Fantasy Into the Wastes

[Cashdash25]

19th Bell, 17th of Summer's Height, 17,853 Elven Calendar.





The hustle and bustle of the Red Mane's common room filled the warm night air, as one of the only safe places to sleep along the road west of Dwarven territory the Red Mane Inn was always busy. Thankfully, the Innkeeper was a discerning sort, and kept a special room in the back for his more discreet customers. It was in this room that sat a slender Elven woman, Elena M'lan disinterestedly observed the others who had been brought to the table as she sipped her wine. A determined looking Dwarf sat opposite her, occasionally glancing hatefully across the table. A Human warrior who looked like he hadn't slept well in some time sat to her left, and next to him sat another Elf barely out of his adolescence by the looks of him. Next to the Dwarf sat a roguish Human, easily keeping up with the Dwarf in pints downed. None of these particularly interested her, they were mercenaries the same as her, and none with her skills or standing, however, the trio that sat to her right piqued some interest, they were different, foreigners and nobility at that. The three spoke quietly amongst themselves, in a language she didn't recognize. "Why are we here?" She asked herself.


"Because I want to be." The voice replied.


"As you wish." She accepted as she finished off the wine, signaling the server for another glass as she boredly tapped the table with an armored finger, their employer was late, nearly half a bell had passed since they were supposed to meet him here. Normally she would have left by now, but he had already paid half, and if he said to wait she was going to wait.


"Here you are M'lady." The serving wench said meekly as she filled her glass, "Anything else for you tonight?"


"No." She replied curtly.


"As you wish M'lady." The girl said as she backed away.


Finally, after nearly a quarter a candlemark their employer arrived. Hurrying to the table in a manner that more than betrayed his urgency. "My apologies for the delay." He said, "I am pleased to see you all are still here despite my tardiness." The Elf that stood before them was dressed for the weather, with a light riding cloak covering a thin suit of padded leather, an arming sword hung at his hip and a silver ring inscribed in Almani script sat upon his right hand. "As you all know I am in need of a group of escorts to defend me on an expedition into The Wastes, as is customary for a job of this level of danger you have all been paid half upfront, the other half will be paid to you upon completion of the expedition, failing that your remaining payment will be forwarded to the benefactor of your choice. The destination of our journey is the ruined Human city of Cas Tura, in the former Kingdom of Micara, approximately a Fortnight's ride into The Wastes. I have already secured supplies, horses and tack, and you all may call me Adin. If you have any questions now is the time to ask them."

 

[A Skull on the Shelf]

Mors leaned back in his seat, his left hand supporting his bow and his right resting near his quiver. He made sure to keep every other person in the room within his peripherals at all times; he didn’t expect any would be daft enough to draw a weapon, but Mors had always taken precaution where none was necessary.


Of all those gathered, only the Dwarf and the group of three that were constantly talking amongst themselves in a language he did not recognize gave him any concern. Mors had interacted with few Dwarves in his time, and it had never been a pleasant experience—when they weren’t spewing racial slurs, they were boasting about their race and its many accomplishments.


Mors could only guess at who the group of three were. All three appeared Human, but all had vastly different features, as if they all came from different parts of the world. He remembered hearing talk of a Religion that had united a great deal of tribes from many different lands; perhaps these three were a part of this Religion.


When their employer finally arrived, Mors righted his position and paid careful attention to each word he said. If he was to protect this Elf, Mors would need to know if he was worthy of trust and would remain true to his word after arriving so late. Thankfully, he seemed rather straightforward, something that Mors could appreciate. When their employer, who called himself Adin, asked for questions, Mors glanced about the room to see if any of the other mercenaries moved to speak. Seeing that none took the initiative, Mors slowly stood, exaggerating his movements to draw attention.


“Mors, at your service,” he introduced himself, nodding slightly and glancing about the room before locking eyes with Adin. “Once we’ve reached Cas Tura, what is it that you plan to do? I certainly hope you aren’t journeying into such treacherous lands simply to see the city with your own eyes.”

 

[Cashdash25]

"Well Mr Mors," Adin said, "I'm sorry to inform you that you are correct, I certainly do not intend to simply drag a half-dozen mercenaries into that wasteland solely as a means to see what's left of a city destoryed before my Grandfather was born." He paused to consider his words, "I, shall we say, represent certain parties, these parties have reason to believe that something unusual is going on at Cas Tura, I am merely being sent to make confirmation. If all goes well you'll be back here safe and significantly richer than when you left by this time next month."

 

[Klimino Zepehphor]

Tort grunted, making his annoyance clear to everyone, as they waited for their employer to arrive, making sure to keep an eye on the bitch of an elf across from him,as he took another swig of rum.


He had worked with elves before, tried his damnedest not to work with or for them, but he made exceptions. None were as important as this one, mind them, but that hardly mattered now. If he got lucky he would get to watch the sodding pointy eared girl coughing up her own blood soon enough, he needed something to look forward to he supposed.


Finally, their employer entered, another pointy eared fucking elf, but he didn't exactly have a long list of people willing to give him company into the most treacherous lands known to the races, let alone those willing to pay HIM to do it instead of the other way around.


As Adin as their employer said to call him, rambled on about the specifics, Tort held out his hand, the serving wench slapping another cup into his hands, by now understanding how things went down. He never let his eyes wander from Adin, keeping him in a rough stare down as he absorbed all the information.


He was an odd elf, this Adin fellow, not as lip locked as the bitch, but not to much better. Elves were always like that, uptight with a stick in their ass, bitching and moaning if they dont get their way like the hundred year old children most of them were.


Suddenly Mors, if he remembered the humans name, stood up in a stupidly exaggerated manner, and asked a question with an obvious answer. Tort grumbled and rolled his eyes a bit as Adin gave his reply, gulping down another swig of his drink. Lord knew there wasn't enough strong ale outside the dwarven republics to make dealing with some folk any less painful.


“Dont bullshit us Adin lad, this is the wastes were wandering into, where drakebloods be only the tip of our worries. Nothin you could be investigating in that damned place could be anything but life threatening, meaning were headed right for the worst of the thicket.”


finishing off his drink real quick, he slammed the cup down, giving out a hearty laugh before continuing


“Your damned eleven 'parties' probly already think they know whats goin on, but leave it to elves to keep up the formalities. Hah! Well when we leaving for this sorry bit o rubble? No point waitin around, nothing you can say will make this any less suicidal an expedition.”

 

[Cashdash25]

"We shall leave as soon as everyone is prepared Mister Dwarf." Adin said, addressing Tort.

 

[admiral9]

Elena crossed her legs while absentmindedly listening to the conversation taking place, it wasn’t out of a particular interest as to why she was going there, nor did she care to any extent about the name of the insignificant human that started said conversation, contrary to this her eyes were instead watching the peculiar ones, the three humans, all dressed in a noticeably different manner, it appeared that the one in the center was the one holding the authority, who knew, he might be her target one day depending on how things went.


Having already memorized where the red wine she had chosen as her beverage was located she moved it towards her lips and took another sip, she didn’t expect herself to ingest sufficient alcohol to get drunk but she still liked the taste of it.


“More futile speech.” She thought to herself as she listened to the dwarf beginning his ramblings.


“How about you make it interesting then, you might have some fun if you dispatched that dwarf over there?” the voice mused, most likely intending to play on her irritation, but Elena was aware that it was not much more than a provocation, after all she was here for a reason… not that she was aware of what that reason was aside from earning more useless coin.


“Why fear a gaggle of mutants dwarf, should they not be a mere plaything to be dispatched of?” Elena, being in the mood to belittle the already tiny creature mocked him, maybe she felt cooperative today, maybe the alcohol was involved, maybe her boredom just drove her, many maybes, in the end she knew that invariably she once more played into her hand.

 

[Klimino Zepehphor]

Tort leaned forward on the table, looking the Elf bitch in the eyes, anger evident across his face, though she didn't seem interested in looking back.


“scared? Nah, no more then any sane creature should be.” he then spat into her wine and gave her a toothy grin, before leaning back again, though he kept a hand on his hammer, no telling how such a fool hearted lass might react.


“damned bitch like you probly too stupid to know fear.”

 

[Nepty]

Zayan watched the others drink. He had elected not to profane himself with the inebriating liquids. Strong drink was a mocker, and the Second Prophet had advised against its consumption.


Instead, he calmly sipped from a decanter of juice, fresh squeezed from cranberries. It was tart, and cold, but tasted better than the harsh northern ales that seemed to abound in this smokey tavern. Brown eyes roved over the rafters. He'd much rather have a nice bit of canvas over his head. The wood just made him worry it would all fall in on his head, though he knew it for an irrational fear. A voice in Rahidi broke through his thoughts.


Emei-awl-Norathi was speaking. ["The foreigner is here"]


He glanced up and nodded, studying the old man, as he asked for questions. Zayan remained silent, as the dwarf and the elf started something up. Sometimes, silence was the best council a man could ask for.

 

[admiral9]

Temporarily surprised by the boorish reaction the dwarf showed to such a minor insult Elena starting debating whether she should kill the dwarf now or wait for later, while her hand was already resting on her sword, and close to standing up she intervened. "Dear, let us stay calm, you can kill the scoundrel later, in a less public place, just be calm." Elena, not wanting to give her any material decided to leave the dwarf's judgement for a later date


Elena grabbed her halberd, stood up, and properly looked at the dwarf for the first time. "Typical..." was all she said upon which she walked away from the table and went outside to grab some fresh air, the rest shouldn't be too long.

 

[Klimino Zepehphor]

"well ladies, i think the elfs got a point, best we head out sooner then later." he said with a chuckle.

 

[MassProdigy]

Victor had sat alone, eyes simply roaming where he felt they were needed as he sat silently and listened. Elves, Dwarves, and a group of exotic speaking fellow humans. He knew they were nothing like him however, the blonde women she knew was from around the lands he often traveled, but the other two gave away their origins. No doubts they hail from farther south of Acadir. He knew nothing of them though, his father never liked to travel that far south, to hot, to many warring tribes.


The Elves and Dwarves was a similar sight, as he found himself dealing with them one way or another countless times. Whether it be stealing, killing, or simply drinking. Which is how he has spent his evening awaiting this meeting, now that the meeting has arrived; he finds himself sitting quietly, eyeing the strangers in this room. Being borderline drunk, Victor waved off the serving lady as the elf named Adin walked in. Business is better tipsy, but worth shit when drunk.


Adin talked to proper, it annoyed Victor automatically but he didn't mind, they tend to have the all he money anyway. Travelling into the waste as well unnerved him, he always made a point to avoid it and anything coming out of it. But considering the amount of gold in his pocket from the upfront payment, he knew that it would be worth it this time.


Ignoring the feud that erupted out of no where between the Elf and the Dwarf, simply branding it as a Dwarf's drunkin' babble, Victor remained focus on Adin.


"I trust I have the right to Loot," Victor insisted, a small grin taking form on his face.

 

[Cashdash25]

Adin ignored the spat between the Elf and Dwarf and turned to the Human, "Why of course, I'm quite certain you will have ample opportunity to take gold or jewels from any Drakebloods we come across. And Cas Tura may well have valuables of its own to uncover. How you all divide these spoils is up to you." He paused to glance around the table, "If there is nothing else then I suggest we be off, it is a considerable distance to our destination and we will have few safe places to rest along the way." Following a series of mummered affirmations Adin turned and led the group out through the common room, leaving a small purse of coins on the table as payment.


They found Elena in the Inn's stables, tending to an impressively large warhorse. After a few minutes of preparation the party was mounted and ready, setting out from the Red Mane's protective palisade and onto the hard worn road, heading Eastwards towards Dwarven lands.

 

[MassProdigy]

Victor owned a simple horse, one made for travelling and day time riding. It was a strong and reliable horse that was most likely taken from a Merchants cart. He trotted along side Adin, finding himself curious about their coming journey.


"So tell me about this city, Cas Tura, I've heard countless stories of the many ruined cities that dot the wastes," Victor said, sobering up only slightly as they rode on.


Victor loved to learn about the land he traveled, which was part of the reasons he had left his clan in the first place. Is was hard to learn about a land and it's people if you kill everyone and burn everything.

 

[Cashdash25]

"Cas Tura?" Adin replied without taking his eyes from the road ahead, "It was the largest city in the Kingdom of Micara, possibly in all of Acadir in fact. Acted as a trade hub between Acadir and Cas Thol. The Cas Tholian republics besieged and destroyed it during the Demon War. Beyond that you'd have to ask a historian."

 

[MassProdigy]

"And you're not? You seem like one of them Scholars with their books and endless knowledge," Victor commented with a slight chuckle. Although he kept his eyes on the Elf, Victor has been employed by many elves during his days as a sell sword. He must say that they tend to only tell the grunts what they want them to know, and often times it has led to Victor being cheated and an elf being gutted. So he remained skeptical of this elf, until he has the information he needs to put himself at ease that is.

 

[Cashdash25]

"A scholar I may be but a historian I am not." Adin replied. "I'm an astralogist by profession, I study the Astral realm and its inhabitants, as well as their effects upon our realm. I was, erm, selected, for this expedition due to my research background rather than any knowledge of the region."

 

[Naps]

The entire situation had left Brahiel in a desensitized state. Having waited alongside the others he soon lost himself in his own thoughts. He went through all the motions of being alive but the boredom was killing him. After their employer arrived he had been jolted out of his stupor only to be thrust back in by the squabble of the dwarf and fellow elf. Nothing even held the hint of excitement and in time the group had already mounted and began their journey.


Brahiel rode near the middle a distance behind Adin and another mercenary. Listening to their conversation he was slowly intrigued by the mention of astral. Not wanting to rush his sudden interest, he listened on hoping to hear more.

 

[A Skull on the Shelf]

Mors, having no horse of his own—mostly due the belief that the creatures were only useful to him when needing to travel large distances quickly—used one of the horses Adin had provided, making sure he remained close to the center of their group, where his bow would be most useful. He didn’t particularly trust any of the other hired bodies, but believed they wouldn’t lash out in favor of earning the large sum at the end of this journey.


His interest was piqued when their employer mentioned the Astral Plane; were they headed into the wastes to find something of otherworldly origin? As curious as he was, Mors held his tongue, instead staying back and listening; after all, he might not like the answer the elf might supply them with. Better not to know what they were looking for and continue on. After all, nothing awaited Mors outside of the wastes but angry Bandits and bloodthirsty Bounty Hunters, and he wasn't too keen on meeting them.

 

[MassProdigy]

"Would this be your first time travelling into the Wastes? I hear only relic hunters and the idiotic only travel into the lands which we're headed," Victor asked, knowing exactly which category he sat in. Adin seemed like a decent fellow, someone he'd probably rob if he was out for a stroll late night, but he didn't seem dangerous.

 

[Cashdash25]

"First and last if we're lucky." Adin said, "First and last if we're unlucky too. Many people have tried to reach the ruined cities in the past, I know of only one man who survived the trip back. Even the Drakebloods won't venture more than a few days ride into the region."

 

[MassProdigy]

"Well, if we make it back from this trip with some new found wealth, we should share a few drinks on me, eh?"

 

[Cashdash25]

"In the highly unlikely event that we both survive this expedition I will likely be much too busy to spend time carousing, though the offer is appreciated." Adin paused, examining their surroundings. "If it's all the same to the rest of you, I would prefer we pick up the pace, we're nearing the Blackmarsh crossing and we're likely to find trouble on the other side of the river."

 

[Klimino Zepehphor]

Tort had rode in silence listening less then more to the conversation of his fellow mercenaries, never one for riding upon horses, what with dwarves needing special saddles for it to even be possible.


He grumbled as his thoughts slipped for a moment to his brothers. Damn idiots owed him an explanation he so craved, but the likelihood of him even finding evidence of their death was now unlikely, a thought that soured even the finest wine he had come to realize.


He had never thought of life as fair, but the cruel wickedness he had learned it held in its depths as he traveled was....amusing, in a way he couldn't describe. Honorable or wicked, born a dwarf or born less fortunate, life wouldn't pull its punches.


He snapped out of his deepening thoughts as Adin mentioned the blackmarsh. Gritting his teeth, he made sure his crossbow was loaded. Plenty of places were dangerous, and the blackmarshes weren't considered one of the tamer places to venture, though his time as a merc had taught him any place could be dangerous if you behaved in just the right way....

 

[Nepty]

“So what created this misbegotton hellhole?” asked Zayan, looking around. “This much water just lying around poisoned seems to be a waste.”


His companions, it seemed, had various opinions. Emma’s people believed that Felsung, the Ocean-Serpent that coils the world according to Norathi myth, breathed on this land and left it damp, and full of poisonous, evil things. Tarik instead proffered that the land had once been a huge lake, but the deep ponds of Blackmarsh, that no one had ever swum the depths of, had formed five hundred years ago and drained them of water, leaving only the relics of some mythical beastly race that had lived under the waters. To support his theory, he pointed to the odd stone obelisks that lay half-sunken in the marshy ground to either side of the raised road. The group periodically spotted them once every few miles.


Zayan brushed a low-hanging branch, dripping with curtains of moss out of his way. This land was far too closed in for his liking.

 

[MassProdigy]

Victor continued on with the group, eyeing the marshy waters that gave off a stench that made his want to fall off.


"I'll say shit and rotten corpses, those that travel this shit pile ends tend to end up beneath murky waters one way or another," Victor insisted, once ambushing a group of travelers once travelling through a marsh himself.