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Adventures in the Eastern Provinces
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<blockquote data-quote="the Jester" data-source="post: 7494810" data-attributes="member: 1210"><p>Day by day, the Double Javelins grow bolder. They venture further afield in search of game or forage, and are less and less restrained when raiding outlying farms and fields. Thannox himself leads a hunting party most evenings, bold and fearless, skewering deer or hare or boar with his javelins. Others steal sheep, goats, or chickens from the locals. </p><p></p><p>But one thing that the Double Javelins can't find in large quantities this way- and one which Kane correctly surmises that the free company will need in order to keep itself together- is alcohol. It's something that requires at least one of the javelins to come in and spend coin in order to maintain a reliable supply. </p><p></p><p>So, when Dolorous Pete enters the tavern, discrete as he is, both Shar and Kane recognize him. They know him as a Double Javelin from their own days as members of the mercenary group, and they know that he doesn't live in Overland. No, it's apparent to them that Dolorous Pete is here to pick up the booze. </p><p></p><p>They let him reach the bar before they emerge from their corner, casting their cloaks aside to reveal themselves. “Hello, Pete,” Kane growls, and the man turns to face them, surprise twisting his features for a moment. The rest of the party stands behind the two former javelins. </p><p></p><p>“Well, well,” he says. “Kane. Shar. It's been a while. What have you been up to?” </p><p></p><p>“You know,” Shar snaps. “You know exactly what we've been up to. We've been taking charge around here.” Shifty, not wanting his authority to be overlooked, quickly steps up beside her. </p><p></p><p>Pete's eyes flick from the two co-governors to Kane. “You're working for them, now, huh?” </p><p></p><p>“I don't work <em>for</em> anyone. I'm working <em>with</em> them.”</p><p></p><p>Eyes still on Kane, Dolorous Pete says, “Well, it looks like you've got me. What are you going to do with me?”</p><p></p><p>A smile touches Kane's face, but not his eyes. But it's Shar who speaks. “That's up to you.”</p><p></p><p>Shifty spreads his hands. “Let us make you an offer you can't refuse.”</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The party is very persuasive, especially when Karl adds a magical “curse” to ensure compliance. This, of course, is nothing more than bluster and a magical light show to cow Dolorous Pete; but the Double Javelin has little enough experience with the arcane that he believes the lie unreservedly. </p><p></p><p>“It will be best if you can hand pick the other members of the hunting party,” Karl says, “to help minimize bloodshed. Choose people who will be reasonable.”</p><p></p><p>Dolorous Pete looks from one of them to another. He licks his lips nervously.</p><p></p><p>“Do well, and we will let you live.” Kane glares at him.</p><p></p><p>“And even reward you!” adds Shifty. </p><p></p><p>“What will you do with the rest of the javelins?”</p><p></p><p>Shar says, “They will have to be integrated into our forces.”</p><p></p><p>“I will lead them.” Kane's eyes remain fixed on Dolorous Pete. “If you wish to stay with the Double Javelins, you'd best consider who is going to be in charge of them.”</p><p></p><p>Shifty beams. “Just think! This may be your chance to rise in rank!”</p><p></p><p>Dolorous Pete shifts from one foot to the other uncomfortably. “And if I refuse?” </p><p></p><p>Kane shows his teeth.</p><p></p><p>“You know the answer to that,” states Alkor, thumbing the tip of an arrow.</p><p></p><p>“I suppose I do.”</p><p></p><p>“Don't try any treachery,” warns Shar. “You won't like what happens.”</p><p></p><p>“Remember the curse.” Karlinden's eyes bulge and he shakes a long finger at the mercenary.</p><p></p><p>“And remember, I'll be right beside you, just out of view, the whole time.” Dolorous Pete starts, for suddenly Sepia is right behind him. “I will kill you if you betray us.” Then she slips back into the shadows. </p><p></p><p>“All right, all right, point taken.” Pete spreads his hands. “I can do what you want.”</p><p></p><p>“Tonight,” orders Kane.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The hunting part leaves the main camp of the Double Javelins about an hour before dark. They are well-equipped with wine from Dolorous Pete's trip into town. Thannox rides at the head of a rough V, leading his followers- including Pete- into the nearby woods. Pete is just to his left, and he takes a large drink of wine and then points. “It was that way. I swear to the gods, Thannox, it was the biggest boar I've seen all year. I wasn't in any mood to try to take it down before I got the wine back, but I damn well do now!”</p><p></p><p>“Lead on,” Thannox says eagerly, fondling the shaft of one of his javelins. </p><p></p><p>Dolorous Pete does, taking the group deeper into the woods until they reach the clearing that Kane had specified. There, our heroes emerge from the thickets on all sides and descend upon Thannox while the others hang back at Pete's command. </p><p></p><p>Thannox is no slouch with a javelin. He fights hard, hurling shafts with uncanny speed and precision; but our heroes outnumber him, and he has been betrayed. While Dolorous Pete and his other men watch, Kane strikes Thannox down. </p><p></p><p><em>I guess I chose the right side,</em> Pete thinks. </p><p></p><p><em><strong>Next Time:</strong></em> Back to the Earthquake Rift!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="the Jester, post: 7494810, member: 1210"] Day by day, the Double Javelins grow bolder. They venture further afield in search of game or forage, and are less and less restrained when raiding outlying farms and fields. Thannox himself leads a hunting party most evenings, bold and fearless, skewering deer or hare or boar with his javelins. Others steal sheep, goats, or chickens from the locals. But one thing that the Double Javelins can't find in large quantities this way- and one which Kane correctly surmises that the free company will need in order to keep itself together- is alcohol. It's something that requires at least one of the javelins to come in and spend coin in order to maintain a reliable supply. So, when Dolorous Pete enters the tavern, discrete as he is, both Shar and Kane recognize him. They know him as a Double Javelin from their own days as members of the mercenary group, and they know that he doesn't live in Overland. No, it's apparent to them that Dolorous Pete is here to pick up the booze. They let him reach the bar before they emerge from their corner, casting their cloaks aside to reveal themselves. “Hello, Pete,” Kane growls, and the man turns to face them, surprise twisting his features for a moment. The rest of the party stands behind the two former javelins. “Well, well,” he says. “Kane. Shar. It's been a while. What have you been up to?” “You know,” Shar snaps. “You know exactly what we've been up to. We've been taking charge around here.” Shifty, not wanting his authority to be overlooked, quickly steps up beside her. Pete's eyes flick from the two co-governors to Kane. “You're working for them, now, huh?” “I don't work [i]for[/i] anyone. I'm working [i]with[/i] them.” Eyes still on Kane, Dolorous Pete says, “Well, it looks like you've got me. What are you going to do with me?” A smile touches Kane's face, but not his eyes. But it's Shar who speaks. “That's up to you.” Shifty spreads his hands. “Let us make you an offer you can't refuse.” *** The party is very persuasive, especially when Karl adds a magical “curse” to ensure compliance. This, of course, is nothing more than bluster and a magical light show to cow Dolorous Pete; but the Double Javelin has little enough experience with the arcane that he believes the lie unreservedly. “It will be best if you can hand pick the other members of the hunting party,” Karl says, “to help minimize bloodshed. Choose people who will be reasonable.” Dolorous Pete looks from one of them to another. He licks his lips nervously. “Do well, and we will let you live.” Kane glares at him. “And even reward you!” adds Shifty. “What will you do with the rest of the javelins?” Shar says, “They will have to be integrated into our forces.” “I will lead them.” Kane's eyes remain fixed on Dolorous Pete. “If you wish to stay with the Double Javelins, you'd best consider who is going to be in charge of them.” Shifty beams. “Just think! This may be your chance to rise in rank!” Dolorous Pete shifts from one foot to the other uncomfortably. “And if I refuse?” Kane shows his teeth. “You know the answer to that,” states Alkor, thumbing the tip of an arrow. “I suppose I do.” “Don't try any treachery,” warns Shar. “You won't like what happens.” “Remember the curse.” Karlinden's eyes bulge and he shakes a long finger at the mercenary. “And remember, I'll be right beside you, just out of view, the whole time.” Dolorous Pete starts, for suddenly Sepia is right behind him. “I will kill you if you betray us.” Then she slips back into the shadows. “All right, all right, point taken.” Pete spreads his hands. “I can do what you want.” “Tonight,” orders Kane. *** The hunting part leaves the main camp of the Double Javelins about an hour before dark. They are well-equipped with wine from Dolorous Pete's trip into town. Thannox rides at the head of a rough V, leading his followers- including Pete- into the nearby woods. Pete is just to his left, and he takes a large drink of wine and then points. “It was that way. I swear to the gods, Thannox, it was the biggest boar I've seen all year. I wasn't in any mood to try to take it down before I got the wine back, but I damn well do now!” “Lead on,” Thannox says eagerly, fondling the shaft of one of his javelins. Dolorous Pete does, taking the group deeper into the woods until they reach the clearing that Kane had specified. There, our heroes emerge from the thickets on all sides and descend upon Thannox while the others hang back at Pete's command. Thannox is no slouch with a javelin. He fights hard, hurling shafts with uncanny speed and precision; but our heroes outnumber him, and he has been betrayed. While Dolorous Pete and his other men watch, Kane strikes Thannox down. [i]I guess I chose the right side,[/i] Pete thinks. [i][b]Next Time:[/b][/i][b][/b] Back to the Earthquake Rift! [/QUOTE]
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