DM

Jaliera found the guards along with the wagon drivers huddled around the paddock inspector. He was handing out chits to the men and women that accompanied the caravan. When the guards noticed Jaliera, they make their way over to her. One of them, a slender man named Quiggles, speaks up for the group. "M'Lady Jaliera, we do not know yet. Each of us have plans of our own. There is much work for guards. First we be gettin' our gold and then we be a spendin' it."

"Are you and the others staying at the Pipe, m'lady?" Nym, a burly guard asked after overhearing the Triton. He seems impressed.

The group has decided to take Lord Artan home which was probably the right move. The young man had promised a great reward; he made sure to remind Davroar about the reward the entire ride back to Yartar. Second, the noble really needed to get help. The water that they had provided for him to wet down along the way was now nearly gone. He tried to insist on walking in, but after a few shaky steps, he accepted Davroar's offer and, amazed, he climbed onto his back. With the wagons offloaded the group gathered together and headed into town. First they would need to pass through the citadel known as the Shield Tower. The tower is home to the Shields of Yartar, a force of about 150 mounted town guards who police Yartar and fight off frequent orc and troll raids.

As the group made their way through the gate into the walled courtyard that surrounded the tower, they pass a half dozen heavily armed mounted guards stationed on either side of the entrance. Many more guards milled about the courtyard both mounted and on foot. Once guards recognized young Lord Artan Rossolio riding in with his entourage in tow, guards turned their attention elsewhere that spared the party the more intense inspections and scrutiny others had endured. The sound of Davroar's hooves changed as he cantered ahead. There was a different feel beneath his feet too. Sindar was able to explain that he had heard the tower grounds were protected by hidden traps that once ensnared nearly 100 trolls. They were headed from the southern gate to the eastern gate which led into the city. Off to their left they could see the northern gate which was guarded even more heavily. Nearly two dozen mounted guards near patroled the entrance and a dozen archers were vigilant atop the wall above.

"That's where the Waterbaron's barge is docked," Zindra said as she saw people glance over there. The gate led to a roofed dock where a metal-armored, ram equipped monster capable of carrying 200 warriors was docked. It had crossbow guns mounted on its decks, along with barrels of water and buckets of sand to dampen fires from enemy incendiaries. Its side armor is fluted and chased to show off the skills of the local bargewrights, whose work is the chief source of income for the town. The warboat had proven very useful in several hard fought battles.

"There are so many guard because a few years back, some pranksters from Triboar sneaked in and splashed paint all over it. That wasn't the first prank like that. I guess Nestra didn't like that," Zindra added. Nestra Ruthiol was the current Waterbaron, the elected leader of Yartar.

After they exited the tower grounds through the east gate they had to cross a wide stone bridge that led right into the crowded, bustling main street of Yartar. Instead of heading straight ahead, Artan directed them to turn down to the right. This is an area of the city that Arus had not visited before. It was the wealthy part of town. The homes here were large and well kept with manicured landscaping. The deeper they went into this area, the more lavish the households. Artan’s home is a two-story building deep in this district. It is large and old, surrounded by tall maple trees. A wrought iron fence surrounds the grounds. As you approach you can see at least two guards each walking two wardogs. the Rossolio manor reeks of wealth and power and is foreboding.
Artan needs help to dismount and Davroar realizes that it is time to change back from horse form and does so. He splashes the last of the water on his head, and passed through the gate onto the grounds with your help. When Lord Artan reaches the ornately gilded front door, it opens and he is greeted by a slender man who wears a butler outfit. "Welcome home m'lord and welcome to your guests. Your mother would like to see you immediately," he says coldly but politely to the young master.

"Hello Khemed," Artan says as he follows the butler, into his home. The manor is decorated with lavish paintings, tapestries, busts and statues, the floors are polished mahogany where they aren’t covered by massive carpets, and gaudy chandeliers hang from the high ceilings. You are led into Lady Dezhia's office.

The busy old matron doesn’t seem particularly thrilled at the return of her son, and immediately starts verbally abusing him. "Where have you been, you foolish boy? No, don’t answer that. I will not tolerate your presence while you are wearing that dreadful attire. You look horrid. Go get yourselves a bath and some clean clothes, then we’ll talk!"

As Artan bows his head and retreats to his chambers, Dezhia turns her attention to you. "What have you done to my boy?" She asks demandingly.

Ben

"Whatever you decide to be. Your father might have expected you to do what he wanted you to do but he isn't here anymore. What do you want to do?"

Carver

“With power comes the ability to warp the world around us, to create greater and greater dents in the fabric of reality. There are some who would claim we are as modern day Demi-deities, the legends and half-gods of old. Yet we are not immune to reality slapping back, and hard. A lesson learned by Achilles, by Heracles, by the mythical Enkidu and Gilgamesh. By Singularity, by many, many others. However indomitable you are, reality knows better.”

Sorry Argus

No worries!

Neil - you've really got that 2nd place thing down! Nice score and no deal!

And Dugan wins the September challenge!

Nice! your turn verified & cleared

Kemp:

“Probably pair you up with Hadassa and Blake. Hadassa had no formal schooling as far as we can tell and Blake had only some. You can all catch up together then.”

Huh, I was sure someone would say Christopher Plummer... but Jane... Hmmm AUSTENLAND

If you like, you can be in the girls room or,any other sort of room you prefer, I’ll set things up there, and your,particular testing occurred before cadences.

Happy Birthday!