AN: The world of Exile/Avernum belongs to Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software. In particular, Fort Draco, the defunct Nephilim fort, the nephilim on the plain, Silvar and previously introduced residents, as well as Mertis and Esther and the scared man. Persons and places belonging to the game will be put back unharmed when I'm done.
Leaving the pleasant soak of the newly discovered hot springs, it almost seemed that the effort had been wasted, as the group found their way into Fort Draco. To be sure, in the time since arriving, they had heard of the fame of the place--source of practically all the metal produced in Avernum. Gold was valuable down here just as it was on the surface, but iron and steel were life. Without them, there would be no tools, no picks, no weapons--Fort Draco was vital to Avernum's survival. However, the fort was a nightmare of soot and smoke. It was a loud and filthy place, and slag and ore were heaped everywhere. Splitting headaches ensued soon after crossing the fort's gates. The citizens of the place were definitely a dirty, hearty crew. Work in the foundry and mines made them strong and self-reliant--as well as completely encrusted in soot.
Continuing across, they found boats for sale, and immediately thereafter bought one and set off downriver. Ansel, by this time, was resigned to the expenditures, and did not complain. Some distance down, they pulled in, intending to camp for the night. As they looked about for a good place, they saw a rather intriguing pile of stuff--broken weapons and tarnished stuff scattered amongst the things.
"You know," said Duncan, "treasure don't usually sit around in the wilderness, just lying there to be picked up."
"True," replied Jynx. "Wonder what happened to the owners?"
"I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle," said Ansel, and he bent down to gather coins and a dagger which had survived intact.
"Oh great," said Brynja. "A bunch of lizards coming. And they look hungry."
"Erm, not to be a pessimist," said Rudel, "but I think it's two bunches."
"Oh joy," said Brother Theo.
"Hey, I'm starting to like lizard steak," said Ansel. "Bring it on."
Fifteen minutes later, they were surrounded by a healthy pile of lizard carcasses as well.
"See," said Ansel. "Let's get a fire going and roast these. We're gonna eat good tonight."
"Yeah, if only there was something decent to drink with these," said Jynx.
"I know," said Ansel. "That mushroom ale just don't hit the spot."
After setting up drying racks, and then cooking enough lizard steaks for the night, Jynx was beginning to feel the pleasant lull that came from finishing a good meal. "So--what are we going to do next?" she said. "Really ought to go down to the Castle, you think?"
"I guess so," said Ansel. "Just didn't feel like hurrying."
"Oh, we've plenty of time," said Brynja. "But as hard as that token was to come by, we probably should strike while the iron's hot. Sure there's plenty of work for adventuring types there."
"And I would like to see this Tower of Magi," said Jynx. "Especially since it seems they're not quite so fussy about who gets taught magic spells."
"At least, as long as you got the coin," said Rudel, laughing. "Hey, Brother Theo--what's the watch rotation?"
"Back to the beginning," replied Brother Theo. "Which means that--after this excellent meal--it's time for me to turn in. Try not to stir up any more lizard nests, though--ok, Ansel?"
"Sure," said Ansel, grinning at Brother Theo.
The next day, bellies still full of lizard steaks, packs filled with dried lizard meat, the group continued their journey, finding the river curved sharply to the east, and they were soon nearing the slightly familiar fortress where they had found the necklace belonging to Formello's mayor.
"This will take us back to Formello, then," said Brother Theo, checking his maps. "But behind this fortress might not be such a bad place to store our boat."
"Sounds a fair idea to me," said Ansel. "And then let's go to this castle, see what kind of work they've got for folk like us."
Stowing their boat carefully, they continued around the curve of the cave walls, finding a fairly large plain with many cavewood poles set with skulls atop them.
"Charming decor," said Brynja.
"Crap," said Rudel, catching sight of the large band of nephilim who had apparently been camping in front of the fortress--perhaps oblivious to the carnage that had gone on behind those walls, but now rapidly approaching the group. Though none in the group spoke the language of the nephilim, there was no doubt that they were unfriendly.
Indeed, the two groups met in the middle of the plain in front of the fortress, and a fierce battle ensued. These nephilim, however, were a poor match for the band of adventurers--and they fell just as all within the fortress had some days past. Relieved the battle had gone so well, the group continued on their way. As they journeyed, the cave floor was littered with shreds of armor and broken weapons that indicated some sort of battle or ambush had taken place there. The blood smears on the ground were still fairly fresh, since there was no rain down here to wash them away--but little sign identifying who had been fighting whom.
Days of travel later, they finally found their way into Silvar once more.
Gary was still busily polishing the counter, and waved in recognition. "Successful journeys, eh?" he said.
"Quite so," said Ansel. "Listen, we found a hot spring."
Gary listened attentively as Ansel described the location, and then Brother Theo made a copy of the relevant portion of his map.
"Excellent," said Gary, pulling out a pouch of coins. "Thank you for your help. And in return for your services, here is some coin, and a round of beer. Hopefully, one day, I will have a resort there, providing expensive services to all Avernites."
"Just like now," muttered Jynx, half under her breath.
"We'll also be looking for a meal and a few beds for the night," said Ansel.
"Oh, very well," said Gary, "you've done a fine service for me--that'll be on the house, too." His expression, though, belied the cheerful words--he clearly did not care for giving away food and service, no matter what the circumstances might be.
Consequently, they were all happy enough to leave Silvar, headed south to new territory. Early in their journey, they came across a signpost which declared that it was another forty-five miles to the Tower of Magi, and hundreds of miles to the Great Cave and the Castle. Following a few more bends in the road that curved through the caverns, they saw a fortified wall blocking further travel, with a number of soldiers visible, and beyond this wall, the bustle of a city.
"Figure there'll be trouble passing?" said Jynx.
"Don't see why there would be," said Duncan. "Let's go see what they've got to say."
"Hold on there friends," said one soldier as the group neared. "We have to be careful about strangers here. You'll have to tell us your names before you can pass."
Another added, "Come on, we don't have all day."
"Keep yer shirt on," said Ansel. "Name's Ansel, and these are Duncan and Rudel, and Jynx, and Brynja, and Brother Theo. Good enough?"
"Thank you for cooperating," said the first soldier. "We need to keep track of who is going where. Now, where you bound?"
"Down to the Castle," said Ansel. "Heard they had work for adventurers, and we got us a token."
"Very well," said the soldier, moving to allow them to pass. "One more warning. Mertis has been troubled by undead for the past few months. Be wary. We don't know where the evil creatures come from, but they're quite dangerous."
"Thanks for the warning," said Ansel.
"Carry on, then," said the main spokesman of the group of soldiers.
Passing through the gate, the group saw a giant natural spring bubbling out of the ground here, feeding the large lake to the south. The surrounding area was clearly a fertile area. Large, appetizing mushrooms grew all over, grazed upon by pallid cave cows. Large pale fish frolicked in the lake.
Still the air had an unusual chill to it, despite the warmth from what must be somewhat nearby volcanic vents. Strange inhuman howls sounded in the distance.
"I don't like this at all," said Jynx.
Brynja nodded, and said, "Makes my skin crawl, whatever's out there."
"That would be the undead," said Brother Theo.
They had walked on some distance when a slow, seemingly clumsy group of horrible undead creatures came into view.
"Let's do our bit for the area," said Rudel.
"Quite right," said Ansel, readying his sword. "Ready?"
"Ready," said Duncan.
The sickening smell of rotted flesh, which should have long since been burned or buried, filled the air. Gagging at the smell, Jynx began her spellwork, her other companions preparing their attacks against the creatures, and soon, the things were put to their proper rest.
"Wish I could believe that's the end of it," said Brother Theo, as he moved one of the carcasses to a spot not occupied by mushrooms. "But from the sound of it, there'll be more to take their place."
"Every bit helps," said Jynx, fighting nausea.
Completing the task of piling the bodies of undead, Rudel poured some oil over them, and set the pile ablaze. Satisfied that the blaze would not spread, as well as any contagions harbored by the undead, the group continued into the city of Mertis. A lake in the center of town provided the sort of scenic view that the people of Avernum seemed to cultivate, and beyond that, a number of giant lizards were chained to large rocks.
"I've never seen anything like that!" said Jynx. "Those things are dangerous."
"You're new around these parts, then," said a passerby who had overheard her exclamation. "They're quite useful--just have to keep fangs and claws filed down, and then break them to pulling the carts."
"Must be quite an operation," said Rudel.
"You have to make do with what you've got," she said, shrugging. "Be too hard to keep trade moving without them."
"I guess that all makes sense," said Jynx. "My name is Jynx--didn't catch yours."
"Esther," she replied. "Usually, I'm in my church, waiting for those in need. I serve this town as best I can. I provide much more healing than I should have to. I have helped fight the undead on occasion, as well." She sighed. "I wish I could rely on my good works more, and my spells less."
"You only know a few spells then?" said Brother Theo, sounding disappointed, as though he had hoped to compare notes once he learned that Esther was a fellow devotee to the divine.
"Yes, I am a spellcaster of small skill. I would love to teach you some of them, but I can't. You would have much better luck in the Tower of the Magi, to the south," replied Esther with a sad smile. "My aboveground magical training was limited, I'm afraid." She sighed, and added, "I was nobility, you see. I would be still--but a minor power struggle landed me here."
"Suppose that's no worse than any other reason," said Jynx. "So, how much can you tell us about Mertis?"
"Only that this is the only settlement between the northern cities and the Great Cave," she replied, then corrected herself. "No, the Tower of Magi is to the south. But they set themselves apart, of course."
"The Tower of Magi?" said Jynx, excitement rising in her voice. "That sounds interesting! Tell me about it."
"I don't know that much," replied Esther. "Just that all of the most skilled enchanters and priests in Avernum either live there, or go there at some point. But they're very secretive. I'm sure they would see adventurers like you, though."
"So, how do you get to the Tower of Magi?" asked Rudel, his own interest piqued.
"Head south, and read the signs," said Esther. "It's hard to miss. You'll see, once you've been that way."
"Do you make potions?" said Brother Theo.
"Sometimes. I do know a few secrets. I don't usually give them away, though," replied Esther, thinking for a moment. "Although, if you were to bring me some energetic herbs, I would trade some of my potion knowledge with you."
"So, on our way," said Ansel, "we were told about the undead problem--and we encountered a few before getting to town. What can you tell us about them."
"They appear in the Grim Cavern to the north," replied Esther. "They come out to raise havoc. We really don't know what makes them appear, They aren't a terrible threat anymore, but once they were a horror to behold."
"Having them wander the area seems bad enough," said Ansel.
"Ah, but once, they were in much greater numbers," replied Esther. "It ebbs and flows, but never fully gone."
Brother Theo had been sorting through the herbs he had acquired, and said, "Look--I happen to have some energetic herbs."
"Thank you very much," said Esther, taking the herbs, and handing over a potion. "Would you happen to have some toadstools?"
Rummaging a bit further, he said, "Yes, right here."
"And now, some greymold?" she said, taking the toadstools, and giving a parchment scroll in exchange.
"Afraid not," said Brother Theo.
"Ah, don't worry," she said. "It's difficult to come by, but don't lose hope. I do not travel beyond Mertis, and shall be here if you return with some."
"Thank you," said Brother Theo, his tone sounding to Jynx as though he felt wronged.
Upon leaving the church, Jynx said, "What's wrong?"
"Well, just that I thought that she would be giving a recipe, not taking ingredients with so little in return," said Brother Theo.
"These are quite fine rewards," said Rudel, examining the potion and scroll. "I'd say we came off the better. Here," and he handed the potion to Duncan. "Save this for a tough fight." He offered the scroll to Jynx.
Jynx looked the scroll over and said, "He's right, Brother Theo. This will be very helpful."
"Oh, very well," said Brother Theo, "I am being greedy. I shall have to beg pardon."
"Whoa up," said Ansel, as they rounded the back of the church, finding a man clearly trying to hide there.
While he seemed quite scared of the group, they were able to calm him down, convincing him that they did not mean him any harm. "What are you doing here?" said Ansel.
"I'm hiding," he said. "Don't tell anyone about me."
"Who would we tell?" said Jynx.
"Well, I had a friend named Eldin. Last I saw him, he was in Dharmon," replied the man. "And I sure don't want to see him again, thank you very much."
"So that's why you're hiding?" said Brynja. "Business deal gone sour?"
He glared at her, and said, "I'm supposed to go with a caravan back to the Great Cave. But the undead are too much for me! They're horrible! The beady eyes and stuff! I'm staying here, where it's safe! Now, go away."
"Fine," said Ansel. "We should get going--we have a long journey ahead of us."