RP:Caltarok Seeks Vigilanti Semper

Part of the Dissonance Theory Arc

This is a Warrior's Guild RP.

Lionel :: One of the strangest things about Venturil, Lionel had often thought, was that it rained more frequently than its dry, arid climate suggested. The heat following the rain seemed to sop up all the moisture, delivering the area its trademark canyons and badlands. But when it rained, it poured. Vigilante Semper's sprawling inner circle -- its outdoors courtyard connecting to each of its four main wings -- was a ghost town this afternoon. The few guards on watch duty remained at their posts beneath stone awnings keeping them from getting soaked, even if full dryness was impossible with the wind carrying rain droplets as it howled. It was no time for a traveler to come to Semper's gates, but the thunderless storm had come so swiftly that anyone who was already well on their way would likely be vexed but continue until they reached the castle. Here at the beating heart of the Warrior's Guild -- more a paramilitary group these days, in truth -- Lionel hoped for further recruits. A war was brewing, as wars often brewed; this one, however, would claim the lives of everyone within Lithrydel if Lionel and his allies faltered.

Caltarok :: Caltarok having heard stories from travelers while hunting in the Frostmaw/Xalious regions about the famous Warrior's guild thought it was a great chance to learn of the sword and perhaps the world. He had spent most his life in seclusion within the Gualon and unnamed desert's region. Only after he came into his magical prowess and could manage a transformation spell did he venture out to see the world. Taking a human form to avoid people from recognizing him as a celestial dragon and taken to hunting with a bow for food rather than his claws for a challenge. Along the way, he began using a short sword for close encounters.

Caltarok's journey through Frostmaw and Xalious was rather uneventful. He traded stories with merchants and would often trade protecting them for the night for some provisions to last the journey. Each night in the quiet of the night he changed between practicing his magic and his swordsmanship focusing more on his sword. He would relive the few battles with creatures and bandits going through the paces to see what he could learn himself without proper teaching. The scabbard stands testament to his battles with the wear it shows having been used to deflect claws and other attacks to create an opportunity for the short sword to cut at his opponents.

It was by these means that Caltarok had finally made it to the western regions of the Xalious mountains. He was journeying to the south towards the city of Venturil not knowing precise directions until a chance meeting with another caravan gave him more precise directions that was three days ago. He thought he gotten the directions wrong when night had came on the third day except he had finally caught sight of the castle just before full dark.

Just before the sun arose seeming to promise another dry, hot day; Caltarok finished the last of his traveling provisions and began breaking camp. He had heard of the notorious storms west of Xalious, but he had not believed the stories of how sudden the storms could come. He had only finished packing and caring for his meager gear when the clouds rolled in and the storm opened up on him. He thought he easily get to the castle just after high noon, but now… no. He be lucky if it was by time they broke for the evening meals. He had no choice but to proceed… not knowing when the storm might break, no food, and knowing that any attempts to hunt in this kind of weather was pointless.

Caltarok with his humble abilities and using the two sprites that he bound to himself creates a small ball of fire for light. The ball provides no warmth against the relentless rain nor is it smothered by it. He had learned this out of necessity in Frostmaw during the blizzards while moving between caves. The light is just strong enough that any sentry posted could see him six leagues away. Using the light, he can see approximately five feet around him enabling him to avoid any pitfalls or mishaps as he makes the arduous journey to the castle. He would arrive by roughly by the twelfth hour from day break to the gate proper by foot.

Lionel :: There was more than enough in the world to be concerned about as-is, Jessie Raspberry knew, without taking special interest in someone glowing in the distance as she stood upon the ramparts in the relentless rain. But Jessie was Jessie, and these things couldn't be helped. "It looks like fey magic or thereabouts. Who do you suppose that is Someone coming all the way to Semper with abilities like that?" The guard beside her -- far more of a warrior than the young archaeologist -- shook his head yet again. "For the third time, Miss Raspberry, I do not know. All we can tell is that they're en route here. Now as I said previously, you needn't be out here with us. You're liable to catch a cold. Head back inside where it's warm, ma'am." Jessie smiled dismissively and jogged down the many steps to the courtyard, where she noticed Lionel standing motionlessly in the rain. "Someone's almost at the castle!" She was as chipper as ever; Lionel was accustomed to it. "Who?" Jessie shrugged. "Someone with fey magic. Or spritely magic. Or sprite-binding? I can't tell. But I'm excited!" She was already headed toward the gate before Lionel could reply; he joined her in the wholly unnecessary sprint and when the two of them reached the woman on-duty at the iron fence permitting entry and exit to Vigilanti Semper, the poor woman was understandably startled. "This about that person out in the distance, sirs? A threat, then?" Lionel shook his head. "We don't know. I doubt it, though. Showing up alone and patently obvious to boot? Not many token bad guys are so dense." Jessie was squinting. "Begging your pardon, milady" the woman guarding the gate said, "but you should be inside. You're liable to catch a cold." Jessie scoffed, though she did at least move underneath the stone arches. "You'd be amazed how often I hear that one." Lionel kept his eyes pinned on the ember light up ahead. Whoever this was, they were almost upon him now.

Caltarok :: Caltarok stops about ten feet from the gate as he finds it is open and people are standing there in the entrance. He takes a moment to steady himself and calls out, "Hail lords and ladies of this keep. If there is room for lodging in this keep? Also, can you tell me if this is the keep, Vigilanti Semper? I hope to seek audience with Lord Lionel." Caltarok pauses briefly to consider his next words to under sell some of his talents. "I am a humble hunter wishing to learn the sword. I have heard from travelers and from a young woman with a small dragon in company that Lord Lionel was seeking able bodies or at least that I may find someone that can teach me. I have meager magical abilities and this spell to conjure light is about all I know."

The spell begins to dissipate finally as if the conjuring had reached its limit finally. When in fact, Slyphrena the wildly sprite that she was had lost interest in assisting Caltarok any longer. They didn't have a formal contract as of yet and she choose when to assist or not. By her leaving, the protective barrier of wind that prevented the rain to reach the heart where the fire, created by the second sprite, Pyra; to become exposed to the elements. In the relentless rain, the fire quickly dies off. All of this occurs within seconds of Caltarok finishing his greeting to the masters of the keep and before the sprites could be fully seen. Begrudgingly, he adds, "In any case, could I get refuge from this rain and maybe partake of the evening meal? I fear I have exhausted what bit of magic I do have."

Lionel ::

Jessie was far less composed than Lionel, and Lionel could seldom be described as composed. The archaeologist hopped up and down excitedly as if she was half her age and then some. "Fantastic! You seem interesting. We'll be fast friends. I'm --" Lionel cut her off, standing in front of her. "Forgive Jessie her obliviousness. You need warmth and food. I'm Lionel," the Imperator said, "though I'm hardly a lord. Don't concern yourself overmuch with formalities here." He winked at the stranger and cocked his head back in the general direction of the relevant wing of this fresh-built fortress. "Carter," he quickly addressed the woman on guard duty, "We're all clear here." The soldier nodded curtly, first at her leader and then again toward Caltarok. Lionel led the way, taking the tired traveler swiftly across a rain-soaked, expansive courtyard and into the welcoming warmth of Vigilanti Semper's very own tavern. Black Bear, a dwarven fellow who had up until recently shared barkeeping with a woman named Old Rimby -- alas for poor Black Bear, Old Rimby had revealed herself to be a ghost, because nothing could ever go entirely as planned in the Warrior's Guild -- stood polishing a glass in the most stereotypical bartending pose Lionel had ever seen. "Well, you look a bit like piss," the old dwarf said. "Come now," Lionel chided, "that's no way to treat a guest." Black Bear snorted. "I was talkin' 'bout you, boss. Your hair's a mess." Suddenly self-conscious, Lionel lifted a hand and felt the sloppy texture of his drenched scalp. Jessie giggled, but at least she made herself useful grabbing a bowl and ladle and pouring Caltarok a heaping helping of raptor stew with a full loaf of baked bread. Black Bear grabbed a pint of ale and between the two of them the newcomer would have a fullness shortly if this foodstuff was of value to him. "Take a seat. We'll get you situated with a room of your own in due time." After stating as such, Lionel sat down across from where he'd gestured for Caltarok to relax. Jessie couldn't help but sit beside Lionel, hands beneath her chin and elbows down on the table, staring curiously. "You want to learn the sword, eh?" The Imperator chuckled. "I suppose we're a good place for that."

Caltarok :: Caltarok follows in silence and nodding to the guard as he passes. As a cartographer and hunter, he scanned around him taking in what features of the place he could despite the weather's attempt to dissuade him from doing so. As they walk, he comments gently for Jessie, "I would like that very much in being your friend. Though you do not carry yourself as a soldier… perhaps a little more like a… a child who is over excited about a new toy. What do you do here?" He hopes he got that human expression right as he tries to take in count of her.

He waves to the barkeep in greeting upon entering the tavern and thanks him for the hot meal as he sits across from Lionel and Jessie. Caltarok lowers his hood to reveal his slightly disshelved hair that is overall soak and flattened somewhat to his head from the rain as he responds to Lionel, "Yes, sir. I am already proficient with my bow and with scouting territories. Actually, got a request as I was headed here to scout and do some light work in Frostmaw area." He knew he have to get back and get those maps drawn sooner rather than later for his reward. "Though, I wish to learn the sword it isn't wholly for my own protection; nor do I expect to be taught for free. I have heard the rumors and gossip about the problems in Cenril and other cities. So in exchange of learning the sword, perhaps I can be of assistance to you in protecting these lands? Not that a disease can be prevented, if that is what has broken out."

He found the reports giving to him by the merchants to be a bit confusing. Ships being set ablaze, parties ruined, and cities closing their gates. Not to mention that strange letter he found… It still intrigued and irked him that someone had been able to sneak up on him in the middle of the night so easily to leave such a strange thing. He adjusts the sheathed short sword on his hip to be a little more comfortable. As he does so, the sheathe would reveal a few nicks and scratches where it had been used for close-quarter combat to block or deflect an attack or two. He takes a few bite to give Lionel a chance to consider the proposal and Caltarok's desire to possibly join the rank of the Warrior guild.

Lionel :: "Archaeology, mostly. Jessie tapped her finger to her cheek thoughtfully. "And history." A second tap. "And science." Another tap. "And arcane studies." One last tap. "Basically everything except fighting." Lionel couldn't deny it and his face didn't bother to try. "The Warrior's Guild has the name of a brute force filled with mead songs and noble deeds," he started with a light, almost self-deprecating tone. "We've got a bit of that going on here. A few of our folks embody that cliche and more power to 'em for doing so. But for the most part? Think of us as more of a… benevolent paramilitary organization." He winced for a second before nodding at his own explanation. It wasn't quite accurate but it was close enough until he found the better wordage. "Which means your skills are all the more helpful. We've worked hard for years here saving the realm from numerous threats, including an oversized insectoid hivemind and the last living commander who served the Dark Immortals Khasad and Elazul in an age past." He paused. "He's dead now, obviously."

Taking a swig of his own ale, Lionel stretched his tired arms and began drying off his scalp with a nearby towel. "Everything you've heard is probably true, unfortunately. I have an inkling into what you've run into and a great deal of it isn't even what we're needing to fixate on here in the Guild right now, ourselves. We're at war with a subterranean menace, gargantuan and with tendrils spreading from one end of the land to the other, who feasts upon the masses every thousand-odd years and mentally controls an army of thralls to do its bidding. It's called Xicotl and it will be here in a matter of months unless we stop it." Jessie grinned despite fearful hazel eyes and added, "I can tell you so much about Xicotl. It's honestly a fascinating subject. Oh, and we only stand a chance because a post-apocalyptic version of ourselves nearly died out but the few survivors gave us a fighting chance before joining their peers in oblivion, and we all got really shiny --" Lionel cut her off. "That's enough for now, Jessie; let the poor guy enjoy his stew without his head flying off when he realizes just how crazy things are around here." He shrugged. "There's a lot you'd need to learn," he warned Caltarok. "The stuff we've done, the stuff we still do, it's the wildest of the wild and probably the most dangerous stuff in Lithrydel. I want you to familiarize yourself with it before formally joining. Not because I don't trust you, mind you. But because you need the full scoop on who we are and what you'd be signing up for before you make that decision. To that end, I think I know precisely the woman to help you out." Jessie grinned. "Is it me?" Lionel sighed. "No."

Caltarok :: Caltarok absorbs all the information thrown at him from Jessie and even Lionel after he cuts her off. Hearing about this subterrain threat and the possible devastation, he does ponder what he can do to assist. Sure he can scout ahead and draw up maps or shoot arrows. But neither of those when couple with his lack of magical spells or swordmanship would do any good underground. He ponders telling these two his own secrets, but thinks better on it. He isn't fully sure how well he could trust them and Jessie seems rather quick to speak and share knowledge making him more nervous as he had avoid any dragon hunters up to this point.

After some time, using the food as an excuse to avoid seeming to be rude, he replies, "Lithrydel? I will gladly make the journey there. Though for the Sico---Xic---Xicotl... I am unsure how I can assist. But as you said there seems to be some time, that maybe I can hone some skills to assist. As for trusting or not trusting me, I figured it would take some time to earn that. In the same regards, I hope you don't mind that I keep my own counsel and secrets for the time being as well? I may be a fighter... But I don't take anything at face value." Nodding to Jessie, "Much like you, m'dear. I very much like to study all things and apply knowledge before brute strength if I can. Maybe after some time, we can compare notes and you can enlighten me to your heart's content on what you think is relevant." Returning attention back to Lionel, "Whom do you have in mind for me to meet with and to provide me the information that you deem is absolutely necessary. Though I hope you don't mind me detouring to finish that small job and finishing up some of my maps. Unfortunately, the trip didn't afford me much time to put all my notations to the maps." As if to explain and occupy Jessie, Caltarok pulls out a half finished map for the Xallious mountains which has denoted structures, wildlife, game trails, various mines and vegetation with reference numbers as if they would concede with some tome to provide even further details.

Lionel :: Lionel and Jessie exchanged quizzical glances before it dawned upon Jessie what had just transpired. "Lithrydel is here," she said with a giggle. "It's everywhere. Hollow is another name for it. It's this entire landmass from Chartsend to Cenril, onward to Rynvale, so on, so forth. You're sitting in Lithrydel right now!" Lionel laughed, though not impolitely. With a smile he admitted, "I haven't heard anyone not call the continent Lithrydel in some time, but time was, tons of folks did say Hollow." When the laughter ceased, a calm humility enveloped the man. "Let me put it this way," Lionel said. "You can hide as much or as little from us as you like. The only thing I ask is that, in time, you at least trust us with information that can help to save this realm. In time," he reaffirmed. "Everything else is yours to share or keep close to your chest. I won't ask." Jessie was delighted when Caltarok directly addressed her; her eyes shone with curious intellect and she damn near wiggled in her seat. "I would love to! I'd do it right now if I wasn't capable of reading the room. You need rest and -- much as I am loath to admit -- there are more pressing matters at hand." Lionel fixed Jessie with an impressed look, as if the young woman had startled him by acknowledging such a thing. Even so, when Caltarok revealed his map Jessie audibly yelped with excitement. "I have a partial map of the area, too! It doesn't cover much that you haven't already charted but your map has some details that mine lacks; conversely, I do believe mine has a few extra bits for you to add to yours! Lionel, can I give this fellow my map to borrow?" Lionel waved her off with a nod. "Of course." But now came the time to inform the recruit of what he had in mind.

"This may sound odd," the Imperator said by way of preamble. "The Warrior's Guild is more than the sum of its parts. Yet the parts are diverse and cross over with many other aspects of Lithrydelian culture. We need more than just those who can wield a sword. We need healers, we need pyromancers, we need sneaky sorts and Frost Giants alike." He paused, smirking. "We need folks who can sprite-bind. Truly, every bit helps. And for that to fully sink in -- for you to understand in totality just how interconnected we are here with other organizations -- I would send you to my sister, Khitti Herzegler. She is our Flare Guardian. To be a Flare Guardian is to take on a debt to the world -- a debt which can only be repaid through bravery and sacrifice. She is every bit the warrior that I could hope to be, but she is also many more things. Including Auxilia Veneficus within the Mage's Guild. Rest here for as long as you wish. Get acquainted with your room and board. Meet some more of us. Mingle with Jessie. Whatever you like. When you're ready, I'll set you on the path to meet my sister. She alone can teach you the fullness of our own debt to the world."

Caltarok :: Caltarok smiles and nods in the faith already given to him as a complete stranger. In turn, he decides to impart some part of his own sense, “Thank you good sir. As you may have already worked out, I can work some magic though I am untrained. My power comes both from within for I am more than I seem and from without. I can asks spirits to help cast and support the energy needed for my spells. Beyond what you saw, I can affect eyesight to a degree by making things appear closer or seem invisible.” As if to help understanding, Caltarok waves a hand over a section of his map and it causes the air to bend light to a degree to magnify different portions based on how one was standing. With another wave, parts of the map and table underneath seem to vanish altogether before flickering back into sight. “…mere parlor tricks I am afraid. But very much the end of my skills due to no formal training.”

Considering the rest, Caltarok continues in a matter of fact way, “You have to forgive my knowledge of the world. I am young by your reckoning and have lived most of my life in hiding in the unnamed desert alone. But your words do not surprise me, about this being more than one group or interconnected. As nature is more than the trees or lands we walk on, this too would be too. But if things are as dire, would it not be best for me to set out in the morning and to begin learning right away?” Caltarok looked quizzically between the two. Though he liked nothing more to compare maps and notes with Jessie, he knew that for his kind he was largely unequipped for true combat no matter how good he could hunt.

Lionel :: Lionel was nearly half as impressed with what Caltarok humbly labeled 'parlor trick' as Jessie was, which meant that he was also rather taken aback. For all the magic he'd seen in his days, this was something new. It felt right that someone who would tout the importance of life outside of combat would come to possess such quality-of-life capabilities. Truly, the world needed less war and far more magnification. "You ain't wrong," he conceded. "The faster you find Khitti, the better off we all are. I just hate to level that much pressure at someone whom I've only just met." He smirked and finished his drink. "Jessie, do you want to chat up our newest member some more while you show him to his room and help him get situated?" Jessie gave Lionel an over-the-top salute and stood at attention with terrible posture. "I'll make sure a letter's left at your door with directions for finding my sister," Lionel promised Caltarok. "It's good to have you aboard. So to speak."

Caltarok :: Caltarok smiles seeing how impress they were with his wind. He reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a small stone that he marked with his personal symbol etched too small to truly be readable. He set it on the table before standing to look at Jessie bowing slightly, "M'lady please if you don't mind. Show me the way and maybe we can talk of history and you can show me the library on the way?" Glancing to Lionel, "this stone is imbued with two simple spells... If broken an earth spirit will come and be able to bring me a message anywhere as long as my feet are on land. The other spell allows this stone to draw heat from a fire and store enough heat to last one night. only takes a quarter of an hour to charge. All you have to do is touch the stone and say…” pressing his finger he growls gently and audibly, “glar”. The stone reacts and begins glowing as a gentle heat radiates outwards. “Sulg,” as soon as the word finishes the heat stops and the stone returns to normal.