The Tol Haggerun Prophecy - 3.5 D&D [Ended]

[Insight]

Jacoby

Jacoby | Near the Wourn Mountains, Mitea

Jacoby will enter the village and try to find either an inn or a household willing to host a traveler. Since he doesn't have a lot of money, he's looking for something fairly inexpensive. If the hunting hasn't been going well so far, he'll try to buy some meat for Amber and may also consider buying more provision for the road. While resting for the evening, he'll try to talk to the locals to find out what they know of the state of the pass, whether there's any wild game to be had up there, whether anyone's seen or heard tell of marauding monsters in the area and perhaps whether anyone knows of where a chapel such as in his dream is to be found. (Diplomacy +0, Gather Information +0)

Jacoby hasn't had a whole lot of luck hunting so far, but was able to bag a young elk with enough meat to feed himself and Amber, and with some proper salting of the remaining meat, perhaps some jerky for the road.

Entering the small woodland village, Jacoby found few humans roaming about. A young boy smiled at the halfling's approach, carrying a pole tipped with a crook at the end as well as a small flame. The boy was a lamplighter, and was hurrying around to complete his duty before night's mantle was fully employed.

Jacoby asked about the village, to which the boy replied very hastily that the village was called Cumberland and that most folk here were lumberjacks and those employed in supporting the lumber business. The boy, Blum, did not know of any lodging in Cumberland as unaccustomed as the lumberjacks were at having visitors. Blum suggested Jacoby check at the village green.

Traveling further into the village, Jacoby did not have any trouble at all finding the village green, a small patch of grass in the center of the settlement. A few lumberjacks and goodwives were about, but did not speak to Jacoby. Just as the halfling was about to become exasperated and leave Cumberland, Jacoby heard a metallic jingle, the sound of something small in a cup.

"Alms for the poor," the beggar said as Jacoby turned to find the source of the noise. He was a pathetic fellow, who appeared to have lost both of his legs. The beggar smiled meekly at the halfling and once again shook his metal cup.

 

[Insight]

Shuelsai

Shuelsai Deng | South of Chunabo, Kurst, In the Trackless Sea

"I'm not going to Kurst though," Shuelsai said with a wink. "My most sincere apologies, the water is wide and I thought it appropriate to catch up on the sleep I missed drinking last night. I did not see her, though she is very fine indeed," Shuelsai said, nodding at the other craft.

"My nets are still dry today. I thought perhaps to go a bit further and let them out when the sun was lower and my head was throbbing less."

"How much farther till I reach the island of Mitea? I need to go see what the gods want with me," he said earnestly.

The Verarken Star loomed close, and its wake was giving Shuelsai's much smaller vessel fits. Errold, along with a few other crewmen, looked over the Kurstic fishing boat.

The bosun considered Shuelsai's story. "The island of Mitea?" he asked with some disdain. "Do you speak of the Great Continent? In any event, you are much closer to Lurien than to Mitea. Have you never ventured outside Kurstic waters?"

The crewmen joked quietly amongst themselves, until Errold silenced them. "Listen, friend," he said. "Either the sun has cooked your brains, or I fear that you are woefully unfamiliar with these waters. I would be glad to help you find your way, should you need assistance. We of the Verarken Trading Company are certainly willing to help lost sailors in need. Tell me, friend, where are you headed?"

OOC: I wasn't sure if you were joking with them or didn't know the map. Mitea and Lurien combine to form the largest landmass in the entire region, so they would consider it a continent and not an island. Shuelsai would certainly know enough of geography (being a sailor) to know basically where everything is located, so feel free to ask questions about the map if need be.

 

[Insight]

Ralan

Ralan | Karun Temple, Near Darisant, Lurien

Bowing his head in reverence, Ralan thanked Brother Tarud for his help. After going through the temple's library, he spoke to himself "A place where the inhabitants don't speak Lur, a forest and a mountain...the border town of Ghelisant seems like a good place to start."

Ralan will try to get as much information about Ghelisant from his brothers at the temple. Once he is satisfied, he will spend the rest of the day finishing his work, he will say farewell to all the brothers and once he has rested for the night, he will leave first thing in the morning.

Ralan learns much about Ghelisant, a city which has traded hands nearly three times in its history. Being placed precariously on the border between formerly warring Lurien and Mitea, Ghelisant has seen more than its fair share of blood and carnage. Ghelisant is one of the only Luri cities walled for its protection. Its inhabitants do speak Lur, though a smattering of Mitean is also spoken there.

It is cold most of the year in Ghelisant, which is situated between the Frozen Tears Forest and the coast of the Deepening Sea. Its ports are busy during the spring, summer, and autumn months, teeming with merchantmen traveling to and from the colonies of Arisune, Nalsong, Rarune, and other Luri settlements in Baz and Nauck.

It is 165 miles as the crow flies between Darisant and Ghelisant, though travelers would tend to use the road to Slusong, and then travel on the road between Slusong and Ghelisant. The total road travel for this journey would be approximately 250 miles. Traveling overland in this region, across the Red Plains, is relatively safe, though not recommended for single travelers such as yourself.

Ralan should prepare for a journey of at least a week, more if he's going on foot. Or, alternately, Ralan could attempt to sign on with a merchant caravan traveling south.

 

[Insight]

Clare

Clare Karaby | Darisant, Lurien

*Clare started a bit when Father Laertes said she was being tested, but then was still. Hadn't she felt she should be moving on, to prevent what happened to her family from happening to others? She just lacked confidence and a certainty that she should be going. But now, it seemed, she had a sign. She retreated to a quiet area of the vineyard to pray and meditate, hoping to come up with some kind of sign.*

Three rivers coming together as one, feeding a large village. Could this be not a map, but a metaphore? Three small rivers... three people? Three people coming together to help a village? Or a group of people? The chapel high on the mountain, perhaps not high up physically, but in someone's esteem? A chapel in a high position, surrounded by those that need help. But where? And who are these other people, if it truly means thus?

Father Laertes came to visit Clare later that night. He knocked lightly, hoping not to wake the girl has she been asleep. Of course, Clare was awake, and quickly opened the door, greeting her mentor.

"Ah, Clare," he said. "I was hoping you'd be awake. Someone has come for you. A man. I do not know who he is, and he will speak only to you. I can get rid of him if you wish..."

 

[Evil Ujio]

Father Joseph turned away to consider what had been described to him. He stroked a short beard of white, grey, and black. After a lengthy moment of pondering, Father Joseph turned back to Misha. "You are certain they were crimson robes... with gold trim?" He stopped to think again. "It cannot be what I think..."

"Of course, all of what you saw in your vision... could have been merely symbols," Father Joseph said. "But a case could be made of course that this is more than a mere dream. Misha, I have always believed that you were made for something special. Perhaps this is your calling."

Misha nods, "I would like to beleive so."

"Do you think that this place you described, this mysterious chapel... I wonder if it is nearby. I do not know of such a place. If you have faith, which I know you do, then Raziel himself will direct you."

Misha rises, “Then I know what I must do, Father,” he bows his head with a grim smile, “I may not return this way for quite some time… and here I thought my life was getting dull.”

He clenches a leather bound fist, the bindings tightening as he continues to grin, “Raziel will guide me to my destiny. Alone if it is his will, I shall take Honor to this place, and vanquish what evil has risen there, and bring glory to our cause.”

Misha turns, “Be well Father, may your teachings and my faith guide my hand.” Misha strides to his horse but pauses at the door, he turns to say something but lets the silence speak for itself. He would be gone for some time, and saying goodbye was never his strong point. Besides there were better things to do… like find this temple.

Misha heads to a place of scholarship and seeks to go over maps that depict the region, focusing on mountain ranges and especially those with pine forests growing upon them. He does his best with his limited scholastic knowledge to take notes and study as much of the terrain as he can…

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Clare Karaby | Darisant, Lurien

Father Laertes came to visit Clare later that night. He knocked lightly, hoping not to wake the girl has she been asleep. Of course, Clare was awake, and quickly opened the door, greeting her mentor.

"Ah, Clare," he said. "I was hoping you'd be awake. Someone has come for you. A man. I do not know who he is, and he will speak only to you. I can get rid of him if you wish..."

"I will see him Father. Father, do you think that the dream was not perhaps about a place I must go but people I must meet?" she says as she walks.

 

[Ambrus]

The boy, Blum, did not know of any lodging in Cumberland as unaccustomed as the lumberjacks were at having visitors. Blum suggested Jacoby check at the village green.

Jacoby smiles calmly and thanks Blum for the advice and rides off towards the green. As he continues along while being ignored by most of the humans, Jacoby frowns. Humans... I've never seen so many before; few enough of them ever bother coming to Amberlea. I seem to remember there were more of them when I was a child, during the war, when they would come through town on their way to or from Caldwynn's Pass. They're a little hard to get used to; giant-kin some call them. Even the 'boy' I just met was more than my equal in height. But Blum still has a child's proportions with what seems to be a too-large head for a too-narrow a pair of shoulders. I just have to get used to meeting strange folk if I'm to keep traveling like this. But look at the way they've organized themselves to harvest wood. If the Tulgey elves of old saw them like this they'd weep I think. I mean, we harvest some wood in Amberlea on occasion, but not quite so... deliberately. Jacoby pulls his cloak collar closer around his neck and continues along the earthen path feeling rather alone and lost.

"Alms for the poor," the beggar said as Jacoby turned to find the source of the noise. He was a pathetic fellow, who appeared to have lost both of his legs. The beggar smiled meekly at the halfling and once again shook his metal cup.

Jacoby is at first shocked to see the poor wretch before him. His face quickly flushes red in shame. He'd just been thinking about how humans were too tall and, as if the Powers had heard his thoughts, was here confronted with what he'd wished to see: an adult human shorter than he. Sliding off his saddle he stands before the beggar looking down upon him. Suddenly self-conscious of his height, Jacoby slumps forward. A feeling of guilt begins to form in the pit of his stomach, as if his silly and selfish thoughts were somehow responsible for the man's condition. Then, Jacoby suddenly remembers his dream, the chapel, its engraved lintel spelling out that one word: Charity. The crippled man is a sign; a herald from the Powers. Jacoby suddenly feels humbled. He tries to regain his composure and smiles in what he hopes is a warm and friendly manner.

Well, uh... goodman. I've been blessed with some very good hunting on the road and still have a good rack and haunch of elk with me; far too much for Amber and me to eat by ourselves. I've also a wedge of cheese and some double-baked bread left. Mayhaps we can share a meal together. Do you know of some place we can find a fire to warm ourselves and perhaps some shelter for the night? My name is Jacoby... uh, of Amberlea. Jacoby extends his arm to the man in greeting.

Jacoby will be willing to spend some silver to pay for shelter for the three of them if the beggar can indeed suggest some place willing to accommodate them. If not, then Jacoby will offer to make camp in some naturally sheltered area and build a campfire for the three of them to share. Jacoby is a little curious to know the man's story and how he lost his legs. He'd also like to talk to him about his dream, the chapel and perhaps learn a little about Cumberland at the same time if the man is willing to talk to him.

 

[Ferrix]

Sharma | Refelis, Refel

Jaroth cracked a smile, showing several gold-capped teeth as he did. The spice merchant brushed dust and debris off his multi-colored vest and fluffed a couple of burlap sacks. "Fresh southern spices," the dwarf called out to no one in particular. "I've got the thyme if you've got the gold!" Jaroth winked at Sharma with that announcement. "Like that one?" he asked of the boy. "Thought of it the other day."

Sharma cracked a smile at the dwarf's attempt at a play on words, Jaroth was really something, but a lyricist he wasn't, "it's a good one, anyone buy it yet?" He adds with a touch of humor.

With no takers thus far, Jaroth came around to the other side of his cart. The dwarf was nearly as wide as he was tall, though Jaroth was by no means the most robust dwarf Sharma had ever seen.

"Mountains, huh?" Jaroth asked. "Can't say I've ever seen any snow in Refelic mountains." He kept an eye out for any stray passersby who might linger too long in front of his stall. "Doesn't get cold enough for snow here. Have you ever seen snow, my lad?"

Sharma shakes his head, "no, but it's like slow rain, and much colder. Like the clouds floating gently to the ground, small flakes of white. I've heard many stories of it, so these mountains must have been south. Would these snowy mountains also thrive with mistletoe?" His curiousity expanding.

OOC: No problem about the dialogue color.

 

[James Heard]

Shuelsai Deng | South of Chunabo, Kurst, In the Trackless Sea

The bosun considered Shuelsai's story. "The island of Mitea?" he asked with some disdain. "Do you speak of the Great Continent? In any event, you are much closer to Lurien than to Mitea. Have you never ventured outside Kurstic waters?"

The crewmen joked quietly amongst themselves, until Errold silenced them. "Listen, friend," he said. "Either the sun has cooked your brains, or I fear that you are woefully unfamiliar with these waters. I would be glad to help you find your way, should you need assistance. We of the Verarken Trading Company are certainly willing to help lost sailors in need. Tell me, friend, where are you headed?"

OOC: I wasn't sure if you were joking with them or didn't know the map. Mitea and Lurien combine to form the largest landmass in the entire region, so they would consider it a continent and not an island. Shuelsai would certainly know enough of geography (being a sailor) to know basically where everything is located, so feel free to ask questions about the map if need be.

Shuelsai spread his hands again in his expressive gesture and broad grin, "Ah, so sorry. I'm nothing more than a poor fisherman. What do I know of the names of the soil when I have little need? I'm simply going south. Where? I do not know. I suppose if I was supposed to know then I would know, but since I don't then I should simply trust my instincts." His eyes twinkled, "Of course, it's possible my brains are cooked like a puna egg in my skull too. But if every man knew he was sane then it would possibly take much of the education out of moments of great foolishness... No?"

"Someplace to make land and fill my skins though, that would be nice. Otherwise I'm afraid I'm no more and no less sane in this meeting than I was yesterday. If that's a pity or it means I'm lost then so be it, it be my lot to be lost. Besides -" Shuelsai said offhand, "Not only does one educate himself by becoming lost, but the greatest treasues in life sometimes reveal themselves thusly. Is that not the calling of the sea? To see the wave before it passes, or to find the cove unspoken for?"

"Look now," he said, nodding at the sun's movement with a gesture of his head, "I've led you all too far astray into the pittance of an old man's mind. How far by this meager sail to Lurien then, so I might fill my skins and heave a small beer for lost friends? I bless you all in the name of Bharrai, may she covet your peace and make grace with it."

OOC: Shuelsai was being self-depreciating. He knows that people expect people from Kurst to be simple and backward, so he plays into their expectations some. It amuses him, and more importantly me, to write his dialogue that way. Most importantly though, Shuelsai's more or less trusting in the gods to get him where he's going. I mean, they're calling on a poor hick fisherman to go climb a mountain...He's operating under the assumption they'll make some effort beyond weird dreams. And if they don't, he'll still give them credit. Shuelsai isn't in a hurry anyways.

 

[Steve Gorak]

Ralan | Karun Temple, Near Darisant, Lurien

Ralan learns much about Ghelisant, a city which has traded hands nearly three times in its history. Being placed precariously on the border between formerly warring Lurien and Mitea, Ghelisant has seen more than its fair share of blood and carnage. Ghelisant is one of the only Luri cities walled for its protection. Its inhabitants do speak Lur, though a smattering of Mitean is also spoken there.

It is cold most of the year in Ghelisant, which is situated between the Frozen Tears Forest and the coast of the Deepening Sea. Its ports are busy during the spring, summer, and autumn months, teeming with merchantmen traveling to and from the colonies of Arisune, Nalsong, Rarune, and other Luri settlements in Baz and Nauck.

It is 165 miles as the crow flies between Darisant and Ghelisant, though travelers would tend to use the road to Slusong, and then travel on the road between Slusong and Ghelisant. The total road travel for this journey would be approximately 250 miles. Traveling overland in this region, across the Red Plains, is relatively safe, though not recommended for single travelers such as yourself.

Ralan should prepare for a journey of at least a week, more if he's going on foot. Or, alternately, Ralan could attempt to sign on with a merchant caravan traveling south.

Ralan will attempt to sign on with a merchant caravan traveling south. He will also seize the opportunity and question any merchant willing to chat with him about the potential location of a city with a burned building on the edge, somewhere with a forest close to a mountain. Also, he will inquire about an order that has "hands over a gem" as a symbol.