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Shackled City Epic: "Vengeance" (story concluded)
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<blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 1859759" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>Given how isolated Cauldron is, probably not right away, but over the course of the campaign, who knows...</p><p></p><p>* * * * * </p><p></p><p>Chapter 264 </p><p></p><p>Afternoon turned quickly to evening, and evening deepened even faster into night. Over the town of Cauldron, a preternatural hush descended, even the usual night sounds muted as its citizens retreated to their homes and rooms to await the coming of another troubled day. </p><p></p><p>Mole and Dannel returned shortly after sunset. The gnome was all excitement, and quickly found the others—at least some of them; Zenna was still in seclusion with Jenya, and Hodge had already passed out—to share her news. </p><p></p><p>“Great news!” she said to Beorna and Arun. “Since we’ve been such great customers, Skie has signed our company up for her ‘Adventurer’s Discount’. We get special deals on magic items, and special bids on new items that come into stock!” </p><p></p><p>“Don’t forget the name,” Dannel prodded her with a smile. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, right! We also get the name of our adventuring company on the panel in front of her shop; she’s got a whole stone porch covered with them!” She paused, a wide grin on her face. </p><p></p><p>“And?” Arun finally asked. </p><p></p><p>“And so we need to come up with a name for us! For our company!”</p><p></p><p>The paladin rubbed at his temples. “Mole. We just got back from a tenday’s holiday in the Abyss. We’re in the midst of a town cursed by unholy dangers and hidden evil. We’ve just uncovered a plot that had risen to the highest levels of the most popular church in town. We just finished a day of desperate battles, and most likely tomorrow will be just as intense, if Jenya’s divination is successful. Assassins that want us dead are in all likelihood still out there, and no doubt the evil intelligence that came up with that cage now has an interest in us as well.”</p><p></p><p>Mole listened patiently throughout Arun’s diatribe. When he’d finished, she just stood there, blankly, before turning to Beorna. “So, Beorna, what do <em>you</em> think we should be called? I kinda think ‘Mole’s Crusaders’ has a nice sound to it, don’t you agree?”</p><p></p><p>Arun glanced over at Hodge, for the moment envying him his unconsciousness. </p><p></p><p>Seeing that her audience wasn’t quite prepared for the momentous duty of selecting a name for their adventuring company, Mole turned to the items she’d bought for them at Skie’s. Her <em>bag of holding</em> had picked up a surprising quantity of loot for a single day of trouble, and she had tried to buy something for everyone in the group. </p><p></p><p>Dannel already bore his prize, a magical quiver that contained an extradimensional space that could hold several times the typical quantity of arrows. Given their difficulties in finding a fletcher on Occipitus, it seemed a useful thing to have. </p><p></p><p>Mole had bought herself a small magical dagger, a weapon superior to her tiny knife, but otherwise of the size that a human would use to cut bread. She’d also acquired a small rust-colored sack that Skie had been delighted to demonstrate for her; the bag contained a tiny furry ball that could be hurled from the bag to become a real live animal. The animals only lasted a short time, and they weren’t <em>truly</em> real, she knew, but the device was just too fascinating to pass up, especially at the discounted rate. </p><p></p><p>Perhaps feeling a bit guilty at buying two things for herself, Mole had splurged on items for the others. For Hodge she’d bought a pair of heavy winter boots, enchanted with magic that protected their wearer from cold weather. For Arun, she’d gotten several vials filled with potions that offered various enhancements useful in battle. And for Zenna, knowing her friend’s constant obsession with magic, Skie had provided a select choice of potent arcane scrolls, for addition to her spellbook. </p><p></p><p>The gnome turned to Beorna, a guilty expression suddenly appearing on her face. “I am sorry, Beorna... I forgot to get you something. A share of the treasure is properly yours...”</p><p></p><p>“Don’t worry, Mole,” the dwarf woman replied. “Doing good can be its own reward. And besides, I have already gotten several items; this ring, and the cloak and amulet that yon fell priest will not be needing anymore.” </p><p> </p><p>“Oh, okay then!” Mole said cheerfully. </p><p></p><p>“Any rumors on the street about today’s activities?” Arun asked. </p><p></p><p>Dannel responded for her. “No, it’s surprisingly quiet,” the elf said. “It can’t be a secret that something’s wrong, not with half the Watch going in and out of the temple of Kelemvor all afternoon.”</p><p></p><p>“These people are cowed,” Beorna said. “They have been humbled into huddling like cravens in their homes, and not asking questions that might have unpleasant answers.”</p><p></p><p>Dannel frowned. “They’re good people, at heart. The folk of Cauldron have suffered greatly in the last year, however. Anyone would be changed some, under such conditions.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, that is what I am here to change,” the templar replied simply. </p><p></p><p>The door down the hall opened, and Mole darted off to share her tales with Zenna. Dannel followed, after a nod to the two dwarves. </p><p></p><p>“You travel with interesting companions, Golden Boy,” Beorna said, when they had left. </p><p></p><p>“My name is Arun.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, what do you know, you can speak to me after all,” she said. “For a moment, I feared that your tongue tied into knots at the appearance of one of your own kind.”</p><p></p><p>Arun glanced at Hodge. </p><p></p><p>“Aye, yes, he’s your friend, and a stout fellow he is, although I’d prefer it if he bathed at least <em>once</em> a year. But that’s not what I’m getting at. You’re an odd fellow, Arun Goldenshield... a puzzle, and I don’t generally like puzzles that I cannot figure out.”</p><p></p><p>“I am what you see before you,” the paladin said simply. </p><p></p><p>“Aye, and I saw what manner of man you are, this day.”</p><p></p><p>“I do what I feel that I must.”</p><p></p><p>“A philosophy that I share. But beyond that simple answer lies deeper truths, I suspect.”</p><p></p><p>He looked at her. “Is that not always the case?”</p><p></p><p>She nodded, and for a long moment they sat there, silent. Finally, she rose. </p><p></p><p>“We shall have another long day tomorrow, and my bed seems preferable to the floor,” she said, indicating Hodge’s snoring figure with a nod. </p><p></p><p>Arun stood, out of politeness. The slightly archaic gesture seemed to amuse the dwarf woman. But when she turned to him again, for a final farewell, her expression was serious. </p><p></p><p>“Would you like to join me?”</p><p></p><p>It was generally held that the dark-skinned gold dwarves could not flush the way that fair-skinned folk could, but at that question Arun made a fair effort. “We have known each other for barely a full day!” he finally managed. </p><p></p><p>Beorna shrugged, and smiled. “So? We are holy warriors, but not humans, with their silly vows of chastity and asceticism. My faith does not require that of me, and neither does yours, from what I know of the Soul Forger’s code. Today we strode into the gates of fire and destruction and emerged, still drawing breath. Tomorrow we return to the jaws of battle, and may die. Who can say?”</p><p></p><p>“I said before that I didn’t understand you, Arun, but maybe I do. I’ve walked a solitary path all my life... an outsider even among those I called my brothers and sisters. Our path, it’s demanding of even the strongest soul... and it can be lonely, too.”</p><p></p><p>For just a moment, she let her defenses down, and he could see inside, to the depths that she kept bottled away under her tough outer shell. It was very familiar, for it was a reflection of what he himself had kept buried ever since he’d been banished from his people, with only his honor to keep him company. Since coming here to Cauldron, he’d found the warmth of friendship, but Beorna’s words reminded him that there was more, something he’d nearly allowed himself to forget. </p><p></p><p>He came to her, and his smile was deep.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 1859759, member: 143"] Given how isolated Cauldron is, probably not right away, but over the course of the campaign, who knows... * * * * * Chapter 264 Afternoon turned quickly to evening, and evening deepened even faster into night. Over the town of Cauldron, a preternatural hush descended, even the usual night sounds muted as its citizens retreated to their homes and rooms to await the coming of another troubled day. Mole and Dannel returned shortly after sunset. The gnome was all excitement, and quickly found the others—at least some of them; Zenna was still in seclusion with Jenya, and Hodge had already passed out—to share her news. “Great news!” she said to Beorna and Arun. “Since we’ve been such great customers, Skie has signed our company up for her ‘Adventurer’s Discount’. We get special deals on magic items, and special bids on new items that come into stock!” “Don’t forget the name,” Dannel prodded her with a smile. “Oh, right! We also get the name of our adventuring company on the panel in front of her shop; she’s got a whole stone porch covered with them!” She paused, a wide grin on her face. “And?” Arun finally asked. “And so we need to come up with a name for us! For our company!” The paladin rubbed at his temples. “Mole. We just got back from a tenday’s holiday in the Abyss. We’re in the midst of a town cursed by unholy dangers and hidden evil. We’ve just uncovered a plot that had risen to the highest levels of the most popular church in town. We just finished a day of desperate battles, and most likely tomorrow will be just as intense, if Jenya’s divination is successful. Assassins that want us dead are in all likelihood still out there, and no doubt the evil intelligence that came up with that cage now has an interest in us as well.” Mole listened patiently throughout Arun’s diatribe. When he’d finished, she just stood there, blankly, before turning to Beorna. “So, Beorna, what do [I]you[/I] think we should be called? I kinda think ‘Mole’s Crusaders’ has a nice sound to it, don’t you agree?” Arun glanced over at Hodge, for the moment envying him his unconsciousness. Seeing that her audience wasn’t quite prepared for the momentous duty of selecting a name for their adventuring company, Mole turned to the items she’d bought for them at Skie’s. Her [I]bag of holding[/I] had picked up a surprising quantity of loot for a single day of trouble, and she had tried to buy something for everyone in the group. Dannel already bore his prize, a magical quiver that contained an extradimensional space that could hold several times the typical quantity of arrows. Given their difficulties in finding a fletcher on Occipitus, it seemed a useful thing to have. Mole had bought herself a small magical dagger, a weapon superior to her tiny knife, but otherwise of the size that a human would use to cut bread. She’d also acquired a small rust-colored sack that Skie had been delighted to demonstrate for her; the bag contained a tiny furry ball that could be hurled from the bag to become a real live animal. The animals only lasted a short time, and they weren’t [I]truly[/I] real, she knew, but the device was just too fascinating to pass up, especially at the discounted rate. Perhaps feeling a bit guilty at buying two things for herself, Mole had splurged on items for the others. For Hodge she’d bought a pair of heavy winter boots, enchanted with magic that protected their wearer from cold weather. For Arun, she’d gotten several vials filled with potions that offered various enhancements useful in battle. And for Zenna, knowing her friend’s constant obsession with magic, Skie had provided a select choice of potent arcane scrolls, for addition to her spellbook. The gnome turned to Beorna, a guilty expression suddenly appearing on her face. “I am sorry, Beorna... I forgot to get you something. A share of the treasure is properly yours...” “Don’t worry, Mole,” the dwarf woman replied. “Doing good can be its own reward. And besides, I have already gotten several items; this ring, and the cloak and amulet that yon fell priest will not be needing anymore.” “Oh, okay then!” Mole said cheerfully. “Any rumors on the street about today’s activities?” Arun asked. Dannel responded for her. “No, it’s surprisingly quiet,” the elf said. “It can’t be a secret that something’s wrong, not with half the Watch going in and out of the temple of Kelemvor all afternoon.” “These people are cowed,” Beorna said. “They have been humbled into huddling like cravens in their homes, and not asking questions that might have unpleasant answers.” Dannel frowned. “They’re good people, at heart. The folk of Cauldron have suffered greatly in the last year, however. Anyone would be changed some, under such conditions.” “Well, that is what I am here to change,” the templar replied simply. The door down the hall opened, and Mole darted off to share her tales with Zenna. Dannel followed, after a nod to the two dwarves. “You travel with interesting companions, Golden Boy,” Beorna said, when they had left. “My name is Arun.” “Well, what do you know, you can speak to me after all,” she said. “For a moment, I feared that your tongue tied into knots at the appearance of one of your own kind.” Arun glanced at Hodge. “Aye, yes, he’s your friend, and a stout fellow he is, although I’d prefer it if he bathed at least [I]once[/I] a year. But that’s not what I’m getting at. You’re an odd fellow, Arun Goldenshield... a puzzle, and I don’t generally like puzzles that I cannot figure out.” “I am what you see before you,” the paladin said simply. “Aye, and I saw what manner of man you are, this day.” “I do what I feel that I must.” “A philosophy that I share. But beyond that simple answer lies deeper truths, I suspect.” He looked at her. “Is that not always the case?” She nodded, and for a long moment they sat there, silent. Finally, she rose. “We shall have another long day tomorrow, and my bed seems preferable to the floor,” she said, indicating Hodge’s snoring figure with a nod. Arun stood, out of politeness. The slightly archaic gesture seemed to amuse the dwarf woman. But when she turned to him again, for a final farewell, her expression was serious. “Would you like to join me?” It was generally held that the dark-skinned gold dwarves could not flush the way that fair-skinned folk could, but at that question Arun made a fair effort. “We have known each other for barely a full day!” he finally managed. Beorna shrugged, and smiled. “So? We are holy warriors, but not humans, with their silly vows of chastity and asceticism. My faith does not require that of me, and neither does yours, from what I know of the Soul Forger’s code. Today we strode into the gates of fire and destruction and emerged, still drawing breath. Tomorrow we return to the jaws of battle, and may die. Who can say?” “I said before that I didn’t understand you, Arun, but maybe I do. I’ve walked a solitary path all my life... an outsider even among those I called my brothers and sisters. Our path, it’s demanding of even the strongest soul... and it can be lonely, too.” For just a moment, she let her defenses down, and he could see inside, to the depths that she kept bottled away under her tough outer shell. It was very familiar, for it was a reflection of what he himself had kept buried ever since he’d been banished from his people, with only his honor to keep him company. Since coming here to Cauldron, he’d found the warmth of friendship, but Beorna’s words reminded him that there was more, something he’d nearly allowed himself to forget. He came to her, and his smile was deep. [/QUOTE]
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