While finishing another marvelous meal, Eolar basks in the glow of his own ego. How easy this trip for Estaban has been. Everything seems easy to him now.'Losing' the sailors and Hamster-men had merely been an oversight. Eolar then turns his thoughts to the return journey. Bodush¹s Teleport spell is typically unreliable for an arcane spell. He could use his god-given powers to Plane-shift everyone but that'll be time consuming and the plane of Law would possibly prove hazardous to the unenlightened amongst the group. Taking time out of his meditation, Eolar attempts to commune with his God...
"St Cuthbert, hear my prayer. Is there a way home not dependent on spells?"
A voice vibrant with power but heard only by Eolar answers:
"YES!".
"Oh Great One, is the Sky-ship still repairable?"
With the sound of a muffled snigger:
"NO!".
"Is there a ship?"
"YES!"
"Is it on this island?"
"NO!"
"Is it on Ape island?"
"NO!"
"Is it on the Giant¹s island?"
"YES!"
Eolar raises an eyebrow in surprise. They hadn't seen any harbours or ships when circling the island.
"Is it large enough to carry us all?"
"YES!"
"Do the Giants have it?"
"YES!"
Having a hunch creeping up on him, Eolar continues with an almost bored voice.
"Will they give it up peacefully?"
"NO!"
Eolar couldn't hide the simper. At least the lizard finally get's what he wanted. So there will be a battle.
"Are there more than a dozen Giants?"
"YES!"
Still not completely willing to fight a whole tribe of giants, Eolar wants to be sure.
"Are they Evil?"
"YES!"
With a bit more enthusiasm...
"Are they Chaotic?"
"YES!"
Suddenly with a more cautious voice
"Do they deserve to die?"
"YES!"
Eolar quickly kneels and looks up "I am sorry my Lord for not having sensed your wishes! I will return to the island at once to rectify this mistake! I'm deeply indebted to you for the guidance and help you have granted me! Please forgive a loyal and always faithful servant, my Lord!"
Showing posts with label Team Eolar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Team Eolar. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, November 30, 2009
There is a bear in the woods
Eolar was slowly walking down the small path into the forest. It was two days since he had raised Elogyn and it had been two days filled with discussions. She had changed. Eolar didn't know what had happened on the other plane, but Elogyn had come back restless. When he asked her about it, they had had the same debates they had so often. First he was angry because Elogyn dared to attack his principles and beliefs but later he realised it was because he already knew he'd lose her. She had been a loyal companion for so long, it was hard to imagine her gone.
She, like most paladins, wanted to fight evil wherever it showed its face. They didn't seem to see that the lack of organisation and law are what leads to it in the first place. Give people a place in a society, a purpose in life and they will thrive. As long as this order is enforced by a srong hierarchy and a strict legal system, evil has no place to grow and will die out opr be suppressed. In Eolars opinion, paladins only fight the effects of chaos. Elogyn didn't see it that way.
She had said she will be leaving next morning to head north. Walking through woods always calmed Eolar down and he realised that he had to let her go. He wasn't as good as a teacher as she would need to get her on the right path. He inhaled the fresh forest air. He had put money in for the longsword they got and decided to give it to her as a leaving present. He wasn't bitter. It would be an important step for her and he could only hope she would find a better teacher.
The path narrowed while it lead down a ridge. Eolar tried to get his bearings again. He had been walking for more than an hour and estimated that one of the smaller roads leading from Febril to the villages should be not far ahead. He was about half way down the ridge when he heard shouting ahead. He stopped to listen and started to run when he could hear fighting noises and women screaming. He had his bow ready by the time he reached the opening. A horse carriage had been driven into the ditch and he could see four armed men closing in on two woman and a badly injured man who stood with their backs against a bigger rock alongside the road. He aimed at the robber closest to the women and was just about to shoot when he could see a dark shape breaking out of the woods to his right. The bear took down the first robber on the run as if he wasn't an obstacle at all and was already onto the second before Eolar could shoot his arrow. He stopped and released the second arrow which brought down his target. The last robber had turned around and was facing the bear which was slowly closing in on him.
"Drop your weapon and surrender!" Eolar was running towards him trying to aim at both the bear and the robber. The sword fell to the ground and the robber dropped to his knees. To Eolars amazement, the bear turned away from the - now unarmed - robber and towards him. He raised his holy symbol pointing it at the bear and was ready to bring down holy fire on the bear as soon as it started attacking. For a few seconds bear and cleric were looking at each other before the bear turned away and trotted away into the undergrowth. Eolar stood there puzzled. He could swear the bear had nodded to him before it had left.
The robber sat there bound to the cartwheel while Eolar treated the wounds of the merchant. "Thank you so very much for saving me, my wife and my daughter! These robbers would surely have killed us. How can we thank you? Take this money as sign of our gratitude!" He was holding a bag of coins towards Eolar who gently pushed it back to the man "You don't have to give me money. If you want, donate it to the church of St.Cuthbert next time you pass a temple and pray to thank St.Cuthbert for sending me here in time." He helped them push the carriage out of the mud and calm the horses. When the daughter climbed on the carriage she looked at the trees where the bear had vanished. "I'm sure the bear would have eaten us alive if you wouldn't have scared it off!" The carriage slowly rolled down the road with three people waving good bye and Eolar looked at the treeline as well. "I'm not so sure about that!". He was intrigued.
It started to get dark, but the full moon cast enough light for Eolar to keep on following the bear's tracks. He was curious to find the animal. He had seen bears up close before, but never had an animal reacted so controlled when facing armed humans. It was as if the bear knew exactly what was happening. He had even accepted the robber's surrender. The tracks led into an area filled with big boulders which formed small paths and caverns. Between two boulders he stopped and listened. He could feel the bear was close. He looked up and saw the bear sitting on top of the boulder next to him. Eolar didn't hold a weapon and the bear, although being cautious, didn't look as if it wanted to attack. Eolar stretched out an arm "Be calm, I'm not here to hurt you!" Then he noticed the eyes. The bear looked at him with an unnatural intelligence which Eolar had never seen in an animal. The bear slowly got up and jumped off the boulder in the opposite direction. Eolar started to run round the boulder and after fighting his way quickly through some thorn bushes was standing in front of a massive man just dressed in a loincloth. His upper body was mostly covered in thick brown hair, he had massive hands and his face was mostly covered by a beard. Eolar stopped in surprise and automatically reached for his mace when the man started laughing "Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you!"
She, like most paladins, wanted to fight evil wherever it showed its face. They didn't seem to see that the lack of organisation and law are what leads to it in the first place. Give people a place in a society, a purpose in life and they will thrive. As long as this order is enforced by a srong hierarchy and a strict legal system, evil has no place to grow and will die out opr be suppressed. In Eolars opinion, paladins only fight the effects of chaos. Elogyn didn't see it that way.
She had said she will be leaving next morning to head north. Walking through woods always calmed Eolar down and he realised that he had to let her go. He wasn't as good as a teacher as she would need to get her on the right path. He inhaled the fresh forest air. He had put money in for the longsword they got and decided to give it to her as a leaving present. He wasn't bitter. It would be an important step for her and he could only hope she would find a better teacher.
The path narrowed while it lead down a ridge. Eolar tried to get his bearings again. He had been walking for more than an hour and estimated that one of the smaller roads leading from Febril to the villages should be not far ahead. He was about half way down the ridge when he heard shouting ahead. He stopped to listen and started to run when he could hear fighting noises and women screaming. He had his bow ready by the time he reached the opening. A horse carriage had been driven into the ditch and he could see four armed men closing in on two woman and a badly injured man who stood with their backs against a bigger rock alongside the road. He aimed at the robber closest to the women and was just about to shoot when he could see a dark shape breaking out of the woods to his right. The bear took down the first robber on the run as if he wasn't an obstacle at all and was already onto the second before Eolar could shoot his arrow. He stopped and released the second arrow which brought down his target. The last robber had turned around and was facing the bear which was slowly closing in on him.
"Drop your weapon and surrender!" Eolar was running towards him trying to aim at both the bear and the robber. The sword fell to the ground and the robber dropped to his knees. To Eolars amazement, the bear turned away from the - now unarmed - robber and towards him. He raised his holy symbol pointing it at the bear and was ready to bring down holy fire on the bear as soon as it started attacking. For a few seconds bear and cleric were looking at each other before the bear turned away and trotted away into the undergrowth. Eolar stood there puzzled. He could swear the bear had nodded to him before it had left.
The robber sat there bound to the cartwheel while Eolar treated the wounds of the merchant. "Thank you so very much for saving me, my wife and my daughter! These robbers would surely have killed us. How can we thank you? Take this money as sign of our gratitude!" He was holding a bag of coins towards Eolar who gently pushed it back to the man "You don't have to give me money. If you want, donate it to the church of St.Cuthbert next time you pass a temple and pray to thank St.Cuthbert for sending me here in time." He helped them push the carriage out of the mud and calm the horses. When the daughter climbed on the carriage she looked at the trees where the bear had vanished. "I'm sure the bear would have eaten us alive if you wouldn't have scared it off!" The carriage slowly rolled down the road with three people waving good bye and Eolar looked at the treeline as well. "I'm not so sure about that!". He was intrigued.
It started to get dark, but the full moon cast enough light for Eolar to keep on following the bear's tracks. He was curious to find the animal. He had seen bears up close before, but never had an animal reacted so controlled when facing armed humans. It was as if the bear knew exactly what was happening. He had even accepted the robber's surrender. The tracks led into an area filled with big boulders which formed small paths and caverns. Between two boulders he stopped and listened. He could feel the bear was close. He looked up and saw the bear sitting on top of the boulder next to him. Eolar didn't hold a weapon and the bear, although being cautious, didn't look as if it wanted to attack. Eolar stretched out an arm "Be calm, I'm not here to hurt you!" Then he noticed the eyes. The bear looked at him with an unnatural intelligence which Eolar had never seen in an animal. The bear slowly got up and jumped off the boulder in the opposite direction. Eolar started to run round the boulder and after fighting his way quickly through some thorn bushes was standing in front of a massive man just dressed in a loincloth. His upper body was mostly covered in thick brown hair, he had massive hands and his face was mostly covered by a beard. Eolar stopped in surprise and automatically reached for his mace when the man started laughing "Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you!"
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A return ticket to heaven, please!
Elogyn looked down at her body. Without realising what happened she tried to hit the Orlem next to her. The mace went straight through and left a glimmering shine where it touched the animated flesh. She looked up. Stunned.
She looked around and only when she saw the look on Eolars face did she realise what had happened. She feel back and tumbled backwards. The fence surrounding the garden caught her fall. She stared at the battle going on. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
She looked to her right where another person was standing, watching the scene.
"Isn't is funny how we sometimes die for nothing?"
She looked puzzled.
"You could have died fighting the big evil that entered the world but you died fighting a battle you don't even know the reason for. When do you want to stop this and realise your full potential?"
She started to remember. Everything seemed blurred but a name came to her mind
"Ozul? I remember you!"
"'course you do. Not the first time you are here and believe me it won't be the last. The question is: Do you want to keep coming here while fighting small, insignificant battles or are you finally realising what a paladin exists for?"
"But I follow Eolar. He needs me. And I still have to learn from him!"
"What? How to ignore evil and think it has a place in this world? That forcing order onto this world is the only path to solve all the problems? Elogyn, deep in your heart you know you can't stand back and watch evil take over. The only way to win is to destroy evil. It has no place in a wealthy society. There will be no order in this world as long as evil exists!"
She looked around. The world had vanished. There was only light.
"But what am I supposed to do? I already tried to change Eolar and make him see that there is more than just order and a strict hierarchy."
"Leave him. You've learned and have gained valuable experience following this group. To go further on your path you have to find new teachers."
The world was back around them and she could see Eolar standing over her body that was lying on a table in Bodush's mansion. He was sprinkling diamond dust over it and she could hear the word of the raise spell. She could feel the pull towards her body. Ozul looked at her from the other side of the table standing between the stranger Hawkmoon and Thesis, who appeared not to see him.
"Head north from here. Hasufel will guide you, she knows the way. Or you can decide to stay with Eolar and watch the world fall into evil hands while you are fighting the small battles and try to keep order up in a world getting smaller and smaller around you. It is your choice!"
She opened her eyes and the pain took over. Eolar was holding her down and told her not too move before he had healed her wounds. She looked to the right at the face of Thesis and Hawkmoon. Ozul was gone. The only thing left was the voice in her head.
"It is your choice!"
She looked around and only when she saw the look on Eolars face did she realise what had happened. She feel back and tumbled backwards. The fence surrounding the garden caught her fall. She stared at the battle going on. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
She looked to her right where another person was standing, watching the scene.
"Isn't is funny how we sometimes die for nothing?"
She looked puzzled.
"You could have died fighting the big evil that entered the world but you died fighting a battle you don't even know the reason for. When do you want to stop this and realise your full potential?"
She started to remember. Everything seemed blurred but a name came to her mind
"Ozul? I remember you!"
"'course you do. Not the first time you are here and believe me it won't be the last. The question is: Do you want to keep coming here while fighting small, insignificant battles or are you finally realising what a paladin exists for?"
"But I follow Eolar. He needs me. And I still have to learn from him!"
"What? How to ignore evil and think it has a place in this world? That forcing order onto this world is the only path to solve all the problems? Elogyn, deep in your heart you know you can't stand back and watch evil take over. The only way to win is to destroy evil. It has no place in a wealthy society. There will be no order in this world as long as evil exists!"
She looked around. The world had vanished. There was only light.
"But what am I supposed to do? I already tried to change Eolar and make him see that there is more than just order and a strict hierarchy."
"Leave him. You've learned and have gained valuable experience following this group. To go further on your path you have to find new teachers."
The world was back around them and she could see Eolar standing over her body that was lying on a table in Bodush's mansion. He was sprinkling diamond dust over it and she could hear the word of the raise spell. She could feel the pull towards her body. Ozul looked at her from the other side of the table standing between the stranger Hawkmoon and Thesis, who appeared not to see him.
"Head north from here. Hasufel will guide you, she knows the way. Or you can decide to stay with Eolar and watch the world fall into evil hands while you are fighting the small battles and try to keep order up in a world getting smaller and smaller around you. It is your choice!"
She opened her eyes and the pain took over. Eolar was holding her down and told her not too move before he had healed her wounds. She looked to the right at the face of Thesis and Hawkmoon. Ozul was gone. The only thing left was the voice in her head.
"It is your choice!"
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The vampire slayers
They left in the morning after Eolar was able identify their position. They had stopped at old ruins of a castle and used the dungeons to escape the light. The group started the chase by the first break of dawn. Eolar, Elogyn and 8 others changed to gaseous form and went fast as the wind while the others set out on horses.
The first group reached the ruins by midday and when they encountered only 3 guards they decided to attack immdediately. While still in gaseous form they sneaked past the guards and within seconds the undead were killed. None of the captured people were turned yet, not even fed on. After a quick investigation, most guards turned out to be vampire spawn and only the leader a true vampire. Eolar had kept the leader alive who provided some information under torture. The prisoners should have been brought to a castle another days march from the ruins where a vampire lord had taken over and started to built up his realm. The prisoners should have served as slaves and food for the growing vampire population.
After a quick talk to Elogyn and the others it was decided to move on to attack the castle before the lord could fully build up an effective defense. An hour later Cotis arrived with the other fighters and was ordered to move on and meet near the castle while Eolar and Elogyn moved in gaseous form to scout and get information about their destination. Four fighters were ordered to bring the unharmed villagers back while Eolars followers, despite being still confused and dizzy since the dominate spell wore off, decided to join the fight.
It turned out to be a smaller castle build on the side of a smaller mountain. In the few hours of the day that were left they could find out that there was only a small group of vampires around the lord who controlled many humans that were kept as slaves. Eolar had to stop Elogyn who wanted to attack immediately without waiting for the others after she saw that they kept humans like cattle. They went back and met the others at the designated spot.
It was a short battle the next day. The clerics who were prepared to fight undead took the mostly sleeping vampires by surprise. Holding the vampires at bay with holy symbols and daylight spells they slaughtered the first few before all vampires could be awakened. Many others died when they were dragged outside into the bright sunlight. Eolar, Elogyn and Cotis went straight for the lord who turned out to be an elder vampire. After a longer fight and chase through the tunnels under the castle, the vampire managed to escape much to the annoyance of Elogyn who tried to track him down while the others had already returned to the battle.
When Elogyn came back without success the battle was already over. Only few of the humans were used as meat shields by the vampires and were beyond healing. The others were sent home to their villages in the surrounding areas. Although the vampire lord had managed to escape, Eolar considered the attack a success. The chance of the lord returning was slim but Eolar would still check on the ruins in the area from time to time. They also had found rooms filled with treasure which could be brought to good use in the monastery and the valley.
Back at the monastery a regular patrol was started to check on the surrounding villages. Eolar saw a chance to expand the area of influence of the monastery and also to open trade relations to get much needed food. He wondered how the others got along and tried to scry on them in the evenings. He saw that they're on their way to Gom Dalat and saw a chance to meet an old friend in the church there while catching up with his comrades. Leaving Leofwen in charge again, Elogyn and Eolar left the valley behind once more.
The first group reached the ruins by midday and when they encountered only 3 guards they decided to attack immdediately. While still in gaseous form they sneaked past the guards and within seconds the undead were killed. None of the captured people were turned yet, not even fed on. After a quick investigation, most guards turned out to be vampire spawn and only the leader a true vampire. Eolar had kept the leader alive who provided some information under torture. The prisoners should have been brought to a castle another days march from the ruins where a vampire lord had taken over and started to built up his realm. The prisoners should have served as slaves and food for the growing vampire population.
After a quick talk to Elogyn and the others it was decided to move on to attack the castle before the lord could fully build up an effective defense. An hour later Cotis arrived with the other fighters and was ordered to move on and meet near the castle while Eolar and Elogyn moved in gaseous form to scout and get information about their destination. Four fighters were ordered to bring the unharmed villagers back while Eolars followers, despite being still confused and dizzy since the dominate spell wore off, decided to join the fight.
It turned out to be a smaller castle build on the side of a smaller mountain. In the few hours of the day that were left they could find out that there was only a small group of vampires around the lord who controlled many humans that were kept as slaves. Eolar had to stop Elogyn who wanted to attack immediately without waiting for the others after she saw that they kept humans like cattle. They went back and met the others at the designated spot.
It was a short battle the next day. The clerics who were prepared to fight undead took the mostly sleeping vampires by surprise. Holding the vampires at bay with holy symbols and daylight spells they slaughtered the first few before all vampires could be awakened. Many others died when they were dragged outside into the bright sunlight. Eolar, Elogyn and Cotis went straight for the lord who turned out to be an elder vampire. After a longer fight and chase through the tunnels under the castle, the vampire managed to escape much to the annoyance of Elogyn who tried to track him down while the others had already returned to the battle.
When Elogyn came back without success the battle was already over. Only few of the humans were used as meat shields by the vampires and were beyond healing. The others were sent home to their villages in the surrounding areas. Although the vampire lord had managed to escape, Eolar considered the attack a success. The chance of the lord returning was slim but Eolar would still check on the ruins in the area from time to time. They also had found rooms filled with treasure which could be brought to good use in the monastery and the valley.
Back at the monastery a regular patrol was started to check on the surrounding villages. Eolar saw a chance to expand the area of influence of the monastery and also to open trade relations to get much needed food. He wondered how the others got along and tried to scry on them in the evenings. He saw that they're on their way to Gom Dalat and saw a chance to meet an old friend in the church there while catching up with his comrades. Leaving Leofwen in charge again, Elogyn and Eolar left the valley behind once more.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
One Bite at a Time
It was two days since the attacks had ceased. First Eolar had thought it was just the silence before the storm and had doubled the guards and urged the council to double the patrols which had been proven successful against the guerrilla-like attacks. Elogyn and Cotis had organised an effective and most importantly mixed militia. Able men from both parts of the formerly divided city had joined in an effort to fight back the attacks. The worse the attacks had gotten, the closer the two parts had grown back together.
The valley had been under constant patrol for two days now but there hadn't been a single report of an attack. Every patrol was accompanied by one of Eolar's followers who acted first most as a healer but was also part of a well organised information network, so Eolar would quickly be informed if something happened out of the ordinary. He looked at the paper again and slowly crumpled it. Two of the groups were missing. That was different. Before, the attackers tried to kill. They never took prisoners. Now both groups were missing. Without bodies, without traces of a major fight. Elogyn and the others looked at him after Leofwen had made a suggestion. It might be worth a shot!
A few minutes later the gathered round the fountain of holy water. Griswald was among the victims so there was an easy chance to see if they were still alive. Eolar cast the spell and looked into the water. After a short moment he could see a group of people walking. Griswald was there and Eolar could see some of the villagers. They were alive, but something in their eyes caught Eolar's attention. Their eyes showed an aboulic stare. Something or somebody was controlling them. After a few minutes one of the guards came into the scrying sensor. First Eolar thought it was one of the former black guards, but as he turned and looked at Griswald, Eolar could see hardened features and a fierce look in his eyes. It reminded Eolar of the eyes of a wild animal on the hunt.
He closed his eyes to think, losing the sensor. He never had seen such a look but he remembered a book that had described something similar. To the surprise of Eolgyn and the others who were looking at him in expectation, Eolar jumped up and ran into the library. They found him moments later concentrating on a book in front of him. He looked up at Elogyn and Leofwen who approached him. "Get a message to the council. We need 20 of the best fighters geared up and ready. Leofwen, get a group of 10 clerics together, pack silver and extra holy symbols! We are going vampire-hunting!"
The valley had been under constant patrol for two days now but there hadn't been a single report of an attack. Every patrol was accompanied by one of Eolar's followers who acted first most as a healer but was also part of a well organised information network, so Eolar would quickly be informed if something happened out of the ordinary. He looked at the paper again and slowly crumpled it. Two of the groups were missing. That was different. Before, the attackers tried to kill. They never took prisoners. Now both groups were missing. Without bodies, without traces of a major fight. Elogyn and the others looked at him after Leofwen had made a suggestion. It might be worth a shot!
A few minutes later the gathered round the fountain of holy water. Griswald was among the victims so there was an easy chance to see if they were still alive. Eolar cast the spell and looked into the water. After a short moment he could see a group of people walking. Griswald was there and Eolar could see some of the villagers. They were alive, but something in their eyes caught Eolar's attention. Their eyes showed an aboulic stare. Something or somebody was controlling them. After a few minutes one of the guards came into the scrying sensor. First Eolar thought it was one of the former black guards, but as he turned and looked at Griswald, Eolar could see hardened features and a fierce look in his eyes. It reminded Eolar of the eyes of a wild animal on the hunt.
He closed his eyes to think, losing the sensor. He never had seen such a look but he remembered a book that had described something similar. To the surprise of Eolgyn and the others who were looking at him in expectation, Eolar jumped up and ran into the library. They found him moments later concentrating on a book in front of him. He looked up at Elogyn and Leofwen who approached him. "Get a message to the council. We need 20 of the best fighters geared up and ready. Leofwen, get a group of 10 clerics together, pack silver and extra holy symbols! We are going vampire-hunting!"
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Law and Order
Eolar looked out of the window of his office. His room was one of two rooms on the 2nd floor and allowed for a great view over the valley. The other room was occupied by Leofwen, the best of his students. She had shown most potential and he had left her in charge while he was away. And she had done a good job indeed!
In the weeks he was gone, she had continued with what he had started. His followers had managed to get the trust of many people on the former white side of the valley. They were providing aid and counseling and together with Wer, who visited often to teach the farmers, the progress towards an ordered society was good. Food was not as plentiful as it couldbe yet, but the valley slowly reached apoint where it could sustain itself. To fill the gaps, Leofwen had sent Olric and Sigbert to arrange for food deliveries from surrounding settlements in return of potions and aid.
The council Eolar had suggested in the beginning, containing members from both sides and both churches met regulary and smaller councils adminstered the law in case of disputes. Most of these councils were lead by Eolar's followers and the influence of the church grew steadily. Ceolwulf was in charge of training for the priests and managed to recruit young people from both sides of the valley, further strengthening the link between church and public. The church of Pelor, although present at the council meetings, kept in the background and focused on charity work. Although they also had many new recruits, Eolar gathered from the reports that the support for St.Cuthbert seems to be stronger due to the more aggressive missionary approach. He was pleased. His followers did well and he already had promoted some of them to reward their work. Cotis was head of the guards and the military training. He seem to take his duty very serious. In the short time he had gathered a well-trained small temple guard who protects the clerics when conducting visits to the towns.
Of course, not everything went as smooth. He went back to the table where the reports on the attacks were lying in a stack. From information Cotis and Leofwen had gathered it looked as if parts of the former black army had formed a guerilla army in the surrounding mountains. Their targets were mostly merchants coming into the valley with supplies or people from the former black part that were working together with Eolar's clerics. As expected the trust from people on the black side was harder to earn, but through regular visits to treat wounds and teach agriculture they had gained the trust from many in the higher ranks. The old general had flewn after the takeover together with his most trusted men and are suspected to lead this guerilla army.
Eolar went downstairs to meet Elogyn who was already waiting together with Cotis and Leofwen. It was time for Eolar to meet the new heads of both sides to discuss the next steps against these rebels. Something had to be done! Despite these problems Eolar smiled. His next report on the progress with this outpost would be a good one!
In the weeks he was gone, she had continued with what he had started. His followers had managed to get the trust of many people on the former white side of the valley. They were providing aid and counseling and together with Wer, who visited often to teach the farmers, the progress towards an ordered society was good. Food was not as plentiful as it couldbe yet, but the valley slowly reached apoint where it could sustain itself. To fill the gaps, Leofwen had sent Olric and Sigbert to arrange for food deliveries from surrounding settlements in return of potions and aid.
The council Eolar had suggested in the beginning, containing members from both sides and both churches met regulary and smaller councils adminstered the law in case of disputes. Most of these councils were lead by Eolar's followers and the influence of the church grew steadily. Ceolwulf was in charge of training for the priests and managed to recruit young people from both sides of the valley, further strengthening the link between church and public. The church of Pelor, although present at the council meetings, kept in the background and focused on charity work. Although they also had many new recruits, Eolar gathered from the reports that the support for St.Cuthbert seems to be stronger due to the more aggressive missionary approach. He was pleased. His followers did well and he already had promoted some of them to reward their work. Cotis was head of the guards and the military training. He seem to take his duty very serious. In the short time he had gathered a well-trained small temple guard who protects the clerics when conducting visits to the towns.
Of course, not everything went as smooth. He went back to the table where the reports on the attacks were lying in a stack. From information Cotis and Leofwen had gathered it looked as if parts of the former black army had formed a guerilla army in the surrounding mountains. Their targets were mostly merchants coming into the valley with supplies or people from the former black part that were working together with Eolar's clerics. As expected the trust from people on the black side was harder to earn, but through regular visits to treat wounds and teach agriculture they had gained the trust from many in the higher ranks. The old general had flewn after the takeover together with his most trusted men and are suspected to lead this guerilla army.
Eolar went downstairs to meet Elogyn who was already waiting together with Cotis and Leofwen. It was time for Eolar to meet the new heads of both sides to discuss the next steps against these rebels. Something had to be done! Despite these problems Eolar smiled. His next report on the progress with this outpost would be a good one!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Rolling up the sleeves
Eolar stood at the bow of the ship and looked at the vast ocean in front of him. They had left Febril behind them the day before and he finally had some time to think again. He was exhausted. The work in the valley had taken its toll. But it was worth every drop of sweat. While the wind blowed gently into his face, memories came to his mind.....
After they had defeated Catidsis things had happened fast. The arrival of the high priest Togal-Ra, the resurrection of his friends, the regeneration of Lady Lesyeux face. Togal-Ra agreed to hallow the place and attach a detect evil spell to the spell. Eolar wanted the monastery to be a place where evil should not get a foothold ever again. It was the day after the emissary of the church had left when Lady Lesyeux came to see him in his quarters in the top floor. She had cried when she saw her face again the day before and came to thank Eolar for what he had done for her. They looked out over the valley. "Have you decided what your plans are now that the source of evil is gone?" She looked at him and Eolar thought for a while. "The offer to share the mountain fort and now the monastery still stands. But since you are rightful owner of the fort, the decision is yours. As I understand you would prefer to stay up on the hill?"
"I am truly thankful for what you did for me but although I'm again who I was before, others of our group were not that lucky."
"I'm sorry that I couldn't do more for the orcs and others that weren't raised into their old bodies"
"They are all grateful to be alive again and can live now in peace. What I want to say is that they would prefer not to be subjected to the stares of some of the villagers."
"I can understand that. Nonetheless, I hope we can work hand in hand to rebuild this village. We both know how important law and order are for a society. Your strategy to bring villagers together by forcing them to wear grey proved to be successful and I will adopt it for the monastery. I already sent messengers to the leaders of the black and white part to discuss terms for a ceasefire. And although I think I have the trust and support of Oolf it might turn out to be difficult to get the black leader to the table. The rift goes deep and it will take time to unite the valley once again. If you agree I would like to propose a monthly council consisting of representatives of both villages and both churches."
"I admire your optimism. The only reason I can see for the black general to attend would be to kill Oolf. But you are right, we have to try. The killing has to end. You have my consent."
"Thank you. I already set things in motion in case the black leader turns out to be unwilling to attend. Elogyn and some followers are on their way to open alternative paths."
The priest of Pelor raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I'm returning to the mountain. Let me know if you manage to get them together."
"You and your followers are always welcome here. Before you leave, I have one request: Please grant me access to the library I found in your basement. Learning the secrets in these books might be very useful."
"I agree. Feel free to explore the wisdom and secrets the chambers in the mountain hold. May our cooperation be fruitful. Good day, Eolar"
A seagull brought Eolar back from his memories. For a few seconds it floated next to the ship and then turned away and disappeared behind the flying jib next to Eolar. A small white dot on the horizon straight ahead caught his attention. "Ship ahoy!"
After they had defeated Catidsis things had happened fast. The arrival of the high priest Togal-Ra, the resurrection of his friends, the regeneration of Lady Lesyeux face. Togal-Ra agreed to hallow the place and attach a detect evil spell to the spell. Eolar wanted the monastery to be a place where evil should not get a foothold ever again. It was the day after the emissary of the church had left when Lady Lesyeux came to see him in his quarters in the top floor. She had cried when she saw her face again the day before and came to thank Eolar for what he had done for her. They looked out over the valley. "Have you decided what your plans are now that the source of evil is gone?" She looked at him and Eolar thought for a while. "The offer to share the mountain fort and now the monastery still stands. But since you are rightful owner of the fort, the decision is yours. As I understand you would prefer to stay up on the hill?"
"I am truly thankful for what you did for me but although I'm again who I was before, others of our group were not that lucky."
"I'm sorry that I couldn't do more for the orcs and others that weren't raised into their old bodies"
"They are all grateful to be alive again and can live now in peace. What I want to say is that they would prefer not to be subjected to the stares of some of the villagers."
"I can understand that. Nonetheless, I hope we can work hand in hand to rebuild this village. We both know how important law and order are for a society. Your strategy to bring villagers together by forcing them to wear grey proved to be successful and I will adopt it for the monastery. I already sent messengers to the leaders of the black and white part to discuss terms for a ceasefire. And although I think I have the trust and support of Oolf it might turn out to be difficult to get the black leader to the table. The rift goes deep and it will take time to unite the valley once again. If you agree I would like to propose a monthly council consisting of representatives of both villages and both churches."
"I admire your optimism. The only reason I can see for the black general to attend would be to kill Oolf. But you are right, we have to try. The killing has to end. You have my consent."
"Thank you. I already set things in motion in case the black leader turns out to be unwilling to attend. Elogyn and some followers are on their way to open alternative paths."
The priest of Pelor raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I'm returning to the mountain. Let me know if you manage to get them together."
"You and your followers are always welcome here. Before you leave, I have one request: Please grant me access to the library I found in your basement. Learning the secrets in these books might be very useful."
"I agree. Feel free to explore the wisdom and secrets the chambers in the mountain hold. May our cooperation be fruitful. Good day, Eolar"
A seagull brought Eolar back from his memories. For a few seconds it floated next to the ship and then turned away and disappeared behind the flying jib next to Eolar. A small white dot on the horizon straight ahead caught his attention. "Ship ahoy!"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Regarding the Troops
Eolar looked at the group that gathered in front of him in the yard. His six old students were standing on the left. Next to them he could see the ten students Cabal En had sent to meet him. He looked at the list: Adalard, Baltasar, Eckerd, Griswald, Verner, Halag, Kathe, Magnilda and Selma. How should he be able to remember all these names? He looked up. They didn't really look like fighters, except for the one at the back. That must be the young fighter Cabal En was talking about. Cotis was his name. Also not the determined look of an experienced fighter! How should he fulfill his mission with this bunch?
He looked to Elogyn who was standing next to him. "Not really the same fighting power as a group of well trained mercenaries, is it? And from what I could gather from the old reports, that would be what we need to take this church!"
Elogyn looked at the faces of the group. "With St.Cuthbert on our side, we can achieve everything...but I agree, it would be easier with some experienced fighters".
Eolar went over to the group. "Hands up, who has some experience using these weapons you are holding? Yes?" He looked at a taller cleric "Griswald, Master. We all had fighting lessons from Gondart who has taught us how to use the weapon of St.Cuthbert" "Ok, Griswald, step forward and show what old Gondart taught you about mace fighting!"
Griswald moved forward, looking nervously at the others who slowly moved round to form a semi-circle. Some of the old students started smiling and sniggering. Gondart took a classic by-the-book defense position, holding his shield in front and the mace shakily in his right hand. Eolar looked at Elogyn who tried to hide her smile. He feinted twice and then, with a quick movement to the left, disarmed the surprised Gondart. The new students stopped smiling and Eolar could hear them gasp. He looked again at Elogyn "I'll go to the pub and will try to find and convince the others. We need some help!"
He looked to Elogyn who was standing next to him. "Not really the same fighting power as a group of well trained mercenaries, is it? And from what I could gather from the old reports, that would be what we need to take this church!"
Elogyn looked at the faces of the group. "With St.Cuthbert on our side, we can achieve everything...but I agree, it would be easier with some experienced fighters".
Eolar went over to the group. "Hands up, who has some experience using these weapons you are holding? Yes?" He looked at a taller cleric "Griswald, Master. We all had fighting lessons from Gondart who has taught us how to use the weapon of St.Cuthbert" "Ok, Griswald, step forward and show what old Gondart taught you about mace fighting!"
Griswald moved forward, looking nervously at the others who slowly moved round to form a semi-circle. Some of the old students started smiling and sniggering. Gondart took a classic by-the-book defense position, holding his shield in front and the mace shakily in his right hand. Eolar looked at Elogyn who tried to hide her smile. He feinted twice and then, with a quick movement to the left, disarmed the surprised Gondart. The new students stopped smiling and Eolar could hear them gasp. He looked again at Elogyn "I'll go to the pub and will try to find and convince the others. We need some help!"
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Two’s Company, Twenty One’s a Flock.
It’s a few weeks later when Eolar receives the call he’s been waiting for. He is in Cabal En’s chamber within minutes of the summons.
“That was quick Eolar. Are you in such a hurry to be away from here?”
The old man’s smile disarms any offense.
“As you are well aware from your past exploits, we of the order of St Cuthbert see it as our duty to eradicate Chaos and disorder. We want you to take over a so called temple of Chaos on the boarders of the ‘Forbidden lands’. Not much is known about it other that it promotes both War and Chaos.”
The High priest pauses for a moment and smiles again.
“The council thinks you are the perfect candidate for this mission. No pure cleric could find their way through such difficult terrain or be able to combat such disorder. It is supposedly difficult to access but little is truly known about it as no-one from our Order has been in that region for centuries.”
On noticing that Eolar is no longer smiling, the old priest continues.
“Remember, you will have the now Paladin Elogyn to help you as well as fifteen acolytes. I will even send one of the Cathedral guards to aid you. Brave Cotis has specifically requested he accompanies you and the young priests. You'll also have those two magnificent war horses of yours... And that old mule. If you still feel the need for you ‘friends’ help, the church is prepared to offer a ‘protection’ fee of say five hundred gold coins… each?”
“That was quick Eolar. Are you in such a hurry to be away from here?”
The old man’s smile disarms any offense.
“As you are well aware from your past exploits, we of the order of St Cuthbert see it as our duty to eradicate Chaos and disorder. We want you to take over a so called temple of Chaos on the boarders of the ‘Forbidden lands’. Not much is known about it other that it promotes both War and Chaos.”
The High priest pauses for a moment and smiles again.
“The council thinks you are the perfect candidate for this mission. No pure cleric could find their way through such difficult terrain or be able to combat such disorder. It is supposedly difficult to access but little is truly known about it as no-one from our Order has been in that region for centuries.”
On noticing that Eolar is no longer smiling, the old priest continues.
“Remember, you will have the now Paladin Elogyn to help you as well as fifteen acolytes. I will even send one of the Cathedral guards to aid you. Brave Cotis has specifically requested he accompanies you and the young priests. You'll also have those two magnificent war horses of yours... And that old mule. If you still feel the need for you ‘friends’ help, the church is prepared to offer a ‘protection’ fee of say five hundred gold coins… each?”
Monday, January 19, 2009
A New Mission
While studying the ancient texts in the Cathedral’s private library, Eolar is summoned before the High priest Cabal En.
Entering the grand chamber with his head bowed, Eolar speaks softly, “You called for me your Holiness?”.
“Ah Eolar, come and kneel before me. I wanted to thank you for your part in the rout of the clerics of Hextor. Your combat prowess proved most useful and the young acolytes you led spoke very highly of you.”
Eolar swells with pride as Cabal En continues.
“The problem the council has is that, despite your best efforts, they don’t think you fit very well into this cloistered environment. Perhaps it’s your insistence to further your childhood forest ways. Perhaps your half blood heritage makes it impossible for you to focus fully on the teachings of St Cuthbert?”.
Anger starts to replace the pride Eolar felt moments before.
“Ah Eolar, don’t be upset. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t worthy. The council simply feels that your talents could be used to better effect. We want you to take the zealot Elogyn, your current students and possibly nine or ten more, and establish your own church in the less established lands.”
Eolar continues to listen and a smile forms on his lips.
“As soon as we discover a suitable area we’ll let you know.”
Eolar retreats backwards from the room and, as soon as he’s out of sight from the old man, the smile turns into a beam. His own church!
Entering the grand chamber with his head bowed, Eolar speaks softly, “You called for me your Holiness?”.
“Ah Eolar, come and kneel before me. I wanted to thank you for your part in the rout of the clerics of Hextor. Your combat prowess proved most useful and the young acolytes you led spoke very highly of you.”
Eolar swells with pride as Cabal En continues.
“The problem the council has is that, despite your best efforts, they don’t think you fit very well into this cloistered environment. Perhaps it’s your insistence to further your childhood forest ways. Perhaps your half blood heritage makes it impossible for you to focus fully on the teachings of St Cuthbert?”.
Anger starts to replace the pride Eolar felt moments before.
“Ah Eolar, don’t be upset. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t worthy. The council simply feels that your talents could be used to better effect. We want you to take the zealot Elogyn, your current students and possibly nine or ten more, and establish your own church in the less established lands.”
Eolar continues to listen and a smile forms on his lips.
“As soon as we discover a suitable area we’ll let you know.”
Eolar retreats backwards from the room and, as soon as he’s out of sight from the old man, the smile turns into a beam. His own church!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Uncertainty
He found Elogyn in one of the small chapels. Since the deception that lead to the rescue of the evil prisoner, she didn't say a single word and Eolar was worried.
She was meditating, so he took the place next to her and joined in. After a few minutes passed in silence, she looked up. "How can you ever be sure what's right and what's wrong? How can you decide if a decision is just or an action is good? I really don't know anymore!"
She looked at Eolar who took some seconds to answer: "The world is complex and it often is not possible to determine what's good and what's evil without having all the facts. You should not try to be the judge yourself! We have laws, rules and traditions to give you guidance and St.Cuthbert, courts and councils to cast judgment onto the ones who break or bend them. Being good or evil is not significant as long as one has a place in the hierarchy and obeys orders and traditions. It is this obedience that keeps society together!"
"But what if these orders tell you to do evil? Even St.Cuthbert taught us that evil has to be fought because it erodes society and generally leads to chaotic behaviour! I read the scripture over and over again, and I think evil has to be destroyed in order to enable a stable society! And I helped evil and fought good people!!"
"We were deceived and acted on good faith. I know this is no excuse and I'm as guilty as you are. Even more as I'm your mentor! I dared to challenge a decision of a legitimate ruler and St.Cuthbert taught me a lesson. A lawful family has been destroyed through our action and this will torture my mind till the end of my days"
"I should have killed him as soon as we've found out and turned myself in. This would have been honourable and the tragedy would have been averted! It was a test and I failed!"
"You didn't know all the facts at the time to pass judgment! For all that you knew he had been jailed unjustly!"
"I KNEW he was evil!! That was enough! I won't fail again!"
They were sitting there for a while in silence. "I apologise for my disrespect! I should not question you!" Eolar looked at her and a tortured smile scurried over his face. "Sometimes you should as the last days have shown. But don't let your heart blind you! And don't make it a habit!" With these words he left her alone. She stared at the face of the patron statue in front of her. After a while she got up and went to the room of paladins, Ozul had guided her to. She was looking at the paintings and the oath, waiting for something to happen. She realised that she came to this room in the hope Ozul would be here to tell her what to do. But he didn't have to. She knew it all along.
She was meditating, so he took the place next to her and joined in. After a few minutes passed in silence, she looked up. "How can you ever be sure what's right and what's wrong? How can you decide if a decision is just or an action is good? I really don't know anymore!"
She looked at Eolar who took some seconds to answer: "The world is complex and it often is not possible to determine what's good and what's evil without having all the facts. You should not try to be the judge yourself! We have laws, rules and traditions to give you guidance and St.Cuthbert, courts and councils to cast judgment onto the ones who break or bend them. Being good or evil is not significant as long as one has a place in the hierarchy and obeys orders and traditions. It is this obedience that keeps society together!"
"But what if these orders tell you to do evil? Even St.Cuthbert taught us that evil has to be fought because it erodes society and generally leads to chaotic behaviour! I read the scripture over and over again, and I think evil has to be destroyed in order to enable a stable society! And I helped evil and fought good people!!"
"We were deceived and acted on good faith. I know this is no excuse and I'm as guilty as you are. Even more as I'm your mentor! I dared to challenge a decision of a legitimate ruler and St.Cuthbert taught me a lesson. A lawful family has been destroyed through our action and this will torture my mind till the end of my days"
"I should have killed him as soon as we've found out and turned myself in. This would have been honourable and the tragedy would have been averted! It was a test and I failed!"
"You didn't know all the facts at the time to pass judgment! For all that you knew he had been jailed unjustly!"
"I KNEW he was evil!! That was enough! I won't fail again!"
They were sitting there for a while in silence. "I apologise for my disrespect! I should not question you!" Eolar looked at her and a tortured smile scurried over his face. "Sometimes you should as the last days have shown. But don't let your heart blind you! And don't make it a habit!" With these words he left her alone. She stared at the face of the patron statue in front of her. After a while she got up and went to the room of paladins, Ozul had guided her to. She was looking at the paintings and the oath, waiting for something to happen. She realised that she came to this room in the hope Ozul would be here to tell her what to do. But he didn't have to. She knew it all along.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Revolution
Eolar and Elogyn walk back to the church. It is late in the night, but there are hundreds of people in the streets trying to get to the palace, hunt down palace guards or just use the confusion in the streets to loot as much as they can. The clerics try to make their way as fast as possible but have to stop now and then to help shop owners defend their property. The insignia of St.Cuthbert are often enough to solve the problem without fight and make the thiefs run. The can only see chaos in most parts of the city.
After arriving safely at the church portal they see Chen who followed them and invite him in. Eolar is concerned about the well-being of his students and leaves Elogyn and Chen near the refectory.
On the way to the student's quarters, he runs into a worried Leofwen who brightens up as soon as she recognises Eolar. "You are alive! We thought you are all dead!" "No, we are all fine. Where are the others, is everybody ok?" "Yes, we left as soon as the fights started. The whole city went mad suddenly. We didn't know what to do!!" You made the right decision. Now go and tell the others to get some sleep. I guess it's getting interesting tomorrow" "We got orders from the high priest to stay within the church walls until further notice! What is happening out there?" "Chaos! I'm on my way to the high priest to report back, I can tell you more tomorrow"
Eolar watches Leofwen walk back. The thiefs guild overthrowing the city council to install a democratic system....they next days promise to be interesting. He has to talk to the high priest to get the churches position on that. Just as he turns round, he can see a clerk of the high priest running towards him. "Brother Eolar, brother Eolar, the high priest wants to see you immediately!"
After arriving safely at the church portal they see Chen who followed them and invite him in. Eolar is concerned about the well-being of his students and leaves Elogyn and Chen near the refectory.
On the way to the student's quarters, he runs into a worried Leofwen who brightens up as soon as she recognises Eolar. "You are alive! We thought you are all dead!" "No, we are all fine. Where are the others, is everybody ok?" "Yes, we left as soon as the fights started. The whole city went mad suddenly. We didn't know what to do!!" You made the right decision. Now go and tell the others to get some sleep. I guess it's getting interesting tomorrow" "We got orders from the high priest to stay within the church walls until further notice! What is happening out there?" "Chaos! I'm on my way to the high priest to report back, I can tell you more tomorrow"
Eolar watches Leofwen walk back. The thiefs guild overthrowing the city council to install a democratic system....they next days promise to be interesting. He has to talk to the high priest to get the churches position on that. Just as he turns round, he can see a clerk of the high priest running towards him. "Brother Eolar, brother Eolar, the high priest wants to see you immediately!"
Monday, July 14, 2008
Team Eolar - Immortalized
^^^
All hail Team Eolar - deserving a banner to themselves ... well there isn't room for the rest of us ;P
All hail Team Eolar - deserving a banner to themselves ... well there isn't room for the rest of us ;P
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