Northern Wind Rising – What the Wind Witnessed
There’s a Northern Wind Rising … and GM Lydil gives us a peek at what the wind witnessed.
Category: Towns
Topic: AnnouncementsDate: 11/25/2016 07:47 PM CSTFrom: GS4-LYDILSubj: Northern Wind RisingA cold wind blew down from the north across the region once known as Talador, bringing with it the first taste of winter. It continued westward across the broken barony, stirring up dust and ash across the Bleaklands as it went. Within the Tears of Koar, the few patches of earth within the Desolation of Talador shielded from the devastation, grass swayed upon the breeze. Some said they got their name because Koar could not stand to see his children bring war upon one another and wept, while others said was only through the grace of Koar that his people were saved from the unholy flames.The wind continued its journey west across the hills of Jantalar. It blew along its many roads that seemed emptier than usual, with fewer travelers and certainly fewer soldiers. The breeze continued unabated over the border into Mestanir and across many burnt out homesteads still in need of repair. Onward it blew through the town of Mestanir itself, swirling around the Fist of Koar, before streaming pass Everwatch Tower on its unending journey west.
The sun hung just barely above the horizon, barely having begun its journey upward, when a sudden squall blew across the ground, stirring up dust up into the face of Salnim Malwind. He only had a moment to squint and keep his gaze steady before his opponent fell upon him. The armored warrior came hard and fast with heavy sword strokes that were parried and deflected by Salnim with his blade and shield. When the warrior hesitated a moment in his next attack, it allowed Salnim to land a heavy slash to the leg, sending the man flailing to the ground. Before Salnim could land a finishing blow, he whirled to have his blade meet the attack of another assailant. A flurry of sword strokes were exchanged back and forth, as Salnim quickly found the opening to press forward. With the newcomer now on the defensive, Salnim lowered his shoulder and struck out with his shield, bowling his opponent over. A quick and brutal swing of the sword to the helm of the warrior rendered him motionless. Turning back to his first attacker, Salnim repeated his sword work, sending the warrior sprawling to the ground where he stayed for good.
With no foes left before him, the young lord planted his sword in the ground and leaned against it, taking in several breaths. The quiet moment was broken by a loud, gruff voice calling out, “Good, Little Lord.”
Salnim turned to look at Gurbah, the immense and imposing Captain of the Vornavian Guard. Half centaur, half ogre, he towered over anyone in the practice yard, as he slowly made his way over to where the young lord stood.
“You attacked. Decisive. Used shield as weapon right way.”
This brought a short smile and laugh to Salnim’s face, “I have taken your lesson to heart, Captain. And I still stand by throwing my shield. You were not expecting it. It almost worked. Then again I was not expecting it to be thrown back at me in turn.”
The Captain gave Salnim a level stare and simply shook his head, “Done for today. Work more tomorrow.”
Salnim inclined his head and slowly made his way towards the armory on the far side of the yard. As he neared the door, he looked back into the yard and watched a red robed man approach Captain Gurbah bearing two large blunted weapons. Salnim shook his head and entered the armory, where he went about storing his practice sword and shield. When he left the armory, Salnim took a moment to look into the barracks. A number of soldiers were there, including the two who served as his opponents out in the yard. As soon as they noticed Salnim standing there, they could rose and turned toward him.
“M’lord, is there anything we can do for you?”
“I am just passing through,” Salnim said with a shake of the head, “But I thought you might be interested to know that Gurbah is about to fight Malvernus out in the yard. I will leave you all to be about your business.”
A number of looks were quickly exchanged from the guards, as Salnim walked down the hallway. He never looked back, but smiled to himself as he heard the member of the Guard scrambling to go watch the practice yard. Salnim himself took stairs up several floors within the keep, before exiting through a door to stand upon a walkway looking out over the practice yard. Far below he could see many Guard members crowding along the walls of the yard, where Gurbah and Malvernus stood facing off, their respective axe and sword raised as the prepared to duel.
A polite cough was heard behind Salnim before the chamberlain of the court silently moved to stand next to him.
“Good morning my lord. I do hope you are all recovered from getting tossed around the yard.”
“And a good morning to you. The good Captain was kind enough to not throw me about the yard today,” Salnim replied with a faint grin, “Though I am not certain Malvernus will be so lucky. What brings you up here so early?”
“There is a Council meeting later today. Your father wishes you to be there.”
“Another day, another meeting. Please let my father know I will be there.”
“Very good, my lord,” the chamberlain replied with a respectful bow before heading back below.
Salnim remained on the walkway, gazing down at the yard and the combat taking place. After a few minutes he turned to head back inside the Keep, and was met by a stiff breeze blowing up from below. It swirl around the young lord, being spiraling upwards into the sky and new day emerging. Salnim continued inside without slowing, as there was much work to be done.
The pebble tumbling down the mountain
sending boulders into motion
It only takes a single act
to cause an explosion
This is a Swan SongThis message was originally posted in Towns, Solhaven. To discuss the above, follow the link below.