Denalz

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Ludwig and Endra both seem to relax at your casual manner. "Well," Ludwig begins, "We didn't much rub shoulders with the factions ourselves. So I can't say as I have a fully accurate view of them but, the way I see it, the mages of the Amethyst Academy will do just about anything to get their hands on delerium. Including paying a pretty penny for it. Sold what few chips we could find to a tiefling named River. She stays at the Red Lion Inn at Emberwood. Folks say she works for an archwizard. Never did meet him though."

Across the fire, Eren scoops a bit of stew into tin cups and offers them to the weary travelers. They accept with grateful nods. A few moments of silence pass as they fill their bellies. Again, Ludwig speaks up, "Then there's the Hooded Lanterns. Closest thing Drakkenheim or Emberwood has to the law. Mostly made up of veterans from the civil war and pups too young to remember the Drakkenheim they say they're all fighting to restore."

"Be wary of the Queen's Men," Endra says, not looking up from her stew.

"Yes." Ludwig agrees. "We got shaken down by the lot of them more than once while scouring the ruins. Steer clear of Buckledown Row unless you're looking for an audience with the Queen of Thieves. I don't know if there's any truth to it, but I heard anyone who survives the fighting pits there will get exactly that." Ludwig scoffs. "Some prize."

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Haha. Well, I have the Strixhaven book but it's been a couple of years since I read through it. Is that system in particular one you would like to use? I'll admit I have already been scheming about certain characters to potentially set Maxwell up with. I'm happy to freestyle any relationship progression but if you prefer to have tangible mechanics behind romance then that's definitely something we can consider.

Side note: I'm working on my next IC post now.

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Ludwig's gaze flits to meet Endra's. The two glance at Rikard, then back at each other. Subtly, Endra nods.

Ludwig looks back at you and, grimacing, nods in Rikard's direction. "Our companion here has been contaminated. Now don't get upset, we can swear to you that it's not catching. But, well, his tongue's rotted out and he's generally not well. Of course, you probably already noticed. We've heard that powerful magic can reverse the damage but, to be honest, we simply can't afford it. Once we get him far enough away from the city, he'll recover."

Rikard doesn't seem to respond to being the center of attention. He sags heavily upon his left arm which is bearing the majority of his upper body weight. His breath continues to come out labored.

OOC

Make an insight check. 15 or higher reveals that Ludwig's statement about Rikard recovering with enough distance from Drakkenheim is more a hope than an actual conviction.

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Can you please make a persuasion check?

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

OOC

My bad. It's called Slaughterstone Square. (Not "slaughterhouse")

"Old town. Just north of the Drann river behind the walls." Ludwig says. "The square used to host the city's executions. I'd say it still does."

Beside Endra, Rikard begins to cough. The woman puts a hand on the warrior's back in concern.

Ludwig frowns at his companions. "You alright there, Rikard?"

The larger man manages a nod, then, slowly gains control over his coughing. Eren offers the man a skin of water which he takes without a word and promptly empties in deep swallows.

"Anyway," Ludwig continues, "The old executioner is a clockwork knight what's been contaminated by the Haze. If you know what's good for you you'll keep a wide berth."

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

The three newcomers take their seats around the fire. Overall they look wet, haggard, and hungry. Only Ludwig bothers to answer you, "We made a stop in Emberwood before setting out but, yes, we've come from the ruins. Each of us had our reasons for trekking into that hell hole. But now? Can't say as I remember what seemed so damn pressing. God knows I'll never be back." He spits into the fire which sends a small ember whirling into the air. Endra grunts in agreement beside him.

Eren rises to his feet and walks to the wagon. He pulls out more meat and vegetables and returns to add them to the stew. "What news can you share, friends? Is Flamekeeper Hanna still holding down the chapel in Emberwood?"

Ludwig nods. "She is. And she's still keeping that army of Silver Knights at bay. I suspect the lot of them would take things over if they had half a chance. Course so would the Lanterns and probably half a dozen other factions." Ludwig leans forward conspiratorially. "The Knights got themselves a camp outside Drakkenheim and I hear they've got weapons that could torch a village like Emberwood in moments."

Eren whistles lowly. "That sounds formidable."

Ludwig nods. "Never know what might happen with a bunch of religious zealots running the show. But then, they can't be any worse than the Followers of the Falling Fire. At least that lot keeps to itself behind the walls of Drakkenheim. They've gathered in St. Salina's Monestary."

Eren stirs the pot. "So I've heard."

The man continues, "Never could work out how they survive it, being so deep within the Haze."

All at once Endra glances up. Her low and husky voice issues a single warning. "Don't go to Slaughterhouse Square." Her dark eyes meet yours for a brief moment and you feel the gravity in her gaze. Then, just as quickly, she stares back at the fire.

"Ah yes, Slaughterhouse." Ludwig sighs, his face stripped of what little mirth he'd dredged up. "There were more of us."

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

You unbolt the doors and they swing outward opening enough to let a single man pass through. Beyond, you see the man who'd been knocking back up, his hand slipping to his rapier. He doesn't draw it, instead he peers through the darkness at you, as if assessing for possible danger. He wears a fine cloak with the hood drawn back. His dark wet hair clings to the sides of his face in pieces. You're uncertain if it's his posture or the paleness of his skin but he has an air of nobility about him. He nods his head once, then steps forward, "Thank you."

Behind him, the two other figures straighten up, the archer pulling away from the hunched figure. She, for it is indeed a woman, points ahead, indicating that the other one should go first. Were he standing fully upright this man would be formidable looking. He takes one step forward, staggers a bit, then rights himself. More confidently this time, he steps in after his compatriot. The campfire illuminates his scarred face. He has a northern look about him with stark blue eyes that, after a brief moment of meeting your own, squint in what might be pain.

Finally, the woman follows after. She steps confidently and draws back the hood of her cloak revealing a long yellow braid. She meets your gaze with what might have been an attempt at a smile before going back to the side of the swordsman.

"Great Flame, it's good to be out of that rain," the first man says, shaking out his dripping hair. "Thank you, kind sirs. We waited too long to make camp. Wanted as far away from the city as possible. We'll know better next time."

"Who are you?" Eren asks, still sitting by the fire.

"Forgive me. My name is Ludwig von Graff. Behind me are Endra Jansen and Rikard Vos."

The woman, Endra, nods once at you and then at Eren. Her keen gaze assesses the surroundings, grazing upon the wagon stowed against the far wall. Beside her, the warrior, Rikard, manages to stand upright and still, save for his breathing which comes in deep, quiet heaves.

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

"Yes, we saw their bodies on the road." A short pause and then the man's voice returns. "We're adventurers come from Emberwood. We're only looking to share your fire. Please, let us in."

Eren catches your gaze, a brow cocked in question as if to say, "Your call."

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Outside in the rain and mud he sees three people. The first is a man pounding on the door with the hood of his fancy cloak drawn back. He appears to be in his thirties and is armed with a sheathed rapier. Two hooded and cloaked figures stand a short distance behind him. The shorter of the pair has a bow and quiver of arrows slung over their back. It is difficult to identify their gender and appearance in the darkness but you think it might be a woman judging by the slightness of their shoulders. The other person is also unidentifiable and appears to be heavily leaning upon the archer for support. They are armed with a shortsword and have a shield strapped to their back.

Dungeons of Drakkenheim

Would you like me to describe what Many Colors sees here in the ooc chat?