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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3953
(1/4/05 10:05 am)
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Dobrug, Part IV
Out of the blood soaked shop and into a raging storm, the companions march northeast. The streets are dark and awash in dancing pools of mud, the torrential rain lashing the flagstones mercilessly. Draxim suddenly misses his cloak, having set it alight in the battle with the darkleech, and bows his head to the rain. It is almost midnight and the companions begin to feel the oppressive weight of their armor and equipment. The journey is a short one, but each step reminds them of how pleasant it would be to sink into a deep sleep in the comfort of their own beds.
On the way to the meeting with Oggsrund, a spritely young Orlanth initiate, a girl of no more than ten, trots up alongside Brae and chirps in his ear. The young girl's voice is almost lost in the roar of the storm, and she must shout to be heard.
"Master Brae," she yells. "Cyrvalus says to tell you he's in the Tower and has called the storm to fight the fire. Goran is with Oggsrund. The Olmani are in the streets. There's trouble by the south gate too."
Brae smiles and pats the initiate on the head. "Well done, Vyri. Now, back to the temple. Tell Cyrvalus we go to meet with Oggsrund. The Aerendalen are returning and can tell him more. And you, get some sleep girl."
Vyri vanishes into the darkness, the blue sash that marks her as an initiate of the Locamyrida is the last of her that can be seen in the gloom.
Soon the battle-weary band is led to on of the larger taverns in the southern part of town. A place called the Black Barn. At least two dozen of the grim, rain-soaked Axemen are clustered outside the place, all watching the tremendous blaze that paints their faces with flickering orange light. Yashai's palace is only a block or so away from the tavern, to the southeast, and is clearly visible. Vast clouds of steam and smoke rise up from the burning house, the rain evaporating from the tremendous heat of the inferno. The storm, however, does appear to be keeping the fire from spreading.
The companions stomp noisily into the tavern while shaking off the worst of the weather. The place is empty, presumably having been cleared to serve as a sort of command post for the town elders. The main room of the Black Barn is quite large, square, and is open all the way up to the rafters some twenty feet above. A massive fireplace near the center of the room is crackling with life, the orange glow of the fire keeping the spring chill at bay.
There are a half dozen more of the Axemen in one corner of the room, and by the quality of their armor they would appear to be the leaders of that band of mercenaries. They eye the companions with open disdain, much as they eye everyone else in the world. In the opposite side of the room a small group of acolytes stand patiently - Spearbearers of Orlanth, White Hands of Chalana Arroy, Swordelders of Humakt.
Clustered around a table near the fire, most of them leaning over what appears to be a large map, are some of the most powerful and influential people in Dobrug. They are deep in conversation when the companions enter.
"We have to assume the kuralitai will try to loot the Eastwold Market, whether they flee the town tonight or in the morning." The martial head of the Spearbearer sect, an aging warrior named Goran, stabs a finger at the map as he speaks. He is clad in fine mail and wears a long blue cloak about his broad shoulders.
"They are leaving now in large numbers," a lanky swordsman reports. He is unarmored, and apparently dressed hastily before coming to the gathering. The man is younger than Goran, but not by much, and leans on a sheathed two-handed blade. He is Ruuthash, head of the Swordelders in Dobrug. "With your people in a line from the river, I can send my folk to the Market and discourage any advance in that direction."
"It is direction which the kuralitai lack," a tall, red-haired woman opines. Long robes of green and gold drape over her strong Moagaran frame, her hands clasped together over an ornate silver belt at her waist. It is Aravaissen, high priestess of the White Hands. "They are confused and frightened. The Olmani will flee or lash out like animals, and there is no way of knowing which action they will choose. We must not pursue them lest they decide to make Dobrug their final battleground. They will fill the Zesh and then move on Val'waha in the morning, if we allow them an avenue of escape."
"The others," Ruuthash comments. "Must be compelled to leave, by force if necessary."
Of those standing around the map table, one does not speak. The companions notice that he is focusing on them instead. He is a tall man and massively overweight. Though clad in mail, Oggsrund looks a bit out of place among the priests. He is no warrior, and came to his position through cunning and the power of his intellect, rather than through force of arms. The head of the Council of Elders surveys them cooly while the priests discuss the kuralitai problem. Finally, Oggsrund glances down at the map and addresses his peers, interrupting Goran mid-sentence.
"Send the Swordelders to the Eastwold. They are to kill any kuralitai they see. The Spearbearers will swing down from the river and push east. Captain Vori will move his company from the west, following the wall. By morning we'll push the lot of them out the south gate and then close the town. Have the watch bring extra bolts for their crossbows. They'll be firing from the walls."
Ruuthash, Goran, and Aravaissen pause to take in the simplicity and brutality of the plan. Goran and Ruuthash nod their agreement, while Aravaissen silently turns and heads for the exit. She whispers "I must make preparations for the wounded," as she glides through the companions and out into the storm. Silence reigns in the tavern. Her acolytes leave with her.
"Come, Brae," Goran says at last. "Perhaps you can lend some pieces to the puzzle that has confronted us this night. Someone has struck the hornets nest."
Gesturing toward a nearby table, Brae mumbles to the companions "you may sit. Try to get warm. We may have more to do before dawn."
Setting his staff down, and taking the time to remove his mail coif, Brae begins to tell Oggsrund and the two priests what happened since Ulwe came to him earlier that day.
"I saw an opportunity in the eyes of this young Aerendalen. He and his companions chose to do what I yearned to, but could not. Of course when they sought out Uruul, Yashai's shopkeeper, I kept a close watch on their progress. The tunnel, so close in construction to that of the Shadow Cult shrines along the coast, was a dark revelation. It was then I awoke Waed Daeva and his people."
Brae goes on to relate the battles that followed in some detail, emphasizing the potency of their undead adversaries. He does, however leave out several important details. Brae makes no mention of the Xorn, or of Yashai turning into a giant worm-like creature. The aged priest does not say anything of Sangraal's sudden appearance, or his mysterious meeting with the burned man, instead including him in the companions' activities since the beginning. Brae also doesn't mention Galewing or the golem.
"It was a bold expedition, and one that could have easily failed," Brae concludes. "But it didn't. Yashai is dead and her unholy allies have been banished back to Chaos itself. These young ones should be rewarded and given the protection of the Council. They have earned it."
Ruuthash is obviously pleased by Brae's tale, and is almost giddy - most unbecoming a solemn priest of the Sword God. He clenches his fist in triumph when Brae speaks of the death of Brother Elir. Ruuthash appears to know something of the Shadowrakers, and relishes their destruction.
Goran is not so extroverted so merely nods sagely. If anything he seems a little put off by not being included in Brae's initial assault on the catacombs, but he doesn't seem to be the sort of quibble over the order of precedence, or deeds already accomplished.
Oggsrund is ex-pressionless. Throughout Brae's monologue, the shrewd elder of the town continued to scrutinize the companions. One by one he would look them over, studying their equipment, their mannerisms, every detail of their appearance. The tale complete, Oggsrund chews on the inside of his mouth before grumbling "I will speak with them now. In private."
Oggsrund does not move, and soon the priests gather the implication.
"Well," Goran sighs. "I will begin the my advance when the Swordelders are in position. Ruuthash, I will stand at the northeast corner of the Morningtide Shrine."
"I know the place," Ruuthash confirms.
"Good. Send me a message when you are ready."
With that, Goran, Ruuthash, and their acolytes march resolutely back out into the storm. Oggsrund gestures to the gang of Axemen in the corner and they too file out. Brae turns and simply whispers "mind yourselves" before taking his staff and hobbling through the tavern door. The companions are alone with Oggsrund.
"You have earned the respect of Brae the Diviner," Oggsrund growls. "That was a wise move, considering the circumstances. His name can open many doors, from here to the Isselwaith. I commend the manner of your entrance, so to speak. Was it political acumen, I wonder, or merely luck?"
Oggsrund's question is rhetorical, and hangs in the air while he continues to scrutinize the companions.
"Yet how did you come to be? I see before me a Hythriad elf and a tracker of the Merek Lek... yes... two foreigners as well... Ghuraskalli dwarves I believe. You are a long way from home."
The corpulent elder maneuvers around the table to stand only a few feet from the companions as they sit and stand around a nearby table, their gear dripping pools of cold rainwater onto the floor. Oggsrund fixes his gaze on Draxim.
"I know you from somewhere, dwarf." Draxim shrinks slightly, fear of his dark past lurching disastrously into the present nearly overwhelming him. "I will remember, I'm sure. You," Oggsrund regards Janes. "I don't know you."
Stepping slowly around the table, the mountainous Oggsrund stands in front of Madragar. "This one... yes, this one I know. The last apprentice of Edrigan." With a cruel smile, Oggsrund half turns away as if mulling over a cunning plot, or a secret only he knows.
"This Naredru, he was a Grovewarden. I am saddened by the loss of Lyssa. She was an excellent host. Yet I wonder... another wizard poisoned? That is how Snakepipe was killed. Did you know that, wizard?"
Oggsrund glares at Madragar, who cannot hide his surprise at the information.
"He was poisoned, you see? Murdered by his own apprentice. Snakepipe. Lyssa. I wonder still... what became of Edrigan the Golden? Was he too poisoned by a trusted friend? An apprentice perhaps?"
Even the dullest mind in the room cannot help but recognize the implication.
"You see, wizards are on my mind more and more these days. The house of the Lioness, it burns brightly does it not?" Oggsrund continues to grin. "It was no ordinary fire that set that place ablaze. I will say only that I know wizardry when I see it, and in this case the evocation struck from three different directions, simultaneously. Madragar knows what that means. Naredru... Madragar... and three other sorcerers lurking in our midst."
Oggsrund lets a dark scowl pass over his face, but soon his ex-pression brightens.
"But I cannot complain. Yashai was a thorn in all our sides, and I suppose we have you to thank for it. So tell me, what is next for you? Surely there are other threats to face... other artifacts that must be uncovered. Speak. Perhaps I can help."
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squarefodder
Khelzhad
Posts: 472
(1/4/05 11:48 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
"Lord Oggsrund, I am Khelzhad, son of Azhad of the Ghuraskalli, as you have astutely noted. It was the divine guidance of Orlanth that brought me here from my home far away to join with these men and elves in cleansing this land from the taint of chaos, as best as our meager powers can achieve. We are glad that you are pleased by the this night's struggle for we knew of the delicate balance of power that had arisen between yourself and Yashai and we dreaded the possibility of war within the city walls. But our need to find the traitor Naredu was great and so we deigned to get information from the shopkeeper Uruul, who is yet in our custody. As for our next move, I should like to say sleep, but as for myself I intend to visit what remains of Yahsai's palace and seek the ancient crown that we foolishly sold to her in earlier before her true allegiance was revealed."
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 945
(1/4/05 12:37 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Pogar move closer to the fire, to dry his clothes and pack. During this down time, Pogar will examine his shield for damage and make sure that it is still serviceable from the collision with Naredru. Pogar will merely nod at the mention of his race.
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1291
(1/4/05 1:52 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Standing silently Sangraal seems little interested in mincing words with the rotund counsel elder. With the intent of not insulting the counsel elder but obviously attempting to escape the unintended meeting, Sangraal politely asks for a continuance.
“Lord Oggsrund, no thanks is needed and what is next I can not see for sleep becons like a mistress long ignored. A good night sleep may provide us with the answers to your inquiry.”
[OOC: Diplomacy +6: To eloquently escape the meeting without drawing the ire of the counsel elder.]
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 1/4/05 1:54 pm
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1214
(1/4/05 3:37 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Ulwe bristles when Madragar is implicated. He speaks in his friend's defence:
"Madragar is no traitor. He is an honest and true man, as are all my companions. It is upon those merits that we have the favor of Brae the Diviner. We have no ulterior motives, only a desire to see our lands protected from threats abroad and within."
"As far as what I intend to do next: though my companions long for a good night's rest, I shall seek out my Aerendalen brothers and do what I can to keep this city safe."
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1430
(1/4/05 4:28 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Madragar's shock at the manner of Snakepipe's demise turns to cold ashes at the implication that he had anything to do with his master's demise. He cares nothing for the Elder's deduction of the fire's origin or the man's prejudice against the arcane, but a man who links Madragar to Edrigan's disappearance has made an enemy.
Madragar's fury burns icily sudden in him, but he bites back a bitter retort when Khelzad speaks up. He uses the space of Sangraal's and Ulwe's words to compose himself, resuming the quiet and dignified demeanor he usually affects and which once his master chided him for. But the tight set of his jaw does not go away.
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3954
(1/4/05 5:13 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
"Ulwe," Oggsrund replies, waving his hand before him as if to dismiss the tension in the air. "You have lived longer than I but have yet to master your emotions. I am not alone in my suspicions of Madragar, scion of Edrigan. Yet, so far, I am the only one honest enough to air them. It served neither Lyssa nor Snakepipe to trust completely those dearest to them. It is a lesson your companion should learn."
Oggsrund does not address Madragar directly during his monologue, instead speaking of him almost as if he weren't in the room. Soon, though, the elder seems to put the matter behind him as he turns to speak to Khelzhad and Sangraal.
"Do as you must. I will not keep you here. Understand, however, that I am prepared to extend to you a reward for your labors tonight. Yet, I will do so only to those that help me in understanding the disposition and power of our mutual enemies. I desire information, in short. You may stay and receive this boon, or leave and go your own path. This offer is withdrawn the moment you pass through that door."
Edited by: Jubilex at: 1/4/05 5:25 pm
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1292
(1/4/05 5:57 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
"A reward?" Sangraal asks " A reward for past efforts that can only be recieved for future endevors is no reward at all Lord Oggsrund. Good Evening."
Glancing to Madragar Sangraal sees a reflection of the smoldering distain he to feels. With a short bow Sangraal turns to leave and exits.
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3955
(1/4/05 6:07 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Oggsrund smiles, clearly not surprised by Sangraal's sudden exit. He awaits the decision of the others.
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1215
(1/4/05 6:29 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
[Damned Jet-lag!]
Ulwe watches the Sun-Priest leave with a little dismay, but instead stays in his seat. Clearly, the ball is in Oggsrund's court.
He remembers his fathers words which were a Hythriadi maxim: 'Never be the first to make an offer in negotiations.' Indeed when two Hythriadi meet to negotiaite it is a contest of wills before one will place a definite offer on the table. Being elves, these bouts can sometimes be ridiculously long. When Hythriadi and others meet it is most often one-sided as other races lack the patience to endure such ordeals and most often make the first offer. One of the many reasons the Hythriadi are known for their avarice and merchantile acumen.
So he sits and cocks his head to the side slightly as he waves his hand back at Oggsrund slowly. "We are weary from battle Lord Oggsrund, let us partake of a repast while we discuss. Please honor us by leading this discussion, as you are our host."
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squarefodder
Khelzhad
Posts: 473
(1/4/05 7:01 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Khelzhad is torn by the offer, and the Companions sense this by his silence. The all too fresh sting of Yashai's treachery vies with his dwarvish desire for treasure and the possibility of establishing relations with the powerful and cunning man. He knows there are things he must not mention; there is more he does not yet understand. The bard recognizes Oggrrund's sharp wit and refined tongue as a one better versed in persuasion than himself, but the exchange could also prove highly profitable. And how could it not? He is the current ruler of Dobrug no matter what council. Brae was wary, but not mistrustful. If the Ghuraskalli were ever to increase the sphere of their trade, there would be no better opportunity.
With a slight lift of his proud dwarvish head, Khelzhad nods. "Very well."
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1431
(1/4/05 8:28 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Madragar turns silently and follows Sangraal out into the frosty night air. He calls Kyethe to him as he leaves the house, the heat in his cheeks making him oblivious to the biting wind.
Hearing Edrigan's warnings against his own self-indulgent nature, Madragar throws off his incipient sulk with a visible struggle.
"Let's find someplace warm and quiet," he says to the priest. "I would hear more of your travels this winter and share with you the tale of Yashai and the Kuralitai."
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1293
(1/5/05 1:45 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Sangraal is glad to see Madragar appear.
" Foul cur" he starts with a sharp whisper " insults us with one hand and offers to buy us with the other."
Holding his tongue long enough to hear the mages suggestion the warrior-priest nods in agreement.
"Something warm... and a place to change."
[OOC: Sangraal talks quitely with Madragar and is careful not to be overheard. He also looks for a reputable looking establiment to slip out of the weather.]
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doggius
Moderator
Posts: 946
(1/5/05 10:39 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Hands near the fire, warming him Pogar turns to watch Sangraal storm out, into the cold rain. Then watches Madragar follow Sangraal. While the word "reward" echos through Pogars mind, he turns to observe Oggsrund. Oggsrunds gruff and abrasive personality gives Pogar a slight grin. Pogars torn. Pogar, although very mistrustful of wizards, mostly because of his limited exposure with them, but also a deep racial hatered for the darker arts is torn. Through the travels that he has been on, with his new found friends, he feels that he has gotten to see enough of Madragars character to know that Madragar is not the type of person who would weave a web of lies and deciet like that.
"Mind your words, Elder" Pogar says with a slight nod of his thick head. "Your speculation maybe all it is, but you see behind him, tales of honor, not treachory. Stories that lay behind him are not of destruction, but of protection." Moving himself from the fire, Pogar stands his full 4'1", resting his right hand on the hilt of his bloodstained axe with his legs apart.
"We have been with Madragar for a long while, and we know the truth about him. You know nothing of him. Speculate all you want" shrugging and turning away to follow Sangraal and Madragar out the door, "I mean your only a damnd human anyways." Pogar walks out into the rain with a loud slam of the door to see Sangraal and Madragar quietly talking while walking away seeking shelter from the rain.
Edited by: doggius at: 1/5/05 10:46 am
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3956
(1/5/05 10:43 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
Atan merely shrugs and, pulling his cloak about him, stalks out into the rain. Soon he is back at Janes' tavern and sleeping soundly.
[If I can get a decision from Draxim and Janes then we can continue.]
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squarefodder
Khelzhad
Posts: 474
(1/5/05 11:22 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
[since we have not heard from them in a while...]
Janes stays, so as not to make an enemy of the most powerful man in the town where he hopes to thrive.
Draxim leaves with Madragar, and not without some backtalk for Oggsrund's treatment of the wizard.
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Ulwe
Moderator
Posts: 1216
(1/5/05 11:23 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
[How about:]
The Innkeeper has had enough of trouble for one night and is glad to depart for his humble place away from wizards priests and council elders.
Draxim, though greedy has taken an immediate dislike to the fat Oggsrund and he too departs for a night's rest.
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3957
(1/5/05 11:26 am)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
[I'll wait.]
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Tarondor
Moderator
Posts: 1432
(1/5/05 12:59 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
 Gee, thanks, fellas!
[For what it's worth, I (Scott) would've stayed and argued my case before the elder, an important person in authority, admitting that the pattern didn't reflect well on apprentices but that I was nonetheless blameless.]
[However, when I created Madragar, I decided to make him Chaotic, in contrast to my own leanings. So, he's hotheaded and feels he doesn't need to 'splain himself to anyone. Oggsrund has pushed one of Madragar's two buttons (the other being Vala). Madragar loved and respected Edrigan. So ol' Oggsbog can get bent.]
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yucatanyeti
Moderator
Posts: 1294
(1/5/05 1:10 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
[OOC: Spoke with Dobbs - Janes will stay. He wants to make friends with the most powerful man in Dobrug.
Draxim - he'd leave. He knows the type that Oggsrund is and he wants nothing to do with his old life. Plus Oggsrund insulted his friend.
]
Edited by: yucatanyeti at: 1/5/05 1:12 pm
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Jubilex
ezOP
Posts: 3958
(1/5/05 1:19 pm)
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Re: Dobrug, Part IV
In the darkness outside the tavern, the companions go their seperate ways. Draxim and Atan head back to Janes' place to get some rest while Sangraal and Madragar skulk off to dry off and catch up.
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