by Domino Finn
Grimwart no longer wore his helmet and, despite us being in what could be considered a dungeon, had his broadsword sheathed. This was his home. "I regret the circumstances of this momentous visit, Talon. Your presence is, unfortunately, a surprise. Let me show you around."
The man marched ahead, winding through the great halls with ease. He surely knew the place but he wasn't a good tour guide. He only spoke when questioned.
"Were we in the hub?" I asked.
"Not so much. Our fast-travel portal is located nearer the barracks, in case an army is needed elsewhere on short notice."
"Why didn't Bishop Tannen use it for that purpose?"
"My army was clearing the countryside, remember?" He staunchly continued his march, difficult to read. "Fast travel is not meant to be used trivially. Access must be enabled at both ends, and that only works when the hub is online. Shorehome's hub is no more, which limits saintly power in the region."
We entered a hall with open windows overlooking the landscape. The view commanded our full attention. Chill air filled my lungs. I realized how high we were. Dark, rocky mountain terrain stretched as far as the fog allowed sight. There wasn't a single tree in view.
This was remote, all right. It was unfortunate our efficient means of transportation was usually locked down. We were two or three days' journey from Stronghold at least, and that didn't account for the hard terrain. A faction with regular access to fast travel would be a rich one.
The crystalline surroundings only emphasized that point. Oakengard was a fortress built by men, but I had never seen anything like it. The quartz rock was breathtaking. Between the stone and metalwork Oakengard was famous for, and the apparent shortage of wood and textiles, possibilities of trade filled my mind.
Crux snuck to my side and surprised me. I was light on my feet but he was a pure thief class who specialized in being as invisible as possible. "Hey, Talon. You get the feeling that it's quite... empty in here?"
Boy did I. We'd been here five whole minutes already. While I didn't expect a parade, it would've been nice to see another soul. "This isn't a player town, remember. I'm sure the NPCs are keeping busy somehow."
Grimwart sidled up. "We have a strict regimen here. Every man and woman contributes to the greater whole. Specialized castes guide our enlightenment. Members of each oversee mining operations below."
He pointed out the window. It was hard to notice at first, but veins of smoky quartz marbled the plain rock. One large pillar appeared to drive deep into the heart of the mountain. Somewhere in the distance came a heavy sigh of stone settling.
"But it can't be everyone mining, can it?" asked Kyle.
Grimwart smiled. "Come with me." He took a sudden detour through an archway. The pink-crystal tiling still commanded enough of my attention that I was surprised when a man in a robe skittered by. A lone priest hurried past holding a silver tray. Grimwart nodded into a doorway. Inside were several more priests. Some were transcribing texts with glittery inks. Others prepared potions.
"Nice lab set," commented Kyle. "I'd love to have some of that colored crystal as a raw material."
"We can find you a shop," replied Grimwart. "These are the priests, formerly under the purview of Bishop Tannen. They heal us, vitalize our minds and spirits."
The colonel spurred us onward. Two rooms down, men sat on the floor in a circle in heated debate. Their robes were more plain than those of the priestship. "These are our sages. They endlessly wax philosophical. If the priests are our hearts, the sages are our brains. Their enlightenment comes from reason."
Conan snorted. "Looks like all talk and no action to me."
Bravo Team's priest, Glinda, rolled her eyes. "That's because the muscle between your ears is thicker than your chest."
Conan flexed his pecs. "Why thank you."
The healer shook her head in disbelief.
"It is governance," said Grimwart in reply. "Our sages draft laws and encourage healthy markets. They manage our resource pool to create a greater whole."
Colonel Grimwart led us even further, this time outside to a wide balcony overlooking a courtyard. The exterior stonework was much less fancy but no less staggering. While the blocks of stone were more opaque and without the radiant quality of those within, their sheer size belied belief. Each was easily the height of three men. Oakengard was a structure of browns ranging from sand to bark. The neutral colors projected a warmth that wasn't reflected inside.
The courtyard was spacious and framed with practical metalwork and a paucity of plants. As if on cue, a heavy portcullis was raised and a regiment of forty armored knights marched in. They proceeded to form four rows right below us before turning to face up. Lash shuffled nervously behind me.
Grimwart lifted his hand in salute. The regiment went stiff before relaxing at his command. "How went the search?" he queried.
A knight with a black headband shouted in answer. "We found an old camp, sir, but it had been abandoned. Vagram's catechists have avoided us once again."
"They've retreated from the foothills," returned Grimwart. "There were too many of us this time to hide."
The lieutenant nodded. "I believe that is the case, sir. They are as good as defeated."
"We are not victorious until they disband that splinter group they call a faction," Grimwart chided.
"Of course, sir."
The colonel pressed his lips together. "You have had a long journey. Proceed with one hour of defensive drills. Defending the gate, manning the walls, and wedge strikes. After that, report to the mess hall and retire to your quarters for the day."
"Yes, sir."
The regiment skittered into groups with frantic discipline. Even travel-weary, the soldiers of Oakengard displayed resolute dedication. The corners of Grimwart's mouth upturned into a smile. That was about as much satisfaction as the stoic man could show. From what I was seeing, he deserved every bit of it.
"Well," announced Grimwart. "We better get going. No doubt the Trinity is already aware of our presence."
Once again the fortress had a knack for good timing. As we turned to re-enter, two stone figures approached.
1170 Tri Force Heroes
We readied against a possible ambush, Kyle with his crossbow, Izzy her winter staff. Lash and Conan stepped forward. Glinda, Crux, and Hex moved into support positions.
"Stand down," urged Grimwart.
Like him, I hadn't drawn my weapon. My intuition skill hadn't warned me of anything amiss.
Talon: Stand down.
Between both orders and the newcomers not attacking, Bravo Team backed away, keeping their weapons ready.
"These are the keepers of Oakengard," said Grimwart. "I assure you, we are safe."
I blinked dumbly at the keepers. There were only two of them, but I understood the cause for concern. They were strange beings, each formed by several floating rocks. A smooth, glass-like body, an oblong rock or two forming arms, a nondescript block for a head. The stones floated in place, seemingly held together by a dim blue glow that wrapped them like skin. The sentinels hovered without legs, which explained how they had surprised us.
There was no text above their names signifying them as NPCs or mobs. I had seen similar with bodyguards before but had yet to explain it.
The keepers were made up of smooth rock. It was a smoky, opaque color. The chest and head of one surprised me by flickering on like a lightbulb. As it did, a resonant energy sounded as a near-inaudible hum. Several sharp tones in an almost musical quality. It was speaking.
Grimwart nodded. "Our presence is requested in the Speculum."
The pair of keepers spun and floated ahead. Not the warmest welcome. The colonel followed, unconcerned. The crystal sconces fluttered ominously as we passed.
Talon: I want everyone to remain on guard. Haven NPCs have undergone an evolution. They can think for themselves. Grimwart's a good guy, but we haven't met the Trinity. We don't know what they're capable of.
The brigade clenched jaw
s and continued in cautious silence. Suddenly, being the only players in an NPC fortress sounded dangerous. We followed the rose-colored walkway with a decent spread, checking every stray room and hall as we passed, heading for the heart of Oakengard.
The keepers stopped at a descending spiral staircase with purple banisters, taking posts at opposite sides. When Grimwart attempted to lead the way, the figure of smoky rock swayed into his path and hummed a single note. The colonel turned to us, flustered.
"It seems I'm not welcome after all. This is why you are here, Talon. It's unnatural to be separated from our leaders."
I nodded grimly. "We'll get to the bottom of it." I glanced down the spiral staircase, wondering how far the bottom actually was. "Maybe I should only take a few down with me. Volunteers?"
Izzy and Lash hurried to my side.
"Okay. Kyle, you have command up here. If something happens—"
"We got your back," he said. His eyes snapped to the rest of Bravo Team to make sure they understood.
Conan and Glinda were solid. They'd backed us many times before and didn't need guidance. It was Crux and Hex I wasn't so sure about. I considered leaving Lash behind to keep her grip on the team, but switching assignments would betray my distrust of them. I needed to throw Bravo Team a bone and let one of them in the Speculum anyway. I grabbed the banister and made my way down the staircase.
Frigid air gripped us. I hugged my cowl tightly around my neck. Deeper and deeper we descended until, finally, my boot found the bottom. The floor was a flat glaze with a mirrorlike quality. It reflected what was above while also being translucent enough to reveal the depths beneath us. We were standing on a frozen lake.
Lash stepped down behind me and immediately slipped. Her steel boots couldn't find purchase and she tumbled loudly to her side. Izzy glowered playfully before setting her winter staff gently on the surface for support.
We helped Lash to her feet. Lucky for her, she had a gigantic cleaver with almost as much mass as her armor. She used it to steady herself and continued forward. It slowed our progress, and I questioned her ability to fight in such a state.
As for me, I had the highest agility of the group, with the possible exception of Crux but he was upstairs. My supple ranger boots were well suited to the task so I took the lead.
The Speculum was a winter wonderland. Frozen but colorful. The icy ground was ornamented with jutting amethyst walls, devoid of sconces but with a luminance all their own. Within the frozen lake were rocks ranging through the colors of the rainbow, and probably some more. They pulsed with organic rhythm that was beautiful and unsettling at the same time.
The chamber was large but not enormous. A few keepers stood idly at the outskirts. At the end of the room, a column of smoky glass stretched from ceiling to mirror floor and into the depths beneath. A glass throne sat against it, large and looming, yet empty. A clear glass triangle was inset above the seat.
Agility Check...
Pass!
Whoa. Busy taking in the sights, I had almost slipped. I stopped showing off and drew my dragonspear for the first time in Oakengard. As I set its tip lightly against the glass floor, the entire room shuddered.
"What was that?" hurried Lash.
The dark pillar in the center of the room rumbled and spun. The attached throne rotated to the side as another throne moved into place. Same throne, same triangle inset in the pillar. The notable difference was the woman seated below. Her name tag read [Philosopher Mara].
"Greetings, Talon, Protector of Stronghold, the freethinker."
The pillar rumbled and spun again. Mara moved out of view while another throne snapped into place. [Hero Gent].
"Greetings, Talon, Protector of Stronghold, the titanslayer."
The Trinity. I realized I could see all three thrones at once, though only one faced us at a time. The other two receded into the back stonework, obscuring whoever sat in place. The head of the knights, Gent, and the head of the sages, Mara. With Bishop Tannen ousted, the priest throne was empty.
"It is an honor to meet the Trinity," I announced. "These are my trusted advisors, Izzy and Lash."
Gent looked on without betraying his mood. He was even better at that than Grimwart. The column rotated the opposite direction as Mara moved back into place to appraise us.
Talon: Lash, remove your helmet!
The white knight did so, mimicking Grimwart's conduct in the city. I realized my girls were an odd sight. Towering versus diminutive, bleached hair versus raven black, muscles and might versus dragonfly wings and pixie dust. They were opposites.
"It is unexpected to see you in Oakengard," began Philosopher Mara. "Colonel Grimwart has overstepped his bounds."
"He is a good friend," I assured. "He only wishes to offer what tools he can to aid the Trinity."
"Bah!" The column spun. "We know of your exploits. You made peace with the pagans." I grinned smugly before realizing Hero Gent's gray mustache twisted in disapproval. "Your ways are not the ways of the crusaders."
Mara shifted into place. "Yet your ideas are bold. Twice you have circumvented disaster. If it wasn't for you, Bishop Tannen's treachery might've continued until it was too late." I thought I heard Hero Gent muttering in the background.
I pressed my lips together, wondering how to broach the subject of the state of Oakengard without offending the Trinity. They were here, after all, right where they were supposed to be. I had no way of knowing if their behavior was abnormal. Philosopher Mara caught my hesitation as I eyed the crystal triangle embedded above her head.
"Do you know of the strength of threes?" she asked instructively. I shook my head. "We are a network. Sages, knights, and priests, each with a direct support to the other two." As she spoke, the glass triangle heated to a white glow and disconnected from the pillar. It floated above her.
Hero Gent shifted into place. "Sages provide wisdom, knights provide might, and priests engender hearts." His triangle also lit up and drifted beside the other so their bottom points touched.
The throne column rotated again, this time to the empty seat. Even though they were out of sight, both spoke as one. "Without three, there is no one."
The bishop's triangle did not light up or glide through the air. However, the other two were placed in such a way that the three triangles formed a larger one: two at the base, one at the top, with an empty upside-down triangle for the center.
"You've got to be kidding me," I said. "A Triforce?"
"Never heard of it!" they both rushed.
The pillar spun Philosopher Mara back into place. "What is it you seek?"
"I already told you. Grimwart—"
"Has his own motivations. I am inquiring about yours."
I stared agape before clearing my throat. "Yes. I seek to formalize an alliance between the Black Hats and the crusaders."
Gent shifted in. "And bring us into a pagan armistice."
Philosopher Mara: "Don't be foolhardy. The goblins have already proved their agency. I applaud the freethinker for differentiating the mindless from the sapient."
Gent shifted back. "Players cannot be trusted! How soon you forget the theft of—"
The thrones suddenly shifted so the empty one faced us. Mara and Gent engaged in heated debate, albeit in muted voices.
It was curious that Hero Gent had said players couldn't be trusted. Curious and strange, as I was under the belief that we were the first-ever players to breach Oakengard.
As we waited, I couldn't help but stare at the two triangles once again reunited beneath their inert companion. I strained to imagine their power. What role did the Triforce play?
Hero Gent rotated to the head. "It is decided. A Black Hat alliance is a worthy one. Alas, we are unable to finalize it until the three is complete. Official crusader matters can only be managed by a true Trinity."
I was beginning to see what the problem in Oakengard was. There wasn't anything wrong with Hero Gent or Philosopher Mara—the empty seat was the problem. Oak
engard as a city still operated unabated. The studies and debates and drills and mining all proved that. But the recession of leadership was directly attributed to the recession of leaders.
I spoke carefully. "So everything will return to full strength once a new bishop is named?"
Mara's throne rotated in. "Strength is overrated. It is unity that is important. Oakengard thrives, yet a bishop is needed to warm our hearts."
"Is this an election type of deal?"
"Nothing so simple. At the risk of addressing a delicate matter, Hero Gent and I cannot place our full trust in the priestship. Their attempted coup is recent history, and while Bishop Tannen has been deposed, his devout disciple Cleric Vagram still remains. If we promote a priest who is in league with the cleric, we would open ourselves to disaster and irreparable harm."
"So you just lock yourselves away?"
Her voice came with an edge of warning. "Caution must trump expediency."
Hero Gent shifted before us. "Oakengard must build its might. We are not hiding, we are fortifying and hunting. If Colonel Grimwart had continued his search for the rogue cleric instead of detouring to Stronghold, he may already have his prize."
"Maybe he thought our help was warranted?"
The empty throne moved into place. I watched the Triforce as they muttered back and forth.
"He is powerful... defeated Bishop Tannen... it is not unwise."
After heated debate, Hero Gent presented himself and addressed us. "A test of Black Hat mettle, then. That is what you seek?"
I stepped forward. Gent eyed my dragonspear pitched in the ice. "I'll gladly bring that madman to justice. I owe him one anyway."
The hero smiled. A prompt appeared.
Quest Offer: Bring Vagram to Justice
Quest Type: Bounty (public)
Reward: Crusader Alliance
Cleric Vagram leads the rogue catechist faction in guerrilla warfare. Find and return him to Oakengard.