Chapter 3

After thinking for a bit Sovelin speaks again well I still think getting some knowledge, even if it’s trivial, is for the best...and if the "mad" magician is our culprit then that’ll be the end of that or maybe I’m wrong?

Tomas responds, "What if we're wrong, though? Either this Alik isn't our culprit or he doesn't know the kind of stuff we need to know? Worst case scenario is we go there and come back to find the outpost in ashes, an entire town paying the price for some evil wizard's thirst for power. Worst case scenario for making the defenses stronger is that we have to face some magical enemy with a bit more difficulty BUT the people of Berda and the surrounding area will be safer for it - fortified here. We should decide before Ms. Fraught's support arrives, though. We should leave as soon as possible - even if some of those on the ship come along with us - to wherever we're going once we're sure this place has the strength to fight back. I mean, Herod, Sovelin - I'll go along to this Alik's lighthouse if you two are convinced, I'm just not sure it's a wise move."

Tomas looks to the man, uncertainly, as the fellow's last words did not make the best impression of group unity.

"They said they'd pay." Ronda lies to Phaebis with what she hopes is a convincingly dismissive shrug as they head for the Hunter's Mark. "Trouble usually means good work for an orcish gal like me."

Walking into the room he sees everyone gathered in there, Greetings everyone, the names Faebis. I hear you have some trouble you need help with. I would love to help and I'm sure my clerical abilities will be of some use. Before you stands a youngish looking man with obvious celestial origin with ash blond hair. With him he is a shield he carries that seems to covered in ash.

Vell met, Feebis. M'name's Herod. He puts his hand out towards this cleric to shake his hand. Vwich god or gods do ju beneret?

Reaching out he shakes Herod's hand, "Well met to you Herod. I'm a cleric of Pelor if you must know."

Ah, Pelorrr. Jes, I know hhhhim. I vas resd bai monks from a monasterrrry to Pelorrr. Realizing his speech impediments are taking over, he says curtly, 'xcuse me, sarrr.

He bolts to his room, where he begins meditating and pooling his concentration to gain composure and control again.

Pleased to make your acquaintance, my name is Sovelin. he says this in a rather standoffish manner.

Krigare regards each person in turn, appraising their stance, manners of speech, and attitude. When his turn for introductions come, he simply nods at the group and says, "Krigare; Paladin in service to the Red Knight. If there is evil threatening the good people of this region, I'm happy to be involved in wiping it from the Earth."

A muscular half-elf, whose stoutness suggests his human blood predominates his make-up, turns to face the new arrivals. His hair is starting to get shaggy, puffing out roughly in all directions, while his beard is barely more than stubble. He carries himself with martial bearing and, though shoddy, his heavy armor, the shield on his back, and the war pick at his side suggest much the same."Tomas," he says in a warm return of these stranger's greetings. He pauses for a bit and continues, "... Mercenary. I am... responsible for the threat to these good people. I carry something powerful with me, though I didn't know it at the time. Now evil creatures, whose numbers and types of which we are uncertain - though probably magical, are marching on this outpost. I and my friends in Fate - Sovelin and Herod - are now trying to fix this disaster with as little innocent bloodshed as possible. Your help will be strongly appreciated, though I'm sure the Company is rewarding you well for your service. Ms. Fraught, are there any others who you've brought?"

Tomas waits for her response before continuing, "Ah, I see. Well, me and my two allies here were just trying to decide on what our first step should be. They think we should go see this wizard for magical advice, though some say he's mad. I, on the other hand, was arguing that we should get the basic defenses in place and a chain of lookouts in place first before making any big trips away from the Outpost. I mean, there's some good in the first option, such as...

Tomas then reiterates the information that the townpeople shared with them as options/next steps and the relevant information about the threats facing them (magical enemies, blood clones, necromantic magic) to get them up to speed.

"... which is why I'm very glad Pelor has lead you to us, Faebis. Your power is definitely well placed here."

The tall, half-orc female that came in with Phaebis and Krigare folds her muscular arms across her chest. "Call me Ronda. I ain't one fer wizards an' madmen. But if there's t' be fightin' then I'm yer gal."

"In a choice between readying the town's defences for an imminent invasion and seeking out a madman who may or may not have any ability to aid, the choice is beyond clear. A Mage could help immensely, however, if he's mad the entire trip could be, at best, a waste of time. We should tend to the town before investigating that opportunity."