Storms of Change [IC]

[silentspace]

Alyssa Moonshadow had spent the days after receiving her letter getting ready. It was just a short trip to the Rillathane Bridge, only a few hours, but she knew how dangerous the lands had become. She traveled overland, passing several farming thorps and hamlets on the way. It was a rainy, misty day, and most people remained indoors. Watching the smoke rising from their cooking fires, Alyssa suddenly found herself wishing for company. She became acutely aware that she was traveling alone, in dangerous lands, towards an uncertain future.

Then she came upon the Rillathane Bridge. She was familiar with it, of course, but it never failed to take her breath away. The beauty and sheer magnitude of the bridge stood in sharp contrast to the comparatively small, almost pitiable hamlet of Muck. The waterwheel of its mill was turning slowly, powered by the Krin River.

As she reached the caravan stop on the north side of the bridge, Alyssa saw that the caravan had already arrived. There were many people about, mostly humans and dwarves. The dwarves were employees of the Riverfolk Brewery and Inn, built below them in cliffwall. She saw Sturdy Stalthas, the proprietor, talking to a gnome. There were two centaurs here as well! They were talking to a couple elves, a human, and a halfling. Off to the side there were a bunch of armored humans tying up a bunch of what appeared to be human bandits. Alyssa guided her mount forward, towards the leader of the humans. Her letter had suggested she try to gain employment with the caravan as a guard, to travel safely to Carodan.

 

[silentspace]

Polindun replies to Manzanita. “Your words are wise, Mistress Elf. Perhaps if you were present, you may have swayed the discussion. Yes, many of us recognize the benefits of Civilization. And we understand why so many Elves and Gnomes have joined it.” Polindun gets a sad, faraway look in his eyes.

“But we Sylvan creatures know that in order for Civilization to flourish, the Forests must die. As Civilization has grown, the creatures of Civilization chop down more and more Forest, to build their houses and feed their fires. All the large cities of Civilization were built near large Forests, but as they have grown, the Forests have withered. Even with the loss of the Forests, Civilization does not stop growing. Instead, Civilization sends out its woodsmen to farther and farther Forests, felling them to feed the ever-hungry Civilization. After all the Forests are destroyed, Civilization continues to grow, finding other things to burn."

“Even the Elves and Gnomes still living in the Forests have been touched by Civilization. They have forgotten the ancient Sylvan tongue, which was widespread when the World was young. They have lost much of their connection to the Forests around them, and the creatures that live within."

"To the Sylvan creatures, all Civilization is a slow plague spreading over the Land, a foulness which kills all before it, cutting down the forests and poisoning the rivers.”

Polindun looks immensely sad. "That is why we have chosen to remain apart.”

 

[Chaos Apostate]

Alyssa rides up to the front of the caravan. On the way she surveys the scene and inspects everyone she sees with unconcealed interest from under her hood. She halts when she reaches the leader of the caravan, and climbs down from her saddle. She then draws back her hood and shakes out her hair before bowing and addressing him:

Greetings, sir. I was told that you may be able to provide work for one such as myself? I am a skilled scout, and competent with the sword and bow. If you will take me, I will travel with you to Carodan.

 

[silentspace]

Darien looks over Alyssa and smiles. “OK, you’re hired! I'm Darien, and I'm the leader of the caravan guard. We only have one day left til Carodan, I’ll pay you 4 gp for your services until then. You’ll join the rear guard. They have the watch until midnight, then you can all head down to the Riverfolk Brewery and Inn for a rest. Have you had dinner yet? If not, go ahead and help yourself to Stalthas’ stew!”

 

[silentspace]

OOC: Psst, Manzanita! Look through the list of loot again.

 

[Chaos Apostate]

Alyssa smiles. Well, that sounds like a rather nice way to pass the evening actually. She strolls over to avail herself of some of that stew and a mug of ale, thanks Stalthas prettily, and then makes her way to her position in the rear guard and sits quietly eating and watching the people around her (assuming Stalthas has nothing substantial to say to her).

 

[GPEKO]

Bert

Filbert is beaming as the centaur gives him his gift. Yet, he doesn't feel like he deserves all this. "Th.. thank you Polindun. I will keep this preciously. But you.. you honor me too much. Fharlanghn, my God and patron of the roads, should be the one you honor. He is the one who put us on your path and gave me the power to help you." He thinks for a moment and adds "also, I'm not really brave. It's my fellow guardmen that did most of the fighting. I just wanted to facilitate your escape."

With that, Bert moves away from the centaur and goes help himself with some stew and bread.

"How's that stew, eh? Anythin' else ye need?"

"Humm ... it is really good master Stalthas. Since you're asking ... do you have any apple pie ? Or any pie, for that matter ?"

Bert stays out of the conversation about the civilization and nature. He has his own take on it however. Nature and civilization, it's simple, there must be a balance between the two.

 

[GPEKO]

OOC: Psst, Manzanita! Look through the list of loot again.

OOC: Let me help.

shortbows (6)
quivers (7)
arrows (124)
masterwork battleaxe
battleaxe (6)
book (1)
58 sp
33 cp

 

[Dimwhit]

Aronai finishes the evening quietly, unless he is approached. After helping with Sabala, he takes a share of the rabbit stew with thanks. He always appreciates a good meal when traveling.

He will take a moment to approach the new arrival, who he sees sitting alone watching the group. "Good evening. My name is Aronai. It looks like you have just joined us here in the rear guard. I myself just joined the group earlier today. Welcome to the journey. If today is any indication, it should be quite exciting."

 

[Manzanita]

Manzanita Sparrow

OOC: Ah, yes. Thanks for the hint, Silentspace (& GPEKO), I had missed that. As had everyone else, perhaps...

"Yes, Polindun, that is a rational position. Perhaps you are correct, if the civilizations fight each other & limit their growth, then the forest would be safer. However, history, I believe, does not support this position. Civilization will grow. It behooves everyone to take a stand, get involved and help shape the civilization that emerges. In any case, I am very glad you are joining us tonight, & I hope to have the opportunity to learn more about your people."

With that, Manzanita, unused to spending so much time on horseback and traveling, decides it is time for dinner and a rest. But drawn from mental nibble, she has one more look over the bandits' possesions. "Oh, a book. Why didn't I have a look at this the first time?" She'll have a look.