In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 333):

The Summit

There are no tracks to be followed and only a gentle breeze to keep Enrei company.

The Workhouse

The young smith nods, "hey, that would be grand!  I'm only a 'prentice, but I can take a look."

If Titus turns over the Sword, shield and hauberk, the boy frowns.

"The shield," he says with a flick of his hand, "is easy enough.  Some paint will do it.  The sword, I can refit the hilt and pommel easy enough.  The hauberk though... I can pull out some rings so the cross is gone, but I don't have the tools to fill it in again."

M'kon's House

Brennan finds himself in a stuffy little hut permeated by the scent of flowers and saltwater.

There is little in the room beyond a thin mat, some clothes hanging on the walls and a few large sacks about the size of a sack of grain.

An elderly man sits beside the sole window in the house, reading from a book.  He looks up when Brennan sticks in his head, and waves him in, then immediately offers him something that looks like a root, about the size of a man's finger.  He makes a chewing motion and points from his mouth to the root and then to Brennan.

After poking at the burn marks on the ground fruitlessley Enrei cups his hands around his mouth and shouts to the range in general, "Hello!  Sea serpent!  I am here to slay you!  You can try to eat me!". Failing an inmediate response he will check the tree to be sure the gigantic snake isn't hidden entirely by whatever branches it may have, and will attempts to get his bearings and estimate which direction the snake ran, likely resulting him him ranging aimlessly around the limits of the mountain summit until some evidence of a snake is discovered or he is satisfied that it no longer resides there, and he should probably head back to town and come up with something else.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 335):

Brennan looks at the root carefully, mentally comparing it to any plants he knows.

If he doesn't not recognize it, he will ask about it:

"My thanks, but... if I may, what is this? And what will happen to me if I chew it?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 336):

The Summit

After wandering for some time, Enrei is unable to locate the snake or anything else of much interest.

He wanders slowly back down toward the town.  It will be early evening when he reaches it and he will be quite tired.

M'kon's House

"If you're anything like me," M'kon replies with a chuckle, "it will make your lips pucker a bit.  If you have too much it might make your teeth yellow.  But it's sweet and I can't help myself."

M'kon will not press the point if Brennan does not want any root.  If he does, he will find it to be as described, sweet and sour to chew.

"We don't get many travelers, at least not many without a cart of wares.  What brings you here."

The look in M'kon's eye indicates he believes he knows most of the answers already.

In reply to GM (msg # 337):

Brennan pops the root in his mouth and chews with a thoughtful smile.

"Delicious! What is it? I may try to grow my own someday."

He takes his time to finish the piece, pondering how best to answer the man's question.

"The long and the short of it is that I lead a small band of mercenaries. We've refined some unusual talents along the way, and thus in towns that don't need security solutions we are able to offer various forms of entertainment to pay for lodging and food. We are also always willing to swap stories and happenings, of course. Forewarned in forearmed and all that."

Brennan glances around the simple hut for a moment, taking in what's there.

"One of my men encountered some kind of serpent last night. He fought it off, but wasn't able to kill it. Today he showed me your town's ward. It is impressive you've been able to preserve such a delicate thing for any length of time."

He clears his throat again.

"You seem like decent folk. I would like to rid your town of its reliance on that ward. Any chance my men can be of service in that regard?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 338):

Can you move the rings from one side to the other to diffuse the design around the front and it doesn't leave it with holes in it.

As far as the sword and shield that is perfect.  If you provide me the paint I'll paint the shield myself... theres a special sigil.

He takes the shield and (assuming he has grey black and white available) will paint the shield with a stylized yin-yan symbol on a field of gray.  While he paints he tells stories and sings new songs of his creation.

That is the mark of Fastbender.

He says.

Light, dark, and everything between.  He is quite a character, you'll hear tonight.

He smiles.

Though I'm going to have to pull the mysterious stranger routine one more time on you.  What does your lady interest look like in case I encounter her on my errand.  While that dries and you work on those items I'm going to run and check on something urgent.  I will settle up with you afterwords.

With that he bolts like he was shot from a bow.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 339):

Workshop

The lad shakes his head "without the proper tools, I could break the rings out for you, but not re-set them."

The young smith re-fits the sword and helps Titus to repaint the shield, all the while asking for news from the west, and of this Lord Fastbender.

While the paint dries, which the boy tells you will take the rest of the day, Titus wanders around town stealthily.


M'kon's House

"I always called it lemonroot, but in Nor they call it Pissroot, so there you have it.  It grows in the shade of rocks not far south of here, if you are interested."

A shadow falls over his face and his voice lowers.

"If your friend fought such a dark servant and survived, he is indeed lucky or skilled or more likely both.  I know what kind of beast your friend saw, it is in the employ of a coven of witches that live somewhere in the mountains.  They have long sought to destroy our town... for many many years we have been beset with foul beasts in the night.  My mean skill keeps them at bay for the time being, but I will not always be able to do so."

He looks at Brennan for some time, his eyes taking in every part of Brennan's robes, hands and face.

"Are you so sure you're up to the task of helping us?"

In reply to GM (msg # 340):

Then break them out will be fine.  We'll have new ones put in later.

Titus gives the lad news from all over, and if he didn't know it he makes it up.  He tells all the stories of Fastbender and even lets him in on a new bit of information...

Lord Fastbender has a ruby bracelet of power. 

He shows him two sleight of hand tricks, how to palm small items (that he can use to cheat his friends if he so desires) and how to do a trick with a drink a coin and a table (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daoIL3gPEXg).

That one is sure to impress your friends.  Remember, don't tell them how you did it or you are no longer special... also, don't overdo it, with either.

He says with an admonishing smile.

Now I'm off to my errand.  Is there a tailor in town?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 341):

Brennan looks at the man carefully and smiles with confidence.

"I am certain we can handle the witches and their demons, yes. My men and I are... skilled and lucky, you might say. And we have no particular love for the witches, though we do know of them."

He hesitates for a moment.

"The witches are why we are here, truth be told. I learned that they possess a stone upon which certain runes are carved. Runes like this."

Brennan jots down a few "angelic" runes from memory.

"I require this stone. A glimpse of it would be enough, for my mind recalls all things at a glance. Unfortunately, the witches aren't much for honest trade, if you take my meaning. If you have any knowledge relating to these runes, I'd be most grateful. As for the task... saving the township here while potentially gaining the knowledge I seek is like killing two birds with one... well... stone."

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 341):

The Workshop

The lad is duely impressed by Titus' stories, and hangs on every word.

He watches the slight of hand carefully and with a few practice tries, is able to replicate the trick, if not elegantly yet.

"I'll practice this ALL the time," he notes gravely.  "And only use it for good."

The modifications are finished quickly enough, and the smith's apprentice directs Titus how to find the home of a "passable" tailor.

Titus soon finds himself in the presence of several older women, grey and bent, working on an array of quilts, workshirts and other basics in the afternoon sun.

M'kon's Home

M'kon nods, but his quizzical look does not change.

"Few would claim such courage about witches, even fewer would actually posses it when faced with the real thing."

He watches Brennan draw and nods.  "Yes, son, I know these signs.  I know their origin to be in the faded memory of the Dream of Heaven, though I cannot infer their meaning.  It has been said that there are several such stones, which were left behind when the Angels left this Dream for theirs.  Precious few Angels remain, but their stones serve to remind us of them.

As for the witches, they are as terrible as they are wise, and in this case the two are linked.  Long ago, when I was a boy, a sage taught me a little writing in various languages... the Kingdom, Nor, Fel and the language of the Angels."

He produces some parchment and scrawls something.  His hand, you notice, is unsteady, but by working slowly he writes clearly enough.  Three lines he produces, one in the language of the Kingdom, one in Fel, and one in the unidentified runes (Angelic).  You can read the first two, and he translates the third:

Beware their words:
Demons tell lies that cut,
Angels tell truths that crush.

"And so witches, who dance between the Dreams of Heaven and Hell for their own power, are least trustworthy of all.  If you were to remove them as a threat, the entire town would be in your debt, and translating a stone would be the least I could offer."

In reply to GM (msg # 343):

I will tell you a story and show you a trick... just for you... 'ere we leave.

Titus enters the hut oozing charm smiles at the room.

My ladies.  I never expected to find such beauty in this town.  I am struck I may never leave.


He flirts a little with them until it comes time to talk business

What I need at the moment is a small task and a piece that I have been sorely lacking for far too long.  If you are able to make me a tabard with this symbol on a field of grey I would greatly appreciate it.  I would like it on good fabric if you have it available... this is going to become part of the show.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 344):

The Hill

Enrei's descent is uneventful.  He returns to town well after Titus/Brennan are done with their tasks, but also long before sundown.  As he approaches, he is carefully watched by the village guard.

The Spinning Circle

The ladies cluck and preen, adequately appreciative of the affections and attention of a new young man.

They agree to make a tabbard, though it will take a few days and they expect the work will not proceed without adequate music during the making.

In reply to GM (msg # 345):

Why of course my ladies... I would expect nothing less!  Though I will have an errand to run in the mean time but I am perfectly willing to provide you with whatever inspiration you need.

He kicks his feet up and sings songs of romance and love for the ladies.  A bit later he runs over to the blacksmith singing songs of conquest and adventure.  He bounces between the two until it is time for the show.

/ooc I have nothing until the show, which will be nothing special though I will have something for when we are leaving the town. /ooc
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Mon 06 June 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 346):

Brennan nods thoughtfully at the man.

"Anything I should know about the best way to go about handling that? We've got courage and strength and determination, but if they melt when you pour water on them or cannot summon demons while there's powdered salt in the air or something of that nature, it would be helpful to know that..."

He pauses.

"Also, an inventory of their assorted pets and known associates. What has been attacking your town?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Wed 08 June 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 347):

Town rit Large

Titus continues to flit between the various small-town folk he's getting to do his bidding.

He may have to pay with a sore throat by night's end, but nothing more.

Enrei continues to stomp down the mountain.

M'Kon's Home

M'kon narrows his gaze.

"The beasts take many forms, but often that of great serpents that spiral our town by night, looking for a way in.

Sometimes though we see hunched figures in the shadows, almost like men, but twisted, horrible, and silent.

Of their weaknesses I know little.  They are old, I suspect, old and wise.  I do not believe they can summon demons themselves... or more likely they are too clever for that.  Rather they would have been granted some talisman by their patron for that end."

He coughs, dry and rasping, and takes a few swallows of water from a skin, then offers it to Brennan.

"I would guess it takes a form similar to the stone you described.  Nondescript but for markings of power.  To my recollection, only one person of this village has seen them, and she is now dead.  She said they are terrible to behold, wrinkled and leathery with wings instead of arms.  She spoke of a terrible gleam in their eyes and said that each wore a circlet upon their brow with a human eye set into it.  She said that they cornered her on the hills one day, and though they did not move nor come close to her, she could feel their fingers on her skin from afar."

M'Kon shrugs.

"Whether these things are true or not, I cannot say.  If you intend to find them in the hills, I believe you will soon know the truth of these things better than I.  What I CAN tell you, and what I do know, is how to keep their servants at bay.  This trick I can teach you.  It may be of service, or it may not."

Assuming Brennan agrees, M'Kon will present him with a small leather bag of white powder, prescribe to him the words for empowering it, and explain its use.

In reply to GM (msg # 348):

[no actions until the performance.]

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 349):

Brennan agrees to be taught this trick, his expression indicating clearly that he thought such a response would have been obvious.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 350):

M'kon's House

The old man demonstrates the proper manner in which the dust is deployed, and the proper incantations to activate it.

OOC:  The powder can be used to create protective barriers on the ground which will repel evil, at least, M'kon notes, lesser forms.  He surmises that more powerful entities may be able to breach the spell.  The barrier will last until the dust is physically dispersed, which will leave 'holes' in the barrier that evil can get through though the rest of the barrier will remain active.  M'kon suggests tending carefully to the barrier as he and the townspeople do with theirs.

The pouch carries enough dust to create a line maybe 30 feet long.

Town

After exchanging thanks and pleasantries, Brennan is politely asked to leave so that M'kon can rest.  He will perform his usual inspection of the town's protective barrier before sunset, as is his custom, and wants to be fresh for this.

Brennan finds himself back in the afternoon sun and the bustle of townsfolk going about their business or hurrying to locate the "handsome young singer" who has just shown up.

Enrei returns presently.

In reply to GM (msg # 351):

Deev shows up when searched for, lingering about in the outskirts but never far from sight of Titus.

In reply to Deev (msg # 352):

Brennan tucks the powder away and gathers the others together when he gets a spare moment.

"Change of plans, I think. Enjoy our evening here, but tomorrow we're returning to Bryce. I found a more palatable way to get what we came for."

"There is no more sea serpent," Enrei notes upon finding Brennan.  He follows until the de facto leader informs them of the new plan, "What did we come for? I still haven't done errand."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 354):

"Right," Brennan nods. "We don't need to do the errand anymore. There's someone here who can help us, and I trust them more than I trust the witches."

He blinks suddenly.

"You killed the serpent? That's great news! Well done! Did it leave anything behind? Or did the corpse sort of char away like ash?"

"No, is not kill.  Is gone.  I could not find any serpent or any serpent tracks," Enrei responds glumly, then he blinks, "I did see burn in grass, this is like char, yes?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 355):

Titus is a tornado of activity you see him flitting around the town looking extremely busy and important.  One second he's being tailed by a conga line of children, the next he's running in the opposite direction with paint all over his hands, the next you see him running away from you into a building he enters with a flourish.

Finally you see him enter the main building where the performance will be and does not emerge.  You see two young girls sneak into the building and after about 10 minutes they are escorted out, gently, you can hear his tenor voice carry as he says

You can see it later!  I promise. 

The girls walk away giggling and he disappears back into the building.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Tue 14 June 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 357):

The Small Town

As night approaches, the population of the town swells with returning farmers, hunters, and children.

All are interested in their new guests, particularly Enrei and Titus.  Most, however, are loath to speak with the former.

Lodgings and a meal are easy enough to find, though all but Titus will have to pay for such.

As the sun fades to orange, Brennan catches sight of M'kon exiting his home.  Several large armed men help him down and then escourt him in a walk around the town's perimeter.  As he walks, he inspects or adds to the line of fine powder.

Finally, as torchlight outpaces sunlight, he finishes his rounds and retires to the town square.  There, some folk have cleared space beneath the bell tower for Titus' show.

Most all of the town gather here to eat and watch, apart from those tasked with guarding the town and the line.

OOC:  I have nothing until after you are asleep and feel safe and secure (at which point you'll likely die) so feel free to write yourselves to bed and let me know where/how you are lodging.