ever see in my life! It's too surreal. As much as my mother told me I'd be better off in the world, I kind of wish I stayed home. Even if it meant… well, I guess I'm better off out here.
At least there's Klinkle with me, and this boy, Alastair? He seems really smart! Even if he is new to all this, too. He had an orange book, and I am drawn to it. Maybe if I gain his trust, he'll let me read it? Though, he seems a little weary of me. Of everyone. And the large man… He doesn't seem to like it when I get too close to Alastair.
Oh and we met some red and blue people! With horns! I think they were called Teiflings? They seemed awfully friendly and nice. Then bandits happened… I wasn't about to leave Klinkle unprotected, and… well… everyone else kind of… really murdered the everything out of them. Literally.
Poor kind of elf girl got hit really bad, but I helped! Even if… I got blood all over my hands. I mean, killing a rabbit is pretty messy. But people… I guess the bigger something is, the more blood. Makes sense. But she's okay now! Alastair knew what to do right away. I want to be as smart as he is!
Now we can rest in a wagon! Or well, the more weary ones… and Alastair needs to study some magic items. Glasses that can do it for you! He's really amazing! I need to learn things from him…[/color
From the journal of Alastair Fields…
“Violence should never be your first answer. Nor the second or third. It's the most archaic and imprecise tool in your repertoire, and should seldom be considered, if ever…But it isn't without its place in the world. Those who delight in wanton violence must be met with violence, swift and surgical. lest those who delight in violence rally together. That is the path to Ruin. Remember this when you graduate and go on to change the world.”
O’Fenderberrin’s old lecture has been ringing in my ears since the fire.. It's only been a day, but I've seen so much violence. We took to the Astor woods after the town fell, Sae and Taelsin - the Elven Lawfolk - argued there was more cover there. Sae rapidly made a camp, Konane and Jennar foraged. I poked at my supplies for something useful. The Kenku remained ruffled. I consulted O’Fenderberrin’s book. Nothing immediately jumped out, but I did find some solace in my mentor’s notes. I can hear his voice in my head reading, this stuff.
Tobin and Valette were the names of the ones we rescued. Kyr fell just like Donal’s Crossing. They were traveling West to warn the King of the invasion. The elves confirmed. They called those monsters the Agents of Ruin, and they've enlisted dark elves and Dragons. We didn't learn much else before Howls chased us toward the Tranquil Road. At noon we took a break on the side of the road, exhausted.
A wagon approached during rest. Sae flagged them down with her badge. We met A tiefling named Jahn, traveling with his wife and kids. We warned him about Donal's Crossing, but then his wagon was accosted by highwaymen. We stepped in. I tried to shoo away one of the bandits attacking Jahn’s wife. I got him in the neck… at first I planned to stabilize him, but Jahn’s wife finished him. It’s… fitting, I think.
Taelsin is an amazing arcanist, yet his power fills me with dread. Sae is a terribly good shot with that hand cannon. Jennar lost his footing and ended up with an arrow in the belly. Konane and I stabilized him after the fighting was over. Doctor Wittlewood… appropriated some items that might be magical from those who fled or fell. Oddly, Taelsin couldn't identify them. I wonder what school of magic he studied. War elves must share a different philosophy… Like I'm one to talk. Jury rigged infusions and augments. But what works, works. Another O’Fenderberrin-ism. I shared my findings about some of the items, then hung out in the back of the wagon with Jennar and the tiefling family to identify the rest.
…I’ve been keeping it to myself, but my Identification Runes spotted a number of peculiarities and inconsistencies about my new allies. Especially Konane.. Especially Konane. I'm terribly scared. But there's nowhere for me to go now.
Heading north isn’t an option for multiple reasons. I'll continue traveling with Jennar and Doctor Wittlewood. Safety in numbers, despite what I saw.
From the Journal of Sai Cairel…
We fled the city, and the words leave a terrible taste in my mouth. I pushed my companions towards the woods- I felt the cover would outweigh any dangers that would be there, and the road was clogged with people fleeing the town. The woods would give us cover, and we’d be able to find a place for our wearier companions to rest while Tali and I could keep guard. As we left the city, I gave up my supply of torches to the town guards. We are Mareki, and are trained in night missions. I’d prefer the torches go to people that need them more than I, despite the human maid’s snarky response. Tali and I played parchment-boulder-shears. I won, so I led the party from the front. I led them for about four hours at a slow pace into the woods before I felt comfortable enough to stop and let our companions catch their breath. I set up camp as everyone took a moment to relax- going through the motions helped me calm from the previous battle and our flight. Tobin didn’t want to sleep, but I went eye to eye with her and ordered her to take a nap. I… probably less than gracefully demanded everyone’s names, but I was tired of referring to them as ‘the male human’ or ‘the goliath’. Jennar and Konane returned from hunting with several rabbits and some foraged berries and the likes, which we made into a fine breakfast.
Over breakfast, I gave my new companions a very brief explanation of the creatures we fought, and that they are servants of Ruin who had killed Kaladin. Tobin said that an enormous black dragon, companied by drow and the creatures we had fought had taken Kyr. I silently agreed with Alistair’s assessment of ‘terrifying’, but I didn’t say anything aloud. After discussing our best way to Astor city, we knew we would need to make our way to the Tranquil Road- a chorus of howls reminding us that we needed to keep moving. We reached the road a little worse for wear. As we reached the road, we talked about stopping for the night. The Doctor wanted to take the first watch, but between Tali and I we could take less time. I promised to wake him up first if anything happened, and we were set to bed down when Jahn and his wagon approached.
I flagged them down with my badge with Tobin, and I bet we looked like a very official set of officials. The tiefling pair were heading towards Donal’s Crossing, so it was good luck we ran into them. As we quietly discussed the crossing’s fate, several people came from the woods I assumed at first it was more refugees, but my gut reaction was incorrect as a Goliath stepped forward and ordered us to relinquish our goods. We gave them a chance to retreat. They chose not to. In my first shot I took out the leader’s eye, and in my second I blew off the rest of head. Jennar fell during the fight, but Alistair and Konane had everything well in hand.
We found the tieflings’ names were Aniya and Jahn, and they had two children with them - Davin and Arya. I have a soft spot for children, so my mood was definitely brightened seeing them peek out of the wagon. We looted the bodies and I put aside the gold for party funds. If we’re going to be travelling together, it’s not a terrible idea to have it for group expenses. Jennar, Klinkle, and Alistair took spaces in the back of the wagon, and we set off towards Astor once more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 003
Excerpt from “Worldwalker: The Collected Works of Jennar of Aegise”…
I continue a tale of travelers bold
Under the host of tieflings kind.
We sped along the eastward road
Leaving misfortune far behind.
At camp that night we talked and ate
Some theorized the monsters birth
A cult, a God of destructive weight
We pledged to deliver this information of worth.
Over the hours the roads grew thick
Others were told of the dangers ahead.
A decision was made fairly quick
My companions and I would delay this dread.
We left our escorts after tokens exchanged
A symbol given to seek help in the dark.
We found our way towards a man deranged
Refusing to move despite warnings stark
Through much discussion and intimidation
He allowed his farm to be a blockade.
With traps and bombs of great inspiration
We waited until horns sounded the raid.
The battle begins, will we win? Or die?
What fate awaits those who dare to defy?
From the Journal of Sae Cairel…
Talos Bless us.
Our retreat with the Tiefling family has come to an end, and despite the harried nature of it, it was enjoyable at times. I have warmed greatly to my new travelling companions. Alistair and Konane and their sweet innocence, Klinkle, Jennar, and Jaeger with their good natured competancy. And my Tali.
Talos above, I thought I would have more time.
We are making a final stand with a bunch of backwards jackasses who refused to retreat. I didn't want to scare the others, but it is…. it's a bowl. If our enemy has any sense at all, we will be very quickly dispatched.
Talos, please grant us an honorable death. A meaningful death. Let us buy the others time.
If you, reader, do stumble across this journal with some sympathy or honor in your heart, please carry my words and weapons to the nearest Gunslinger. Creatures of Ruin are returned, and are led by a Black Dragon. I do not know if it is Ruin herself. Cities have fallen, and this plague of locusts will cross this land without pause.
My heart is screaming words, but I am too much of a coward to commit them to paper. Besides, if only I fall they will just bring pain to those who live.
Talos protect my friends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 004
Date: Mourning Day, Lirin 13
Excerpt from “Worldwalker: The Collected Works of Jennar of Aegise”…
Monsters on wolfback
Horns sounded to turn the tide
Fire falls with the bodies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 005
Date: Azay, Lirin 17
From the Journal of Taliesin Davar…
Small victories and larger mysteries.
I expected Sae to turn and face the enemy, but I was surprised to see that the others opted to listen and make a stand even in a place where the odds were not with us. Even more amazing was that the Dellmon Ranch held some hidden gems. With prep we were able to stave off the first wave, but unfortunately a stalwart dwarf met a messy end near to Jaegar, who seemed to care more about the dwarf’s end than Kerbin.
The strange creatures of Ruin and their wolves - not the usual raging band of monsters. When the first wave of attacks fell back, their two generals - watching from afar - let us think we won. A small respite allowed everyone to come together and begin the work to ready to leave…. but then another wave attacked, with a core group to draw our attention while two others flanked us and set the ranch on fire. We survived, so did one of the Generals and the flanking party.
Valiantly the fires were fought while we saved those that could be saved. Kerbin wisely, finally, decided staying was not worth it. Luckily there wasn’t another wave. Memories long buried are surfacing and I’m not ready to handle them.
I sought solace, strength, unity, and answers. While everyone slept I asked what we needed, I asked for guidance. My trance revealed the answers. The home I don’t know, the father of the forest. Words of warning and confirmation that sight had been blocked.
The strange coin and weapons of the enemy were touched by Ruin. The very act of possessing a single piece would allow Ruin sight and access. Everyone was willing to destroy their pieces, everyone except Sae who needed to prove the existence of the invaders. This also betrayed that I do not follow Talos, as expected. Sae has gone silent for a time as we travelled.
Our journey has eased some. The horns haven’t sounded since we departed the Dellmon Ranch. Nor has there been any sight or sound to suggest they were following us again. Unfortunately what should have been a calm conversation with Sae erupted into something that likely has removed the trust she once had.
As we come upon Astor, the sights of airships and the sounds of a bustling kingdom hardly dissuade the thoughts of this group splitting to their own ends. Perhaps even Sae will part ways to move further in her order. Quite understandable with how things have unfolded so far. Perhaps Ruin will be enough to keep our little unit moving for a single purpose. One way or another my path will lead back to Illyria and Sor Aluran.
From the Adventures of Konane and Klinkle, an Oral History…
I'm exhausted. My feet hurt. Home haunts me even though I ran away. How could I do that? Why does my magic betray me? I was able to cast ice without issue, and yet fire came from my hand when I wanted to douse flames.
Perhaps it’s true. I am a bad luck omen. Jennar seemed to be… influenced by my mishap of magic. Did I cause that? She seemed awfully cross since, muttering to herself. Glaring at me when I asked if she was alright. The elves, Sae and… Taliesin? They are very good fighters, but there is conflict between them as well. They were happy with one another before they met me, probably.
I'm useless. I freeze when danger nears and I just want to flee. Run into the woods, hide… rest. The only helpful thing I have done is calm a horse. What good does that really do? The giant man… Jaeger? He could have simply lifted it up if it didn't do what he wanted.
They say it will be four days of travel to the city. Astor? How far away from home am I now… perhaps it would be best if Kinkle and I parted ways from this group when we arrive. All this terrible luck… surely it's my fault. What I am, what home would kill me for being… it's true. At least Klinkle doesn't seem to be bothered by it…
From the Journal of Alastair Fields…
After parting ways with the Demakos’, we found our way to a ranch. After seeing some other people try and warn the people living there- the Dellmon family- we decided to stay and help them survive the Wolf Riders that had been at our heels. We fortified and created weapons out of what we had, all while trying to reason with the man of the house who refused to leave.
After a hard won fight, we scared off our pursuers. They let us be after we had dispatched one of their commanders, I think, but the ranch itself was lost to fire by then. We just… didn't have what it took to put out the flames.
If I could do magic right. Even just invocation, or conjuring, just something, maybe -
But no, I can’t go beating myself up over it. As remote as they were, that ranch was doomed to burn. It’s just a place. The people are safe - that’s what matters.
And where my magic is concerned, or lack thereof? Maybe I’m not as helpless as that elven twat Lysander thinks. I don’t know for certain, but since we’ve been on the road I’ve felt different. Like I’m just on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. Feeling inspired since our victory, I pulled out one of my eighth-year projects and actually finished one. I made due with the materials I had, so it’s not the prettiest. But it works, and it works great.
If only you could have seen it come together, Professor. I get it now - the analogue tesseract effect is something you can’t teach, you need to see it. The dimensional manifold collapses so perfectly…
We traveled on the road with the Dellmon family for a few days. During one of our morning camp wrap-ups I may have let slip some of my concerns about Sae’s traveling companion, which may have made her more furious at him than at the old man… I didn’t intend to cause the chafing on… whatever it is they have going on. I guess elves are really touchy about religion. I need to remember that not everyone shares the same philosophies as the Great Schools - some folk take the devotion to the gods very, very seriously. The rest of the trip was a little… tense around those two.
Despite the hiccups, we’ve made it to civilization. At long last, we’re approaching the walls of Astor City. We did well. As strange as it is to consider us all as a ‘we.’ I’m still… very leery of this group. Once we discuss matters with the powers that be, I’m going to evaluate my situation and figure out where to go next. I wonder what everyone else’s plans are. Guess i’ll figure things out within the next few days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 006
Date: Azay, Lirin 17
From the Journal of Sae Cairel…
We survived the battle at the ranch. Until now they’ve proven themselves competent tacticians. They let us go for a reason.
It has come to light that Tali has been keeping secrets from me. I don’t mind that he doesn’t worship Talos - he’d never shown particular devotion before, and I understand that my own religious training was to raise a cleric - and as such I’m probably devout enough for the both of us. As we drew closer to the city, though, Kaladin’s death began to weigh heavily on me, and I got quiet. Tali assumed this was all about him, and confronted me, saying that it shouldn’t matter who an ally follows.
I admit, I lost my temper at that. Ally? After all of this time together, after all we’ve been through, he called me an ally. I thought we were more than that by now. I’d hoped that we were more than that by now. Hell, I’d very nearly said something at the ranch… but no. Good thing, I suppose.
I shot my mouth off, he threw me against a tree, I muttered some empty threats, and things have been awkward ever since. The others are keeping a distance from us… but that is nothing unusual. I want to be friends with them, but I’ve never been that good at making friends beyond Tali. I at least told Konane and Alistair that if they ever get in any trouble, they should contact me right away. The others are familiar with the roads and would likely know to call a favor when it’s needed, but those two glitter like bright pennies, and I worry that puts a target on their backs. I don’t want to see that shine fade.
Even if they don’t see me as a friend, I see them as one.
The Demakos family arrived safe as well, warning the city guard of our imminent arrival. We made our way nearly immediately to the castle, helped along the way by our newly outed Duchess. (I had incorrectly assumed Baroness, and I’m curious as to why they were so surprised I knew - I hadn’t hidden my knowledge from Tobin. Tamir. Honestly, are all humans so weird about gender? I want to see them tell Ratha she couldn’t be a bloodthirsty Mareki Warmaster because she had woman parts. Actually, I wouldn’t want to see it. Even my tolerance for gore has a breaking point.)
Other than being stalled at the gate for a moment, we were led quickly into the castle. Lady Susannah seems like a competent woman. I like her, though she seemed that she wanted to make us get cleaned up before seeing the king. That was… a bit frustrating. Urgent news does not wait for clean clothes. Thankfully Tali knows some magic and sped things along. We gave a report to King Elys and those present of his council, which was complete and thorough. He said he would contract my services, and I said that as long as the paperwork was done correctly, I would accept. That might have been insulting, but I’m still a little unclear as to how contracts are assigned in the Chapter House, as it was my first mission out. Released from King and Council, I did not stop for comfort and made my way straight to the Chapter House to report in.
I was met by a dwarven gentleman named Ferrick, who instructed me to meet with Archivist Kisaiya Jardani. I told her everything that happened in Otori and the Firbolg tribelands, no detail left unsaid. I handed over the dagger and warned of the scrying properties. They were uneasy letting me travel without another gunslinger, but being so understaffed they had no one for me. Small blessings. I claimed Tali as a partner, despite the fact that he isn’t currently speaking to me. I also handed over Kaladin’s pistol. His legacy is no longer mine to carry. Frankly, I’d rather have chopped off my own arm, but that would be “sentimental foolishness” as the man himself would say. I may have openly bristled at the idea of Kaladin’s pistol being handed off to another gunslinger. I don’t know if Archivist Jardani picked up on that - she also mentioned it might be enshrined in his memory.
My report now written, I find myself at odds, and with more bad ideas than good.
From the Journal of Alastair Fields…
After adjourning from the meeting with King Elyas and his council, we received payment, rooms, and a great meal. I think we were all pretty much done with field cooking, so spirits were pretty high. Sae said her goodbyes and headed to her chapter house, and Taliesin followed to deliver her payment from the king. That left the rest of us to our own devices for a bit. I decided to look through the book again and see if inspiration would bite me in the rump, to little avail.
Jennar caught me off guard. Again. More riddles, more subtle accusations about the book. After sitting and chatting, i came to understand that he thought this old dusty thing was magic. Do elves typically associate sentimental attachment with magic? I assured him there wasn’t anything magical and even let him look it over. Konane was wandering and met up with us- she was curious too. I explained why I had it, why I was always looking in it.
I don’t think I’m as scared of the magic my companions sling around- wary, but not.. scared. We got to know each other a little. Jennar’s running toward adventure, no real family back home. Konane and Klinkle are running from a very bad situation in Otori… It’s really a shame how they treat folk who are different over there. But that’s the Otonin’s way - and you know what? It’s not their way anymore. These two are in Samara, and by gum I’m gonna help them settle. At least that’s what I agreed to, in the end. I think I can do a pretty good job of showing the countryside to them? Find a place to settle? Yeah. it’s a plan.
And on the topic of plans, I had to speak with Jaeger. I owed him since Donal’s crossing and needed to pay him for his mercenary services. I also had to call an end to those services. Sure, I had a bag of gold from a King, enough to pay him what he’s worth, but how often was that going to happen? Not every week, for sure. We discussed the matter.
He’s not the kind to settle. But the way he described his plan was… nice. He wants to wander Samara and help people. Not.. go fight a war, he wants to help folk. He even suggested that I was doing well with my allies. Me! Surviving, excelling at… this… kind of work. He suggested he would follow Sae and Talesin, if allowed, and continue to aid and reap whatever coin he could from thankful travelers. There’s a kind of romantic ideal there that I can’t disagree with. Safety in numbers, a fellowship of professionals- or semi professionals learning their crafts. Helping people while exploring, and getting paid along the way?
What was it you told me, Professor? “There are more things in heaven and earth than can be dreamed up in your philosophies.” That’s what you ended up doing, wasn’t it? You formed a fellowship with the people in that tiny painting and traveled.
We’re heading out together as a group to restock supplies and buy some clothes. We had planned to discuss what we each planned to do later, but I think it won’t take much convincing to get the others to go along with Jaeger and the gunslinger. I’ll run it by everyone while we’re out.
I don’t know what’s up ahead of me, or us now I guess.. But you know, Jennar’s right - this feels like adventure, and maybe that’s what I need. No plan, just a moral compass and an ideal to live up to. Like the party in this picture.
Gosh, looking over this little painting… I can kind of see some of my new companions in these people. I mean, their personalities. The big guy looks a little like Jaeger, the way he’s smiling. and that tall guy with the ponytail could be Jennar, cool and aloof with the vest and all. And that red headed guy… Huh. He looks kind of familiar. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.
…Oh father of gods…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Username: Ancelas
Session: 007-008
Date: Azay, Lirin 17
From the Journal of Alistair Fields…
After noticing the strange resemblance in Fenderberrin’s painting, I got together with the group and did some shopping. I’d asked if miss Quora could arrange an audience for myself and Alain before we left. Jaegar went to find the elves, who had left after lunch, and rejoined us after a pleasant shopping trip. After getting fitted by the tailor, Talesin seemed to have some kind of episode and left for the castle… Probably in line with whatever him and Sae have been fighting over. The rest of us came home to find Miss Quora had set up a group meeting at dinner.
Awkward.
Lady Valette wants to pay us to get her home. I think it’s crazy, Jennar thinks it’s the best darn adventure idea ever. Alain also wants to hire us as a traveling party south to the city of Ilia. Now that is exciting - seeing the white tower is most definitely on my list of things to do. I eventually brought the tiny painting to Alain’s attention. He dismissed it, not recognizing anyone in the image, but explained how it could have been made.
I’m not satisfied. Konane of all people came by while I was tinkering later, suggesting I try the public bath. Mid-conversation some.. Inconsistencies cropped up in the back of my mind- Alain was a little too dismissive. If he knows something, then he chose to lie to me about it- and now he knows I’m onto something. Before leaving to take Konane up on her advice, I thought back onto my studies and recalled the Alarm ritual. A little runic here, a little geometry there- I’m fairly certain I made it work this time. Take that, Lysander.
I had a good chat with Jaeger about the situation, and found out that the baths are, uh, not quite as private on either side. The men folk can chat with the lady folk through the thin wall between the two sides. And the gap up top can, apparently, be climbed up to by nimbly bimbly elven folk. Apparently Elves don’t care which gender you are, or if you’re naked- if they want to talk, they talk. Awkward.
The next day I gathered some supplies, met with some very kind smiths, an alchemist, a jeweler, and shopped at a few more general stores. Thanks to the bag at my side, i thankfully had the means to carry all the junk I bought. Materials for the road.
I stopped in at the church, too… First time in a long, long time. I sought the wisdom of the All Seeing Eye- or at least, one of his priests. It felt… reassuring to know I wasn’t cursed by Ruin. I’m feeling a bit more optimistic.
I returned to the castle and spent the next day working. That entire… bath… ordeal ended up getting smoothed over the next evening when Sae came to visit. Both she and Jaeger agreed that I shouldn’t go nuts trying to get Alain to spill the proverbial bag of beans. We’re not exactly high on the totem pole- and Alain’s got some mysterious clout about him that no one seems to quite know the story behind. Best be careful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------