Operation: Graystone #16

[Gerett]

"Love and War are two sides of a single-sided coin," she says knowingly.

"Yer talking a lot about love, and I suppose what you are saying makes sense. Lucyus," Gerett gestures to the paladin, hoping to involve him in the conversation, "seems to be fighting primarily out of hate. Which is fine, whatever works for you. I just never found that I have the time for love or hate. Goblins are digusting vermin and I kill 'em whenever I can because they should all be dead. But I don't hate 'em any more than I hate the plague. And love? Well I just don't know a thing about that and I don't see it fitting into the course of my life." For some reason, Mitch claws at Gerett and stares at him, a piece of dried meat from the priestess hanging from his teeth. Yeah, Gerett thought to himself. Love isn't really in the equation. I mean, I'm not sure exactly what she means by the word, but she's talking about children and memories and stuff that doesn't really apply to me anyway. Or maybe she's talking about women...but there's no dwarf women here anyway. He nods confusedly at Mitch, who tosses his head and focuses on his snack.

"But honor, honor's a word I've heard a lot. You say glory and honor aren't the same, well you're the expert. But to me? Honor is why one dwarf breaks his neighbor's nose over some perceived slight--what was really just an accident becomes an offense if someone mentions the word honor. Honor is the word a general uses to convince his soldiers to charge a hill they can't take--they'll die, but at least they'll have honor. Honor is the word invoked by the Guard when one of them tries to explain to me why what scouts do is not as important as what the front line fighters do. So I guess it's something dwarves in general understand, but it's never been something I understood.

"You know I never even intended on becoming a ranger? I had the same dream as any kid—grow up and join the royal guard. Thought I was a pretty good dwarf in the making. But when I came of age, the only openings were among the scouts. But I was a dwarf, and it was my task, so I put myself fully to it. Before I knew it that was the path my life took." Gerett realized he was talking a lot, but they were still waiting for others to awake, and Eris seemed to want to talk. She'd hopefully stop him if he rambled too long.

"Of course everyone just thought it was my thing. There’s a tradition in the royal guard—they always get the day off after a feast, for obvious reasons. But the rangers still report for duty before dawn. Sort of diminishes how much you can enjoy the party. The Guard, they just assumed us scouts liked being alone and sober during feasts. And after long enough like that, I guess I did.

"I think it took being kicked out in disgrace to realize just how separated I had become from them. I don’t think most o’ them even thought of us as dwarves. They were grateful to have the borders secured fer a time, but they had nothing in common with us what made it that way. You know what my friend said when he warned me to get away from home? He said, ‘I know you don’t really care too much about this sort of thing, but Lord Dwri has died.’ Don’t care too much! No, I never met the guy, but neither had my friend. But I am a dwarf, and my ultimate loyalty was to my liege. But even though he knew me better than anyone else, my friend just assumed I wouldn’t really mind leaving home, that I really did prefer the company of the woods to hearth and family. So I told myself I did.”

Gerett paused for a moment, taking a swig of water and staring into space. "So I guess Love and War have something else in common. I don't understand either of them. This is a job, just a job that needs done. Stakes are high, sure. Like shoring up a dam or clearing a cavein. Get about the work quickly so people don't die. But you don't go shouting about honor when you go to clear a cavein, and you do yer best not to die yerself. So as we're about this job o' helping Greystone, I have no intention of winning any honor or glory or whatever, and I also have no intention of dyin'. If it happens it happens, and I'm not particularly afraid of it. But saving Greystone and dying is a sight worse than saving Greystone and living, honor or no."

Gerett chuckled. "I guess if I were a priest I'd be a priest of tactics and elbow grease. Yer very smart and very good at what ya da, so I'll let you be the expert on Love and War. But even though combat is my trade, I'm just not seeing War as some great grand thing, It just is. We'd be better off if it wasn't. But that's never going to happen. So I'll put my arm toward making sure this war is not as bad as it could be. And then I'll probably do it for the next war, and the next. But I'm not going to mourn its loss if the war ends early somehow. T'would mean you and I can take a break from killing stuff and find something better ta do."

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

The priestess once more let's the dwarf Gerett say his peace, without interruption. And he has a lot to say! She notes the details as she waits to give her reply. He ends on a note lamenting that there is war and that they would be much better off without it. Unfortunately strife is a natural state of the world. Why it is that way is open for further debate, but it unfortunately is.

"I think our paladin friend here," she motions indicating Lucyus, "does not so much fight out of hate but rather duty. Duty to one's sect, duty to one's temple, duty to one's senior, to one's family, to one's king. Duty is what drives many people to what they do and is exactly what you describe for yourself. You do your duty and it sounds like you do it well."

She moves closer and places her hand lightly on his shoulder, a slight jingle of the bracelets on her wrist accompanying the motion. "It does indeed sound like you do not understand the dichotomy of Love and War. But then few do. Even those of us in the Great Temple of Ishtar, Queen of Heavens, have barely begun to learn the beginnings of these mysteries." She pauses for a moment, searching for the proper phrasing. "It sounds like you have been doing your duty for a long time and rather unappreciated at that. However when you mention your kinfolk expressing their honor, I think it is a different word that is meant: perhaps prestige. Which brings us back to true honor not being the same as glory or fame or prestige. The word honor has been bastardized into different meanings. People invoke honor when their pride had been hurt or their family name has been besmirched. They don't then react with honor, they often react with spite or vengeance!"

The priestess looks deep into the dwarf's eyes looking for something he has left unspoken. "Words are so casually tossed about that they lose the strongest meanings. 'I love the color blue.' or 'I love the taste of honey mead.' That's not Love. Although I have heard tell that some dwarves might die for their ale," she says with a slight laugh. "True Love is when we put that object or person ahead of ourselves. And the beauty of Love is that we can Love more than one at a time. There is no limit. The Goddess gives freely as much as we can pass through us."

"I truly hope that you will find something or someone with which to share Ishtar's gift. When you do, you will start to better understand the reason to go to War and why it is noble. Not noble in the sense of patriarchs and kings, again words have been apprehended and distorted. But rather a different sense of emotion, of feeling and of purpose."

"It sounds to me like you have been doing what other people expect of you for much of your life. What do you yourself want out of life?" She lets the question hang in the air as she reaches to pet the badger lightly on its head.

[Laurel]

"...and you are?"

“Figured tae ancient dwarves that built this place had tae have a backdoor tae lair down below,” Sann adds. “So they could bypass their trap. Sann Silverbeard, Agent of tae Ministry o' Histories at yer service! All of this here,” Sann continues as he gestures, “is part o' an ancient dwarven outpost in this area called Bollo's Shield. It was commissioned by tae tyrant Bollo and then forgotten about when he lost his head. Tae trap still works, sending its victims down into tae depths o' the mountain. A bigger base is down there and I was just startin' to explore it when those goblins grabbed us! There be history to be discovered! Lore and forgotten knowledge are within our grasp!”

“There's a base down there filled with goblins?” Sergeant Crandell asks. “That can't be a coincidence. The enemy uses goblins as their foot soldiers. They might be using this old dwarven base as a supply depot. I bet that have food and supplies stored there for the main army to draw upon. After all, they have to feed all those troops and the giants. That's a lot of food and water and without knowing how long a siege would last they would need supplies. If we can deny them these supplies, it will weaken the enemy army in time. An enemy looses much of its fight when its starving. We will need to explore this dwarven lair.”

Laurel lets the men formulate their plans. It's a shame so much knowledge has gotten lost over time. But what is lost can be found and restored to good use, if in the right hands. "I am glad to have made your aquaintance, Sann Silverbeard Agent of the Ministry of Histories. I feel that we are similarly minded and will work well together." Despite the fact that she is technically working for the army Laurel is very excited about this upcoming adventure. It would be good to travel with someone as interested in recovering lost knowledge as she is, and the added protection of so many skilled fighters would be a boon.

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After casting her spell, a vision appears before Laurel's eyes. She can see a group of dwarves within the common area of the outpost. One of the dwarves closes the door that goes up to the observation tower and locks it. A second dwarf grabs the torch holder that Erisciana determined would move earlier. At the same time, a third dwarf moves the torch holder on the opposite wall. Once both holders are as far out as they can go, the dwarves turn them 90 degrees clockwise. In response to this, the secret door opens revealing stairs descending into darkness. The three dwarves quickly move down the stairs. Behind them, the secret door closes and the torches move back to their normal position. Laurel shares what she discovered with the group.
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"That's a great spell, Laurel,"

Laurel blushes at the unexpected compliment. "It's not I, but Felix who grants me this power and for this purpose. I am glad that the knowledge to open the stairway was found. I was not looking forward to triggering the trap to get into the complex below us. Neither was I looking forward to possibly being trapped in Eagles Nest with no way out should we come under attack again. Of course, getting below by triggering the trap has the advantage of having been done before" Laurel tucks a strand of her long, dark hair behind her ear, realizing that she is rambling on a bit. "I guess I should probably find some torches, or a lantern and some oil. I don't have the advantage of being able to see well in the dark." With that Laurel excuses herself to hunt down some supplies and a spot to bed down for the night.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Lucyus listens intently as Gerret and Erisciana speak of what war is as well as of what love is and that they are not so different.

"Yer talking a lot about love, and I suppose what you are saying makes sense. Lucyus," Gerett gestures to the paladin, hoping to involve him in the conversation, "seems to be fighting primarily out of hate. Which is fine, whatever works for you. I just never found that I have the time for love or hate. Goblins are digusting vermin and I kill 'em whenever I can because they should all be dead. But I don't hate 'em any more than I hate the plague. And love? Well I just don't know a thing about that and I don't see it fitting into the course of my life." For some reason, Mitch claws at Gerett and stares at him, a piece of dried meat from the priestess hanging from his teeth. Yeah, Gerett thought to himself. Love isn't really in the equation. I mean, I'm not sure exactly what she means by the word, but she's talking about children and memories and stuff that doesn't really apply to me anyway. Or maybe she's talking about women...but there's no dwarf women here anyway. He nods confusedly at Mitch, who tosses his head and focuses on his snack.
"I think our paladin friend here," she motions indicating Lucyus, "does not so much fight out of hate but rather duty. Duty to one's sect, duty to one's temple, duty to one's senior, to one's family, to one's king. Duty is what drives many people to what they do and is exactly what you describe for yourself. You do your duty and it sounds like you do it well.”

A smile etches across his face as he listens to the dwarf speak of fighting out of hate. He clearly has known of individuals of this nature but he is not one to do so. “Hate is not something that I welcome into my life openly. It surely is not what motivates me to do what I do nor to believe in what I believe. Duty is just one of the ideals that motivate me. Erisciana speaks the truth, but only in part. Duty to my people. To protect the weak. To show courage and valor in the face of one’s foe and when to show mercy. Duty and devotion to my church, and patron. Showing generosity to those who are in need and protect them. Lastly to Honor a lady, to show one’s devotion and respect toward women in general, though to find a woman to walk the mountains with, to show utter devotion to a woman who captures my heart and drives me to be better than I am. Sadly, I have not been blessed with this duty, yet.
"While, I may lack in my knowledge of love. I know it can be powerful.”
“These are but a few ways I am motivated. In truth, I pity our enemy. For they do not see the beauty in what they wish to destroy.”he says simply.
“I do agree when you say honor is a driving force. Many believe it is the choices that you make. It is more than that though, It is also standing up for those choices and the consequences that derive from them.” He says evenly recalling a saying from his training. “When honor comes to you be ready to take it; But reach not to seize it before it is near. It is better to have honor, then to fall from your own pride."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Laurel blushes at the unexpected compliment. "It's not I, but Felix who grants me this power and for this purpose. I am glad that the knowledge to open the stairway was found. I was not looking forward to triggering the trap to get into the complex below us. Neither was I looking forward to possibly being trapped in Eagles Nest with no way out should we come under attack again. Of course, getting below by triggering the trap has the advantage of having been done before" Laurel tucks a strand of her long, dark hair behind her ear, realizing that she is rambling on a bit. "I guess I should probably find some torches, or a lantern and some oil. I don't have the advantage of being able to see well in the dark." With that Laurel excuses herself to hunt down some supplies and a spot to bed down for the night.

Butternut smiles at the somewhat rambling response from the cat priestess. "Very understandable, Laurel. Your patron's power has benefited us greatly this day, and for that I am glad."

While exploring the stairs with Vernar would likely be more fun, Butternut contents herself with the opportunity to increase her spell-casting choices. Honestly, she's not a great student of the magical arts, other than those embodying the alchemical elements, so she's not sure how many new spells she'll manage to learn. Nevertheless, it is important for her to improve her abilities however she may.

"It may be more than several days before we can resupply food easily, unless we do find some hidden storage. We seem to be caught between the army attacking Fort Graystone and Gateway itself. Even purified, I am not sure we could live for long on goblin food. Hopefully there is something more edible there."

"As you said, the leaders of this army are apparently Hextorites," Butternut says. "I would think that they would have need of food just as their army does. Thus, if Crandell's right about them storing supplies in the dwarven tunnels below, it would seem likely then that some portion of it is going to be of decent quality."

A bit later that morning, there is quite a bit of talk regarding love and war and religion. While her own clergy has some thoughts on the matter of war, Butternut chooses to remain focused on her studies of the available spell-books. There will be plenty of time for religious discussions later, but now is the time for scholarship.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

“Vernar,” Sergeant Crandell says turning to the dwarf. “Gather up a unit who can see in the dark and explore down those stairs. Scout out what is down there and report back. We'll make further plans based on what you discover.”

“It would seem you need some help good dwarf.”Kaylessa says to Vernar. “I would be happy to assist you once my spellbook is returned to me. I think I may have learned a spell that might be of use when we find the exit from the stairwell.” She says with a ghost of a smile. “Let me replenish my arrows from the armory and I will join you shortly.”

"Yes, you an' a couple o' the others," Vernar responds with a nod to Kaylessa, "but certainly not too many. We be wantin' t' avoid trouble."

Vernar will approach Butternut, eyeing her as she seems to be studying. "You be wantin' t' do that then?" he asks. "Was hopin' t' have you watch my back again if you be up fer it." He says the last with a grin meant to guilt her into coming along, but if she does decide to stay and study spells, he can hardly blame her.

Vernar will also approach Ren and ask him to accompany them down the stairs. Vernar is ultimately hoping for four of them. He would ask Gerett, but that dwarf is ill-equipped for stealth and fighting in tight spaces, not that Vernar is planning on fighting, but still.

Vernar will report to the sergeant before they depart, either the three or four of them depending on what Butternut decides. Then, once everyone is ready, they will open the secret door and descend down the stairs...

[Vernar]

Vernar's vote:

Plate Mail - Kendall
Longsword - Sorvani
Shield - Lucyus
10 Flight Arrows - Flare
Potion -
Potion -
Black rock -
Dagger - Flare
Potion -
Light Crossbow - Butternut
10 Crossbow Bolts - Gerett
Small Shield - Erisciana
Dagger- Ren
Potion -
Potion -
War hammer -
Short sword - Kaylessa
Short sword - Laurel
Dagger- Ren
Ring -


Like the others, without knowing what the potions do as they might be better suited to various others, Vernar cast no votes for those. If they are healing potions, for example, they should be spread around and not piled onto one of the healers. Same with the black rock and the ring, until we know what they can do, it makes no sense to hand it out yet. If someone has skill with a war hammer, they should get it, otherwise it can be stored until someone gets proficiency or we can sell/trade it for supplies, etc.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

"I've been an enlisted dwarf my whole life. But mercenary work is starting to grow on me. The flow of coin seems to be the one predictable pattern for nobility. And you lot seem a sight more practical...and perhaps as tired of bluebloods as I am."

Vardra smiles at the dwarf. He seems to have seen much of life, yet still maintains a good heart. "I have no particular dislike of the nobility, Gerett; they have their lot in life and I have mine. You have been through a lot, and I understand your cynicism. Perhaps some time with us will help to balance your viewpoint and allow you to see more of the good in the world."

“You are forgetting something, Vardra. Or perhaps you do not know,” he says easily looking between the Sgt and Vardra. “These orcs and goblins were not alone. Do you know the symbol that the priests wore?” he says with a brief pause. ”Hextor,” he spits out,the word feeling venomous in his mouth. ”My sworn enemy. It is why he focused on me when he could have killed Vernar. If you are unaware he is a God of War, focused on massacres, tyranny and discord.”

“If his followers were here, leading these humanoids the it is a safe bet, his followers in part will be leading the other armies,” he says simply as he looks down at the dead priest.

Vardra turns his attention to Laucian. "I recognized the symbol of Hextor, just as you did, Lucyus. Nor have I forgotten that. What I did not know, and still do not, is how many of these Hextorites are accompanying this invading army. I suspect it would require a large number of them to maintain control over an army of orcs and goblins numbering in the thousands."

Erisciana then talks about the Hextorite leadership of the army. As a priestess, it is not surprising that her remarks take a decidedly religious turn.

“There was a time you asked what my rank or qualifications were for leading. And I pointed to my holy symbol. The reason I did so was I have been trained since I joined my clergy in war, strategy as well as law. My Clergy defies and will destroy everything that the Herald of Hell stands for. We are the Light as he is the Dark. And the Darkness seems to be growing.”

"If you will recall," Vardra replies with a sigh, "you belittled my rank as a PFC. In turn, I pointed out the irony of someone with no actual military rank belittling my rank. Your holy symbol is a powerful religious symbol and does grant you some measure of authority and respect. However, it does not innately grant any particular military rank within the Cynalonian Army."

Lucyus looks to Vardra curiously as he asks the question. “One would assume feed and water them. Make sure they are stabled and ready to ride if needed,” the paladin adds looking between the two.

Hearing the paladin's remark, Vardra turns back to regard him for a second before speaking. "You seem determined to pick a fight with me, Lucyus. Why is that? What do you hope to gain from it?" he asks curiously.

The priestess looks to the paladin a moment and smiles. "We have a mutual goal, my friend. Hextor may be the opposite force to your patron Heironeous, but the vile cur infringes directly upon the righteous domain of the Queen of Heaven. The Hextorites twist and manipulate the honorable nature of War. They must be defeated."

The priestess of the foreign goddess expresses something that many here have in common. "While my reasons for wanting to stop that enemy are not based in religious beliefs, my motivations for wanting to do so are just as strong and as valid. I suspect the same is true of many of those in our company."

Vardra asks what her crystal tipped rod looks like, when she asks if they can try to locate it. Hopefully that opportunistic draw did not abscond with it. "It is a wooden staff, about my own height," she says, motioning with her hand to show its length. "It has a crystal at the top. A blue crystal in a silver setting. I left it propped against the cave wall near where my horse had been tied off. I would appreciate it if you were able to locate it and return it to me."

Vardra nods as he makes mental notes. When she called it a crystal staff, he had originally envisioned a staff made entirely of crystal. However, that is apparently not the case. "Thank you, Eri; that helps a lot. If it is still there, we will return it to you."

===

Morning comes, and it is time to set up mission teams. It also seems to invoke a long-winded discussion regarding the nature of war. In the interest of time and squad unity, Vardra decides to steer clear of it. Instead, he focuses on recruiting participants for the mission that Sergeant Crandell entrusted him with. Initially, he approaches those who are not wizards of one sort or another, at least as far as he knows, and do not seem to be able to see in the dark - as that would be more the province of Vernar's team.

Lucyus is sharpening his axe when Vardra comes looking for help. “Aye, I’ll help you,” he says evenly as he finishes checking the butterfly edges of his axe. Stowing the axe, Lucyus will gather up his gear and be ready to move.

"I'm glad to hear it, Lucyus," Vardra replies with a smile. "Let's plan to move out in 15 minutes."

"If we're to send folk outside to check on the mounts, that may be a better source of food than the goblins' piles. If this fort was well placed, there's likely to be natural food sources of some sort not too far away. Fresh water, too. Shouldn't take too much extra time beyond rounding up the horses for some skilled folk to forage for greens or berries or shoot us some hares or grouse. It'll be good for us all to get fresh food anyway, if we're to be below for a long time." Gerett realizes as he says this that it probably sounds strange to the others, coming from him. After all, many dwarves spend their entire lives underground. But it was trade and expeditions--from Gerett's group and others--that brought fresh foods and goods from the surface. Though few would admit it, even mountain dwarves would eventually miss the shipments of the sun's produce to complement their gamey livestock and mushrooms.

"Anyway, I can see well enough in the dark of course, so I'd be happy to go into the secret room. But I can also hunt and forage, so if you all do think that's a worthwhile endeavor I can go out to fetch the horses."

"You are certainly welcome to join us, Gerett, if Vernar doesn't need you." Vardra glances over, and notices that Vernar seems to be trying to woo Butternut into joining his team. "It appears that he is focused on those he knows to have skills in scouting and stealth. If that is not your area, then you may fit in better with our team. Despite it being daylight out, your ability to see in the dark may well be helpful as we descend the ramp."

Even though he has his lantern to fall back on, Vardra will collect a few torches for the expected trip down and back.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

There is a discussion about food stores and potential for supplies in the goblin / dwarven den below Eagles Nest.

"As you said, the leaders of this army are apparently Hextorites," Butternut says. "I would think that they would have need of food just as their army does. Thus, if Crandell's right about them storing supplies in the dwarven tunnels below, it would seem likely then that some portion of it is going to be of decent quality."

"Indeed that is true. Although we do not know how many Hextorites are in the army. Likely a sizable number. But then we also do not know if they are having their own food brought with them or had it stored with the humanoid foodstuffs. I could just as easily see the Hextor filth in their superiority unwilling to keep their food where it could be consumed or contaminated by the humanoids they lead. It is a 'cat in a box' situation. We will know when we know. Too many options to speculate. Therefore we should be cautious until we know that limited food is no longer an issue. There is every reason and motivation to investigate and learn the truth of the situation."

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"If you will recall," Vardra replies with a sigh, "you belittled my rank as a PFC. In turn, I pointed out the irony of someone with no actual military rank belittling my rank. Your holy symbol is a powerful religious symbol and does grant you some measure of authority and respect. However, it does not innately grant any particular military rank within the Cynalonian Army."

"Interesting," Erisciana will state. The Cynalonian Army was apparently structured somewhat differently from that of her home kingdom. "Where I am from, the ranks of soldiers were generally from the lower class structure, no offense. It was a means to increase one's standing or to perhaps justify one's standing, if a soldier rose through the ranks. Children of the noble class generally started at a higher rank, although if they proved ill-suited, they could be demoted, with a corresponding loss of face to themselves and their house, discharged or even exiled. Some houses even put forth their slaves or servants into units in times of need."

"Our leadership is innately tied to the priestly temples and so priests of many of the deities have a military rank of some sort implied. I for instance have lead small numbers of our troops in battle against the pirates of the Shining Seas. I have heard stories about clerics of Heironeous or even Helm leading Cynalonian forces in battle. Is this a standard structure or exceptions to the power base?"

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The paladin Lucyus joins the conversation on Love and War and tries to explain some of his motivations. Erisci cants her head to one side as she listens to him speak. One eyebrow raises slightly however when he mentions 'duty' to his prospective life-mate.

Lastly to Honor a lady, to show one’s devotion and respect toward women in general, though to find a woman to walk the mountains with, to show utter devotion to a woman who captures my heart and drives me to be better than I am. Sadly, I have not been blessed with this duty, yet.

The priestess lets him finish his statement without interruption, but then returns to this aforementioned thought. "Duty to women in general is admirable. But it is not a duty to love. It is not a duty to share your life with your loving partner. Granted some cultures, including my own, enact arranged marriages which do indeed equate partnership with duty. But I have not heard that is a tenet of either Cynalon, nor of your patron Heironeous. Love is a proactive power, while duty is often a reactive one."

Vardra steps into the conversation at one point as well. The priestess of the foreign goddess expresses something that many here have in common. "While my reasons for wanting to stop that enemy are not based in religious beliefs, my motivations for wanting to do so are just as strong and as valid. I suspect the same is true of many of those in our company."

The priestess looks questioningly at the soldier for a moment, as she considers her words carefully. "You should not look for offense, where none is intended," she says, trying to understand his reasons for interjecting. "Further I do not doubt the strength nor the courage nor the ability of our assemblage. We share in protecting each others' lives certainly. But I find it unusual to consider that many of our randomly assembled group have a reason at the core of their being to oppose Hextor and his vile minions at every opportunity." She pauses for a moment. "I would be genuinely curious to know what brings you into such extreme conflict with that hated foe. Perhaps now is not the time to discuss such as we do indeed need rest. But I am more than interested to learn the depths to which Cynalon opposes Hextor, not only in direct combat, but on every level, both in regards to individuals as well as the kingdom as a whole."

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
With Vardra---

"If you will recall," Vardra replies with a sigh, "you belittled my rank as a PFC. In turn, I pointed out the irony of someone with no actual military rank belittling my rank. Your holy symbol is a powerful religious symbol and does grant you some measure of authority and respect. However, it does not innately grant any particular military rank within the Cynalonian Army."

“If you feel belittled then that is on you, my friend.” Lucyus says easily and evenly. “Merely pointing out that a PFC would be hard pressed to lead is not belittling, it is being honest, and there is no shame in that.”

Hearing the paladin's remark, Vardra turns back to regard him for a second before speaking. "You seem determined to pick a fight with me, Lucyus. Why is that? What do you hope to gain from it?" he asks curiously.

Lucyus meets the soldiers gaze, a slightly confused look upon his face, “Gain? Picking a fight?” Shaking his head,” I do not seek any gain or a fight with you. You asked for my help in this endeavour, I merely was reciting what I understood the Sgt’s order to be.” He says simply gathering up his gear and taking a few torches.
He then begins the trek down the ramp. He will stop near the opening and move slowly into the light of day.

Erisciana wrote:The priestess looks to the paladin a moment and smiles. "We have a mutual goal, my friend. Hextor may be the opposite force to your patron Heironeous, but the vile cur infringes directly upon the righteous domain of the Queen of Heaven. The Hextorites twist and manipulate the honorable nature of War. They must be defeated."

“I would be curious to hear your views on the matter.” He says simply and smiles. “It should prove interesting to see how your patron views compare to mine and possibly how they differ.” He saus good heartedly.

"Interesting," Erisciana will state. The Cynalonian Army was apparently structured somewhat differently from that of her home kingdom. "Where I am from, the ranks of soldiers were generally from the lower class structure, no offense. It was a means to increase one's standing or to perhaps justify one's standing, if a soldier rose through the ranks. Children of the noble class generally started at a higher rank, although if they proved ill-suited, they could be demoted, with a corresponding loss of face to themselves and their house, discharged or even exiled. Some houses even put forth their slaves or servants into units in times of need."

“Is that because the higher ranks needed certain weaponry or finery that might be out of the less noble’s wealth?”he asks curiously to the priestess,

"Our leadership is innately tied to the priestly temples and so priests of many of the deities have a military rank of some sort implied. I for instance have lead small numbers of our troops in battle against the pirates of the Shining Seas. I have heard stories about clerics of Heironeous or even Helm leading Cynalonian forces in battle. Is this a standard structure or exceptions to the power base?"

“I cannot speak for the clerics of Helm, but there are many of clerics of Heironeous that serve on the front lines. Further more, there are others who serve as advisors of strategy and military trainers. Some hold ranks within the army.”

The priestess lets him finish his statement without interruption, but then returns to this aforementioned thought. "Duty to women in general is admirable. But it is not a duty to love. It is not a duty to share your life with your loving partner. Granted some cultures, including my own, enact arranged marriages which do indeed equate partnership with duty. But I have not heard that is a tenet of either Cynalon, nor of your patron Heironeous. Love is a proactive power, while duty is often a reactive one."

“In truth, I do not know much of love. Do I love my family? yes, but you are speaking of is a different type of love. To know someone so deeply, to put them ahead of yourself and your needs. It is honestly, to an extent scary.” He says with a chuckle, “But from what I understand there is no greater feeling to withhold or experience.”

[Gerett]

"You do your duty and it sounds like you do it well.

"True Love is when we put that object or person ahead of ourselves.

"I truly hope that you will find something or someone with which to share Ishtar's gift. When you do, you will start to better understand the reason to go to War and why it is noble. Not noble in the sense of patriarchs and kings, again words have been apprehended and distorted. But rather a different sense of emotion, of feeling and of purpose.

"It sounds to me like you have been doing what other people expect of you for much of your life. What do you yourself want out of life?"

Gerett stares into space for a moment, mulling over his response. It would be impolite not to finish the conversation--he had started it after all. But he hadn't been banking on doing this much deep thinking on this mission--certainly not this early in the morning. He looks Erisciana in the eye. "Honestly? So far it's seemed like duty is a one-way street. I mean, at least your patron gives you your fancy spells as acknowledgment. I mean, I always got my wages on time. But that's not really duty, is it? Not loyalty...no, loyalty was definitely one-way for me. So what do I want? I think I want goblins not to overtake Greystone. I think I want the villages on the other side of Greystone not to get pillaged and burnt. If I'm going to work my arse off for someone who doesn't know who I am, I'd rather it be a child in one of those villages, than some noble or employer. Does that mean I love the people of those villages? Villages I've never seen and probably never will? By your definition, maybe. I suppose I'm okay with that."

“Hate is not something that I welcome into my life openly. It surely is not what motivates me to do what I do nor to believe in what I believe. Duty is just one of the ideals that motivate me. Erisciana speaks the truth, but only in part. Duty to my people. To protect the weak. To show courage and valor in the face of one’s foe and when to show mercy. Duty and devotion to my church, and patron. Showing generosity to those who are in need and protect them.

Gerett turned his gaze to the paladin. "I spoke out of turn. I don't know you, or the beliefs of your sect, for that matter. You sound like you've got the right of things, if anyone can. You and Lady Erisciana certainly know what you're about better 'n I do."

"I have no particular dislike of the nobility, Gerett; they have their lot in life and I have mine. You have been through a lot, and I understand your cynicism. Perhaps some time with us will help to balance your viewpoint and allow you to see more of the good in the world."

"I probably just need to see more of the world in general. I don't like operating blind, and the world seems to be a whole lot bigger a field than I've been used to. It's going to take some time to gather it in."

"You are certainly welcome to join us, Gerett, if Vernar doesn't need you." Vardra glances over, and notices that Vernar seems to be trying to woo Butternut into joining his team. "It appears that he is focused on those he knows to have skills in scouting and stealth. If that is not your area, then you may fit in better with our team. Despite it being daylight out, your ability to see in the dark may well be helpful as we descend the ramp."

Gerett nods. Sounds fine. Like I said, I can probably find us some food and potable water out there while we're getting a lay of the land. Happy ta help."

Lucyus and Vardra seem to be getting into an argument. Gerett quickly looks for something else to busy himself with. The two both seem level headed and worthy of respect, but he doesn't know what has gone on between them and does not want to intrude. He seeks out Crandell. "Did the loot get divvyed out alright, Sergeant? I realize I didn't cast a vote, but I figured I'd only butt in if a tiebreaker was needed. I don't really know much about magic items or what the party is capable of. But I won't shirk my duty if my vote is required."

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

Lucyus and Vardra seem to be getting into an argument. Gerett quickly looks for something else to busy himself with. The two both seem level headed and worthy of respect, but he doesn't know what has gone on between them and does not want to intrude. He seeks out Crandell. "Did the loot get divvyed out alright, Sergeant? I realize I didn't cast a vote, but I figured I'd only butt in if a tiebreaker was needed. I don't really know much about magic items or what the party is capable of. But I won't shirk my duty if my vote is required."

"You should make your choices, Gerett," Sergeant Crandell will say. "There are a few ties by my estimation."

[GM Mad]

Post Closed