[HQ Ignorance] Re : Scene Ten: The Nature of the Beast

[Nic Hughes]

Lev Lafayette wrote:
> The Uz stop their approaches with the unfurling of the
> Red Banner of Valor and turn towards their leader who
> slowly stands. The Mostal guards mutter among
> themselves in hushed tones.
>
> The Dark Troll leader slowly stands and walks over to
> look the unfurled banner, walking around it and Azhur
> He stands in front of Aalmon and looks at him
> seriously.
>
>   
Aalmon is taken aback at the reaction of the Trolls to Azhur's banner, 
he glances at it for a moment as if to understand what manner of magic 
it possesses. He gives the troll his most friendly winning smile and 
bows slightly.

> "That is an old banner. A very old banner indeed. You
> can be certain that if you unfurl it among the Uz of
> Railos that you and your friends will come to no harm.
> Ever."
>
> "But it also worries me to see it. If the banner of
> the saviour and the peacemaker is in these lands once
> again, then old crises are rising once more".
>
> "Here; take these". He presses coins into Azhur's
> hand, "Give one to any Uz from whom you seek
> assistance in Railos and it will be received".
>
>   

As the Troll turns to leave Aalmon steps over to Azhur "That was quick 
thinking and well done. I'd guard those well if I were you, I think we 
are going to be needing all the friends we can get."

> At that moment, Kalen walks in. "I have found my
> friend Torsten! He can take us to the lands of the
> Telmori, as he lived with them for many years."
>
> Standing in front of is a bedraggled dwarf with an
> unkempt beard and the clothing of a human from the
> wilds. There even appears to be twigs and the odd leaf
> stuck in his hair and he's munching food from a bag.
> They appear to be ... mushrooms.
>
> "Never could stand processed food", the Dwarf comments
> to Azhur, his mouth still full. "So, to the Telmori.
> Well, I can lead that way..."
>
>
>   
Aalmon gives their new-found guide a quizzical look for a moment. Then 
with a start he strides forward and gives his hand a firm shake "Well 
and good! Would you like some of my fine Eastpoint cheese and a little 
watered wine? My saddle-bags are packed and ready, with your knowledge 
of the way and my nose for trouble I'm sure we will make good enough time."

As the group make their preparations to leave Aalmon keeps busy helping, 
for his bags are always packed and there is little for him to do. As he 
helps each of the others he drops into the conversation his concern 
that  the loss of a companion shows that the group lacks any deep bond 
to tie them together in their cause. When he speaks with Azhur he seems 
to pay a lot of attention and care to the banner.

OOC: Sooner or later we should be thinking about a Guardian for our 
little heroband and without being game-mechanical that is what Aalmon is 
trying to get at. With his Lunar background he tends to think in terms 
of visible symbols like banners (e.g. vexilla), which may or may not fit 
with anyone else's religious views. Lev, do you have any views on the 
subject?

--
Nic