The Hordes of the Blight - The Adventure

"It was great! So many to slaughter, so much blood to spill...hmm, hmm...But they're right, it's not normal for the little beasties to be so eager to throw their lives away. They're either making a big push to steal the land, to scorch the earth and foul the water...Or something else is infuriating them..." Bellator shrugged, tilting his head as he thought, wondering which is was...At least, in his mind, those were the answers.

The captain's fellow guards glance a little warily at Bellator, but the caravan members - and the captain - are unfazed.

The captain, a tall, bearded man, frowns. "We've been seeing some of their scouts around the edges of the forest, but they haven't attacked us yet. If you're right, there could be a large attack headed for Outreach. I know you just got here, but I - and the people of Outreach - would appreciate it if you could assist in the defense should the Blight attack."

The caravan leader responds, "I know it's going to take a few days to sell our goods, and even then I'm not leaving until I know it's safe to head back. Don't want to run straight into an army on my way back. Until then, you have my assistance." He turns to the group. "What about you all? You fought like heroes on the way here. With you here, the Blight won't stand a chance!"

"If I am needed here, I see no reason why to leave."

"Heh, heh...If they try to attack this place, I'll make a second wall out of their bodies...No one dies here, oooooh, no..." Bellator nodded, showing he was willing to assist. "I'll gut any one of the blighted beasts who get too close...!"

Aparix scratches under his chin. "Huh. Don't suppose you'd be expecting us to do this for free, so what's the payment?"

Ghost Tracker, meanwhile, states, "I'll be staying around for other reasons, but I'll be happy to defend the town should it come under attack."

One of the guards gives a mild glare at Aparix, but the captain merely scratches his beard for a moment before answering, "Well, you'll be given free lodging for your stay, and after an attack comes, you'll be paid accordingly. In any case, we thank you all for your support."

[AKA I don't know what exact measurement to put in as far as currency worth.]

"That is all. You may go about your business unless there's anything else."

"Fair enough," Aparix shrugs, walking past the guards. "So where's a good place to get a drink around here?"

Bellator shrugged a bit. "Crushing the blightspawn underfoot is its own reward, hmm, hmm, hmm...But money never hurts, I suppose...Hrm...Yes, perhaps I should practice, see if I can come up with anything new, heh, heh...But yes, perhaps drinks should come first, it's been a long trip, hmm, hmm..." Besides, he couldn't come up with anything good if he was distracted.

"I partake in drink as well. Drink is good after long day."

One of the guards says, "A drink, eh? Most popular place here is a bar called The Quill's Quiver. It's not far into town, just head down this lane here..."

Meanwhile, one of the caravan members, a tall young blonde, speaks to Paladin - "There's not a lot of wizards in these parts, but I know a man who spends a lot of time with them. I'll take you to him if you'd like, I usually visit when I come around here..."

...

The Quill's Quiver is a large wooden cottage, well-built in contrast to the buildings around it. A sign bearing its name rests on the outside, and the sound of laughter and conversation comes from inside. The interior is warm and inviting, sunlight streaming in through clean windows. Many of the tables are occupied by various patrons. It seems this place is popular, with both citizens and guards alike. The bartender, a well-built, balding man, glances at the new arrivals with a neutral expression.

Meanwhile, the youth leads Paladin through the streets of the town to a ramshackle house near the wall. He knocks on the door, waits a few moments, then knocks again. The door opens to reveal a grey-haired man who peers at the youth with tiny eyes. "Ah, Martin, good to see you again! Who's your friend?"

"Evening," Aparix says, crossing over to a nearby barstool. "Mind pouring me and my friends a shot of milk? Oh, wait, milk prices are up. Silly me! Better make it Flare Whiskey, then."

"I would like Vodka, if available. If not, I'll have whiskey."

Bella looked about before nodding, hopping up onto a stool beside Asparix, staying quiet for the moment. After all, whiskey sounded good to him.

The bartender nods. "One vodka, two Flare Whiskeys." As he passes the drinks around, he idly asks, "New to Outreach?"

...

The grey-haired man smiles. "Well, I know quite a bit about runes, and I'd like to think I'm almost a wizard myself. Maybe I can help you with whatever you need." He backs up to let Martin and Paladin enter. "Name's Wilfred. What exactly do you need? 'Empowered' is a bit of a vague term when it comes to runes..."

Zakhar downs the shot before replying."Yes, is first day here."

@Fury: The inside of the house is filled with books and various trinkets. Though nothing looks inherently magical, there are a few things that look just a tad nonfunctional - like a crystal here or an orb there. Things that may be more than meets the eye. Wilfred, meanwhile, takes a look at the sword. "Fascinating... this sword has most of the runes neccessary for summoning a creature, but not all of them. And you say it takes energy out of you? You're not just a rune-user, are you? You're actually powering this with your own magic?" His eyebrows raised slightly. "Impressive. I'm not sure what I can do to improve this blade... though I have an idea. If we apply runes to power the summoning, it should take some of the strain off you."

[Sure, why not]

"Interesting." He frowned slightly. "I'm not entirely sure. Runes are supposed to be indiscriminate, but if what you say is true... either someone with the Gift infused some of their magic into this sword, or else wild magic is at work. Either way, the result should be the same. The few runes we'll be adding will be meaningless by themselves, so they won't be used against you in case they aren't subject to the same limitation."

Martin, meanwhile, looks on with fascination.

"Well," Wilfred smiled sheepishly. "A man has to make a living somehow... although I'd happily shave some of the price off if you'd tell me the story behind that sword."

[How are the runes part of the sword? Are they etched into it or inscribed with special paint?]