 |
 |
|
|
|
|
By Carey Sauerbrun
Pig and Whistle - Departure
[DM]
[Constabulary - one hour past dawn]
Almost a tenday has passed since the Janissar messenger died delivering his missive. The small town of Hardoak Pass has bustled with new arrivals. Several of the long-time residents are rather put out at all the activity. A few of the younger folk, already in the area, have packed up some meager supplies and headed into the hills, hoping to be the first to find the Harem.
Others, a bit less willing to go off half-cocked, have been marking time in Hardoak Pass until others of like mind arrive, hoping to form bands that will have improved odds. Odds of first, finding the place, and next, surviving the process of cleaning out what must, after all, be a vermin-infested hole...
Sheriff Natan a'Beira shook his head at all the activity. Anyone looking at his eyes though would have seen the twinkle. "Here, then!" the big man called as the third adhoc group so far (as opposed to the local boys and girls), made their way through the town, heading for the hills. "Here then! Watch your backs out there! Those hills are infested with orcish scum!"
Even as the group marched out of the town, the burly sheriff shrugged and looked at the two men nearby. "Hoi, Corin. Glad you didn't head out with them. I don't think they'll manage much if they run into any trouble. I hear there were a couple new arrivals that showed up last night. They might be interested in getting together with you. I saw one of them, a dwarf, at the Pig and Whistle."
The older of the two men, Fander, a local bowyer and hunter, snorted, but said nothing, only quirked an eye at the young man near by...
[Pig and Whistle - noon ]
Hardoak Pass ' lone inn, the Pig and Whistle, was surprisingly large for such a mediocre village, courtesy of the caravan trail that gave the town it's name. Even so, the place was rough for anyone used to city life. At mid-day, the tables in the bar were occupied by those townsfolk that weren't out on the local farms, as well as several of the odd ‘adventurers' that had been filtering into town of the last tenday.
[Corin]
Daylight filters into the Pig and Whistle's interior once more as the curtain is pushed aside to let a new patron in. The bright daylight outside makes it impossible to distinguish much at first, other than a humanoid-looking figure wearing typical clothing for the area… or not as typical local maybe.
The outline of the figure makes clear the individual is armed. A quiver hangs on a hip and the accompanying bow slung over a shoulder. On the man's – as that is what the silhouette most clearly resembles – other hip a sword dangles in its scabbard.
With the curtain falling close behind him, the man's features start to become more discernable as the eyes of those who had been looking into his direction start to adjust to the interior lighting conditions once more.
[Mililani]
Seated not more than four paces away from the stairwell is what appears to be a woman of elven heritage veiled in white silk and robed in flowing white trimmed cloth in colors of dark blue. Laying before her on the table is a small hard board of wood, paper and small dark gray sticks. A moist cloth, stained dark with graphite, piles itself shamelessly on the far corner of the table. Stooped foreward in her chair, she scribbles something onto a sheet of paper, secured with small pins pressed into the board. With the motion of her hand and her slight swaying to and from the table, a small wood plate, circular in cut, dangles her thin neck. As one gazes upon the copper chain, they can see a pattern of seven stars with a wave of mist flowing from the base of the circle to its apex. She is an initiate of Mystra and the four blue tats affixed to her forehead indicate she is a graduate of four schools.
Focusing on her drawing board, she seems obvious to the activity occurring inside the Pig and Whistle. Periodically, she picks up a tankard of chilled water seated on the table to her left. Carefully lifting her veil, she drinks from the tankard and sets it down again without offending the patrons or tarnishing her own modesty. Quenching her thirst, she set the tankard down and resumes her activities once more.
The light in the tavern dims as a stranger approaches.
[Corin]
A young man – human from the looks of it – steps into the common room and up to the barkeep for a drink as he eyes the Pig's patrons warily. Despite his young looks, there is a certain haunting in his dark-brown eyes and a determination in his tread that belies his age.
Long black hair bound with a leather cord becomes visible as the man removes his keffiyeh (ooc: sp? Need to check for future references, am at work now) and as he moves flashes of some sort of leather armor as well as riding boots can be seen beneath the man's aba (ooc: robe-like piece of clothing iirc).
Leaning on the bar with one arm as he faces into the room, the man slowly sips from his drink – a local wine – and he looks once more across the room, giving an appraising look at some of the inn's patrons.
“At last some more capable looking fellows.” The warrior comments to the barkeep, “Word must not have traveled that fast.” Though spoken in Alzhedo, an obvious foreign accent is discernable. Not such a ‘local' person after all it seems…
[Mililani]
The priestess looks up and studies the dark-haired man. She scans his features as if she were memorizing them. She studies the weapons he carries then begins to scribble away again.
[Brendan]
The dwarf, with his tongue sticking out of the side of his mouth, studies the mechanism intently. Carefully, he takes the tiny hammer that he is holding and works it in between the "jaws" and the outstretched "spikes". Suddenly, he taps down on the tiny pressure plate in the center with the hammer. The two hooks holding the "jaws" open, release and they snap shut. Immediately after, the hooks holding the "spikes" open, release and they snap up as well. Had something's foot triggered the trap, not only would it have been wounded by the closing "jaws", but the lower shin would have been impaled by the two "spikes".
The dwarf shouts with glee as he watches his trap work the way he wanted it to. He claps his hands and giggles as he resets the trap only to set it off again.
[Mililani]
The priestess stops with her drawings and shifts her sapphire blue eyes towards the giggling dwarf. Her eyes harden, then she resumes her own work.
[Amber]
She glances over at the dwarf over at his table with his strange trap and shakes her head with a smile escaping her lips. She gets up out of her seat and walks over to the bar, "Do you have any white wine I could consume" she says to the barkeep in flowing language of Alzehdo. She looks the newcomer over as she waits for her glass of wine and heads back to her table once she have received it.
[Brianna]
Venturing down the stair case (or hallway from her room) and entering the common room is quite an exotic being. Wearing a bluish grey long skirt and matching long half shirt is a woman of average height and petite build. As she draws closer her wild blue eyes are all that can be seen through the white featureless mask covering her face. The mask has dark runes painted under each eye, and its top is decorated with raven feathers that blend in well with her long jet-black hair, not to mention the raven perched on her shoulder. As she turns and heads toward the bar the raven pivots around to stare at the guests sitting at tables behind her.
With a thick accented voice that is slightly muffled due to the mask she says to the barkeep in common tongue, "Akeem, or vatever your name is fetch me a glass of vine, and make sure you clean ze glass zis time."
Turning back to face the room she reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a folded up piece of parchment. As she unfolds the parchment she states, "I'm looking for a guide and anyone else interested in joining us zat vill help me find," she pauses to read from the parchment, "Ze lost harem of S-s-syl Pas-sha Haak-e-e-em al'No-o-ari." After butchering the name she adds, "Of course ve vould be equal partners in anyzing found."
[Mililani]
Upon hearing the woman's heavy accent voice, Mililani lifts her head and looks directly at the woman. Her blue eyes widen in surprise and curiosity at the woman's mask and its intricate runes. She, a foreigner herself is obviously not alone in this strange land. She says nothing, keeping her thoughts and voice to herself, at least for the time being.
[DM]
At Corin's brief comment, the barkeep nods, swiping at the bar with a white towel. "Looks like."
When the masked woman demands her beverage, the barkeep sighs and shakes his head, and produces the same wine he'd just given to the young man. Coins change hands. [OOC - nothing here is all that expensive. One gold will get you a couple glasses of the wine. Another will get you a full meal and a mug of mead]
As the young caravan guard speaks up, several of the locals exchange glances, and many eyes twinkle with amusement.
[Authari]
"I've only arrived within the past hour," he says softly in Alzhedo with a sharp Tethyrian accent as he glances around the room once more, "so I've heard nothing of any harem gone missing. I'm no guide, but my post as guard on a caravan has ended, and I find myself in need of further employment...even if it involves some risk, as long as the pay is good. "Almost as an afterthought, he adds, "My name is Authari Dumein."
[Brianna]
Brianna leans her head to the side and squints her eyes as the man in chain mail address her. "Forgive me. I vas not taught any of ze lesser languages," she says in the common trade tongue. "Ze only zing I got vas your name, Authari Dumenin. My name is Brianna Stayanoga from ze far off land of Rashemen ," she adds with a slight bow of her head.
[DM]
"There ya go, Corin!" one middle-aged man calls from a table near the dwarf. "That girly there," pointing at the masked woman near the young man, "is willing to put up with you!" Several of the others about guffaw at that. "Maybe you'll be able to get out on the trail an' find tha' harem now!"
[Brianna]
The masked woman whirls to face the middle-age man with her wild blue eyes. "Ze te nae onduzol dett!" she curses in what must be her native tongue--or at least seems like a curse due to the steel in her voice. Holding the stare for a few breaths she then turns to rest her now softer eyes on this 'Corin' the middle-aged man was addressing. She looks him up and down--as if sizing him up--before turning back to the bar.
She grabs the wine glass with a slightly shaken hand--though it is hard to discern if the shake is from fear or anger, as she uses the other to partiality lift up the mask enough for a quick drink before putting it back in place. In that brief moment it took for the drink, a set of full pouty lips can be seen on her young and very lovely face.
[Authari]
Authari takes a moment to puzzle through the thick Rashemi accent, then replies, "Please forgive me, Lady Brianna," then repeats his introduction and request for employment, this time in the common tongue.
[Brianna]
"Yes, zere might be some risk, but ze reward vill be vorth it," she says to Authari. "I am glad you have decided to join."
[Brendan]
The modified bear trap snaps shut for the third time and the dwarf continues to clap and giggle, that is until he hears someone near him mention the harem. Suddenly, he grows serious and looks around the place for the first time. "Da harem? Who be a lookin fer dat?" Apparently in his excitement over his trap, he had missed Brianna's statements.
[Corin]
Ignoring the taunts of the locals Corin comments offhand to the dwarf, "Several folk are." The Tethyrian accent obvious also in his use of the trade tongue, "Mostly some locals and some hotheads." Finishing his drink, Corin places the cup back on the bar and turns toward the masked woman, "I can be the guide your looking for, and..." With a nod of his head indicating the fellow Tethyrian, "...you have a guard as well."
[Brianna]
Brianna turns to look at the dwarf after his question, and then to Corin after his reply. Her eyes seem to brighten with his words. "Zis is good. Should ve leave soon since zere are several already ahead of us?"
[Mililani]
Stopping in mid-sketch, the priestess eyes the handsome male, but a look of confusion comes over her face, as if she's trying to remember something. "A harem, hmmm," she muses openly. "Not the fabled legend of The Lost Harem," she says aloud. She stands, leaves her drawing board, and proceeds towards Corin (and Authari, if he's standing near-by). In a thickly accented Alzhedo, she says, "Are you planning on an expedition to find the Lost Harem? Would you need the services of a healer and lore collector?"
[Corin]
Corin's dark brown eyes swivel toward the priestess, "I believe the lady is." The southern warrior replies in kind. "Though you might want to use the common trade language. I don't believe the masked woman masters Alzhedo." Switching to the trade tongue albeit with a heavy Tethyrian accent, Corin quickly translates the questions from the priestess.
[Brianna]
Spotting the symbol the priestess wears around her neck Brianna gives a respectful bow before saying, "It vould be an honor to have one of Mystra's priestess vith us. I am Brianna Stayanoga. This is Authari Dumenin," she says pointing him out and then points out Corin and adds, "and this is Corin...?"
[Amber]
Seeing that a group of people is being formed Amber walks over to the bar as well leaving her spear and gear behind, but takes her glass of wine with her. Having heard most of the conversation (I hope), or at least bits of it to get the whole of it, she says to the four people "I would be interested in joining this group of yours as well. I am Amber yr Fadila el Sanasar, from Memnon. I am a spellcaster of no reknown, but I hope I might be of help any way." She looks at them a bit questioning and also wanting as she takes a sip from the glass.
[Brianna]
"Yes you vould be welcome to join us," she answers Amber and then introduces her to the others. "Let us all find a table to discuss our expedition and hear vat Corin can tell us about Ze Lost Harem and vat supplies if any ve might need."
[Amber]
Amber smiles and says " Thank you, you are all welcome to join me at my table for furhter discussions." She inclines with her hand towards the table at the window.
[Corin]
"Corin is fine for now." The Tethyrian replies, "I'd suggest the table where the dwarf is sitting. It is empty safe for his tools and toys, and he seems interested in the tale as well." Taking a few steps in the direction of the table indicated, Corin asks the dwarf, "Can we join you master trap-maker? You seemed to be interested in the lady's quest."
[Brendan]
"Aye! Dat be da reason I be here." Brendan says as he opens his pack and puts the trap inside along with all of his tools. He quickly stands up and closes the pack. He gives a soft grunt as he lifts the heavy pack off of the table and sets it down by his feet. With a lop-sided grin, the dwarf motions for everyone to sit down.
[Mililani]
The Mystran follows the others to the Dwarf's table. Carefully she takes a seat without disturbing Brendan's tools or the wicked trap he has devised.
[Amber]
Amber nods at this and moves of to get her gear and spear from her table at the window, but first she puts down her wine on a safe spot. After settling down in a chair at the dwarfs table she says to Corin, "What can you tell us of this Harem then, I have only heard hints of it where I lived and I never think I have heard the whole story behind it, before I came here that is" she adds with a smile.
[Corin]
Corin waits until everyone is seated, yet remains standing himself, “Before everyone gets their hopes up too high, I don't know too much about this fabled lost harem. I do know something about these mountains and can help you survive in them.” The Tethyrian's voice is almost monotone without a hint of emotion, belying the somewhat haunted look in his eyes.
“As with any fabled treasure and legendary sites, there are of course lots of stories and explanations about the Lost Harem. Certainly in a place like this.” The dark-haired warrior makes a gesture that seems to both encompass the common room as well as the rest of Hardoak Pass. “The exact location of the Harem is unknown, but what all stories seem to agree on is a certain amount of treasure guarded by a fearsome monster. Of course the creature varies from tale to tale.”
“As the lady…” Corin indicates the Rashemi witch, “…mentioned, there are indeed others that went looking for the Harem as well. The last group of prospectors left this morning.” The Tethyrian's facial expression illustrates his feelings, “Some of those that went out are likely to get lost or killed while searching for the riches. If there would have been able individuals looking for the harem, I would already have joined them.”
“I do however fear that there might be other less savory types roaming about the mountains as well. The situation in south-eastern Tethyr hasn't quieted yet, and Darkhope's armies are prowling about. Some might have come as far as these slopes. Something that might explain the presence of ‘tuskers' in some of the tales. They haven't been about in decades, at least not in any numbers that would have been significant to report.”
[Amber]
Amber listens as Corin describes the current situation. "Hmm," she begins " the stories about the takeover of Mintar by Darkhope's army where troublesome indeed." Her face takes on a pondering look "I hope we won't run into any of them" she says with a glance towards the rest. "So the first thing to do would then to find out more about the exact location, I don't see it as much of a benefit running around in the wilderness, when others have had a head start on us any way. Better arm ourselves with the shield of knowledge then plunge strait in."
[Authari]
The young warrior pulls up a chair to the table after retrieving the remainder of his belongings from the bar. Sitting quietly through the speech, Authari tries to absorb the knowledge imparted by his countryman.
[Brianna]
The masked witch sits and listens to the discussion while gently stroking the top of her raven's feathered head. Her eyes seem to brighten with the talk of the fabled treasure. "Before ve leave I vill need to get some dried food for our expedition along vith any ozer item ve might need."
[Brendan]
Brendan, with his tongue sticking out of the side of his mouth, chews down on it, issuing a slight, squishing noise. Obviously trying very hard to pay attention, probably the reason for the harmless chewing on his tongue, he glances to each person as they take turns speaking. At the mention of 'tuskers' he scrunches up his face and spits down on the floor. "Don't ye be a worryin' 'bout no orcies. We come 'cross dem, well I'll jus hafta squeesh em' wit me club ere." he says as he reaches down and pats his club that is just as tall as he is.
[Corin]
“The path to follow initially would be easy. With the three groups and some local heroes embarking on their quests, they did leave tell-tale signs.” Corin adds to the conversation. “The mountains are not impassible, and we won't need any real climbing gear. There are paths and trails that will allow passage of mounts at the lower elevations, and there are passable areas along spurs and ridges. Water can be easily found in the various draws.”
“Around the tree-line there are some caves. It would be there that I would expect to encounter orcs if any.” The last said with a glance in the dwarf's direction as Brendan gives the club a last pat. “Personally I'd think the Harem would be in some hidden vale or other at the higher elevations. Probably sheltered from the worst weather and hidden from any casual passerby.”
[DM]
As Corin relates what he knows of the terrain that the new-found companions might be traveling through, locals come and go. Several look at the small group knowingly, smiling or shaking their heads.
[Mililani]
"May I accompany you Milady?" She says to Brianna. "There are some things I have need of before we leave. Two flasks of oil and a healer's kit as well. But the later maybe difficult unless I pool some money with someone else."
She looks to Corin and speak softly as to not let the other tavern patrons overhear. "You seem to have deep knowledge of the surrounding area. Do you have any knowledge of where these orcs may have an encampment or two. From what you say, they sound as if they are amassing an army."
[Brianna]
"A healer's kit is somezing I possess," the witch replies to Mililani. "My training in ze healing arts are minimal, so I zink it vould do better in your hands." Turning to Corin as she stands she says, "If zat is all Mililani and I vill take our leave for some haggling vith a local merchant. Also," she says to the others, "anyone else needing supplies are velcome to join us."
[Mililani]
Even through her veil, the priestess blushes graciously. "Thank you Lady Brianna. I shall put the kit to good use..." She blushes a shade of red again and smiles, "uh, I mean when needed the most."
She ponders her next words shortly and replies openly, "I may need to add a few days rations as well, but I can fast for two or three days as long as I have water."
[Authari]
Authari turns to look at Corin. "How long would you estimate we will be away. I have enough rations to last perhaps three days, but I can buy a few more."
[Amber]
Amber shakes her head at the notion and says " And how would that end if you where weak and had to fight. Better to buy it now. Which reminds that I only have rations for four days more or so" She makes a small laugh and says "Perhaps we should leave the planning to the gentlemen while we ladies go and buy what ever we might need."
[Corin]
The Tethyrian sighs briefly as the talk on preparations begins, “Though I would suggest to buy some rations, they are not essential and should be used as back-up only. We can forage within the mountains and stock our provisions if needs be. I prefer to travel light.”
“And as for orcs...” Corin frowns lightly before replying to the Mystran priestess, “...I haven't seen any of the tuskers. As I said, some of the tales on the Lost Harem include them. If they are about...” The warrior gives a slight unconcerned shrug of his shoulders, “... I would expect the numbers to be not very great, and likely to be no match for the dwarf's club.”
“Though leaving as soon as possible would be preferred, right now there is not much of the day left.” Corin looks at everyone seated at the table, “Better if you take your time gathering whatever supplies you need. What ever you want to carry, it'll be your own responsibility – including any pack-animals or the like.”
[Amber]
Amber pouts with her lips as she ponders something and then says, "We are walking right?. Then adds with "Perhaps we should buy a pack-animal that we all can use, or two depending on how big that treasure is of course. I have some money over from I left home that we can use"
[DM]
The group of adventurers, strangers gathered together for whatever myriad reasons, seem to have come to some sort of agreement about investigating the legend of the Lost Harem. As the group splits up to take care of some of the normal last minute preparations, several of the locals in the taproom grin and wink at one another, and not a few bets are made. This scene has been repeated a number of times in the last couple days after all, and it's becoming a spectacle for the residents of Hardoak Pass.
The evening is spent discussing the possible routes that might be taken, as Corin outlines the most likely direction, judging from the Janissar's arrival, to begin. After a decent night's sleep, the sextet of adventurers once more gathers, this time with all of their gear, at the edge of town.
Once again, the town's sheriff stands just outside the door of his office, observing the group's preparations. Once again, the town's senior hunter, Fander, stands with him, though he does not seem as amused as he did the day before. He eyes Corin's companions with a critical eye...
"Hoi! Good luck to you Corin!" the sheriff calls, one hand raised. "Good luck to you all!"
[Brendan]
"Yup Yup!!" Brendan says with a lop-sided grin on his face as he raises his large club. "Well boyo's and girlie girls. Are'n ye all ready?" he asks. Not really expecting an answer and not waiting for one, he turns and begins walking out of town in the direction set by Corin and the group.
[Amber]
Amber pats her pack-animal, a mule she bought the afternoon before, as she takes a last look at the small town. After a shrugg with her shoulders and a sigh she turns around and follows after the rest as they head out in search of the Lost Harem pulling her keffiyeh down to cover her eyes from the sun.
[Mililani]
The Mystran healer gathers her gear and her rnewest healing kit. She follows her newest companions through the door. "May Tymora and Mystra bless us all."
[Corin]
Touching his hand to his head in a salute, Corin acknowledges the sheriff. The Tethyrian's brown eyes do remain a bit longer on the hunter, puzzled by the man's bearing. Shrugging his shoulders, Corin mounts his horse and nudges the animal in a walk. The warrior's bow is in easy reach, hanging in a holster on Corin's left side, and two quivers brimming with fresh-fletched arrows are on his right.
With another nudge of his heels, the horse steps to the front of the group and with a look at Brianna, Corin leads the way into the mountains.
[OOC: since Corin roughly knows where the first part of the journey lies, he sets of at a brisk pace, trying to cover as much ground over ‘known' terrain as possible. Once the terrain is less familiar, he'll take more time to study the surroundings, get his bearings and move from there… he does remain alert for any potential ambushes as much as possible though… even just out of town ;) ]
[Authari]
Authari shoulders his pack, hoists his shield, and sets off after the rest.
[Brianna]
The masked witch struggles with her new pack. It is easy to see she is not use to the strain of the road--most notably since she has only made it to the outskirts of this small town. Spotting Amber's pack animal Brianna's eyes brighten. "Dear, do you have any room on zat beast for my pack?"
[Amber]
To Brianna, Amber smiles and says "Yes of course Brinna, it's there for everyone. I just happend to be the one to buy it that's all"
[Brianna]
"Zank you. You are a godsend," Brianna says as she removes her waterskin from her pack and places the pack on the animal. "I don't know how long I vould have been able to carry zat damn pack."
"I guess ve are off now," the witch says as she starts to follow in Corin's direction. Whispering to the raven on her shoulder the small bird takes flight and moves ahead of the group. Turning to Amber, Brianna says pointing at the raven, "Tetch will scout about in front of us."
The content of Ancient Lore is the property and copyright of Carey Sauerbrun, and are not to be published or redistributed without permission.