Head hunters

25th November 5000
Not having much more to do, the company went back to its quarters. Still unsure about which side the dwarves could be with, Griselda and Mulchanor raised some questions about the safety of the boat. But some quick exchange of words with Jack left them aware of the impossibility of going further that night. They needed information but the informants were... studying. Alukel was actually studying really hard as they could hear. The captain was already finished with his own studies or, at least, was keeping it for himself. As expected the room arrangement was kept unchanged and none argued any more this day.

Another day was rising up, the night had been calm and nothing came from the other side of the river. Whatever was there, it has not come to meet them. Nor to fight them. A late breakfast left our heroes full and rested, ready for another day of search. Many questions were still unanswered and they still needed to know more about this Alukel. Why was he alive? How did he escaped? Gathering on the deck, the company decided to intervene and first ask Jack about this Alukel and how he came on boat. As per usual, Griselda started to train at the boat's bow while the rest of them went directly to Jack, who was supervising the daily routines of a second in command.

After their talk, Mulchanor took Griselda apart, she would have to be careful not to be assimilated to the "bad Telchos running wild". After his first warning, Griselda decided to follow the group and show her good will. She was thus walking alongside her companions, a big fake smile on her face. All in her appearance was showing challenge, her arms were still most of the time crossed, her back hold straight and her steps confident. Climbing the stairs, the group gathered around Jack and tried to get the confirmation of Alukel's good will and usefulness. Not much was said that they didn't previously know . Alukel was a Father of the Truth, a priest of one fanatical group. Fanatical and susceptible. The only accepted Valerion religion was to be respected and not challenged.
He came running toward the boat and informed captain Padoka of the enemies running after him and lurking in the dark. The captain dispatched Jack and some cannons to take care of the issue. They managed to kill them, attacking both sides at once. An easy killing. But a Telchos and a Knight escaped with a few remaining giaks. They took a boat and crossed the river. Returning to the safety of the airship, the captain was already studying with Alukel, and no more action were taken that day.
Not satisfied by this explanation, Erleothir took Jack apart, in hope to get more information as he provided little. He didn't manage to learn much, just enough to confirm that the captain's studies were more of an alcohol problem than science. Jack couldn't betray his captain, but a couple of winks confirmed Erleothir suspicions. As far as Alukel allegiance was concerned, it was all for the Father of the Truth. But one thing was certain, he was an enemy of the Dark Lords. Erleothir didn't add anything else when reporting to his companions after their private meeting. There was little to work on but, with Jack's blessing, they were allowed to wake up the two "scholars" in a couple of hours.

As the company entered the cabin, they were confronted with the putrid stench of alcohol, a smell so strong it would have put an Anapheg out of balance. The two mages had “studied”...
“- We said we don't want to be disturbed. Said Alukel has he woke up.
- Yes, that's what we have been told but we are in great need to talk to you. Replied Erleothir
- You don't need to yell. Erleothir wasn't yelling, the after effect of the alcohol on the mage weren't funny to watch.
- We wanted to know in detail what happened to you and how or why you came here. Explained Erleothir, talking as silently has he could.
-You! The dwarf! And he pointed to Gustavius. Bring me something to eat.”

Gustavius wasn't sure if he was mistaking him for a crew member or if he was just a racist, but one thing was certain, he was talking to him and so he left the room, shaking his head. Alukel didn't wait for his return and started his story:
- The fort's fall was caused by a simultaneous attack from the inside and the outside. A Telchos and a Knight have been allowed to enter the fort as guests. No one in the fort expected them to start breaking havoc in the fortification. They were allied to a herd of Giaks, hidden and waiting outside.

What followed was a bit harder for him to explain. He was still trying to understand it as he talked. But what would have been the talk of a drunken man for some, made sense to the team.

- The knight, when the havoc started, he disappeared and was replaced by a bear.”

With this they knew who the knight was, there was but only one person in the whole Magnamund who could be both a bear and a knight. Many holy men fell that day. When the massacre ended, they took Alukel and asked him what he knew of the artefacts. The answer was simple: nothing. He was then dragged into the forest by the invaders. But luck, or God, was on his side. As Jack explained earlier, the crew of the nameless ship had defeated all the Giaks with an ambush. The bear and the Telchos escaped and Alukel was brought to the nameless ship.
At that moment, the door opened on Gustavius, back with sandwiches. He surely took his time. Alukel continued talking as if he had not noticed the dwarf.
-Your next task will be to bring back the head of this fallen knight and of this Telchos. And beware of your one Telchos, she can't be trusted.

When Alukel mentioned his doubts regarding her allegiance, Griselda immediately saw red and gripped her weapon. If it wasn’t pointing at the priest yet, she was definitely ready to strike anytime. Her knuckles were turning white.
- What do you mean “there is a Telchos with the enemy, I see a Telchos here… and there aren’t that many Telchos out of their desert” ? Are you saying I’m a traitor and an enemy ?

Alukel was surprised by her reaction and, afraid, he loudly called the guards to arrest her. Mulchanor immediately stepped in to appease them.

- Wowowo. No fighting here. Alukel, she doesn’t mean no arm, Griselda please, calm down. Give me your weapon.

Throwing a dark glare to Alukel, Griselda handed her spear to Mulchanor and crossed her arms, the fake smile came back on her face.

- I am no traitor and you don’t know nothing about this Telchos, I will not let her die on sight, you’ll have to show me proofs first.

- I know you don’t know her as we do, no one knows her as I do and I can tell you that she can be trusted. I trust her and I give you my word, as a dwarf, that Griselda is no threat for us. I vouch for her and you, as dwarves, should respect and listen to that. Added Mulchanor, talking to the dwarves still aiming at Griselda. They slowly put their guns away and didn’t oppose the group leaving the room. As soon as they were out of the cabin, Mulchanor handed the spear to Griselda just as she was reaching out for it.

She was still upset, and so was Leo who wasn’t satisfied with the solution of killing both the Telchos and his fellow knight. Erleothir was shocked, how could kill his old friend? Would Griselda be able to kill someone from her country? While the madman was still rambling about Godly vengeance, Gustavius took one of the sandwiches with a face of perplexity towards the will of God.

-But wouldn't it be better to bring them, ask them why they attack and then kill them? Asked Alast, while trying to control the tone of his voice. He knew that he wasn't in the best position to grow the Holyman.

-No, you will kill them has I command.

It was then that Alast gave up on calming Alukel. His face had taken about the same expression has Gustavius, who was still eating the sandwich. When Alukel asked for it, Gustavius went for another one, slightly embarrassed.

-So, Gustavius? How do you fell about killing two person in the name of a god? Whispered Alast.

Gustavius shrugged, and removed some crumbs out of his beard with an impassible expression.



After little discussion, Gustavius, exceeded by Griselda’s impatience, decided to go back to Alukel with Yesnarel, to plead for further assistance. Mulchanor joined them and took the place of their Ambassador. However, he couldn't convince Alukel of providing him with a working gun for taking off the crusade. His only shot left was with Jack, a fellow dwarf, a companion, brother of arms to whom he still owed a couple of raccoons and who was frankly not interested in providing more guns to an unlucky Mulchanor. Some mariners even commented he was cursed by the gods due to his relationship with the Telchos wench.


- How can I fight properly without a gun? He started. - Use an axe my friend. - Jack! You are one of my countrymen, can't you see I need another weapon? - That, I can see. What I can't see is why I should help you again with this matter. - It's also in your interest that we came here remember that... - I am here under the orders of Captain Padoka, we came here to take you, nothing else, nothing more. - From warrior to warrior, can't you help me? Would you leave a fellow adventurer die weaponless against his enemies? - You have your axe, don't you? - I can bring much more raccoons you know... - I only need one more. - How can I get it, if I am not armed? - That's your problem. You have to pay your debts, you know? - Do not doubt Mulchanor del Shai on this matter master dwarf. I pay my due and will keep my word. You'll have your last raccoon. - Enough said Master Mulchanor. I cannot afford to gamble weapons. Bring me something to trade with, and... He paused, smiled and before Jack could say anything Mulchanor voice went colder: - Do not even mention that Master Jack. I have understood, I see your point. But do... Gustavius interrupted him, holding his fellow dwarf by his shoulder. - Leave this to me Mulchanor. I think I can make a deal. Trust me. - All right, I am out of arguments anyway, I see he won't budge. Stubborn Dwarf... Seeing that they would get any gun, and feeling bored of the discussion, Gustavius, immediately followed by Alast, leaved the room. It was the Erleothir , Griselda and Mulchanor who gave up on the discussion. Yesnarel was now alone, and Erleothir flustered behind the door “good luck”.


Gustavius was still casually chatting with Jack, holding him by the shoulder

-"Now, I don't exactly know what you want these raccoons for but... you know, the jungle is a dangerous place"
-"indeed"
Gustavius threw his head back for a moment and went on
-"I am glad you agree with me. I see we both share the same opinion, walking around in that jungle without weapons would be foolish" As Jack acknowledged he went on "so, by lending a gun to our good friend Mulchanor over there..." he underlined his words by gesticulating towards the toothless dwarf who waved back shortly and went on detailling Griselda's body "... you would raise his chance of survival and as a consequence your chance of getting your, errmmm.. 'wares' quicker and safer." Gustavius could feel Jack's stubbornnes slowly cracking and continued "as you can see, lending him a gun is in our common interest... so, what do you say?"

Jack scratched his beard pensively while a smug grin was slowly appearing on Gustavius' face "hehe got him..."
- "well, actuallyyyyyy...... NO." was Jack's reply after a short moment. /i"damn this.. it can not be true" sighed Gustavius for himself. "what am I doing here ? it's not my problem if Mulchanor gets killed down there, but as i just said it is in our all interest for him to survive. and this can only be assured with the best equipment. but why does it have to be my problem ?" he snarled slightly for himself, about to give up. Letting his eyes wander upon the deck he noticed a few dwarves playing a card game for money while another nearby was reconstructing his own rifle and suddenly an idea struck him.
- "Jack, I just have a brilliant proposal..."
- "I've heard enough brilliant things from that priest for the next two years" mumbled Jack while pointing at the reeking captain's cabin "now, impress me...."
Gustavius chuckled
- "oh, you'll love this, trust me ! and the best is: noone of us is loosing" and with those word he dragged Jack out of reach of curious ears

From the distance, Mulchanor could see his two fellows discussing in a very agitated manner, Gustavius gesticulating wildly and Jack nodding in approbation while throwing quick glances on deck around him. Soon it was clear that they had started haggling, both posing, acting offended and performing the usual acting of dwarves finally agreeing on a business. He could simply hear a loud "15%, deal !", see a piece of paper beeing exchanged and a vigorous handshake.

With a self-satisified smile Gustavius walked back to Mulchanor
-"you can rejoice mate, I got you a gun... you can rent it for hundred gold. I do know that you have no money so I'll be advancing you this sum. You'll simply have to work it off by crafting for me"
Mulchanor's face brightened with a wide smile but before he could express his thanks Gustavius went on...
-"of course you'll have to provide your own materials, but do not worry. I will not rip you off, your debt is exactly hundred gold pieces, not more, not less. Unless, of course, you destroy the gun... then you'll have to pay off the full price of this rifle to me. This would be around four hundred gold in that case."
the bright smile on Mulchanor's face faded away
- "four hundred ?!" he exclaimed
- "you know just like me that such an advanced weapon costs that much, I merely rounded it up to twenty gold 'transaction costs'. Now, don't look that way. You wanted a rifle so badly, now you have to take the responsability for it..."

less than an hour later the whole group was about to leave the skyship again, their plan was simple: crossing the river, finding the tracks of the fugitives, hunt them down and then improvise a lot...
Erleothir tunred around
-"Jack, we'll have to cross the Boari. I expect you have a small embarcation aboard, could you please provide it to us ?"
-"oh naturally, replied the first mate, we will provide you one for..." he intercepted a slight cough coming from Gustavius "... for free of course."

After our company lowered the boat, they crossed the river. To make sure that nobody would be able to escape, they hid their own boat and pushed the one of their enemies into the water, never to be seen again.
Tracks were soon found and Alast decided to climb into a tree from where he would have a clear view of their surroundings. He discovered a little filet of smoke in the distance, to his eye not more than the smoke of a pipe, but he managed to tell it was about 1 hour walk away.
After a walk through the thick branches of the jungle, the company got close to what was in fact a camp and Griselda scouted to see what the company could expect. She saw a little campfire with a Telchos Warrior and a Knight sitting nearby. Close to them, was a small tent and then, there were 3 groups of 5 Giaks each. After the rest was informed of her observations, they had to make a plan, to decide how they were going to proceed. Several tactics were discussed and rejected again, but in the end, they came out with the following – and rather daring – plan.

Griselda and Erleothir would walk into the camp, to approach the duet. Griselda would put a poisonous dart into the Telchos' neck, upon she would fall unconscious. Erleothir would use this moment of distraction to hit his fellow knight Eolfrid at the back of his head, hopefully rendering him unconscious as well. They would then drag them away from the Giaks. Meanwhile, the rest of the company would surround the camp and fight the Giaks after both the Telchos and Knight would be taken care of. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

That was the plan. Just to make sure, Yesnarel gave Erleothir a thunderstone: “Use this as a signal if things go wrong and we need to attack the camp sooner”. On those words, the rest of the group departed silently and started surrounding the camp. After Erleothir and Griselda waited long enough for them to take position, they finally dared entering the enemy camp. As they were walking towards the campfire, they saw how demoralized the Giaks and their company were. All staring into the light provided by the little campfire, they were clearly wounded and battered from a previous fight. Griselda and Erleothir grinned discreetly to each other, thinking that it would be much easier than expected.
From the bushes, the others looked at their brave comrades, but from the distance, they couldn't hear the discussion. It was only clear to them that Griselda knew the other Telchos Warrior and Erleothir sat directly next to a knight from which they could only think that it was Eolfrid.
They were waiting to see Griselda poison her friend, but a such thing wasn't happening. Then, suddenly, a disgusting scent filled the air. Erleothir knew what was coming towards them as he was smart enough to gain some information in the Kai Monastery about the Boari Jungle. Eolfrid shouted: “he is coming!” The Telchos Warrior shouted some orders in the Giak language and immediately the Giaks forgot about their pains and stood ready to defend themselves. Yesnarel understood what was said, but he was standing too far away to inform the others. Now Erleothir and Griselda were standing alone in the camp, all their enemies were prepared for battle, but they did not attack the two.
“What is going on?” asked Griselda to Erleothir, but his eyes were filled with fear of what was to come. “Come on, get a hold of yourself and you'd better do it quickly!”. Erleothir just pointed his finger towards the jungle. No creature could be seen yet, but thick branches started to snap as it came closer and closer.
Erleothir wasn’t able to say much anymore. Finally he managed to say one single word.
“Anapheg”


XP!
Yesnarel: Global playing 100xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for being the ambassador of the team with Alukel,
Mulchanor: Global playing 100xp, 50xp for defending Griselda, 100xp for trying to get himself a gun while broke, 100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp,
Gustavius: Global playing 100xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for dealing a gun for Mulchanor, 50xp for making a sandwich for Alukel, 50xp for eating it,
Alast: 50xp pour memorables moments adds,Global playing 90xp, 100xp for spotting and climbing when needed, 100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for trying to calm Alukel,
Griselda: Global playing 90xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for the bold move to get into the camp, 150xp for blog entry and correction
Erleothir: Global playing 90xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 50xp for the private chat with Jack, 100xp for the bold move to get into the camp, 300xp for blog entry