Chapter Eleven: The Troubled Temple of Tapio - Preparation

[Purr]

Bria whirled at Oreleth's warning, her brown eyes wide with surprise. It could, however, be argued that Oreleth's own surprise might have matched the Ko monk's as Oreleth watched all three of her volleyed arrows break uselessly against the colossus's stony hide. The great stone golem did not even attempt to defend itself as if it knew it was entirely unnecessary.

Then, his Felane-sized maul in hand, Powerpaw eagerly thrust himself into a defensive position to protect Oreleth. "Don' worry, guyz!! I got dis!" The snarling warrior reared back, winding up with all of his considerable strength for a ferocious blow, but for the first time in this entire encounter, Oscar the Red Panda spoke. Cupping his little paws, he shouted out to the gladiator.

"No, Powerpaw! Only semi-powerful magic weapons will harm it! Your maul is--"

But it was too late. Powerpaw swung hard with both hands. "IIIIIIIN DAAAAAA FAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!!"

WHAM!

As with Oreleth's lightning-fast volley, the colossus made no move to defend itself but kept its gaze fixed on Bria. That gaze was soon blocked by the head of Powerpaw's whirling two-handed hammer, but only momentarily. Powerpaw's attack rebounded off of the colossus as if he had struck a mountainside. Not only did his attack fail to harm the construct, but unlike Oreleth, the shock of striking the golem violently rang his limbs and upper body until his fangs chattered. He shook comically.

"Whu-u-u wha-a-a-t da-a-a-a fa-a-a-a-ace?!"

Realizing his maul had failed him, Powerpaw recovered as best he could and used his second attack to hurl his Bast-born body against the stone golem in an attempt to grapple and slow it down. The colossus completely ignored this too for Powerpaw may as well have been trying to wrestle King Wildegard of Highwind's very own palace for all the good it was doing him.

Instead, the colossus moved its left arm until its hand faced its chest. Then with one smooth motion, it used its right arm and disconnected the entire left forearm from its stony housing. The left hand's fingers, though now apart from the body, now opened wide as if ready to catch or grab something. The right hand lifted the forearm back behind its head and clearly prepared to launch its entire limb through the air and at Bria when...

...an angry voice broke the scene like a thunderclap. "Al zruu kazzak!!"

The golem froze, stock-still. All was suddenly safe again.

There, in the chair in his wagon, Arubellum held the very-recently-delivered black cane precisely in the center with only the thumb and index finger of his left hand. In his right was the cup of coffee; not a drop had fallen from it. But Arubellum's face had become a mask of mind-snapping frustration as he stared at the colossus. If his earlier annoyance at Luna and Nivirea had been a bonfire, his feelings now were instead quite volcanic.

His eyes narrowed viciously at the golem. "Now I know just what to do with the likes of you. Come to me, golem!"

In the meantime, no commoner, no guard, not even children dared to move after they witnessed the golem come to life out of nowhere. And now that the danger was evidently passed, a great uncertain quiet in the streets seemed to spread as the Highwind City Watch began moving people slowly and cautiously made away to safety. Most of them left, but a few curious stragglers remained to see what was going on.

They were rewarded with a most-unusual sight.

* * *​

A few productive minutes later, Bria was safely and happily petting Arubellum's horses (with his permission, of course). The horses seemed happy too for they were unladen and free to walk steadily beside the geomancer's cart, guided by his voice and understanding of Beast Speech. The calmed arcanist had his coffee in one hand and to his lips while the other did not hold the reins attached to the horses... but to the black cane and the colossus that now obediently pulled his wagon. Indeed, the statue-like creature stood like a beast of burden, ready for command.

"Ahhh, this is more like it!" Arubellum nodded to the Wayward Wanderers. He raised his cup of King's Choice in his hand victoriously. "I am for the end of my quest, and to a fine meal, and days of rest to look forward to! But tell me," he addressed Brendoran for his role in the encounter, but it was plain that he was in a mind to accept any civil and wise-minded listener among your party.

"What quest have you undertaken? If I might aid in it by way of knowledge or advice, I would with your permission."

 

[Sherwood]

Now that the golem issue has been resolved, Luna will gently approach Arubellum and speak to him in a soft voice. "Master Arubellum, I wish to offer my apology for wrongly accusing you of being the one to have unleashed the golem on the people here by losing control of it. I jumped to conclusions that I should not have, and I am sorry." She bows her head, trying to be as humble as possible. Depending on how he responds to her efforts to express her regret will determine how much more she says in conversation to him.

Spoiler

0 - Light, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic
1 - Shield x2, Burning Hands, Floating Disk, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile x2
2 - Protection From Arrows x2, Blur x2, Web, Scorching Ray
3 - Haste, Fireball, Fly, Lightning Bolt
4 - Ball Lightning x2, Empowered Scorching Ray x2, Remove Curse
5 - Cone of Cold, Empowered Fireball, Empowered Lightning Bolt

Force Missile x9, Extended Mage Armor II in effect, duration of 20 hours
Wall of Energy for 10 rounds

Hit Points: 50

Armor Class: 24
Action Points: 10

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +15

 

[Psychie]

Oreleth feels a bit miffed that her arrows were no more than a nuisance to the golem, and wished once again for the Songbow that she coveted. In the meantime, she turns her attention to the Geomancer and his questions. Shouldering her bow, she says, "I do not know all the details, but suffice to say that this is an important journey. It involves restoring the Temple of Tapio, and cleansing the taint of the goddess Loviatar from it. It is an important step in stopping a war."

Spoiler

0 - Ray of Frost, Flare, Light, Mage Hand
1 - Shield, Shocking Grasp, Burning Hands

Hit Points: 61
Action Points: 9

Armor Class: 24
CMD: 26
Fort Save: +8
Reflex Save: +9
Will Save: +4 (+9 vs Fear)
Perception: +13

 

[Purr]

Coffee in hand, Arubellum stopped everything he was doing and focused himself entirely on Luna's statement and delivery of that statement. The longer he listened, the more he seemed to perk up as if he was sincerely enjoying what he was hearing and seeing. Once Luna was finished, Arubellum the Geomancer set his coffee down and clapped enthusiastically!

"Yes, yes!" he praised her, "that is how we Boccobians should be treating each other! Not blasting each other with accusatory statements but humility and respect! Pyromancer Callen, consider yourself fully forgiven! Here and now!" Arubellum reached back into his wagon and produced a pair of cups. In the tradition of Boccobians sharing an olive branch of peace, he shared a little something special to him with his fellow knowledge-seeker. He poured his precious King's Choice coffee into both cups and, with a tired but clearly eager smile, offered her one.

Luna could politely turn it down if she chose, but the Summerset noble had to admit - this was damned fine coffee if there ever was such. It was worthy of Bilal the Rich's own stock. Coming out of nigh-invisibility, the now-uncamouflaged Sparkle sniffed it once. Just the smell of it put a smile on her scaly face.

"Take this, Pyromancer Callen," he said loud enough for all to hear, "and perhaps it will brighten both our days. Then I must leave you and return this overgrown stack of stones to its rightful owners, Ben and Misha. Then I plan to sleep long and deep as only bears of the forest do!"

Did Luna accept his offer?

* * *​

Shouldering her bow, she says, "I do not know all the details, but suffice to say that this is an important journey. It involves restoring the Temple of Tapio, and cleansing the taint of the goddess Loviatar from it. It is an important step in stopping a war."

Arubellum recoiled and addressed Oreleth with respect. "Tapio. There is a name I have not heard in a long time. And... a war? You mean the war, fair daughter of Corellon! This must be your very first hour in Highwind not to know that!" He rubbed his nose. "Allow this humble and adventure-weary Grand Wizard to put things into perspective - if Highwind falls to the Armies of the Black Fang then all of Shandra's Evergreen will burn with it! Surely a wood-born beauty such as yourself can see the consequences for people, animal, and spirit alike? Just imagine this very city with that damnable dragon, Arumgorath, perched atop it with his cruel giants, ogres, and orcs having their way with everyone here!"

* * *​

By this time, Powerpaw had reunited with Bria. They strolled up to Arubellum's wagon and marvelled at its new 'beast of burden.' Quietly, Oscar watched everything. Bria gingerly scooped him up and gave him a little hug before perching him on her shoulder. Oscar did not seem to mind a bit as long as it did not interfere with his listening.

Mamapaw came quickly walking down the street, not as an owl hen but in the large and graceful form you were most used to seeing her in. She peered behind her apprehensively, eyeing the sweet shoppe and its score of little children inside as if hoping the little scoundrels would not spot her and come a'running and clambering upon her as they had done with her son.

The Mielikkian Felane was stopped by a quartet of creatures wearing the white and green livery of Highwind's City Guard. A halfling, two centaurs, and a dwarf hailed her and politely asked her questions. With equal civility, Mamapaw responded. At once, she pointed toward your party. Suddenly, a grandmotherly gnome with an irritated countenance shouted down at them from atop her vegetable-strewn, second-story balcony. She aimed a finger down at Mamapaw and seemed to warn the guards not to give Mamapaw a hard time. The guards looked up, instantly recognizing the petite madam. Then they groaned as one.

The city guard seemed to thank Mamapaw for her time as the old gnome granny gave them her entire rendition of the story without their having to ask for it. The guards then began to wait and listen in varying stances of patience, apparently having been held as captive audience by her on more than one affair.

Mamapaw wasted no time. The wise Felane beat feet back to your party while the getting was good...

 

[Sherwood]

Luna reaches out and gently takes the offered cup. "While it looks like you need this more than I do, it would be rude of me to say 'no' at a time like this. Thank you. So, our new companion has the bare bones gist of the story of what we are up to - stopping the evil Goddess from making a - I believe it was called a 'bridge' - to our realm. We are off to restore Tapio's temple, and bring him back from the brink. I am no divine caster to know all of the details, but if we are successful, it will be the first step in stopping the war in Highland. One of our other companions, Oscar of Highwind, has used a magic tome to scry out the answer, and somehow, our quest is pivotal to that."

Spoiler

0 - Light, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic
1 - Shield x2, Burning Hands, Floating Disk, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile x2
2 - Protection From Arrows x2, Blur x2, Web, Scorching Ray
3 - Haste, Fireball, Fly, Lightning Bolt
4 - Ball Lightning x2, Empowered Scorching Ray x2, Remove Curse
5 - Cone of Cold, Empowered Fireball, Empowered Lightning Bolt

Force Missile x9, Extended Mage Armor II in effect, duration of 20 hours
Wall of Energy for 10 rounds

Hit Points: 50

Armor Class: 24
Action Points: 10

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +15

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren was pleased to see the rest of his group join in the conversation, with respect offered by all sides. For some minutes, he was content to watch and listen to the others interact, but eventually joined in himself. "Indeed, our quest is to destroy Loviatar's bridge to Tapio's temple, and thus enable his return to Sharseya and his lady wife. To that end, we were heading to Ben and Misha's ourselves, to see what might best fit both our needs and our pocketbooks." He smiled. "May we keep company with you that far? Now that we are all on good terms with one another, it seems a shame to separate when our path lies the same way, and perhaps there is information we may share while we walk or ride."

 

[Purr]

Spoiler: Mood music

"The Arrival" for the Age of Conan MMORPG soundtrack by composer Knut Avenstroup Haugen.

As the wagon rumbled down the stony street, Arubellum nodded confidently at Bren's offer. When he spoke, he seemed to address all of you. "There are many advantages of being a geomancer, yet even I will not cross Loviatar and her hated cronies without a good fellowship beside me. You are wise not to walk alone against the Maiden of Pain..."

He grumbled though he sipped his delightful coffee, his eyes peering back into memories past. "That frigid wench of wintery whore has a streak of cruelty and mischievousness unmatched in this part of the world. At least her partner, Erythnul, the gnoll's vile god of slaughter, will just slip a poisoned knife in your spine. But she? Oh nay... The vain goddess of hurt has far more imaginative ends against those who would oppose her. Of that, you can be certain. But! To have Tapio returned to the world!" He gasped that last and let his voice fall, but his eyes, brimming with hope and glittering like mithril silver under the morning sun, displayed his feelings far better than his words could.

As your party traveled through the main thoroughfare, there was a moment for all non-natives of Highwind, especially those from the human capital of Summerset, where you began to pass through The Highwind Marketplace. Smells of sweat and tasty foods filled the air. The chattering of many mouths moving everywhere was non-stop. Shops and stalls of all shapes, manufacture, and sizes rose in all directions, but it was the people in and about them that stood out the most. Different races and peoples, some only heard of in far-off Summerset and mysterious Forest Eternal, gathered here like no other city on the face of Sharseya.

Handsome centaurs with their long, free hair bartered with charming, sunny-spirited gnomes. Hardy Morgandir dwarves with beards so long, they had to be tucked into their belts, chatted and looked up to tall humans from the Frozen North whose soft furs could not conceal their iron muscles forged in those harsh lands. In each street and around each bend, there were lion-faced wemics, hairy-footed hobbits, and barrel-chested minotaurs along with the occasional half-orc. But of Corellon's people, besides Oreleth, there were none to be found regardless of where her keen eyes strayed. The Arcane Archer seemed alone.

So very strange and different were the peoples and so busy was the shopping that most folk did not seem to notice the Felane until they looked up and saw their furry faces, perhaps at first mistaking them for the four-legged wemics.

One particular group of sullen young women and men, their sun-browned skin and hair marking them as from the port city of distant Glimmerdawn, pushed and prodded their way through the throng of commoners. Armed as they were with sheathed steel and adorned with light fighting armor, most people moved out of the path of their prowling stride. It was a simple to hear the source of their cursing as they made no attempt to hide it.

"Ocean take that giant fool! So proud! Who does he think he is? Our coin is as good as the next sellsword's! Better even!"

"Throw us out of his 'honorable' establishment, will he? Poseidon's beard, he is as stiff as a ship-mast, I say!"

"Blasted lout! Ben the Smithy, is it? We'll, if I see him on the street, he'll be Ben the Broken! I'll--"

Right then, the largest of their group, a swarthy fellow just entering his second decade of life, failed to watch where his steps took him. He plowed head-first right into Powerpaw with a crash so hard that his head cracked against the Felane's chain mail with an audible thud.

"Dammit! Watch yourself, fool minotaur, or I'll cut you up and serve you to-- URRRK!"

Powerpaw's brawny paw shot around the Glimmerdawnian rogue's neck like a tightened hangman's noose. The armored human's feet slowly left the earth as Powerpaw lifted him with as much ease as Brendoran would have hefting an unfed hobbit. Before the rogue knew it, he was staring glassy-eyed and completely off-balanced into the eyes of a fanged, red-eyed killer.

"HRRRR...!" Powerpaw's tiger-like growl was as deep as it was menacing.

At the very instant of that primal sound, sheep-eyed commoners and merchants within earshot hustled away as if some ancient instinct had commanded them to do so.

"Y-- you! Put him down," yelled another of the eight swarthy rogues, "or we'll make you regret it! Hear me?!" They burned fierce stares at Powerpaw who ignored them as if they were goblins.

Powerpaw glared at the rogue in his grasp. He spoke slowly, each word laced with the threat of flashing claws and spilled blood. "Oh hai! I knows Ben da Smiffy! He's my buddy... A real friend! In facts... I iz off ta see 'im right now in my nice, clean soot of armor here. So... Mebbe ask yerselfs... Doez I hafta bloody my nice chain mail by killin' all'a you now? Or laterz after I haz done my shoppin' at his place?" Despite his speech impediment, Powerpaw's meaning was deadly clear to all of them.

The choking rogue sputtered. "I-- hkkk --take it back..."

"Whuuut wuz dat?" Powerpaw's ear twitched.

"I take it back!"

"Gooood."

Powerpaw dropped him. The thief fell to his knees gasping and holding his throat. Two of his fellows rushed up beside him, hands near their blades.

"Now... You guyz makes like a wizard an' vanish..." Powerpaw pointed his thumb down the street.

The rogues hastily departed without another word.

When it was clear the Glimmerdawn rogues had gone, Bria glanced up to Powerpaw. He nodded down to her as a way of showing her he was all right. Mamapaw, growling as cats do when they are miffed, stared after the thieves.

Arubellum, his eyes thin with suspicion, tapped his cane and the colossus pulled the wagon on. People moved out of your way even more than before as you continued to travel through the marketplace and beyond the stares of those who watched.

"Hay, guyz?" Powerpaw sniffed his paw. "How come dis Ben fella don't open hiz place ta dem rogues? He got somethin' against street folk?"

Bria knew the answer to this but her brown eyes glanced around your party as if to see who else had something to say or answer. Mamapaw moved on and listened to your conversation while Oscar did the same while chewing on a fat apple Bria had given him.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren had been visibly concerned about the potential altercation between Powerpaw and the Glimmerdawn bunch, but he relaxed with a smile as the Felane sent the rogues packing. "Oh, not at all, my friend!" he chuckled. "Ben's shop is open to any... any who have proven their worth as Highwind's allies, that is. I'm guessing those Glimmerdawnians are either newly arrived, or just haven't done much to help Highwind's cause." He reached out to grip Powerpaw's shoulder for a moment, expressing the thanks his words then explained, "Thanks for defending his honor, as it were. Ben's a good man."

 

[Purr]

Powerpaw grinned down at Brendoran. "Hay... You waz da first one ta my mom's side when dem stinkin' ogres wuz beatin' her in Gerran's cage. Plus, you an' Oti-face wuz da first ones runnin' ta Bria when dem Monkey-mages of Evil Jas had busted her arms when dey tried ta kidnap her." Powerpaw's blood-red gaze watched the streets.

"So if dis Ben fella iz a buddy of yers an' Bria's, den he's a buddy of mine too. An' if he don't like me? Well, he'll just hafta deal..." the gladiator chuckled.

 

[Purr]

(DM note for all: Grab a snack and a drink! I went all hyper on this post word-wise. Enjoy!)

"The Blacksmith Sells a Dagger."

Spoiler: Ben & Misha's Magic Shoppe

(Something very much like this with a matching smithy attached to it on the ground level.)

(Image credit: artstation.com )

Ben & Misha's Magic Shoppe was a towering yet homey establishment made up of tall, white stony walls and beautiful wood, immaculately-kept. The shoppe rose above most other buildings near it - a seemed more a loving Highwindian home than a smithy. That was until one got closer and saw great glowing runes rise out of the rock or blossom out from part of the wood before receding like a daydream. It was true - this place just felt magical in a some very special way.

To the sharp eye, the outside of the shop showed signs of a recent makeover. Unmarred paint, new grass, and the neatness of it all seemed to lend to a freshness. To the side of the shoppe was one, big breathtaking monument. There lay a garden with rising oak trees. Everywhere in there lay tributes and glorification to the city of Highwind and her three beloved gods. So too was the exterior of the shoppe decorated, its walls and wide awning easy to see, even from far away.

In the garden, brilliant streams of white and green ribbons fluttered in the wind from the branches of Mielikkian evergreen trees to the statue of the righteous club of Saint Cuthbert standing alongside another statue of the thunderous hammer of Thor. Underneath these was a marvelous marble sculpture of the king and queen of Highwind, looking upward and solemn as though they were being guided by the gods. It was an unmistakably proud display of Highwindian patriotism.

But, as the Wayward Wanderers soon discovered, it was anything but peaceful and quiet as a strange scene unfolded before the adventurers. Arubellum tapped his stone-tipped cane three times and the colossus came to an awkward stop, partially hidden by the very building you had come to visit. There, you waited a moment.

Suddenly, a stout man bedecked in richly-decorated plate mail armor complete with helmet and closed faceplate, emerged from the shop's main doorway. He hung there, complaining, quarreling, and unnaturally suspended in the air and off of his feet by one massive hand that held him firmly from behind by his collar.

"Wait, wait!" shrieked the fellow from behind his helmet. "Oh, greatest of blacksmiths, I was not trying to fool you!"

Dwarf-like in demeanor but giant-like in stature, the fierce-eyed blacksmith gritted his teeth in anger. The blacksmith was indeed great, but especially great in size. The human was just over seven feet in height with a flowing red-brown mane and carefully cut beard that made him seem more like some mythical forest creature than a normal man. His thick arms were greater in size than the leg muscles of many an athletic man of normal size. Years of work at the anvil had given him muscled hands, powerful and hardy like the mountain-city that was his home. Wearing a grand green cloth tunic and pants covered by a well-used leather apron, the blacksmith fumed like a riled lion. And he roared like one too.

Spoiler: Ben the Smithy

Imagine this, but as an adult in his 40s with red-brown hair and beard (no gray to speak of yet). No scars on his face either, but definitely with that physique, sternness, and kickin' beard!

(Image credit: YouTube)

"Duke Sevenshire," he bellowed, "you think that little helmet would disguise your voice from the likes of me? You must think I am as foolish as I am large!"

"No, my heavens, no!"

But the blacksmith was not to be denied. "Oh? Then why the masquerade? Get out and stay out! I know your selfish ways! Always looking out for your image with wine and parties! Well, until you do something for crown and country, I brand you useless! Don't come back, disguised or otherwise, until you've done something right for the realm!"

The blacksmith dropped the duke on his hind quarters. He fell in the dirt and stayed there, waving his hands in further complaint. As passerbys stopped and gawked, the duke clamored. "But... I just wanted to trade you this fine armor for one of your incredible blades! How I could display your wares to my friends and family if I had but one of your works on my side."

The blacksmith shouted back with rage worthy of a barbarian. He stabbed a finger northward. "While our young men and women on the frontlines give their very blood so you can continue your perfumed parties? Do something for them you oft-besotted oaf! Where is their fine armor? Where are their fine swords? They are the ones fighting for the rest of us!"

"All right, all right! How about if I sell you this armor? It will look good on a younger person, will it not?"

But the blacksmith spat in disgust. "I refuse to do business with deceivers and heartless handkerchief-waving fops!"

The duke wrung his hands in worry. "Oh, but I must come away with one of your wares! What if, yes, what if I donate my armor to the cause? Would you sell me something of yours then? Pretty please?!"

Arms crossed like a brooding titan, the blacksmith pondered.

Moments later, the Duke re-emerged armorless from the blacksmith shop. The grin on his face seemed almost as wide as his belly and his eyes twinkled as brightly as the new jeweled dagger he wore on his hip. "Thank you, great blacksmith! Oh, thank you! I will be the talk of the party though the cost was dear!"

But the blacksmith looked northward. "Not half as dear as the life that armor will protect. Now move off and do more for everyone before you think to return again!"

Convinced, the duke did just that.

* * *​

It was then that Arubellum tapped his black cane and brought the wagon-pulling colossus from around its corner and into brighter sunlight. "Ben, if you are done with peddling your wares, you can take this damned golem and cane now!"

Ben the Giant turned toward you. At first he saw the biggest thing, the eighteen-foot-high stone golem. He took on a brief expression of relief, but then snarled at Arubellum. "Took you long enough!"

But Arubellum was not about to be outdone by this, or any smithy, in a war of words. "'Long enough,' is it? If your memory was as large as your mouth, you might recall not giving me a time limit, you dunce!"

Ben rolled up the sleeve on his right arm. "Call me a dunce? Better horse your little cart then, because if I catch you, I'll wring your scrawny, wizard neck!

"Hah!" barked Arubellum. "With an ass that wide, the only thing you can catch is food for fat people - and you have clearly caught more than your fair share!"

"What? I'm not fat, you son of a bitch!"

"Don't talk about our mother like that!"

"Why? You afraid your magic can't protect you from a great lady's punishment?"

"Oh, she's punished me for entire decades now.. She gave me you for a brother!"

The two great-willed men stared at each other for a few tense moments, then together broke out in such a laughter that it seemed shake the air with its energy. Their smiles were quite similar despite the differences in their size.

"Ha ha! Blast you to hell and back!" Ben shook his head and waved his brother over. "I can never win these little battles with you, Aru!"

Arubellum pointed back at him as he drove the colossus and his horses over. "One of us got brains instead of earth-shaking smithing talent. I may be fixing Highwind's 'little' problems, but it is your skill, handiwork, and shoppe that have been changing the big problems! Like the war!"

"Small or large, I will take any advantage we can get! Now put the golem over there and free it. I'll fix it good now that it's back. Now who have you brought with you?" Ben gazed over your group with a disciplined eye. Spotting Brendoran and Bria, he shouted out once again with mock-disdain that sounded very much like the real thing at first.

"By the Sacred Forge, is that the Killaneson? What a jest! What good are fighter/rangers that set off to retire in some flat city where only the horses are good company?" He grinned at Brendoran, his expression daring the newly-blessed paladin to retort.

"And you there!" he added as Bria ran up to him. His massive build and thick limbs towering over her small and almost delicate figure created quite the comical picture. He slammed his mighty fists against his hips and glared down at her with such a gaze as to freeze the very souls of lesser people into surrender. "And why, tell me, should I open my beloved shoppe to the likes of you? What have you done worth Highwind's while, little missy?"

But the Ko healer was unaffected by his words; they were like stones tossed into an ocean. Bria pushed her hair over her shoulder and set her little fists just as he did. With a glare just as strong as his, she stared right back up at him. "Oh yeah? Listen, Big Bad Breath! While you're making arguments, we valiant and intrepid adventurers are making history! We blow up hordes of Highwind's enemies while you just blow hot air!" For a moment, she sounded quite convincing, but Ben got an odd look in his eye as he dropped his facade. Even Arubellum turned and looked at Bria as if she had become another person.

"Wha? Wait... Saint as my witness, those words are not your own! Who told you to say that?" Ben gazed over your party again before he eyed Arubellum with suspicion. But Bria's reply surprised him.

Reverting immediately to to the harmless tone you have known her for, she reached up and booped him on his nose. Then she pointed and smiled. "She did, sir!"

Behind Ben, a wide and lovely figure filled the doorway. If Ben were a "giant" then this pretty-eyed brunette of about Ben's forty years were in every way a "giantess." Ben held his booped nose and turned toward her as the lady brushed her hand against her blue flowery dress and winked at him.

Spoiler: Misha

This minus the elf ears.

(Image credit: Pinterest )

"Misha!!" he exclaimed

"Hi-hi, Missus Misha!" Bria waved happily.

Misha's voice was like that of an opera singer's. Her every syllable was a delightful sound, charming and attention-getting. "And that is what you get for picking on a dear, sweet little girl! We set that up just for you, Ben! Ha ha! Go on and hug him, Bria dear! Then introduce us! Except for Brendoran there, I don't yet know you!" Then she saw the Felane. "Or whence you have come!"

Bria hugged Ben. Her arms wrapped around him and he picked her up with a father's tenderness. "You little twit!" he laughed. "I would call you a little devil except you are far too angelic to ever earn the title! And Brendoran! Where have you been hiding?"

From the cradle of the blacksmith's arm, Bria giggled and addressed you. "Ben and Misha have been helping out parties like ours since they first opened up shop!"

In a moment of mutual shyness, Powerpaw and Mamapaw hesitated and watched each of you. Meanwhile, Sparkle narrowed her eyes at Ben.

Pyri, the old pseudo-dragon sent privately to Luna, my dragon-sight has revealed something to me. This human, unless I am grossly mistaken, has an innate talent to work magic itself. Just like you! Were he not a smith by trade, I daresay he might have become a great arcanist like your father. Or like this Arubellum fellow.

Bria waved to Luna, Nivirea, and Oreleth. "Come on and introduce yourselves!"

"And while you are at it," Ben the legendary smithy grinned, his eyes brimming with challenge, "tell me - each of you give answer any way you like - what have you done for the people of Highwind? I don't give a bugbear's bum about who you think you know - only deeds are worth anything to me!"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks at this man with an appraising eye. "Good sir, I am Luna Callen, of Sommerset, and on behalf of my family, I give you greetings. I have never been to Highwind before, so have had little opportunity to do something for the people here. I have, however, joined with these good folk in an effort that will stop the war and save thousands of lives. We are preparing to stop the evil Loviatar from her plans against the God Tapio, cleanse his temple of her taint, and restore Him back to the lands from which he came. Also, as we have been an adventuring party together, we have been instrumental in freeing the man known as Glider from imprisonment by the Monks of Wee Jas, freed my good friend Powerpaw from being held in the menagerie of the foul trader known as Bilal the Rich, and reunited him with his mother, another good friend of mine and a druid of Mielikki. If that is not sufficient good deeds for you, I hazard a guess at what might be!"

Spoiler

0 - Light, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic
1 - Shield x2, Burning Hands, Floating Disk, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile x2
2 - Protection From Arrows x2, Blur x2, Web, Scorching Ray
3 - Haste, Fireball, Fly, Lightning Bolt
4 - Ball Lightning x2, Empowered Scorching Ray x2, Remove Curse
5 - Cone of Cold, Empowered Fireball, Empowered Lightning Bolt

Force Missile x9, Extended Mage Armor II in effect, duration of 20 hours
Wall of Energy for 10 rounds

Hit Points: 50

Armor Class: 24
Action Points: 10

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +15

 

[Psychie]

"I am Oreleth Soumral, a devotee of Solonor Thelandira. I am not sure what I could possibly say to you that would be of suitable worth to you, other than the efforts I have gone through in rescuing members of my kidnapped family from slavery. As I have traveled across this land, I have tried to leave my trail a better place than it was when I walked it, and doing so, I have not performed any grand deeds, but many small ones instead. I have joined Brendoran and these others in an effort to stop the war that Ms. Callen mentioned, and I hope to be able to ply my bow successfully in this deed."

Spoiler

0 - Ray of Frost, Flare, Light, Mage Hand
1 - Shield, Shocking Grasp, Burning Hands

Hit Points: 61
Action Points: 9

Armor Class: 24
CMD: 26
Fort Save: +8
Reflex Save: +9
Will Save: +4 (+9 vs Fear)
Perception: +13

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks over at the elf and muses, "I once heard a trio of monks talking about all the souls that they had saved by converting them to the worship of their god. One claimed to have saved hundreds, while the second could only brag about the dozens that he had converted. When the two braggarts asked the third cleric about how many he had saved, he replied in a quiet voice, 'One.' I guess what I'm trying to say is, do not undervalue the good that a bunch of small deeds can bring. It may be that you have touched more lives in your travels than I have in mine."

Spoiler

0 - Light, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic
1 - Shield x2, Burning Hands, Floating Disk, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile x2
2 - Protection From Arrows x2, Blur x2, Web, Scorching Ray
3 - Haste, Fireball, Fly, Lightning Bolt
4 - Ball Lightning x2, Empowered Scorching Ray x2, Remove Curse
5 - Cone of Cold, Empowered Fireball, Empowered Lightning Bolt

Force Missile x9, Extended Mage Armor II in effect, duration of 20 hours
Wall of Energy for 10 rounds

Hit Points: 50

Armor Class: 24
Action Points: 10

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +15

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

The young sorceress had been unusually quiet on the way to Ben & Misha's. She talked with no one, keeping to her own thoughts while absorbing what went on around her. Having finally arrived at the smithy, she did not seem eager to break her quiet streak. It took Bria's invitation to get her to come forward, and even then she waited until after Luna and Oreleth had made their introductions.

And even then, she didn't make much of an appearance. "I am Nivirea, also of Summerset," she said, timidly bowing her head. "Your friend Bren was kind enough to have me on his team." She stopped at that, sensing that Luna's blunt recap was about to steal all the spotlight anyway.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

"Oh, she's punished me for entire decades now.. She gave me you for a brother!"

It was a good thing Bren wasn't drinking any of the coffee the wizards had shared, or it would have been spit out of his mouth as his brain told him what he was hearing. He hadn't yet known Ben had a brother, much less that Arubellum was he!

"By the Sacred Forge, is that the Killaneson? What a jest! What good are fighter/rangers that set off to retire in some flat city where only the horses are good company?" He grinned at Brendoran, his expression daring the newly-blessed paladin to retort.

Bren grinned back. "What good, indeed? That's why I came out of retirement."

And Brendoran! Where have you been hiding?"

"In my flat city, of course!" Bren laughed and came forward, offering the big smith a hand to clasp in friendship. "But as you say, I can do much better good here, and so I've returned." His smile grew warmer, more humble, and more serious as he continued, "And dedicated myself wholly to Mielikki as her paladin."

He turned and indicated the others with a general wave of his hand. "This is my new party, the Wayward Wanderers, whom I met on the road or in the woods along the way, but for Oreleth. Mielikki brought her to us at Earthhome soon after our arrival -- and hers, I believe -- in Highwind."

 

[Purr]

Ben listened to all of you. Then he leaned forward. "I'm not looking for just good deeds! Anyone can do those. I'm looking for people who have done good deeds for the people of Highwind! You say you've helped out some people along your road? Good for you!" With his free hand, he gave your team hearty nod and a big thumbs up.

"But that alone won't help my countrymen when those giants and ogres come knocking on our walls again! What is a proud smithy to do with promises? I want people who have helped stem the tide of our young people coming back home headed for the healing grounds, or worse, to our growing cemeteries! I want heroes that have helped our needy communities! You hear me? Those are the people that get the best Highwind has to offer!"

Ben proudly regarded Brendoran and Bria. "Allow me to brag on two examples! Now, these two have done more than their fair share! Did Brendoran the Brave here ever tell you about the time he and his team whooped the only known undead dragon in all of Averlund? What was his name again? Aye! Gaunth the Dracolich! Bigger than a giant and ten times as deadly! Now that bony beast's name is 'mud!'

"Or how about little miss Bria here?" He turned her around in his arm and looked her in the eye. "How many coins - big coins mind you! - have you selflessly handed over to Highwind's orphanage? How many people loyal to Highwind have you healed with those little fingers and big heart of yours, huh?"

Bria could only beam at Ben's words and blush.

"Or hey! How about the time the both of you risked life, limb, and the chance of old age in pursuit of our Oscar? Ol' Oscar... bless his soul." Ben solemnly dropped his head and placed his hand over his heart. "Smart enough to solve all of our problems, yet fool enough to run off to some thrice-damned Cratian ruin all by himself! Why, if it weren't for adventurers like Bren and Bria, Oscar would have died even sooner than last week! I still miss that starry-eyed sage and his crazy ideas..."

While Ben went on and on, a certain red panda made strange faces while listening to his tale. Then Oscar of Highwind dropped to all fours, dismounted Arubellum's cart, and made the walk over to Ben's booted feet, each of which seemed larger than Oscar was. Once there, Oscar rested on his hindquarters and raised a claw.

"My pardon, Ben," said the red panda in Oscar's deep, articulate voice, "...but you need not miss me any longer. For I have been reincarnated by Bria and walk the world again, safe from Death's embrace." Immediately after saying this, Oscar put his paws over his ears and clenched his little eyes shut.

Then Ben's jaw dropped like an anvil falling off a cliff.

Spoiler: He looked kind of like this.

Say it with me now! "DURRRR!!" =)

(Image credit: Know Your Meme)

Misha, too, expressed shock and disbelief, but being a lady, she had her hands over her mouth before she even gasped.

In the span of two heartbeats, Ben loomed over Oscar to get a better look at him, he too gasped like a man about to explode, and then he exploded. Almost in Oscar's face.

"GREAT SAINT!! OSCAR?! YOU'RE ALIVE?!"

The wind from Ben's lungs blew Oscar's fur and whiskers backward. Indeed, for a moment, the little brainy fellow looked like a panda in a storm. But his eyes were shut and his triangular ears covered by his paws.

"Yes," Oscar recovered and tried to straighten his fur. Then he added, "These are the Wayward Wanderers, the new party under Count Sarabina's expert leadership. They have not only had a large hand in restoring me to life, but they seem to have omitted their latest heroism in Highwind's favor."

"What?! Heroism in Highwind's favor? Spit it out, man!"

Oscar wiped his face briefly. "It would be best if you would do the opposite, my dear smithy."

"Urp!" Ben covered his mouth with his free hand.

"You see," the diminutive scholar continued, "it was the Wayward Wanderers that stood between your oversized stone golem and the horses it was chasing. It was they that prevented the horses and golems from bringing harm to a score of schoolchildren on field trip down at the sugar-shop on Sweetberry Lane. You know the one."

Ben barked at you aggressively, but not angrily. In fact, his relief was mixed with joy. "What?!" he shrieked. "Well, in the name of the Odinson, why in the blazes didn't you all just say so?!"

"As I stated," Oscar replied. "It was an omission." Oscar turned to the Wayward Wanderers with a proud grin and upraised chin on his furry features. "You are indeed worthy of Ben and Misha's business and are so by your own actions. Am I correct, sir smithy?"

Ben grinned ferociously. "You saved some of Highwind's youth from going under a mad stampede of horses and stone golem? By Mielikki's golden hair, you're damned right welcome in our shoppe!"

Powerpaw and Mamapaw grinned brightly in surprise at this turn of events. Powerpaw bounced on his toes, shaking his armor. "Oh boy, oh boy! I tink he likes us, Mom!"

"Praise Bast and Mielikki! I had my doubts!" Mamapaw looked back to her son.

Bria, now easily perched on Ben's shoulder and supported by one of his hands, clapped gaily. "Hooray! Any more excitement and I'm going to fall over!" Ben double-checked his support of the peaceful healer.

Sparkle curled up for a nap on Luna's shoulder. The aged dragoness had had her fill of surprises for the morning. She sighed with a reptilian smile. "I simply cannot believe we failed to mention our daring rescue of Highwindian children to him in the first place... Did we leave our brains in the Adventurers' Wagon?"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna looks at her dear friend Sparkle, and smiles. "I may be a very smart wizard, but there are times that I am not very wise. It would seem that this is one of those times." She turns her attention back to Ben. "Please forgive my mental failings. If it were not for my friends, I don't know where I would end up. I look forward to seeing what wares you have for sale for our effort to stop the war."

Spoiler

0 - Light, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic
1 - Shield x2, Burning Hands, Floating Disk, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile x2
2 - Protection From Arrows x2, Blur x2, Web, Scorching Ray
3 - Haste, Fireball, Fly, Lightning Bolt
4 - Ball Lightning x2, Empowered Scorching Ray x2, Remove Curse
5 - Cone of Cold, Empowered Fireball, Empowered Lightning Bolt

Force Missile x9 (1d4+5 each), Extended Mage Armor II in effect, duration of 20 hours
Wall of Energy for 10 rounds

Hit Points: 50

Armor Class: 24
Action Points: 10

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +15

 

[Psychie]

Oreleth shrugs. "I didn't mention it because it wasn't like it was anything that a good person wouldn't have done. Or, at least, I would hope that saving the lives of innocent children would be a task that a good person would take upon themselves. As I said, I try to leave the world I pass through a better place than when I found it."

Spoiler

0 - Ray of Frost, Flare, Light, Mage Hand
1 - Shield, Shocking Grasp, Burning Hands
Force Missile x5 (1d4+1 damage)

Hit Points: 61
Action Points: 9

Armor Class: 24
CMD: 26
Fort Save: +8
Reflex Save: +9
Will Save: +4 (+9 vs Fear)
Perception: +13

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren covered his face with one hand, smiling and shaking his head. Why hadn't any of them thought of that? Himself included! He let his hand fall and smiled at Oreleth. "Any good person would want to, certainly, but it takes a certain kind of person to actually do it, and place themselves between oncoming stone golems and stampeding horses, and small children in the middle of the road. I believe most of Highwind's folk are goodhearted, but most of them were too busy trying to get themselves and their own people out of the way, or just too afraid they wouldn't stand a chance against either horses or golem. And they'd be right, probably."

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Meanwhile, in one of the seedier parts of Highwind

Otiorin Taletreader

Otiorin strolled out of a gambling den so downmarket it didn’t even grace it’s doorway with a sign, a cheerful swagger in his step. His magically-improved physique was now clad in a fine forest-green silk shirt, grey linen trews and a sleeveless doeskin jerkin. A blue felt hat with an extravagant multi-coloured feather cockade sat at a jaunty angle on his head and a herbal cigar in the corner of his mouth wreathed his head in fruity clouds of smoke.

A blissful hour or so in a delightful sauna, followed by the thrills and spills of a few hands of Dead Man’s Draw. That was a way to spend a day in a city like Highwind!

And it wasn’t as if he’d wasted the day. He’d sniffed out the local Elven contingent living in Highwind and, with some gentle questioning (and a fair amount of disavowing any alliance with less-reputable Half-Elven malefactors), he had located a carpenter who specialised in religious icons. He had commissioned and paid for a portable shrine dedicated to Corellon Larethian. The lithe and lissome Wood Elf free-drew an early concept which would have made a human artist weep with its artistic perfection. Otiorin agreed the design, offered payment from his share of the Wanderers’ spoils and gave information about where and to whom it was to be delivered.

His good deed for the day accomplished, he sauntered back in the direction of the temple and the last place he’d seen the Wagon and his comrades.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna glances up the street and smiles as she sees the familiar saunter of Otiorin coming down the road towards them. "Hey there!" She steps out and waves, hoping to get his attention. "Otiorin! Over here! We've been waiting for you!"

Spoiler

0 - Light, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic
1 - Shield x2, Burning Hands, Floating Disk, Unseen Servant, Magic Missile x2
2 - Protection From Arrows x2, Blur x2, Web, Scorching Ray
3 - Haste, Fireball, Fly, Lightning Bolt
4 - Ball Lightning x2, Empowered Scorching Ray x2, Remove Curse
5 - Cone of Cold, Empowered Fireball, Empowered Lightning Bolt

Force Missile x9 (1d4+5 each), Extended Mage Armor II in effect, duration of 20 hours
Wall of Energy for 10 rounds

Hit Points: 50

Armor Class: 24
Action Points: 10

Initiative Bonus: 2
Fortitude Save: +6
Reflex Save: +7
Will Save: +15

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin Taletreader

At the sudden sound of his name being called, Otiorin looked around, curiosity warring with anticipation to flee in his stance. At the sight of Luna and the other Wanderers, he visibly relaxed, waved and strolled over. He slowed as he saw the strange companions with them as he realised they were not just bystanders in this metropolitan city and glanced at his allies, an unspoken question in his eyes.
“Hallo all!”, he laughed, gently squeezing Bria’s shoulder affectionately, “Highwind is what I call a city!”

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

"Oh. 'Tis you," Nivirea observed Otiorin's arrival with a severe lack of enthusiasm. Brushing non-existent dust off her shoulders, she added: "Were you absent? I hadn't noticed."

 

[Psychie]

Oreleth turns to look at the new arrival, and raises an eyebrow at the appearance of a half-elf! She thinks that she does a good job in keeping her composure, especially doing a good job in controlling her face, but anyone that knows her would be able to tell that she is very surprised. Judging by the reactions of everyone here, he is a good friend.

Standing quietly, she waits for someone to introduce her to this new fellow.

Spoiler

0 - Ray of Frost, Flare, Light, Mage Hand
1 - Shield, Shocking Grasp, Burning Hands
Force Missile x5 (1d4+1 damage)

Hit Points: 61
Action Points: 9

Armor Class: 24
CMD: 26
Fort Save: +8
Reflex Save: +9
Will Save: +4 (+9 vs Fear)
Perception: +13

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren followed Luna's gaze and also waved the half-elf over with a warm smile. "Otiorin! You're here just in time for introductions. First, this is Oreleth, who will be joining our party." He nodded to the elven archer among them, then indicated the three very large humans the party had been speaking to. "This is Ben and his wife Misha, who run the shop here, and Ben's brother, the geomancer Arubellum."

He turned to Ben, Misha, and Arubellum, and explained, "This is Otiorin, another member of our party, and one who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me to save Bria from a particularly nasty fate on the way here."

Smiling at Otiorin, he asked, "How has your morning gone, my friend? All well, I hope?"