|
|
Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 11, 2013 11:42:02 GMT
You had been traveling through this underground cavern for days now, and you could tell from what the caravan guards were saying that you were to be sold to the highest bidder at the largest slave market on the continent. And not only
that, but this passage was just newly discovered and only this one route had been cleared enough to be safe from attacks by denizens of the darkness. Some of the slaves were jumpy and nervous, others completely accepting of whatever fate may befall them. There were hundreds, maybe even thousands, in cages holding anywhere from a dozen creatures each to some massive cages holding greater creatures such as trolls, ogres, and other brutes. All of this spread across hundreds of carts.
You were traveling over an immense bridge covering a chasm so large you couldn't see from one side to the other, when you felt the ground tremble slightly. There were many mumblings about earthquakes, and other mumblings saying they didn't happen here. Then the real shaking began. Huge boulders came falling from the roof of the cavern, one of them smashing directly into a cart full of slaves. You heard one shout of "Earthquake!" before it was silenced as another boulder fell on the person calling out. Before anyone could figure out what to do, a huge section of the ancient stone bridge collapsed. You were on it. Falling, Gods it felt like an eternity, the sound of rushing water below you slowly got louder. Suddenly everything hit the water in a tremendous splash and those with the ability to see in the dark could see that you had fallen into a river running below the chasm. Everyone could feel the deathly chill though. On impact all of the cages had been smashed, and everyone was free. Free, that is, except for the confining chill and stunning current. Eventually everyone, even the most hearty among you, succumbed to the cold.
The eight of you wake up at roughly the same time in what appears to be a barn, judging from the piles of hay in various stalls that you are lying in. You see a young girl, not more than 16 years of age, with long, straight orange hair and green eyes. She's sitting next to Goldoth as he awakens and she appears to be working with some kind of metal object with some tools you don't quite recognize. She doesn't realize you are awake immediately, apparently too engrossed in her work.
Just when you wake up, a pleasant looking older lady opens the barn doors enough to slip in and jumps in surprise to see you groggily opening your eyes.
“Oh my! I'm so glad you're alive! When we found you washed up on the riverbank, I wasn't sure if you would make it!”
The young girl pops up from her work, equally surprised to see you, “Oh! I'm Charlotte! I'm so glad to see you're all awake! We were really afraid for you. But I have so many questions for you!" Charlotte seems clearly bubbling with excitement.
“Oh my! I really am so sorry I forgot my manners! My name is Mae! And Charlotte, you can keep your questions to yourself for right now young lady. Though... I would like to know your names, if you wouldn't mind.”
|
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 11, 2013 19:33:55 GMT
Seraphym would groan a bit from the younger woman's already annoying attitude, but would politely nod towards her and what he would presume is her mother. "I... Sera. That is what you may call me madame." He would slowly stand up, probably still fairly sore from the fall as well as the numbing sting of the water. Only then would he give himself a look over, both to make sure he is both in fairly good condition as well as to make sure he is still in a more human form. He would pat his right ear and would try his best to hide a bit of fur behind it as he lost some of his concentration. "So, madames, where are we right now if you don't mind me asking?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 11, 2013 20:34:58 GMT
"Goldoth name Goldoth," Goldoth mumbles, propping himself up on his elbows. "Sharlett see like Beth. Sharlett know where Beth place? Goldoth need find Beth."
|
|
|
|
Post by Pheonix on Oct 11, 2013 23:02:49 GMT
"Paul" Paul said, not a man of words.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 12, 2013 0:15:45 GMT
Came to in a barn. Wood, hay, orc stench, far cry from the caverns.
Must still be groggy. Not thinking in complete sentences yet.
He'd been torn free of his restraints sometime during the fall, but the crossbow stock was still lashed to his left arm. Working free of the last restraint was a welcome distraction from the welts on his wrist and neck, from the sore muscles that hadn't been free in ages, and from the smell of too many orcs in such small confines.
"I am Henry Southgard," he said. "Tell me, is there a blacksmith in these parts?"
|
|
|
|
Post by psichomancer on Oct 12, 2013 3:55:59 GMT
"Name's Alstar," he said. "Pleasure making your acquaintance."
The young man scratched his chin, feeling the stuble of being so long captive. His clothes itched and he longed to find new leggings, after all that had happened to his previous pair. Out in the world, he felt alive, free once more. He called to his one remaining ally, praying for an answer after such a long time apart. Sal? Are you there? It is your master calling you, please return my friend.
Alstar keeps a pleasant smile on his face, yet it's as if his interactions are merely practiced motions. "Is there a place for us to rest? I'm afraid we've been a little worse for wear as of late. Any help would be greatly appreciated."
|
|
FancyDante
Master of Epic Trades
Your Captain!
Today, we set sail!
Posts: 128
|
Post by FancyDante on Oct 12, 2013 10:25:54 GMT
"Yet another mystery in the journey that is life! Freedom has not taken such a turn but Fate, she is bold!"
With a cheerful disposition and a spring upward to higher standing, I eyed our hostesses curiously.
"ACK! My robes!" Luckily enough for myself, several layers of body bandages would hide the embarrassment of bravely charging forward without checking one's wardrobe. With my robes wrapped safely around my figure, I was now presentable to begin reminding myself of everything that had just occurred just moments in my memory before.
"The Rocks! The Ground!" pointing at the people around me minus the hostesses "The You, and you and you and you! You were also present, but then the falling, and now here? That doesn't make, there wasn't, but that was and we were down. WHERE IS HERE?! The sentence ending with a puzzled expression resting in the eldest hostess direction.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 12, 2013 10:31:48 GMT
"What mean...'apple-she-ate'?" Goldoth asks, shifting into a sitting position and seeming to notice the manacles about his wrists and fetters about ankles for the first time.
|
|
barcaii
Galaxy Nation Builder
Posts: 48 
|
Post by barcaii on Oct 12, 2013 11:01:46 GMT
Ignoring the raving [human?] Jukha, who looks to be a half-orc in tattered robes, shifts closer to Goldoth and leans against him. "It means he would value their help, Goldoth. Are you hurt anywhere?"
|
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 12, 2013 13:24:47 GMT
Seraphym would blink a bit at the mention of clothing, seeming almost comfortable with his upper body being laid bare from his shirt being ripped during captivity. But he would nod as the man began to ask questions, curious about the answers as well. Seraphym, however, didn't want his distress to be as obvious but he was definitely worried about his safety, and that of the women. He would nod one last time as he passed by the younger woman while pushing his way through the slowly crowding barn to go outside. "Excuse me Madames... I need some fresh air" And presuming he is able to get outside without any issue,and it is day, he would take a short look around before determining where the nearest clearing of trees were so he may scout out the surroundings as well as satiate his paranoid nature by checking to make sure the slavers are not nearby.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 12, 2013 18:23:13 GMT
Mae moves slightly in such a way as to partially block the little bit of open space of the barn door, "I'm sorry, I wouldn't recommend going outside right now... Not until Jhon gets back, at least. You're on our farm though. It's reasonably safe here, but we are in Eriodem, so nowhere is entirely safe for some of you. I'm sure you understand now why I don't want anyone going outside. Just Jhon to get back and he'll be able to explain everything."
At Alstar's words, a hawk that had gone unnoticed in the rafters of the barn flutters down and alights on his shoulder. Charlotte looks at Goldoth curiously "No, I'm afraid I don't know anyone named Beth. I'd like to help you find her though, she sounds very special to you."OOC Note for everyone:
None of you recognize the name Eriodem.
|
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 12, 2013 19:13:47 GMT
"Jhon, huh? Hmm... Well I suppose I'll wait. Eriodem..." He would blink and move to the side of Mae while he thought. "What is this land? And what is so dangerous that we should stay inside? Is it because of them?" He would gesture to those of the group who look orcish with an open hand. "Because if that's the case, I would be fine. And if new faces are not liked then, believe it or not, I would be fine as well. I have a way with people." He would look sideways at Mae. "Atleast tell me a bit of the local area, so we know which way we should go once we leave. I refuse to take advantage of the hospitality of two beautiful women who probably have better things to do" He would give a snicker "But let's be honest, stating the obvious won't get us anywhere now will it?"
(here's hoping 20 charisma will come off as suave not creepy. :\ Knowing my luck it won't)
|
|
barcaii
Galaxy Nation Builder
Posts: 48
|
Post by barcaii on Oct 12, 2013 20:12:27 GMT
While waiting for Goldoth to respond Jukha turns towards the other people in the barn. "I am Jukha, friend of Goldoth. Like the womanize over there, I too know little about Eriodem. Did anyone see what caused the stones to fall or what happened after? I myself do not remember much except the cold of the river and strong current."
|
|
|
|
Post by psichomancer on Oct 12, 2013 20:23:53 GMT
"This only gets more interesting," Alstar mumbled to himself, allowing a small grin at Sera's comments. "I also have more questions, ladies. From this river bank, are there any mountain passes, large rock outcroppings or unstable caverns nearby? And of this Jhon character and how he relates into this. A family member, perhaps? If I'm not overstepping any boundaries."
He thought about the current situation and that of the varied racial differences. The wildly eccentric one seemed mostly harmless and probably easily controllable. The orcs would no doubt ban together in the event of a crisis. It was the other humans he had to account for, especially the quiet one and the self-proclaimed 'people-person'. But he wouldn't try and draw too much attention yet. He still needed to know where this "Eriodem" was geographically. Or if it was a kingdom. And, if these folks were the ones he could use for revenge.
"One more thing, if you don't mind," he said, picing a mildly paranoid puzzle in his head, "Is anyone currently looking for us? And is housing us here a danger to yourselves at this present time? I know we're safe on your land, but could you be at risk for harboring us as you are now if someone found out? Because if that is the case, it might be best for us to leave as soon as we are able."
He spun on his heel, pacing back and forth. His hand absentmindedly reached for his old cloak, but he met only air. Sal cocked his head and gave him worried feelings, but Alstar shrugged them off. "Sal, head up in the sky, give the place a once-over. If you see any large groups approach, tell me. I'd rather not have everyone splitting off, yet I can understand if some want to go their own ways. I believe we'll have strength in numbers, at least for the time being. Would you all like to call it to a vote, to stay or split? I vote stay," he finished, somewhat more confident than he began.
|
|
barcaii
Galaxy Nation Builder
Posts: 48
|
Post by barcaii on Oct 12, 2013 20:41:10 GMT
"I vote stay, for now at least. I want more information before we make any hasty decisions. Southgard, why did you want a blacksmith? Do you have an item in need of repair? If that is the case I can take a quick look at it."
|
|
|
|
Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 12, 2013 21:56:14 GMT
Eriodem is a curious name. Henry's hometown of Lucien hosted traders from across the world, but he'd never heard of the place. Was it a newly minted kingdom? A land beyond the Lethor Mountains, which divided land and sea?
"Juhka," he says, holding up his crossbow. The grip wobbles in its setting, and the bow has been torn off. "I can repair it myself, but I need a blacksmith to forge a new bow."
He taps the shackles on his arms. Each one is linked to an eyebolt, which has been ripped out of the crossbow stock. "Wouldn't mind having these removed as well."
|
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 12, 2013 22:52:24 GMT
"I actually vote to leave, i'm not comfortable with staying after that... Incident. I want to be as far from them as possible. As much as I respect the choice to stay, I don't think those men will simply leave us be. Nor do I want to endanger these ladies and their community. Should someone give me a logically sound argument for staying, i'll listen though." He would look at to ladies, almost as if he expected this more from them than any of other former slaves. "Besides, I won't be able to contain myself if I come face to face with those men... I might try and tear their throats out" He would visibly tense up and give a low growl, almost as if an animal had been the source. "I hate those who steal freedom, they deserve less than the dirt they tread on... Sorry, I just couldn't contain it any longer, i'm not really that violent. Again, my apologies" He would relax a bit, looking around at the rest of the group, silently gauging their reactions while his thoughts wandered to the scene of the crashing rocks and river. But he could not come to a realization about what might have caused it other than an earthquake.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 13, 2013 2:58:15 GMT
Goldoth looks himself over quickly. "Goldoth not see hurt, Jukha." Shifting into a sitting position, he flexes his arms wide, drawing the chain connecting his manacles taut. OoC Note: I'd like to remind everyone that this site has some skins which feature white backgrounds, and others that feature black backgrounds. As such, I would appreciate it if everyone use no font color for non-dialog, rather than specifically using white or black. I've cleaned the posts thus far that used black, but it would be much easier for everyone if no font color was used. |
|
|
|
Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 13, 2013 5:16:26 GMT
Henry Southgard walks over and pats Seraphym on the back, the gesture one of veiled threat than one of endearment. "Down, boy. We know nothing about these lands or what hunts us. Our hosts have kindly granted us their hospitality, and we are not leaving until we know it is safe for us and them, hein?"He paces around the barn, smiling at the women. "My apologies. We've been through some trying times. When will Jhon be back?"The former mercenary stops by Goldoth. "Going to need a blacksmith for that, mate. The slavers used strong chains for you." He studies the shackles on Goldoth, confirming that the slavers were as thorough with the orc's restraints as they were with his own. "And they poured lead into the locks. We'll need a blacksmith to get out of these."For DM Only: While I've got my hand between Seraphym's shoulder blades, I am sizing his neck up and seeing what restraints he still has on. What do I see? |
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 13, 2013 6:48:25 GMT
He would nod once at the man's words. "Yes, while I understand that we have no clue what is out there and where those men are, I don't think we should stay in one place too long. I'm not taking these young women's hospitality for granted, but that's all the more reason for leaving. If we stay here too long and they come to this community to find their lost property, just imagine what men like that would do to these two as well as anyone else in their way. It's safer if we leave." He would look at Mae in particular, almost pleadingly. "Please, madame, what is out there worth cowering from in a barn? If you can tell us what's out there I can find a way around it. Besides... I get stir crazy if i'm stuck inside for too long, call it a... connection with nature I need to satiate."
|
|
|
|
Post by Tiny Tim on Oct 13, 2013 7:30:48 GMT
"I'm afraid I am just getting more confused the more of this I hear... You keep talking about caves and a mountain, but the nearest mountains... they must be at least two weeks travel north from here. Surely the river didn't carry you that far. But... even more so than that how could you not have heard of Eriodem? It's the largest Empire in the known world! I suppose it's possible you have amnesia but... none of this makes sense. I am sure Jhon will know what to make of all this. He is my husband. I suppose I should explain a little bit more about the situation. Here in Eriodem non-humans, non-registered magic users or as the Empire phrases it "Rogue" magic users, or really anyone else the Emperor does not have a firm leash over are... well, typically killed or pushed into confined and heavily controlled "villages". If any of you are spotted outside and reported, you will likely be considered spis or criminals and a force will immediately be sent to arrest or kill you and us for treason. We can get you out of here, but we need to wait for Jhon. We've done this before. He should be back shortly though. He was tending to one of the horses, she's gone lame."
Charlotte looks with a mildly pained expression as Goldoth attempts to break free of his restraints. "I can help you with that. I'm sorry I didn't have them off already, but it was difficult and I was afraid I might hurt you more from those spikes on yours. Charlotte rummages around in the box of tools sitting next to her, deciding what would be best to use. Finally settling on an assortment of hammers, chisels and punches she turns back to Goldoth, "And after I finish with yours, I can finish up Henry's. Would you let me help, Goldoth?"
Mae looks with admiration at her daughter, "She is quite amazing with her tools. She was able to get the chains off of the rest of you even in only the short time you have been here. Now I don't want to pry too deeply into what has happened to you but... do any of you remember why you were in chains? Are you criminals? Don't worry if you are, we are no friends to the Emperor here."
At Alstar's command the hawk flies out the open barn door, presumably to circle the area.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 13, 2013 9:33:13 GMT
Goldoth looks down at the chains and then up to Charlotte. "Charlotte break metal string?" With a shrug, he extends his arms outward.
|
|
|
|
Post by psichomancer on Oct 13, 2013 10:09:41 GMT
"More like victims of unfortunate circumstances," Alstar replied. "Anyways, since you insist on our staying, I was wondering if you came across anything when you found us. Some small amounts of gear, perhaps? Or a book?" He turned back to the others. "Our little company here ran off in a desperate escape from those not unlike this Eriodem empire. Isn't that right, my friends?" He ended with a wink to those present. DM only: Alstar continues to keep tabs with Sal, but he's obviously lying to the hosts to make them seem sympathetic. Bluff check +9, trying to be charming about it. He's also trying to tell the others to go along with it
|
|
|
|
Post by Rasq'uire'laskar on Oct 13, 2013 16:57:03 GMT
Henry Southgard catches Alstar's wink and suppresses a grimace. First thing on the agenda: Teaching these men proper hand signals.
"Well, ma'am, if the Eriodem Empire is the largest in the known world, it would follow that we are from the unknown parts. But if Eriodem soldiers are a rough-looking lot with uniform armor and a hatred for foreigners, we ran afoul of them already. I was personally taken because I wore a foreign regimental banner and carried a weapon."
"We were taken captive outside a mountain, and forced to march through underground caverns for a long time. I am just as confused as you are."
He holds out his shackles for Charlotte to break. While she is working on Goldoth, he turns to Seraphym.
"If you leave now, I guarantee that you'll leave a trail that would lead imperial soldiers back here. You will wait until these folks are able to help us."
|
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 13, 2013 18:15:03 GMT
"They wouldn't even know i'm a foreigner, that I can all but promise you with gods as my witness. But I suppose you're right on that front, if I make a single mistake it could spell harm for these ladies." He turns and casts a sideways look towards Henry as he contemplated saying something else, then he would turn back towards to ladies. "Though our friend is right, there are some people not unlike your empire from whence we came. We were barely able to escape. Let us say that there might have been some sort of divine providence involved, though I doubted a god would move their hand for a group of raggedy beings such as ourselves."
|
|
barcaii
Galaxy Nation Builder
Posts: 48
|
Post by barcaii on Oct 13, 2013 22:46:50 GMT
Jukha gives Sera a skeptical look. "So, if you don't mind me asking just how do you plan to go around tricking them when you know nothing of the country and you go around growling at people? And while you might have the divine behind you both me and Goldoth have the Eater of Lies close to our hearts and his full support in our endeavors."
Not even waiting for a response, he turns back towards the ex-mercenary. "Henry was it? I agree with your assessment that we should stay here but don't you think it would be prudent that one of us stands lookout just in case? Having an advance warning if something is approaching would be very beneficial for us." Taking a quick look around the barn Jukha points towards the loft. "That might be a good place for the lookout."
|
|
|
|
Post by Rotaretilbo on Oct 13, 2013 22:52:05 GMT
"Bahrog Bal eat flies and nice people not sick." Goldoth chimes in.
|
|
|
|
Post by sacrier on Oct 14, 2013 3:22:23 GMT
"Fine, but should anything happen to us I leave it in your hands. I just really don't like the way things are playing out" He nodded at Henry as well as the two orcs, and preemptively climbed up the ladder into the loft to stare outside. "Give me a call if someone else wants to join me up here for watch." He said, volunteering himself for the idea. After saying that, Seraphym hides behind some bails of hay and stretches out. Quietly doing a few mental exercises, namely envisioning the other members downstairs mentally to get himself comfortable with some plans he was thinking of.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pheonix on Oct 14, 2013 4:01:35 GMT
"I'll keep watch too, not getting much done down here." Paul said before climbing up to join Seraphym.
|
|
FancyDante
Master of Epic Trades
Your Captain!
Today, we set sail!
Posts: 128
|
Post by FancyDante on Oct 14, 2013 4:16:10 GMT
Absorbing the information at hand I sit down by the wall I was resting at before. In moments I fall back into an exhausted slumber.
|
|
