A/N: The world of Exile (Avernum) remains the property of Jeff Vogel and Spiderweb Software, not me. I promise to return to the game unharmed the following persons: Veltin, Bohman, Begbie, Renton, Grunders, Rippel, Sara, Mayor Bernathy, Spud, Cassie, and Arkley; and places: Isle of Bigail, specifically Shayder.
"So what do you think we should do?" said Daniel. "Go tell Anaximander about this?"
"Why?" said Anicka. "All he'd do is tell us we probably should look into this problem. I mean those things are disgusting! No one's going to want to live in a place overrun with these roaches."
As if to underscore Anicka's sentiments, there was a now all-too-familiar hissing and the stench of rotting flesh as huge roaches scuttled out of the undergrowth and attacked the group. Several of them were somewhat unusual in that they had large wings and were covered with slime, as though they had recently writhed about in filth to become even more disgusting than an ordinary roach.
Deciding that their best bet was to make for the largest city, they began continuing west to the place named Shayder. As they continued, they met a group of merchants on the road.
"Hello, friends," said their leader. "I am Veltin. These are difficult times, and they call for courage. And proper weaponry and supplies. Don't be caught short by inadequate equipment. Would you like to purchase something?"
"Well, we'll take a look at what ya got," said Anicka, now that their purse had been replenished by delivering mail to Mother Melamed.
Looking over the supplies, it seemed that the diseases rampant had greatly affected the supply of goods, and they found little of interest beyond the torches. Parting ways, they continued toward the city, where they met a number of brave warriors covered with filth—a thick layer of slime and goo from stepping on hundreds of oversized cockroaches. Most of these men looked pale and shaky, nursing hacking coughs. Still they summoned some reserve of strength to warn about giant cockroaches before continuing on their way.
Some settlers had laboriously hacked out an open area in the thick woods of the Isle of Bigail, and were growing a few plots of unhealthy looking crops with a close grouping of farmhouses. Piles of ash were all about, as they apparently had taken the advice that was on the signs everywhere to burn trash, though no smoke rose from their chimneys.
Anicka led the way, hoping that they might tell something about the situation, but these farmers all bore rings marking them as members of the Anama church, and while polite, they were quite cold to those who were not Anama, and with a shrug, Anicka led the way to the walled city of Shayder.
Striding into the city of Shayder, at least no one seemed inclined to attack a group of Avernites. It was a beautiful city, filled with wooden buildings and carefully tended lawns and gardens, but with a disturbing lack of people in the streets, and those who were walking the streets avoided each other, clearly taking great pains to keep as much distance as possible. Strangest of all, however, was the smell that seemed a mix of rotting flesh, smoke, and other more disturbing elements.
As they walked further into the city, a tall thin man with dark hair, carrying a polished wood case and portable stand stopped, set up the stand and opened his case.
"Greetings, strangers," he said. "I am Bohman."
"Is alchemy your profession?" said Nathan.
"Yes, I sell potions," said Bohman. "No respectable Anama member should be without one."
"Why do Anama members use so many potions?" said Anicka.
"We Anama don't use magic, but that doesn't mean we're fools," said Bohman, and his Anama ring glinted in the sunlight. "We use all other resources we can find, including the natural plants that come from the earth."
"So where do you get these potions?" said Anicka.
"I make these potions using only natural, organic ingredients and alchemical processes without use of a single magical spell. You may purchase them if you wish," said Bohman, and he stopped, due to a sudden coughing fit. Regaining his composure, he straightened up and said, "Excuse me. I think I'm starting to become a touch ill. As I was about to say, you may purchase potions from me, if you wish."
"Thanks," said Anicka, and she looked a little doubtful. "We'll catch you later."
Moving into the Shayder Bazaar, a well-built dangerous man with a dark, ferrety face greeted them, "Ahm Begbie," he said.
"What sort of shop is this?" said Anicka.
"Ah got weapons, ya daft sod. What else would I got? I run this shop with mah mate Renton. Also, if you wanna buy er sell somethin, I'm your man,"said Begbie.
"Where's Renton?" said Anicka.
"Across the way," said Begbie. "Fine armors of all sorts, he got."
The man behind the counter Begbie indicated was tall and thin, with very short hair, and was wearing an Anama ring, and said, "I'm Renton."
"And your occupation is just selling armor?" said Anicka.
"Oh, just trying to rebuild my life, ya know. So I run this shop here," said Renton. "You can purchase armor here, finest quality, brought down from Gale."
"Why are you rebuilding your life?" asked Anicka.
"I'd rather not talk about it. Let's just say I got into the magic a little far, and was goin funny in the head. The Anama helped me to a point where I could walk upright, and wasn't seeing stuff that wasn't there," said Renton. "Things aren't as interesting, running a shop, but at least I'm sane, you know?"
"I guess so," said Anicka. "Where is Gale?"
"To the northeast, hundred and hundreds of miles away. They make the finest armor in Valorim up there, and I got a bunch of it shipped here. You won't see its like anywhere for miles and miles!"
"Thanks," said Anicka, considering her iron chain mail that had been retrieved from the corpse of an Avernite bandit.
Moving to the other end of the bazaar, they met an attractive woman with a large cleaver making a variety of food products. "My name's Rippel," she said. "Need any supplies?"
"What's your job in Shayder?" said Daniel.
"Most of the time, I sell food, you know? The rest of the time, I keep busy," replied Rippel, showing off an Anama ring.
"Why did you join the Anama?" said Daniel.
"I used to live in Sharimik, but I cam here to join the Anama. You know, I've never trusted those mages," replied Rippel.
"Where is Sharimik?" said Anicka.
"Big city to the northeast," said Rippel. "Nice place, but it just doesn't have the spirituality I can find here."
"Why do you distrust mages so much?" asked Phaedra.
"How could you trust them? Acting all mightier than you, clustering in their towers, doing their secret rites, making plagues and weird creatures and stuff?" said Rippel. "I tell you, that's something we could all do without."
"I suppose," said Phaedra, looking to Anicka with a 'let's get out of here' expression.
"Almost as bad as being nephilim," said Frrrrrr to Phaedra once they were outside.
"I suppose so," said Phaedra. "The job office—let's go see if there's work."
Inside, there was a short, fidgety accountant type with a heavily chewed quill behind his ear.
"I'm Grunders," he said. "A lovely day to you. I run a variety of business operations that folk like you might be interested. I'm the main jobs dispatcher for Shayder of course, but I'm also an accomplished reseller. Good occupations, thanks to the roaches."
"Know anything about the roaches?" said Anicka.
"Well, with the monsters everywhere, the normal supply lines are gone, so small time couriers and treasure hunters are what's needed today, and I work with them. I'm getting rich, I tell you. Pity about the dead, though," said Grunders with unconvincing sincerity.
"What's the extent of your business operations, then?" said Anicka.
"Getting things and selling them for more than I paid for them. Even in these trying times, there is money to be made in getting things and selling them for more than I paid for them," said Grunders. "Now, by the way, if you need it, Sara does identification."
"So, are you in the Anama, too?" said Phaedra.
Grunders looked uncomfortable, and said, "Yes, I am. But I lost my ring. I'll get a new one shortly. It's not something I can discuss with someone who isn't in the Anama."
"I understand," said Anicka, and she looked over the jobs available and said, "I don't think there's any we can take on at present. Thanks for your time."
"You know," said Phaedra, "identification is mage work. Must be pretty hard to be in that line of business with a bunch of magic-is-evil freaks."
"You better not say that too loudly," said Anicka, "bet the freaks will take exception to it."
"Still, Phaedra's probably onto something," said Angarahad. "We should find Sara and talk to her. Probably learn some pretty useful stuff."
"I'm glad you see it that way," said Phaedra. "I don't want to make it sound like I think ..."
"Oh, I understand," said Angarahad. "You have your skills, I have mine—and the world would be worse off if we only had the same."
"I know," said Anicka. "The strength we have is that we each have different abilities, and I'd never join the Anama. But, in keeping with the low-profile thing, we probably shouldn't go shouting that off rooftops in the middle of Anama territory. And even if they'd take just one of us, I don't think you should try to join, either, Angie."
"Have no fear," said Angarahad, and she lowered her voice, and added, "they creep me out."
They reached the unassuming cottage tucked in the corner of the city, a neat sign declaring it to be the home and office of one Sara the Sage.
When they came inside, they saw a woman dressed in mage robes, and she looked at them defiantly, and said, "I am Sara, Shayder's mage."
"What are you doing in Shayder?" said Anicka.
"I study the magical arts and provide training in the same. I even dabble in identification a bit," replied Sara. "And believe me, between the roaches and the Anama, these are not stress-free occupations."
"What sort of magical training can you perform?" asked Phaedra.
"I am quite capable of teaching several valuable spells," said Sara. "If you wish to purchase one, let me know."
Phaedra said, "I'd love to go over what you can teach."
After that bit of business had concluded, Anicka said, "What do you know about the roach problem?"
"I know little about it. The Anama tell me nothing, and I rarely go out with all the sickness," said Sara, and she thought for a moment before adding, "though I do know someone who might be able to help ... He's quite wise."
"Who do you know who can help us?" said Phaedra.
"Arkley, the librarian, is wise and knows an awful lot," replied Sara. "You should be sure to speak with him. He's in the library to the north."
"So what do the Anama make of you here?" said Daniel.
"I care not what they say. Magic, despite its drawbacks, is a great force for good. And no matter what they do, this is home, and here I will remain. The ignorant fools," said Sara. "Though, like I said, Arkley isn't as benighted as most of them, and he might help you, believe it or not."
"That does help," said Anicka. "We're not all that great at fitting in ourselves."
"I can tell," said Sara dryly. "The Anama ... mostly they're a bunch of brainwashed fools, never think about all the good that magic has done. You folk should know about that."
"Yeah," said Anicka. "We figure it takes all kinds to make a difference."
"You keep thinking that way," said Sara. "And you'll find folk what will help you. Just ... don't go casting flashy magic spells out in front of the Anama, and they'll leave you alone. Sometimes you might have to smile and nod at the inane drivel they spew, but ... it could be worse. It can always be worse."
"That's optimistic," said Nathan.
"It's realistic," said Sara. "You'll see. Good luck to you."
"Thank you," said Anicka. "You've been a huge help."
As they walked north toward where Sara had said the library was to be found, they saw city hall, and decided to stop there. A wrinkled and weary woman shuffled papers at the end of the table with the air of one accustomed to the pointlessness of her existence.
"I am Mayor Bernathy," she said. "Welcome to Shayder."
"Thank you," said Anicka. "What is your purpose in Shayder?"
"I am the mayor of the beautiful city of Shayder, placed by the Empire as a guardian," said Mayor Bernathy. "For what all that is worth, which is little."
"How'd you become mayor?" said Anicka.
She coughed, and it was clear that part of her weariness was due to illness, and said, "I was hand-picked by the Empire to come out here and try to run this place. Of course the Anama really run everything. Things I say are basically ignored. Plus, of course, no one expected the roaches."
"What do you know about the roach plague?" said Anicka.
She wiped her nose and said, "They bring disease. Everyone is dying. The crops are being eaten." Mayor Bernathy smiled evilly, and said, "And the Anama can't handle it. About the only authority I have is to give a mission to someone who could handle it."
"We've reasons of our own to be interested," said Anicka. "And we did deal with the slimes around Krizsan. Tell us about this mission."
"One bit of authority remains to me. The Empire gave me the authority to give adventurers quests, if necessary. And here it is: Slay the cockroaches. Rid the island of them. Save these people, before diseases kill them all." Mayor Bernathy coughed delicately into her hand, and said, "Do this, and return to me, and I will reward you well. Please hurry, and good luck to you."
"Thank you," said Anicka. "We'll see what we can do about it."
As they neared the library, they met a beggar. The ravages of disease were clear on him, he could barely move, and he wore a dirty Anama ring and an air of grim dignity.
"Greetings, my name is Spud," he rasped.
"How did you become a beggar?" said Anicka.
"I was a farmer. I lost my wife and my health to disease," said Spud. "I ask for a minor gift to feed me while I regain my strength."
"I'm sorry about your wife," said Anicka, giving him a few coins.
"I am only twenty-eight," he said, though he looked far older, "my wife was only twenty-six when the plague got her. Sometimes, as much as it shames me to admit it, I envy her for moving on, while I must stay here. Thank you for your kindness. I shall not forget you."
"If you're an Anama member," said Daniel, looking at the ring, "why aren't they helping you?"
"The Anama have little patience for those who don't work. When I get my strength back, then they will help me more," said Spud. "They do give me a little food though."
"Is it safe to be out here with all the bugs about?" said Phaedra.
"No, not safe," said Spud, and he coughed.
"Is life difficult on the Isle of Bigail?" said Angarahad. "How do you survive?"
"Even before the roaches, life here was hard. We Anama worked so hard to clear out a place for people to live. This is a rough place," said Spud. "At night, the Anama let me sleep in their temple. It keeps things from crawling on me. They are kind."
"What was farming like?" said Anicka.
"A difficult enough job, considering the rocky soil," said Spud. "Even without the plague."
"What sort of plague did this?" said Anicka.
"The disease tore me apart. I survived, but it shredded my insides," said Spud. "You really don't want to know. That is why I must beg for gifts while I recover."
"Well, I hope you regain your strength," said Anicka.
Spud looked wistful, and said, "One day, I will be a parasite no longer. Oh, what I would give to be able to do a little bit of honest farm work!"
Moving into the library, they saw a hunched over, exhausted man in long robes, and as they drew nearer, they could see he was studying diagrams of cockroaches.
Looking up, he said, "I am Arkley. Greetings to you."
"Hi, my name's Anicka, and these are my traveling companions, Dan, Frrrrrr, Phaedra, Angie, and Nathan," said Anicka. "Are you the librarian?"
"Yes, I am the librarian of Shayder," said Arkley, "and one of the keepers of knowledge for the Anama church."
"Is this the only library in Shayder?" asked Angarahad.
He waved at the bookshelves surrounding them, and said, "Yes. The Anama dislike magic, but are great believers in knowledge. Ahonar himself commissioned me to do a bit of very important research," said Arkley.
"What important research is that?" said Anicka.
"My current research is critical," said Arkley. "I am trying to find ways to deal with the cockroaches that plague us. I am having little luck, but I have found a few leads."
"So, what have you learned about the cockroaches?" said Anicka.
"Well, I have heard that there are intelligent spiders on this island, of a species previously unknown to us. It sounds odd, I know, but I suspect that they may be able to help you," replied Arkley. "Also, I know of a mage named Purgatos, who I suspect can be of assistance to you."
"There are intelligent spiders on this isle?" said Anicka, feeling a strong sense of dread. "Tell us more about these spiders."
"Yes, friendly, intelligent spiders. I have heard rumors that they live near the town of Bavner. Something this bizarre cannot help but be a help to us. To help find Bavner, by the way, you can purchase maps of the Isle of Bigail from me," said Arkley. "I haven't met them, but I have heard rumors. They are friendly. They like humans. And they live in a cave in the woods to the east. Nobody hunts the roaches more effectively than the spiders. They may even know where the roaches come from."
Phaedra exchanged a look with Anicka, as she likewise had heard dread tales of the Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders, and never had hoped to meet them in their surface travels, and then she looked back at Arkley, and said, "Where is Purgatos?"
"I know it is problematical for an Anama member to send one to a mage, but just between you and me, we are not yet strong enough to handle the roaches on our own. Purgatos lives in the ruined town of Kneece," said Arkley. "I believe you can find a ferry there in the town of Kuper."
"Is Purgatos the only mage you know?" said Nathan.
Arkley looked down at his Anama ring, turning the plain band, and then he said, "I agree with the stance of the Anama on magic, but I do not dislike mages personally. A mage's non-magical efforts can lead to good ends. For example, Sara, who lives in the southeast corner of Shayder, is a mage ... but a great finder of knowledge."
"What sorts of knowledge are the Anama interested in?" said Frrrrrr.
"Others can describe the beliefs of the Anama better than I. I am mainly concerned with the simple practical maintenance of our library," replied Arkley. "And I make money on the side by creating maps. If you would like to purchase one, just ask."
"The map would probably be useful," said Anicka. "We're not exactly from around here."
"Thank you," said Arkley. "Your payment will feed me well while I do my research."
"Tell me about those drawings," said Angarahad.
"Though you are not one of the Anama, you must know how great a concern the cockroach plagues have been to our faith. They ravage our lands, after all," replied Arkley. "Ahonar himself asked me to learn as much as I can about them, and these drawings represent what I have learned thus far."
"Well, thank you," said Anicka. "You've been most helpful."
"I wish you well," said Arkley.
They left the library then, and nearly ran into a muscular soldier patrolling the streets of the city, and with a sinking feeling, Anicka noticed the insignia of an Empire Dervish.
"I'm Dervish Cassie," she said, eyeing them.
"Hi," said Anicka, nervously. "What's your job here?"
"I'm patrolling for roaches," she said, with a pointed look at the group, "and other vermin."
"What are you implying?" said Daniel, his nose flaring.
"I served in the war with the Avernum worms. I've had many years of fighting. An achievement requiring greater discipline and skill than any Avernite worm could ever hope for! I've heard of you, and the people of Valorim may tolerate you," said Cassie, "but I know what you Avernites have done."
"Stop calling us worms," said Daniel.
She spit at their feet, and said, "All these monsters come from you! I know it! And don't get smug. Everyone knows Avernites are among us, and by now the Empire knows too. Believe me, whatever you're doing, you'll pay for it! A thousand times over."
"And what do you think of the Anama?" said Angarahad.
"They are not loyal to the Empire," said Cassie. "They will be called to account for it. Don't take me for a fool. The rumors are everywhere. We all know that there are Avernites walking among us. Most are ready to welcome you. They think that you can help us with the plagues." She sneered and said, "I know the truth. I know this is all your fault. And when these fools rise up and make you pay, I'll be the head of them." With that, she turned away and continued her patrol.
"Charmed to meet you, too," muttered Anicka. "Dan, dammit, are you trying to get us killed?"
"Look I'm just sick of it," said Daniel. "They done a lot worse to us during the war, and before the war. And ..."
"And we must think of more than our own pride," said Frrrrrr firmly. "I do not like it any more than you, but I have dealt with far worse, and always will."
"Let's go," said Anicka.
"Why don't we get a drink and something to eat first," said Phaedra.
"We could do that," said Anicka, "but I'd rather get somewhere we can talk freely."