Finding Help in Cold Places (Moderated/Open)

[Creeper]

Timestamp: Spring 17, 512 AV Time: Morning Location: City Gates Espehtris was so exhausted, her wings wounded. She worried that she'd never be able to fly again. She was being carried by her companion. He stood quite tall, his fur a a deep brown color from the nearby weather, which was clearly in a dismal situation. His name was Worthk, and he was limping along, being supported by a rough crutch. He hoped the return trip would be much less lethal. Their party had been the largest sent out, totally at eight, and all that was left were the two of them. The Storm had really stirred up the wilderness, he could feel it in his bones, and see it everywhere. He looked down at his Akvatari companion as they passed through piles of rubble, where the gates used to stand. "It appears we've arrived. Let us hope they are better off than our fair city." They both noticed it to be quite warm here, quite the opposite of their home in the trees. They were approached by a very large, muscular man. "Come travelers, come, we will try to get you some medical help. Don't worry, I'm of the Icewatch." Espehtris began, "Sorry, we will be fine. We are here as emergency envoys from The Spires. Can you relay a message to those in charge? The Spires is seeking assistance in the way of fighters, hunters, anybody you can spare in these trying times. Our city has been assaulted, and we are in need of those to help reclaim it. We will be able to reward any who can help, and hope this to improve relations between our fair cities." The Icewatch man looked surprised at the information, nodded, and made his way into the city. It would not take long for the message to get around to the citizens of the city. To those wishing to join, they would be greeted by Espehtris, "Hello there. Our city is in a state of emergency and we need any who can help in any way. We will be able to reward any and all who help, and everything will be provided at the Base Camp. Further instructions will be received there. We will be leaving on the 20th. May Caiyha be with you." OOCThis is open to anyone who would like to return to The Spires. There will be plenty of rewards to be had, as well as dangers and excitement. The traveling group will arrive in a camp near The Spires on the 38th. If you want in, just have yourself accepted by the group, then I will do a final post in this thread. We will pick up individual plots upon arrival in The Spires.

[Lixue]

Spring Day 18 512 AV Word spread quickly. A place, called The Spires, was in desperate need of volunteers. The storm which had ripped through on the anniversary of a new year, had devastated them in more than one way. Someone whispered something about fog, another about Jamourians going insane and wild. Upon further questioning, it seemed Jamoura were large, hairy beasts who lived a long time and remembered everything. Intelligent and unforgiving, another person mentioned. They lived in a secret city; sharing space with the trees and wilderness. Apparently, the place had more forest than Avanthal and was, now, way cooler than Avanthal. The elders, many of whom had heard, or met, the Jamoura used their storytelling skills to the best of their ability and entertained enraptured listeners. Lixue was unsure. Giant, hairy beasts having a secret city? She had never even heard of such a place, much less the species who lived there and called it their home. It seemed the details were misplaced and whispered gossip, but the proof was in Avanthal. Two survivors had landed in Morwen's city and pleaded for any volunteers Avanthal could offer. Individuals with the necessary skills, and some without, flocked to help. Others hung back, cautious of many things. Mainly of how dangerous the trip would be. After all, one of the party was using a crutch to walk and the other was wounded. Rumors circulated of more than half the original group being lost. Others were worried over leaving their families in such a chaotic time. The city was still being rebuilt and was more dangerous, along with warmer, than ever! Children had lost siblings, parents, and relatives. Holds lost complete families. The citizens had gathered together, wanting to help. The strange twist of emotions in everyone had different effects: some were better off elsewhere, others were useful. Lixue was thankfully one of the latter. Levelheaded and logical, she was a competent healer. Coupled with the need to help and she soon reached the decision of speaking to one of the recruiters. If Lixue could help in some way, any way, she would. The family was acting strange, so Lixue asked only her father, Lonis, and Ly, her best friend. Both had supported the decision full-heartedly, but wanted her to be safe. Ly volunteered to go with her. His reasoning? To make sure she did not get herself killed. Lixue's reasoning for accepting? Who else was going to lug around her stuff? Both knew the offer and decision revolved around the Chevas marks on their necks. With the approval in mind, Lixue sought out the recruiters. The person she found was strange. She had wings and a… tail? Lixue could not even imagine such a thing! Knowing it was more polite to not stare, Lixue met the woman's eyes instead. "I and my friend, who is not currently here, wish to volunteer our services to aid your city." Readjusting her cane, she continued, "I will not allow my leg to slow me down in the journey. To help you, I am able to heal well." The Akvatari, Espehtris, responded, "Hello there. Our city is in a state of emergency and we need any who can help in any way. We will be able to reward any and all who help, and everything will be provided at the Base Camp. Further instructions will be received there. We will be leaving on the 20th. May Caiyha be with you." Only ticks later, Lixue was out of sight. The 20th? She and Ly would be there.

[Banir Ironwood]

Friends fractured into two differing groups, only a Pycon, maybe a Kelvic to keep him company. No work, sitting in a ruined city, chances where there would be no way to getting to Mura. Money trickles away quickly without a job. The rage that burned in his eyes kept imprisoned by the smiling mood was driving him nuts. The promise of reward would drive him, if only to eat for another day. As soon as these whispers of might for money came to his ears, he grew eager.

Not unsympathetic to those of Avanthal he knew barely a soul here, someone of battle was not needed here. Someone like him would only get in the way, why get in the way here when he could help elsewhere? Hell help and get paid for it, not that was worth it. So long as no lives where lost unnecessarily, things would be fine. And this work never said anything about killing anyone, this could very well be worth the trip. If enough fighters go then they'd be perfectly safe too. Besides, he knew of the Jamoura, even seen one run before. With some knowledge of them, even if it was only small observations, was better than being in the dark.

Only thing to do that needed to be done was say goodbyes, gather what was needed. And leave with whoever he could drag with him. His Pycon friend would definitely be of help to him. And the Kelvic, well, at least he'd never go hungry. But each brought risk, he'd need to protect both, keep them safe. If the rumors running around about mad and wild Jamoura where true. The job would turn into double the work. But perhaps worth it, they could all do with seeing the world, and all three where fine in the cold. Perhaps this would work well.

Well shyke might as well. Money was needed, skills could be of use, and maybe he could make a few new friends. Learn something new. It was better than sitting around with nothing to do but drag bodies and lift stone. This at least got him closer to seeing the world.

From the words being passed around, the twentieth was the departure. He'd be waiting at the crack of dawn for them.

[Creeper]

Spring 20th, Sunrise Espehtris had been fixed up well enough by those of the Whitevine that she could fly once more. Worthk was able to walk well enough for the journey back. They were both sorely disappointed in the help that could be sent. They had only managed to get a crippled medic, her song and dance husband, and a scarred up monstrosity of a mercenary. They hoped the other cities were much helpful. But it was understandable, Avanthal was absolutely devastated, many of their buildings demolished or crumbling. But beggars can't be choosers, and they needed every hand they could get. They were given the only horses that could be spared. Esphehtris would fly, while Worthk was given a muskox to support his weight. Ly and Lixue were given a horse to share since her leg would be trouble by herself. Banir was given a particularly grumpy horse that Worthk suspected the handlers just wanted to get rid of. Her green wings shown in the early light of Syna, "We will be departing for The Spires today. This journey will be long, and we can't waste time, they need us immediately. I pray we all fair better than the trip here, and thank you all for coming to our aid in this time of need. Let us depart now, to the hidden city, come now heroes, and ride true." Spring 38th, Midday The group arrived at Base Camp not as tired as they had expected to be. The journey was significantly easier than the trip before, running into only mild hiccups. Most of the riders were sore, Lixue and her leg especially, but it would pass after a good night's rest. Being from Taldera, they were all used to seeing things large, but the forests in the south were still jawdropping. It was no wonder that the city could be hidden in the trees, some took ten chimes to walk around! A man with a smile like a wolf approached the arrivals, his eyes pained as he saw the diminished size of the group. "So few... Does this mean my brother..?" Espehtris nodded, "Oh... Well at least some of you made it back, with help I see. Marn is gone now, and the situation is dire at best." He turned toward the group, sizing them up. "You may be few in number, but I know that just by making it here, you are worth your weight, and much more, in gold. I commend you for coming to our call. A few things of importance. For every bell you spend within any fog, most prevalent is that within The Spires proper, you must spend two bells outside of it. The effects of the fog are magical, and will change you if you do not wean yourself off of it. Also, many of you are here to capture the citizens within the city so we can get them out of the fog. We want them alive. Assume every animal is a Kelvic, so do not hunt for food in the mist. We have several guides that will show you the layout of the city and assist you if necessary. If you have any questions, or need anything, ask one of the Hahk'Shatara members around, recognizable by the large, carved staves they carry. Go rest in the Longhouse, grab a meal in the Mess Hall, tomorrow, you work."

[Creeper]

Lixue

 

Experience Award

Leadership: 1

 

Lore Award

Mission: Save The Spires

 

Spoils

Banir Ironwood

 

Experience Award

 

Lore Award

Mission: Save The Spires

 

Spoils

Notes for both: Obviously not a lot to give, just closing out the thread. I liked how Lixue stepped up, and how Banir remembered to bring his friends, even if one was for eating. Thanks for answering the call of The Spires!