The World of Skara Brae

Kalan stretched his arms into the air and yawned "Aaah, it shall be nice to finally get to sleep in a real bed again!"

he then jumped off the table, sheathed his knives and walked up to Drek "Where shall I sleep master?"

Drek said to James: "Alright, bring him upstairs and find a bed for him." Then he turned to Kalan and said: "Oh, you can sleep wherever you can find a bed, but not just now. First, we've got some gravedigging to do. I hope my shovels are still out there with our dragons friends." He then said to Sam: "I'm sorry things with Zelph ended up like this. Are you going to be alright? I know how close you two were."

edited 31st Aug '12 5:43:52 AM by TheSarge

"I'll be alright... I'm just worried about him. He was my first friend... And now he's confused and can't even remember that we are his friends" says Sam as she looks at the door on which the elf used to go away.

"Don't worry. If he is truly lost he'll come back to you all. Plus, besides some Evil Goddesses I've heard that this city is pretty safe" says Mellara, trying to reassure the young woman.

Drek said: "Yes, I'm sure he'll be alright. Come, let us go and bury Deimos." Drek picked up Deimos' body and went out the front door. He led the party out past the walls to where they'd parked their dragons. Along the way, the whole town was eerily quiet. The streets were deserted, the town watch was nowhere to be seen, and nobody was guarding the gates. When the party arrived at where the dragons were, it was a scene of utter carnage. There were dozens of dead watchmen, dead Drow, a dead black dragon, and two dead red dragons. There had apparently been a huge battle here. Only one dragon was left alive, a medium-sized red dragon. It said: "Greetings, Drek and company. How fares the day?" Drek replied: "Greetings, good dragon. The day fares.... not so good. We have dead to bury." The dragon replied: "We have many dead to bury. It would be faster to burn them, yes?" Drek nodded but he said: "Aye, it would be faster, but tradition demands burial." The dragon replied: "Then permit me to dig for you."

The dragon used one of it's legs to dig a big hole in the ground with one swipe of it's leg.

Drek raised one eyebrow and said: "Er.. thanks. Well, that saves us some digging, anyways." Drek laid Deimos' body in the hole and said: "Erm.. I'm not very good at this. Anyone want to say a few words?"

"I could speak some words for the Oakfather... however, I am unsure if he would have preferred something else" said Mellara... druid funerary rites obviously being a tad different from the norm.

Mal said: "Does anyone know what gods Deimos honoured? Did he ever say?"

James had put Aaron on a bed in his room.

The werewolf went out for Deimos's burial. When asked for some words about his former ally, James said "He was a skilled warrior, you know he would have your back and he was a kind person too, especially with children."

Gerrard said: "Aye, he was at that. A gallant fighter and a brave one. He shall be missed, though I knew him only a short time. Farewell, Deimos." Gerrard took a handful of dirt and tossed it into the grave.

Mal nodded and did the same, saying: "Rest in peace, good Deimos, and go safely to your afterlife."

Celcia followed suit, saying: "May my heavenly father guide your soul to it's proper resting place. Amen."

Drek simply picked up a handful of dirt and tossed it into the grave. He just said: "Silvanus watch over you." in Elvish (Sperithiel).

Orren just stood there, a sombre look on his face. He said: "A strange ritual, putting corpse in the ground like a seed for planting. Among my people, we always burn the dead so they can't come back to haunt us." He bend down to pick up some dirt. "Go softly to your gods, Deimos The Brave. This world is done with you, go and find your afterlife." With that he tossed the dirt in, saying a single Cuntuarian word as he did so.

Claire picked up and handful of dirt and said: "Goodbye", tossing the dirt in as she said it.

The dragon said: "Pardon, but do you intend to cover the body one handful at a time? That will take a very long time."

Drek said: "No, it's just a sentimental gesture. You can fill in the grave now."

The dragon pushed the rest of the dirt back into the grave, and tamped it down with it's rear feet.

Drek looked at James and said: "James, we're gonna make a grave maker. We'll use wicker-work to tie together wooden marker and carve Deimos' name on the top of it. I'd make a cairn of stones if I could, but there's hardly any stones at all around here. Cut me three tree branches, about two-to-three inches wide, each about three feet long. And then a longer, wider branch... perhaps six feet long and as wide as you can get it. I'll gather enough strips of bark so we can tie all the wood together." He then turned to the rest of the party and said: "You folks can head on back to the inn and get some rest. We won't be very long here."

edited 1st Sep '12 4:33:50 PM by TheSarge

"Okay, I'll look for branches" replied James, as he went on his search.

"Understood, Drek" said Sam as she took hold of Claire's hand... a heavy cloud hanging over her mind with the death of Deimos and all that had happened lately. Without a further word she made her way towards the inn.

"If you wish for advice James, there should be some trees for your task in that direction, James" says the druid before going back to the inn with the rest of the group.

Seeing Sam head back to the in with Claire, Celcia called out to her, softly: "I'll walk with you, if that's alright."

Orren said nothing, he just fell in behind Sam and hung his head in sorrow. Mal said to Orren: "Your hip is bruised." Orren shrugged it off saying: "I know. It will heal." Mal said: "I could do something for it, if you like." Orren said: "Nay, let it heal by itself. It will give me something to remember Deimos be for a time." Mal said: "Do not talk of Deimos. If it wasn't for him, I would surely be dead now." Orren said: "I could have saved him. I should have been faster. I should have..." Mal cut him off with a wave of her hand and said: "Do not be foolish, good warrior. There was nothing anyone could have done. Deimos made the ultimate sacrifice to save me at the cost of his own life. There is no more noble act. Do not tarnish his sacrifice by thinking what you could have done to change things. It is done, let it be at that." Orren straightened up a bit and let out a long sigh. He said: "Aye. That is best, is suppose." Mal patted Orren on the back and said: "You're just tired. We all are."

Meanwhile, James and Drek were gathering supplies and building the grave marker for Deimos. As they worked, Drek paused and took out a badge and a scroll from inside his pockets. His face was serious, his manner all business. he said to James: "James, there's something I want to say to you. You've served me well over this past year, and if it wasn't for all this business with the Drow and the Illithids and the Dragons and everything... well, what I'm trying to say is that if it wasn't for all that, I think I'd have made your a Journeyman by now. You've more than proven yourself. I was just waiting for the right moment... I'd had hoped I could have called the rangers together and do a proper graduation ceremony, but I don't think I'm going to get the chance to do that. Let me just say I'm proud of you; You're truly my finest student. In fact, I've never had a finer student than you, you're truly a natural ranger. I really mean that, you know. But what I'm getting at is, tomorrow I'll be heading off to Zurquan to fight the main Drow forces, and odds are anyone who comes with me won't be coming back. It will be war, and I don't think I could live with myself if I sent you to your doom when you have a wife and child waiting for you back home. I want your child to have a father. This isn't like the other fights you've seen fought, this will be open-field war. Men will die by the score, for the Drow surely know I'm coming and they'll surely be ready. Lloth may have been crazy, but she wasn't stupid. I've underestimated her before, but not this time. So I'm sending you back to Glenarbour with a field promotion to the rank of Journeyman Ranger, effective immediately. After all, someone has to carry on when I'm gone." Drek handed the badge and the scroll to James and said: "I've thought long and hard about this, and this is the way it has to be. Congratulations on your promotion."

edited 2nd Sep '12 1:07:08 AM by TheSarge

"Drek, I thank you for this honour" said James. "I understand you don't want to involve me in this war. It was hard enough losing Eruantian and Deimos. But, I can't just stay out of this war."

James stopped moving and started to look at the sky as he talked "Hey Drek. Remember when I was younger, when I was naive like Aaron, how I kept on saying I was going to be a hero and take down dragons. I still haven't dropped that dream even knowing how bitter a place the world but that's because this dream isn't just for myself. I want my child to grow up in a place where they wouldn't feel their gift from the moon goddess isn't a curse, where they wouldn't get hanged for shapeshifting in public."

James let out a grin before he said his finishing words "So I guess, this is the time us werewolves stop hiding and start doing something about the drow situation."

Kalan headed inside as soon as he had recived permission to do so. He had not said a word during the burial cermony and honestly felt a little uncomfortable, the boy could kill or even torture without batting an eye, but seeing this group of people performing the rites in honor to their friend made Kalan uncomfortable. He could not understand the reason behind such actions. The most dignified "burial" he had previously witnessed mostly involved just cutting someone up and sending the pieces to his associates as a warning.

Kalan made his way upstairs and chose a room. Inside he undressed, revealing leather bands holding all of his knives wrapped around his limbs, he unfastened thm and one could hear the clatter as they hit the floor, except the largest one that was wrapped around his lithe torso. that one the rolled into a bundle and he cluthed closely to his chest as he went to bed and fell asleep

Drek gave a grim smile and said to James: "If that's how you feel, I can't stop you. Just be certain that you know what you're getting yourself into, James. Fighting a war isn't prettty. It isn't fun. There's no glory in it. There's just brutal killing and horrible bloodshed. It's about killing the enemy in the fastest and most efficent way possible while taking the least casualties possible. It's about employing a better gambit and a better strategy that the one the ememy is using; If that means using methods and tactics an honourable man would never use in a one-on-one fight, then that is what one has to do.

I've seen war, and it's horrible. I've seen ten thousand men form up in a line, gleaming in the sunshine lke a new dawn, their polished steel flashing in the sun all bravery and dicipline and spirit; All dead before the next sunset. I've seen evil magic swallow men up by the score while the sky rained fire and the world shook. I've seen the dead laying in a feild by the hundreds as a battle rages on around them, men screaming in agony with no one to help them as they bled to death, limbs and guts and heads strewn about the feild and the living fighting for their lives all around the place. I've seen an entire city burn, soldiers and civilians, women and children... everything and eveyone dying and not a thing I could do to help them becasue I was too busy with the buisness of slaying the enemy and staying alive. If you intend to go to war, then know what you're getting yourself into."

Meanwhile, back at the Inn, Orren trotted inside and brought a set of mugs and a bottle of wine out from behind the bar. He handed one mug each to everyone present and said: "We drink to Deimos and Eruantian, true heroes both." He then poured the wine, saying. "A wake for the dead."

edited 7th Sep '12 9:59:49 PM by TheSarge

"It's alright. Please, do come with us" says Sam as she holds on tight to the hand of little Claire.

Mellara for her part, takes a mug and raises it in the memory of the fallen, later on the inn... drinking the wine in quiet, somber contemplations.

"Drek, do you really think I believe all the stories about war being all about glory? I know it's one of the darker things in this world and looking at it, this world is dark enough as it is. I don't know what horror I'll experience in it. But I know if I make it out alive, I'll likely get a few scars from it and not ones on my body. But you know what? I am still willing to take part of this."

The werewolf gave out a sigh and continued "You know Drek, I find it funny that I still follow my ideals after seeing the harsh truth of the world. I'm doubtful about normal humans being completely okay with the idea that people with the inherited ability to become living weapons. But I still follow the dream of making sure my race will stop hiding and escape prejudice. I'm a bit of a fool if you think about it..."

James then proceeded to give out an empty laugh

edited 8th Sep '12 7:52:03 AM by JustaUsername

Drek said: "You're no fool, James; You're a truly brave man. Alright then, I can see you've made up your mind about this, and I don't suppose there's any way I can stop you from going to war anyways, so you might as well go to war in my company. When the time comes we fight on the battlefield side-by-side, aye? Aye! The Drow had best pray to their gods for mercy, for they will get little enough of it from us, aye?" Drek had a bit of a grim grin on his face then, and then he said: "You still have that cloak of invisibility we took off Peter when we captured him, yes?" As he talked, Drek was putting together some of the pieces of the grave marker for Deimos.

Meanwhile, Cecilia, Sam, Claire, Orren, and Gerrard were in the inn toasting the memory of Deimos. As they drank, the sound of someone approaching the inn by foot was heard, and the party all heard it at the same time. Cecilia said, in a hushed voice: "Shush.. someone's coming."

"Don't worry, I still have it on me. I'm keeping it on me as sure as I keep the bandana on my neck! And Drek, I was hoping to get some help from some of my race rather than just tag along with you. Also, bravery and foolishness are sometimes very hard to tell apart!"

Drek said: "Ah, get some help from your race, aye? Well, we certainly could use any help your people could provide. What did you have in mind?"

Sam looked at the door, wondering who might be approaching at the moment.

Mellara for her part, while seemingly relaxed, reached for her staff and kept her senses sharp for whatever might be coming their way.

As Sam & company looked at the door to the inn, a man walked in. This man was someone Sam, Orren, and Claire had briefly met before: Crown Prince Shu Wu Lee of the Zurquan kingdoms. This man was an ally of Eruantian's and Micheal's that the party had met shortly after meeting the two Orc brothers and learning the Orc's super-shaman called the Uhgll-Khan was being held by some evil power (very likely Lloth).

Prince Shu Wu Lee was followed by a man nobody in the party had met before. This second man appeared to be human, and had Skarian facial features. From his bearing and his clothing he appeared to be some sort of high-ranking nobbleman or rich merchant. He appeared to be in his mid-to-late 70's, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, and he had white skin and red hair. His hair was tucked up under a fancy purple silk hat that was ornamented with feathers, and was rimmed with small diamonds and a wreath of gold leaf. He was wearing a flowing red silk cape over a fancy fur-trimmed set of very fancy clothes: The shirt was frilly and made of white cotton, the jacket was white leather lined with velvet and trimmed with mink fur, the buttons on the jacket were solid gold with a diamond set in the middle, the pants were blue silk, he wore a gold-thread sash over the right shoulder, his shoes appeared to be made out of gold thread and were trimmed in mink, with the laces and buttons being solid gold. On his left breast was a dazzling starburst-type badge made of a silvery metal (possibly platinum or some even rarer metal like oricalchum) with gold highlights and a gold crest in the middle. Over this were three large military-style medals, and on his shoulders were the golden epaulettes and fringes and tassels of a Field Marshal of the King's Army. On his hands he wore a total of six rings; Four rings on the right hand (the index-finger had a very large star-cut diamond ring that was easily ten grams or more, the thumb had a simple square-cut emerald & silver ring, and the ring-finger had one diamond-encrusted gold wedding band plus one glowing apparently-magic ring) and two rings on the left hand (a large diamond & ruby cluster-type ring on the ring finger, and a small gold signet ring on the middle finger.) Hanging from the man's neck was a heavy ornate gold & silver chain with a large medallion on it that bore that same symbol that the flags flying the the town walls bore. Everyone but Claire immediately recognized this chain as being some sort of Chain-Of-Office; A symbol of authority that told anyone who saw it that the wearer was some sort of high-ranking official, nobleman, or wealthy merchant.

Next to enter the room was Orandious. Orandious had changed clothes since the party had seen him last: He was now clad in a black robe and was carrying a large burning candle.

The man with the fancy clothes, many gems, and Chain-Of-Office spoke, saying: "Orandious, is this the party of adventurers that you described?"

Orandious replied, saying: "Yes my lord, but not all of them are here, and I don't know the woman with the wings nor the druid-woman."

The man in the fancy clothes nodded and said: "So Baron Drek is not here. I see. Very well, you may make my introductions to these... people."

Orandious addressed the party and said: "All hail his most excellent royal highness Prince Sir Richard Alexander Waldsworth, Duke of Easthaven and Marquess of Durbanshire, Baron and Lord Mayor of Targos, Grandmaster of His Majesty's Most Excellent Order Of The Silver Spur, High Magistrate Of The King's Peace, First Speaker Of The High Council Of Lords, Lord President Of The Privy Council, Field Marshal Of The Armies Of The East, Hero of the Drow War, First Councillor Of King's Justice, Chancellor of The Realm, and an uncle to His Majesty The King! The other gentleman is His Highness, Crown Prince Shu Wu Lee of the Kingdom Of Zurquan and a personal guest of my lord Sir Waldsworth. All will bow now!"

[GM's Note: Uhgll-Khan is a demi-god-like entity powered by Grumish, who is a sun-god deity and a Major Power among the gods, but not an Elder God. I introduced Shu Wu Lee way back on page 92. Here's a link in case you want to review: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=8fk05ohbezwgh6ztbv12kee6&page=92#2283

Richard Waldsworth was the younger brother of the (now deceased) father of the current King of Skara Brae. When the current king ascended the throne, the king was only six years old, and so not yet "of age." Richard Waldsworth, being then the king's closest male relative, automatically became Regent in accordance with tradition and the law. While Regent, he was the de facto the ruler of Skara Brae, although he never was seen to be ambitious for power, and always informed the King of what was going on. He played a large part in preparing the king to assume leadership and to take power. When the king finally reached the age of consent, Richard Waldsworth gladly ceased to be regent, but he remained the king's most trusted adviser, councillor, mentor, and friend. He is now 79 years old and all but retired, despite the many titles and appointments he holds (he's an expert at delegating authority, so he hardly has to lift a finger to fulfill his various obligations.) He just happens to be the mayor of Targos.]

edited 16th Sep '12 6:14:51 PM by TheSarge

"Well, I met a few of my race before I become a ranger and I think werewolves who heard of my tales are able to figure out the hero of them. I might be able to recruit some werewolves on out side."

Prince Richard's whole appearance was almost too much for Sam to take even at the best of times. He had such shiny and impressive clothes and so many names and titles that her head began to spin as she tried to memorize the lot of them. Needless to say, she failed and in her effort she didn't even manage to keep in mind the man's given name. Still, it was obvious that this man was important and he seemed to know Drek. Shu Wu Lee she vaguely remembered, more his form than his name, which once again she was unable to properly memorize.

Still, when the time came to bow, she did so without hesitation following the motions of everyone around her. Even though this would be one of the first times she did this, she made the motions perfectly after mimicking everyone. She might not be good with overly long names, but her body and how to move it were points of pride in the young huntress.

Mellara on the other hand, completely understood the importance of the men before them... and thus worried about what might be coming next. Powerful men like this did not come to battered down inns in person to congratulate motley bands of adventurers. That they might be in search of Drek for some important errand was a possibility of course, though even then given their demeanor she suspected this Prince wanted something with the adventuring party as a whole.

All these thoughts played out in her mind in less than it takes someone to blink and thus, just in time she did a minor bow of respect for the man's position and accomplishments... and nothing else. She was a druid after all. While she respected the will of those living outside of the wilds, she would never accept to be bound under their rule.

Drek said to James: "Well, sure, if you think you can get some of your people to join up and fight against the Drow, that would be great, but we would have to get someone to teleport you back there... and I think all the mages in the tower are already exhausted by the big fight we had. Still, maybe there's someone who can do it. Can't hurt to ask, and besides I wanna see if Micheal is alright. Ok, let's finish the grave marker and we'll go ask." Working together, James and Drek quickly finished marking Deimos' grave and then, after paying their final respects, they walked to the mage tower.

Meanwhile, back in the inn, Prince Richard was saying: "You may all rise. Mister Orandious has informed me that Baron Drek and a party of adventurers defeated a dragon and a horde of giant spiders who had been apparently summoned by Lloth. I wish to speak to Baron Drek, and I had hoped to find him here. Where is he?"

"Baron Drek is right outside the city, currently tending to the funerary rites of one of his fallen companions" replied Mellara "He sent the rest of us back here to rest and prepare for whatever might lie ahead"