Sunday, March 25, 2012
Video Logs
I am currently (with my cousin and a mutual friend) doing video log series, so if someone looks at this but doesn't know about that, here: http://www.facebook.com/StateOfNormality (starting with the 29th of February video of Peter).
Map
The image is a little fuzzy, but here's a big map of the fantasy world (well, the bit that most of the stories are on). I'm going to make a nice clean version by drawing over it with Gimp and put that up later, and even later I'm going to cut it up into tiles to do a Google Maps version (which should be pretty cool).
Click to make it bigger, but you'll want to be able to zoom and look around <_< (unless google did something strange, it should be really, really large [5000 pixels wide]).
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The Mayor of Pellowey
The Mayor of Pellowey
"Pellowey, the town is called. It is two days east of here, and a
little north, along the Norsgren road. The mayor - a woman by the name
of Meredith Strayward - has been acting oddly. Travellers have mentioned
it in passing a few times, but it was a wandering merchant who told me
the most.
"For the past few weeks, she has been rising just before dusk to handle the affairs of the town - without paying much attention, I was told - and then remaining awake all night in her home. She then sleeps the day away, she even missed her town's fair as the merchant passed through!
"The merchant also heard that, on the King's Day, she skipped the evening feast to spend her time at home, hidden away. She's up to something, and she always looks haggard, as if some task has left her constantly exhausted.
"Needless to say, the townspeople are very concerned. Some think she has become a monster that despises daylight, but most are worried that she may be up to no good - she refuses to discuss what she is doing with anyone (and often rudely).
"Now, it seems to me that it would be good if a group of adventurers were to go to the town and investigate. Before the townspeople become so worried that they do something stupid to the tune of some troublemaker, which is my worry."
The innkeeper stopped speaking. "Sounds like a deed worth doing," said Graeme. "Are there still bandits near Norsgren?" The innkeeper nodded, so Graeme continued, "Then we shall head there, and stop in Pellowey on our way."
"For the past few weeks, she has been rising just before dusk to handle the affairs of the town - without paying much attention, I was told - and then remaining awake all night in her home. She then sleeps the day away, she even missed her town's fair as the merchant passed through!
"The merchant also heard that, on the King's Day, she skipped the evening feast to spend her time at home, hidden away. She's up to something, and she always looks haggard, as if some task has left her constantly exhausted.
"Needless to say, the townspeople are very concerned. Some think she has become a monster that despises daylight, but most are worried that she may be up to no good - she refuses to discuss what she is doing with anyone (and often rudely).
"Now, it seems to me that it would be good if a group of adventurers were to go to the town and investigate. Before the townspeople become so worried that they do something stupid to the tune of some troublemaker, which is my worry."
The innkeeper stopped speaking. "Sounds like a deed worth doing," said Graeme. "Are there still bandits near Norsgren?" The innkeeper nodded, so Graeme continued, "Then we shall head there, and stop in Pellowey on our way."
The party made it to Pellowey without incident, and spoke to the local
townspeople. Pellowey was only a small town, perhaps six hundred
inhabitants in total. Everyone knew everyone, and thus everyone knew the
mayor. Questions - during the day they arrived, before the mayor even
awoke - ascertained that she was infertile (and husbandless),
thirty-seven years old, somewhat greedy and mayor because she had
inherited most of the farmland north of the town from her late parents,
although it was all occupied by tenants.
"Sad about that infertility, she was a bit of a looker when she was younger," said the local smith. He was a small man, with his beefy arms looking out of place. "I'm worried about her, to be honest. Whatever she's up to, she shouldn't be keeping it a secret, and I'm sure she wouldn't be unless it was something, well, something that she should not be doing."
The owner of the only inn in town had similar opinions, although one of her servers said, "Someone should break in there and find out what she's doing. Like I give a damn about her father, never met him, and never will. Because he's dead, and buried."
Most of the town held varying levels of the same opinions - that she should explain what she was up to, or someone should find out. The local channeling mage - an old man whose master's master had been given training by mages from Naylenor tower - told them an interesting tidbit; the mayor had built an observatory about half a year ago, to look at the stars.
It was one of the last people they spoke to (an old man who had retired, living off his life savings) that said, "Obviously she has become a servant of the night. I hear they are only killable by daylight! You should drag her out, and see her burn. It's what they deserve, you see." This was followed by a bit of nodding, and the old man seemingly forgetting what he had just said and repeating it.
"Sad about that infertility, she was a bit of a looker when she was younger," said the local smith. He was a small man, with his beefy arms looking out of place. "I'm worried about her, to be honest. Whatever she's up to, she shouldn't be keeping it a secret, and I'm sure she wouldn't be unless it was something, well, something that she should not be doing."
The owner of the only inn in town had similar opinions, although one of her servers said, "Someone should break in there and find out what she's doing. Like I give a damn about her father, never met him, and never will. Because he's dead, and buried."
Most of the town held varying levels of the same opinions - that she should explain what she was up to, or someone should find out. The local channeling mage - an old man whose master's master had been given training by mages from Naylenor tower - told them an interesting tidbit; the mayor had built an observatory about half a year ago, to look at the stars.
It was one of the last people they spoke to (an old man who had retired, living off his life savings) that said, "Obviously she has become a servant of the night. I hear they are only killable by daylight! You should drag her out, and see her burn. It's what they deserve, you see." This was followed by a bit of nodding, and the old man seemingly forgetting what he had just said and repeating it.
"Well, that was mostly a waste of time," said Sparrow, as the party
waited in the inn after their questioning. Their plan was to confront
the mayor themselves when she finally awoke (indicated by her door being
opened for those who had business with her to enter, from what the
townspeople had said).
"There wasn't anything better to do, and we did learn some useful information," said Annette, sipping at her soup.
"I guess it's best that not every adventure is full of excitement and fighting," said Sparrow, poking at the floating parts of her soup. She scooped up one in her spoon, and stuck her spoon between Annette and Graeme, saying, "I'm sure I've never seen this vegetable before."
They both took a look at it, before Graeme said, "I think it's a chunk of corn cob."
"No wonder it tastes awful," said Sparrow, dumping it on the table. "I'm never getting mystery soup again."
"There wasn't anything better to do, and we did learn some useful information," said Annette, sipping at her soup.
"I guess it's best that not every adventure is full of excitement and fighting," said Sparrow, poking at the floating parts of her soup. She scooped up one in her spoon, and stuck her spoon between Annette and Graeme, saying, "I'm sure I've never seen this vegetable before."
They both took a look at it, before Graeme said, "I think it's a chunk of corn cob."
"No wonder it tastes awful," said Sparrow, dumping it on the table. "I'm never getting mystery soup again."
The party soon left the inn, and waited outside the mayor's house. She
was rarely bothered normally, and given her distracted state even fewer
were bothering her than usual. The party immediately waved at her as she
opened her door, and she said, "Oh! Good evening sir knight, and
companions."
"Good evening, ma'am. You are Mayor Strayward?" asked Graeme.
"Yes, of course. And you are?" she asked in return.
"Sir Graeme. This is my squire, Annette, and Sparrow, a mercenary in our employ. We have come to discuss some business with you," he said.
The mayor put on a smile, and said, "Then come in, I have a table we can discuss around." She turned and went inside, motioning for them to follow.
"Good evening, ma'am. You are Mayor Strayward?" asked Graeme.
"Yes, of course. And you are?" she asked in return.
"Sir Graeme. This is my squire, Annette, and Sparrow, a mercenary in our employ. We have come to discuss some business with you," he said.
The mayor put on a smile, and said, "Then come in, I have a table we can discuss around." She turned and went inside, motioning for them to follow.
They sat around a table in the mayor's parlour. It was a fairly simple
room - decorated minimally and somewhat randomly - and the table could
perhaps seat eight, at most. The mayor sat on one side of the table, and
motioned for the party to sit along the other side.
"So what is this business you wish to discuss?" she asked.
Graeme stared at the mayor for a while. She looked tired, stressed, and also as if she had not been eating properly. She had, however, dressed herself properly - and well - which gave the impression of someone who would not let her troubles overwhelm her. Or perhaps someone who knew that she had to keep up appearances to some degree.
"I've heard tell that you have been acting unusually of late, for the past three weeks. You have only been awake at night, bar a small time in the evening, and are obviously feeling the effects. Our business is only to ask why, perhaps to help with whatever is causing you this trouble," said Graeme.
The mayor looked at Graeme, and said, "There is nothing untoward going on, and what I do at night - and whether I sleep during the day or the night - is my own business. If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, please leave."
"Very well, ma'am," said Graeme, rising. Sparrow and Annette also stood, and the three left without further word.
"So what is this business you wish to discuss?" she asked.
Graeme stared at the mayor for a while. She looked tired, stressed, and also as if she had not been eating properly. She had, however, dressed herself properly - and well - which gave the impression of someone who would not let her troubles overwhelm her. Or perhaps someone who knew that she had to keep up appearances to some degree.
"I've heard tell that you have been acting unusually of late, for the past three weeks. You have only been awake at night, bar a small time in the evening, and are obviously feeling the effects. Our business is only to ask why, perhaps to help with whatever is causing you this trouble," said Graeme.
The mayor looked at Graeme, and said, "There is nothing untoward going on, and what I do at night - and whether I sleep during the day or the night - is my own business. If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, please leave."
"Very well, ma'am," said Graeme, rising. Sparrow and Annette also stood, and the three left without further word.
Later that evening, after the sun had set and all light fled the sky,
Sparrow flew high above the town. Her keen eyes were trained upon the
mayor's home, keeping an eye on the observatory.
This would be a lot easier if I could see in the dark well, or there were some good vantage points with a view of the observatory, Sparrow thought. Then again, someone would have climbed up to any good vantage points already if there were some, so I really should have expected this.
Sparrow spiralled lower, trying to get a better look at the observatory. I hope she doesn't notice the spiraling group of stars that keep disappearing. Actually, I mostly hope she doesn't have a crossbow and loads of paranoia.
After a while, the observatory's large windows were opened up, and Sparrow saw the mayor within, illuminated by the starlight. She sat near the window, a group of mirrors reflecting starlight upon her; lenses from telescopes focusing it onto a device she held with her hands. Sparrow could not see the device well, and the mayor kept manipulating it, mostly as if she was rotating some component of it. The device seemed small - it easily fit in the palm of the mayor's small hands, and seemed to be on a chain.
Very interesting, thought Sparrow. She watched the mayor for a while; after some time the mayor shook the device, seemingly dropping something in her hand. She placed it into a small bowl, and returned to her work. I think we know enough to challenge her about it, now, especially if we threaten to drag along some villagers for a third go.
Sparrow spiralled down to the inn, and went inside to tell the rest of the party the good news.
This would be a lot easier if I could see in the dark well, or there were some good vantage points with a view of the observatory, Sparrow thought. Then again, someone would have climbed up to any good vantage points already if there were some, so I really should have expected this.
Sparrow spiralled lower, trying to get a better look at the observatory. I hope she doesn't notice the spiraling group of stars that keep disappearing. Actually, I mostly hope she doesn't have a crossbow and loads of paranoia.
After a while, the observatory's large windows were opened up, and Sparrow saw the mayor within, illuminated by the starlight. She sat near the window, a group of mirrors reflecting starlight upon her; lenses from telescopes focusing it onto a device she held with her hands. Sparrow could not see the device well, and the mayor kept manipulating it, mostly as if she was rotating some component of it. The device seemed small - it easily fit in the palm of the mayor's small hands, and seemed to be on a chain.
Very interesting, thought Sparrow. She watched the mayor for a while; after some time the mayor shook the device, seemingly dropping something in her hand. She placed it into a small bowl, and returned to her work. I think we know enough to challenge her about it, now, especially if we threaten to drag along some villagers for a third go.
Sparrow spiralled down to the inn, and went inside to tell the rest of the party the good news.
After being told what the mayor was up to, Graeme insisted that they
wait until the following evening before confronting her. Sparrow
disagreed (she wanted to swoop in through the window), but Annette
supported Graeme and, in the end, Sparrow agreed to wait.
The next day passed slowly, although after a couple of hours had slowly dragged past in the morning Sparrow decided to spend the rest of the day flying. Annette and Graeme spent a little time asking questions about a necklace the mayor may have received recently, or whether anyone selling magical devices had come through.
A couple (who had become to old to manage their farmstead and passed it on to their children) mentioned that a fairly shady individual had seemed interested in selling them things, but had realised the couple possessed little money (as they were living off coin sent by their children) and had left. The shady fellow had come through a few months back, as far as the couple could remember. No-one else knew anything about him, but the blacksmith mentioned that the only person in town with a significant amount of money was the mayor.
"It's possible this 'shady individual' sold the mayor her device," said Graeme, "but we won't know until we confront her."
Annette rested her head in one hand, and said, "Hmm. What are we going to do for the rest of the day?" It was still before noon.
"We wait, and consider the possibilities," said Graeme.
The next day passed slowly, although after a couple of hours had slowly dragged past in the morning Sparrow decided to spend the rest of the day flying. Annette and Graeme spent a little time asking questions about a necklace the mayor may have received recently, or whether anyone selling magical devices had come through.
A couple (who had become to old to manage their farmstead and passed it on to their children) mentioned that a fairly shady individual had seemed interested in selling them things, but had realised the couple possessed little money (as they were living off coin sent by their children) and had left. The shady fellow had come through a few months back, as far as the couple could remember. No-one else knew anything about him, but the blacksmith mentioned that the only person in town with a significant amount of money was the mayor.
"It's possible this 'shady individual' sold the mayor her device," said Graeme, "but we won't know until we confront her."
Annette rested her head in one hand, and said, "Hmm. What are we going to do for the rest of the day?" It was still before noon.
"We wait, and consider the possibilities," said Graeme.
Sparrow returned an hour before dusk, and found the pair snoozing on a
table in the inn. Graeme had a hat, made of a folded cloth napkin,
sitting on his head. Chuckling, she shook them awake, and said, "A
productive day, I see!"
"Huh, wah," said Graeme, waking up. A litte later, with a clearer head, he said, "What time is it?"
"An hour or so until the sun sets," said Sparrow. "Just enough time to eat."
"He fell asleep first, just so you know," said Annette, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Did I?" said Graeme.
"Unless you remember her putting a little folded napkin hat on your head, yes," said Sparrow.
Graeme pulled the napkin off his head, and said, "Argh. At least you didn't fold it like a dunce cap this time."
"Huh, wah," said Graeme, waking up. A litte later, with a clearer head, he said, "What time is it?"
"An hour or so until the sun sets," said Sparrow. "Just enough time to eat."
"He fell asleep first, just so you know," said Annette, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Did I?" said Graeme.
"Unless you remember her putting a little folded napkin hat on your head, yes," said Sparrow.
Graeme pulled the napkin off his head, and said, "Argh. At least you didn't fold it like a dunce cap this time."
After eating, the group once again waited outside the mayor's home.
They waited some distance from the house, in case the mayor saw them and
decided to leave her door shut to keep them out. After the mayor opened
her door for visitors, they bustled over and knocked upon the inner
door.
"Come in," called out the mayor, and the trio entered.
The mayor walked into the entrance passage, and said, "Oh. You three again. What do you want this time? Have you been making trouble in the town? Or are you just here to aggravate me again?"
Graeme gestured to Sparrow, and Sparrow said, "Last night I spotted you using some kind of device in your observatory. I'm not sure what it was, but it looked like you were focusing starlight into it."
"We also discovered that a shady individual was here a few months ago, who could have sold you the device," added Graeme. "Now, unless you wish for Sparrow to drop in on you tonight - or some later night - please explain to us what is going on."
The mayor had become visibly angry, but she kept calm. "And of course, as a knight, you assume I'm doing something terrible to be stopped," she said.
"No, ma'am," replied Graeme. "I merely wish to ascertain that you are not. And also where you acquired the device - found magical devices, as you should know, are to be given to a mage of the Duchy it was found in to be checked for safety and function, all transfers of magical devices are to be recorded, and all devices brought into the Duchies are to be recorded and looked over by a mage of the Duchy as well.
"Thus, such a device should not be an unknown secret - the fact that it is means that something untoward is quite a strong possibility."
"Bloody knights," muttered the mayor. "You're not even a knight of Norduchy! Why should you poke your nose into my business, and do the Duke's policing for him?"
"Because the law in question is one of the King's edicts, from back when the Duchy's were united. If memory serves, law in this Duchy - and all others these days, in fact - requires a license that records the current holder, and the function or qualities, of the item. From your reaction, I presume you do not have such a license?"
"No," said the mayor. She rubbed her head lightly, and said, "I don't have a license for it. Look, follow me through, and I'll tell you about it."
The mayor led the way to her parlour again, and the party followed. After everyone was seated, the mayor said, "A few months ago, as you heard, a man came to town. He is a thief, and about a year ago he stole about twenty small devices from the local count's mage. He has been travelling around, trying to sell the devices. I was intending to have him arrested when he was showing them to me, but...
"Most were worthless baubles; the thief had no idea how to use them, or they had barely any use. One, however, piqued my curiousity. This." The mayor pulled out an amulet from beneath her shirt. It was set on a chain, and pure white. It seemed to be a ball with several holes in it, with various small handle like protrusions. "The thief showed me how to use it, a little. At night, when the stars are out, this device can be used to focus the starlight into the metal the stars once gave."
Graeme and Annette looked shocked, and Sparrow looked intrigued. "No wonder you don't want anyone to know anything about it," said Sparrow.
"Then that device... Is it also made of star metal?" asked Graeme.
"No," said the mayor. "It is made from something else. I have no idea if it was made by the stars, or by someone down here. I think the function of the device was unknown, and accidentally discovered by the thief, or else it would have been far harder to steal. As much as people still fear anything associated with the Star-led Empire, star metal is valuable. Which is why I made a very, very stupid deal.
"The thief showed me how to use the device fairly effectively, when it is actively manipulated, but assured me that was not necessary. And then we made a deal - he wanted to sell it for more money than I possess, so in exchange for a cheap rate for any star metal I managed to make, I would pay only a smaller amount up front and then pay him back over time.
"Unfortunately, without active manipulation, the device creates star metal at a far slower rate. When he showed up a couple of weeks ago, he was... Disappointed in how much I was able to give him to reduce my debt. So he blackmailed me - he knows that my reputation, and I, would be ruined if he told the town about what I bought from him. So I've been staying up all night, slowly mastering the amulet and coalescing star metal in the hope I can amass enough before he returns."
Graeme leaned back in his chair, thinking. "Well. I think we can make a deal," he said. "Give us the device, and tell us where this thief can be found. We'll take him, and the device, and turn them into the count; along with a positive spin on what you've done, forgetting to mention that you knew the device was stolen. Your reputation is saved, the devices are recovered, and things here can return to normal."
"If you will allow me to keep the star metal I have made so far, to recover my losses... Then yes," the mayor replied.
Graeme smiled, and said, "It's good that we have come to an accord. Now, when will the thief next arrive here?"
"In three days," replied the mayor. "But I know he'll be coming in via the Norsgren road. If you travel along it, you should pass him before you get to Norsgren. If you return here with him bound, I will give up the amulet then."
"How would we know him?" asked Graeme.
"He has short black hair, blue-gray eyes, and skin a lot fairer than mine. I think he is in his late twenties, possibly his early thirties as his life is not a hard one. He has, both times I have met him, worn a black cloak, and he had a mule the last time he came through. He was also accompanied by a short woman who hid her face behind a veil. At a guess, a fellow thief who may or may not still be travelling with him. The cloak, his ring, or one of the devices he showed me is proof enough should you not wish to drag him into town," she replied.
"Thank you. Hopefully, ma'am, we will be back within three days," Graeme said.
"At least you are reasonable and kind, not just a bloody stick-up-the-arse do-gooder wannabe. See yourselves out," the mayor said, indicating the way out. "I need to finish preparing for this evening."
"Come in," called out the mayor, and the trio entered.
The mayor walked into the entrance passage, and said, "Oh. You three again. What do you want this time? Have you been making trouble in the town? Or are you just here to aggravate me again?"
Graeme gestured to Sparrow, and Sparrow said, "Last night I spotted you using some kind of device in your observatory. I'm not sure what it was, but it looked like you were focusing starlight into it."
"We also discovered that a shady individual was here a few months ago, who could have sold you the device," added Graeme. "Now, unless you wish for Sparrow to drop in on you tonight - or some later night - please explain to us what is going on."
The mayor had become visibly angry, but she kept calm. "And of course, as a knight, you assume I'm doing something terrible to be stopped," she said.
"No, ma'am," replied Graeme. "I merely wish to ascertain that you are not. And also where you acquired the device - found magical devices, as you should know, are to be given to a mage of the Duchy it was found in to be checked for safety and function, all transfers of magical devices are to be recorded, and all devices brought into the Duchies are to be recorded and looked over by a mage of the Duchy as well.
"Thus, such a device should not be an unknown secret - the fact that it is means that something untoward is quite a strong possibility."
"Bloody knights," muttered the mayor. "You're not even a knight of Norduchy! Why should you poke your nose into my business, and do the Duke's policing for him?"
"Because the law in question is one of the King's edicts, from back when the Duchy's were united. If memory serves, law in this Duchy - and all others these days, in fact - requires a license that records the current holder, and the function or qualities, of the item. From your reaction, I presume you do not have such a license?"
"No," said the mayor. She rubbed her head lightly, and said, "I don't have a license for it. Look, follow me through, and I'll tell you about it."
The mayor led the way to her parlour again, and the party followed. After everyone was seated, the mayor said, "A few months ago, as you heard, a man came to town. He is a thief, and about a year ago he stole about twenty small devices from the local count's mage. He has been travelling around, trying to sell the devices. I was intending to have him arrested when he was showing them to me, but...
"Most were worthless baubles; the thief had no idea how to use them, or they had barely any use. One, however, piqued my curiousity. This." The mayor pulled out an amulet from beneath her shirt. It was set on a chain, and pure white. It seemed to be a ball with several holes in it, with various small handle like protrusions. "The thief showed me how to use it, a little. At night, when the stars are out, this device can be used to focus the starlight into the metal the stars once gave."
Graeme and Annette looked shocked, and Sparrow looked intrigued. "No wonder you don't want anyone to know anything about it," said Sparrow.
"Then that device... Is it also made of star metal?" asked Graeme.
"No," said the mayor. "It is made from something else. I have no idea if it was made by the stars, or by someone down here. I think the function of the device was unknown, and accidentally discovered by the thief, or else it would have been far harder to steal. As much as people still fear anything associated with the Star-led Empire, star metal is valuable. Which is why I made a very, very stupid deal.
"The thief showed me how to use the device fairly effectively, when it is actively manipulated, but assured me that was not necessary. And then we made a deal - he wanted to sell it for more money than I possess, so in exchange for a cheap rate for any star metal I managed to make, I would pay only a smaller amount up front and then pay him back over time.
"Unfortunately, without active manipulation, the device creates star metal at a far slower rate. When he showed up a couple of weeks ago, he was... Disappointed in how much I was able to give him to reduce my debt. So he blackmailed me - he knows that my reputation, and I, would be ruined if he told the town about what I bought from him. So I've been staying up all night, slowly mastering the amulet and coalescing star metal in the hope I can amass enough before he returns."
Graeme leaned back in his chair, thinking. "Well. I think we can make a deal," he said. "Give us the device, and tell us where this thief can be found. We'll take him, and the device, and turn them into the count; along with a positive spin on what you've done, forgetting to mention that you knew the device was stolen. Your reputation is saved, the devices are recovered, and things here can return to normal."
"If you will allow me to keep the star metal I have made so far, to recover my losses... Then yes," the mayor replied.
Graeme smiled, and said, "It's good that we have come to an accord. Now, when will the thief next arrive here?"
"In three days," replied the mayor. "But I know he'll be coming in via the Norsgren road. If you travel along it, you should pass him before you get to Norsgren. If you return here with him bound, I will give up the amulet then."
"How would we know him?" asked Graeme.
"He has short black hair, blue-gray eyes, and skin a lot fairer than mine. I think he is in his late twenties, possibly his early thirties as his life is not a hard one. He has, both times I have met him, worn a black cloak, and he had a mule the last time he came through. He was also accompanied by a short woman who hid her face behind a veil. At a guess, a fellow thief who may or may not still be travelling with him. The cloak, his ring, or one of the devices he showed me is proof enough should you not wish to drag him into town," she replied.
"Thank you. Hopefully, ma'am, we will be back within three days," Graeme said.
"At least you are reasonable and kind, not just a bloody stick-up-the-arse do-gooder wannabe. See yourselves out," the mayor said, indicating the way out. "I need to finish preparing for this evening."
The party rested in town that evening, and set off the next morning,
leaving much of their gear behind in the inn so they could ride up the
road. Sparrow took off and flew ahead, attempting to spot the thief.
They expected to find him that day, and to possibly be able to return to
the mayor by evening.
Sparrow flew over several small villages along the road, and spotted a few travellers. Only a couple seemed to match the expected description, but closer inspection of them revealed that they were not the thief.
After a couple of hours, Sparrow spotted someone who was almost definitely the thief. Man, short hooded woman, mule,bingo, she thought. She dropped lower, and took a closer look. And definitely a black cloak, perfect. Although, we should drag him in front of the mayor to make sure.
Sparrow flew back up the road until she found Annette and Graeme, and swooped down to report. "They're about two hours up the road by horse," she said, walking to the third horse to retrieve her nets. "We're still going with distract-while-I-net-them plan?"
"Yes," said Graeme.
"Just don't miss completely," said Annette. "We might lose him in the brush otherwise. I hate forcing chargers through scrubland."
Sparrow smiled, and said, "Don't worry. I'll show you why they're called all-catchers."
Sparrow flew over several small villages along the road, and spotted a few travellers. Only a couple seemed to match the expected description, but closer inspection of them revealed that they were not the thief.
After a couple of hours, Sparrow spotted someone who was almost definitely the thief. Man, short hooded woman, mule,bingo, she thought. She dropped lower, and took a closer look. And definitely a black cloak, perfect. Although, we should drag him in front of the mayor to make sure.
Sparrow flew back up the road until she found Annette and Graeme, and swooped down to report. "They're about two hours up the road by horse," she said, walking to the third horse to retrieve her nets. "We're still going with distract-while-I-net-them plan?"
"Yes," said Graeme.
"Just don't miss completely," said Annette. "We might lose him in the brush otherwise. I hate forcing chargers through scrubland."
Sparrow smiled, and said, "Don't worry. I'll show you why they're called all-catchers."
A little over an hour later, Annette spotted the thief and his
companion in the distance. "There," she said, pointing for Graeme. "They
just came around the bend."
"Hopefully Sparrow hasn't spooked them," Graeme said.
"She's not well known enough for anyone to bother looking up, Graeme. Yet, anyway," replied Annette. "This is exciting, and for once, not really dangerous. We should do more policing."
"Unfortunately, it does not pay," said Graeme. "And the constabulary might be unhappy were a knight to set herself up as local competition."
"I guess you're right," said Annette. "I'm sure the return of the devices will net some kind of reward, though. Especially if we explain what the star metal device does."
"Perhaps," said Graeme. "Now we should be quiet, and make our approach."
They walked in silence, until they were only a short distance from the pair. "Hail traveller," said Graeme. "Are you headed to Pellowey?"
"Yes I am, in fact," said the man. "My companion and I have some business there. With the mayor herself, no less, good knight!"
"Well then, perhaps you are the pair we are looking for," said Graeme. He drew his sword, and said, "May we look inside the saddle bags of your mule?"
The man, and his companion, froze. "No," he said, "And if you'll please, let me pass and be on my way. I've done no wrong."
"Then you can surely show us what is in your baggage. If you please. We have good reason to suspect that you are behind the theft of a number of magical devices, taken from the local count," said Graeme, dismounting. Annette copied him, and they walked towards the man.
The man went to his saddle bags, and opened one up. From it he pulled a small pouch. "Please put that back and stand away," said Graeme.
Instead of doing as Graeme asked, the man whipped the bag around, sending a bunch of small round balls flying at Annette and Graeme. Luckily they did not seem to fly as far as the man intended; and instead dropped on the ground where they burst on impact. Some kind of liquid splattered where they fell, and immediately started steaming on the road.
"Shit!" said the man, pulling a second object out of the bag. It seemed to be a metal pole, and he wielded it as if it was a club.
"It looks like part of something larger," said Annette softly, "So it's probably not dangerous."
"I am arresting you by the King's Accord for the crime of theft. You will be held and brought to the count for trial, as your crime is against him. Submit to arrest or be subdued!" said Graeme loudly.
"Stay back, you bastards," said the thief.
His companion had taken a seat on the roadside, distancing herself from the situation. "You may as well give yourself up, Gerald. They've got you good," she said. "I assume I'm not wanted?"
"No, ma'am, we have no reason to arrest you. Although we may be embarassed if there is a warrant out for you, so if you would please join us when we travel to Pellowey, that would be lovely," said Graeme, advancing.
"Ah, why not," said the woman. "There's no current warrants, anyway."
As Graeme got closer - nearly alongside the thief's mule - the thief yelled "Damn it!" and turned to run away, tossing the pole aside. As he did so, Sparrow's net fell over him, causing the thief to fall over in a tangled mess. Sparrow landed gracefully at the end of her dive.
"Easy," said Sparrow, walking up to the thief. Graeme and Annette sheathed their swords and joined her.
"If you agree to be bound we'll release you from the net," Graeme said.
"Stop bloody struggling unless you want me to kick you," said Sparrow. "I don't want to have to cut the net to get you out!"
The thief stopped struggling, and said, "Fine. I submit to arrest."
Sparrow carefully disentangled the thief, and Graeme bound him when that became possible. They stuck him on their third horse, along with his companion (who remained unbound), and started their journey back to Pellowey.
"Hopefully Sparrow hasn't spooked them," Graeme said.
"She's not well known enough for anyone to bother looking up, Graeme. Yet, anyway," replied Annette. "This is exciting, and for once, not really dangerous. We should do more policing."
"Unfortunately, it does not pay," said Graeme. "And the constabulary might be unhappy were a knight to set herself up as local competition."
"I guess you're right," said Annette. "I'm sure the return of the devices will net some kind of reward, though. Especially if we explain what the star metal device does."
"Perhaps," said Graeme. "Now we should be quiet, and make our approach."
They walked in silence, until they were only a short distance from the pair. "Hail traveller," said Graeme. "Are you headed to Pellowey?"
"Yes I am, in fact," said the man. "My companion and I have some business there. With the mayor herself, no less, good knight!"
"Well then, perhaps you are the pair we are looking for," said Graeme. He drew his sword, and said, "May we look inside the saddle bags of your mule?"
The man, and his companion, froze. "No," he said, "And if you'll please, let me pass and be on my way. I've done no wrong."
"Then you can surely show us what is in your baggage. If you please. We have good reason to suspect that you are behind the theft of a number of magical devices, taken from the local count," said Graeme, dismounting. Annette copied him, and they walked towards the man.
The man went to his saddle bags, and opened one up. From it he pulled a small pouch. "Please put that back and stand away," said Graeme.
Instead of doing as Graeme asked, the man whipped the bag around, sending a bunch of small round balls flying at Annette and Graeme. Luckily they did not seem to fly as far as the man intended; and instead dropped on the ground where they burst on impact. Some kind of liquid splattered where they fell, and immediately started steaming on the road.
"Shit!" said the man, pulling a second object out of the bag. It seemed to be a metal pole, and he wielded it as if it was a club.
"It looks like part of something larger," said Annette softly, "So it's probably not dangerous."
"I am arresting you by the King's Accord for the crime of theft. You will be held and brought to the count for trial, as your crime is against him. Submit to arrest or be subdued!" said Graeme loudly.
"Stay back, you bastards," said the thief.
His companion had taken a seat on the roadside, distancing herself from the situation. "You may as well give yourself up, Gerald. They've got you good," she said. "I assume I'm not wanted?"
"No, ma'am, we have no reason to arrest you. Although we may be embarassed if there is a warrant out for you, so if you would please join us when we travel to Pellowey, that would be lovely," said Graeme, advancing.
"Ah, why not," said the woman. "There's no current warrants, anyway."
As Graeme got closer - nearly alongside the thief's mule - the thief yelled "Damn it!" and turned to run away, tossing the pole aside. As he did so, Sparrow's net fell over him, causing the thief to fall over in a tangled mess. Sparrow landed gracefully at the end of her dive.
"Easy," said Sparrow, walking up to the thief. Graeme and Annette sheathed their swords and joined her.
"If you agree to be bound we'll release you from the net," Graeme said.
"Stop bloody struggling unless you want me to kick you," said Sparrow. "I don't want to have to cut the net to get you out!"
The thief stopped struggling, and said, "Fine. I submit to arrest."
Sparrow carefully disentangled the thief, and Graeme bound him when that became possible. They stuck him on their third horse, along with his companion (who remained unbound), and started their journey back to Pellowey.
The journey back was slower due to the mule, but they made it back to
Pellowey that afternoon. Sparrow had gone ahead to wake and fetch the
mayor, and they all met on the edge of town.
"That's him," said the mayor upon seeing the thief.
"Couldn't pay your debts, ey, Meredith?" asked the thief, looking at her.
"They came to me. I have to give the amulet to them to be returned to the count," she replied.
"Excellent," said Graeme. "May I ask you to take his companion to the constable for us after you surrender the device?"
"As you wish," said the mayor. She took off the device, and handed it to Graeme. The thief's companion hopped off the horse, and the mayor said, "Come with me then."
The two women headed off. "Annette, can you go and collect the rest of our things now? We should start off immediately," said Graeme. "To keep our deal with the mayor, at least."
"Okay," said Annette.
"Anything you want to tell us, Gerald?" asked Graeme as Annette headed off.
"No. Nothing," replied the thief.
"We'll have you locked up in no time," said Sparrow.
"That's him," said the mayor upon seeing the thief.
"Couldn't pay your debts, ey, Meredith?" asked the thief, looking at her.
"They came to me. I have to give the amulet to them to be returned to the count," she replied.
"Excellent," said Graeme. "May I ask you to take his companion to the constable for us after you surrender the device?"
"As you wish," said the mayor. She took off the device, and handed it to Graeme. The thief's companion hopped off the horse, and the mayor said, "Come with me then."
The two women headed off. "Annette, can you go and collect the rest of our things now? We should start off immediately," said Graeme. "To keep our deal with the mayor, at least."
"Okay," said Annette.
"Anything you want to tell us, Gerald?" asked Graeme as Annette headed off.
"No. Nothing," replied the thief.
"We'll have you locked up in no time," said Sparrow.
After an uneventful few days of travel, the party arrived at the
count's keep. They handed over their prisoner and his possessions to the
guards, and made their report to the count of the events surrounding
the thief's capture.
The count was pleased to have the items returned - only three, including the destroyed acid balls, were missing. He was, however, more pleased with the news of the purpose of the amulet. He gave the party shelter for a couple of days, and payment to cover their expenses during the capture.
After resting, and learning that a messenger had been sent to summon the mayor (ostensibly to reprimand her, but Sparrow had talked to the count's senior mage, and he had said that they desired her expertise in the use of the amulet), the party headed off towards Henpele County, to attend a tournament by the Henpele count.
During the trip, Sparrow said, "I wonder if anyone will remember what we did here."
"They probably won't, as with much of what any do," said Graeme. "But that does not mean that the deed was not done."
"I'm sure someone will read about us," said Annette. "It will just be in some old, dusty, boring chronicle of every last thing that ever happened."
"Maybe," said Sparrow. "I think being heard of by someone who doesn't know everything that ever happened would be better, some how."
Graeme chuckled. "Of course. We may be remembered yet," he said. "There are plenty of good deeds left to be done!"
The count was pleased to have the items returned - only three, including the destroyed acid balls, were missing. He was, however, more pleased with the news of the purpose of the amulet. He gave the party shelter for a couple of days, and payment to cover their expenses during the capture.
After resting, and learning that a messenger had been sent to summon the mayor (ostensibly to reprimand her, but Sparrow had talked to the count's senior mage, and he had said that they desired her expertise in the use of the amulet), the party headed off towards Henpele County, to attend a tournament by the Henpele count.
During the trip, Sparrow said, "I wonder if anyone will remember what we did here."
"They probably won't, as with much of what any do," said Graeme. "But that does not mean that the deed was not done."
"I'm sure someone will read about us," said Annette. "It will just be in some old, dusty, boring chronicle of every last thing that ever happened."
"Maybe," said Sparrow. "I think being heard of by someone who doesn't know everything that ever happened would be better, some how."
Graeme chuckled. "Of course. We may be remembered yet," he said. "There are plenty of good deeds left to be done!"
Taking Revenge
Taking Revenge
A wave of sorrow swept over him, as he surveyed the ruins of his
capital. His kingdom had fallen, and though he still lived, his children
were all dead. The dynasty begun by his great grandfather was no more.
At least he had slain his foes, to the last man. But the last of his
army, too, had fallen. And the coward queen had not come herself to
fight; no, she had stayed in her castle, with her only child and heir.
Her bloodline would continue.The old Psionis allowed himself to float slowly to the ground. I should have ordered the evacuation of my grandchildren after the walls were breached, he thought. It was arrogant of me to not.
His horizontally slit eyes - the mark of his descendance from his grandfather - looked over to his eldest grandaugher. She was the only other survivor inside the palace, and had saved his life at the last moment. Of all his descendants, she was the strongest - but she was also infertile.
"The kingdom is fallen, Hela. You may make your own path in the world," he said.
"I will not abandon you, grandfather," she said. "Whether you intend to seek revenge, or to go into hiding." Her eyes, slit just as his were, stared at him as she stood proudly.
"Revenge is not possible. Queen Riegala is defended by a cadre of the most powerful, and loyal, guards any ruler has ever assembled. She is also of power nearly as great as ours, as is her daughter. We have no chance against her," he said. "I will go to her, surrender the kingdom, and accept my death. There is no other path for me."
Hela frowned. "Riegala can no longer bare children. We need only assassinate her daughter," she said.
He sat on a nearby bench - untouched by the slaughter around it - and thought. "Perhaps there is a way," he said.
Months later, they stood together on a balcony. As the fallen kingdom was absorbed by the victor, they had made their way to Riegala's capital. A false trail had been laid by a pair of trusted friends (members of the lesser nobility who had not reached the battle in time) to make it seem that he had fled south with his grandaughter.
They had hired a room in the grandest inn in the city - a towering six-floor building, almost like a palace. Most important, however, was that the balcony upon which they stood would have the best view of the victory parade in the entire city; a parade both Riegala and her daughter would participate in. There were few survivors from the battle in the capital (only a few cowards who had fled), but much of Riegala's army had been working its way through the rest of the kingdom; and had continued to do so until a couple of weeks ago.
The beginning of the parade was passing beneath them, as they looked down from the balcony. Soldiers from the war, returning home victorious. The crowd was cheering loudly, madly. Echoes had drawn closer and closer as the parade made its way from the city gate where the men had assembled, and was drawing near to the palace gates. The inn allowed them to see the gates, and the square outside, packed with people and an open column for the army to march through.
They watched as the leaders of the army, at the front of the march, called a halt in front of the palace gates. The column of men stretched back, out of the square and sight. The palace gates opened, and Riegala's royal guard walked out, greeting the army and receiving official news of the conquest. The men spoke loudly, and amplified their voices - both the captain of the guard and the top general of the army were powerful Psionis - but they were still drowned out by the crowd.
As the pair attempted to quieten the crowd, he made his way to the back of the inn, and the balcony on the other side, for 'a bit of air'. Once there, he and Hela started climbing carefully, making their way to the inner wall that protected the palace. The inn had been built up against the wall - something that he would have never allowed, but Riegala father had been a fool and the inn was too grand for her to destroy. They made their way up the wall, using tiny amounts of masked power to help. They also knew that the use of power by every Psionis present (to amplify their cheers) would further hide their activities.
Once at the top of the wall, they made their way quietly along. All guards on duty were being nigh deafened by the roar of the cheers, and were staring at the parade. Once it became less obvious where they had come from, they dropped their caution. They made their way along, looking every bit like a pair of servants who had snuck up to take a peek. They could see Riegala and her daughter waiting in the courtyard, awaiting their queue.
After they reached the gates, they stood upon them, and the cheering finally died down. With a tiny amount of their power, they gently dug away at the mortar sealing the stone wall together. Below, the general and the captain of the royal guard exchanged words, and then the captain went inside ceremoniously to fetch the queen. The cheering began once again, but when Riegala emerged from between the gates, her daughter at her side, it died down immediately.
The pair were dressed spectacularly - golden dresses with white mixed in, royal crowns upon their heads. They looked as if they could barely move, which would unfortunately not hinder their powers. They stood before the general, who kneeled - prompting everyone, soldier and crowd alike, to also kneel (with the exception of those looking over things, who were too curious to do so and instead bowed their heads solemnly).
He looked at Hela, and she looked back at him. With a slight nod, they activated the power their bloodline was feared for. They were both very strong kineticae - more offensively powerful than 'true' psionisae, but mostly only useful for brute, matter moving power instead of finesse and defence. But with their great strength - and possibly some additional Psionis ability they, and few others, possessed - they were able to use their powers in an unusual way.
Rather than the brute rock throwing, or pushing, or other methods that most kineticae used, instead they focused their powers on themselves; imbuing their bodies with incredible endurance and strength. They toughened themselves to such an extent, they were able to pull themselves suddenly, escaping from opponents blows suddenly. They also possessed strong sensorae powers, allowing them to keep track of nearby opponents (and avoiding tragedies such as yanking themselves back onto a spear).
As they woke their power, they also blasted away their formal clothing. Underneath they wore a carefully crafted mix of chain and plate, forming full and close fitting armour. The chests of both sets bore their family crest - a black horizontal slash in a circle of green, representing their eyes. At first, the heads of every Psionis with enough sensorae power to detect them (which was almost all of those that had any sensorae power at all) turned to stare at them, the Queen and her daughter included. Soon after, every other head followed.
As they finished establishing their power, imbuing upon all parts of themselves, they heard Riegala send a telepathic shout to them, her general and her royal captain. Long have you fought over my daughter's hand, she sent, so let it be thus: the one of you who kills them will have her hand. He ignored the message, as did Hela, and the pair of them leapt high into the air.
Beneath them, Riegala and her daughter established barriers with the full force of their psionisae powers, so strong that even the wind caused them to become visible. He and Hela yanked themselves towards the ground, coming down with incredible force...
And slammed right next to the general and guard captain. The pair of them had lost precious seconds interpreting the Queen's message, and had expected the fallen King and his grandaughter to attempt to strike down the Queen immediately. Without shields up, their powers only readied offensively, the shockwaves - which tore up the cobblestone underneath, sending rocks flying everywhere - staggered them. In turn, this gave the King, and Hela, more than enough time to kill them with quick strikes to the chest, metal gauntleted hands sinking deep.
Riegala's daughter let out a pained "No!" as the men fell, yet both the King and Hela were already running towards the pair as Riegala rearranged her shields. Her daughter's wavered, but a swift slap from her mother brought her to her senses and she also moved hers.
"And what will you do now," said Riegala, "With my army behind you? You cannot hope to penetrate our barriers! You will die for slaying the greatest men of my kingdom!"
As she said it, the device setup above - perfectly calibrated to launch the loosened wall segment upon where the pair stood - fired. The small entrapped kineticae charge - a useful, though expensive tool - immediately gained Riegala's attention. The wall segment was huge - half as tall as a man, and as broad as that - which was almost the limit of Riegala's power to deflect.
The defeated King, and Hela, yanked themselves towards the pair, as Riegala placed her shields above her, praying that her daughters would hold -
- and the pair of assassins fell down where their small yank had taken them, their powers suddenly fading from their body -
- as they used their powers, in full, to drag the falling lump of wall down as hard as they could. It shattered Riegala's shield, and she screamed as it crushed her, and her daughter. Her daughter's shield dissipated, and a roar came from behind them. He rolled over, and felt hundreds upon hundreds of lesser psionisae and kineticae readying their powers to strike.
He had used his powers to their utmost to slam the wall upon Riegala, and had almost completely exhausted himself instantly. He looked over at Hela, lying beside him. "We did it, grandfather," she said, just before the unified powers of hundreds tore apart their defenceless bodies.
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