Onfim, although new to Khorsun is a gifted scholar who actually enjoys organizing things, takes charge is getting this together for the trip while Yaro finds suitable men at arms. Cuivi has a cart ready pulled by a team of horses with Cassius in the back.
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:42, Fri 05 July 2013.

Loukas appeared at their gathering place dressed for travelling in a white silk rubakha and grey woolen pants tucked into leather, fur-lined boots. Over the shirt he wears a black, knee-length svita with a pattern of vine wrapped dragons of grey silken thread woven into it. A broad cloth belt of thick black and grey weave tightens the svita around his upper and lower torso permitting him to move with ease despite the luxuriousness of the cloth. On his back is a pack and the case for his Gusli, Volsu Blüskú. From the belt hang leather pouches and a dagger, but no other weapons may be seen. With him come two of his monks who bear the camping and extra adventuring gear that is his contribution. While they load one of the pack horses and then depart respectfully, he greets his comrades enthusiastically.

Despite his enthusiasm, Loukas was somewhat skeptical about this quest. It seemed like a distraction at a time when focus on the Emperor what was needed. His motivation over the past few years had evolved from mere vengeance. He now saw himself as more Rus than Greek and if his new home and leader, Sviatoslav, were going to survive it would require his old home and leader to be neutralized, if not defeated entirely.

Despite all of this, he had come to realize that sometimes the least direct route towards a goal can offer greater rewards. His father the merchant had a quote about this, but Loukas had long forgotten it. In pursuit of the mythic Grail they will not only have the opportunity to learn things to make them each and together more effective warriors, but if John's magi are indeed attempting to track them then it will distract Him from Khorsun and permit Miroslav's diplomacy to better knit together an alliance that will lead to Byzantium being checked to the advantage of everyone else. It is time for a new Rome and why could it not be Kiev or even Khorsun?, he has thought to himself.

While he has spoken of this to Zmija and Miroslav he does not do so with the others. Dyanna, it seems to him, would be the most interested, but she is Greek and he is uncertain that her pride would not be insulted by his thinking. Balthazar, in his search for experiences certainly has no interest in politics and he has said as much in the past. A'kos? The Magyar is foremost interested in the fight regardless or where it takes place and add to that the tragedy of the past week, well, Loukas knows better than to broach the topic. Thorn is new to the Fellowship and while he seems to be in many ways a kindred spirit, it seems clear that this is a superficial assumption and, ultimately, the Bard is more akin to Balthazar than himself. He looked forward to getting to know Onfim, and hoped to find some commonality there, and Cuivi and Yaro, though he had traveled with both men, he still suspected that neither would be much interested in his concerns.

So. Loukas has sucked it in and prepared himself for the coming journey. Whatever else the important thing is that these are new days, indeed, a new Chapter for the Fellowship of the Heart of Oak. It is time to write the next stanza!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:55, Wed 10 July 2013.

Balthazar is there doing the finishing touches on the wagon that will carry his precious spellbooks.  He is explaining to some men-at-arms about making sure the books are well cared for.

And then a cloaked man approaches ...

"Hello Balthazar, " says the Irish monk, "My name is Brother Finnegan Wake, the Hedonite.  You've been appointed my mentor."

Balthazar explains that he received the sending earlier in the day and that Finnegan was expected.  Finnegan then strikes up a conversation with the horses.

"Another such as he," mutters A'kos, as the newest member approaches and greets his new mentor.  "Such a world we live in."

Shaking his head, he makes sure to check on Storm's Wind - the horse has been well cared for, but the beast is restive, shaking his head and snorting at his approach.  Gently, he lays a hand on the beast's neck and commiserates with it's impatience - he too is ready to be gone from the city.

The recent stretch has left him shaken.  The 'loss' of Jaleh, her pending birthing and not least, the loss of his Lion, Leo - that wondrous item gone from him in the battle with the fell Mage - all of this is a burden that he girds himself to carry.  He wishes the waiflike woman were still here to share in her pain, realizes the folly of such thoughts - were she there, likely he would not feel so much unhappiness.

Yet, Storm's eagerness rubs off on him, and he allows himself a smile - the first in what seemed ages.  Returning to the party, he declares, "I am ready."

ooc: a bit out of sequence, but wanted to put something up quickly.  Sword's high folks.  Let's go kill some s(tuff).  Oh, and new color for quotes...fwiw.

Thorn arrives ready to go. He nods a greeting to the gathered but stays to himself, a bit strange for one so verbose.

Thorn npc'd while his player is away...don't read anything into this post:)

Onfim's eyes light up when he hears Finnegan's name and accent..."A Brother of Eriu? So far from home eh? In my travels I have seen your homeland but only from a deck of a ship. Such greenery!"

Loukas greets members of the Fellowship and the new Hedonite, "Well met, Brother!

In his own way he is as impatient to get moving as A'kos. The road calls!

Onfim smiles and says..."We will have plenty of time to get acquainted once we are on the trail...shall we?"

Seeing that the cart with Ciuvi and all the others are here and look ready to go he suggests...'A'Kos you will take point of course yes?" as he spurs his own mount forward.

To be clear, here's what I believe we have in the travelling party:
Onfim
A'kos
Balthazar
Finnegan
Michael (I decided to take him after all)
Loukas
Thorn
Yaro
Cuivi
Cassius
6 men-at-arms: Abel, Benjamin, Connor, Darius, Edel, Fredo (all wearing red shirts)
cart
wagon
21 horses (15 riders, 2 for the cart, 2 for the wagon, 2 for additional supplies)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:57, Thu 11 July 2013.

Yes that is it...Onfim chose all the men at arms himself for the trip. Most speaking more than two languages.

OOC: Loukas isn't riding a horse. He's fast enough on his feet that he doesn't need one to keep up. His mount may be used as an extra or to carry additional supplies.

Thanks for the disclaimer.  A'kos was ready to take his head off.  ;)

A'kos rides out with Onfim, Storm's Wind mane flowing as wind rushes into his face.  It feels good to ride, to gallop, even if only on a road - the press of city on all sides had left him, betimes, breathless.  Now he was free...but not stupid.  After a short jaunt, he reined in and allowed the party to close the distance somewhat between them before kicking Storm to a canter.

ooc: As long as we're on the road I'll go up to a couple miles away, but still within sight.  If we hit difficult terrain, I'll limit my scouting to no more than 300 yards.  Suggestions as far as this goes are welcome as well - I'd rather not have a Sir Jean moment.

Loukas walks along side of Thorn and once A'kos takes point and the party gets moving and challenges him, "So, brother Bard, let us keep our fellows entertained! You begin -- sing a song and I'll accompany you. When your song's over, then I'll sing one. The first one of us that can't come up with a new song takes care of the winner's mount that evening. Or, in my case, since I'm walking, you'll give my feet a rub."

He raises his eyebrow and grins, "What do you say?"

The small caravan lead by A'Kos makes good time heading on the roads to the northeast. The cart is slow compared to the horses but with the aid of the Magyar, excellent horses were chosen for this journey...Cuivi was interested in oxen pulling the cart but luckily was talked out of that idea.

Yaro and the men at arms ride along next to the cart. Most of the men at arms are Greek since they seemed to be among the best educated in the city of Khorsun. Rather than considering themselves part of the Emperors Greek Byzantium, they consider themselves to be of Khorsun and are very loyal to the city and it's leader.

The first day of travel is without incident as the roads between Khorsun and Kiev and fairly safe...the destination lies a few days northeast of Kiev, more into the wilds. It will take the better part of a week just to make it to Kiev.

OOC: I realize Thorn's being NPC'd right now, but I'm going to assume that he would take Loukas up on his challenge. Feel free to cut-in Nestor or Thorn-the-player if you think I'm taking advantage. If so, I'll re-write, etc.

Thorn was a bit put off by Loukas's challenge, Rub YOUR feet?, but he presumed he was not only a more experienced Bard, but he was, after all, on horseback, which is a theoretically more accommodating position. Accepting the challenge the two draw their instruments and trade songs for the first day. And the second day. And the third day.

Between the two of them they have visited a large part of Europa or known someone that has, so everyone present hears a song from, if not their homeland, one that sounds very similar to one they know from their homeland. The Greek soldiers respond enthusiastically to several of Loukas's from Byzantium and other parts of Greece. Figuring that Loukas is playing to his home crowd, Thorn actually comes up with a Magyar tune at one point when A'kos is actually close enough to the company in his ranging to hear it. The songs themselves range as widely from great epics to low, bawdy tunes. From the city to the country and back again. Some are variations on others, but as they are still unique songs they are valid. While the contest only occurs while they are moving, later that night one or the other receive requests for reprisals or Loukas attempts to play one that Thorn had used earlier that day or before or Thorn plays one of Loukas's.

Finally, on the fourth day, Loukas draws a blank. He begins a tune, muffs the the cord, and with a shout of frustration and a laugh, "Gah! I... I can't. I have nothing more in my feeble head. You win, damn your Eireman's Tongue!

He bows his head to Thorn as he walks, "Well, played, my friend. You have taught me some good ones and I look forward to using them against you the next time we try this little game!""

Turning to Thorn's horse he says, "I shall give you the first proper treatment you have received since that lout saddled you, my friend." and the horse neighs as if he understands and is suggesting that it had better be at least as good as the care he has been receiving.

A'kos spends most of his time during daylight scouting the way.  He rides for 30 minutes, walks Wind for ten, then rides thirty minutes more, repeating the process as each day unfolds.

At rises, he dismounts and climbs the height, making sure to stay below the edge, crawling the last few feet in each instance.  Once there, he lays on his belly to survey what's before him, then descends, climbs upon his mount and continues on.

Each night, he settles into camp routine, though he makes sure to spend time with Onfim, trying to get to know the man in some manner.

"What do you think of our merry little band?" he asks one night, while eating before the fire.

OOC: Praise be that Thorn has avoided both losing his head AND having to rub Loukas's feet - at least thus far! ;) And excellent RP btw, Loukas.

Although he had planned to spend the trip getting to know his companions better, Thorn was unable to resist Loukas's offer of a contest, and so spent the first few days in a battle of ballads, so to speak. He very much doubted that there was any degree of experience between the two of them as bards, so perhaps it was simply the grind of travel that pulled Loukas back. He grinned.

"You played most excellently, my friend, and if I am feeling anything right now, it is relief - relief at not having to rub those feet of yours after four days walking in fur-lined boots! I am sure we will have more fun with this in future."

Around the campfire at night he will ask Finnegan and Onfim of those lands they have travelled most recently, showing a particular interest in anything the Brother has to offer.

Onfim rubs his stubbled chin as he answers the Magyar..."A good group to be sure but cumbersome. Hard to move fast with a wagon in tow. I suspect as we near our goal that we may need to leave some of the party at a safe location. If this grail is as valuable as I am lead to believe then we will not get ahold of it by asking nicely."

In reply to Thorn's query on the lands he has traveled to..."My studies have taken me far and wide from the Western shore of Britain to the land of the Hindus. Language and learning have always been my passion, I have little talent for magic and am passable with a sword but learning will always be my first love."

A'kos agrees with the man's assessment.

"We are familiar with those who submit to this one god.  Two companions did we have who were knight's of one of the church's orders.  They were doughty warriors, but at times they were difficult in tactical situations.  One road headlong into a flight of arrows...the other seemed intent on conquering the world by himself in the name of Christendom."

"I have seen in my travels that the White Christ holds sway over many lands but not all. Even in Christian lands, there are pockets of those who worship and revere the old ways and to the South and to the East the religions are even more different.

He then produces a small bone flute from his pack and plays a quick tune...a familiar melody heard through out the region as a drinking song. He smiles around the flute at Loukas and Thorn, fully expecting them to join in.

"Ah Ha!", shouts Loukas with a grin when he hears the song Onfim begins playing. Quickly he grabs his gusli and joins in on the tune.

In the morning the small caravan once again heads northeast on the rough roads of the Rus empire.

For the following days it is the same routine...travel camp, sleep, wake and travel some more. On day six, about midday a plume of smoke can be seen in the distance, most likely a few miles up the trail. It looks considerably larger than a campfire.

A'kos rides carefully ahead, taking on the role of scout.  He looks for a suitable thicket in which to picket Storm's Wind, then creeps toward the edge to see what he may...

When they see the smoke his instinct is to move ahead using his speed and stealth to take a look; however, doing so may split the party. So, he takes a breath, "The Falcon is probably investigating. We should probably pause until he comes back and lets us know what is ahead."

Onfim nods his head..."That is probably for the best. I am sure he will report what he sees shortly."

Finnegan and turns to Balthazar and says, "May I accompany A'kos?  I am an excellent scout.  I can crawl on my belly faster than most men can walk."

Balthazar rolls his eyes and answers, "Sure, although crawling won't be necessary.  Just do as A'kos does."  Finnegan eagerly moves as silently and as low as he can up to scout.

Balthazar whispers to Loukas, "I bet you 10 gold the boy doesn't last the week."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Mon 12 Aug 2013.

A'kos retreats swiftly from his vantage, and returns to the party at a gallop.  On the way he passes by Finnegan, with a bemused expression, but says nothing.

Upon his return, he says, "Pechanegs, full bloods and half.  About 30 or so that I saw, burning a village and taking slaves.  Mostly women and children."

"Burning a village..." Balthazar's voice cuts off as he grimaces.  "I'll show those uglies how to play with fire.  Separate them from the slaves, and I'll fireball the whole lot of them."

A'kos shrugs.

"Save your spells, Hedonite.  Send me, the minstrel and monks, and we'll make short work of them."

Loukas holds up his hands, "Easy there, fellows. Let the good Brother, A'kos and I speed ahead. Our attack will draw them off the slaves. The rest of you follow as support, but Balthazar, you do your flying invisibility thing and come around them from the rear. Come!"

Brother Finnegan happily strings his longbow, gets his arrows ready, and says, "Ready when you are, Loukas!"
This message was last updated by the player at 19:12, Tue 13 Aug 2013.

Balthazar obliges, casting the two spells and lifting up into the air to scan the battle scene.

Before he takes off himself Loukas strums a haunting tune upon his gisli and in doing so turns himself invisible. "Pardon me, my friends, but one would be a fool not to make use of the Woolly One's gifts!"

Balthazar casts detect invisible just to make sure that Loukas behaves himself while invisible.  He knows all about 'letting it all hang out' while no one can see...

Loukas, weirdly, and very much non-hedonistically is keeping his clothes on and does not touch himself in a lewd manner.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Wed 21 Aug 2013.

The small warband lead by A'Kos and consisting of Brother Finnegan, Yaro and the six archers as well as Thorn and Onfim Begin to make their way intot he outskirts of the village, as yet they have not been spotted. Balthazar and Loukas make it into the center of the village a few minutes before the rest hit the edge of the village.

Cuivi and the golem remain outside the village with the wagon.

Loukas and Balthazar see 10 prisoners held in a makeshift corral. A pile of loot lie near the edge of the corral and 30 mongrel Pechenegs admire their work just a few feet from the pile of loot.

Balthazar looks to see how hard it would be to spring the corral and free the prisoners (while still remaining invisible).

What is the distance from the warband to the nearest Pechenegs? I.e. are they in longbow range yet?

Loukas's assumption is that Balthazar will be intent on the people and goods. His intent, is to strike at the Pechenegs when they attack A'kos and Brother Finnegan. That is, he'll wait until they realize the warband is approaching and move to meet the Magyar and Irishman, et al.

At that point he will use his invisibility and speed to time his strike at the rear or flank (whichever is easiest, but preferably the rear) of the Pechenegs as they meet the oncoming forces. When he finally strikes he will begin singing song of the Fellowship to give his allies within range.


Edited for the sake of clarity.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Wed 21 Aug 2013.

Thorn will look to sneak around somewhere and use sword or spell to their best effect. He won't join front-line fighting unless things get desperate.

Balthazar discovers that the only lock holding the human captives in the corral is fear. The 10 women and children have been brutalized. A sole Pecheneg stands guard at the gate.

The small war party is still several hundred yards away but they have been spotted and the bulk of the Pechenegs begin to charge in their direction...29 of them. They are on foot and seemed a bit better armed and armored that the average Pecheneg warrior.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:41, Thu 22 Aug 2013.

Onfim looks to A'Kos and says..."Perhaps we should wait their charge here to draw them away fromt he captives? Let them get in range of our archers and deal with them as they advance, if they advance. Try to cut them down at a distance since there may be more in the area that we will have to deal with...just some suggestions but I defer to you are the obvious war leader.""

Brother Finnegan can't resist.  Using his magic ring, he buries the Pecheneg charge in an ice storm.  Hmm... which kind, icicles or ice cloud?  I am at work and don't have the book in front of me, but if the bulk of the Pechenegs can be hit by the icicles doing 3-30 to each no save, I'll go for that.  If not, the slippery ice version worked great against a charge the last time.

Balthazar, still invisible, flies above (but out of melee range) the lone Pecheneg and announces loudly with as sinister a voice as he can muster, "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?  I always ask that of all my prey." He then lets his magic scimitar slip out of its sheathe making sure the Pecheneg can hear it.

trying to scare him away so Balthazar need not lose his invisibilty, but he'll attack if the guy doesn't budge

Loukas paces the Pechenegs with the intention of speeding up to attack the rearmost riders as the frontmost make contact with A'kos and company. If everything works as he hopes he will run up between two Pecheneg riders and strike. The attack combined with his song will break his invisibility, but he'll keep up with the them and strike relentlessly nevertheless.

As the ice storm strikes, A'kos strings his longbow and begins raining arrows into the pechanegs midst.  When they're within 60 yards, he'll discard the bow for his sword, and wade into combat.
This message was last updated by the player at 11:52, Tue 27 Aug 2013.

you may have been awaiting my rolls.  sorry!

07:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 20 using 4d6+2 with rolls of 4,4,6,4. damage

07:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 15 using 1d20+2. arrow 2 rd 2.

07:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 9 using 1d20+2. arrow 1 rd 2.

07:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 20 using 1d20+2. bow att arrow 2 rd 1.

07:50, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 22 using 1d20+2. bow attacks rd 1.

Hearing the disembodied voice, the sole Pecheneg guard flees into the nearby forest.

The ice storm hits the Pecheneg riders just as they are within bowshot. The ice storm does a terrific amount of damage and when it is over only to Pechenegs are left standing...the leader, a larger half orc with excellent armor and not untouched by the storm falls under the arrows of the Magyar while the other...a wounded pecheneg warriors falls to Thorns arrow shot from the flank.

As quick as that it is over and bodies of Pechenegs litter the ground, most cut down with the large chunks of ice.

Having little opportunity to have any effect in the battle, Yves hustles back to the gate locking the would-be slaves into the corral. If Balthazar has not already dealt with the lock he will attempt to pick it. As he does so he begins singing a song to the an the tune of an old folk song about an old milk cow who despite being put upon by everyone in the farmyard she continues to give her milk. The trials and tribulations of the cow are met with wry retorts and humor and a few tricks of her own.

"Lock picking is your specialty sir, wouldn't want to intrude.  Do you think it is worth hunting down that lone Pecheneg?"

Brother Finnegan pumps his fist at his first taste of magical success and looks to "high-five" A'kos and Thorn.

"May as well, I suppose. Let me deal with this and I'll help, though, something tells me you won't need me.", Loukas replies to Balthazar with a wry grin before turning to the lock and his song.

Thorn looks a bit puzzled at the Brother, but returns this bizarre 'handshake' as best he can.

"Nice work, Brother!"

Balthazar thinks about going after him, then changes his mind.  "Nah, let him get away.  Killing someone fleeing a battlefield isn't really my thing.  Maybe he'll tell his brethren we are in the area and they'll all steer clear of us."

Balthazar flies up high to do some long range scouting.  What's in the area?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Wed 28 Aug 2013.

"Or perhaps they'll seek us out," replies A'kos with a smug grin.  "I say to them, come, and well met...shortly before I cut them from neck to nibblets."

To the (un)right Brother, he glances up the the hand, and the again at his face and says, "Put your arm down.  You're attracting flies."

Loukas finds only a simple latch keeping the prisoners in the corral, but even when he opens it they refuse to move. His song starts to work on the the captives nerves, soothing them as they begin to recognize the tune they had all heard since infancy.

Slowly the exit the corral, 5 boys ages 6 to 12 obviously headed for the slave market and 5 girls ages 12 to 16...all headed someplace worse. Anyone who was able to fight was killed as were all the old folk and younger children.

Onfim raises and eyebrow at Brother Finnegan and then smiles at A'Kos's comment regarding the attraction of flies..."This leaves us with a problem. Clearly we cannot leave the ten prisoners here on their own...and we surely cannot take them with us."

Before Loukas opened the gate and got a good look at the captives he had not realized that they were all youths. As he is singing he realizes that while they are now facing much different difficulties what has happened to them is no less awful.



"No, we can not leave them here. How far is the nearest city? I would rather not return to Khorsun, though my Temple could certainly take them in. We are not on a schedule, so bringing them with us until we arrive at some place where we might settle them seems the best option."

"I quite agree, they cannot stay here so we must bring them with us, at least until an alternative is available to us."

Thorn will follow Loukas' example and play songs the youths will recognise, and will speak quietly with them, hoping to learn more of what happened here and how he may help them cope, if even a little. It will be a difficult road for them, for sure.

Balthazar flies back, not that you can see.  The disembodied voice pronounces, "Uh, guys, we've got a problem.  About 5 miles north of us there's a Pecheneg camp of roughly 200 warriors. They have a corral of another 20 prisoners.  I can call down Sparky to deal with them, unless you guys have a better idea."

"How are the bivouacked?" asks A'kos intently.  "What are the positions of the troops?  Is it a circular encampment, or spread out?"

"Yes... I hate to miss a fight, but this does seem as if sending in Sparky, regardless of their defensive set-up, would permit us to focus on getting to the prisoners and liberating them in the tumult."

Stoically, A'kos said, "If they're smart they'll have placed the corral of prisoners in their midst.  A being of fire is like to hurt the prisoners as much as the troops, if that's the case."

"But I was not asking for the pure pleasure of battle - I'd like to know where their horses are, as well as any paths or trails leading from the camp so that we may have a line on them to follow if need be."

"Thus my query.  Hedonite, come draw a picture for me.  I am apparently too slow to think on my feet..."

If Balthazar can't answer all the tactical layout questions now, he scouts again to get a better feel for their camp layout.

Balthazar scouts again...[Private to Balthazar the Hedonite: The camp is circular with a small corral in the middle. The horses (nearly 200 of them) are kept in a different corral also in the center. The pechenegs have set tents up around these two corrals. They look like they have been here a while.

I don't think you actually succeeded in making that private :)

Balthazar returns with the news.  "So, what's the plan guys?"

OOC: Balthazar memorized Leomund's Secure Shelter - a standard spell he prepares for wilderness travel - and I don't have the books in front of me now, but it should be able to keep our current batch of refugees safe while we take on the horde.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Thu 29 Aug 2013.

"Sending Sparky in to attack the point of the circle furthest from the slaves will attract the attention of the Pechenegs. While they attempt to face him, we head straight for the slave pen from the opposite side, release them and get the Hades out of there.", offers Loukas.

"I like that plan," nods A'kos.

"I bow to your better judegment on these matters, one and all!"

"Okay, Leomund's Shelter takes 40 minutes to cast, and with that survivor we left, we probably don't have that much time.  Let's execute now.  Cuivi and the men-at-arms should find a defensible position and hold out with the refugees.  The rest of us should move now.  I'll fly above you."

When the party gets near the Pecheneg encampment - a half mile maybe? - Balthazar will put the brazier down and summon Sparky for battle, using that special sulphur additive to give him the +1 hp/hit die.

Edit: Oh, and Balthazar will cast protection from normal missiles on himself right before he starts summoning Sparky, which I assume makes him visible.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Fri 30 Aug 2013.

One more thing, Balthazar uses the power of the Infinite Spells Book to make A'kos immune to the effects of a fireball.  "A'kos, this is so I can center my fireball right on you if need be, and you won't be harmed."

20% chance the page turns of its own volition ...

09:01, Today: Balthazar the Hedonite rolled 10 using 1d100. 20% chance of page turning.

It did.  Okay, onto the next page.  Let's see what it is!

09:02, Today: Balthazar the Hedonite rolled 40 using 1d100. see what kind of page.

Another cleric spell.

09:03, Today: Balthazar the Hedonite rolled 5 using 1d10. spell level.

One random 5th level cleric spell, coming up!

09:04, Today: Balthazar the Hedonite rolled 7 using 1d16. 16 possible spells.

Survey says ... Flame Strike  Not bad!

"I assume I'm not invulnerable to 'Flame Strike' however," notes A'kos a bit wryly.  "Let's not forget that in the heat of battle, eh?"

"I do have some useful spells on the ring you gave me, Balthazar, should it come to that. But hopefully we can get in and out with the prisoners in tow before the pechenegs even have a chance to notice."

Thorn also has his bow and a few other tricks, but thought he'd only mention the useful offensive stuff for now.

"Right. Let's let our friend do the work, though. The Pechenegs will either run or move to attack him, but we need to give them time to do that otherwise we'll be fighting a pitched battle rather than a rescue. We ought to have enough advantage once Sparky strikes to get in and out with the prisoners before the Pechenegs realize what's happening.

OOC: To be honest, though Balthazar has a telepathic link of some kind to the Book of Infinite Spells, it's not clear that he'd know what the next spell is without physically reading the page.  All he might know is that the page turned.

"Belay my last," said A'kos.  "Let us proceed with all due caution, and slay the bastards where they stand."

"Balthazar, if you're fumbling around with that brazier, I'll stay behind and guard you."  Finnegan climbs a tree to gain better visibility, and gets his bow ready.

The plan goes as Balthazar set forth. Cuivi and Cassius remain with the refugees while the Yaro and his archers, Thorn, Loukas and Onfim are lead towards the Pecheneg camp by A'Kos.

Balthazar and Finnegan make their way to the other side of the Pecheneg camp, one in the air and one on foot, they set up the brazer and in a short time, Balthazar has summoned the Elemental known as sparky. Finnegan keeps watch from a nearby tree bow in hand as the elemental begins to head towards the Pecheneg camp.

Once the elemental is spotted by the Pecheneg, they mount up and meet him outside of their camp. Clearly some of them have met Sparky in the second battle of Khorsun as they give the elemental a wide birth. One particular Pecheneg adorned with a cloak of feathers stands about 100 feet or so from the elemental and looks to be set in prayer.

The Pechenegs have only left a small contingent in their camp of about 20 or so. The mounted party should reach bow range next range and be able to fire upon them provided they are able to do so from horseback, which the men Yaro picked are capable of. These men are also fairly easy to surprise since their attention is on the battle with the elemental outside of camp.

Balthazar continues to intone the secret rites over the brazier:

The sky is red, I don't understand,
Past midnight I still see the land.
People are sayin' Sparky is damned,
He makes you burn with a wave of his hand.
The city's a blaze, the town's on fire.
Sparky's flames are reaching higher.
We were fools, we called him liar.
All I hear is "Burn!"

The sky is red, I don't understand,
Past midnight I still see the land.
People are sayin' Sparky is damned,
He makes you burn with a wave of his hand.
Warning came, no one cared.
Earth was shakin, we stood and stared.
When it came no one was spared.
Still I hear "Burn!"

then later he switches it up

Comin' out of nowhere
Drivin' like rain
Sparky is dancing
On the thunder again
Dark cloud gathering
Breaking the day
No point running
'Cause he's coming your way

Ride the rainbow
Crack the sky
Sparky is coming
Time to die
Got to keep running
Sparky is coming
He's got nothing you need
He's gonna make you bleed
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Tue 10 Sept 2013.

In reply to Balthazar the Hedonite (msg # 82):

OCC: Sorry to be late, but I just wanted to say:

Rock and/or Roll, good fellow.

Balthazar weaves his magic and Sparky weaves his own path of destruction among the Pecheneg horsemen. For the most part the small horde does not engage the elemental directly. They let loose their arrows at the creature and the arrows burst into flame as they make contact....this is all happening about a hundred yards from the camp.

The Company of the Heart of the Oak is now within long range bowshot

Loukas moves forward and sighting the Percheneg shaman apparently casting a spell the Brother of Veles changes his plan. If they do not stop the Shaman from doing whatever it is he is doing their plan will go seriously awry. Using the Blessings of Veles he takes advantage of the chaos to sprint directly to him and strike before the Shaman knows what is happening.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Sun 22 Sept 2013.

A'kos begins firing a steady stream of arrows toward the Pechenegs.

12:13, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 83 using 6d20 with rolls of 5,10,19,20,20,9. arrow flight.

ooc: I'll leave it to our good DM to roll damage...

Knowing his bow works best at closer range, and not wanting to use up his spells just yet, Thorn holds fire and waits for the opportune moment.

The distraction of the elemental leaves those guarding the prisoners unaware of the menace charging from the other direction. Akos manages to take out two of the 20 guards with his bow without even having a warning raised. The archers of Yaro manage to take out three more. FInally the guards are wise tot he threat and begin to take up their own bows.

One more round of bow shot...party still has initiative...after that melee!

Loukas is near the pen holding the prisoners. he manages to keep tot he shadows and remains unseen. Next round he can either attack melee of go for the less than awesomely guarded gate.

Loukas heads towards the less than awesome guards at the gate and begins doing something he rarely does as he does so. Cast a spell...

A'kos looses two more arrows, then stows his bow and draws his sword.  Kicking Storm to a gallop, he charges the guards.

16:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6. dmg.

16:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 4 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 2. to hit 2.

16:51, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 13 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 11. to hit.


16:53, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 5 using 1d6+2. initiative.

"Charge!" he shouts, exultant as the wind flows through his long locks...

With the guards getting closer Thorn finally lifts his own bow and shoots. It has been some time since last he employed it, but he shows no signs of rust.


10:37, Today: Thorn rolled 21 using 1d20+3. attack roll, shortbow.
10:37, Today: Thorn rolled 16 using 1d20+3. attack roll, shortbow.
10:37, Today: Thorn rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,3. dmg.

He then shoulders his bow and draws his sword, ready for close combat.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:39, Sun 06 Oct 2013.

Brother Finnegan longs to get into the action as well, but he takes his mission of protecting the mage seriously.  He silently cheers on his brothers in archery.

As the latest shower of arrows fall upon the guards from the now melee range Company of the Oak, the grass and weeds around the feet of the Pechenegs begins to grow up and tangle the 15 or so guards.

Arrows from Thorn, Ako's, Yaro and his six archers rain heavy upon the suddenly less mobile guards..after all is said and done, there are only 3 Pecheneg guards still alive and none of them have bows yet are stuck fast in the grip of nature.

One of them seems a bit brighter than your average orcish Pecheneg and he begins to call out towards the horde that is battle the fire elemental.

A'kos halts and fires at the shouting pechaneg.

14:36, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4. dmg.

14:36, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 6 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 4. arrow 2.

14:36, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12. arrow 1.


"Somebody shoot that bastard," roars the not so great marksman.

When he is done casting his spell, Loukas charges in. If he manages to outrun the arrows from A'kos and the others and the Pecheneg is still shouting he'll attack him. If not, he will head directly for the pen. The battle is loud and the one who is yelling is, luckily, rather far from it. The chance of those facing the the Fire Elemental noting their smart buddy's yells while avoiding the flaming limbs seems rather low, but lives are at stake and this is not the time to be gambling.

Akos's first arrow hits true but does not stop the Pecheneg from yelling. It is only after Loukas crushes the half orc's windpipe with a fury of blows that he goes silent.

The last two guards go down in a small hail of arrows leaving the gate unguarded and the 180 or so Pechenegs about a hundred yards away fighting against the elemental.

Again, A'kos stows his bow, and draws his sword, charging toward the back ranks who are attacking the elemental.  He does not shout the charge, but at a full gallop he's ready to create some mayhem among their ranks.

ooc: gotta love playing fighters...

Onfim sits high in his saddle and looks at the Magyar streak off into the fight. He shakes his graying head and says..."He is a madman!"

He looks to Yaro and says..."You and your archers best offer him some cover or he is doomed!"

He urges his mount forward to where Loukas is already nearing the gate and says..."We must get them out of here then help A'kos...though against almost two hundred riders, I am not sure what we can do!"

He glances at Thorn and shrugs his shoulders in frustration.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Thu 10 Oct 2013.

Yaro and his six archers (who all seem to be wearing some sort of red shirt btw) charge after the Falcon. They keep a ways back and get ready to loose their arrows when Yaro gives the command.

With Sir Jean's death, Loukas had thought they had been done with the sort of foolishness for which the Frank had become known. A thought went through his mind that since what has transpired with Jaleh, perhaps A'Kos had lost interest in life an chosen this as his death. That did not seem like the Magyar, though. Whatever it is, he has put the entire party into danger just as it looked as if they would pull this mission off.

He grunts in reply to Onfim and unlocks the gate. To those within he shouts, "Come! Come! We've come by The Woolly One's wiles to free you. Hurry! Flee while we go kill your Percheneg friends an try to save our own friends from being killed by them! MOVE or be slaves!!!

Onfim grabs the oldest girl by the shoulders and gives her a quick shake..."Listen to me! If you do what I tell you, there is a good chance you all will live. Lead the lot of you towards the village to the west. There you will find a shaman and a golem on a wagon...tell him to lead you to Kiev. We will follow shortly."

With that the girl nods and quickly the group of prisoners is gone towards the west and hopefully safety.

Onfim jumps back on the back of his mount and gives his sword a swing as he sets his shield on his left arm. He looks at Loukas and says..."Shall we join A'Kos?

Finnegan whispers down to Balthazar, "A'kos has gone into the thick of the Pechenegs."

"Crap.  If I cease concentration, Sparky is 75% likely to turn on me.  If A'kos needs help though, I'll fly to his aid and use a fireball as we planned, so keep up the play-by-play.  Sparky can't reach me if I stay in the air anyway."

Once again Loukas is reminded that sometimes words alone are less effective than he would prefer them to be. When Onfim turns to him he nods and without waiting he dashes back in the direction of the fight. A'Kos is fierce enough that he should have little problem initially, but eventually he is likely to be overrun. When Loukas is close enough his intention is to use his last two Entangle spells to obstruct the Perchenegs and keep them from overwhelming A'kos and hopefully permitting him to escape.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Sun 13 Oct 2013.

ooc: has A'kos reached the pechanegs yet?  there's a reason I'm asking.  thx.

A'Kos reached the closest of the Pechenegs...as he does so Yaro and the archers let loose two volleys of arrows into the horde.

ooc: ah, well.  not my best laid plan.  but hell, its roleplayer.  as for the comparison to the original Sir Jean - bite me.  :)

A'kos lays about with his sword, a malicious grin upon his face.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:28, Mon 14 Oct 2013.

DM - how is Sparky doing?  Given that +2 weapons are required to harm him, I'm wondering if he's even taken a hit yet.

Sparky has not taken any damage yet but he is not doing a lot himself either. Many of these Pechenegs saw him outside of Khorsun. They are keeping their distance. He has cooked a few but here on the open steppe they are riding around him...only just now are some of them getting the fact that something untoward has happened back at their camp. Being distracted with Sparky around may prove to the the downfall of many a Pecheneg.

I am going to do more of a freeform narritive to get us back into the sing.

A'Kos hits the rear of the Pecheneg horde like a true falcon swooping down onto it's prey. Yaro and his archer loose volley after volley trying to keep the Magyar clear but soon they are set upon by the horde just as A'Kos is.

Both Onfim and Loukas hit the line soon after. The Scholar proves to be more than a little handy with his sword. As Loukas nears the area, the grass again comes alive grabbing ahold of the legs of many of the Pecheneg horse, knocking the riders to the earth where they are also held by the moving grass.

Although he is a deadly force, A'Kos is eventually lassoed and pulled of his mount. Brother Finnegan tells Balthazar of this and taking great risk, the Hedonite lets his concentration fail and flies into the air.

Sparky stops for a moment then resumes action but in a more random fashion. One of Yaro's archers get too close and is turned into a charred corpse.

Brother Finnegan now joins the fray using his bow as Balthazar flies over the field of battle dropping fireballs upon the embattled Pecheneg to great effect.

About half the horde is dead or incapacitated at this point. A'Kos is wounded has regained his footing and fights.

Actions?

Balthazar only has one fireball, so I'll assume when you used the plural it counted for both fireball and flaming sphere.  Balthazar positions the flaming sphere roughly behind A'kos so that he can fight back-to-back with it.  Then Balthazar switches to his bow as well, shooting from above at easy targets while mentally directly the sphere as he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Thu 19 Dec 2013.

A'kos heaves about with his brand, the fury of battle upon him.  The sword glows a bright, cold light, freezing the pechanegs it comes in contact with.  He keeps fighting until they are dead, or he is...

His spells had much of the result he had wished and with some relief he realizes that he is going to have to move in and get his hands (and fists and elbows and feet and knees) dirty. Loukas checks to see where Balthazar is (he does not with to get caught in an effect that will cover an area) and pauses to summon a Protection from Evil 100' around himself from his Gusli.

Once that is done he notes the flaming sphere that Balthazar casts behind the warrior and moves to strike at the rear of Perchenegs attacking A'kos from the front, if possible, assuming that the sphere will protect his back. If nothing else an attack from the flank of The Falcon's attackers will be attempted.

Speeding forward like a human avalanche, as only a Brother of Veles can, he is singing from his chest (without Gusli accompaniment) a poem of the Woolly One reminding his comrades that the finest, sweetest honey bread awaits he who smites enemies using whatever means he wishes, works magic or whatever sort he can, acquires wealth by whatever means suits, and sings songs whether in or out of tune. Those seek to sit on their mountains lobbing lighting, counting coins, shouting orders, and those who diminish themselves serving such will receive bread made of mud when their time comes.

"So, let's serve these bastards our blows, bud,
"And advance to Veles for our sweet meal
"This is the Woolly One's deal,
"We'll a song together, whilst they dine on mud, HA! HA!"

OOC: Erm, sorry, trying to add a little color and may have worked a bit too hard... POETIC ABILITY: Raises morale of associated creatures 10% & gives +1 To Hit

Following the berserker urges of his companions, Thorn closes to engage in hand-to-hand combat himself. Before he does so, however, he employs an Entangle spell of his own, to further reduce the number of opponents, choosing an area away from A'kos. Then he too charges in, swinging his Cold Sword.

With a good many of the Pechenegs wounded, entangled or just outright killed, their morale breaks and those that can make one last attack in retreats mostly employing the Parthian shot over the back of their horses.

As the horsemen retreat it is clear that A'Kos is badly wounded but still stands.Blood flows freely form several wounds and Onfim rushes towards his with a healing spell on his lips.

Balthazar's burning orb continues to glow but Sparky seems to have other plans now that the Pechenegs have fled. His flaming eyes search the field to fall upon Balthazar nearly 150 feet away. He lets out a fiery howl and begins to stride towards the mage.

THough many of the entangled Pechnegs have fallen from the archers and Thorn as well as Onfims blade, there are still about 15 still alive but entangled.

As Onfim finishes his healings pell he takes not of Sparky. Looking at Balthazar he says, "Perhaps you could lead him through the entangled Pechenegs. Those raping murderous lot deserve no better than a fiery death!"

pm

Loukas agrees with Onfim, "Yes. Let's put this lot out and let their gods sort them out for themselves...."

It is at this point that he notes the look on Sparky's face and his movement, "Erm, Balthazar, perhaps you should do that quickly."

A'kos engages in a tactical retreat - his wounds stung, and he had little wish to embroil himself in a disagreement with Sparky.

To Onfim he says, "Before my next glorious charge, remind me of this moment."

The learned Rus smiles at the Magyar and says..."Maybe we should leave one of these arrowheads imbeded in you as a remindier?"

"Mm, good idea," agrees A'kos.  "The one in my ass should do quite well."

Balthazar knows that Sparky can't reach him while he's flying in the sky, but still he goes a bit higher.  He calls down to Thorn, "Quick Thorn, the dispel magic in the ring you wear will send Sparky back home."

"As you wish, my floating friend!"

Thorn employs the dispel magic spell in the ring of spell storing to send Sparky home, as directed.

With Sparky being dispelled Loukas realizes it is going to be up to them to deal justice to the Pechenegs that remain entangled. He takes a breath, "I am not willing to let these bastards avoid justice. I will meet it out myself."

He moves toward those entangled by the first spell he cast in order to kill them before the spell wears off. The Brother of Veles, God of Death amongst other things, he intends to aim his blows to quickly finish them off, but is careful as they are entangled, but still...

Upon the casting of the dispel magic by Thorn, the air shimmers and Sparky is sent back home with a flash of burning light.

Loukas is joined by Yaro and he bowman. They quickly dispatch the entangled Pechenegs. The main force of the horse nomads has gone but they can still be heard in the distance.

Onfim the learned Rus wheels his mount about and sheaths his sword saying..."I know not what ynder Pechenegs are going to do but I sent off the captives along the road back to where Cuivi and Casis wait. I think it might be best for us to head back that way as well in case the Pechenegs attempt toi circle us. I would hate to find that those who survived had perished trying to reach safety."

The six archers have already begun to loot the bodies of the Pechenegs. Yaro upon seeing this holds up his hand and says..."Ofim's words are true we must make sure those who survived continue to do so. Archers, what you have gleaned formt he bodies will go to these survivers. I will pay you extra from my own pocket...now let's move out!"

Executing the barbarians was not easy work. Well, it was physically easy, because they were trapped; however, while he felt confident that it was the right thing to do there is a line one must step over in a situation like this. Yet, he 'stepped' and he did so feeling the justice inherent in the awful activity.

The responsibility that he was taking through these thoughts led him to consider the archers who had been ordered to assist him. Being a leader means that one must help one's men manage the weight of the results of the orders one gives. So, when Yaro speak Loukas nods in agreement, "Aye, and I shall help with that expense, my friend.

"Come, as Onfim says, let's get moving. We have all done good work here and it would be worse than wasteful if it all comes to naught."

A'kos climbs aboard Wind, and prepares to move out.  He's feeling almost chipper after the good hands of the priest, and his own talent in that area.

Are there any prisoners left to rescue?

All the prisoners escaped and are heading towards Cuivi and Cassius right now, just a few minutes before the group. Will post tomorrow.

Okay, Balthazar flies above them to make sure they reach safety.

Blathazar easily finds the party of refugees heading east towards Cuivi and the other refugees on the east road. Shortly after, the rest of the part catches up and after a time they all reunite with the others.

Cuivi shakes his head as he looks at the refugees and says...I cannot see how I can ocntinue on with all of you. It is best that I escort these children back to Kiev and i request that Yaro and the archers accompany me as well."

Onfim looks over at the lot of women and children and nods his head..."I would surely hate to lose half our party but surely these poor folk need our help to get to safety."

Loukas agrees, "I am particularly concerned about losing you, Cuivi (sorry, Yaro), but I think you have the right of it. We can not leave these poor folk to fend for themselves.

"If nothing else it's more heroic for us to travel on without a healer, eh?", he ends with a wry grin.

"Well, if we succeed in our quest, the Grail is supposed to have great healing qualities."

Onfim nods his head..."Yes it does but until then I do have some skill in healing."

"Okay gang, lots of dead bodies out here that shouldn't rot out in the sun, let's get to burying them."

I imagine the party will be busy for the next couple of days on grave digger duty.

"These lands are not overly crowded," said A'kos.  "Better to pile them and leave them for the vultures, and other scavengers.  Nature's bounty, I say."

Onfim nods his head..."Aye, the wolves and ravens will be here soon enough. I would think the Pechenegs will double back to loot their own dead soon enogh as well."

The party splits with Cuivi and Yaro taking a wagon full of refugees to Kiev along with the archers and Casius while A'Kos, THorn, Balthazar, Loukas and Onfim continue on in search of the Grail.

Days pass and Balthazar leads the party in the direction his spell pointed. Nearing the destination Balthazar confirms that a distant cabin in the distance is their goal. Smoke streams from the chimney in the small round sod house.

It is faster going with the smaller party and Loukas appreciates this. While he is a city boy born and bred, but he was also born to a merchant family and this means that he knew how to survive on the road even before joining the Fellowship and then the Brotherhood and since then his survival skills have suitably increased.

When they finally come within view of the cabin he turns to Balthazar, "Before we go any farther, remind us what your spell is supposed to be directing us to. I mean, is it directing us to the Grail or to an information source about it? We should scout this cabin out before knocking on the door, no?"

A'kos nods at Loukas's question.

"If need be, the son of Veles and I can swiftly reconnoiter the place."

(and I assume Brother Finnegan?)



"To the Grail.  Yes by all means scout it out."

"I can scout the place out swiftly as well, Falcon, and I can also do it stealthily. Let me go forth and be ready to back me up if I fail to be as stealthy as I need to be."

If there is no further conversation [OOC: That is, if y'all don't want me to do this.] Loukas pulls out his Gusli. Using the Invisibility from it he will move as silently as a man who is not only a monk but a trained thief may move and approach the cabin.

Of course Brother Finnegan is there, my slop, sorry:)

Loukas vanishes, presumably headed for the small house while the others wait.

PM

PM

Loukas returns to the party. He remains invisible for the time being, but speaks [OOC: I know attacking while invisible cancels the spell, but if I'm wrong about speaking let me know and I'll edit], "Hoy, fellows! So, I took a gander and it looks like a normal cabin. There's an old fellow in there enjoying some sort of hot, drink, which it looks like he's enjoying. It seems like he's the only one in there and he also seems to be the only magical thing about the place. He positively glows with the stuff!

"Well then, let's do it."

Balthazar approaches the cottage and knocks on the front door.  "Good day I say.  Is there anyone at home?"

Loukas begins to ask Balthazar if he has any idea who the old man might be, but the magus moves off so suddenly that he finds himself standing there. Because he is still invisible nobody can see that his mouth is agape.

Rather than attempt to stop him the Hedonite he shrugs, accepting that there probably is no planning or preparation for whatever will come next, and follows after performing a combination punch and kick that is not only a move from the Brotherhood of Veles's martial art, but, unsurprisingly, is also known as a move in a traditional folk dance.

Anyone who is still around to see him notices that he seems to spin out of his invisibility. Everyone else notes that he catches up and and stands to the side of the mage expectantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Fri 10 Jan 2014.

A'kos kicks Storm's Wind into motion, following Balthazar at a walk.

The old man looks up as he hears the knock on his door. It had been years since his last visitor. He grabs his crutch and stands..."Just a minute!" he calls as he hobbles the short distance to the door.

With no little effort he opens the thick oaken door and looks at Balthazar and the others and says..."I thought you would never get here."

Balthazar gives him a broad smile and says, "Ah, I see we're expected, excellent.  Also very glad we don't have to do that 3 questions to cross the bridge game.  I must admit, I can't quite make up my mind as to what my favorite color is.  Well, my name is Balthazar, and this here is Loukas, and this here is A'kos, and this here is Thorn, and this fellow Onfim, and this fine Irishman Finnegan.  Since you obviously know why we are here, may we come in?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Sat 11 Jan 2014.

"What is that delightful smell?" asks Thorn. He mighe be meaning the hot drink that the old man is enjoying, or he might simply be being polite, and pretending that any other odour is simply not there.

"My favourite colour is green, by the way."

Loukas bows his head humbly in greeting when Balthazar introduces him, but does not otherwise respond.

The old man nods a greeting to each as he says..."I am Pelles, the Lord has told me of your coming in my dreams...please come in."

He goes to a small cupboard and produces several cups and grabs up his small teakettle and begins pouring..."Mushroom broth...you'll accept my hospitality yes?"

PM

In response, Balthazar says to the party, "You know, I'm a little freaked out that the Lord has taken notice of us.  Somehow, I just thought ... well apparently we have a destiny folks."  It's rare to see on Balthazar's face, but he is suddenly very serious and thoughtful.



Balthazar laughs, "Actually ... not yet.  I think we need to establish the situation.  We seek the Holy Grail.  Who are you, and what is your role?"

The old man smiles...I know what you seek! You are not the first but hopefully you are the last. As for who I am, I told you my name was Pelles...some have called me the Fisher King but I have given up fishing in the river many years ago when I left my home. As for the Grail, part of it is with me always but that part is intangible.The physical Grail was stolen centuries ago my followers of the Mad Arab. I may be able to lead you to it."

Loukas finally breaks his silence, "The 'Mad Arab', you say? Can you tell us about him? How could an artifact like the Grail be stolen?"

Pelles looks sad for a moment then explains..."It was stolen by the followers of Abdul Alhazred the Mad Arab...they were very powerful. I could not stop them...but this was long ago. They needed the Grail to revive the Mad Arab."

OOC: Awesome!

Balthazar sighs, "No common courtesy these days, that's the problem.  After they revived ol' Abdul, they could have returned it, but nooooo.  Well, we will certainly partake of your hospitality now." Over food, Balthazar asks for more information about where this Mad Arab and his clan might now reside.

"Why would they return it?" asked A'kos.  "It is a Christian relic, and my understanding is that the Arabs do not view the Christ in the same divine light.  Better, to them at least, that they should keep it from the church in Rome."

Yves accepts Pelles's soup and listens to Pelles's response to Balthazar's and A'kos's questions.

Balthazar enjoys his stew for a bit and adds, "Sir Jean would have loved our next mission.  Because we're stealing it back!"

A'kos laughs.

"Roderychus as well, my friend!" he said.  "The two would likely be foaming like wild dogs to retrieve the artifact."

Pelles shakes his head and laughs lightly...
"The grail is no Christian relic like the stories have told. It is old, older than Christ. It is one of the four treasures that fell from the heavens onto the Scythian planes centuries ago. It was brought through the Holy Land where Christ himself drank from it and into Britain by the early migrating tribes. It is the cauldron of Bran from the Welsh stories. The Christian church has claimed it for it's own but I know the true history of it."

Balthazar perks up in attention.  "4 treasures from the heavens ... cauldron of Bran ... ancient artifact ... this is awesome, Pelles!  Tell me more.  What were these 4 treasures?  Who was Bran?  What do you know of the whereabouts of the other 3 artifacts?"

Balthazar turns to the party, "I was planning on us going after Excalibur next, but these artifacts might trump that.  Still, Excalibur may help us succeed at obtaining them, and I would love to see A'kos wield it."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Fri 17 Jan 2014.

Lukas takes a sip of his soup and asks, "Perhaps we ought to focus on one quest at a time?"

"The Falcon would wish to wield such a blade," counters A'kos heartily, his grin wide.

Pelles smiles at the question..."The four objects are a plow, a yoke, and axe and the bowl. ALl golden and of greatest maic. I know nothing of the other three. I can only assume they are lost to history but the bowl is likely in Damascus or better said in a hidden City of Pillars under Damascus with the Mad Arab himself."

"Damascus? We shall need the Heart of Oak after all!  What can you tell us about the Mad Arab and his followers?  If he stole the Grail from you he must be clever in his madness, but what else do you know of him to help us return it back to you?"

Thorn also takes a bowl of hospitality and listens eagerly to the tales being told and legends spun - just what a bard is made for!

Pelles stands and says, "Yes, Damascus and there is no better time to head south than right this moment."

He heads over to a chest and pulls out a leather pack and begins loading up his meager possessions getting ready to leave.

He looks at the others and says..."He will be waiting for us no doubt."

Bemused at the sudden change in the man, A'kos said, "Now?  We've only just arrived.  How do you propose to travel?  Night draws nigh, and we've been traveling some time."

Loukas was also surprised by Pelles's joining them. Given the man's legendary stature he rises, "I hated my father and always suspected he was talking about himself when he said that one must respect one's elders. Now I think I understand what he was saying."

Turning to their host, "If it is important that we go now, we will, but The Falcon makes a good point, Master. Traveling at night is unwise unless you have some means to aid our travel."

Balthazar is wolfing down his soup and the look on his face says it all - comfort first, quest second.

Finnegan laughs at seeing the elder Pelles get up and get ready to leave.  With a broad smile he adjusts his pack and says, "I'm ready, as always!"

Pelles smiles at both the Magyar and the monk and reaches into his vest. A moment later he produces a number of small white feathers..."Just get me to the river (less than a mile away) and we can be on our way. These wonderous feathers will help us!"

A'kos casts a befuddled frown at Balthazar, and shrugs.

"Surely some magecraft in the works.  I, for one, cannot see how feathers might help us."

Pelles smiles a broad devilish grin..."Once we reach the water, we wade in until we are up to our privates then each eat a feather. We will be transformed into geese. Flying south will be easy then."

Clapping his hands together Loukas practically honks in delight, "Yes! We shall take a gander as a Gander! Fabulous!"

Thorn opens his mouth to say something witty, only for Loukas to beat him to the punch. He has a small consolation.

"It would appear that your jokes are heading south, too..."

His soup finished the bard is ready to go, though he too would much rather rest up for the night.

Loukas looks nonplussed at Thorn in response, "You don't think I'd leave them here, do you?"

Pelles throws his head back and laughs. He plops himself back down in his wooden chair and says..."Perhaps you are right. We can wait until morning . I was rxcited to get underway, that is all. I forgot you all have been probably in the saddle all day and could use some comfort. I don't have much of that but a warm fire and a place o sleep is better than the trail. We can leave first thing in the morning."

A'kos most assuredly is not happy.

"We'll turn into geese?" he asks doubtfully.  "How, then, is such possible."

Another thought dawns and his face grows dark as stormclouds.

"And what of our horses, and equipment?  I'll not leave Storm's Wind as some taxi, to fare for himself in the wilds - he is my brother."

"We can only dream, my friend, only dream..."

"Maybe we will turn your mounts into salmon and let them meet us downstream?" says the old man with a serious grin spreading across his face, even though he is trying not to smile.

Loukas ignored A'kos's concern and Pelles's reply. Rather he replies to Thorn, "One man's dream is another's nightmare, my friend."

The Falcon's face turns red with anger.

"How, now?  Salmon?  There are bears in these lands.  I'll not have the mount turn into some snack for a child of Ursus."

Pelles smiles once again, seemingly enjoying the way his word rouse the Magyar..."Do not worry my new friend. I jest! In the morning by the river you will have your worries erased, I promise."

Loukas replies to Thorn and then A'kos replies to Pelles. Despite the cross-conversation the Brother of Veles can not help but notice the warrior's growing frustration. He begins to speak, but Pelles beats him to it. At first he is relieved and then he realizes that his offer of consolation might not offer much.

Stepping forward he speaks, "A'kos, let us take our rest. We shall see tomorrow morn what Master Pelles offers us. Remember that it to his advantage to keep our party coherent."

With a nod and a wry smile to Pelles, "Remember also that he is a being of legend who has lived longer than us and has been here for many years alone seemingly waiting for our arrival. While his sense of impatience might seem easy to understand, his sense of humor is likely not to be and we need to consider this."

A'kos looks dubiously at the man, but is mollified when Loukas adds his wisdom to the conversation.  Nodding, he settles himself and finds himself some hard tack and biscuits to eat.  The idea of soup does not sit well with the hardy warrior.

ooc: nicely done...

Balthazar mutters under his breath, "I should have known better than to mount an expedition without women."

Cut scene to the next morning with the party standing with Pelles near the river bank. Pelles takes one of his feathers and tosses it into the water and in an instant a swan shaped boat appears. This is a rather large river barge with room for eight and mounts.

The old man smiles at A'Kos as he points to the boat.

"Quite the feather in your cap, Sir!"

Thorn regards the swanboat with admiration. Then he wonders what the sleeping and eating arrangements within shall be.

Pelles's trick was clever. Well, it was not a 'trick' as such, it was serious magic, but his little joke on A'kos was a good bit of word play. Of course, the problem here is that A'kos does not 'play' and he does not really seem to like words, so Loukas could not help be concerned by the warrior's response.

He was about to say something when Thorn spoke up. Stopping everything else he had started to do he just stares. With an incredulous look he asks, "Really?"

Turning back to the party, "Ahem, well, flying directly would have been advantageous, but at least this way we can take our horses, eh? Come, let's get moving. We've got a lot of distance to cover."

Balthazar gets right onboard, "I'll just barge in!"

A'kos looks at the ship with doubt and suspicion.

"An interesting contrivance," he mutters, then leads his horse onto the barge.  To Balthazar, he adds, "Let us take flight, then."

"Let's just hope this trip doesn't end up being our swan song."

Loukas weathered his Fellows' puns, but when he heard A'kos the grimace became a grin. If nothing else comes from this quest, those words make it all worth while!, he thinks to himself as he boards the boat.

As the group boards, Pelles explains that the swan boats only last for a day but are very fast. In a few days worth of feathers the party should be in Kiev where they can find proper transport.

Just as Pelles promised, the boats were fast and time flew by strangely. In a matter of days they were coming into the ports of Kiev.

In the distance docked along a pier lies "The Heart of Oak".

"And so we return," said A'kos thoughtfully.  "Seems like we were just here, yet so much has happened since we left.  Perhaps we should pay our respects at the palace."

Seeing the Heart of Oak was refreshing. While Kiev was not their home finding their ship resting at dockside made entering the city seem like coming home. "Ah, well, it is Destiny, is it not? That we meet Oleg here is a powerful sign.

"I agree with A'kos that before we greet our old friend that we should present ourselves at the Palace. I would also pay a quick visit to the shrine of Veles."

Balthazar would like to visit a few lady friends while in town ...