A New Old World

[topaz]

D'argash

I glanced at the other's faces while the Fairy King made his offer.

Clench, who had just come in from the rear, looked grim. I did'nt think he heard much of what was said.

Xairn, still frozen in place (thieves do that unintentionally sometimes).

Helm gripped his sword although I could not see much of his face in the forest darkness.

Clêyette was calm and thoughtful, yet she fidgeted about some, as though expecting something.

The Fairy continued after a long pause. "I guess you are not familiar with fairy politics. I will not tell you the story, for fear of boreing you. Yet I will tell you what you need to know.

"Harno, my one-time assistant, desires to take my place as the king of Fairies. I tolerated his insubordination for a time, and later his rebellion.

"Leading a group of fairies away is one thing. They bring their destruction upon themselves, and if they survive and find success on the other continent, they will have earned it.

"I tolerated all this, as I said, until the day he tried to have me killed. Oh, you would not understand the plot even if I told you all the details, but rest assured his intentions were to kill me.

"Now he has four of my men (fairies), leaders of some of my armies, captive and suffering."

"Where are they being held?" asked Clêyette in a concerned tone of voice.

"Of course, he would not keep them all in the same place. That would be too simple.

"My men (he means fairies, again) have scouted the location of the first in the Thieves Forest in North Burvikk. I assume you are headed for the port of Gurv?"

Timon nodded, but the Fairy did not wait for an answer.

"As you probably know, Gurv is within a mile of the edge of this forest.

"If you can free him, I will pay you twenty-five thousand gold coins to help you get across the sea.

"Well, what do you think? Do you accept?"

Timon considered a moment before answering.

"We will discuss your proposition and answer you in the morning. If agreeable to you, we will camp here."

"Camp in peace and rest assured, for my legions will stand guard round about you."

[topaz]

Timon

After setting up camp and eating a refreshing meal, we sat around the fire in silence sorting our thoughts for the discussions to come.

(OCC: Oops!! I just realized I forgot to mention the two packhorses Timon purchases to pack our food before he left town. He also purchases two weeks rations for the entire group, so you are safe for a while if you forgot to pack food yourself)

I started the conversation, "I would like to know everyone's opinion before I share mine. I will make the decisions concerning our mission for the King, yet I will not force the group into any actions outside of this. If we make a decision, we make it together."

I motioned to Xairn who was seated beside me. "Share your opinions, and please save discussion for afterwords," I said.

Xairn shrugged, "I'm for it. I'm not usually in the market for ships, but we could nearly purchase a small sloop with that sum. However we would still have to outfit it...maybe another forty, maybe fifty thousand."

D'argash shook his head, "I know nothing of ships or fairies...I will follow Timon"

Dryn must have found a stash of gin, for he seemed jollier than usual. "Oi don't know why ye lads are making such a big-to-do about squashin' a couple o' these overgrown fireflies."

Kyson, who had remained silent, spoke now, "I can only think of the poor captives. They did not deserve this."

(OCC: Post your characters' brief opinions and we will count votes to see what the group will do)

[Gen. Volkov]

(OOC: Dammit, I hate not getting a chance to react. OK, I'm filling in Helm's internal thoughts in the beginning of the post, and then I'll give his opinion. Sorry. You may have to change some previous posts, as Helm is going to respond. It takes more than a talking light to surprise Helm.)

Helm

I stopped with the others, and watched the light for a few seconds, then swiftly drew my sword. I had an inkling of what it might be, but I was not sure. When the light stopped and spoke my name, I was sure of it.

"Put up your sword, Helm..."

I nearly did, to an outsider, it may have seemed I almost dropped it, but then I brought it back up, and responded:

"No, thanks, but I think I'll keep it out. It helps keep things honest. I'm not a big fan of some fairies. Bad memories."

The light then said,

"There is no need to fear, yet even if there was, that would do you no good."

"Right." I said. But I kept a good hold of my sword, and kept it out in front of me anyway.

"Hmpf," I muttered, "Do me no good? Doesn't know me very well does he. My sword here would cut right through his glowing butt."

I don't think anyone heard much of those mutters, I thought to myself, but they made me feel better.

I listened, along with the others to the King's tale and plea for help.

Later, as we sat around the campfire, and Timon solicited our opinions, I sat in silence for a bit, then gave my two coppers.

"Well," I began, "I don't know if I quite trust this King, but his gold's is worth as much as the next fellow's. Twenty five thousand would be a big help to whatever we might want to do. Besides, I don't think whatever is in that forest can really hurt us. Not when there are warriors like me with you."

"So," I continued, "If it can be done without slowing us down to much, I'm for it. Easy money, in my opinion."

"Besides, it's not honorable to pass up a chance to free a prisoner," I added.

[Tetigustas shadowson]

Clench:
Clench settled next to a large log away from the fire, the little troll in him feared fire
as it was the only thing that could kill a troll with little to no effort, regular
regeneration doesn't occur in burnt troll parts. Cleyete disappeared for a few
moments into the darkness, when she returned she was dressed in a slightly shorter
green and blush casual dress. she handed Clench a bundle of cloth he stowed it in
his bag.
thank you she whispered to Clench.

Clench nodded up at Cleyette and rose to his feet, then he walked away giving her
his sitting spot. Clench kept to his own as he began to gather fallen limbs and fern
frocks, when he was done bustling about, a small dome with a round opening stood
next to the large log. adept in the woods, Clench fashioned the structure in very little
time. he turned and walked into the woods as the others continued their dialog,
discussing freed captives and rewards of larger than life bags of gold coin. Clench
knew he could carry nearly anything Cleyette and he needed, even a share of such a
large treasure. he has carried Cleyetts things in his bag nearly all their lives,

OCC
Mesdhet; king of the Shedux'Le'Rein Forest Elves and Cleyette's grandfather gave
Clench the bag along with a collection of wooden soldiers, little toys the children
played with during political meetings in the great hall. Clench especially liked the
black and red ones, While Cleyette always played with the war dogs, romping them
here and there, then knocking over Clenches soldiers.

BOC
Clench never returned to camp, Cleyette showed no concern as he often stayed in
the darkness, while she comfortably nestled herself near the fire, nibbling on the
meals he left her, she reaches for his wine skin he left laying near where she would
sit.
Cleyette:
I would feel compelled to free these poor captive creatures, if it furthers our quest
and provides us with needed passage, I know what Clench would say, said Cleyette;
Clench would want to release any one kept from their freedoms.

Cleyette told of her life in the high city of the Elvin lords, and the sky attacks from
the warlords of Hest using giant birds mutated by an evil wizard in the mountain
tower. Fireside conversations drifted near and far, stories of conquest, battles of
valor and defeat. The night wore on as the forest seemed deathly quiet, then
suddenly the silence was broken with rumbling sounds from near the large log,
Cleyett had retired to the green dome and began sleeping .................

[topaz]

Timon

Before the discussion ended, I gave my opinion.

"I see we are unanimous in our opinions, though not in our reasons. My only fear is that Jurt is not telling us the whole story.

"I know his power as few others do, for I have seen his legions at work. Some may condsider fairies weak creatures, yet they put me to shame in spellcasting. I have also seen them make short work of powerful warriors.

"If he wishes us to go for him, there is something he fears, and fairies don't fear much."

I paused to let these thoughts sink in, then continued, "That said, I would like to free this fairy and defeat this evil. If he wishes us to free the others, and is willing to make it worth our while, we will consider it when the time comes."

[topaz]

D'argash

We all slept soundly that night...I suspect a fairy may have drugged some of my food, for normally I am a light sleeper.

I rose with the sun and strolled to the packs. Filling my cup with water from one of the skins, I took a long drink.

Jurt returned soon afterwards, as the others had risen also. Timon informed him of our desision.

"We have decided to accept your quest," he said simply.

Jurt stood upon a fungus that grew upon a large, dead tree. He was around four inches tall and was dressed in gold from head to toe. He carried a two-inch sword of gold as well. An unnatural light seemed to permeate all his features.

He did not seem surprised when Timon told him the news.

"I am eternally grateful. Take this," he said pointing to his left where a small wand had appeared. "It belongs to Jarus, the man (fairy) you are seeking. When you near his location, it will lead you to him.

"Harno has charm powers nearly equal to my own, which some of you have experienced. Be ware, as he may have many charmed monsters working for him to protect his prisoners."

[topaz]

Xairn

We set off soon after breakfasting. As I was in the lead again, I assured myself that no evil would befall our party today. At least, not without warning.

After a few miles I became aware of something moveing off to the left of the vague trail I was following. I frantically signaled behind me for the group to wait. Melting into the trees, I silently approached the motion.

I stopped quickly as I saw a fast field of bodies before me. Several bands of Kobalds had converged upon a sudden clearing and their leaders were having a discussion near the center. Apparently they were not aware of our presence, so I walked back to the group to report...

[topaz]

D'argash

Xairn came back in a hurry. He told us about the gathering of Kobalds that was close enought to be threatening. After we had gathered together, I asked How many there were, but he was unsure.

"There were at least forty in the group nearest to my postition, but I was unable to count many of the others. I saw a gathering I thought were the leaders of the bands, and there were at least nine present."

Timon paused to consider for a moment. I knew what was going through his mind, even before he said anything. There wasn't much info to go on. We could be walking into a ten on one situation, and that could prove difficult.

Xairn spoke up, "We could follow a trail I found that seems to skirt around that clearing."

Timon's resolve suddenly was formed. "They can't possibly be up to any good. Show me how they are situated in that clearing, Xairn. Especially show me where the leaders are."

Xairn quickly drew positions on the ground showing one large gathering and six or eight smaller ones. He explained that two Kobalds had been fighting, so many had gathered around that location. A short distance away from one of the smaller groups, he indicated the position of the band of leaders. They were not in the center, but off to one side.

Timon thanked Xairn and then spoke quickly, "I have a plan, but we must hurry. If anyone has any objections I want to hear them now..."

(OCC: Take a moment to describe your characters reactions and preparations before anyone takes us into the fight.)

[Tetigustas shadowson]

Clench:

Clench over hears whats going on and starts to fidget on his feet, pacing and
repeatedly bending his knees back and forth making a subtle a bony crack! as the
joints rubbed together.

Cleyette was no where to be found, Clench hadn't noticed as of yet, or so it would
seem. he doesn't apear to be as agitated being out of sight of the girl

[Gen. Volkov]

Helm

Xairn must have heard or seen something, because he motioned us to stop. I was ready for anything when he came back. When he reported that it was a large band of kobolds, I nearly laughed.

When Timon said we should fight them, I immediately agreed.

"Of course we should go in there, they're just kobolds. I have no objections, what's your plan Timon?"

[Tetigustas shadowson]

Cleyette:
A sudden hush falls over my companions as they see my form walking through the
flood of kobolds gathered in the clearing, the tiny dog like creatures bustle about my
feet. The creatures in front of me move apart as the mesmerized ones fall in behind,
glazed faces looking up at me, pushing their way through the crowd nipping and
snapping at each other several kobolds break out in skirmishes as they fight to stay
close to me. My pace quicken as I draw nearer the leaders group, their conversation
stops as a deafening quiet takes over the gathering of kobolds when I entered the
circle of leaders.

I began to speak:
A sight you see the sight is me, Simple things are things in three. A quest a troop
and winged men to free, our fight is equal proof and a team are we.

‘The tiny creatures settled down and began to involuntarily sit on the ground
around me, like a sea of children’s blocks knocked over they fell to the ground.
Kobolds love to rhyme as they talk, the better your rhymes the smarter you where,
as a kobold if you could out rhyme another leader then your will be done, and the
whole of kobold would follow your commands.’

Looking down into the crowed, I spied two Cheery little eyes glazing up at me from
a well dressed fat little creature. He must have been the smartest kobold in the pack,
as he pushed forward he waddled slightly as he was well fed

Kobold:
His eager lips opend:
‘Winged men tiny and free, locked away for no one to see. A giggle leaps from
his mouth then he continued. A kings loss, is darkened found. Question I give simple
your answer, simple the price your bodies in ground.’"he spouted"

Cleyette
I countered:
Your conquests are timid, my glory has fee, and the dark ones will pay much
gold to thee. Three hundred fold, for gold to see, gold in your pocket, your pouch,
your fee. A hand of gold is better than death by the hag. This hag is quiet a friend to
me, my way is lost, your way is found, show me my path scribbled on ground. Dark
ones we seek, we are friends to thee.


The fat little one spoke again:
Kobold
‘A bargain are a pact sealed in wax, stamped in red with the candles flax.’

Then he spat in his hand and held it aloft to me. I reached down and spat upon my
hand then grasped his tiny little claw like hand.

Barking and snipping scattered through out the crowed, as others wanted to touch
me, they pressed forward smashing into each outher, just then the fat little creature
shouted in a kobold bark: the crowedhushed. He bent down and began scribbling on
the ground, I watched as he drew a map of the forest and the location of the dark
ones. He described them as strange tall beings with wild heads. These other
creatures who held these tiny winged souls captive, had killed a dozen or more
kobolds villagers in the past few weeks. The leader coughed again and said some
thing I didnt recognize, but I knew the tones he used, he hatted them and wished
them death.

I handed the tiny creature a bag of gold, he turned and coughed as the rest of the
kobolds rushed to gather around him, all wishing to see the shinny little yellow
metallic disks, that was my queue to leave the circle of creatures, I passed out of the
clearing and joined my companions, I asked Timon for a pieces of parchment to
mark our way, he handed it to me and then a quill and ink, I thanked him and set to
work,

Clench:
I want to kill those things, they are vile little creatures

Cleyette:
No Clench, we have a pact and they would bother us not. He stepped back and
began to pick his things up to ready our move. With a simple map done we set out. I
can still hear the clamours from the kobolds as we faded into the forest.

[topaz]

Timon

I spoke to Clyette about the Kobald's map that she obtained. She drew a sketch upon a piece of parchment I happened to have in my pocket. I recognised the area immediately. I had not been there, but in my travels I had heard much about it.

It was nearly six miles off the trail we would be following to our destination, and a good place for a hideout. I suspected the place was well guarded, yet the thieves' forest was not known as a safe place to begin with.

We continued on our way....

[Tetigustas shadowson]

Cleyette:(thinking aloud)
We had traveled some distance following the makeshift map before the day set, some
distance into the dark and mysterious forest, we encountered a few Orcs sneaking about
who subsequently scattered into the forest rather than tackle our heftily fortified party.
They recognized our strength right away and were not interested in dyeing this day. We
stopped for a quick meal by a clear pool of water at the base of a small hill; a passing
huntsman traded a few pieces of gold for some fresh meat, I was not particularly
interested in the meal though I ate it heartily any way. after a long trek through some
thorny brambles and a few large animal scares. The trail eventually widened a bit
exposing where some wagons or carts had left debris along the path it then jotted sharply
to the left before it passed between two massive trees, in a clearing on the other side of
the wooden passage lays a small settlement of structures. The path changes to a street for
a short while then returns to a pathway as it exits the other side of this small settlement. A
long structure was in part of a large pile of barn sized boulders; two massive boulders
much larger then the rest set side by side, then piled high and nestled round the bases
with smaller boulders. A wooden structure what appears to be an Inn of sorts with a
lively tavern beneath its posh rooms, covered the opening between these two gigantic
white stones. No doubt the dark why shaped markings on the map about where we stood
only meant there was a cavern some where near here, we suspected the tavern covered
this opening but needed to investigate it further we needed rooms for the night any how
so we entered the bustling tavern and sat our selves down for a meal and some much
needed refreshments.

The barmaid came over and asked, what’ll it be? beer or mead, we aint got-nee water, an
no wine, so's ther'll be no ask-n. Are yee pass-in through or yee stay-on the night?

Helm said that we are staying the night, in a broken dialect of human and peck, I made
out what he was saying but just then the barmaid turned and shouted to the barkeep in a
language I didn’t understand!

The hefty man came over greeted us and then directed his attentions toward Helm, they
spoke in a strange dialect, I tried to follow but wasn’t able to make out what exactly they
where discussing, except that the words ’large rooms’ was very clear.

I turned to see the barmaid walked up and bring me my pint of mead extra stout and a
daintily blown glass bowl on a platter with some bread, freshly cooked meat of some sort
and a modest slice of cheese a sharp knife stood stuck into the platter and a three tinned
fork lay sideways between the bread and meat. The contents of the bowl was once
steeping in a large pot over the fire, I dint want to ask what it was so I gently whiffed the
steam as it rose from the bowl, it smelled wonderfully seasoned and inviting to the senses
especially after eating trailside all day, the cheese was aromatic and reminded me of
home, not that I was longing but the thought of home was inviting.

After the barmaid brought the rest of our party food n drink, she stepped to the side of me
and whispered something at the side of my head ever so quietly so as the others could not
hear, unfortunately what she said was not in a language I understood, right then Helm
leaned over and said she is telling you your room has a bath and she could have the sable
boy draw it for you. Blushing I said thanks and turned to the barmaid and said ‘yes
please’ she looked at Helm and he nodded. She exited the tavern through a door near a
stair way leading up and to the rooms above, and then she came back into the room and
went about her duties servicing the other patrons. A band of dwarves where being loud in
the shield room, a section by the front of the tavern with an assortment of fake shields
upon the walls. A large creature more than three times the size of a man with a large
hammer stood glooming over the dwarves as to say ‘don’t be a problem or else!’ He must
have worked for the barman as he didn’t appear to be drinking or eating so he must be
working in some fashion to protect the tavern.

The conversations filled my mind and the mead filled my head, wanting the drumming of
the dwarves shouting to end I retired to the rooms leaving my cohorts in the tavern.
Clench followed me upstairs and then slumped down in front of my door, I heard his
bones thump as he hit the floor, inside my room a steaming bath awaited me. A small
wood stove crackled in the corner heating the water from beneath it. the faint smell of
incense filled the room and candle light flickered off the walls, I settled down and fell
asleep in the bath, I thought of all the things we did today and all that we might do
tomorrow.

[Gen. Volkov]

Helm

After conversing with the barmaid in one of the odder languages I had picked up, and arranging rooms for the party, as well as a bath for Cleyette, I ordered myself a large mug of beer and settled down to listen to the bar conversations. There is alot one can pick up in a tavern, if one has the right ears to listen.

Soon enough, Cleyette and her bodyguard left for bed, and so did most of the others, but I stayed to drink and listen. Lucky I did too, as later on in the night, two very loud, very drunk, humans wandered in and began conversing loudly about two creatures they had narrowly escaped on the road leading to the north, right in the area we were supposed to be going too. I listened more closely without seeming too, and got a very good description of the critters in question, and a better sense of the area they were in.

I decided that was enough for tonight, and staying longer would be pressing my luck, so I went off up to my room, and went to sleep.

In the morning, I told the rest of the group what I had learned...

[topaz]

Timon

I noticed it as soon as we neared the tavern. I cannot explain it, nor can I describe it. It was in the air we breathed, the tone of the conversations we heard, the look of the faces of the regulars at the tavern. I just knew there was something strange about the place.

I stayed awake after the others to investigate. Leaving my room in the darkness, I was silent as a spectre. I crept down to the deserted tavern and had a look about. Behind the makeshift bar was the kitchen, and there I found what I was looking for.

A trapdoor opened to a staircase that led straight down. The cellar appeared normal, but the smell was obvious to experienced nostrils. There had to be a passage nearby to an Orc dwelling.

I was investigating when three of them, orcs that is, jumped me. I drew my sword and quickly placed my back to a stone wall. Parrying one blow easily, I then feinted to the right. The young orc on my right fell for the trap and screamed as I removed my sabre from his severed breast.

I quickly knocked aside another blow from my left and shattered a stout club into pieces. Seeing himself weaponless and his comrade dead was too much for his weak mind, so he fled.

The third and last ork stood his ground. He seemed to be more skilled than his mates, but I would have to see. He merely flinched when I feinted to the left, so I knew he would be more difficult than the others. I pretended to back away (I had fought some distance from the wall by this point), and he followed. He lunged at the opening I left, and I sidestepped and brought my blade down. His cry echoed off the stone walls as his hand hit the groud with his shortsword. I followed through and quickly ended his sufferings.

Not one leave my compadres out of a good row, I returned to the Inn to let them know of my discovery. I knew the entrance had to be somewhere near the site of the battle, and we would find out in the morning....