[IC] Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia couldn't help but laugh at how Pylia was scared of the burger. She answered laughing a bit, "Oh Pylia...This is healthy in comparison to some of the other burgers I've seen back home," After Pylia pointed out that half a burger for the both of them would still leave three burgers and that Buddy doesn't eat, she answered "True, true. But Shortfang could probably eat two of those burgers later and we could have half of the last burger later," When the scaled elf took out the waxed paper, Sylvia smiled at her happily and answered her, "Thanks so much! We really appreciate it,"

She sat down at the bar as well, and she answered "We might as well. Need the energy after all," She asked for a plate and utensils as well. She only wanted the utensils so that she could cut the burger in half as well. When she has her half of the burger, she would eat it with her hands, just like back home.

[Lucius Cypher]

The burger was very well made. With your experience cooking, you can tell that compared to some of the food you've had so far, what this orc has made not only is better than what you've had elsewhere in Keratia, they were arguably better than some of the burgers you've had back at home. These were all beef patties, made with choice cuts with the right mixture of lean meat and fat. They were fried in high quality oil and mustard, and the cheese was some sort of cheddar, rich and creamy. The sauce tasted like an deluxe, which you know means a mixture of ketchup, mayo, and other spices. You could taste garlic powder, onion powder, salt, the spice of paprika, and the tangy of pickle juice from the sauce. The buns weren't the usual burger buns you're used to, but some form of texas toast, which is basically regular bread toasted on butter. It was a light toasting, but enough to give the bread a crisp outside, but a soft and warm inside. There was also thinly sliced tomato and shredded lettuce which were crisp and fresh. The tomatoes were very sweet and full of flavor. On top of those were caramelized onions, which may surprise you because you know that it takes at least an hour to caramelize onions fully, and you can tell this is freshly made caramelized onions. How this man managed to make fully caramelized onions in a minute while on fire can only be attributed to witchcraft. Finally topping all of that off is a rather ridiculous amount of pickles, almost as if he just sliced up a whole pickle and stacked the resulting chips right beneath the final bun.

Sufficient to say it was very delicious and quite a meal. It was somewhat difficult to eat with just your hands as the sandwich, thanks to how much is packed between the bread, is structually unstable but you're not a strange to such super stacked foods and eat it without spilling a drop. Pylia herself ate it less like a burger and more like a steak, simply cutting off small potions with her knife and form and eating it from a plate. You quickly finish your half of the burger before she could even finish half of her half, and you're almost certain you're close to being full. You and Pylia were both given a complementary cup of water as the business in the Silver Stag started to pick up, with many people coming in for breakfast. The orc and the scaled elf were hard at work making food, most of which consisted of eggs, potatoes, fish, pork, peas and bread. There was also cider and beer. Looking at the menu, you might come to a surprise that chilled water (5 Coppers) was more expensive than breakfast beer (2 Coppers) and apple cider (4 coppers). The menu here was quite expansive compared to Cassari, with a notable menu made for breakfast while there was other menu's for midday and supper.

Once Pylia finally finished her meal, she rinsed down with water. "Okay... That was delicious. But I am full. And we have three more sandwiches... Cripes."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia wasn't going to lie. This was the best burger she has ever had. She wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that someone in Keratia managed to pull off a better burger than anyone else on Earth. After she had finished her half of the burger, she sighed and muttered to herself happily, "This. This is what the aftermath of a guilty pleasure should be like..." She thanked the person who gave them the complimentary waters and told them to give her compliments to the chef and let them know that it was the best burger she ever had.

Though she was surprised at the fact that water is more expensive than the ale. When Pylia made her comment, Sylvia reassure her, "We can wrap them up and save them for later. For now, we should get going," She then got to work wrapping up the burgers so they can eat them later.

[Lucius Cypher]

With the wrapping paper you were given, you were able to secure the sandwiches. A bit greasy, but that was the risk about such things. Shortfang would soon return fully geared, and once you were ready the whole group would be ready to leave. It was still breakfast time so there was some time before you should head down to the sewers, allowing the group to take a detour to find Andras and his family. Going back to their shop you could see some decorative corn, gourds, and other produce. There was even a scare crow of some sort though he seemed more jolly than intimidating. Elena just stepped out with a broom when she spotted the party and waved. “Why hello there! You’re up early. What brings you over here?”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

After wrapping the burger, Sylvia would return to the room to gather her gear. She would carry 100 pieces of gold with her while leaving the rest in her room. This time, she would bring the doll with her, just in case she and her friends needed guidance to find an opening in the troglodyte base. Her fancy Cassari dress would be hanging in the closet while her money would be locked away. It wasn't long before she rejoined her friends and headed for where Andras and his family were.

Once they were at the shop, Sylvia took note of the jolly scarecrow and smiled a bit. When Elena stepped out and waved, Sylvia waved back. Sylvia answered Elena, "Hi Elena! Just thought we'd stop by to visit for a bit. Plus, I believe Andras said he'd have something ready for us today. How're things going?"

[Lucius Cypher]

"It's going fine so far. Uncle has been very understanding, though he's still in shock over the lost of mom... Nonetheless he and my father are working something out. They left just this morning to report to the guard about the bandits." Not long after, Andras arrived alongside a taller bearded man. "Ah, Sylvia and friends. Glad to see you, I was just about to find Ferric and ask for you all. This saves me a lot of time." Andras motioned towards the man standing beside him who smiles and nods. "This is my step-brother, Thurson. He runs a produce shop here as well as a fodder farm, to make animal feed and such." Thurson steps forward and bows deeply. "I heard how you all helped my family. I'm... I'm still in shock over what happened to my sister, but I know she's also grateful for what you've done. She's always known about the risks of traveling these roads, and she was smart enough to have something prepared if... When something happens to her. She would've wanted you to have this." Thuson goes inside of the shop for a moment, coming back out with a small satchel bag. It was made of fine leather and very good embroidery, with a leaf emblem stitched onto the top flap. It was held down by bronze buttons.

"This is an heirloom from our father, back when he was a soldier in the army. He gifted it to my sister when she married and had me hold onto it, in case something happened to her that we would need it. This is a magic item called a handy haversack, very popular among adventurers. I don't know the magical details, but basically you can put things into this bag that is actually bigger than the bag itself, but you won't feel the weight at all." To demonstrate, Thurson asked for the broom from Elena, and after she gave it to him he proceeded to put the five-foot long broom into the less than one foot long bag. However the broom didn't end up poking into the bag but going right into it and vanishing. "As long as you know what you're looking for you can reach into the bag and take it out, no digging or fuss necessary." Thurson proceeded to do this, pulling the broom out from the bag before dropping it back in. "If you don't know what's inside or just need to make a lot of space, you can dump everything out too." Finally Thurson flipped the bag over and opened the flap, causing the broom to clatter onto the floor.

"It's a very sturdy bag, even a sword won't cut it, but try not to get it too damaged anyways. Though it's never happened my father warned me that if you break the bag, everything inside will come bursting out and the bag will lose it's magic. But that's not entirely unlike what'll happen to a normal bag if you tear it open, so I'm sure it won't be a problem. Anyways... We'd like you to take it. Leena worried that... If she and her family dies, I should sell this to recoup the loss. But you've saved Andras, Elena, and Andrews, and we've discussed it among ourselves. We don't have enough money to possibly pay you, but we hope that this bag will be enough for saving their lives." The family seemed somewhat solemn, but it was Elena who tried to brighten things up.

"Not all is lost uncle. Andrews... Andrews is a strong young man, and I think after what had happened, he'll become stronger too, so that this won't happen again." Elena looked over to you with a nod. "As soon as you left, Andrews told us that he was going to train and become a knight. He's gone to the monastery to begin his training as a squire, vowing to fight for the people after seeing you all save us. He may be young but I think after seeing how courageous you all were to save us, complete and total strangers, it gave him a certain... Fire, to do more. He's not the only one to try and make things better of course." Elena looks over to her father who simply sighed. "Aye aye... Well, let's not keep our friend here for too long now. From the looks of things Sylvia is off on another adventure, aren't you?"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia nodded quietly at the mention of the uncle being in a state of shock over the loss of Leena. She couldn't blame him. She was kind of surprised that they would report to the guards about the bandits. After all, she and her friends took care of them...
Before she could say anything else, Andras arrived with Thurson. She greeted Andras in return, "Good morning, Andras!" She listened as he introduced his brother in law, and listened to what Thurson had to say.

When he showed what the haversack was capable of, she let a quiet and awed, "Woah..." That was pretty cool. But she also felt really guilty. They couldn't save Leena and yet, they were still giving her and her friends the haversack, something they could use to help themselves out. She was tempted to give it back, but then Elena spoke.

When she mentioned that Andrews had decided to become a knight to help people, because he had been inspired by her and her friends, Sylvia couldn't help but cheer up and she answered "Really? Wow, I'm really happy to hear that!" Honestly, this was one of the best things she had heard in quite a while. The fact that she and her friends actually inspired someone to do good in the world...that alone is a feat not easily accomplished (or noticed) back home, and here, it meant that her efforts in Keratia are not for nothing.

She felt...reassured and hopeful at the thought.

Sylvia heard Andras and she chuckled, "Afraid you're right, Andras. We are indeed on another adventure here in Gransys. Maybe when we're not too busy, we'll come by to chat again," She then thanked the family sincerely, "Thank you for the Haversack. I think it will definitely help us out a lot on our adventures. Take care," She then decided to move on to the sewers with her friends, with the haversack now slung on her shoulder and across her waist, until it's resting her hip on the opposite side.

[Lucius Cypher]

With your newfound reward, the party goes back to the Sewer Dragons, taking the secret entrance for a speedier and safer trip. When you arrive, it looked like the kobolds were also very active, and this time they looked like they were about to go to war. Many of the older kobolds were gearing up with stone swords, wooden shields, and even shortbows. You could see Shor and his guardsmen here training the kobolds. Yorik was teaching them how to use their swords and shields while Kor taught them how to use their bows. Cera was teaching them how to make the bows, ones small enough for the kobolds to use. Aisha and Shor seemed to be looking over a table when Aisha spots you and waves you over.

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia led the way, and soon enough, they were in the sewers again. She was glad she decided to wear the older clothes and not the fancy dress from Cassari. When Aisha waved them over, Sylvia led her friends over to the table. She guessed that the table is where Shor and Aisha were making their strategy against the troglodytes and Red Stain. When she reached the table, she greeted "Hi. We didn't keep you waiting, did we?"

[Lucius Cypher]

“Nah, me and the lads came a bit late last night actually. Cide’s, no way we’d start this attack with out ya lassie.” Shor says as he greets you with a smile. Aisha cleared her throat and raised lantern over the map so everyone could see it clearly. “Let us get straight to business. This is the most updated map of the sewers beneath the city. We have sent out our scouts and shared information with the kobolds to find out the numbers and locations of the troglodytes.”

On the map, there was one large circle in green. “This is Underhaven, the only area under Kobold control.” Than there were four other red circles. “These are troglodyte territory that we know is under their control. There may be more that we are not aware of, but these are the important ones. Each of these locations are where major troglodytes nests are located at, and each have a chief among them to try and control their tribe. This one in particular however has the heaviest defenses, and we believe that is where we will find the warlord of these Trogs, Red Stain.” Red Stain’s circle was uncomfortably close to Underhaven; it would be easy to go over to his base first.

“You may think we should try to attack their base head on, but I can assure you even if we had the support of actual guardsmen, there would be no garuntee we would succeed, and even if we do it will be at a heavy loss. Red Stain is protected by a veritable fortress, making a direct assault near impossible while it is fully manned. However, there is ways we can weaken their defenses.” Aisha took a few small figures out and put them at each red circle. “By taking out their leaders we will route the trog’s forces, causing them to spread throughout the sewers. Though this will initially make travel between tunnels dangerous, it will force other tribes to act to either secure their fortifications or attempt to control the runaway trogs. This will ensure they cannot provide aid to defend Red Stain’s fortress when we attack. There are also other o jectives we can accomplish that can aid us in the battle ahead.”

Aisha pointed towards a tribe furthest to the north. “This is the trog tribe of Toxin Croak. As their name implies they specialize in toxins and poisons. Trogs are already disgusting creatures who’s very presence is sickening, and this tribe has learned to harvest that strength. However we can turn their power into our power as well. If we can take this tribe out, we can convert many of their toxins into medicine to help aid our troops in the coming battle, or at least use their toxins against other tribes, who don’t have the same level of resistance to poison as the Toxin Croak do.”

Then Aisha points towards a tribe north east, the furtherest away in terms of distance. “This one we feel is a high priority target. This is the Black Claw tribe, and they seem to have somehow gotten their hands on well made weapons and armor. I’d look into any discrepancies in military shipments but I have no time to do so, however we may be able to find some proof if we take out this tribe. Naturally, we will redistribute these weapons and armor to our allies so that they can fight more effectively.”

Lastly Aisha points towards a tribe that is just a little bit east of the Red Stain circle, and notable small. “This is a minor tribe called the Jebrani. They have taken the most losses as of late thanks to our efforts here. There is a good chance that they will not fully commit to the war while their numbers are low, however we do fear that if left alone they may attempt to ambush us in between traveling the sewers or while we attack Red Stain’s fortress. They have no strategic value for us to take, but their small numbers and desperate tactics will make them a Wiley foe.”

After Aisha had explained this information Shor looked over to you. “I’ll be leading my team to attack one of the tribes and take out their leader. I’ll need you and yours to pick a different tribe and do the same. If possible, try and take out two. The more damage we do the easier it’ll be to take out Red Stain’s fortress and the blighter himself. Already their forces are faltering due to the three big old beasts outside and our presence here. If we strike hard and fast, we’ll end this war tonight.”

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia listened to Aisha as she explained the situation, and looked over the map as she did so. After Shor made his comment, Sylvia held her chin in thought. She had to take a moment to think about this, because deciding what tribe to go after not only determined results, but it also might determine the amount of casualties that may be dealt to her and her allies. After thinking about it, she answered Shor, "I think my friends and I will deal with the Jebrani first, and if we can afterwards, we can take on the Toxin Croak," She felt that Shor and his forces might be better equipped to handle troglodytes with better equipment, while they might be at a disadvantage against enemies with poison and wily enemies.

She then added to Shor, "After all, you guys definitely would have a better idea as to whether or not the things you find would be definitive proof of the cult's interference or not,"

[Lucius Cypher]

Shor nods his head. "Alright, Jebrani it is. If you think you can take on the Toxin Croak, we'll leave them to you as well. The kobolds will remain here and repel any trog that might try and attack Underhaven, but once we deal with these tribes we'll mobilize them to take Red Stain's fortress. I should warn you though; the Jebrani may be weak, but they will be cunning and cruel. They'll use any trick they can to get you to lower their guard. Show them no mercy, because they'll give none to you." At your comment about the cult, Aisha also adds something in. "That does remind me, do keep an eye out for any evidence of the cult's involvement among the tribes. We suspect we'll find the strongest evidence at Black Claw and Red Stain, but there could possibly be proof elsewhere too. The more we find, the more evidence we'll have to show the duke about the kind of threat Elysium poses."

With nothing more to add, Shor steps away from the table to sling his massive greataxe onto his shoulder. "Leave as soon as you can, but make whatever preparations you may need now. Oh yes, I would recommend you head towards that area over there." Shor points towards a sort of makeshift training ground. "There isn't much, but perhaps you'll find a useful weapon there. If nothing else, there are live trogs over there we've captured in order to get the kobolds used to their sickening stench. Better that you deal with it now than later."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia nodded at the advice given to her in regards to the Jebrani's cruelty and cunning, and the request to keep an eye out for more evidence at the other tribes. When they mentioned the training ground, she answered him, "Will do. I'd rather deal with the stench here than during the fight," Plus while she had the cool tonfas now, she knew it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get more throwing knives.

While walking to the training area with her friends, she would ask Buddy, "Hey, Buddy. Do you still have the Cassari spear with you?" She figured it would be a good idea if he used it if he still had it.

[Lucius Cypher]

Buddy nods, touching the spear on his backpack. He hasn't really used it at all, considering it's the only one he had. "Hmm, maybe Sewer Dragon give Buddy more spears?" Shortfang thought. Pylia cleared her throat as a wretched stench grew stronger. "Ugh, that smells disgusting..." Eventually the group would arrive to a training area overseen by Yorik and Kor. One group was doing basic melee drills, another archery. Though Yorik towered over the kobolds, often being three times the size and weight of even their largest kobold, he was oddly skilled at teaching them how to use their speed and size to protect themselves. Some of the kobolds took to it more easily than others of course, many of these kobolds were levied to assist in bolstering the tribe's dwindling forces. Kor was teaching the kobolds how to use bows. Though he was their size, he seemed far more strict and less forgiving for their mishaps. He was a harsh teacher but he was getting results. He was particularly cruel to kobolds to boasted about being good hunters, shouting and being rough with them to remind them that hunting beasts in the sewers is nothing like fighting a war against an enemy who isn't afraid to die.

Off to the side with presumably female kobolds was Cera, who was teaching them how to make weapons with what humble materials they had. It was mostly stone and wood, but she was getting a lot of mileage out of both. They were making blades, bows, arrowheads, spears, and even nets. Cera spotted the group approaching, passing off a net she was weaving to another and heading over to you. "Hello there! Long time no see. I'm Cera, in case you've forgotten. Is there something you all need?"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia nodded and answered Shortfang, "I'm hoping so. It'd be a good idea to make sure that Buddy has a way to attack from a distance," She coughed a bit from the awful smell and she grimaced as Pylia made her comment, and she repeated "Better to deal with it and get used to it here, than in the middle of battle,"

She then took notice of Yorik, Kor, and Cera who were training the kobolds. She felt a bit bad for the kobolds with Kor, but she couldn't deny the results. It wasn't long before Cera noticed them. Sylvia greeted her, "Hi Cera! Long time no see! Shor recommended we come here before we head out. We're hoping to get some weapons and get used to the smell. I don't suppose there are any throwing knives and spears?"

[Lucius Cypher]

"Hmm. Knives and spears huh? I don't have knives, but perhaps these hunting darts will do." Cera leads you and the others to the armory, which was mostly just a tent being guarded by two kobolds armed with a sword and shield. inside was all the weapons they've made so far, stockpiled into one place. Cera looks around and hands you six stone darts, which looked a little like thicker crossbow bolts. "You basically throw these like you would a small spear. They don't do much damage, but they're by far one of the easiest and simplest range weapons the kobolds have. Even their slings take a little while to get a hang of, so we have plenty of them. As for spears, we have a few basic combat spears as well as javelins." Cera brought out both. The combat spears were much what you'd expect; five foot long shafts of wood with a sharpen stone tip. The javelins were shorter, only being three feet, thinner, and instead of stone either were just sharpened and charred wood or had bone tips. "Most of these spears have been repurposed from the kobold's fishing spears. They aren't as fancy as that harpoon you have there, but I think they'll be serviceable. I can spare you four for free, though the rest you'll need to pay for."

Pylia looked at the weapons, frankly somewhat concerned at how cheaply made they all were. "I don't mean to sound rude, but these weapons... They're rather primitive, don't you think?" Cera nods but kept her smile up. "That's why if possible, they'll be collecting money for any more if you want to use them. The kobolds have used up much of the stone and wood they had for their homes to make weapons and fortifications. War, as usual, hits the poor hardest. As you can imagine the kobolds don't have their own lumber down here so they've been using whatever wood they could forage or find, hording it so they can make their homes or fire. Now most of it are spears, bows, and other weapons. If they want to survive after the battle, they'll need the coin to pay for goods and services they'll normally never be able to afford."

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Sylvia nodded at the hunting darts, and thanked Cera as she accepted the six hunting darts. She listened as she brought up the fact that the kobolds will need the gold to pay for services and goods that they need to survive the war. Sylvia was now resolved to end this war today. She couldn't let this continue in good conscience. Especially considering that the costs of war might linger after everything is done. She answered Cera's words, with "I see..."

She then looked to Buddy and she told him, "Take as many as you need. I'll pay for any extra spears you take," She then started dividing her purse full of 100 gold pieces into half. She intended to leave 50 gold pieces for the kobolds so that the poor wouldn't suffer from the war as much.

[Lucius Cypher]

Buddy nods, taking the four free javelins and supplementing them with six more, costing a total of 3 measly gold. They were a bit bulky in their makeshift bag, but for someone as big and burly as Buddy, it was hardly an issue. Pylia herself decided to take an extra stone dagger, just in case she'll need it, while Shortfang grabbed two nets. In total, another 3 gold. As you were paying for this and donating whatever gold you felt like donating, Skinwalker comes into the tent, dressed in armor and with weapons on her person. "Ma?" Shortfang says in surprise. Skinwalker seemed a bit surprised to see you all here too. "Oh! Hello." She says politely.

She and Shortfang jabber a little bit as Pylia stands nearby and translates the jist of the conversation to you in a whisper. "It seems like Shortfang's mother is going to help fight. She says she's not too old to fight and she knows how to handle herself better than the other kobolds. Shortfang, of course, doesn't want her anywhere near the danger and thinks she should at least stay and protect the village, but she doesn't care to do that. She thinks the old hunters should go first and let the younger ones live." That's when Skinwalker looked over to you and waved you over as Shortfang continued to try and talk to her in their native tongue. "You, Shortfang friend. Tell my son, stop worry. Mama strong!"

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Along with the 50 gold donation, Sylvia paid up the 6 gold required for the extra weapons and materials her friends got. She was somewhat surprised to see Skinwalker come in. She listened as Pylia gave her a translation. She can understand what Skinwalker was saying when it came to her opinion. It was sad to think about it, but indeed the old needed to pass the torch to the young at some point, but she knows that she can't stop Shortfang from worrying for his mother's sake. She was almost envious of Shortfang...

Sylvia was caught by surprise when Skinwalker called her over to tell him to stop worrying. She sighed and approached Shortfang. She kneeled down to one knee, and reassured him, "Shortfang, I know I can't make you stop worrying over your mother, but I think you should trust her. Besides, we'll be delivering some deadly blows to those troglodytes. Hopefully, they'll forget about the kobolds with us and Shor's team on the job,"

[Lucius Cypher]

Cera was delightfully surprised to see you donate so much gold to the kobolds. She'll make sure it'll go straight to the Grey Scales so they'll know what to do with it. Meanwhile, though Shortfang is still grumbling about it, his mother nods in approval that you're supporting her. "Yeah I know but... Don't want ma to get hurt, is all." Shortfang says solemnly. However Skinwalker wasn't going to have any of it, booping him on the snout. "Mama not weak! You two, come with mama. Mama show you something." If you should follow Skinwalker out, she take you and Shortfang out to where the kobolds are training at. Skinwalker has a crossbow of her own, a small one that fits in her hand much like what Shortfang was using before he got the bandit's crossbows. With the help of Pylia to translate, Skinwalker wanted to teach you and Shortfang how to fight using just the bolts and arrows, using them akin to daggers. It was a simple concept, however as you might imagine the very light ammunition were prone to breaking and made poor daggers. However Skinwalker was intent on teaching the both of you how to do it, just in case you ever need to stab someone with some ammo.

Arrow/Bolt Dagger

Improvised Melee Weapon
.025 lbs
1d4 Piercing
Properties: Finesse, Fragile*

Fragile* - This weapon breaks on a Natural 1 when making an attack roll, rendering it useless as a weapon.

Most of the work was just getting your body used to the thrusting technique needed to hold and stab with the ammo, so that you won't break it so easily. You and Shortfang both would learn quickly considering your experiences using such weapons. Meanwhile, Pylia and Buddy found where the trogs were being kept to make everyone get used to their putrid stench. Granted they were dead trogs, but still quite foul. There were many kobolds nearby sicken by the smell, but with other kobold shamans nearby to help ease their stomachs and get them to recover, thus ensuring that they'll be ready for it in the coming battle. Of course they'll help your party as well.