Choice 3. Search the guilds?
Fingers twitched hungrily on the hilt of his longsword, he warily eyed the guilds on his left, and wondered what could be found here. Not that he much wanted to stay. But he was curious to learn what had happened to this place? Even in a city this small, there had to be survivors.
Gaze shifted along the three most prominent buildings, he paused to look at the Local Mage's College, the Swordcraft Guild that offered all types of contracts for would-be adventurers, and Legionary Barracks that were probably meant to house and recruit King's troops. All three looked to be quite promising, but he thought the most likely place to find answers here would be in the barracks, or better yet loot.
Lips curled into a faint smile, he noticed the others looking at him, and said, "We should take a look around."
Guiram, the golden-haired elf with light green eyes, gave Gregor a sour glance, and pressed a knuckle into his brow. "Be careful, round ears, we still do not know if the threat has passed us by."
Head nodded in reply, not that Gregor much needed the advice, he started away, when he noticed Selese following him, and wondered if she was meant to watch his back? Or watch him. The usually silent half breed with the round ears of a human, and the v-shaped features of an elf, giving him a measuring glance, her bright blue eyes keen with intelligence, and tanned skin a light gold.
(Check the Mage's College.)
Half smiling to himself at being shadowed, he headed for the building that had been sculpted into a great tree that sat in the middle of the road with streets split apart on either side, and was reminded of the Isles of Ne’even where he heard every home was built from trees. A ridiculous notion, considering wood could be burned, or cut down. But even he had to admit, the carefully crafted branches that arched overhead were quite beautiful, and made Selese murmur in appreciation.
Distracted by glimmers of blue light that floated towards them on near-invisible strings that sparkled with life, Gregor could feel a sense of calm wash over him. And did not like the feeling in the slightest as he watched the small round wooden gateway open up. The handprint embossed into the door, alight with the five elements as he tried to regain his focus, when Selese swept past, brushing him aside.
Mouthing an incomprehensible snarl, he quickly followed her inside, and much to his surprise the interior was much more spacious than its outward appearance belied with a desk right in front, and shelves all along the walls. Gregor who didn't recognize much of anything, moved to one of the bookshelves, and wondered if there were any scrolls?
He had never been much into magic, but even he had to admit scrolls, enchantments, and other paraphernalia could be quite useful in battle, especially against mages. But besides that, this place looked utterly amazing with its otherworldly charm that made the air shimmer when he moved, like walking through water. Its touch warm on his skin as he gazed upon shelves upon shelves stacked high with ingredients in jars that glowed with hues of blue, green, red, and yellow. The ancient brown tomes that littered the tables and shelves, covering everything from the Demonic Wars to the first appearance of the Lightbearer. There was even a copy on the Dichotomy of Good and Evil.
Hands reached out to touch one of the glowing jars, he heard a slight cough from behind him, and turned around to see a well-dressed gentleman in embroidered purple garments befitting a lord with the haughty demeanor of a nobleman. "Can I help you, sir?"
Blade out of its scabbard in a twinkle of steel, Gregor saw Selese close up from behind, and reach out to grab him, only for her hand to pierce it's body. The foggy swirls of colorful light, reforming itself in an instant as the being shot her a quizzical smile. It's sharp brown eyes confused by her action. "I cannot be touched, mistress. Now is there something I can help you with?"
Frozen in place, his gaze locked onto the part that had repaired itself, Gregor breathed out, "what in the abyss are you?"
The question causing the creature to smile as it's smoky body dipped into a half bow."I am Lexator, a humble servant and guide. How may I be of service?"
Never hearing of such a thing as this, Gregor turned his gaze on Selese who seemed equally surprised, before she beamed a grin of excitement. "I had not thought anyone outside of the guardians could create summons such as these. I believe it is a spirit from the Outer Realm meant to aid those when the mages are busy. It may hold the answers we seek."
A summoned being to act on their behalf? Well that seems like a tragic waste of magic, although quite useful now considering most everyone was likely dead.
(Ask what happened here?)
But then he supposed he should find out what happened here and asked, "tell me where is everyone?"
Full pink lips turned into a sequacious smile, Lexator replied, "you will have to be more specific about your inquiry, sir, much has happened in our fair city."
Not really liking this more and more, Gregor wished it would blink its eyes or at least do something else besides stare at him, but it stood there still as a statue.
(Ask about its masters.)
Finally Gregor asked, "Fine, tell me what happened to your masters?"
And for a brief moment Gregor thought he saw apprehension and sadness cross its face, before it replied, "Sadly, sir, my masters were taken captives, and were sacrificed to some benighted demonlord right outside. They also requested upon their demise to tell anyone that asked about them that the Mother stirs from her slumber."
But if Gregor was supposed to understand what that meant, he had no idea, although judging by the ashen look on Selese's face, he guessed it was bad.
Golden skin turned grey, she stumbled out of the college, leaving Gregor behind.
A heavy sigh of annoyance released at seeing another opportunity missed, he quickly followed her back outside, where she stood there breathing hard, leaning against the tree trunk.
"You okay."
Head shaking angrily from side to side, she whispered bitterly, "my mother used to tell me stories about her, but I never believed. I never believed that she was real. I mean who could believe that there is something older than time watching over us?" She laughed with a gut-wrenching sob that she quickly choked back down. "Real or not, we cannot tell the others. It will only distract them."
Head nodded in agreement for once, Gregor looked into the deep blue sky, and replied, "whatever is out there, we will face it. Now come on, there is still work to be done."
And for once the half-elf smiled at him, her hard face almost beautiful as she led the way back.
Finding Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazed up from his search, and asked, "Find anything?"
And Gregor replied, "No."
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
+1 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Ask about the legion.)
Finally Gregor asked, "Fine, tell me what happened to the legionaries stationed here?"
Dark gaze hardened into stone, Lexator pointed south, and grimaced. "My senses aren't exactly precise, but I do believe they were all slain. The few who survived rallied together at the inn across the street where they were cut down."
Not in the least bit surprised, Gregor finished, "and their bodies?"
Hands shaking with fury, the spirit wrung it's fingers dry. "Taken away to feed the beast."
With no more answers to be found after questioning it for some time, Gregor returned to the streets, where they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazing up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head tilted to look at Selese, Gregor replied, "yes," and told him everything from the spirit to the beast that still lurked in town.
Eyebrows drawn inward in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
+1 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Ask where the mages store their valuables?)
However Gregor was more interested in what they had here, and asked as much, only for Selese, and the spirit to give him dark scowls.
Hard blue eyes boreing holes into him, Gregor shrugged his shoulders, and smiled innocently, "I was simply curious, that's all." (You will need to select one of the two remaining options.)
+2 Morale.
(Ask if there are any survivors?)
But then he supposed he should see if there were any survivors. "Anyone still alive in town?"
Full pink lips turned into a sequacious smile, Lexator replied, "My senses aren't exactly precise, but I do believe there may be some alive--"
Selese quickly cut in, "--where are they?"
Head shaking from side to side, the spirit shrugged its shoulders. "As to that, I cannot say."
With no more answers to be found after questioning it for some time, Gregor returned to the streets, where they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazing up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head tilted to look at Selese, Gregor replied, "yes," and told him everything from the spirit to the possibility of survivors.
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
+1 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Check the Swordcraft Guild.)
Half smiling to himself at being shadowed, he headed for the large manor house that occupied most of the street on the left, and towards a set of huge metal gates that led into a wide courtyard surrounded by garden beds. The verdant greenery lush despite the thin layer of white frost.
Gaze moved towards the gates as he approached the entryway, he saw the familiar crossed double swords that marked the Swordcraft Guild, one of the few places he had fond memories of. Having spent a great deal of time in places such as this when he was younger, he had first earned his reputation as a swordsman here, before he had been conscripted into the Battleguard. A blasted nightmare of constant marches, death, and sheer madness that had nearly broken him, before he had found her.
Hands clenched tight on his sword hilt, he waited for the gates to swing open as it sensed his presence, seeing as most guild halls were constructed by mages, and enchanted by magic.
Selese who followed close behind him, gave a startled yelp of surprise as the gates opened to allow them inside, which should have been laughable considering she was a half-elf. But for some reason, he was no longer in the mood, and made his way quickly across the stone pavement that ran between the gardens and trees, and up the staircase.
The manor house, a simple plain white building with oak doors that had already been splintered open to reveal blood-stained floorboards, bones, and shattered weapons.
Eyes nervously cast over the mounds of bones, Gregor wondered if this is where everyone had ended up? Eaten up by goblins or used as fodder for something else.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Head turned to look about the training room where weapon racks stood empty along the walls, and wooden dummies had been torn down, he realized there wasn't exactly much to be found here. Besides the forge below where warriors learned to strengthen their arm muscles, most would have been up here learning the sword forms from the masters.
(Search the room.)
Footsteps crossing the creaking floorboards as he reminisced over past battles within walls such as these, Gregor worked his way around the room, his feet stirring up dust motes and bits of ash from the floor. But besides the bones that came in all shapes and sizes, there was nothing up here.
Expelling a heavy sigh of resignation at the thought of leaving empty-handed, he walked back over towards Selese, the half-elf studying a tapestry on the back wall, when he paused mid-stride. There was something wrong with this image.
Gaze narrowed at the unfolding battle scene between warriors of all races and an army of demons that fought to defend a village, Gregor realized that the demons were winning, when in fact the history books stated that they had lost this fight.
Arms folded across his chest, he tried to remember the exact story, but it had been a long while since he had heard it, and began to doubt if it meant anything.
(Try the forge.)
Select - Head below to the forge.
(Ask Selese if she knows.)
Finger pointed to the tapestry, he asked, "this story, do you know it?"
Eyebrows raised upward in surprise, Selese shook her head wonderingly. "I thought everyone was taught about the Demonic Wars. This was called the Battle of Hurstdale--"
--her voice lost in awe as the tapestry suddenly moved, and the demons charged across the field to break the lines of enemies, when the tapestry split apart, revealing a box nestled in a small opening.
Heart pounding loud in his ears as he moved towards it, he touched the box, and felt it crumble apart, revealing a skull. But not just any skull. It was the skull of the legendary hero Falkon Whirlwind, the etched runic markings on the cranium leaving no doubt as to who it could be.
Breathless as he tried to understand why it was left behind, he picked it up, feeling somehow stronger at its presence, and decided to leave. "Come on, Guiram will want to see this."
And it was almost like he was dancing on wind as he left the guildhall behind, and returned to the streets where they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazing up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head tilted to look at the near Selese, Gregor held up the skull, and watched the legionary officer's mouth drop open, before he took the precious artifact. "Where did you find this?"
Explaining everything that had happened, Guiram shook his head in amazement. "Once we return to camp, you will be well rewarded. Many orcs hold Falkon in high esteem, almost as high as Sunfire. It will do the people a world of good to have it restored to them. Now come on, we'd best gather the rest in, and push on before daylight fades."
+3 HP.
+3 Morale.
+1000 GP. (Payment pending completion of story.)
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Head below to the forge.)
Deciding to check below, Gregor crossed the creaking floorboards, and gestured for Selese to follow him as he tapped on a side panel completely hidden to the naked eye. The passageway that opened up on the wall, one of the many lessons he had learned here about the importance of concealment, as well as the element of surprise.
Shoulders hunched as he bent down to enter the tunnel, he followed the narrow staircase down, and past small busts that were nestled in niches along the right side of the wall with candles half melted. Each statue he passed by that of a long-dead guildmasters that had been enshrined in the stone to watch him go down.
And as always Gregor could feel nothing but contempt for such fools that they would toss away the remainder of their lives to retire and teach mudsaps who had no idea how to survive on their own. Still, even he had to admit that their skill was something to behold. Nowhere near as good as him of course, but they were close.
Ears pricked for the first signs of danger, Gregor slowed down as he neared the bottom floor, and as if for the first time he remembered something that made him pause. He was reminded of the traps that had once been set for recruits to pass. The problem was every trap as he recalled, was different and depended entirely on the guildmaster.
(Use Selese to trigger the trap.)
Sweat beaded on his brow, he considered backing up and leaving this place altogether, but he was certain there were answers to be found down there. And besides the elf would prove more useful this way.
Gaze turned back to face Selese, he murmured, "you had best go on ahead of me while I guard the rear. We wouldn't want to be trapped down here."
Forehead furrowed in a pensive frown, Gregor thought for sure that those piercing blue eyes could see right through his lies, before she nodded her head, and glided forward.
Eyes locked onto her back, he watched her take a few steps into the forge, and felt a quiver of anticipation at seeing the furnace, its normally bright hot flames quiet. The ring of hammer on anvil, replaced by an eerie silence that made him wonder if he was right, when a hail of crossbow bolts shot out towards her from the walls on either side.
(Tackle her to the ground.)
With no time to think, only to act, he leapt forward, and tackled her to the ground just as bolts flew over their heads and raked his back.
-2 HP.
(Kick her in the backside.)
Gregor with little time for thought, booted her hard from behind so that she stumbled forward just as bolts flew over her head.
+1 Morale.
Bounded back up to her feet, Selese quickly rounded on him, her expression a thundercloud. "You used me!"
And Gregor who was one to never really lie, shrugged his shoulders as though it didn't matter, and replied, "there was only one way to find out."
Blue eyes blazing with such ferocity, he thought she was going to have an apoplectic fit, when she finally released a heavy breath. "This had better be worth it."
Hoping that as well, they searched the room together, but after several minutes with nothing to show for it, Gregor could smell her fury rise again, and quickly led the way back out.
There out in the streets, they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazing up from his search. "Find anything?"
And Gregor shook his head, while Selese shot him a murderous glance.
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Keep the lead.)
Sweat beaded on his brow, he considered backing up and leaving this place altogether, but he was certain there were answers to be found down there.
With that thought in mind, he gingerly took a few steps inside, the forge strangely quiet where once the furnace normally would have roared with bright hot orange flames, and the ring of hammer on anvil.
Heart pounding loudly in his chest, he began to wonder if he was right, when a hail of crossbow bolts shot out towards him from the walls on either side, and threw himself down, but not before taking a bolt to the ribs.
Selese quickly at his side, shook her brown hair in annoyance, and hurriedly staunched his wound. "Fool, you need to be more careful."
And if that insult were not enough, she ripped the bolt from him without a murmur of apology, and bandaged him up. The moments it took, almost an eternity of pain, before it was finally all over with a wince.
Head shaking from side to side at his own stupidity, he hauled himself back up, and began to search, since he doubted there was much time for rest.
Hoping they would find something to make this pain worth it, they searched the room together, but after several minutes with nothing, Gregor released an angry hiss. So much for his gut feeling, and quickly led the way back out.
There out on the streets, they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazing up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head shaking, Gregor replied, "nothing," while Selese flashed him a nasty smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
-3 HP.
+2 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Check the Legion Barracks.)
Half smiling to himself at being shadowed, he headed for the squat grey building, a part of him certain that the legionaries, the first and last line of defense would know something.
Situated beside the manor house of the Swordcraft Guild, Gregor could feel Selese's eyes poking holes into his back as he asked, "is there a reason you are following me?"
Blue eyes set in a weathered face, she looked at him with a whisper of a smile, and shook her head, just as they approached the barracks. Which much like the one they had left behind in the village had two banners hung from up high. The banner of the phoenix, and the sigil of the King.
As to be expected, the battle scene that was painted here, much more frantic with nicks and grazes on the walls, thick sprays of blood on the ground, and piles of discarded weaponry. Most of which looked to be legionary gear with kite shields, shortswords, and winged helms. The door itself, a heavy slab of darkwood that had been knocked down.
Heart pulsing in time to his breaths, Gregor quickly stepped inside, and was hit by a breath of cool air that was awash with the fetid stench of decay. The soldiers' quarters that lay to the left, overturned in a jumbled chaos of broken spears, shattered beds, and blood-spattered floorboards. And Gregor could only imagine the kind of battle that had broken out here.
But if there were answers to be found here it would be in the commander's quarters, and he hurriedly started in towards the back hallway. The need to know what had happened, making him increase his pace, until he reached a doorway at the end of the corridor.
Slightly breathless with a look back at the grim-faced Selese, he put on his most charming grin, and thrust his way inside. Quiet and empty of most everything, the room had the bare essentials, a bed, desk, and chair. It was in his opinion, quite dreary, and not becoming of an officer.
Still he supposed that didn't really matter right now, and glanced over towards the stacks of books and sheets that covered the desk.
Sighing heavily at the thought of reading it all, he leaned over to examine them more closely, and discovered a daily log, shipment requests, and scout reports.
(Go through daily log.)
Flicking through the sheaves of paper, he read through days of nothing but disciplinary actions, patrols outside the city, when he found something that made him stop.
4th of Sumter, Commander Agron's log.
It has been two days since that bedeviled black tower has appeared near our city, and already I have received more than a half a dozen reports of missing people in the surrounding countryside.
With no real way to assess the threat this tower poses to our town, I have sent messengers out, and begun recruitment of mercenaries and any hired swords. However if my fears prove correct, this tower is being commanded by mages, and no amount of swords will stop them. We must prepare and pray help arrives in time.
7th of Sumter, Commander Agron's log.
I cannot know this for certain. But the messengers are dead. It would not have taken them more than a day or two to reach the nearest village and relay the news.
They should have been back by now, and the more I think on it, I fear we should have left days ago, only now I worry it might be too late for us. Whatever is going on here, the dark ones seem to be waiting for something, and have raised up a thick fog all around us. None of the patrols or scouts I have sent return. I can no longer sit here and wait.
15th of Sumter, Commander Agron's log.
Something is coming...I can feel it upon the breeze, and taste it in the air. My lungs burn with it, and I can no longer think clearly, before I feel a terrible hunger inside of me that I simply cannot shake.
Many in town have experienced much the same, and the disappearances are no longer isolated to the countryside. Each day that passes, madness begins to stir in town, and people turn on each other like starving wolves.
I can already feel the itch to just give in to the sweet abyss, to embrace the hunger as if it were my own, but I'm afraid of what may happen if I give in.
16th of Sumter, Commander Agron's log.
….I...hun...ger...
Whatever had happened here, Gregor thought he no longer wanted to know anymore, and walked back out into the streets.
Head still shaking as they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazed up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head tilted to look at Selese's ashen face, Gregor replied, "no," and saw her ears tremble with fear.
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
+2 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Go through shipment requests.)
Flicking through the sheaves of paper, he read through days of nothing but supplies brought in, shipments of grain stored ready to be sent out, and requests made by the merchant guilds for additional guards.
All in all, there really wasn't much of use here, except that trade had curtailed off, and died near the end.
Whatever had happened here, Gregor thought he no longer wanted to know anymore, and walked back out into the streets.
Head still shaking as they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazed up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head tilted to look at Selese's ashen face, Gregor replied, "no," and saw her ears tremble with fear.
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
+2 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.
(Go through reports.)
Flicking through sheaves of paper, he read through days of nothing but skirmishes with bandits, trouble with goblin raids, and the odd theft. But that all changed.
Written barely legibly by a shaking hand, a soldier named Kernold wrote. "The darkness comes for us. I can see it now. We must prepare the way for her return. We must protect her. Everyone must die."
And after that the reports just stopped.
Head shaking from side to side as he put the last page back down, he looked over to Selese, her face pale with fear, and decided it was time to leave.
Whatever had happened here, Gregor thought he no longer wanted to know anymore, and walked back out into the streets.
Head still shaking as they found Guiram bent over some rubble, the elven warrior gazed up from his search. "Find anything?"
Head tilted to look at Selese's ashen face, Gregor replied, "no," and saw her ears tremble with fear.
Eyebrows drawn in consternation, the golden-haired warrior took one last glance around, before he nodded his head. "Come on then, let's gather the rest in, and push on."
+2 Morale.
Move onto the next Scenario.