Ashy's Oathbound Campaign, IC [ARCHIVED]

[Voadam]

"You said he was 'as fine and true a warlord as Arena has ever seen'. In what ways is he a good being? How strong are his forces? How does he stand against his enemies. From what Isror says I understand he numbers the Asherake among them."

 

[Ashy]

Tristan relaxes somewhat as it becomes obvious that PC has no desire to start any trouble with those he has labeled 'outlaws'. He continues watching the conversation for a while before speaking up.

"Perhaps you could tell us about the area he controls. We need to head somewhere, and from what you and Isror have said it seems like his realm would be out best bet."

PC looks to Tristan, the look he shot to the war valco vanishing. "If you seek to oppose those who would be tryants and cruel overlords, or support freedom and equality as oppossed to slavery and barbarism, then you would do well to join me on my road back to Bashat." The frey nods to himself slowly, his eyes misting slightly. "It is only a shame that my brother will not be able to return as well..."

 

[Ashy]

"You said he was 'as fine and true a warlord as Arena has ever seen'. In what ways is he a good being? How strong are his forces? How does he stand against his enemies. From what Isror says I understand he numbers the Asherake among them."

PC shakes off what seems to be a cloud od despair and continues the thoughts which arose from Tristan's questions. "Bashat is a beautiful place, it glimmers like a crown jewel of Arena, it does, nestled around a peaceful oasis in the middle of the red sands that flow between the icy white of the Vault and the verdant green of Wildwood. In the center of the oasis is a large, crystal blue lake and ringed around this plentiful source of life are three cities. Each city, Ialtus, Manari, and Destari are all parts of the whole, yet the three work together under the wise and sure guidance of Ossian." PC takes a deep breath, "Ah, I will be glad to see the three lighthouses again - their glimmering white forms rising up from the flashing green of the oasis!"

The frey takes a long swig of wine, his body wavering a bit to and fro as he drinks. You begin to wonder if his small form can handle so much wine...

"I'll tell you why Ossian is one of the greatest warlords ever to trod the red sands - he cares. Most warlords could give a whip about their "subjects", but not Ossian - he makes sure that folks have what they need and get what they deserve. He maintains peace and order whilst still providing a reason for folks to keep on going everyday. I am proud to know and stand behind the dover..." PC shoots a glance towards Isror. "Between the three cities there are nearly 30,000 souls that claim allegiance to Ossian and our army numbers over 6,000 strong - and that's just the standing army! We could add half that number again if the call went out!"

It is apparent that PC is getting a little tipsy, as his words begin to slur and his voice gets ever louder with each word. However, a part of you cannot help but to see that some of the bravado comes not from the drink, but from pride.

Isror furrows his brow at the frey, "Sush, frey! 'ere are hunters about, ya know! Tha Asherake knows ta look here for deserters, outlaws and brigands. We can only hope tha he'll rest 'pon his laurels this night - after his victory - an'll not send out tha' Wind o' Death!"

This statement seems to sober PC up a bit, but he frowns, murmuring, "...me poor brother..."

 

[Vendetta]

"Peace Frey and do not take this question as distrust, but what say you of Bashat, Isror?" Says Xerxes. "How do you see this place that PC so fondly describes?"

 

[Ashy]

Isror pauses for a moment before answering. "It is mostly as our frey friend here says, so far as I've heard. Never been there myself, but most folk seem to think that Ossian runs a pretty tight ship. I've never been one much ta trust tha words o' others when it comes ta warlords, however..." The war valco cocks a brow, "but I've been proven wrong a'fore, though."

 

[hafrogman]

Tristan bows his head at the reference to PC's brother's death, but continues listening to the discussion.

"I'm sorry for the loss of your brother."

Then he turns to face the others, particularly Kiera and Xerxes.

"And what say my companions? I think that Bashat would indeed be a good destination for the next leg of our journey?"

 

[Ashy]

The frey sniffs slightly and nods at Tristan...

 

[Vendetta]

"It may yet be the prime destination." Xerxes replies. "Though, if I may, what becomes of you? Where do you go from here? Why are you here in this hideout?" Xerxes asks their kind hosts.

 

[Voadam]

30,000 with an army of six. And how much does the Asherake count within his grasp?

 

[Ashy]

"It may yet be the prime destination." Xerxes replies. "Though, if I may, what becomes of you? Where do you go from here? Why are you here in this hideout?" Xerxes asks their kind hosts.

Isror stiffens a bit at this, but the stance is gone as quickly as it arose. "Simple 'nuff", the war valco replies, "Revenge..." His eyes trail off to Yana, who has curled up and fallen to sleep during all of the talk. "Revenge for tha which was done ta her, an' many others. In our own way, I guess we help some o' tha warlords like Ossian - from here, we are in prime position ta strike out at caravans headin' into the Fastness as well as supply lines leadin' from there to his armies abroad..."