Story HourPost your ongoing tales from your campaigns, and read those from others for inspiration. Lots of other RPG boards post "Story Hours", but this is where it started!
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Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
Welcome to an experiment that turned out to be a lot longer than any of us any anticipated. This story hour takes place in Arcanis. If you're not familiar with Arcanis, check out Onara Online and LIVING ARCANIS Home Page to get an idea of how the world works. Hint: it involves lizard people, flintlocks, and Romans.
Our game, which started as just a handful of people, has expanded to encompass friends and relatives across three states (NY, ME, CT). The cast varies depending on where and when we play. You can read more about my experiences with role-playing in my National RPG column for the Examiner.
Most of the adventures are either from Living Arcanis modules, Cthulhu adventures, or Freeport adventures. We generally stay true to the material, but NPCs get switched out often, sometimes with PCs. Speaking of which, we don't usually include PCs whose players aren't present, unless it's to act as part of the plot (thus, Quintus and Kham have both been convenient plot devices when their players weren't present). That said, all of these adventures contain spoilers, so if you plan to play in Arcanis or Freeport, you might want to stop reading once you recognize the name of the adventure.
The story hour is now completely written, but I'm still posting installments of the full 66 chapters, one a day. It's recommended you start at the beginning (that'd be uh, here), which will ease you into the universe. If you want to be reminded of updates, I post a copy to my blog at michael.tresca.net, which in turn sends an email every night to my subscriber list.
Beldin Soulforge (dwarf fighter) played by Joe Lalumia: A typical axe-wieldingdwarf. Beldin tends to focus on defense, befitting his prestige class of dwarven defender.
Bijoux (fihali druid) played by Melissa Tresca: A flying cat girl. You heard me, FLYING. CAT. GIRL. Only with fangs and wings.
Sebastian Arnyal (dark-kin sorcerer) played by George Webster: A noble demon who is also a wizard. His deal with the devil (or more practically, his deal with his heritage) is a major plot point.
Vlad Martell (human fighter) played by Matt Hammer: Just your typicalfighter, really, who ends up with a lot more responsibility than he bargained for. His primary claim to fame is his really cool sword, which gets cooler (or hotter, actually) as the story progresses.
Holden Ash’ur (human ranger/wizard) played by Robert Taylor (Storyboardz.net): Holden knows his way around a rifle, can cast spells, and throw grenades. He's a useful guy to have around. Which of course means he's doomed...
This story hour is a home game from the tournament module, "So Shall Ye Reap," written by Henry Lopez, set in the Arcanis setting. Our cast of characters includes:
Quintus Aurelius Ignatius (human Clr1), played by Mike Tresca (that's me): michael.tresca.net
Ilmare Galen (elf Brd1), played by Amber Tresca (my wife)
Vlad Martell (human Ftr1), played by Matt Hammer.
(Clarifying Note: Quintus does not normally use his first name with folks he doesn't know that well. That changes after the first adventure).
Our DM is the inimitable Robert Taylor, a gaming legend in his own time: Storyboardz.net
This is an interesting exercise in documenting what happened before as well as flexing my writing muscles so I can take a break from my novel.
What transpires below is very close to how the game took place, which does not strictly follow the adventure path. A lot of dialogue has been added as the characters were fleshed out later to help tie the plot together more tightly and extrapolate on each character's background.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed playing it!
Kham thrust one hand through his shock of black curls. The idiot next to him was getting drunker by the minute and spewing information like a fountain. A fountain of beer.
"You mentioned smuggling," Kham repeated, slow enough for even the extremely inebriated to understand. "So?"
Kham's drinking companion's face, an explosion of stubble, jowls of flesh, and scars, crinkled up in confusion. "We're in the same boat, mate. I know what you do."
Kham fingered the green brooch at his neck. "Oh you do, do you?"
"Right," the fellow said. Kham didn't even know his name. "You're…fond of doing what needs to be done, and laws be damned, right?" He jabbed Kham in the ribs with an elbow. "Right?"
Kham nodded before he was bruised further. "So if the Senate calls for the interdiction of any ships in Coryani waters of piracy or smuggling, we're all kicked, is that it?"
"Damn right," the drunk said, slurping loudly from his mug. "It's plebs like that," he gestured at a man dressed in a finely tailored toga at the far corner of the tavern, "that ruin it for the rest."
Kham's eyes lit up. He recognized the jeweled brooch on the man's cloak. Kham adjusted his overcoat and slid off the stool.
"You give him what for," muttered the drunk from the bar. Kham nodded over his shoulder but kept his eyes on the plebian. He was talking intently to three other people at the table.
Kham could sniff out a mercenary recruitment drive from a mile away. He slid over to a seat nearer the four of them to get a better look.
"I thank you for your quick response to my request," the white haired plebeian said. "Rest assured, you will be well compensated in assisting my master for this small matter. You each have been selected for your particular skills. I trust you will not disappoint."
He nodded towards a large man, dressed in scale armor. "Master Martell will be your guide. He is a native Milandisian." The Milandisian thrust out his chin a bit but otherwise said nothing.
Kham thought there was nothing quite so pathetic as a Mliandisian down on his luck. He must have been desperate to take on such work.
"Mistress Galen's vast knowledge will serve you well. She has come very far from Entaris."
The female was undeniably Elorii. She was also quite striking, with perfect posture and an icy gaze. She was an Osalikene, descended from the wind god, as evidenced by her pointed ears and silver hair.
"If the child is still alive," she said in a monotone whisper, "we'll find him."
"Yes, we shall!" shouted the third man, with a dimpled chin, angular features, and a bearskin draped over his armor. "I, Aurelius Ignatius, swear that the Legion of the Reluctant Warrior shall not fail!"
The speaker was Coryani, like the plebian. Kham hated Coryani. He couldn't take it any longer.
"Again?" Kham said.
"What?"
"I said, 'Again?' An entire century of legionnaires were dispatched to find the boy. They have not yet returned," he said defiantly from the nearby table.
Aurelius' mouth opened in surprise—for once, no sound came out of it. His brows furrowed, but before he could come up with a retort, the plebian waved Kham over.
"You must be Master Kham. I was not sure if you were going to join us."
Kham stood up, smoothed his coat, and walked over to the table. "Why didn't you tell them about the century, Decimus?"
Decimus stared at Kham for a long moment. Then he turned back to Aurelius. "Senator Tensen-Balin is a scrupulous man. He's also General Menisis' uncle. Master Ignatius is insurance that the glory of the legion will be retained, even in as secretive a task as this. To not send a member of the legion would be disgraceful."
Kham smirked. "A signifer? The mighty Legion of the Reluctant Warrior sent their signifer? Why not a centurion?"
Decimus put a calming hand on Aurelius' shoulder as the legionnaire's face turned red. "Because a centurion has already been sent. It is my master's hope that a small group can do discreetly what a century could not."
"I didn't agree to him going along," said Aurelius, jabbing a thumb in Kham's direction.
"You weren't asked," Decimus said firmly. "The Senator insists."
"Let's go," said the Elorii before Aurelius could protest. "Every moment spent talking is more time for the Harvesters to get away with the Senator's son."
"Good. Here is a writ of passage," he handed a scroll to Aurelius. "A priest waits outside to shepherd you through."
Aurelius abruptly stood up and shrugged on a large shield over his back. The shield was emblazoned with the sign of a stylized warrior, shield held up and sword lowered. He snapped up the symbol of his legion, a spear in the shape of an open hand. Five medallions dangled from it.
The Elorii shook her head and gracefully left the table. That left the Milandisian. He smiled at Kham and extended his hand. "My name's Vlad, by the way."
Kham couldn't help but smile back. He shook the larger man's hand and followed him out the door.
Outside, the Elorii was keeping her distance from the Coryani, who stood with hands on hips, scowling at the surrounding terrain.
"So tell me Vlad," said Kham, keeping his eye on the legionnaire's back. "How does a signifer get caught up in this mess?"
Vlad shrugged. "Never met him before," he said in low tones. "But he is a bit…loud."
"He stumbled upon accounts documenting the missing century," said the Elorii, turning towards them. "They had to send him along to shut him up."
"I didn't think you were in earshot," said Kham.
A sly smirk slipped across the Elorii's lips. "I'm always in earshot," she said in the same monotone. "My name is Ilmarė."
"Ilmarė," said Kham. "Pretty name."
The Elorii turned away from him as a haggard-looking man approached them. A bracelet of thorns was wrapped around his left wrist. Kham recognized him as a Priest of Anshar, the clergy dedicated to maintaining the teleportation gates that could move anyone from one side of Arcanis to the other.
"Wait," he said. "We're going through a Gate? "
Aurelius turned around. "Of course. How else did you think we were going to get to Milandir?"
Kham began patting himself down. "It's just that I wasn't…"
"Prepared?" Aurelius watched as Kham silently counted to himself.
"He's an Altharian," said Ilmarė. "He's counting his ammunition."
Aurelius walked face to face with Kham. "I will not have you endanger this mission with your foolish 'gifts'!"
Kham counted to twenty. "We'll be fine. I don't have enough powder to cause any problems."
"Is there a problem?" said the priest.
"No!" Aurelius and Kham shouted at the same time.
"Then follow me, please. Time is of the essence."
Aurelius harrumphed and followed the priest with a swirl of his cloak. Vlad fell in step behind next to Kham. "Why is Aurelius so angry?"
"Because he's insecure?" he responded.
"He's angry," Ilmarė said softly behind them, "because if too much powder goes through a gate, it explodes."
Kham smiled sheepishly back at Vlad as the man's eyes widened.
"Powder for what?" Vlad said after a moment.
Kham shoved his hands into the pockets of his overcoat. "Altherian secret. You'll find out soon enough."
A nice start, this SH looks to be very interesting. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
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The stroll through Coryan was far too long for Aurelius' tastes. The child was gods-knew-where and they were falling behind with every winding turn down yet another alley. If he was going to reveal their enemy's plans, he would have to do it soon.
"You there," he said in irritation. "Guide. Have you gotten lost? Do you not know the way to the Gates?"
The haggard-looking man came to a sudden stop, causing Vlad to nearly bump into Aurelius.
"No, not at all. But I think we're being followed, so I took a longer route. It's down this alleyway right here." He pointed to their right. "Follow me please, it's not long now."
Kham leaned around Vlad to address Aurelius. "Don't you live here?"
"It's a big city," Aurelius said through gritted teeth. He kept his eyes focused on their guide. "Wait."
Aurelius stopped so abruptly that this time that Vlad did collide with him. From the cursing that echoed behind the large man, Aurelius guessed that Kham got a face full of armor.
"What's wrong?" Ilmarė asked, her voice tinged with concern.
The guide's gaze flickered over his shoulder at the others, but then he turned away. Aurelius grabbed him by the arm.
"This is wrong." He lifted the guide's arm up, showing the thorny vine wrapped around his wrist. "A Priest of Anshar should have scars from wearing a bracelet of thorns for so long."
Aurelius shoved the man backwards and unsheathed the gladius hanging from a holster at his right hip.
"We have been deceived!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, which was only marginally louder than his normal speaking voice.
Three other men skulked out of the alleyway behind them, thumping clubs in open palms. They fanned out in a semicircle even as Ilmarė and Kham turned their backs to Vlad and Aurelius.
The faux guide dusted himself off. "Clever observation. You seem smart enough to know better. So I recommend you drop this foolishness and forget the mission. It would be terrible," the guide sneered, "if yet another legionnaire were to mysteriously disappear."
There was the distinct sound of metal leaving sheathes as Ilmarė and Vlad produced longswords.
Aurelius took a menacing step forward. "You misunderstand. I DO know this city. I've been biding my time, waiting for the right moment to reveal your trap."
"Pardon?" Kham said as he reached into his coat. "You thought this dark alleyway was the 'right moment' to reveal their trap?"
The thugs wasted no more words as one aimed high at Kham's head, the other for Ilmarė's knees.
Ilmarė lithely hopped over the clumsy swing and retaliated by slashing the arm of her assailant. Kham ducked backwards as two clubs whistled over his head.
"You really don't want to do this," Kham said.
Kham nudged what looked like the head of a small dragon out from under the bottom of his coat. He whistled and waved the barrel to get the thug's attention. The thug looked at him quizzically, raising his club again.
KA-BLAM!
There was a retort so loud that everyone, ally and enemy alike, reflexively stumbled away from the blast. When the smoke cleared, the thug that Kham had aimed at was still standing. There was a great rent in the brick face of the building behind him. Smoke trails pirouetted from the hole's center.
"A handgonne!" shouted the faux guide. "Perhaps this will even the odds: Magicus telum!"
A bolt of bright blue energy flashed between the guide's finger and his target. Vlad gasped as the bolt, unhindered by his armor, penetrated flesh and bone.
Aurelius stepped forward and pointed at the guide with his gladius. "You dare to cross a legionnaire of the Reluctant Warrior?" His voice grew louder. "KNEEL BEFORE ILLIIR'S MIGHT!"
The command was undeniable. The guide's eyes bulged as his body stumbled like a rigid puppet, forcing him to his knees, his head bowed. Sweat dripped from his nose as he struggled to resist.
"That's better," said Aurelius. "Now you will tell us who sent-"
With a mighty roar, Vlad's longsword flashed across the kneeling man's throat. His head bounced across the dirt of the alley and landed face up at Kham's feet.
Behind Vlad, Kham threw back his coat to reveal two dragon-like sculptures, one in each hand. The handgonnes were carved to look like dragons, with their mouths ended in barrels. Smoke poured out of the end of one of the left handgonne. Kham pointed them both at the nearest thug's head.
"Now, Jessica here, she don't like you," Kham said, waving the left handgonne. "But Victoria," he waved the other handgonne, "she likes you a lot. She's liable to give you a little lick."
The clatter of clubs resounded around them as the thugs put their hands up.
"I'd run, unless you want to end up like your friend on the ground here," Kham said.
The men took off down the alleyway.
"Well," Ilmarė said quietly, "that was gratuitous."
Kham looked around to confirm that all the thugs had left. He blanched when his gaze connected with the head staring back at him from the alley.
"Was that really necessary?" Aurelius said as he sheathed his gladius. "I was trying to interrogate them but this," he gestured at Vlad, "Milandisian got a bit overzealous."
Vlad returned his longsword to its sheath on his back, unfazed. "That magic he used hurt," was all he said, as if the pain alone was enough justification. "In Milandir, if someone strikes you, you strike back twice as hard."
"I'd say you proved your point," said Ilmarė, staring down at the head.
"In the legion, discipline is life," Aurelius said sternly. "You must know when to strike, and when not to strike."
Kham rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, and I suppose you had them drag us around all of Coryan for the perfect time to strike?"
Aurelius met his gaze, glaring down at him. Kham wasn't that tall. "Yes, I did. I was looking for a weakness in their strategy and it revealed itself just now."
"What weakness?" Kham said, pouring some powder back into the mouth of one of the dragon handgonnes.
"There were at least another four men following us," Ilmarė said, "but we lost them only a few minutes before we turned down the alleyway."
"You too?" Kham said in exasperation. "Did anyone else not know this was a trap?"
"I didn't," said Vlad. "But then, I don't really trust any Coryani."
Aurelius stepped out of the alleyway to call over a citizen. "By order of the Emperor, I command you to-"
"Oh we don't have time for this!" Kham finished loading his other handgonne and returned it to the holster beneath his armpit. "There's a headless corpse in the alleyway, clean it up, would you?"
The citizen nodded and scurried off to call for the watch.
"We must hurry, the Gate is not far from here," said Aurelius. He stood in the square, hands on his hips, surveying the area.
After a long moment, Ilmarė said, "if I remember correctly, it's in the southern quarter."
"That's right!" said Aurelius. And with that he marched off southwards, splitting the crowded streets like a knife.
Kham looked at Vlad. Vlad shrugged and walked after Aurelius. Ilmarė winked at him and followed suit.
Kham took a deep sigh and ran after his fearless leader.
So Shall Ye Reap - Part 2: Through the Gates of Anshar
The Temple of the Pantheon was a huge structure, part of the main temple of the Mother Church of Coryan. Besides acting as a means of transportation across Arcanis, it was also the residence of the Patriarch of the Mother Church along with hundreds of other clergymen, scholars, and scribes.
Aurelius exchanged a few words with the priestess at the gate, who ushered them through to the smallest chapel of the Temple. Inside, 20 legionnaires, stood at attention.
"Friends of yours?" Kham asked out of the corner of his mouth.
Aurelius shook his head. "The Legion of Grim Lamentation is no one's friend. They guard the Gates with their lives. These are two way gates, you know."
They passed the legionnaires to stand before the towering Gate of Anshar itself. It was an archway of marble, inscribed with benedictions and supplications to Anshar in Altharin.
Aurelius unrolled the scroll and showed it to the priestess, who nodded her assent. Then she stepped back and began to chant a prayer, her hands caressing the side of marble gate like the sweet caresses of a lover. With each pass of her hands, the inscriptions became infused with a bright light. The chant grew louder and louder until suddenly, a glowing point in the center of the archway exploded into a shimmering wall of blue light. A great wind kicked up, billowing cloaks and robes.
"Now you're sure you don't have too much powder?" shouted Aurelius.
Kham held his coat closer around him. "Yes! I don't want to blow up either you know!"
"Good," Aurelius said with a smile. "Then you can step through the gate first!"
"Why should I go first?" Kham pointed at Vlad. "He's the native, shouldn't he go first?"
Vlad shrugged. "If you're too scared, I can go first. Besides, I don't want to be here when you explode-"
Kham pulled the collar of his overcoat closely around his neck. "Fine, fine! I'm not afraid…"
Everyone waited expectantly while Kham walked towards the roaring gate, one hesitant step at a time.
"Do not be concerned!" shouted the priestess. "The passage is painless and instantaneous!"
"Unless you blow up," Ilmarė said with a smirk.
"Wait are you waiting for?" Aurelius said. "Jump!"
Kham patted himself down. "I just want to count one more time…"
"Oh for the love of Illiir, come on man!" Aurelius grabbed Kham by the arm and they both stumbled through the portal together.
Vlad looked at Ilmarė. "Well, nothing blew up. So I guess it's safe. See you on the other side." Then he jumped through, disappearing into the blue wall.
"This day just gets better and better," Ilmarė said in her usual monotone. Then she too, hopped through the portal.
The passage through the portal was far from unpleasant. In fact, it was quite euphoric. The step was but a half-second even though the journey spanned hundreds of miles.
Aurelius and Kham exited first, only to be shocked by a ferocious downpour. Aurelius nearly fell backward shielding his face from the unexpected precipitation.
Vlad and Ilmarė arrived seconds later. The Milandisian seemed undeterred by the weather.
He shielded his eyes. "Luchek is not far from here!" Vlad shouted over the rain. "This way!"
Vlad began the slippery descent down the trail. They were surrounded by soggy scrub and worn hillside. The water poured more aggressively downhill with each passing minute.
Aurelius yelped as he lost his footing. He almost slid the rest of the way down the hill were it not for Ilmarė, who stopped his fall by grabbing his bearskin cloak.
Aurelius struggled to his feet. "Thanks," he muttered. "If you were wearing armor, you'd probably have the same problems."
"I am wearing armor," Ilmarė said with a smile. To prove her point, she rapped lightly against her chest. "Osalian, Lord of the Storms, blesses his children. I am Osalikene—I have nothing to fear of wind and rain."
"Well I do!" Kham was hunched over, his hands deep in his coat pockets. "Less talking, more walking!"
Just then, something flashed in the direction of Luchek.
Ilmarė skipped ahead and then slid down the slope past all three of the humans without the slightest misstep. They huffed to catch up with her at the bottom of the hill.
The Elorii had her bow knocked with an arrow as Vlad squinted into the distance. "There's something in the marketplace. It looks big. And angry."
"A howler," said Ilmarė. "It has killed many of your people and is about to kill four more."
Vlad needed no more encouragement. He took off at a full sprint, unsheathing his sword and shield as he went. Aurelius shrugged off his tower shield from his back and removed three sections of his spear.
Kham slid next to him. "Got a plan?"
Aurelius screwed the bottom part of the spear into the center. "You and Ilmarė shoot at it, I'll back up Vlad."
Aurelius screwed in the top part of the spear into the middle. Kham noticed the spearhead was in the shape of an open hand.
"Great plan. They teach you all that in legionnaire school?"
Aurelius hefted the shield. "Just use your iron dragons. We'll take care of the rest." He took off at a trot.
Kham reached into his overcoat and pulled out the two handgonnes. "Forgive me ladies," he whispered to them. "I hate the weather too."
There were four Milandisian cantons struggling to fend off a gaunt, bestial hound-like thing bristling with quills. The men were all armed with halberds. Dozens of corpses lay on the ground, some Milandisian, some Coryani, all with melee weapon in hand and quills sticking out of their chests. Other bodies were spread out further still, the ground ringed by black circles as if some terrible force had scorched it.
With a shout, Vlad charged head on into the fray. The howler blinked at the sudden bravery in a new opponent and whirled to face him. It lunged forward and snapped at his face with a feral growl, missing it by inches as Vlad smashed his shield into the side of the howler's head.
Vlad stabbed upwards at its exposed underbelly as the creature fell back onto one of the militiamen. The man slumped to the ground, four quivering quills jutting out at odd angles from his body.
One of Ilmarė's arrows whistled through the air and bounced off the quills of the beast. The howler turned and snapped the halberd of one of the cantons, disemboweling him with one stroke.
Kham lifted his handgonnes up. "Okay girls, let's see if we can do any better than the elf."
He took aim and flicked the catch that would ignite the powder deep in the barrel of the dragon's mouth. It fizzled.
"Dammit, Jessica, now is not the time to be ornery!"
Vlad stepped backwards as the howler snapped at his sword. One of its splayed paws slashed upwards, knocking his shield back.
Another canton stepped in before the howler could press its advantage against Vlad, stabbing at the creature's flank. It snarled and lunged with all fours on the hapless man, ending his life with one snap of its jaws.
Kham kissed his other handgonne and aimed it at the howler. "Come on baby…"
He flicked the catch.
KA-BLAM!
A patch of quills exploded off the howler as the bullet hit. It shrieked in agony and leapt backwards, its jaws snapping at where it had been struck.
"LETUM INFIRMUS!" shouted Aurelius as he charged past Vlad with his spear outstretched.
The creature lunged forward as it had before with Vlad, but Aurelius was ready. He lowered the spear just enough to catch the howler in the face. The shaft speared through its eye.
The beast howled, its claws twitching in the air. Then it was still.
With a twist, Aurelius shook the howler's head off of the end of his longspear.
"That," said Aurelius, walking past Kham, "is what they teach us in legionnaire school."
I just had to post this. Kham's player, Jeremy Ortiz (http://www.dreamsculptor.com) just created a fantastic picture of his character. I'm totally blown away by it. Now I'm going to try to get him to create one for every character in the party.
Kham's back story is well....another story. sufice it to say he is mullato. 1/2 Altherin. hence the color. but thanks for the reminder many players sometimes over look it.
"Near as I can tell," said Vlad in the home of their new host, "the century was escorting the boy and his teacher back to Coryan when a wizard struck."
Kham was still shivering as he sipped from a mug full of mead. "Struck? Define 'struck.'"
"He let loose a gout of flames from his mouth, as the cantons tell it," explained Vlad. "That took out most of the legionnaires. Then he read a scroll and the howler showed up. You know the rest."
"A powerful wizard indeed," said Aurelius.
"Oh, he had help," said Vlad. "Masked men attacked the century as well."
"Aye, 'twas a near thing," interjected Aldous, their host. He was an older man dressed in long brown robes. Aldous was their designated contact in Luchek and keeper of the town library. "'Tis a good thing 'is teacher kept 'is wits about 'im, 'cause the whole damn place went to 'ell when the masked folks showed up."
Ilmarė cupped a mug of hot mead in her hands. "Where is the boy now?"
"Oh, he's inna private room. E's with 'is teacher, Theron. 'Tis a good thing too, 'cause the Harvester was 'ell bent on takin' 'im."
"Harvester?" said Vlad.
Kham's faced turned ashen. "Agents from the Isle of Ymandragore. The Sorcerer-King conducts raids on those who have the Gift for sorcery and wizardry. The children are adopted into Ymandragorian society." His shiver was not entirely due to his damp clothes.
"But the Harvester got away," said Aurelius.
"Aye," said Aldous. "An the town is lucky fer it. We'd 'ave twice as many cantons down if he stuck around."
"I did not count a centurion's corpse amongst the bodies," said Aurelius. "Perhaps he was not with the rest of the legionnaires."
Kham shook his head. "What, he took the long way around? Looks like the legionnaires didn't have any more luck than the cantons."
"May we see the boy?" Vlad asked quickly, before the two began arguing again.
"O' course, o' course. Follow me."
The old man struggled to his feet and led them down to the lowest level of the library. Stone walls echoed with their footsteps, the sole noise in the cold tunnel. Aldous finally stopped before a wooden door and knocked. After a few moments, the door opened to reveal a powerfully built man in a long white toga and cloak.
"Hello Aldous." Theron's aquiline features hardened as he peered past Aldous. "Who are these people and why have you brought them here?"
"We are on a mission to retrieve the boy," said Aurelius, stepping forward. "I am Aurelius Ignatius, signifer of the Legion of the Reluctant Warrior. We have traveled far to escort Cassicus safely back to Coryan."
Theron opened the door a little more. "Cassicus has been understandably shaken from the experience. I've been teaching him a meditation to calm him down. He's meditating right now, actually."
"Excellent. May we see him?"
Theron opened the door enough so that they could all peer into the room. Beyond was another open door to a smaller room. Cassicus was sitting in meditation at the center.
"The boy should rest first. This room has no other forms of entry, so we should be safe, especially if you stand guard." Theron chuckled. "You all look like you could use some rest yourselves."
Aurelius kept his eyes on the boy. "I would like to speak with him."
Theron stood in front of Aurelius, blocking his view. " I would rather you leave him be, for the moment."
Aurelius stepped into the room to get a better view of the child. "I must insist that I can confirm the child's health and state of mind."
Theron turned to face Aurelius, his shoulder to the entryway. "This is a senator's son. I am his guardian and I will have final say in what happens to the boy."
Kham slipped past Theron, unnoticed.
"I can appreciate that," said Aurelius. "However, it is possible the child is harmed in a way you cannot detect. These are Harvesters after all, they're capable of anything."
Kham made his way silently over to the open doorway where Cassicus sat in meditation.
"And I repeat, I don't care who you are or where you came from, I am eminently qualified to determine Cassicus' health and state of mind! He is FINE."
Kham whispered to the boy. "Psst! Hey, kid. You okay?"
The boy showed no signs of even noticing his presence.
"I am sure he is fine," said Aurelius, "but many men have died to guarantee the child's safety and I find it odd you are not willing to let us even speak to the boy."
Kham blinked. "Uh, guys?"
"I don't think you understand just how traumatized the boy was by the experience," countered Theron. "He watched that monster bite a man in half!"
"Guys? There's something seriously wrong with the kid."
Theron whirled. "There is nothing wrong with him. Please step away from the door."
"Now there's no reason to insult the child-" said Aurelius.
"No, no. What I mean is…he's not breathing."
"What?"
Kham jabbed a thumb in Cassicus' direction. "The kid. He's not breathing. His chest isn't moving. That's either one deep meditation or-"
"An illusion," said Ilmarė, placing one hand on the hilt of her sword. "We've been tricked."
Aurelius whirled to interrogate Theron, but only a gust of air filled the place where he had once been.
"The dirty bastards!" said Aldous as he stepped into the room. "The Harvester must 'ave him!"
Vlad nodded. "He's probably headed for the closest port city, Yarrvek. It's two hours ride from here."
"You've got me horses," Aldous said, ushering them all out of the room. "I'll send word ahead to try to stop the bastard before 'e sets sail, but ya better leave now."
The storm whipped up, even more ferocious than before, drenching everyone and everything in its path. They were riding their horses hard, but it was nearly impossible to see through the thick veil of rain.
"We should be close!" Vlad shouted over the storm. His horse's flanks were drenched with sweat and its bit was covered in foam.
"There," Ilmarė shouted back, standing up in her stirrups, "I can see the docks!"
Just then her horse gave out as its legs collapsed from exhaustion. Ilmarė leapt from her mount and landed on her feet in the mud.
The other horses bucked wildly. Aurelius battled to keep his mount under control.
Vlad and Kham dismounted and took Aurelius' horse by the reins. "You don't ride much, do you?" Kham shouted.
"Legionnaires walk!" Aurelius replied as he clumsily dismounted. "And I guess we're walking from here!"
There was a terrific explosion as a ball of fire billowed at the docks. A great mushroom cloud of smoke spread out like a dread halo over the carnage.
"I think we better run," said Vlad as he picked up the pace. Debris began to pelt them.
Kham easily lapped Aurelius. "You know," he said as he passed, "you might be able to move faster if you didn't carry that ridiculous shield."
"The scutum is a critical part of legionnaire warfare!" Aurelius said, shrugging the shield off of his shoulders. "As is the signum!" He shook the three parts of the spear in his fist at Kham.
Before he could come up with a retort, an ear landed on Kham's overcoat. "Gods!" he shouted, swatting the ear off of him.
They skidded onto a scene of complete destruction. Standing in a blackened charred ring was a squat, brute of a man, dressed in leather. He had a Milandisian woman by the hair in one hand. His free hand smoldered with arcane flames.
More disturbing was the still smoking circle of bodies and body parts. All of them were blown backwards, some slumped up against charred buildings. They had seen the Harvester's handiwork before.
"More of you?" the Harvester snarled. "Why is this whelp so important to be worth these many lives?"
"Let the girl go!" shouted Aurelius, screwing in the last part of his signum.
Kham ducked down behind some crates as Ilmarė stood at the entry to the dock. There was nowhere for the Harvester to go.
Vlad unsheathed his sword and unbuckled his shield. Aurelius stood at his side.
"Let her go? Fine!" With a rapid, practiced motion, the Harvester bit into the woman's neck with his teeth and slurped from the gushing wound. He tossed her aside like a spent wine jug, smiling through bloodstained teeth.
"Gods!" shouted Vlad in horror. He paused in shock at the sight. Aurelius turned ashen faced.
"Come on then," the Harvester sneered. "Let's finish this!"
Aurelius and Vlad crouched, slowly advancing on the Harvester.
From behind them, what was first a whisper rose in volume until it could not be ignored. It was the most beautiful sounds anyone of the three men had ever heard.
"Naur vi cair." The music came from Ilmarė, her arms outstretched, singing with all her might into the very storm itself.
The Harvester laughed. "You're going to kill me with music? Well, I've got no song, but I do have something you can dance to! Acidus sagitta!"
A shrieking green bolt of energy thudded into Vlad's shield. The front of the shield began to bubble and hiss.
"lanc i dalaf." Ilmarė sang of the horrors the Harvester had wrought.
"We have to press him, but not yet." Aurelius said to Vlad. "Kham!" he shouted over his shoulder, "shoot him!"
"Mathach vi geven?" Although they did not understand the question in Ilmarė's song, they understood. They could feel it in the earth.
Kham was frozen, transfixed. Tears were in his eyes. It was the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. He wanted to tear his breast and weep for the agonies that had been inflicted on so many innocent people; he wanted to rage at the man who had caused so much pain; he wanted to-
"Nostach vi 'wilith?" Ilmarė was singing of the air.
Kham blinked. He had to focus. He leaned forward, aiming one of the handgonnes at the Harvester.
He flipped the catch on his handgone. There was a loud retort, but the blast was muted in the torrential downpour and Ilmarė's song. Vlad watched in horror as the bullet sparked inches away from the Harvester and dropped, smoking, to the ground.
The Harvester squinted in Kham's direction. "I can do better than that, Altherian. Magicus telum!"
Three blue bolts of crackling energy snaked their way outwards, slicing through shield and armor. Aurelius and Vlad groaned as each found their mark.
Kham realized the third was taking, a long, lazy route towards him. He ducked down, but the bolt went right through the crates and struck him in the chest.
"Máb le i nagor," sang Ilmarė. The war was upon them.
Vlad suddenly felt renewed energy course through his veins. Gone was the fear and disgust of the Harvester. Gone were concerns about the rain and his drenched armor. He was focused on but one single purpose: to kill the man before him.
Vlad stood up straight and began advancing on the Harvester.
"What are you doing?" Aurelius said.
The Harvester uncorked a potion with one hand and gulped it down, the red liquid spilling around his lips.
"I'm going to kill him," said Vlad.
"Bád gurth vi ngalad firiel," sang Ilmarė. Death moved in the fading light. Vlad couldn't help but notice that the sun was setting below the sea.
The Harvester took a deep breath.
"You're going to get yourself killed!" Aurelius shouted back.
The Harvester exhaled a gout of flames just as Aurelius dove in front of Vlad. Tongues of fire licked around the scutum, barely shielding both men from the fire.
"Dagrathach go hain?" Ilmarė's song asked if they would join the fight.
"Yes!" Vlad shouted as he charged the Harvester.
The Harvester's eyes widened with fear. There was no time to cast another spell. He struggled to reach for his short sword, but it was too late.
The first blow struck him in the chest, slicing through his magical defense with a shower of sparks. The second cut his upturned arm in a futile effort to defend himself.
With a mighty roar, Vlad beheaded the man in one blow. The Harvester's head bounced once off the dock and tumbled into the sea.
Just then, the rain faded to a drizzle.
Ilmarė walked up to Vlad. Tears streaked his face. He was shivering with fatigue from the emotions stirred by her song.
She put one palm on his shoulder, the other facing the heavens. The precipitation had stopped completely.
"Osalian is pleased," was all she said.
Aurelius joined them. At the end of the pier, something shimmered. An ominous looking ship with a sleek, black-varnished hull faded into view. On its sail were written the words "The Ravager."
Aurelius stepped on board, spear raised high. He ducked into the top deck.
After a moment, he emerged with Cassicus, bound, gagged, and unconscious in his arms.
"He's alive," he said, laying him gently on the dock. "Thank Illiir!"
One trembling hand struggled for purchase over the crates. "Uh…" croaked Kham, clutching his chest with the other hand. "You know, I'm not dead either. A little help?"
Great story and fabulous illustration for Kham. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
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When Aurelius left the Senator's chambers, he was surprised to see a large man, wrapped in the red cloak of a centurion.
"Flavius?" he said, blinking. "You're alive!"
Flavius nodded, his wide-brushed helmet under his arm. "Yes, I am." He was standing rigidly at attention.
"What's wrong?"
Flavius refused to look at him. "What's wrong?" His voice began to crack. "You dare to ask me what's wrong after the dishonor you have heaped upon our legion?"
Aurelius blinked. "But-"
"A lowly signifer achieves what a century cannot? You have dishonored the hundred men under my command. You have dishonored me."
"I was only trying to-"
"Embarrass me? Enrich yourself? Ingratiate yourself with Senator Tensen-Balin? You have achieved all three."
Aurelius bowed his head and remained silent.
"I cannot discharge you. But believe you me, I would if I could. Instead, I'm transferring you. I want you out of my legion. You will be assigned to the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun, effective immediately. Give me your signum and scutum."
Aurelius dutifully handed them over.
"What's that you have there under your arm?"
Aurelius didn't look up. "A gift."
"From the senator? I recommend you sell it. You're going to need the money."
The centurion walked stiffly past him and slammed the double doors leading to the outer courtyard open. There was an "OOF!" from behind one of them.
Aurelius strode out behind him, looking straight ahead. Kham stepped out from behind the door, rubbing his nose.
"I'd appreciate it," Aurelius said through gritted teeth, "if you didn't share what you just heard."
Kham shoved his hands in the pockets of his overcoat. "I'm…sorry, Aurelius. Maybe if that stupid bastard bothered to use the Ansharan Gates, he would have gotten to Cassicus first and you wouldn't be in this mess. But that was his fault."
"The senator withdrew the proclamation against piracy and smuggling," said Aurelius. "So maybe the Ymandragorians got what they wanted after all."
"Don't you think for one second you weren't doing the right thing," said Kham, wagging a finger at Aurelius. "You helped save a boy's life. That's what matters, not some stupid law."
Aurelius' expression didn't change. "Quintus," he said.
"What?"
"Call me Quintus. That's my first name. I only use Aurelius when I'm on duty." He sighed. "And it looks like I won't be on duty for awhile. At least until my transfer is complete."
He flipped the box open. A silver dagger sparkled within.
"Maybe I should sell this after all."
Kham clapped the lid down again. "Before you resort to selling gifts from senators, perhaps I could interest you in some side work. I've got two positions filled already. We have one more opening."
"Oh?" Quintus asked. "What kind of positions?"
A wide grin split Kham's face. "Oh, we've got an elf singer and a Milandisian warrior. We just need a loud-mouthed braggart. Know anybody?"
Quintus shot him a weak smile. "You already have one."
Kham blinked. "Wait, is that a yes, or are you calling me a loud-mouthed braggart too?"
This story hour is a home game from the tournament module, "Bargains of Spirit and Flesh," written by Henry Lopez, set in the Arcanis setting. Our cast of characters includes:
Quintus Aurelius Ignatius (human Clr1), played by Mike Tresca (that's me): http://michael.tresca.net
This session went a little smoother as everyone became accustomed to each other's playing styles (it takes a little while to get used to Quintus' shouting). We also all made some tactical errors that the players (including me) have all since learned from.
The final battle ends with Vlad at 1 hit point, all because of the virtue spell cast on him by Quintus.
Finally and most importantly, the ending was a near miss. Without a little nudging from Rob, we wouldn't have made the right choice, and as you'll see at the last chapter, it's entirely in keeping with Quintus character.
An infamous Quintus quote that will probably come back to haunt him: "This place is disgusting and I want to go home!"
Bargains of Spirit and Flesh - Part 1: Legendary Blades
"So, tell me again why we're here?"
Kham rolled his eyes. "Look, it's work, right? I thought you'd be grateful."
Quintus gestured at the crowded marketplace buzzing around them. They had traveled to the foot of the massive Corlanthian Mountains, in the shadow of the Dwarven enclave of Solanos Mor. Dwarves and humans were everywhere, hawking, haggling, and every once in awhile making a sale.
"It's not that. It's just that I don't see us actually getting any work done."
It was hard to get work done in Marketplace, which also happened to be the name of the town. The scent of perfumes and incense mixed with delicious smells of spiced roast boar. Tents and kiosks competed with each other through their signs in a riotous patchwork of colors. Performers were everywhere, juggling, singing, and joking.
"Oh, we're in the right place," Kham replied. "It's just that…" Kham's eyes wandered over to the rug merchant who immediately brightened when they locked gaze.
"You are looking for a rug, yes?" The merchant said, sidling up to Kham. "I give you good rug. My rugs are very nice."
Quintus frowned at the merchant, who looked a bit like an overeager puppy. "I am not interested in rugs, merchant!"
Undeterred, the merchant tried Ilmarė next. "A rug for the pretty lady?"
The Elorii stared the merchant down. "What would I do with a rug?" she said after he backed away.
"What a question! A rug will keep you warm. It will keep you soft. I give you good rug."
Vlad stood with hands on hips, surveying the long line of people standing under a weapons shop titled, "Legendary Blades."
"Is that our competition?" he asked.
Kham was too busy to respond. "So, do you have a good travel rug? I bruise easily."
"Oh yes, yes!" The merchant said excitedly. "I give you great rug. It keep you warm at night!" He began rifling through a pile of furs and cloth.
"Stop encouraging him," said Quintus. "You'll have us all buying rugs by the time he's done."
The merchant rolled out a variety of furry-looking rugs. "Touch, see? Feel the softness."
"I've heard of that shop," Vlad said, ignoring the exchange. "That's operated by the House of Elabac. Master Artisan Elabac is a dwarven craftsman of the highest order. His blades can punch through solid steel."
"If there's a line to get this work Kham speaks of," suggested Ilmarė, "maybe we should get on it."
Vlad agreed, and the three of them started to walk over to the line.
The merchant was still wrapping up a rug with several pieces of rope for Kham when he said, "the job is for caravan guards to accompany a shipment of goods to nearby Nevanne. From there, the caravan travels to Tralia in Milandir."
Quintus stopped in mid-step. "You mean…where we JUST came from?"
"Well, yes," Kham said, hefting the rug with a strap over one shoulder. "But nobody paid you to get here. It's 100 Imperials for the two-week trip."
Vlad led the way over to the line and pushed his way onto it. Smaller men got out of his way.
"You seem awfully eager to take on this job," said Quintus, joining him on the line.
Vlad nodded. "At the end of the trip, one guard is selected by Master Elabac to receive one of his famous blades. I'd have walked barefoot from Coryan to Marketplace for the chance to own of those swords."
"I'm just about barefoot," Quintus said, looking ruefully at his worn sandals. "I still haven't received my pay from the Legion of the Reluctant Warrior." The Coryani government could be a bureaucratic monstrosity and it didn't help that a centurion plotted against him at every turn. "I'm surprised you took this task, Lady Ilmarė. Surely caravan duty is beneath one such as you."
Ilmarė slipped into line easily without bumping into anybody. "I am Larestri," she said.
"Lay-WHAT-he?" asked Vlad.
"It is Eloran for 'those who roam'. It is my mission to walk among humans and learn their ways."
Quintus squinted at her. "Learn our ways? For what purpose?"
"For the coming war, of course."
Before any of them could ask more, Vlad found himself at the front of the line.
"Name?" asked a stocky dwarf with a bright red beard.
"Vlad Martell."
"Next!" Vlad hastily moved aside as Quintus stepped up. "Name?"
"I am Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, Signifer of the Legion of the-"
The dwarf made a small mark next to the word "human" on his pad. "Next!"
"But you didn't even write my name down!"
"I said NEXT!" shouted the dwarf.
Ilmarė glanced down at the pad the dwarf was holding. "Osalikene," she said.
The dwarf looked at her.
"Elorii?"
The dwarf looked at her.
Ilmarė sighed. "Elf."
The dwarf made a checkmark next to the word "elf."
"Next!"
Quintus glowered down at the dwarf, who was studiously ignoring him. "And just how are you selecting who will guard this caravan? Surely we can't all be guards."
Kham stepped up. "Human," he said with a smirk.
"Next!"
Quintus walked out into the street, out of earshot of the other applicants. "So do you have some sort of plan to get us hired?"
"I'm sure something will turn up." Kham put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "They have to thin out the guards somehow."
Quintus puts his hands on his hips. "That's it? That's the plan? Is that what they teach you in handgonner school?"
Kham rolled his eyes. "First, don't try to use the joke I used on you two weeks ago against me. It sounds stupid when you do it."
Vlad nodded vigorously in agreement with Kham, then slowly stopped nodding when he noticed Quintus glaring at him.
"Second, maybe you should pray to your god or something for guidance. In the mean time, I'm going to get a drink and keep my ear to the ground."
And with that, Kham walked off into the crowd.
Vlad and Ilmarė looked from Kham's retreating back to Quintus. Then they followed Kham.
Quintus looked up at the sun. "Iliir give me strength. Or strike him dead. I'll take either one."
Bargains of Spirit and Flesh - Part 2: Defenders of the Weak
"What do you mean you can't find Kham?"
Vlad looked over his shoulder. "I told you: He went into one of the many taverns back there and he didn't come out. I don't know where he went. I'm sure he'll turn up."
Quintus looked took a deep, frustrated breath. "Well, he was the closest thing we had to a guide here. It's getting dark out. We'd better find a place to sleep."
Ilmarė pointed to a sign in front of an inn. "Perhaps there." The sign read "The Sins of Our Fathers."
Quintus shook his head. "I don't think-"
There was a shout off to their left. "Mind your own business, old man!" someone hissed, trying and failing to be silent.
Quintus and Vlad exchanged looks. Quintus nodded as he put his hand on the hilt of his gladius. Vlad slowly unsheathed his sword as he slipped into the darkness of the alleyway. Ilmarė followed.
As Quintus stepped into the alley, he could make out four rough-looking men standing over a crumpled form. A woman was weeping against a wall behind them, covering her face.
"Unhand them!" Quintus shouted.
The men looked up in surprise. One of the thugs had a hand on the old dwarf's collar, the other raised in a fist.
"I am Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, Signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the-"
The lead thug dropped the old dwarf. "Get 'em!"
He rushed at Quintus but was intercepted by Vlad, who stepped into his path. The lead thug bounced off the larger man's breastplate. Vlad wagged his finger in the man's face.
There was a flash of steel and the man crumpled in a heap, clutching his chest. Ilmarė stood over the fallen man, her longsword covered in red.
"By order of the Emperor," began Quintus, "I demand you-"
The thugs fled, dragging their bleeding comrade with them.
"One of these days, I'm going to finish a sent-"
"Over here!" shouted Vlad. "I think the old man is hurt." He was crouched over the old dwarf. "I don't think he can get up." Behind them, Ilmarė calmed the woman down.
Quintus muttered something to himself and crouched down next to the old dwarf.
"Can you stand, father?" he said, his tone softening.
The old man's nose had been broken. "Looks bad," Quintus said. "Stand back."
Quintus leaned down and put both of his palms on the man's head. "Illiir, iuvo sana sua vulna levis."
A soft light emanated from Quintus' hands and suffused the dwarf with a golden glow.
"Ah!" the old man said, his wounds healed. "A brother…of Illiir! Bless you…for your kindness." He spoke in long, slow gasps that were painful to listen to. It seemed as if each breath was his last.
"You never mentioned you were a priest," Ilmarė said from the shadows.
Quintus glanced up at her. "I am not a priest. I am a signifer."
The woman weeping against the wall stopped sobbing. She slowly backed away, then turned and ran.
"Real friendly town," said Vlad.
"A prostitute," Ilmarė responded, "fearful of Coryani law."
"You shouldn't defend prostitutes, old man," said Vlad. "You were no match for that many men."
"Or even one man," Ilmarė added.
Quintus helped the old man to his feet. "It is fortunate…you were…nearby," he said. " What brought you…to Marketplace?"
"Caravan duty," Quintus said with a frown. "But we've traveled two weeks from Coryan, only to discover that there are hundreds of applicants for the task, with no clear explanation as to who will be selected."
The old dwarf pointed one crooked finger in the direction of The Sins of Our Fathers inn. "I…recommend staying…at that inn," he said. Then he began to hobble down the street.
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" asked Vlad.
Two dwarves rushed up to the older man. Vlad recognized one of them as the lazy note taker from the caravan line. "Master Elabac," one shouted, "are you alright?"
"Master Elabac?" Vlad and Quintus said in unison, blinking in surprise.
The old man turned and winked at them as the younger dwarves hustled him away.
"I think we were just went through the selection process," said Ilmarė. She walked across the street to the inn.
Vlad began striding towards the inn. "And we know where we're staying tonight."
Quintus looked skywards. "Thank you, Illiir." He started to follow his two companions into the peculiarly named inn. Then he paused. "I guess this means Kham's not dead." After chuckling to himself, he ducked through the door into the inn.
Bargains of Spirit and Flesh - Part 3a: Into Solanos Mor
Ilmarė joined Quintus and Vlad at a table in the corner of the inn. Its various denizens were just waking up, many of them sleeping where they sat the night before.
Quintus dipped a piece of bread into a bowl filled with Savonan wine. "Would you like some bread?"
Ilmarė put one hand up in disgust. "No, thank you, I already ate."
"Oh, it's not that bad," said Vlad, chewing loudly. "Although I think it needs some sausage."
"Bara lawr," said Ilmarė. "If you're going to eat bread, it should at least taste like something. Bara lawr is delicious."
Quintus popped another piece of bread into his mouth. "I doubt they serve that here."
"I see you found Kham," said Ilmarė. "And he is not dead."
Vlad shrugged. "It's hard to tell, really."
The door to the tavern swung open and two dwarves entered. Vlad recognized from the night before.
"We beg your pardons for interrupting your repast," said the older of the two dwarves. "I am Maten, and this is Beldin. We are of the Legendary Blades Smithy."
"I'd introduce myself but I'm sure you remember our names by now since you took such careful notes," said Quintus in measured tones.
Maten wrung his hands. "Master Elabac has asked for the honor of your presence. If you would be so kind as to follow us, we will take you to Solanos Mor."
"We would be honored. We'll meet you outside," said Vlad. The dwarves anxiously complied.
Quintus stood up and picked up his backpack. "I don't know why we should be honored to be invited to his home when we already signed up for this task."
"Solanos Mor is no ordinary home," said Ilmarė. "It's not common for outsiders to be allowed within Solanos Mor proper."
Vlad belted on his scabbard. "I want to get a look at some of those legendary blades," he said. "With the right sword I could truly be a force to reckon with."
Quintus shrugged on his shield. "A man's weapons are only as good as his skill in using them."
The three of them began to walk towards the door of the tavern even as the other patrons began to groggily come to their senses.
"What about Kham?" said Vlad.
"Oh yes, that's right." Quintus picked up the bowl of wine and poured it over Kham's head, which had been lying on the table since they began eating breakfast.
Kham bolted upright with a "WAAAHHHAAA!" He fumbled for his handgonnes, shoving backwards from the table.
Quintus shook his head. "We're leaving, Kham. We're going to Solanos Mor. Are you coming?"
Realizing that perhaps he was not going under attack or about to drown, Kham shook his head to clear some of the cobwebs. "Solanos Mor, huh?" he said, rolling up his rug, which he had been laying on top of. "Dwarves, right? Won't that be cramped?"
Bargains of Spirit and Flesh - Part 3b: Into Solanos Mor
They walked for seemingly hours up a hill, but Solanos Mor was always a presence, looming over Marketplace. Intricately carved twin doors made of solid iron flanked the entrance. Spanning both of the double doors was a stylized face, with eyes looking towards the heavens and its mouth shaped in a silent scream.
"Happy place," said Kham.
They followed their dwarven guides into a tunnel that was equally spacious. When they entered into the city proper, they paused to take in the sights.
"Well," said Vlad, "I don't think we have to worry about cramped spaces."
"This is the Vault," said Beldin matter of factly.
Solanos Mor was a city within a cavern—the largest cavern any of them had ever seen. The buildings and halls were of huge proportions that stretched towards the vaulted ceilings and entryways. The distance across the city was so great that torchlight was not enough to illuminate it. The cavern itself may as well have been a starless night sky.
There was a low, rhythmic humming that reverberated throughout the cavern. As they moved deeper into Solanos Mor, it became clear that the humming was actually thousands of voices, all of them chanting in unison.
Ilmarė looked surprised.
"What is it?" asked Quintus.
"It's Ancient Altharin," she replied. "They are praying to your god." She said the last word with obvious distaste.
"While outside the streets of the Vault, it is considered highly offensive to speak any words that are not the Catechism of Light," said Maten.
They journeyed through looming shadows and darkened corridors. Everything was made out of stone and all of it much larger than they imagined possible for dwarves. Throughout the journey, Beldin and Maten chanted a prayer along with their brethren. They stopped before a large stoned building bellowing huge gouts of smoke and soot.
"Master Elabac will be along shortly," said Beldin. Then he ushered them inside.
They entered a room filled with weapons of all shapes and sizes. The wall was blanketed with them: axes, swords, and spears of every stripe. Vlad looked around, eyes wide.
"This…this is amazing," he said.
Kham sat down on an anvil. "What's the big deal?"
Quintus squinted at a longspear that was bracketed to the wall. "The entire dwarven race was struck by Illiir's curse. That curse is passed from generation to generation. After the curse, the god Sarish struck a bargain with the dwarves: if they were to create the perfect item, the cursed would be lifted."
"Your gods are a petty lot," said Ilmarė.
Vlad had his eyes on a gleaming longsword. "These weapons are-"
"Failures," said the old dwarf as he entered the room. "They are not perfect…they have not lifted…our curse. But I am so close…"
Beldin and Maten escorted Elabac to a nearby stool and stood at his side.
"I am five centuries old," said Elabac. "I will not last much longer…but I am so close…to crafting the perfect blade."
"We have strived to redeem ourselves in the eyes of Illiir the Merciful," said Beldin, "but as each generation passes, fewer and fewer dwarves are born. Master Elabac must live to complete his task or our clan may be extinguished altogether."
"How?" Vlad asked.
"We will accompany the caravan to Nevanne and Tralia," said Maten. "Then, a member of the val'Inares clan will activate an Ansharan Portal to our final destination."
"And we need," Elabac said with a weak smile, "reliable guards."
Kham leaned forward to look Elabac in the eye. "A portal to where?"
"Ventaka."
Kham looked around to confirm the expressions of his companions. "In Canceri?"
Elabac nodded.
"The same stronghold of the Nerothians?"
All three dwarves nodded. "Master Elabac will entreat the Nerothian Akali Vervain to intercede on his behalf with Neroth."
"So you wish to bargain with one fickle deity to please another," Ilmarė said with a frown.
Kham put his hands to his temples. "Wait, wait, WAIT. Let me get this straight: you want to march right into the center of Canceri and politely ask to have your life extended. Does anyone else see a problem with this?"
"If it is Illiir's will, I will see it through to the end," said Quintus.
Vlad's gaze flicked over to the blades. "What do we get in return?"
Elabac smiled, broader this time. "You will each…receive one of my…failures."
"Gee," said Kham, "that sounds-"
"I'm in," Vlad said abruptly, standing at attention.
Kham looked to Ilmarė. "You too?"
Ilmarė smiled a slight smile back at him. "I will only be too pleased to witness man and dwarf's folly to its conclusion."
The Val hopped off the anvil and began pacing. "This is a mistake. You don't know Canceri like I do."
He took the emerald brooch off of his overcoat, huffed on it, polished it with his sleeve, and put it back on. "But if you're all set on going, then I guess I am too."
Vlad clapped Kham on the back. "Glad to have you."
"Besides," Kham said sheepishly, "I rather fancy that scimitar over there."
Ilmarė rolled her eyes. "Very altruistic of you."
"Excellent," said Elabac. "Meet us…at the courtyard…of Legendary Blades…at dawn." The dwarves filtered out of the room.
Kham blinked. "Dawn? That's a few hours from now."
"Surely you can find a comfortable table somewhere to lay your rug on," said Quintus. Kham grumbled and followed everyone else out into the darkness of Solanos Mor.
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