Salvation Outpost - Chapter 2

"I don't like the idea of fighting warforged, but I like the idea of someone else suffering because of my actions even less." He takes a quick look around the bar. "Peldan, do you think any of this lot would help me take on Titaness for . . ." he checks his pockect before saying with a sad laugh; " . . eight pieces of silver?"

Armat took note of the.. diverse group seating itself near him. As he had little distraction he had little trouble overhearing the gist of the conversation. The talk of warforged brought a grim stubbornness to his face. Dark Memories came quickly and unbidden. To hear the folk of this town were now under the boot of those vile monstrosities sat poorly with him.

"Excuse me." The red knight rose from his table and turned to the group.
"Far be it for me to eavesdrop on your conversation, but I could not help but overhear of the plight of Salvation. I am Ser Armat ir'Vallam, knight of Karrnath, and I have fought many a year against the vile warforged legions of Cyre in the Last War. To hear these abominations now oppress a town stirs an old wroth in me. If your intent is to destroy these beasts, I would lend my aid."

"We were... oppressed... during the War. And while I understand the resentment many of my kind have," 37 pauses, and you cannot help but feel he would sigh if he could, "it does not justify becoming that which we hated." He shifts, his head moving as if to glance at the newcomers. "Unfortunately, most of us know little beyond war. I am fortunate in that I was made to craft weapons for my kind, and House Cannith took me in for that ability. I can only imagine how different I would be if all I knew were the frontlines."

His voice, tinged with sadness, trails off.

"I am aware of the pardon." Was as diplomatic an answer that the knight would offer to Belaluur's sentiment. The knight's lips trembling slightly towards distaste at the mention of 'good' warforged had told the party that the Knight disagreed on the matter. But it was hardly an uncommon sentiment to dislike the recently pardoned race. Especially among those who had seen the Warforged legions tear apart friend and countryman. That said, it was clear that the Red Knight was not as blind in his hate as some and would respect the treaty if nothing else. That he had even approached the group with his offer with 37 present told them as much. Even so, he seemed to coldly dismiss 37's opinion at once.

To move on from the uncomfortable subject of 'good' warforged, Ser Armat quickly switched back to the 'bad' warforged.
"I understand their plight. Warforged Titans are destructive behemoths. Even I hesitate to seek conflict with one. And that is without the supporting number of warforged, each of them no doubt a veteran of the Last War as your own points out. Taking them head-on is out of the question with our current number here.."

Kleber eyes the knight from head to toe, mulling over his inclusion in the team.

"Can't afford to be too choosy right now." He mumbles, before gazing at Armat with a serious face. "As for the numbers issue, we ain't solving it the Karrnath way." The ranger's tone is dripping with disdain of Karrnath's undead army.

After making his lines clear, Kleber turns to the old goblin scrapper. "It seems the Blades Out won't back down unless they've got Vice's hide. Tell us what you know about the group and this 'titan.' Their weaknesses, strengths, gathering, any edge will do"

A dwarf approach group awkwardly trying to speak up, but his ayes fixated on the floor in front of him.
I hear you ... plan? ... going Salvation ... solving the problems we all hear rumors about. I would, I mean - if you don't mind. Join?!
After a pause he look at Belaluur and add Looks like existing situation jeopardize my business plan as well. Do you think and finally to Bilin Do you think soldiers at train station would recognize you as you arrive? Your chakram is so ... fascinating, but so it is outstanding, isn't it?

Not immediately, but eventually and if that would make sense - Bafrag would suggest those new to Salvation travel with one train earlier and try to set up ambush and prevent soldiers from getting reinforcements when they discover party arrived. That is - if Belaluur confirm it is safe for newcomers to go there and not get into a fight with soldiers.

SheK, who has been listening more lately, speaks up with her charming voice before she gets forgotten, "How would Titaness take if some of her minion didn't show up? Would she take this out on the town? I'm sure we can pick some off." She even stands as she speaks so she is more noticeable unlike her dear habits to be unnoticed.

Vice unclips Envy from his belt and holds it up. "This one? Oh, thanks. I've recently had it altered to cause poison damage, which in hindsight, may not be the best weapon to battle warforded soldiers." Vice figures there's no harm in letting the Dwarf look it over, and offers in to inspect. "What name do you go by good sir? And how did you come to have such a fine eye for weaponry?"

I see - poison. Interesting! you hear how his interest in the weapon drop and he add
Bafrag Brickfury at your service, but please call me Bafrag or just Buff.
Fine aye for fine weapon is professional. I work for The Warding Guild. Should you - Dwarf start advertising the technologically bolster for locks, reinforce walls and secure doors - he seems make sure Belaluur hear his advertising.

Then he suddenly change voice and add seriously As a matter of fact I'm tired of the job. Call it mid age crysis of 200, but I'm looking for a company to try my luck at Mournlands

"I think this Buff, Armat, & Peldan would well with us. Don't you think Vice, Kleber, and 37. I'm Shek by the way."

We would make a great team for solving this problem.

Peldan had been on the verge of offering a response to Vice's inquiry when the conversation took an unexpected turn. Aramat, a self-proclaimed knight hailing from Karrnath, interjected with great enthusiasm. His voice boomed across the table, capturing the attention of everyone present.

With wide-eyed wonder, Pledan listened as Aramat and the others began spinning a tale that seemed more like a work of fiction than of reality. They spoke of a band of warforged, led no less, by a titan. Their exploits were said to be the stuff of legends, tales whispered in awe around campfires and detailed in ancient tomes.

Peldan couldn't help but listen intently, his curiosity piqued by the fantastical narrative unfolding before him. The image of a group of warforged warriors, united under the command of a titan, stirred his imagination. It was a tale that resonated deeply with his love for stories of heroism and adventure.

However, the unexpected twist came when Shek had turned to him and suggested that he should join them. The halfling's eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to process the notion. His initial reaction was one of modesty and self-doubt.

"I am but a humble innkeeper," Peldan replied, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I've heard many tales of grand adventures, but never have I been on one myself. I can't see how I might aid you in such an endeavor."

Peldan's words carried a mixture of humility and longing. Though his heart yearned for the thrill of an adventure, he couldn't help but question his own abilities and what he could bring to a group of seasoned warriors. Doubt crept into his voice, overshadowing the spark of curiosity that had ignited within him.

"Well Buff, in the immediate future, we may need to take things apart, more than build them, but you are welcome to join us." He delicately takes his Chakram and returns it to his waist.

Bafrag take a breath to oppose Bilin, then exhales and just say As long as don't mean to tear apart my construct waiting for me outside and changes theme so are we going by train to Salvation Outpost? Soldiers will be waiting us on the platform, right?

"Yeah, the Blades seem to inspect it as soon as it arrives. Not sure how they'd recognize us in the crowd, but let's play it safe. We can enter the city through the gate, inside the cart, their sentries won't recognize us. If we time the attack after the rail arrives, it might buy us a moment or two before their scouts return."

Kleber responds to Bafrag while scrutinizing the map. He clicks his tongue in disappointment after checking the scale.

"Their building is too large. Barring the doors and setting it on fire won't work without barrels of fuel. Any idea of how to divide their forces?"

"Not without dividing our own forces also. Maybe we can spread a rumor that we are in the mist and found a big score? Some of them might go investigate. "

Peldan's gaze shifted toward the person who posed the question, a glimmer of longing flickering in his eyes. The idea of joining the expanding crew stirred a deep yearning within him, despite his doubts about his suitability for the life of an adventurer.

A conflicted smile played on Peldan's lips as he responded, his voice betraying a mixture of desire and humility. "Oh, how I wish I possessed the skills and courage of a true adventurer," he confessed, a tinge of wistfulness coloring his words. "To embark on daring quests, to face the unknown with unwavering determination—it is a dream that stirs my very soul."

Peldan's gaze drifted momentarily to the inn he called home, the familiar sights and scents evoking a sense of comfort and belonging. Yet, his heart yearned for the thrilling tales of heroism and the adrenaline-fueled adventures that unfolded beyond the safety of his inn's walls.

"But alas," he continued, a touch of resignation in his voice, "I know my strengths lie in the realm of hospitality and the culinary arts. I am but an innkeeper and a cook, offering nourishment and respite to weary souls. It is a role I cherish and where my true talents reside."

Despite his acceptance of his current path, a spark of determination glinted in Peldan's eyes. "However, rest assured that my spirit is with this remarkable crew. I may not be wielding a sword or casting spells, but I will support you in any way I can. Whether it's preparing hearty meals to sustain you on your journey or offering a listening ear and a warm bed upon your return, know that I am here, rooting for your success."

Peldan's words carried a mix of longing and resolve. Though he believed himself unsuited for the life of an adventurer, his desire to be a part of something greater burned within him. He would continue to embrace his role as an innkeeper and cook, but his heart yearned for the thrill of the unknown, even if he questioned his own capabilities.