Ashy's Oathbound Campaign, IC [ARCHIVED]

[Ashy]

"Well then let me bring the conversation around to the opposite point of view, from the ground up rather than the top down cosmology of the flock.

Who are the powers of the region that we are likely to meet and what can you tell us of them? You mentioned the asherake and we know he sends out military strike forces in airships. You also mentioned another who he attacked, as well as a port city and a place called Penance."

Isror replies, "Well, any seed worth his salt can scrape up a pile o' sand and whip some slaves into submission long 'nuff to call himself a warlord, but most'a them poor souls don't live long enough fer anyone to know about 'em. Arena, ya see, is less about findin' tha' gold and tha' gems that lie buried 'neath tha' sands, but more about holdin' 'em. Th' three major warlords are Varan Trinovant, Minos Spar, and Regan Severn - they supposedly have a 'non-aggression' pact - rule th' land around th' Sea of Tears. There are lots more of 'em though, spread all over Arena. I've heard of most, but never seen but a few."

"Th' Asherake is quickly becomin' a major warlord, and many folk whisper that he'll be takin' on the big three soon, but we know differ'nt." The ram man exchanges a knowing look to his companions before continuing. "We know 'at he's spread too thin, tryin' to control too much; but you'll never hear tha' talk in these parts. Ossian - th' warlord who was defeated not to far from here tonight - an' th' Asherake tangle up lots. If th' Asherake is the grand slaver o' Arena-" at this point Isror looks to his wife briefly before continuing, "then Ossian is tha master o' freedom. Ossian does not force those that live 'neath his banner ta work or fight - they do so 'cause they believe in Ossian an' his grand cause."

At this point, Isror produces a large wineskin from beneath the piled blankets and takes a long pull. He smacks his lips loudly and passes it to the next person in the circle. "Ah! My throat grows dry - here, drink up!"

 

[Ashy]

As their guests speak, Julian is a little surprized at their willingness to be helpful, after all the way this world was described he thought it one of constant conflict with beings always trying to come out on top...
Catching Kyrons glance, as their leader speaks of their mission with possible goals, Julian agrees mentally that these folks should at least be checked for evil intent...who knows what this world may hide in pleasant guises. Even though in his heart he feels that these beings, dispite their strange appearance, may wind up being some of their strongest allies in days to come
He closes his eyes, soup temporarily forgotten, tries to sense the true alliances these new aquantances may have...
OOC: just to be sure Detect Evil....

Julian:

Spoiler

As you close your eyes and reach out with your inner being, the darkness behind your eyes slowly dims until there is none left. Against the small, distant light that you know is Kiera, there are shades of flickering grey amongst both your party and the group before you, but there is none of the inky blackness you normally associate with evil.

 

[Vendetta]

Passing up the wine, Xerxes asks. "What are the goals of Ossian, if you know, sir? Does he also seek conquest or mearly try to defend his lands? Does he actively resist the "three"?."

 

[deadestdai]

At the mention of "wine" and the smacking of thirst quneched lips, Baja suddenly sits bolt upright, expectant of what he hoped would be coming his way in an alcoholic form.

 

[hafrogman]

Tristan idly scratches Raak behind the ears as he relaxes by the fire and listens to Isror describe the warlords. He quietly contemplates his own words earlier. What exactly are their goals here? It seemed so easy when they were all being trained and sent out. Go to the forge, discover its secrets and do what is needed to stop it. But, the forge is not just peopled by those that have been brought there against their wills. If they succeed in destroying the flock, will this world cease to exist as well? What then will happen to Isror and his people? But he was getting ahead of himself. So far they didn't even have an idea of where to start, or at least he didn't. Perhaps Kiera had some plan that he didn't know about yet.

He is pulled from his reverie by the sudden movement from Baja and smiles to himself as he watches the half-orc make sure that nobody else in the circle will get any wine tonigh.

 

[Ashy]

Passing up the wine, Xerxes asks. "What are the goals of Ossian, if you know, sir? Does he also seek conquest or mearly try to defend his lands? Does he actively resist the "three"?."

Isror smiles at Baja, produces another wineskin just for him and hands it over. He then replies to the psion, "I'd guess his basic goals are much like our's - or anyone's in Arena fer tha' matter - ta survive from day ta day. 'At in itself is no small task. But Ossian is a good sort, from what I've been told - none of which I trust, mind ya - with all tha' blasted propaganda floatin' around the sands. From what I hear Ossian seeks ta live in peace as much as he can, but he still digs in tha' dirt, so ta speak. And gold here brings battle, as sure as tha sands are red. I guess he resists tha three as much as any, when they try and take any of his mines or lands, but for tha most part, I've heard little of infightin' betwixt them-"

"These words are true, for the most part." - the voice comes from the darkness, near the tunnel leading to the outer chamber. The sudden appearance of the voice causes everyone to jump and some to reach for weapons, but the mystery speaker is soon revealed. PC, looking far the worse for wear, steps out of the shadows and into the firelight. His bright eyes looks to the party and he nods. "I owe you a debt for saving my life. I doubt I should have seen the light of day if you would have left me to the claws and teeth of the gaunts. Beware the words of outlaws, however, as they sledom ring true. Ossian is as fine and as true a warlord as Arena has ever known, or else he would not have my alleigance."

 

[Vendetta]

"It is good to see you in command of yourself again, PC, if still a bit... under the weather." Xerxes says with a grin, "I'm sure it is little more than a good night's sleep and the caring touch of our Priestess' healing hands."

 

[hafrogman]

Tristan watches the newly awakened PC warily. Xerxes seemed awful cheerful despite the fact that their newly awakened friend did not seem to well disposed towards their host. He hoped that nothing bad would come of this. He says nothing, but simply nods in response to PC's statement of gratitude.

 

[Voadam]

It is good to see you recovered from the Gaunt poison. I regret I could not fully purge you of the toxins before. It was good to have your blade beside us. I look forward to hearing what you can tell us of this world and its peoples. Please join us.

 

[deadestdai]

Licking spilt wine from his forearm (That he had previously wiped form his chin.), Baja eyes the kitten-thing with suspiscion as he speaks out against the very people who had given Baja wine!