Knightfall's Aerie of the Crow God [Kulan/v3.5] (IC)

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by renau1g

Halmar had just closed his eyes, when something caught his attention behind the bar. Having long been on edge when it came to civilization, the barbarian will walk over to the bar, trying to look as if he wants to pet the old dog.

He glances behind the bar as he crouches to scratch the top of the dog's head.

As you nonchalantly peer over the bar you come to realize that the metal reflecting the fire light is a well polished shield hanging on the wall as a decoration. The shield is a simple round buckler and it does not hang alone. The enitre wall behind the bar is decorated with old, worn shields, breastplates, and even a few swords and axes.

The armor and weapons look like they haven't been used in a long time but they could be used in a pinch, you guess.

A cursory glance around the rest of the inn uncovers that the other walls are also decorated with old battle gear including old banners, war horns, and even a horse's bridle.

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by Thanee

“No, we took the road,” Sheyla answers swiftly, then looks for a seat, as they were likely to stay for a while and wait for the woman Rosie and the constable.

The elven cleric removes her cloak and hangs it somewhere near to dry, and she puts her backpack down near her chosen seat.

"Ahh," Timmins replies. "I see."

He coughs again and then drinks from an old mug. The smell of tea fills your nostrils. You notice an old kettle sitting near the fire with steam rising from the spout. Timmins watches you out of the corner of his eye and then asks, "Tea?"

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by Dog Moon

Reneg glances at the horse which gives him a pained expression before shivering slightly. "It'll do," Reneg says. "Broo would prefer to be out of the rain."

Reneg brings Broo to the barn and, after taking very good care of the horse, returns to the inn.

While returning to the inn, you notice a deep puddle on the ground that appears to be slick with some sort of reddish bile. Just then, lightning flashes.

[Voda Vosa]

The travel has been tough. Really tough. No, seriously, it was tougher than anything Quinn had met before.
As he walks with nothing but a pair of sandals, the mud and water slips through his toes, and his already wet clothes cool even more, when a gust of wind plays him a trick.
warped in this black and golden cape, he spots the warm lights of the inn in the distance. A short run would be a nice idea. Running was something Quinn never had difficulty with. Running on troubles, running out of money, running out of luck ... and many more not worth describing.
Now the tall and muscular man stands like a weeping tower in the entrance of the inn, not recognizing the person next to the horse, nor seeing the reddish pudding next to him.
"Warm warm warm dry dry dry" was saying his mind.
Suddenly he had a flashback, as he opened the door and the light inside the building blinded him momentary.
The sound of the pit's bars raising, and the roar of the crowds, came to him when the bright sunlight of the arenas blinded him. He sees himself, rushing inside the battle arena, wielding his chains and his net, protected only by a golden helmet. The dust raises under his bare feet, and the hot air dries any single drop of swept.
On the other side of the arena, his opponent enters the arena from his pit, and when the landlord gave the signal, the glorious battle started!
But these weren't his lands, this was an inn, not an arena, not a coliseum. Then... Why was he in the middle of the place, spinning his chain ready to enter the fray, tightening his teeth and searching his net on his left side?
Quinn had entered the inn... Rushing in would better describe the situation. He had rush into the common room, chain already in his hand, and with hostile intentions. But after an awkward pair of seconds, Quinn realized where he was. He lowers the chain and tide it to the right side of his belt. With surprised eyes, as one who had seen ghosts, he watches the reactions of everyone inside the building.

[Blackrat]

Lorien takes the last free seat arranged infront the fireplace next to Timmins and drops his backpack on the floor. Tales you say? Well, I suppose there's a few places I've been to that could make a fine tale for cold evening. He stretches his legs straight and looks at the teapot. He hadn't actually had anything at all to drink for the past two days. He didn't need to thanks to the ring he had acquired from a bored old wizard as a gift. But he did like to eat and drink just for the feeling and taste now and then. Ah, if you insist. He finally answers to Timmins.

He turns to regard the rumble coming from the door. Quinn, my friend, calm down. There's no ring of death here. Lorien had already been wondering where the gladiator was. He was supposed to meet them on the road. I'm sorry for our companion. His mind is not always in the same place with his body. Lorien remarks to Timmins.

[renau1g]

Halmar will drop the false pretenses, and stare unabashedly at the collection of antiquated (at least by his reckoning) gear. The barbarian will inspect one of the axes more closely and, if they're not bolted to the wall, take it off the wall, blowing any dust from its head.

Halmar ignores the dramatic entrance of their companion, Quinn, shaking his head and wondering why they ever agreed to let him accompany them.

[Voda Vosa]

"... One must be ready to face death at any time." he states simply. Walking next to Lorien, he finds a seat, nods to his iliterate friend and to the old Timmin sitting next to the fire. "That is the worst storm I have the luck to be in. I'm freezing to death. I can assure you if there wasn't money in the middle I would met you on the road before. I hope I don't get ill, too much cold for a person like me, who lived in warmer climates." He says, as he takes his cape out, and squeeze it. The golden armor of Quinn shines with the fireplace flames. The gladiator leaves his most wet clothes drying next to the fire and gets confortable in his seat, making the furniture creak.

[Dog Moon]

Can I tell what the reddish bile is or where it might have come from? If it seems interesting, I'll investigate. If not, Reneg is going to return to the others.

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by Blackrat

Lorien takes the last free seat arranged infront the fireplace next to Timmins and drops his backpack on the floor. Tales you say? Well, I suppose there's a few places I've been to that could make a fine tale for cold evening. He stretches his legs straight and looks at the teapot. He hadn't actually had anything at all to drink for the past two days. He didn't need to thanks to the ring he had acquired from a bored old wizard as a gift. But he did like to eat and drink just for the feeling and taste now and then. Ah, if you insist. He finally answers to Timmins.

Timmins nods and reachs for the kettle just as Quinn bursts through the door with his chain twirling...

Originally Posted by Voda Vosa

<snip> . . . . Suddenly he had a flashback, as he opened the door and the light inside the building blinded him momentary.
The sound of the pit's bars raising, and the roar of the crowds, came to him when the bright sunlight of the arenas blinded him. He sees himself, rushing inside the battle arena, wielding his chains and his net, protected only by a golden helmet. The dust raises under his bare feet, and the hot air dries any single drop of swept.
On the other side of the arena, his opponent enters the arena from his pit, and when the landlord gave the signal, the glorious battle started!
But these weren't his lands, this was an inn, not an arena, not a coliseum. Then... Why was he in the middle of the place, spinning his chain ready to enter the fray, tightening his teeth and searching his net on his left side?
Quinn had entered the inn... Rushing in would better describe the situation. He had rush into the common room, chain already in his hand, and with hostile intentions. But after an awkward pair of seconds, Quinn realized where he was. He lowers the chain and tide it to the right side of his belt. With surprised eyes, as one who had seen ghosts, he watches the reactions of everyone inside the building.

Timmins is startled and pulls his hand back from the kettle. He quickly looks to the door with a sharp, drawn-in breath and then turns to Lorien with a look of concern.

Old Wilber wakes with a snort. "Timmins... who are these people? What's this all about?" The man seems a bit shaken but Quinn's arrival. His hands are shaking and he regards Quinn and the others with some fear in his eyes.

Originally Posted by Blackrat

[Quinn] turns to regard the rumble coming from the door. Quinn, my friend, calm down. There's no ring of death here. Lorien had already been wondering where the gladiator was. He was supposed to meet them on the road. I'm sorry for our companion. His mind is not always in the same place with his body. Lorien remarks to Timmins.

"Calm yourself, Wilber. Lorien and his friends are guests in town. They seem like decent enough folk. They're here to see the sheriff and Rosie. Go back to sleep."

After Wilber calms down a bit, Timmins turns to Lorien and nods toward Quinn. "I think your friend needs a good sleep and some quiet time. He seems a little on edge."

Originally Posted by Voda Vosa

"... One must be ready to face death at any time." he states simply. Walking next to Lorien, he finds a seat, nods to his iliterate friend and to the old Timmin sitting next to the fire. "That is the worst storm I have the luck to be in. I'm freezing to death. I can assure you if there wasn't money in the middle I would met you on the road before. I hope I don't get ill, too much cold for a person like me, who lived in warmer climates." He says, as he takes his cape out, and squeeze it. The golden armor of Quinn shines with the fireplace flames. The gladiator leaves his most wet clothes drying next to the fire and gets confortable in his seat, making the furniture creak.

He looks towards Quinn as the big man sits down. "Don't be making a rukus here in Rosie's home, eh? I might be old but I'm wiry. War is commonplace in the Strandlands, and I've fought a lot of battles in my time. I'm sure you'd be a tough opponent, but I doubt you friends here would back you up in a fight with an old man past his prime. Now, if you sit and behave yourself, I just might tell you a war story or two and perhaps teach you some of what I've learned during forty years of war. Eh?"

Timmins seems a little bigger sitting in his seat and you notice that a fine sword now sits upon his lap. It wasn't there a moment ago.

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by renau1g

Halmar will drop the false pretenses, and stare unabashedly at the collection of antiquated (at least by his reckoning) gear. The barbarian will inspect one of the axes more closely and, if they're not bolted to the wall, take it off the wall, blowing any dust from its head.

Halmar ignores the dramatic entrance of their companion, Quinn, shaking his head and wondering why they ever agreed to let him accompany them.

The weapon you choose isn't bolted to the wall and it comes off its supports easily. The weapon is razor sharp and has no signs of dust on it. It doesn't have any etchings on it metal head, but its haft is carved with a simple grace. It is a fine weapon. It has obviously been well cared for and you find it strange that such a weapon would be used merely as an ornament.

A plaque on the wall under where it rested reads, "Drakk's Heart."

You understand that this is not just an inn, but a tribute to fallen warriors from a time long past. There is history here and the ghosts of the dead.

Timmins says to Lorien "I see you friend has an appreciation for fine martial gear."

He speaks to Halmar. "You, what's your name? Please be very careful with that axe. Bronzethegn, the town's smithy, worked very hard to restore the weapons, shields & armor, and other things that you see around here. They are a part of the history of the Strandlands and Carnell & Gurnard's Head, in particular. He and Rosie would be very upset if anything in here was... damaged."

Timmins didn't seem to be telling you to put it back but he does keep one eye on you. "If you like, I can tell you more about it? Perhaps if you made a fair offer to Bronzethegn, he might let you buy it. You'll have to impess him, however."


OOC: You determine that the weapon is of masterwork quality.

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by Dog Moon

Can I tell what the reddish bile is or where it might have come from? If it seems interesting, I'll investigate. If not, Reneg is going to return to the others.

The liquid in the pool is a mixture of blood, bile, and rain water. There are bits of torn flesh, likely from an animal, mixed in with the brackish mixture. Something has killed a sheep, or maybe a goat, and dragged it off somewhere. There are strange markings and a foot impression on the ground that makes you think "harpy."

The rain and wind have obscured any sort of trail beyond the immediate area, however. Tracking the beast would be very difficult at this point.

At this point, Quinn rushes by you mumbling to himself. He is headed for Gurnard's Arms, the inn & tavern. He doesn't appear to notice you in the rain.


OOC: I'll be back later.

[Voda Vosa]

"It was not my intention to unsettle anyone good old man. I keep having flashes of memory from my past days as gladiators. It's a hard life as you may know. And I was on the easy side of the game, there were many that were slaves and had no chance in the arenas." Quinn says noticing the sword. "Your weapon is not neccesary I assure you, I mean no harm to you or to anyone who doesn't mean harm to me." The gladiator starts to pull out his shining armor, leaving a dirty shirt over his torso.
"I'll be delighted to hear your story sir, I'm always willing to learn what I can, specially from wise and nimble old men" he says pointing at the sword, smiling.

[renau1g]

Halmar will gingerly place Drakk's Heart back upon its place upon the wall and turn towards the elderly men.

"I am called Halmar, son of Helgar. I could never purchase a piece of your history, I do appreciate the care and craftsmanship that went into that weapon." the human says, leaving the bar area.

He returns to his seat and carries it over to Timmins, sitting down "If you have any tales of the weapons previous owners, I would be glad to hear them." Halmar says, thinking that any new techniques or tips he can learn will undoubtedly help him in his quest.

[Dog Moon]

Reneg looks out from the village, not seeing much due to the weather. While a part of him wants to attempt to figure out what did this, the other part is wary. He probably wasn't a good enough tracker and even if he was, it would be dangerous going out alone. Besides, he didn't really feel up to it. All he really wanted to do right now was to lie down somewhere comfortable and sleep.

Reneg heads back to the inn, arriving shortly after Quinn. While he starts to think about trying to find a careful place to sit, his feelings of emergency disappear and he just plops himself down at a spot nearest to where he is standing.

[Thanee]

Sheyla had not really taken notice of the weapons and armor so far, but curiously looks around now, that they have been mentioned.

“Quinn, if the cold weather is a problem for you, let me know. I can help you against it.”

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by Dog Moon

<snip> Reneg heads back to the inn, arriving shortly after Quinn. While he starts to think about trying to find a careful place to sit, his feelings of emergency disappear and he just plops himself down at a spot nearest to where he is standing.

Originally Posted by Voda Vosa

"It was not my intention to unsettle anyone good old man. I keep having flashes of memory from my past days as gladiators. It's a hard life as you may know. And I was on the easy side of the game, there were many that were slaves and had no chance in the arenas." Quinn says noticing the sword. "Your weapon is not neccesary I assure you, I mean no harm to you or to anyone who doesn't mean harm to me." The gladiator starts to pull out his shining armor, leaving a dirty shirt over his torso.
"I'll be delighted to hear your story sir, I'm always willing to learn what I can, specially from wise and nimble old men" he says pointing at the sword, smiling.

Timmins nods to you, sure of your good intentions. He stands the weapon against the edge of the fireplace. "I'm sure you understand my caution in this matter."

Originally Posted by renau1g

Halmar will gingerly place Drakk's Heart back upon its place upon the wall and turn towards the elderly men.

"I am called Halmar, son of Helgar. I could never purchase a piece of your history, I do appreciate the care and craftsmanship that went into that weapon." the human says, leaving the bar area.

He returns to his seat and carries it over to Timmins, sitting down "If you have any tales of the weapons previous owners, I would be glad to hear them." Halmar says, thinking that any new techniques or tips he can learn will undoubtedly help him in his quest.

"Well, gather 'round then. I'll tell you what I know about Drakk's Heart as well as that shield there over the fireplace." Timmins points to a fine steel shield encased in a wooden frame behind a glass pane. "They are just two of the relics that were used during the defense of Gurnard's Head, which was, and still is, a strategic landmark along the coast just east of Carnell.

"This naturally formed rock rises high above the Karmine Sea and it is considered nearly impossible to assail as it only connected to the mainland by a low, narrow sand isthmus. When the tide comes in, the sand bar disappears under the sea.

"It has stood as a fortress since the time of the Second Ogre War. Near the end of the war, the fortress came under attack by a force of ogres and merrow. The siege quickly turned into a blockade and the fortresses defenders starved to death. It was a sad day in our history. The weapons and armor you see here belonged to the Strand soldiers that died during that siege. Many more relics from the Siege of Sorrow, as it was called, were lost." Timmins shakes his head in grim remembrance.

"I was never stationed at Gurnard's Head, but it is rumored that the defenders turned on each other as they starved to death, ravaged by disease. Drakk's Heart and the shield belonged to a survivor who managed to flee back to Canell before he died of disease. It was an unnatural thing for sure.

"Now, since you're here to see the sheriff, I assume that it might have something to do with a rumored threat against Lady Pendour. The rumor is that someone is blackmailing her. more than likely it has something to do with her husband. Lord Pendour died at Gurnard's Head. He was trying to rid the harpy infestation that now plagues the old tower that sits atop the rock fortress."

[Thanee]

“Yes, you are right, the Lady Pendour is the reason why we are here,” Sheyla acknowledges. “As far as we know, she needs help in recovering a key, a family heirloom of hers, which was lost recently.”

[Voda Vosa]

"An important story you have told us old man, I thank you for that." Quinn says, turning to Sheyla "As my doubtlessly beauty comrade says, Lady Pendour hired us. I hope this blackmail she's suffering can be undone with our help. After all we are going to be paid to assure that."

[Knightfall]

Originally Posted by Thanee

[color=plum]“Yes, you are right, the Lady Pendour is the reason why we are here,” [color] Sheyla acknowledges. “As far as we know, she needs help in recovering a key, a family heirloom of hers, which was lost recently.”

"A key, eh?" Timmins replies. "I hadn't heard any specifics, of course. But that sounds likely. Lord Pendour often kept a key around his neck. I've no idea what it was for, but I'm sure the Lady will tell you if she feels you'll need to know."

Originally Posted by Voda Vosa

"An important story you have told us old man, I thank you for that." Quinn says, turning to Sheyla "As my doubtlessly beauty comrade says, Lady Pendour hired us. I hope this blackmail she's suffering can be undone with our help. After all we are going to be paid to assure that."

"So, you've been to see the Lady already, eh? Hmm, I wonder why she's still looking to hire mercenaries then... perhaps she's looking for guards to protect her too. I don't know what the blackmailer threatened her with but it could be death for her and her daughter."

Wilbur, who's been sleeping sounding through your conversation with Timmins, begins to cough fitfully. His breath becomes ragged and he starts to shake. Timmins looks with concern at his old friend. He throws his own blanket over Wilbur and looks at Sheyla. "You're a healer, eh? Can you do anything for him? He's been sick for some time. We don't have a divine healer here, so Wilbur's had to rely on herbal remedies. They've done little for him. I know he's old, but he's only a few more years older than me."

[Blackrat]

Lorien locks the tale to his memory. No doubt with some coloring he could make it more interesting, and use it to win the hearts of peasants in some other village. Then turning his attention back to the conversation he answers. Ah, no. We have not met her ladyship yet, but we are confident that she will welcome our aid.

Waiting for the sherif to arrive, Lorien takes out his lute and rests it on his leg. I hope you don't mind if I play a little. With that he starts a quiet elven tune, not loud enough to bother the conversation.