Asphalt

Greetings Master Leseig, We are indeed the ones you requested.

Vindsval admires the craftsmanship of the tankard. Excellent piece of wares sir, do you get many travelers of my stature through these parts?

The green giant ducks through the doorway and makes his way gingerly into the human sized room. He thankful as always for the prevalence of high ceilings, and wary of the flaming wagon wheels being used to light the interior. He crouches at the bar and nods to the barkeep. Your welcome is greatly appreciated sir. The road was indeed long and dreary. If you have a tankard large enough that I will survive the experience I would have a Flaming Gumball. He slides the five gold across the bar with a fingertip.

It has been my experience that those who claim kinship with The Wolf, seldom have the safety of the people in their hearts. Though, I admit I have little dealings with the politics outside of the hall. I have spent the large majority of my life outside of political and governing circles. Perhaps your Southern wolf is of a different skin? Now that we are all here I agree we should depart. We have a long journey before us to reach the Mopag.

And I hardly expect a civil response from a shriveled old yellowskin. Your minds, I have found are often all too alike. These Paladins you speak of. I have heard many tales of their so called might. I have also heard they are far from the power they once were. A weakened order serving soft southern gods. It leaves few to wonder why MY GOD called me to take up that Mantle. Allow me to tell you to whom you speak. I am Vindsval, called the Half-Born, First Paladin of the Wanderer.

Vindsval looks quizzically at the brown robed figure. You are kin to the Wolf and would feed the poor of this city to their gang? Do you speak of one of the three waring factions that have begun to form amongst the ruling classes and criminal element of the Freeport?

Vindsval nods to Mathias and the newly arrived Thalion. Well Met Gentlemen, Mathias, you I know, but this other is new to me. He extends a large green hand to Thalion. I am Vindsval, called the Half Born, First Paladin of my lord The Wanderer.

Indeed not. Do you know of any inns or way-stations along the path to the settlement?

You mentioned danger upon the road, do you have news of specific trouble?

A Journey is always worth the time it takes to complete. And I will take any weather over our recent storms. I admit I have never been to the settlement. How far distant is our destination? Vindsval accepts the offered gift, surprised and pleased by the pair's generosity. You humble me with your gift. Many Thanks. Vindsval slides a sharp black fingernail under the edge of the wrapping and Gently opens the small present.

Vindsval Drops 10 coins into the coffer. He raises a hand in greeting. We are well met. Merry Grogmas and the Blessings of the Wanderer upon you and yours. We come from the hall in search of one who called us, a Master Teddy Lessig. Could either of you direct us to him? Stats look good. Without the total weapon power in there the power bonus would probably be listed as +8 (+6 from armor +2 from Henry Awards) Thanks for choosing Vindsval, I am looking forward to a good Holiday quest.

Vindsval Returns to the Hall with his newly upgraded Lance. He looks around the hall and finds a large bundle of rags in a darkened corner. He drops the rags over a long empty table and places the Lance upon them. He pulls the Crimson haze from his pouch and swirls it gently, watching the colors twist and twine around one another within the jar. A coin unspent beneath the boards benefits no one. I may regret this later, but for now, let the Path lead where it may. Vindsval carefully uncorks the Vile of Crimson Haze and applies the thick fluid to the tip of his Wrath Lance. The haze hardens into a shimmering red coating on the head of the lance. He picks up his new weapon, sits down on his barrel, and awaits instructions from his party leader and employer.

Vindsval Makes his way back into the Marketplace to prepare for his next quest. First he reluctantly parts with his Witches Talisman. He could use it no longer, but it was an important step in his path. He then removes the Amythyst from Verkenner. 959-50=909 He then Fuses those two Gemstones into the Wrath Lance. A short conversation with the smith also leaves the Lance with some slight physical modifications for grip and balance. Finally he Purchases 2 Phoenix essences and returns to the hall. 759+200-50-100-100=709

Hmm, It would seem I am heading towards "home." He looks over his gear. I believe a trip to the market is in order.

The equipment build would be pretty much interchangeable. The weapons and spells are the trickier part.

That is it exactly. Vindsval has always been the party healer and his poison scroll has become a signature spell. He loses that in Vindicator. But on the Other Hand, Vindicator . . .

Glad you like it. I was particularly proud of that one. I think all of the ones that I suggested and were chosen will be a lot of fun to see in play. And Thanks to Flipz for suggesting an excellent item that leaves me with a really hard decision.

Vindsval finishes leaving his notice on the quest board and returns to his barrel seat at the bar. As he is reaching for a fresh tankard a disk of carved stone, roughly the size of a dinner plate, drops from the air with a POP and lands on the bar in front of him. He starts slightly, not certain of what is going on, and then he realizes what it is. A gift from the Lord Grogmas. He reaches out and runs a sharp black nail along the intricate knot work and imagery carved into its surface. It appears to be a stylized image of a helmed warrior standing at a crossroads. In his right hand he holds an enormous sword, in his left a shield. The aged warrior is flanked by a pair of leather winged creatures. Vindsval's eyebrows raise as he recognizes it as an image of The Wanderer himself. There is a magic radiating from the disk. As he touches it once more A jolt runs through him and a voice echoes in his ear. A new Path opens before you my Paladin. Be certain of your choice before you decide. You may serve me as your are, or become my avenging hand among these people. Will you heal and wield the power of the Witchery Way, or will you strike off the hand of those who would harm your flock? Decide Emissary. Vindsval opens his eyes and smiles. Now realizing what the object is. The VINDICATOR'S SEAL that he had heard rumors tell of. You never leave a Path straight for too long do you my Lord? He places the Seal in his cloak and goes back to the bar. A small smile pulling at the corner of his lip.

Three years and still not a single rep quest. Grumble grumble

Characters born in the frigid north are coming out of the woodwork.

We all come across unique items along our Paths. Each region of this world has that which it calls its own. A unique flavor to its food, its drink, its magic. Not everything falls within the strict definitions of weapon, armor, potion, Interesting Oddities. He peers at the newest notice on the quest board. A chance to return to the frigid lands of the North. Vindsval Signs up for Quest #155.

I was going to suggest the same.

Vindsval walks over to the board. Nothing new to sign up for. He notices that there are a number of for sale and wanted lists posted. He might as well take a moment to add his own. Wanted Everlasting Venoms and their ilk Magical Scrolls, especially those granting luck and speed. Interesting Oddities. If you have something you would like to sell or trade speak the the Green Knight Vindsval The Half-Born

Vindsval overhears the last bit. Froze? The time slips are one thing, time stops are far more serious. This land, something is truly wrong.

Vindsval picks up another cask from the bar. Good to see some life in here. It has been too quiet.