18+ Private Isulus Midday Siege of Swamp Camp

[Kamala Graham]

Isulus
A few miles from Yrzun Village

Spoiler: Theme

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Somewhere in Isulus

Ever since Kamala failed to capture the disgraced Lord Faerl in Providence, she's had the cultist's haunting image stewing in the back of her mind. So, when she received information from an old friend, another elven farmer who ventured forth from this place to join her and her current companions in Viridian Fields, she immediately embarked on what could be a wild goose chase. All she needed was a glimmer of hope, a spark that could lead her to finally claim justice for the innocent blood the madman had spilled, and despite her better judgment, she risked everything she could to get even just a whiff of his trail.

"Are you sure your friend's coming, Kamala?" The young male beastfolk with ears as big as that of a fennec fox asked without turning his head to her. He was busy sharpening the tip of his arrow, a bored expression on his face. Kamala could not fault him. They had traveled first here, quickly and much earlier than they should have, than she could send the invitation. There was another girl sitting beside him, a sickly one, who gave the elf an apologetic look. This girl felt the boy was being too blunt, but Kamala wouldn't have brought him if he wasn't.

With a chuckle, she responded. "I am, and he is, Tariq," Kamala gave the girl a warm nod to assure her that everything was fine, that there was no reason to worry. At least not yet. "He just doesn't have the luxury of traveling with the two best pathfinders in Pormont!" Kamala hoped the mild flattery would pacify her friend's boredom, which by the looks of his grin seemed to be the case. There was no falsehood in her words, however, Tariq and his charge were the best trackers and survivalists from the Fields. For what she had to do, she knew that she, they, needed them both there. Where are you, यार?

@Chrys

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Got lost on the way but finally here, wherever here is.

Chrys, on the other hand, hasn't really thought about the Burnt Tongue Cult since their fateful encounter in Providence. The pair had managed to disrupt their operations and even sealed off their old hideout, but the ring leader, Lord Faerl himself, had teleported away as soon as the bastard realized he was losing the battle.

When he received word from @Kamala Graham that their old friend was back, it actually took the God of Rocks a couple of seconds, minutes even, to remember who the fuck she was talking about. The "stupid ass name" didn't help his memory. A cup of coffee later and he heaved a sigh. Once more, into the fray...

"Kamala... I apologize for my tardiness. I've only visited this place once or twice and never bothered to remember the way."

When was the last time Chrys was even here in Isulus? Was it after Kamala had died her first death, when he brought her over to the Guild, poaching the elf from the League? Or was it when they did that myconid quest after the events at Camp Hope? The answer was staring him right in his face but he ignored it, preferring instead, as he stepped out from the overgrowth and into their line of sight, to give her old friend a warm hug and eye the two kids with her.

"You brought...friends?" The disappointment was genuine, and Chrys did not even try to hide it. Staring at them with narrowed eyes, he whispered to Kamala his uncertainty at her decision. "...are you sure about this?"

Lord Faerl—or is it Cult Leader Faerl now?—had preyed upon the young and innocent while he performed his criminal rites and sacrifices in Providence. It seemed to Chrys that these two wide-eyed children would be more baggage than help to their current endeavor. They would just be bringing more prey for the Burnt Tongue to manipulate, to trick, to control.

Chrys was a lot of things, but unless Kamala was okay with the idea of that, he would rather not be in the business of feeding children to whatever demonic creature Faerl and his idiots were worshipping. Seemed like a waste of able manpower to the owner of a mining company in Lyrwick.

 

[Kamala Graham]

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Adventurers Guild

Relieved...somewhat

As soon as a sliver or trace of @Chrys' very existence was detected by Tariq's far superior senses, the fennec fox Beastfolk immediately rose from his seat, taking his bow and arrow and aiming the projectile in the direction of the newcomer even before Kamala could figure out what was happening. Beside him, the sickly girl followed suit, though a bit slower. The look of determination in her eyes betrayed her current condition, however, and the elf was caught surprised but also impressed by how deadly she had become in just a matter of seconds. "Wha-what's going on, guys?"

A familiar voice soon introduced himself, and Kamala turned toward its direction. Her eyes grew wide in excitement when she realized it was the person they had been waiting for. The elf instinctively pushed herself off of her seat and rushed toward her old friend, giving him a tight hug before he could say anything. "Chrys! I knew you'd come!"

Tariq and the other girl exchanged looks before slowly lowering their bows. This was the first time they were meeting the human, Kamala's fellow Starcalled adventurer, and were a little suspicious of how he was handling himself. Why would a massive man decked in armor from head to toe, or more precisely from neck to toe, be this friendly with a smaller elf? Something wasn't right. Or at least that's what Tariq felt.

Kamala, however, was oblivious to what the pathfinder was thinking and feeling. She turned to her archer friends innocently, a warm smile on her face, as she introduced the two parties while holding Chrys' hands. "Tariq, Khadija! This is the adventurer I was telling you about: Chrys of Lyrwick! He has his own mining company!" She excitedly squealed before turning to Chrys to introduce the pair of pathfinders from Pormont. "Chrys, these are Tariq and Khadija! They're my friends from the Fields in Pormont!"

Kamala dragged Chrys and made him shake Tariq's hands before Khadija's, though the latter simply avoided touching the human and instead waved at him with a meek smile. "I'm so glad you're all finally meeting each other! Now all we need is @Ayna Nietzsche!"

"Hmm?" Raising an eyebrow, the elf was confused by Chrys' concerns regarding the pair of pathfinders she had brought with her all the way from Pormont. "Yeah, why? They're really good at hunting and tracking! I reckoned they would be really helpful in pinning down Faerl."

Kamala was not a master tactician, and most often than not, she gave everyone else the benefit of the doubt, sometimes overestimating their abilities, so she wasn't quite sure what Chrys was so worried about. She believed her lander friends would help them greatly, oblivious to what could happen to them if they failed all expectations.

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Tired of all the bullcrap irl

Chrys wanted to tell @Kamala Graham that of course he'd come. She called for him, which meant he had to go, even if she wouldn't insist upon it. The elf was one of his closest friends in the game. He'd make the trip, even if it took miles and weeks, to see her, to make sure she was all right, and maybe to gain a favor from her and her mending nature spirits if he could. Besides, she did help him during that expedition in Zakaden.

But he decided not to. Words would not be enough to justify that thought.

When Kamala introduced her two friends, he simply turned to them and gave them both a brief nod, an acknowledgment of their existence, of their relationship with the individuals' common denominator.

"I see," Chrys eyed them once again, from head to toe, as if he was gauging their true potential, their actual contribution, to this upcoming hunt. "Well, I just hope you've taken into account how dangerous our...prey can be. If you're vouching for them, then I see no reason to question their...qualifications."

In any case, they still needed to meet with the contact, the actual person who had the information about Faerl. Kamala was the one who reached out to him, yes, but judging by the fact that they were meeting at a makeshift camp instead of a more comfortable room, he would be right in thinking there was someplace else they needed to be, most likely someone else they needed to meet.

"What I can instead question is what we are doing...out here? I'm sure this isn't a...private enough space to discuss any important information regarding our quarry, Kamala?"

Despite those words, he still invited himself to sit where he could, his legs tired from all the walking and even sitting at the back of a commoner's wagon. It was bad enough that he didn't have better masteries for transportation, but to have to settle to riding with others beneath him, peasants and civilian children, were pretty much...meh. Ugh. The challenges of zero teleportation. And zero private jets.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Uncertain

Kamala wasn't quite sure how to answer @Chrys' questions, satiate his train of curiosity. She had been sure before he arrived that the pair of pathfinders were qualified to track down what remained of Faerl. After all, as she said, they were the best pathfinders in Pormont. Now, though, after Chrys questioned their skills, Kamala had to rethink everything. Yes, they were still the best pathfinders in Pormont, and yes, Kamala had faith in their skills, but would they truly survive the evil that is the former lord Faerl?

"O-oh... W-well, uhm..."

"You need not worry about us, Chrys of Lyrwick," Tariq interrupted Kamala before she could finish her own thought, rising from his seat with his bow and quiver of arrows gripped tightly in his hands. "We have taken care of ourselves before, and we'll continue to do so regardless of whether you are around or not." He grinned at the geomancer, an eyebrow raised, before directing Khadija to give the pair some semblance of privacy. "Khadija! Let's practice our marksmanship so Chrys of Lyrwick wouldn't have to worry about us."

With a meek Khadija following Tariq's lead, he smirked at Chrys before disappearing with his apprentice in the woods, both carrying with them their bows and quivers. Khadija, as she passed the geomancer, offered him an apologetic bow without any eye contact, still struggling with her social anxiety. Most people consider Pormont a peaceful haven for a peaceful life, but the female archer was never born in the fields of peace.

"Is this private enough for you, Chrys? There was no other place close that would work. Our true destination is Yrzun Village, just a few miles south, but I thought you might want to meet up before we meet our...informant."

The elf bowed her head in a combination of apology and embarrassment. Kamala had never been the tactical one in their friend group. She had no plans of becoming one. Even if she tried to, she knew she wouldn't live up to the expectation of others. A tactician was smarter and more confident, things she was not, things she believed she would never be. At least not for a while. But she was trying.

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Mildly sus but aight

Chrys simply smirked at the Beastfolk male's comments, watching him with keen eyes as he and the apologetic girl archer left him and @Kamala Graham be. Something about the young girl reminded him of something else, but for the life of him, he could not quite figure out what. But that wasn't as important as the conversation he wanted to have with his elven friend.

"I suppose it can do for now," Chrys gave Kamala a warm smile and gestured for her to sit next to him. "So, your informant is in this village, I assume. What do they want in exchange of the information? Money?"

Chrys had loads of that. Since he struck gold, well, edible ore, in that Zakaden mine, the God of Rocks has found himself swimming in money. Money from the Crystal Nomads. Money from the Outpost merchants. Money from the confectioners that didn't want that kind of stuff in their local markets. Chrys wasn't going to run out of financial resources any time soon. Maybe next month, though. Who can ever tell with Fate?

"I know that Faerl has left quite the, uhm, impression on you, my friend, but are you sure you're ready to meet him again? What we'll have to do... I'm sure you've thought about it, but having thought about it is quite different from actually doing...it."

Chrys had no doubt that Kamala wanted justice for what Faerl had done to the innocent children of that town in Providence, but no amount of want can ever substitute for what they needed to do. The elf was innocent, kind, and honest, things that were rare in Chrys' daily life, whether in this game or outside of it.

He personally did not want to taint her in anyway. At least not in his presence. If she wanted to do things usually considered contrary to her appeal, it was in her own power and volition to do so. Chrys just didn't want to be there to ruin his perception of her.

Unlike Kamala, Chrys was already, for the lack of a better term, ruined. He has done what most people would consider bad things, of which he would never apologize for. Sometimes, one has to do what they had to do to survive. Other times, it's not a crime if he doesn't get caught. And even if he does, he'll probably just find a way out of it. He always does.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Ready, willing, and able!

Kamala was mildly surprised when @Chrys nonchalantly asked about the trade. She wasn't sure what the best way of getting that information to him was, so she was actually beating around the bush. It was almost a relief that he was so direct about it. Lawyers, right? Between the two of them, he had better finances in this game, too, so he was probably more used to just dealing with people using all his economic resources than her.

"Money? No... They actually need us for a job. It's tied to Faerl and his cultists."

The elf didn't second-guess whether that revelation would change Chrys' mind. They both had unfinished business with Faerl, and they were also getting paid in the process, so that would be a win in the geomancer's book. While Kamala did not like judging people so willy-nilly, Chrys had always been pretty...open with his love for all things capitalist. Kamala didn't share in that...materialistic viewpoint, but she still trusted him with his life. As long as he's happy, why would she get in the way of that?

"...I am, and they are," she nodded toward the direction where Tariq and Khadija both disappeared to for their so-called marksmanship practice. "I've actually talked this through with them, and we're all very much prepared to do what needs to be done. As prepared as I'll ever be, Chrys.

Kamala gave him a warm smile, also a gesture of appreciation for his concern. She was admittedly not the strongest in their friend group, and nine times out of ten, she would always advocate for their enemies' lives. Nine times out of ten, that has gotten her in trouble. But truth be told, she'd rather get in trouble for her beliefs than not get in trouble at all. People, even in these games, always deserve a chance at redemption.

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

Hmm. Chrys was pleasantly surprised when he found out that this was not just a simple payment for information. It was actually a trade: Their skills for the information. He should have expected it, though. Starcalled, Traveler, whatever the landers called them... Their skills were often more valuable to the landers than money. Terrible financial priorities, but mkay.

"They don't want us to slay a dragon, do they? I don't even think those exist here. Haven't seen one since I started playing."

He tried to poke fun at the idea of prioritizing manpower over financial gain. Chrystopheles Bronzecoin would never stoop that low. Then again, he had his businesses, which gives him some financial advantage, which gives him enough currency to trade for manpower. Wait, I'm...actually paying miners when I can just level the mines... I shouldn't really have that terrible opinion then. He quickly feigned a cough at that realization. Chrys rarely had any self-awareness, so this was a pleasant enough surprise.

"So what does your informant want? What beasts do they want slayed? What menial farm work do they want done faster than they ever could? What weird requests do they have for us miracle workers?"

As those last few words escaped his lips, Chrys yawned. His travels have finally caught up with him, and with them, the fatigue. @Kamala Graham's archer sidekicks returned just in time, and the massive mountain man caught sight of the two eyeing him as he had his mouth open, the breath escaping from his lungs without his consent. Freaking weirdos.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Ready to move out!

Kamala tilted her head to one side as she tried to make sense of @Chrys' question. If he hasn't seen one since he started playing the game, and if those things don't even exist in the game, then why was he asking if their informant would want them to slay a never-before-seen, non-existent dragon?

"Uhm, no, I don't think we'd be slaying a dragon for them. At least I hope not!"

Before she could say another word, both Tariq and Khadija returned from their very quick archery practice. Kamala stared at them in confusion, tilting her head to the other side. Khadija gave her an apologetic smile while Tariq simply heaved a sigh as he returned to his previous seat around the makeshift, currently fire-less campfire. "We lost an arrow, so I decided to stop losing arrows immediately," Tariq then turned his attention to Chrys, frowning at the weirdo whose mouth was still open. "That said, we would appreciate being informed of the same...request the informant has."

"Oh, well, then," she cleared her throat as she began to take a more serious look. Or at least she tried to. Being a ridiculously cute and charming elf, she always had difficulty with that. "...the informant requested...to speak with us at his village tout de suite. That's where he'll tell us what he needs us to do for the information on our...old friend. Shall we then, now that everyone's here?

Kamala gave them all a warm smile, even though she basically said nothing of use. Well, she did reveal the informant was male, and that he wanted to tell them the job himself back in his village, but beyond that... Nothing else was really useful. She was oblivious to that fact, though, and actually thought what she shared was groundbreaking. Maybe it was. Only time can truly tell.

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

Chrys grinned. He was hoping his minor quip would've gotten more of a chuckle from her, but then again, they were talking about hunting down a villain that really did a number on @Kamala Graham, so it was just natural she'd be more serious about all this. A nice change of pace, I think. He had just crossed his arms, nodding at Kamala's hopes, when her archers returned. Chrys couldn't help but smirk at the boy's explanation.

"We shall! Hopefully they'll let us requisition an arrow to make up for that one lost."

Chrystopheles Hardhead tried to lighten the mood with another quip, even though he knew Tariq would probably hate him for it. That kid has not liked him one bit. Was it because he was Starcalled, a Traveler, whom he had just met for the first time and was reasonably late to this first meeting? At least the girl seemed more humble and open to being friends. Seemed, at least.

The massive mountain man had nothing else to prep. He was as ready as he'll ever be, even though he barely knew what to expect from the next phase of this adventure, from their destination, and even from their journey. Would it be smooth sailing? Or would they get ambushed by unknown aggressors? Either way, it wasn't like Chrys had any reason to fear anything. Rock hard, after all.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Excited to finally arrive at Yrzun Village

Kamala knew Tariq would not take to @Chrys' comment lightly, so she immediately turned to him with a warm smile. In her head, her kindness would melt the Beastfolk's fury, though the truth was, Tariq was not one to mess with the druid who can mess with his head if need be. He had witnessed firsthand how Kamala had once destroyed a bandit's mind to protect him. That kind of power, Tariq would never go against. Kamala, however, was not privy to any of his thoughts, his fears and his concerns.

Once they were all ready, they made their way through the marsh-like area where the supposed village was, the rank odors mingling with the musty aroma of a fleet of gargantuan reptiles. They were greeted suspiciously, as one would normally a bunch of strangers that weren't observing the hosts' culture intimately, and traversed rickety rope bridges above the village of Yrzun.

This strange village seemed to move slowly and endlessly with the other swampy reptilian residents of these wastes, its structures set atop abandoned shells of massive tortoises. The village's residents soon lessened the heed they paid the party. Sooner than later, they all ended up at a large ramshackle hall, a towering structure of haphazard timber and scrap.

"This is it! This is the village. They've been hidden for a while, just keeping to themselves, so they're not as friendly as other places, but they're good people."

Kamala tried her best to make the place sound lovelier than it was on the surface. Things are often not the best on their first viewing. Like an onion, places, and of course, people have so many layers. What we see is often not enough to truly represent an entire civilization, an entire people. The elf hoped she did a good job making her three companions see with her eyes.

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

Chrys grimaced. It was obvious he was not a fan of the place, especially with that horrid smell. The lizards also didn't help. Chrys flashbacked to the time he had to take on one of those slimy crocodile-like creatures in Isulus. Suffice it to say, he did not have a good time.

The massive mountain man simply nodded at what @Kamala Graham had to say. He appreciated her effort, and thought it was nice of her to paint a vivid portrait of such a shitty locale, but still could not change his mind regarding the first impression he had of the gross and icky village. Yrzun, wasn't it? Note to self: Never step foot in this shithole ever again.

However, as soon as their party stepped through the folds of a heavy leather curtain into the chamber beyond the ramshackle hall, the din of the swamp and the hushed chatter of Yrzun's residents were thankfully and almost immediately muted.

Inside the towering structure of haphazard timber and scrap, the reek of the marsh was replaced by the more favorable scent of roasted meat and spiced wine. Scantily clad attendants gestured Chrys and his posse toward a litter of dingy furs before the seat of a fat man, taller than most of the villagers the armored adventurer had seen and definitely heavier, presumably the village leader, who allowed them to settle in before his baritone voice issued his welcome: "Eat! Drink! But be wary, for the devils have come to Isulus, bringing damnation with them!"

Don't mind if I do. Chrys ignored the part about the devils and the damnation, focusing instead on eating and drinking and of course the scantily clad attendants. Without saying any further words to Kamala and the two pathfinders, he moseyed his way into one of the furs, took a cup to be served wine, and sampled the drink in quick succession. He did take his time eyeing the meat before him, but only because a second before he could take a bite, a stray thought wandered into his mind: This isn't one of those reptiles, is it? Gross.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Yrzun Village, Isulus

Despite the smell and the overall atmosphere of the usually xenophobic village, Kamala maintained her sunny disposition, putting on a warm smile and greeting everyone she could. This surprised the otherwise distant villagers, with a few even acknowledging her with a quick bow before remembering whatever trauma they had with outsiders.

Inside the village leader's hall, the elf ushered her companions to go in and find their seats, and be comfortable so as not to be rude, excluding @Chrys of course, who was already stuffing his face even before she could do or say anything.

So, instead, Kamala focused her attention on the village leader, showcasing her charming diplomacy as best as she could.

"Thank you for having us, Mister Boucher. It is an honor and a great privilege to be with you and your people today. My friends and I have traveled far, and we appreciate this feast upon us. Would you mind sharing with us the information we so seek? And what we could do for you and your people in return for your graciousness?"

The massively rotund elderly man eyed the elf with utmost attention, clearly impressed with her words, though he continued smacking his big lips as he ate and snacked on everything else. "Of course, my dear friends, and please, call me Bobby," he offered Chrys another pour of his finest wine, made from native reptiles, and continued. "I heard you were hunting for a cult leader. It just so happens that three nights ago, my most trusted counselor and our village's elder seer, Barbara, went missing thanks to a bunch of cultists."

"According to one of our best scouts, Seer Barbara was foraging by night for rare alchemical ingredients, as our seer elders tend to do, when she was beset by a cadre of cultists near the foothills of Braveback Hills and forcefully escorted to their hideout," he heaved a sigh, appearing somewhat distressed by the matter. "While we do not know what happened to her, what they must be doing to her right now, we do know that these cultists answer to one man, to one name: Faerl."

The mere mention of the name sent shivers up Kamala's spine. Faerl was back. He was here, hiding with his other followers, it seemed, unleashing his reign of terror once more. It seemed, however, that he was no longer content with just the blood of the young innocents. This time, he was not discriminating, even becoming bold enough to abduct an entire village's elder seer. Sure, he may not have known what she was, but after knowing, shouldn't he have returned her and apologized if he was so inclined? The man's a menace.

Kamala clenched her jaw, her mind already wandering to a myriad of possibilities, hindered by the dark memories of their past entanglement with the vile cultist. She was so invested in her thoughts, she had failed to see everyone else grow curious at her change of demeanor. Khadija even tried to reach out for her physically, only for Tariq to stop her, not wanting to embarrass their friend in front of strangers. Faerl must be stopped! I must stop him! Here and now...forever.

 

[Chrys]

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❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

Although Chrys appeared to be more interested in the free-flowing drinks and food, he was keeping an ear out for everything that has been shared and said. This guy, who calls himself Bobby, is the village leader? No wonder their elder seer was abducted by Faerl and his cultists.

"This isn't one of those reptiles, is it? Gross."

Chrys broke the silence with his stupid question, which elicited a light chuckle from Bobby the village leader. The latter shook his head, though said nothing to confirm or deny Chrys' inquiry, only heaving a sigh and leaning far back in his seat, he would've pressed on the earth and made himself a dugout.

Despite the lack of confirmation, however, Chrys simply shrugged and plopped more of the meat in his mouth. It had heat but it wasn't painfully spicy. Chrys could handle his heat. In the real world, he was making sweet, sweet nightly love to a gorgeous Korean girl, and Koreans love their heat. That's probably why he managed to trick her into loving him. That and he was very, very handsome.

"Anyway, where was I? Ah... Since my father was slain forty years earlier by outsiders," The fat man continued, much to the obvious displeasure of the male pathfinder @Kamala Graham had brought with her. The female had swallowed her first meat and already was reaching for a glass of water, panting as her cheeks bloomed a reddish glow. The fat man ignored all these and more, if he even noticed them in the first place. "I've seen a slow swell of discontent among Yrzun's population. An increasing number of residents look to me and me advisors for leadership, despite the cult's rising influence on the area."

"One such advisor is Barbara, an elder villager who remembers the reign of the first Boucher and is also Yrzun's chief loremaster, and as such, is respected by all," he let out a yawn, but the fat man did not seem to be bothered with all the exposition. It dawned on Chrys that this was just what fat men do, fat men who lead villages, towns, cities: They ate, they drank, they talked and talked and talked, and they stayed fat. Not that there was a problem with being fat. Of course, if it was genetics or a side effect of depression, something one couldn't help, it was what it was. But if it was an active choice based on laziness, gluttony, and political apathy, then that's a bit more...problematic. "With Barbara's...predicament, I fear my people will grow submissive to the cult's presence, making Yrzun a more notable target for more cultist abductions."

It doesn't help that you're in here feeding yourself and not preparing to defend your village or your villagers. Chrys had stolen glimpses of the village, of what he could, on their way here, and he had to admit, it was as heavily fortified as his zipper was during high school prom. Terrible imagery but he blamed the meat. It tasted good but he was pretty sure it was neither pork nor beef. Definitely not chicken. With another morsel in his mouth, he turned to Kamala, an eyebrow raised. She hadn't spoken for a while, let the fat man run his mouth on his own. That was suspicious, especially since she was their natural spokesperson.

"You all right, Kamala? You haven't touched your lizard tail, dear."

He turned to her with utmost concern, even though he just wanted the fat man to stop talking. His voice was crap. Like some weird friendless kid who's never left his basement. Really weird for a man his size.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Yrzun Village, Isulus

Hearing someone, apparently @Chrys, say her name snapped her out of her dismal reverie. In one moment, she was wide-eyed, confused but smiling warmly. In the next? She couldn't help but grimace at the mention and then the sight of the supposed lizard's tail. When the elf noticed what her face had done, she feigned a cough and quickly tried to regain her composure.

"I'm fine, my friend, but Mister Boucher, speaking of our seemingly interconnected paths, I take it you'll want us to retrieve safely your village's seer for the information about the cultists?"

The village leader smirked, nodding, as he reached for a table napkin and wiped off all the grease around his lips. "You are correct, my lovely lady elf," he nodded at Kamala and raised his goblet toward the adventurers. "I would have normally sought out random adventurers to pay a huge amount of gold for the safe retrieval of Barbara, but since you also seek the destruction of the cultists and their Lord, then perhaps half of that amount would suffice?"

"I would be providing you with premium weapons, of course, and the assistance of our village's best scout in reconnoitering the cultist garrison to the west," the village leader thought the pair of additions would satisfy the massive mountain man when he caught a glimpse of his dismay at the truth of the reward. Technically, it wouldn't have been much of a change, considering that huge amount of gold would've gone to other adventurers, not him. What he was promised was all he would be getting, all they would be getting, and Kamala was fine with that. She was never one to indulge in too much material. "It's always a pleasure doing business with the Fields, my lady!"

"Of course, my kind sir!"

Kamala scrambled to raise her goblet as well, assuming the gesture was a standard of the village as well as the rest of this world. When she turned to Khadija and Tariq, they had followed her suit, doing the same, to differing successes: Tariq was efficient while Khadija also scrambled to raise her goblet, not certain as to why she had to do the same.

Lastly, Kamala turned to Chrys with a smile, hoping he would join them as well, in agreement of what had been agreed right then and there. Otherwise, she would also hear him out, any differences or further suggestions he would make, if ever.

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

Chrys was caught mid-drink when @Kamala Graham turned to him with that smile. Of course, he couldn't resist. What was he going to do? Decline the whole agreement? He was here for her, to finally put an end to this whole Faerl saga. He was in it to win it.

"I am in it to win it."

Kamala's pathfinders as well as the village leader and his people all looked at Chrys like he was losing it. Maybe he was. Who cares? It was just a game. Chrys simply responded with a shrug and continued his drink. He waited until the fat man tired of talking to speak to him again. He seemed to enjoy going off on tangents, talking about the past, his people, and what he's been doing lately, barely any of which useful information for their quest.

"Speaking of premium weapons, I take it you have stuff that crushes and slashes things?"

Of course, they would. This hovel seemed like it only knew crushing and slashing things. Chrys doubted they even had any military tactics, strategies, in place to defend their village if attacked. Nothing outside of crush and slash. Barbarian mindset and all that. Still, he wanted to imply his interest in such weapons to the fat man, if only because they were his mastered weaponries.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Yrzun Village, Isulus

Kamala tilted her head to one side at @Chrys' response, a little confused and at the same time apologetic to everyone else. She wasn't sure if he was looking at it in a more businessman-like fashion, which could explain why she wasn't getting what he truly meant by those words, but decided to just go along with it. After all, he seemed to be going along with all this as well. It was enough that they were all on the same page.

"That settles it, then! We shall prepare for the journey right away!"

Everyone else cheered, except for Tariq of course. Even the village leader and his entourage were delighted at the group's decision to help. It was expected, as they were all after the same thing: Getting rid of Faerl and his cultists.

But Mister Boucher still had Chrys' question left to answer, which he nonchalantly did, seemingly proud at the fact that he was sharing with them: "But of course! We have all the...stuff that crushes and slashes! The village's premium weapons should outstand even the most experienced of adventurers!"

If only that were true. Still, they had some time to prepare. Kamala was just too happy they were adventuring again, mostly her and the massive mountain man. Ayna's missed, of course, but wherever she was, the elf could only hope she was doing well. Soon, their party would deal with Faerl and finally close this chapter in their adventuring career. If only they were complete.

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

"But of course! We have all the...stuff that crushes and slashes! The village's premium weapons should outstand even the most experienced of adventurers!"

The fat man's words rang through Chrys' mind as he stood there, staring at the supposed "premium weapons" that were brought to their room the very next day. Last night, they ate and drank and celebrated, for a mutual foe was about to get his butt handed to him. Today, he was dumbfounded, frozen in place in confusion, while the chest of promised weapons sat in front of him.

Chrys took out one of them, clearly a crushing weapon, and gave it a look of disgust. It was barely a weapon. It was more of a giant club than anything. Sure, it would definitely bruise a guy, especially a nerdy cultist, but it wasn't anything he himself would want to be seen wielding. The design was crude, though it was expected, considering this village looked to be barely afloat with scarce resources. Hastily crafted and cheap... Would still sell well, though, given the proper marketing ploy...

"I...think I'll stick with my current weapon."

Chrys nonchalantly dropped the massive club back into the chest and heaved a sigh, yawning as he approached his makeshift bed in their shared tent. He sat on it and grinned at @Kamala Graham's pathfinders, clearly annoying the boy while making the shy girl cover herself with her sheet. That latter act made him uncomfortable. Was he being a creep? He wasn't trying to be. Awkwardly, he looked away from her and focused his entire gaze on the bunny boy.

"If you need arrows, you might find better ones from one of the merchants. The dark-skinned elf, with the white hair and the amazing hips, told me she sold hunting stuff. Viryana was her name. Or something."

He feigned a cough when he realized he might have been implying something he didn't want to in the first place. His business was his business, and it was either capitalism or sexy adult-time stuff, so best not to involve the children with him. Come to think of it, why did Kamala's pathfinders also look like children? To the unsuspecting outsider, their party would look like a single dad bringing his three kids along on a dangerous job. Oh, god! Is that how Viryana saw us? Wait, she's into that, huh?

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Adventurers Guild

Yrzun Village, Isulus

Kamala could only smile meekly at everyone else, a little embarrassed at the supposedly "premium weapons" that were sent their way. Should she be embarrassed, though? She wasn't the one who touted them for more than they were, and besides, what if this was the extent of "premium" anything in this struggling village? Maybe it was their fault for expecting too much, all things considered.

"O-oh, that sounds...good, I think? Do you guys want to meet Chrys' merchant friend?"

She turned to Khadija and Tariq with wide eyes, wondering if they would go for the suggestion. Kamala wasn't born yesterday. She knew what @Chrys was implying between him and the merchant, but the elf didn't think it was relevant to the rest of them. His business was his own, especially the private stuff, which was the same as everyone else. Kamala simply chose to focus on the stuff that actually mattered to the rest of their party.

"Well, since we have no other choice, that sounds...okay," Tariq heaved a disappointed sigh as he crossed his arms over his chest. Khadija said nothing but stood beside him, nodding before bowing her head in extreme shyness. That was enough for Kamala to take as a yes, so she immediately turned to Chrys with a grin, ignoring the chest of "premium weapons," as they were mostly just blunt and sharp tools, not one suitable for a magic user such as herself.

"Then it's settled! Lead the way, Chrys!"

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

Never gonna give you up never gonna let you down never gonna roll around and rock you

Chrystopheles didn't need a second more convincing to get the hell out of there. As much as liked lazing around his bed, he preferred doing that with a woman and definitely not in some shitty swamp camp or whatever. So the first chance he got? He simply gave everyone else a nod and led them out of there. The problem was, he wasn't quite sure where Viryana the dark-skinned elf, with the white hair and the amazing hips, had her shop.

"Should be around here somewhere..."

For a couple more minutes, maybe even at most a single hour, Chrys led the three other "children" on a wild goose chase around the village. A male adult leading "around" town? Yep, he got quite the shocked eyefuls from random villagers. Fortunately for Chrys, the divine intervened, and a stroke of godly luck allowed him to catch sight of the lovely vixen as she went out of her shop.

"Aha! Viryana! Hello there! Remember me? We hung out at the thing last night at the village leader's hall! My friends need arrows, and stuff, so I figured I'd come see you again. Wouldn't miss coming...to see you again. Not even if my life depended on it."

Viryana raised an eyebrow, caught surprised at being rushed into by a man, though when she realized who it was, remembered the bumbling fool from last night, her lips immediately curled into a smile. "Oh, hey...you! I do remember. How can I forget such a handsome face," she purred, clearly a sales tactic, before turning to @Kamala Graham and her pathfinders. "Are these your...friends?" Clearly, she had thought they were someone else to him. His children, most likely.

"Come inside then," she gestured for them to enter her humble shop, keeping the door open for the foursome. "What kind of arrows do you need? I have plenty!"

She wasn't lying. Inside was a myriad of different arrows, some even came in brilliant and expensive-looking quivers. There were normal arrows, steel ones, arrows that looked redder than normal, arrows that seemed to have been made of stone, and blue ones, among other things. Viryana's shop also had bows and crossbows, including bolts, as well as simple hunters' traps, truly a pathfinder's paradise.