It had been a week since Ysolt had heard anything from Hector and Cedric. She was due for another day of rest from her training when a bird arrived with a message from Trystan. The priestess smirked quietly as she read that the wayfarer would be spending a few weeks on the Isle of Druids, and that Lyonesse was traveling with another woman named Gyneth. When she read that they would all meet up in Marlock City again by the end of the season, her reply simply read, ‘Agreed’.
When she later arrived at the Three Ring Tavern, Ysolt learned that Cedric and Hector had left the day before. “Oh! I am so sorry! I forgot to deliver this to the House of Priests,” the barmaid said as she handed the note over to the priestess. As she read it, her teal eyes narrowed in confusion. Instead of approaching her to let her know they would be traveling to Trefoille to help rebuild the city, they left a note. They wrote that they didn’t wish to disturb her unnecessarily. She knew they would have a place to stay with Oliphard the Wizardly, but she wished she'd had the chance to see them off.
In truth, Hector told Cedric about the job he picked up from the temple of Sig, and they both agreed that earning a bit of cash on the side would be easier elsewhere. They traveled along the main highway so they wouldn't get lost in the wilderness, though they kept their discussion of the job very limited when militia patrols were around. Or other travelers, for that matter. “You do realize that the temple of Tyrnai will be heavily guarded,” Cedric mentioned at one point in their travels, about halfway between Marlock City and Trefoille. “Which is why I want to take my time to see if there’s a routine to their patrols and watch,” the rogue explained, since understanding the layout and how it’s used day-to-day would help him figure out how to get the golden armor.
ROLL 1 DIE.
Score: 1 – Bad Omen – Lose one Blessing.
A storm picked up just before they reached Trefoille. None of the caravans with cover would let either man hitch a ride. They reached the city gates before dark and took shelter among the work camps instead of seeking out Oliphard’s manor. They spent the following day helping the workers rebuild what would become the city’s market area. The following day, they departed via the northern gate toward Caran Baru. Thankfully, they were away from any more rain and terrible weather.
After several nights camping under the stars, both men were eager to sleep in more comfortable accommodations when they came upon the Weary Pilgrim Tavern. There, after paying for their rooms, Cedric bought a round of drinks for the other patrons. Mostly so they would be good and drunk while he warbled and sang a good song or two that didn’t require more than a percussive beat, since he'd lost the one instrument he used to carry. The ditties were good and lively, and when things had quieted down, he settled next to Hector at the bar.
While they each were enjoying some mulled cider and a bowl of hunter’s stew, a trader who had traveled from the far north began to tell them a tale. Once, a great wizard known as Targdaz the Magnificent lived. Legend had it that a shaman of the Horde of the Thousand Winds, up north on the Great Steppes, tricked Targdaz by imprisoning the wizard in a giant ruby. Scoffs echoed around the bar; even though magic existed, some feats seemed improbable to those who did not practice the art.
The story continued, though, despite the disbelief. The shaman began looting the mighty wizard’s tower. Quite foolishly, he opened Targdaz’s Casket of Imponderables. By doing so, the shaman unleashed a terrible storm that swept across the steppes and scattered many tribes far and wide! The shaman was ultimately killed, but no one knows what became of Targdaz. It’s believed that he still remains trapped in the giant ruby. “Would it even be safe to release him?” Hector asked, wondering exactly how long ago the events took place. Cedric took notes, silently weighing the tale's accuracy. After all, many stories evolved over time, across regions, and through political influence.
ROLL 1 DIE.
A storm picked up just before they reached Trefoille. None of the caravans with cover would let either man hitch a ride. They reached the city gates before dark and took shelter among the work camps instead of seeking out Oliphard’s manor. They spent the following day helping the workers rebuild what would become the city’s market area. The following day, they departed via the northern gate toward Caran Baru. Thankfully, they were away from any more rain and terrible weather.
After several nights camping under the stars, both men were eager to sleep in more comfortable accommodations when they came upon the Weary Pilgrim Tavern. There, after paying for their rooms, Cedric bought a round of drinks for the other patrons. Mostly so they would be good and drunk while he warbled and sang a good song or two that didn’t require more than a percussive beat, since he'd lost the one instrument he used to carry. The ditties were good and lively, and when things had quieted down, he settled next to Hector at the bar.
While they each were enjoying some mulled cider and a bowl of hunter’s stew, a trader who had traveled from the far north began to tell them a tale. Once, a great wizard known as Targdaz the Magnificent lived. Legend had it that a shaman of the Horde of the Thousand Winds, up north on the Great Steppes, tricked Targdaz by imprisoning the wizard in a giant ruby. Scoffs echoed around the bar; even though magic existed, some feats seemed improbable to those who did not practice the art.
The story continued, though, despite the disbelief. The shaman began looting the mighty wizard’s tower. Quite foolishly, he opened Targdaz’s Casket of Imponderables. By doing so, the shaman unleashed a terrible storm that swept across the steppes and scattered many tribes far and wide! The shaman was ultimately killed, but no one knows what became of Targdaz. It’s believed that he still remains trapped in the giant ruby. “Would it even be safe to release him?” Hector asked, wondering exactly how long ago the events took place. Cedric took notes, silently weighing the tale's accuracy. After all, many stories evolved over time, across regions, and through political influence.
ROLL 1 DIE.
Score: 3 – Nothing Happens.
Hector and Cedric could tell they were nearing Caran Baru. The bard had especially heard word that the town was bustling with soldiers and militiamen stationed to protect the northern borders from the hordes of the Great Steppes. The road became congested with caravans and patrols, and people not paying attention to where they were going were struck across the head by soldiers too impatient to offer a word of kindness. The troubadour and rogue nimbly slipped through the crowds and avoided being struck, but it added tension to Hector’s plans.
“If the town and temple are crawling with patrols, I don’t see how I would be able to get to the armor,” the burglar said to his musical companion. “A distraction often goes a long way,” Cedric suggested before changing the topic of conversation as more troops marched past them. Once they arrived at Caran Baru, they quickly went to the Blue Griffon Tavern to secure a couple of beds or a room for the night.
Hector and Cedric could tell they were nearing Caran Baru. The bard had especially heard word that the town was bustling with soldiers and militiamen stationed to protect the northern borders from the hordes of the Great Steppes. The road became congested with caravans and patrols, and people not paying attention to where they were going were struck across the head by soldiers too impatient to offer a word of kindness. The troubadour and rogue nimbly slipped through the crowds and avoided being struck, but it added tension to Hector’s plans.
“If the town and temple are crawling with patrols, I don’t see how I would be able to get to the armor,” the burglar said to his musical companion. “A distraction often goes a long way,” Cedric suggested before changing the topic of conversation as more troops marched past them. Once they arrived at Caran Baru, they quickly went to the Blue Griffon Tavern to secure a couple of beds or a room for the night.
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