Heroica RPG - Quest #139: Around the World (West)

[CMP]

Gor? You've done surprisingly well for yourself.

"Yes, in-deed. Gor is clan leader of Aj-Kahr now. Gor has led the gar-ri-son for some time now. Keep-ing trou-ble out of Bal-ta-rok. Little so far. Mostly mer-chants and tra-ders. Heh, but you are armed visi-tors I am glad to see."

Guts raises his fist in a traditional Orcish greeting.

"Well met, good to see you again, General."

"Good to meet again, Guts."

Matthias peeks out from behind the giant anvil he's carrying, having picked it up again after admiring the view from the bridge, and imitates Guts in waving an exoskeletoned fist at the hobgoblins. "Peace to you, General Gor."

"And you, lit-tle thing. You re-mind Gor of his father..."

"I left it in Carn. We can hire another here. I thought it best to not bring a Kingdoms' cart into Orcish lands, and what's more, Kingdom horses are hardly prepared for Baltarok's climate. We can hire a new escort here. As you know, for Gerald gold is of little concern. Besides, the bridge itself has only scaffolding, it would difficult for the cart and horses to traverse it."

"Bah. Al-ways with the formal-ties in the King-doms. You will have a cart, heroes need pay no-thing. Aepy-orni can-not carry much load, but ours are strong and sturdy. Stables are just over over there." Gor pointed over his shoulder at a ramshackle building. "You can take one of Gor's scouts with you if you wish. They will know the way to....the Wasteland?" Gor made an odd guttural noise in the back of his throat. "...ahh....the Wasteland. Always watch your back heroes. The Wasteland is not part of Baltarok, but of the Broken Tribes. Law-less. Vic-cious. You remember Mar-ga? When we over-threw her rule, she fled, with her last priests. Formed a new tribe there. Aj-Vohl. Have not heard of them since. Gor doubts you will find her, the Vauno have bee un-able, but be wary of every-thing in that place."

[Scubacarrot]

"Hey, congratulations, I'm sure the Aj-Kahr will grow stronger with you in the lead. We'll gladly accept the cart, and the scout. Do you have one that would be good with maps and landmarks in the wasteland? We'll make sure they're safe. You know us."

Guts does a double take. "Gor, have you been keeping the traders in or out?"

[CMP]

"Hey, congratulations, I'm sure the Aj-Kahr will grow stronger with you in the lead. We'll gladly accept the cart, and the scout. Do you have one that would be good with maps and landmarks in the wasteland? We'll make sure they're safe. You know us."

Guts does a double take. "Gor, have you been keeping the traders in or out?"

"In-deed, thank you much, friend. Er...Gor is afraid that his scouts will not accom-pany you into the Wasteland. They are not shy of fights, but it is something of....trad-ition. Tar-Valstyr, son of the son of Tar-ok, cast out those who would not fol-low or build, those that wished to fight to the death with King-doms. Bro-ken Tribes are shunned, iso-lated. Worse than the King-doms, sometimes. Few orcs would go there."

"But there is a settle-ment, on the edge of the Wasteland. I will have a scout take you as far as there, but then Gor is afraid you must find your own way....why do you wish to go there? Oheheh, has Tar-valk hired you to kill Mar-ga? Heheh, that would make Gor's Grogmas."

Edited October 1, 2015 by CallMePie

[Scubacarrot]

"The traders, Gor?" Guts asked again. "We're not here for Marga this time. Although, who knows what we'll find in the Wasteland." The Marauder shrugs. "We're looking for the Fountain of Youth, mystical waters that have been said to have a multitude powers. We only got half a map and a rough idea where it's supposed to be."

[The Legonater]

First David and now Gor. What a trip.

You know us, Gor. We'll be strong enough to take whatever's in the Wastelands. After all, I know a thing or two about being an exile.

[StickFig]

Matthias quietly listens to the eager conversation between these three who obviously know each other. Racking his brain, the gnome can't remember ever having met Gor, and he wonders how on earth he could remind the big hobgoblin of the latter's father. More questions, always.

[CMP]

"The traders, Gor?" Guts asked again. "We're not here for Marga this time. Although, who knows what we'll find in the Wasteland." The Marauder shrugs. "We're looking for the Fountain of Youth, mystical waters that have been said to have a multitude powers. We only got half a map and a rough idea where it's supposed to be."

"Tra-ders are all-owed in Bal-ta-rok, of course. If we see they are not hos-tile."

"Foun-tain....Gor sees. Many myths about the Foun-tain. Many have looked. None have found. Heh, but if there any who can, it is you."

You know us, Gor. We'll be strong enough to take whatever's in the Wastelands. After all, I know a thing or two about being an exile.

"Heh heh, ve-ry true...just let Gor know when you wish to leave, Gor will find you trans-port."

[The Legonater]

I see no sense in waiting. After all, there's nothing here for us, is there?

[StickFig]

I see no sense in waiting. After all, there's nothing here for us, is there?

Matthias shakes his head. "Not unless there are any shops nearby we might want to patronize," he says.

[Scubacarrot]

"Not unless there are any shops nearby we might want to patronize," he says.

"That outpost Gor mentioned sounds perfect for that sort of thing. Let's go."

[Scubacarrot]

As they get ready to leave, Guts explains to Matthias: "Gor was one of the people we met last time in Baltarok. He was second in command of Clan Aj-Kahr, under Marga. Marga is... what the Kingdoms perhaps thought all the Orcs would be. Savage, cruel and stubbornly hostile to anything human or other ancient enemy of the Orcs. She ordered General Gor to attack the bridge and destroy it while it was unfinished, we stopped him, and found Gor to be honourable, and willing to do what's right. It's good thing he's got leadership over the Aj-Kahr now, also because he is non-orc... Baltarok needs to become less insulated, if it wants to become great."

Edited October 6, 2015 by Scubacarrot

[CMP]

The heroes are taken to a makeshift stables...though in actuality it's more just a large pen of aepyorni. Gor has one of his soldiers bring a few of them out and hitch them to a cart, which resembles the one Guts and Dyric had become familiar with in their previous time in Baltarok. The soldier mounts the cart as the heroes climb into the back. General Gor balances his sword on his soldier and raises his fist.

"Fare-well, heroes. Best of luck to you in your quest....and as Gor said, be-ware the wastes."

The ensuing trip is...considerably quick. The day is young and the aepyorni are very quick, not to mention the roads have not yet become slick with snow as they had during the heroes' last trip to the orcish homeland. In fact, it's almost offensively hot now, and by the time they get through Clan Aj-Kahr's territory, the heat is almost stifling. The cart stops as the ground becomes cracked earth and boiling sand, just on the outskirts of a fringe settlement.

"This is as far as I go. Nothing but emptiness and clanless oshuulzomlo beyond this town. Be wary, Oro-cund. You are respected in Baltarok, but not in that wasteland."

After both hero, Doctor, and Anvil are unloaded, the aepyorni kick up some dust and get going again back towards the bridge. Surprisingly, the trip has only taken a few hours. The light sprawl of the settlement against the wasteland sits ahead of them, but apparently the road ends here. The most pathetic excuse for an outpost lies before them, as well as two armed figures, appear to be acting as guards.

"Damn it, more foreigners....this city is under the protection of the People of Baltarok's Volunteer Armed Militia."

"Heh, or just POBVAM. But it's really just the twoink of us now."

"Damn it Mincerind, shut up. Look, humans, I'm sure you came a long way to find your treasure in the wasteland, but your tourism is having an adverse effect on our town's reputation."

"And economoink!"

"And economy. But I won't attempt to dissuade you. I know how humans work. Hows about a hundred coins and I let you through."

[Scubacarrot]

"How's about a hundred coins from you and we will graciously forget you tried to stand in our way." Guts says cheerfully, jumping down from the cart.

[The Legonater]

Last time I gave twerps like you money you just used it to fund your dumb revolt, and I still want my money back. Pay up.

Edited October 6, 2015 by The Legonater

[Zepher]

Daneeka remains sitting in the back of the cart in the back of the party, staring at the road the heroes had just traversed, entirely unconcerned about how the heroes might be getting through the checkpoint.

[StickFig]

After both hero, Doctor, and Anvil are unloaded...

Daneeka remains sitting in the back of the cart...

Nope!

Matthias, for once not especially feeling like following the rules - it must be the heat bringing out the gnomish mischief in his blood - grins cheekily at the two from slightly behind Guts' knee. "I don't think Clan Leader Gor, or Clan Leader Grishnod for that matter, would be particularly happy you interfered with their guetsts," he adds to what Holla and Rone have already said.

[CMP]

"How's about a hundred coins from you and we will graciously forget you tried to stand in our way." Guts says cheerfully, jumping down from the cart.

"What?! Extortion? Disgraceful humans."

Last time I gave twerps like you money you just used it to fund your dumb revolt, and I still want my money back. Pay up.

"Huh?.....ohhh, that was you guys. Thought I recognized that surly, employment-grubbing tone."

"Aw foink. Uh, maybe we should get out of their way, Giv."

"Not now Mincerind."

Matthias, for once not especially feeling like following the rules - it must be the heat bringing out the gnomish mischief in his blood - grins cheekily at the two from slightly behind Guts' knee. "I don't think Clan Leader Gor, or Clan Leader Grishnod for that matter, would be particularly happy you interfered with their guetsts," he adds to what Holla and Rone have already said.

"What, you think the clan leaders matter out here? It's a dangerous place out here near the edge of the wastes, my friends. A lawless frontier. the People of Baltarok's Armed Militia has dedicated itself to protecting lands where the influence of the clans falters. We are an organization beyond your ken, outsiders: where the government fails, we will succeed. Where the army cannot set foot, we will set boots! When our jobs are taken from us, we will see a greater horizon! We are the heart and the soul and Baltarok, and for a frequent supporter discount, for a mere ninety-EIGHT coins, we will bestow you with our favor and allow passa-"

"YAAA!"

A fierce-looking hobgoblin sprung up onto the pile of crumbling stone from behind. Giv stumbled backward right off of his perch, and judging by the resounding thud, had been knocked unconscious. With a shrill oink, the porc fled just as two other orcs approached the party.

"You said you were going to try talking him down, Daske."

"I did! I talked, and now he's down."

"...Your antics dishonor our name."

"Well.....my name's doing just fine, thanks." The hobgoblin sat down on the rubble. The tiny dragon wrapped around her gave the party an intent look.

"I hope you didn't mind us barging in heroes. It's good to see you again, Mister Holla, Rone. Matthias, I believe? My name is Olmstyr, I think we met on the bridge - briefly. Seems our lovely country has a way of attracting work for you." The orc chuckled.

Edited October 7, 2015 by CallMePie

[Zepher]

Nope!

Not my week, huh.

"It appears your nation attracts heroes, and heroes attract old acquaintances," says Daneeka, turning around to face the Orcs.

[Scubacarrot]

"Olmstyr, I wondered if we would run into each other. You're looking good, what are you doing around here?"

[The Legonater]

Good to see a friendly face around these parts. How have you fared, Olmstyr?

[CMP]

"Olmstyr, I wondered if we would run into each other. You're looking good, what are you doing around here?"

"We're doing our job. After you all solved the bridge crisis the united clans managed to get a lot done. Imaestym is already prosperous again thanks to Karstaal and Bastala, and I'm sure you saw the work Gor is doing. Since we have an actual diplomatic relationship with the outside world, Tarvalk thought it wise to have agents within Baltarok to keep the peace."

"The Vauno."

"Which is us!"

"It's an ancient tradition. The Vauno were once a very small religious group...independent of clans, they moved about doing Tarok's will, bettering all our species. But the last died protecting Tarokai."

"By that he means "the last died in a spectacular last stand against a hundred pissed-off heroes", hehe."

"The Vauno were wiped out under the caverns of Nathuz. But six heroes lived."

Good to see a friendly face around these parts. How have you fared, Olmstyr?

"Quite well, but things are very busy around here. I've hardly had a moment to spare since Tarvlk assigned me to the Vauno. Yet I suppose it's appropriate. Never felt comfortable serving in the traditional army. A typical soldier wouldn't've called on humans for help." Olmstyr smiled. "It's pleasing, however, that most of the problems we solve are just diplomatic issues that arise between merchants and the locals, or sometimes between clans...but when the need arises, well, we make short work of those who would cross Baltarok."

"That's why you're the Strakvaun, Olmstyr. The vindicator doesn't take crap from anybody, and-"

"He is the Strakvaun because the role of Marykvaun had already been determined. Dragoons are supposed to be mediators, Daske, which is why you are the arbiter."

"-that's why Tra-Serral is the Kahzvaun, the executor, because-"

"They know why."

[StickFig]

"They know why."

Matthias' cheeky grin turns dour. "Yes, we know." The gnome forces his expression back to a somewhat cheerful expression. He's astonished that the big orc remembers his name. "Peace to you, Master Olmstyr. May I ask what you mean, the vindicator?"

[Scubacarrot]

"The clans must have quite an interest in this outpost if they send Karstaal's second, Tarvalk's Daughter and a Dragoon here."

[The Legonater]

So Bastala's really taken hold of the reigns then? Good to hear, I suppose. Is Haldor still with her?

[CMP]

I knew there was something I forgot to update yesterday, sorry guys, I've been super busy.

Matthias' cheeky grin turns dour. "Yes, we know." The gnome forces his expression back to a somewhat cheerful expression. He's astonished that the big orc remembers his name. "Peace to you, Master Olmstyr. May I ask what you mean, the vindicator?"

"Traditionally each member of the Vauno held a title, something that reflected their role in the group. The vindicator is-"

"A force of might and....and force, that imposes what is necessary through diplomatic means or religious fury!"

"The clans must have quite an interest in this outpost if they send Karstaal's second, Tarvalk's Daughter and a Dragoon here."

"We have business here. You needn't know the details."

"Pssh, come on, we can probably trust the saviors of Baltarok, yeah? We're investigation what looks like plans for an assassination attempt against the clan leaders. Unfortunately all our leads are drying up. We thought there was one here, but it was a bust."

"I'm sure this conspiracy is real. There's scraps of evidence, and I can feel it in my gut...unfortunately, we don't have the information to do much about it yet. For the time being, we are returning back to Baltarok's mainland to deliver what we have to the clan leaders. We'll likely remain to protect them." Olmstyr sighs. "We might have need of you heroes again soon, but for now it seems we both have our own goals to attend to."

So Bastala's really taken hold of the reigns then? Good to hear, I suppose. Is Haldor still with her?

"Ooh, you know the royal ginger boytoy?"

"Daske!" Olmstyr exclaims, sounding a bit exasperated. "Bastala is working well with Karstaal, she's taken over reconstruction duties of Imaestym and now leads the city. There have been a few disgruntled mercenaries come knocking on her door from time to time, seems they haven't forgotten her stint as Irlaz's clan leader, but Haldor's put them in their place. Imaestym being so close to the bridge he's also been quite helpful in making sure things go smoothly with human merchants."

"Speaking of Imaestym, we really should probably get back on the road. Sucks that our mission failed, but we'll have to keep our eyes open for these assassins."

"Good luck on your current venture, heroes, wherever the path may take you. I can already tell you're going to the Broken Tribes...this town isn't much more than an outpost. Just be wary of anything you find there. Nobody in those forsaken clans knows what you've done for our race...nor will they care. Taroksh kon ezn dir droog, Staalcund."