Tribute season is always a little grim for those on the fringe of Evenfall’s society. The guards have less sympathy for the unimportant, and being unimportant means they can ill afford to lose what little they have. It’s not uncommon to see someone resist the collection and wind up on the wrong side of a locked door for their troubles.
This is not to say that the town is full of malcontents, or that Norsten and the guardsmen are evil or even uncaring. The tribute keeps everyone safe from Rhixallithen’s fury, and alive and poor is better than dead. The problems tend to arise when the line between them becomes blurred.
Sure enough, this collection season is just like most, and each of you have witnessed a moment or two of such desperation as Norsten’s crew worked through the town to raise the required funds. It has been several days since Norsten returned from his ‘gathering’ mission to the outlying settlements, and the tribute is nearing completion.
Bheazir
Something has been odd about Bheazir’s grandfather for the past few days, ever since the younger half-elf returned from an afternoon-long discussion with Akhara. Bheazir hasn’t been able to discover the cause for this change in behavior, but it seems as if his grandfather is trying to hide something from him.
Finally, as the collection period ends, Bheazir finally realizes what else has been bothering him. The guards haven’t been by the cottage to take anything for the tribute.
Akhara
Tribute season is actually a pleasant time for Akhara usually. Bertran and the other guards are usually in a better mood, and the jail often provides Akhara with some form of company, even if those being held are not friendly. Something seems different this season however, and Akhara has been on edge for a few days. He has noticed a greater level of cruelty in some of the guards when they bring people in to the jail, and he has heard Mason discussing the tribute with a sharp-edged enthusiasm that he hasn’t heard in the past. Something has changed, although Akhara can’t put his finger on it.
Akhara has also been able to talk to several of the other ‘guests’, at least until Mason convinced them to go back to their lives and forget their losses. With some it took more effort than usual. One such struggle was with an aging human who insisted to Mason that the necklace that had been taken from his daughter was her only reminder of her mother, dead these past four years. In his depression, he described the necklace in detail to Akhara, a silver chain with delicate star pendant.
Corbin
Tribute season is a necessary evil to Corbin. He knows the hardship that it presents to many, but he has also seen the horrors of Rhixallithen’s displeasure. The tempers seem to be more flammable this year than in the past, however. He knows that his employer, Otram the jeweler, has been in a black mood for days, ever since Norsten came and demanded more than he had ever taken before. Corbin also knows that those who make their living off the river have been hit unusually hard.
To make matters worse, On his most recent visit to the ruined remains of the Halfling community he had been raised in, Corbin saw obvious signs of disturbance amid the rubble. Something, or more likely someone, has been digging through the decade-old village, as if looking for something. Corbin was unable to find the culprit, or to find any better indication as to its identity.
Jaden
Jaden’s family has enough that they can withstand the belt-tightening of tribute season, but the young Halfling is not completely oblivious to the impact it has on others in the town. It is impossible to walk the streets of Evenfall without noticing the sorrow and resentment on many faces. He has also noticed, much to his frustration, that those emotions are even more apparent whenever Skravress is in the area. Something is going on with that dragonborn, and the recent 'disturbance' hasn't changed things in the least.
Galdr
The guards were especially hard on Galdr this year when they came for his portion of the tribute. They sneered at his anger, and they laughed at his threats. Then two of them held him as the third, a wiry human named Benn, went through the house and took several items of some value, including an old tome that had belonged to Galdr’s grandfather. It was ornate, but was written in a language the tiefling couldn’t read. The guards seemed more interested in the obvious value of the cover than they were in its contents, however, and the left, saying, This should cover the rest of your share, this year. I guess you get to keep your home until next time.
OOC: I hope you don’t feel too railroaded with this, but don’t forget that using magic in town, the only way you could likely resist, would get you banished and that would likely preclude you from participating in the campaign, at least for now.
Last edited by Redclaw; 19th June 2008 at 02:55 PM..
"I passed by Hazel's house earlier today. We'd run out of Masterwork and Feverfew for your medicine."
Bheazir notes, more to himself than his grandfather Dhealain seated near the window, as he carefully minces a mixture of herbs.
"She wouldn't talk much."
Carefully, Bheazir scoops up the herbage and into a small pot of boiling water.
"Unusual for a talkative Halfling like her, I'd say".
Stiring the brew three times, the young Half-elf turns over his shoulder to the elder Dhealain, staring out at the slowly setting sun.
"True. Some townsfolk like to avoid us for the most part these days. Afraid to tarnish their standing. Ha! But Hazel's never was a women to be pushed over lightly. She's been in Evenfall longer than most, even you, hasn't she?"
Stretchin to reach a high cupbord, Bheazir carefully fishes two heavy earthen mugs from above the oven.
"Either way, as I left, I saw that someone has dug up her herb garden. And good. All just a big ugly mess now."
With practiced motions he fills the cups with steaming tea, before walking over to the small table crammed into the westward corner of the cottage.
"Often I do think that this is the worst. Not the bullying of the guards, nor the lot of gold going.. well.. away. But the mistrust among the people! Everyone just turns to themselves. Afraid to talk to much for who knows who might hear or tell something. Secrets everwhere."
Pushing one of the mugs over the table, Bheazir sits down comfortable on the remaining chair, carefully studying his grandfathers face.
"Don't you agree Yaaraer Dhealain?"
__________________
"My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death"
Corbin will be on edge himself, although he won't tell anyone why. After his investigations are fruitless in the villiage ruins, Corbin will go see Jaden to ask him if the other halfling's heard anything.
Corbin will also talk to Otram, hoping to glean any information out of him. "Norsten's been gone awhile, whaddya s'pose is taking him? What's going on this year Otram, ya heard anything outta tha ordinary? Seems worse than ever this year. " Corbin asks the jeweler
When Akhara hears the old man's tale, he tries to offer some comfort: "These are tough times, indeed, friend, but there is no need for such a violation. I can promise nothing, but certainly if I come across such a pendant, I would work to return it to you. What is your daughter's name?" (When Akhara hear the name, he will nod, indicating passing familiarity if it exists, or else ask for some further locator if needed.) "This will offer you little comfort, I suspect, but this year's tribute has been particularly exacting for many."
Akhara keeps his distance, knowing that humans appreciate personal space, particularly in the company of saurians. In the morning, Akhara does not make a point of saying farewell to the old man -- he expects to see him again -- but does leave the cell with any others that might be released after their night's stay. Akhara's duties are never specified in advance -- there are always skins for tanning near the blacksmith's, and he will be told if there is a particular task that demands his attention. Nevertheless, Akhara does not set to work today, but begins to ask those he feels comfortable asking if there are any reasons why this year is so bad.
(Akhara is not looking to solve the puzzle himself; he is hoping, though, that he might have access to some information that others would miss [Aid Another], which in combination with other investigations might yield a result.)
Like most days Jaden set off to do his morning 'prayers'. He quietly slid away from the village to an old dilapidated shack just inside the forest. Of course, Jaden didn't perform his prayers in a traditional way. His method of prayer was one of action.
Checking carefully that he was well alone Jaden carefully drew the sword his mother had gifted him from it's hiding place. It felt cool and familiar in his grip now. It flowed smoothly through the air, slicing the breeze like an extension of his arm. Not yet a part of him but Jaden felt he was on the path. He had come a long way since that first encounter with the scaly terror.
And suddenly, his calm was shaken. Just for a moment but enough for him to overextend the blade and knick a tree. Skravress had been particularly smug and satisfied of late. The brute always got a little meaner and a little happier around collection time but this was different. The lizard was up to something and Jaden could feel it. Previous attempts at exposing the bullying thief had failed but Jaden didn't know what more to do. He wasn't ready yet to fight him. Still, something had to be done. Skravress seemed to be about something lately and experience said it probably wasn't good. Jaden had to find out what. But first, he had to get his movements right and replace his calm. The first thing he'd taught himself when he took to training himself was that a warrior was only as good and unshakable as his calm. Jaden would do nothing until he restored his.
Dhealain turns his rheumy eyes on his grandson, a strong sense of sorrow evident in his expression. "It is a sad time, my boy, not like it used to be. I remember when Athelberg stood proud and strong, a bastion of safety in a world of chaos. There was a home worth dying for." His reverie is cut short by a wracking cough.
His eyes come back to Bheazir, and the sadness returns. He gazes out the window at the town of Evenfall, distaste heavy in his words. "Your life is more difficult, child. There is no home to be proud of, no leader to die protecting. This is a place of compromise and survival. But it has survived. Some things are more important than banners and glory.
Norsten is an officious, uncaring worm, but he and his father have kept this village alive for decades in a world where that is not easily accomplished. Sometimes we need to remember that, and forgive the transgressions that go along with it."
Corbin
Otram looks up from the ring he is shaping and spits. "Oh, he's back. He came back yesterday with a wagonload of wood and crops for the tribute. And aye, you're right about this year. He claimed an extra share from me, half again as much as last year, claiming that the dragon wanted more gold this year, that he was getting bored with what we were sending and might decide we aren't worth keeping around any longer.
Now there's a sobering thought, eh?"
Akhara
The old man gives a bitter smile. "My thanks, lad, though I don't know what you can do about it. But I assure you, my Jhessail would be thrilled to get that necklace back, and I would be forever grateful." He nods his head at Akhara's report of the tribute. "Aye, so I have seen sign of. The dragon's getting greedy, I fear. It was only a matter of time. Good luck to you, lad. Don't go getting yourself killed, or bringing the dragon's wrath down on us all, eh?"
OOC: Minor Quest-- recover and return Jhessail's necklace.
Few people are willing to speak out against the tribute, and fewer are willing to do so to a dragonborn who "lives" in the jail. This might be a good opportunity to seek out Bheazir, however.
Jaden
Keeping a careful, inconspicuous eye on Skravress, Jaden is able to notice that the dragonborn is taking an unusual interest in the villagers' weapons. For many houses that he goes to collect tribute from, he emerges with a sword or other weapon, and places it on the wagon.
Minor Quest: Defeat Skravress to regain your confidence
"Sobering, indeed. What's gonna happen next year when the dragon wants more? He's gonna keep taking until we ain't got nothin' left, but I guess what choice do we have?" Corbin sighs as he leaves the shop forlorn.
Akhara spends part of the morning wandering around Evenfall. He carries a bag of pieces of leather -- he might be makig deliveries -- but he is hoping to catch sight of Bheazir. Perhaps the half-elf has some insight into the reasons for the increase in tribute.
Galdr muttered several uncomplimentary things under his breath. He slipped his clawed hand into his pocket where his wand was kept, but remembered himself and prevented himself from crushing the feeble minds of the guardsmen. That could wait.
"Damn these guards! That old tome will no doubt go to strengthen the hold these damned wyrms have over us, while we languish in slavery and solitude. If only there was some way of destroying these things..."
He decided to go to the house of Bheazir, his old friend. Their grandfathers had been friends, and so it was with the descendants. Perhaps Bheazir would have some solutions. Or, at least, friendship.
An hour of practice and a good sweat later Jaden once again felt perfectly calm. His mind and body collected, Jaden once again hid his sword securely in the secret crawlspace under the dilapidated shack and made his way back into town. It was a short walk.
Once in town Jaden went right to business, as delicately as possible. For Jaden, this simply meant he wasn't shouting when he asked questions. He did his best to make sure no one was around to observe while probing for information but it wasn't his strongest suit to avoid being noticed. So, Jaden proceeded about town talking to various discreet citizens in the know about Skravress. Someone had to know what the Bloodscale was up to. And Jaden rather preferred to not have to break into the lizards house again. He barely got out the last time without being spotted.
At the words of his elder, Bheazir clenches his teeth with surpressed frustration. "I.. We owe Norsten NOTHI.."
Taking a long sip of tea, he calms himself and steadies his words.
"Survived, alright. We have survived. But not because of Norsten or his deeds, but inspite of them! That worm is thriving on the misery of others, cloaking himself in the fear of a greater evil to exploit, rule and bully the people of this town."
Bheazir thuds the mug down more heavily than he intended; watery tea spilling over the table.
"It is not Norsten's merit that we survive, but that of the people of Evenfall, who toil and labour on, day after day, despite this injustice. It is the people of Evenfall who save themselves and the lives of their oppressors because that, to them, appears to be the price of survival. But they are wrong!"
No longer able to restrain himself, Bheazir pushes from his chair. Crossing back and forth in the tiny cabin, his fists clenched and knuckles white, he challenges his grandfather with defiant words.
'You have never told me much of anything about your ways with Athelberg... the time.. well... before. What was so special about Athelberg anyhow? If he was anywhere the man deserving his reputation, not to mention your reverence, I'd think he would have known that it is not the banners or the glory of defiance against the impossible that counts, but the unity of mind, of purpose and of heart."
Taking a long breath, cooling himself, he stops his back and forth in the middle of the room.
"When I see good folk like Hazel turning suspicious and forbidding towards people they've known all their life. When I see mistrust and fear everywhere I turn, than I do not see a town that is surviving."
And, with short pause and sigh, half bitter, half mourning Bheazir adds. "I see a town that is dying. "
__________________
"My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death"
Otram nods sadly as Corbin leaves. "Aye, that's the problem, lad. What choice do we have?
Corbin emerges from the shop just in time to see Jaden talking to Hazel, the halfling herbalist whose shop is just across from Otram's.
Akhara
Akhara looks for Bheazir, but nobody has seen him yet today. Akhara knows from past experience that that means he's likely still at home, stewing about something.
Galdr and Bheazir
Dhealain's expression is one of sorrow and concern. "You are too hot-headed, my boy. Be careful about that Norsten, and especially the Bloodscale. They're not to be trifled with. Athelberg was a fair city, and a stronghold of the light, but it was still made up of individuals, with individual motivations. No lord could have controlled that."
As he pauses, there is a knock at the door.
Jaden
Jaden spends some time talking to those he sees on a daily basis. Few people will speak about the tribute, and those who do seem to guard their reactions. His final stop is at the small herbal shop run by Hazel, a fellow halfling. She has little to tell him, but she says that she sometimes stops at some of the outlying settlements when she is in the forest, and that the people there have been hit even harder by the increases in tribute.
As Jaden leaves the shop, he sees Corbin emerging from Otram's home across the street, where the jeweler does his business.
"Careful? Yes, I am careful. More so than ever. Not only because of Norsten or that simpleton brute Bloodscale!" Bheazir responds, struggling to not add too disdainful a sneer. "More so I am careful because the ol'Wyrm seems more restless than ever this season. I'm sure you heard about the halfling hamlet out west, didn't you? Likely more again than your telling I figure?" he adds with a more sober tone.
Stepping towards the entrance Bheazir opens the door at the knock, not without routinely putting his hand on the hilt of his sword, hidden by the opend door.
"'Quel undome². Who is it?"
---- ² "Good evening" in elven
__________________
"My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death"
Corbin's mood brighten's somewhat as he sees Jaden across the way. He waits until Jaden finishes his business with Hazel before moving up to talk to his fellow halfling.
"Jaden, it's good to see you, I've been looking all over for you. I was back at the villiage earlier today and noticed that someone or something was digging around there. You ain't heard nothing have you?" Corbin says with a touch of anger in his voice
"Oh yeah, whattya need from Hazel? Not feeling good? Corbin asks offhandedly
Failing to find Bheazir in town, Akhara makes his way to the cottage at the edge of Evenfall where Bheazir lives. He leaves his bag of leather scraps on the small table and approaches the door, but removes one small rounded piece. The area seems deserted.
Akhara speaks out in simple and unaccented draconic, employing vocabulary as a continuation of a lesson begun the previous week:
"Manelf, you are about-to-welcome a visitor known-to-you. Do you welcome him freely? I wish to-be-welcomed though my guest-gifts are meagre, a skullcap for your sire's sire."
Jaden's frustration built quietly as he made the rounds about town. If anyone knew what the Bloodscale was up to no one let on about it. Everyone seemed oblivious as a corpse. He doubted that many people were good at acting so whatever the walking snake was up to he was keeping a tight lid on it.
His last hope of digging up something lay with Hazel, the halfling herbalist. She didn't seem to have heard anything either. And as hope seemed to fade from his heart, fate intervened. The second he walked away from Hazel none other than Corbin Tallfellow caught him up. Jaden could think of no one better to help him with his next plan of action.
"Jaden, it's good to see you, I've been looking all over for you. I was back at the village earlier today and noticed that someone or something was digging around there. You ain't heard nothing have you?" Corbin asked curiously. "Oh yeah, whattya need from Hazel? Not feeling good?"
"Just the halfling I needed to see," Jaden smiled. "I'm sorry but I don't know anything about it. Neither does anyone else here I'd wager. Well, none of the decent folk anyways. I wanted to ask you something, too. Follow me."
Jaden's old mischievous smile crept across his face. Almost instantly Corbin could probably tell that Jaden was about to be up to some trouble or other. He led the two of them around the corner and then through a broken slat to cut through the small back alley. Once he was certain no one was able to see or hear them Jaden stopped and motioned for Corbin to come in close.
"Listen. Skravress is up to something. Something new. He's been collecting up just about every weapon in town what doesn't belong to the guard and he's been seeming mighty pleased with himself about something for a few days. He's up to something foul, I can smell it. I can't figure out what, though, and no one seems to have noticed or heard anything," Jaden whispered cautiously. "Way I figure it, someone's got to dig up proof to whatever scheme the Bloodscale has going and since this town is a little short on volunteers to stand up to the walking snake I figure that's me. The short of it is, I was wondering if you might help me break into his place to see what we can dig up? I'm sorry to be dragging you into trouble but I can't think of anyone who'd be better for it. Promise I'll take all the blame if we get caught. I've been in enough trouble I'm sure everyone would believe you're innocent as daisies next to me. Whattya say Corbin? Can you help?"
Corbin listens to Jaden, initially crestfallen that his fellow halfling knows nothing of the goings on at the ruins and lack of interest in solving that mystery. However once Corbin saw his old friends smile he knew that Jaden had something more interesting planned.
Corbin's interest is piqued by the actions of Skravress and a glint of excitement enters his eyes at the thought of doing something, anything, with more meaning than running errands for Otram.
"Well, my friend, it appears that you'll be owing me one after this, although I'm guessing if we add everything up I'm still owing you more than that. Alright, I'm with you. I've got to run home and get my tools, got'im through Otram's contacts, I convinced them that they were for the jeweler. When's the best time to go, night or day?" Corbin says excitedly.
Corbin thinks to himself "It's a good thing I keep my weapons hidden underneath that floorboard under the bed. Wouldn't want to be missing my only tie to home."
Even as Bheazir opens the door for Galdr, Akhara's call comes from the back door.
"My boy, you seem to be attracting all manner of attention," Dhealain observes dryly. "I hope you have chosen your confidants wisely, as I know you're no good at watching what you say once you've started."
For a moment Jaden felt nervous about asking his friend to join in his less than legal misadventures but the second Corbin's mischievous grin matched his the fleeting emotion passed. Of course, they still actually had to do the deed and in a small town it was never easy to do this kind of thing.
"Right. Can't say how much I appreciate the help. I think it'd be best to do it while Skravress is on duty making collections for the tribute. Best way to make sure he won't be around. It means breakin in in daylight but he has a fenced yard so we should be able to get in unnoticed if you can jimmy the lock without noise or a fuss at the door. Of course, someone with your skill should have no trouble," Jaden winked before hesitating for a moment. "Guess I'll need to grab a couple things too. What say we meet back in the alley half a block down from his place in an hour? I can't thank you enough for agreeing to help. Oh......and when we're done, what say we make plans to head up the river tomorrow. Maybe with both of us poking around up at the hamlet we'll come across something you missed the first time. It doesn't fit right anyone taking something from there what didn't have family there when Rhix torched it. We should find that grave robbing thief and give him a good thumping for his trouble. Right after we expose the Bloodscale!"
Jaden's mischievous grin grows to dangerous proportion. Anyone who could see him could tell he was a boy about to be up to serious mischief. He waited long enough for Corbin's reply and then left with another thanks and a wink. He had to get home and grab a blanket and his backpack. Then he had to get back out of town and bundle up his sword. He felt it wasn't prudent to go into Skravress' without a means to defend himself. Not after almost getting caught the first time. Of course, he couldn't just walk through town with it so he would have to bundle it up in the blanket and tuck it on his back between the him and the backpack. The straps would be a bit uncomfortable that tight but he'd rather have his sword than not if the worst came of Corbin and his excursion.
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