Crossed Paths - Part I

[Jarval]

"I don't know." Brioc looks troubled. "I wish I could tell what path is best, but I cannot leave these people to the mercy of the Wendol. Besides, in the numbers we saw, the Wendol are a threat to every town and city within a week's march of here."

He frowns, and looks Ehldannis squarely in the eye. "What choice would you make in my place? I fear I am too quick to decide on a course, and have little headed your words, or those of our other companions."

 

[Inez Hull]

Ehldannis keeps Brioc's gaze and speaks with equal measure, "We must look to the greater good. There is only so much that the few of us can do against the Wendol as we now know them to be. However, by continuing our original mission we can possibly avert a major threat to the entirity of your empire. Rome is the one thing that keeps all your peoples' from slipping into the barbarism of the Wendol. My people have watched over humanity for millenia and I am studied in the histories. If Rome falls, you lose everything you have struggled and fought for."

Ehldannis breathes out a sigh and gestures to all of his companions, "but in the end this company is one of men and you must all decide our path. I have given my council, but cannot pursue my duty alone. Therefore I will follow whatever decision you reach together, for good or ill."

 

[Jarval]

"My people have lived for centuries without the help of the Romans, in what I like to think of as civilisation." Brioc looks coldly at Ehldannis. "Not all of the world needs to be taught how to behave. I help Rome because I belive it serves some useful purpose, not because my country needs educating.

"To my mind, the best course is for us to continue our search for the Greek fire, but this does not stop us from trying to find some good men to follow our cause. You never know when an army might be useful." He smiles. "How do the people of this country regard Rome? Given the threat that the Wendol represents, I'm sure they could be persuaded to send a legion to deal with them."

 

[Inez Hull]

"Yes, my apologies, I forget sometimes that your peoples' are not all united in purpose or outlook. My people have always seen the civilising influence of Rome as sign that humanity is maturing. Sometimes it is easy for an outsider to overlook the price that it has also cost for peoples other Rome itself."

"As for sending for help from Rome, I believe we are currently outside the empire's borders. This settlement would have undoubtably called for outside help if there was any forthcoming. Still, now that we have exposed the threat of the Wendol to be disappointingly mundane, perhaps we can convince the people of this region that they can deal with it themselves through a conventional mercenary force."

 

[Jarval]

Brioc smiles and nods, accepting Ehldannis' apology. He mulls over his words for a moment.

"Hmm, mercenaries tend to be both expensive and untrustworthy. That said, defeating the Wendol may require such men. A shame that we are outside of the Empire, but I know little of its borders."

 

[Manzanita]

OODM: Please allow me to repost my last entry now the conversation has trailed off. I've modified it slightly.

Tula the merchant-ranger enters the tavern, followed by a well-dressed male Dwarf, and another, younger looking dwarf. After observing the scene for a minute, she leads the dwarf to the table where Rufus, Angrinion and Burne sit. They confer briefly, then Angrinion waves the PCs over to join them.

“This is Thorvald Ironsplitter, “says Tula, and introduces the older dwarf to the PCs in turn. “He is from the Dwarven Colony of The Hold. “

Thorvald butts in at that point. He is balding, and grey haired, but seems sturdy and decisive. “I’m a trader, and no bard, but I believe we Dwarves have fought this ‘Wendol’ of your before. I have no desire to see this settlement wiped out. I think you all should accompany me back to The Hold, and see if we can figure out how to destroy or drive off these creatures.”

 

[ErichDragon]

The door to the inn opens and a slightly out of breath Ecgthow enters the common room. He immedietly walks to the bar.

"Mead or Ale whatever you have at hand."

After downing the mug in one smooth motion, he gesuteres for another and joins the group.

"I have watched the Wendol for over a day and this is what I have learned. There are thousands of them in the camp. They send out hunting and foraging parties regularly, so there is the potential to ambush small groups, one at a time. Since the settlement seems to be permanent, and they have their food needs readily available, there must be some other reason for the recent attacks on the settlers. It may be possible, unfortunately, that there is another way to stop the cannibals without an all out fight."

Ecgthow will sit down and listen to what the others have to say.

 

[Inez Hull]

Ehldannis stares in open wonder at the dwarf, having never seen one of the mountain-folk before. He realises with a start that he is being impolite at hastily draws himself together and averts his gaze.

"We have just, some of us more recently than others, returned from the Wendol's settlement to the northwest. I think pooling our knowledge would be worthwhile and hopefully we can arrive at a solution for the people of Sevastapol."

 

[doghead]

So Brioc is here at the inn, and he has companions with him. I wonder if Octar is one of them?

Already he has saved the town from savages. A capable man, or group of men.

But is this what grandfather sent me to do? I know which end of a sword to hold, but am no soldier.

I shall find out soon enough, I suppose ...

The creak of the door announces another arrival at the inn. A slender dark haired man in travel worn clothes. Spanish in appearence, but with his hair braided at the front and tied back behind in the style of the Gauls. His eyes sweep across the room, then back again, slightly troubled.

Ah, this will not be as easy as I thought. There are several obvious stangers and adventurers. But which is Brioc? A pity they could not all be sitting at the same table. Now with a little less haste and a little more thought you could have avoided this connundrum, Marcus. You have become careless on your trip. I should ask the bartender but I am weary and wish this to be done with ....

"My name is Marcus Romirez and I am looking for one called Brioc."

His voice is firm and clear, and carries easily across the room.

for better or worse it has begun ...

 

[Jarval]

Brioc looks towards the door as he is asked for, stepping forwards, Wolf at his heels.

"I am Brioc Ap Llwyd. If you seek me, what is your business?" He looks curiously at the man's slightly peculiar appearance.

Hmm, an odd one, this. Carries himself like a Gaul, but his face seems to lend itself more readily to the south. As always, time will likely give an explanation.