Knights of Legend/Text transcript/Town of Htron

Biblik
The low-roofed shop before you bears the sign of an educated occupant named Biblik. An inscription on the wall states that information is free to those who understand. "I greet you. I am sorrowful that I not speak hummen much good. Speak Kelder please."
 * Biblik the sage - Biblik


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF: "You see I am tree-old. Have you come to test my wings? I have only soul-wit."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "A warrior-soul as yours should be much in knowledge of kindness. Careful your tongue."
 * KELDEN: "Obrod, daranan. Koagan telokasha amana. Milara Teryaran alyar kasha kanna. Daranan."

His mixed vocabulary makes comprehension difficult. Despite the difficulty, you ask:
 *  News? "I wing to this city many leafings ago. It took much blood from my soul to leave nest."
 *  News? "I landed on a leafing when many were at war. I see no gain in your blooding but Sadness."
 *  Sadness? "I have eaten much word with darkmen. They have no nest and no soul will have them. I too have no nest, but am soulless until I can find my Crown. Then I can join wings with many of my nest. If you have soul, then find my Crown and return to me. For this, I will give you gift that only other wings have knowledge of. Ride strong and I will grant you my prize."
 *  Other? You are not sure he understood you. He confirms this with a blank stare and a smile.

"I speak farewell to you, friend. Please give kindness, and be rewarded."

Tildon
You stand before a plain, humble shack. It is the home of a poor dirty farmer. A barren plot of ground shows the marks of a hoe and a feeble attempt at agriculture. A farmer looks up from his garden and smiles. He offers you a dirty turnip.
 * A residence - Tildon Stiftwitch


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "What do you want, fearsome one? I and my family have nothing to give you."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Miss, please harm me not, nor my family. Your weapons frighten my young ones."

Little, dirty faces peek out at you from behind his legs. He hides his fear as you ask:
 *  News? "Kolar Spit lies on Feglar's Bay. They say it is guarded by fierce creatures!"
 *  Feglar's? "The pirates often anchor their ships in the Bay. It is a wondrous sight!"
 *  News? "They say that Black beasts are roaming in the area of Kanesh again. How awful!"
 *  Black? "Black Beasts are fearsome creatures that can bite off a man's head in one bite!"
 *  Kanesh? "If you ride about a day across the Ghor Hills you will find the Valley of Kanesh."
 *  Other? Looking behind him at the two small children, he murmurs something that you cannot hear.

Relayed from Biblik: Crown? "I was digging for turnips near an old keep on the Tegal River. I think it is in there." 

"Could you hand me that fence pole, the one on the stack of wood, before you leave?"

Kimble

 * Ship chandler - Kimble O'Sullivan

A jovial man sits in front of a modest shop, from which the aromas of fine tobacco waft. Puffing gently on his briar pipe, he appears serene, as if he were a very rich man. "And what fearsome lot have we here? Not a troop of pirates out for my gold, I hope!"


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "Would you be a pipe smoker, sir? I am always eager to share a pipe and a good story."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "I do not think I can interest you in a tin of snuff, can I? This is the best!"

This is probably the seediest place you have ever seen. Just the right place to ask:
 *  News? "My ships travel all over the land. Midden, Al Saqqa, Al Jamed, even Castle Tacspurn."
 *  News? "You did not just come in from Tacspurn, did you? One of my ships is overdue from there."
 *  Other? "I have not so much as heard anything, but lips moving about old Pildar and his lot."

Relayed from Tildon: Tegal? "I met some Tegal lass once. They seem to be a little too severe for me."

"It is not often I have the pleasure of such good company. May the wind fill your sails!"

Sam
You see a large, old tree on the edge of the woods. It has a wide crack near the base. Out of the crack a strange old elf peers. He looks at you, and smiles oddly. "Eh, do you have the patience to sit on roots and talk with me of recent events?"
 * A hollow tree - Sam the hermit


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "What a strong one! Do you know the secret of the glowing blue blade? I know it not."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Lady warrior, surely you know the tales of the Kings of Tellamur. Please tell me one."

He walks about the place mumbling to himself. You get up the nerve and ask:
 *  News? "It seems a strange thing, I am sure, to see an Elf this far north. Yes very strange."
 *  Elf? "Come now, you could not tell by my features? Perhaps you thought I was a Dwarf, no?"
 *  Dwarf? "Yes, small guys with a most obnoxious smell, and even a more repellent demeanor."
 *  Other? "Ah!", he shouts, "My book on cliff trolls! I have been looking for this for years!"
 *  Seggallion? "Yes, I knew him. I believe it was three years ago now, why?" He snuffles to a bookshelf.

Relayed from :
 *  Pildar? "Him I knew as well, although I can say I regretted that meeting! What a 'Stod ah tee'!"
 *  Stod? "That is an Elven word for scum. Anyway, I just realized you are of use to me. I have been doing some research into what makes the dead come back to life. If I could figure this out, it may help us defeat Pildar! I have read that reanimation is controlled by an elixir made of Parth oil. Find me some of this oil, and I will reward you well!"

"I hope you have learned something helpful in visiting me. Come again and bring some food."

Yommel
On the house hangs a sign reading: "Elven bows at low prices: inquire within". An elf comes out, bows deeply at the waist, and sweeps his hat in a grand manner. "Yommel Killandra I am! I welcome you to my home. Come, speak to me of what you seek."
 * A residence - Yommel Killandra


 * DWARF: "Pah! What do dwarves know of the finer arts of bow and song? Get out, dirt digger!"
 * MAN/KELDEN: "Warrior, put down your sword and try a bow. Mine are the finest in all the duchy."
 * WOMAN: "Madame warrior, your hands were not meant for a sword. Use a bow, and you shall succeed."
 * ELF/ELVESS: "Good friend of leaf and tree, come inside my house and see this new bow I have made!"

The lines around his eyes show him to be a man of wisdom. You find the opportunity to ask:
 *  News? "Kolldar got some coins from a Stranger who had an evil look. He made me shiver."
 *  Stranger? "Kolldar says that man who gave him the coins is a famous Pirate, but what was his name?"
 *  Pirate? "This town is full of them. Most will leave you alone, but some are ornery, like Talor."
 *  Talor? "Talor: now there is a real skunk! I heard he stole Tulliana's treasure in Drezin!"
 *  Tulliana? "Tulliana is a steady customer of mine. She is quite handy with a bow, I hear."
 *  Other? "Cannot say much about the ways of the world. My specialty is bows, not gossip."

Relayed from Sam: Parth? "Elves used to go to Berthand's bay for this magical oil. That was many years ago."

The elf dons his hat and exclaims: "Goodbye for now, friends!"

Tulliana
A fair-skinned young woman answers your knock. Under her plain clothes you sense the heart of a buccaneer. You realize that this woman is no one to be trifled with. "What do you want? I am not in the habit of entertaining strangers! What is it?"
 * A residence - Tulliana Daverland


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "I could use a man like you in my crew. Ever consider spending your life at sea?"
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Good to see another woman of strength and daring. This world of men is dreary!"

You realize that you interrupted her counting her money, so you decide you should best ask quickly:
 *  News? "I just made a deal on a new galleon. Sold my schooner to a Pirate from Al Jamed."
 *  Al Jamed? "It lies far to the south-east, past the Mountains of Tyme. Have you heard of it?"
 *  Other? "You ought to know by now that you do not ask questions that pry too deeply."

Relayed from :
 * Talor? "I swore to kill Talor after he stole the treasure I left in Drezin."
 * Drezin? "The main parts of Drezin are not so bad, but the Darkwood lies so near to the river."

"May the wind be at your back and the tide be gentle to your prow. Farewell, scrubs."

Lola
This house is humble, and stands near the town wall. Its roof is badly battered. A woman answers your knock, and you find yourself in the home of a very poor family. "You are not tax collectors, are you? We have no money, and cannot even buy food!"
 * A residence - Lola Timberlane


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF: "Oh, warrior, please help our town by lending your sword against the evil creatures here!"
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Milady, please help our town and give to the abbey. It will help you in your travels."
 * KELDEN: "Hello, stranger. Your garb is that of a bird, yet you walk and talk like a man!"

Her soft eyes stare at a paining on the wall above the hearth. You break the spell saying:
 *  News? "Master Bomboff is such a gold hoarder. I asked him for a crown once and he laughed."
 *  News? "I heard that someone fought the Mist Giants while camping along the coast. Be careful!"
 *  Giants? "Yes, Mist giants! I know Seggallion used to keep this town safe from them."
 *  Seggallion? "He led my husband off to fight Goblins or something. Pildar has countless minions."
 *  Pildar? "My husband and a man named Stephen fought against Pildar. I wish Pildar were dead!"
 *  Goblins? "Oh, Goblins, mind you, are fearsome beasts which kill the innocent! They are so evil!"
 *  Other? She swallows hard and close her eyes for a moment. "I am sorry. It is hard to remember!"

"Please be careful in the woods south of here! Brother Maynard says it is evil!"

Montrose

 * Wailing Peacock inn - Montrose Bomboff

Master Bomboff runs a quant, tidy inn on the edge of town. He is a fat, jovial old man. As you enter, you notice a pendant hanging above the doorway and a large sword above the mantel. "Come, come, come, my fine friends, and rest your weary bones on the finest of linens."


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "Welcome, warrior! Put your feet up on our cassocks and tell us a tale of orcs and war!"
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Welcome, lady! May I show you to a room, or would you prefer to join the others by a fire?"

His flabby chins wiggle as if they have a life of their own. He smiles at you and you inquire:
 *  News? "Have you heard? Some warriors brought back some scales they cut off a huge Serpent!"
 *  Serpent? "I am not sure what it looked like, but by the size of the scales it must have been huge!"
 *  Other? He bares his teeth and pokes a chubby finger at his gums. "I hate meat pies. What?"
 *  Seggallion? "They say he is a great hero. He travels here and there fighting against Pildar."
 *  Pildar? "I do not want to speak of him. See the Pirates if you wish to learn of his origins."
 *  Pirates? "Pirates, my friend, are the heartiest of men. They sail around near Cape Ferin a lot."
 *  Ferin? "Cape Ferin is far west of here. There is a good inn on Kolar Spit."

"The Wailing Peacock has but one desire: to sit you down to rest by our warm fire!"

Yaadrigard

 * The Quiet Cove inn - Yaadrigard the Red

The sign out front is weathered, and the grass is nearly dead. You get the impression is one of the most affordable you have ever visited. Still, a bed is a bed, right? A massive man welcomes you. He wipes his dirty hand on his trousers and extends it to shake.


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "Yu can leave your blade in your room, but a wise man keeps his dagger on him."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "You look like you have seen Mornag! With or without a sword, you look like a worthy foe!"

The scars on Red's face show that he must have seen some things in his years. You ask:
 *  News? "Yes, there be lots of creatures in these parts. Giants, mostly. All shapes and sizes."
 *  News? "Mist Giants live in caves on the coast and are most dangerous just after dawn."
 *  Giants? "I think Hill Giants are not as fierce as the Mist Giants that live around Feglar's Bay."
 *  Feglar's? "It is a safe haven for the ships, but sometimes they are attacked near the Kolar Peninsula."
 *  Kolar? "The soil on Kolar Spit is rich because of all the pirates' bodies buried there! Ha!"
 *  Other? "Think I give out information to anybody who asks? Go and earn it yourself, scrub!"

Relayed from Tildon:  Ghor? "Ghor used to be the center of a vast city of Dwarves. It was destroyed ages ago." 

"All right, be off with you, then! But be wary of the soldiers: their ilk is everywhere."

Maynard

 * Saint Vitrius Abbey - Brother Maynard Sefario

The abbey is a dark, dismal, stone building, adorned with religious ornaments. A pleasant man stands before you working in a quaint garden. He smiles and approaches. "Greetings, friends", he says as he leans on his hoe. "I am Brother Maynard."


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF: "Oh, woe to the wielder of weapons of death! Be sure, good warrior, that you do no evil!"
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "When beauty meets beast, the combination is wondrous. How your armor shimmers, dame!"
 * KELDEN: "Happy to make your acquaintance, strange winged one. Surely you were sent from God!"

He moves on, scratching at the dry earth with the balde of his hoe. Following him, you ask:
 *  News? "Keep your heart pure and your mind clear. Many evils await you in the coming months."
 *  News? He bends and picks up a coin he unearthed. "Bless me! Could this be a Pirate's hoard?"
 *  Pirate? "Those men have little concern for their souls. That nice Maiden, oh, what was her name?"
 *  Maiden? "She is so sd, too. Just last week I told her... Ah! Her name is Tulliana! Yes!"
 *  Tulliana? "All she ever talks about is vengeance and greed. I pray for her each and every night!"
 *  Other? He stops for a moment and leans on his hoe. "There are things that only God should know!"
 *  Pildar? "Please, friend! You would do well not to speak that name aloud in God's house!"

Waving, he says: "God bless, friends". He returns to his garden, which is full of weeds.

Zachary
An evil-looking man peers out the door. It creaks on rusty hinges as it opens. Although you cannot see any weapons, you are sure that this pirate is well armed and very skilled. "Bless my soul, if it is not a hearty band of rogues and ruffians. How can I help you?"
 * A residence - Zachary Bladeshure


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "Keep your blade in its sheath, fighter. I do not need your blood on my floor."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Women and the life of battle and adventure do not mix. Get thee to a nunnery, miss!"

Asking this man a question could be a good or bad idea, but you take the chance and ask:
 *  News? "I heard Grondlen stole a Man o'War from some merchant fleet near Stone Island."
 *  Grondlen? "Grondlen is a fierce Pirate. He is the envy of every sea captain on the North Coast."
 *  North? "Mist Giants are said to be guarding a buried treasure somewhere along the north coast."
 *  Giants? "Mist giants are fierce beasts which kill for pleasure as well as treasure."
 *  Other? "And what business is it of yours? You cannot expect everyone to hand you your gold!"

"Fare thee well, then, matey. May the south wind always fill your sails!"

Mornag
A shanty with a fence leading off to either side stands before you. The field behind it is choppy and strewn with ruested pieces of armor and broken weapons. Is that blood on that axe? "Eh? What rogues come to my school? Speak and pay the fee, or I will not train you."
 * Training grounds - Mornag the merciless


 * KELDEN: "Go away, bird man. Your feathers will get ruffled in my training. Out with you, now!"
 * MAN/ELF/DWARF: "Muscular arms, good pectorals. You will make a fine warrior someday."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Can you heft a sword, fair one? Show me your skills with the weapon of your choice."

His dark features and his deep-set eyes make you question the wisdom of being here, but you ask:
 *  News? "I have little patience with questions. I also pay little attention to what happens here."
 *  Other? He runs his finger the length of his sword as he responds: "I do not care for such trivia."

Relayed from Zachary:
 * Pirate? "Talor the Mean, Peter the Short: I know every pirate around, and they are all scum."
 *  Peter? "Now there is a story! The first Dwarf to set foot off land! A good sailor, they say."
 *  Talor? "He was the one who brought Pildar from the far lands. What a curse this has been!"
 *  Pildar? "I followed him once. I and another in this town made that mistake. We are outcasts now."

"Come again if you need training. Remember: a weapon is only as good as its wielder!"

Kolldar
The building you see seems about to cave in. It is held up by posts tied with twine. As you enter his store, the fat man inside smiles the smile of a trader with a monopoly. "Hello there! What do you need? Jewels from the East? Perfume from Lastan's Bay?"
 * The town merchant - Kolldar


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF: "Ah, good sir warrior! With what fine raiments can I do justice to your noble deeds?"
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Oh! A princess before my eyes! Rest yourself, fair one, and let me display my wares."
 * KELDEN: "Friend kelder! Enter, rest your fine wings. Your kind appreciate of the finest things!"

He holds a vial of a strange perfume before your nose. Before you sneeze again you ask:
 *  News? "Have you tried Kackel Backel? In the old days it was made from Goblin fingers!"
 *  Goblins? "Goblins are not as plentiful around here as they are down in the Tegal Forest."
 *  News? "The Tegal forest is a dark and dismal place. Only the Amazon women want to live there."
 *  Tegal? "The wine from Tegal is not as good as the Kolar wines. The Kolar soil is much better."
 *  Amazon? "Well, they say that Amazon women hate men, but ask Yaadrigard: he travels there often."
 *  Yaadrigard? "Yaadrigard runs a shabby inn. I think he is an ex-pirate. He has lots of scars."
 *  Other? "Ah, well, I say! Do not know what you are saying. Must be that strange accent you have."

"Goodbye and good luck, my friends. I hope you avoid an untimely end. Have a safe trip!"

Ofter
This establishment stands in what used to be a fortified manor. The walls show signs of numerous drunken brawls. A fat man sits wiping a mug with a dirty rag. He bids you enter. "Ah! Another band of merry adventurers come to dine. Sit and be welcome."
 * Ofter's alehouse - Ofter Ironhelm


 * ELF/ELVESS: "What is this? An Elf come to visit? Do not enter here, lest you be made fun of, runtkin!"
 * MAN/DWARF/KELDEN: "Leave your weapons at the door, strong one, and remember to mind your language here!"
 * WOMAN: "Milady, lay down your weapons and have a stout one. Tell us of your travels."

The items on the menu all turn your stomach, so you decide that now is a good time to ask:
 *  News? "Be careful of the old mines just west of here. The Ghor Hills are full of Giants."
 *  Ghor? "You will not catch me wandering into the Ghor Hills, especially in winter."
 *  Giants? "They are huge, wild creatures who choose to hunt in the mist along the coast."
 *  News? "You know, Pirate ships anchor off of Cape Ferin all the time. They are too noisy!"
 *  Pirate? "They are rogues with sailing ships, that is all. They come in here and wreck my place!"
 *  Ferin? "Cape Ferin lies on this side of Feglar's Bay. On the other side is Windy Run."
 *  Other? "Hmmm, you do not like Kackel Backel?" He leaves, saying something about a bowl of rice.

"Leaving so soon? Next time perhaps we can share a large bowl of Kackel Bakel."

Pereau
A large, two story inn looks out over Feglar's bay. In the windows, yellowed curtains dance in the stiff, salty wind. You step to the door, grab the brass knocker and strike. "Well, blow me over!", an old man screams from a window above you. "Be down in a whistle!"
 * Residence - Pegleg Pereau


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "There is a strong lad. Pull up a stool and splice the mainbrace with a stout ale."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Aye, be that a hilt on your belt, lass? Then set your keel here on the stool and hoist some."

You are mistified by the rich vocabulary of a man of the sea. Intrigued, you ask:
 * News? "See the pirate Ships out there at anchor? I sailed a ship bigger than any of them."
 *  Ship? "A real Man o' War she was, too. Four tall masts and all the crew to handle them."
 * News? "It is a blessed sight, the sea. She calls you even though that is only the Bay out there."
 *  Bay? "Can you feel the pull the Lady has on you? It is the life of real adventure out there."
 *  Lady? "The sea, you dog! She be a jealous mistress. Once she has you, you owe your life to her."
 * Other? Without thinking, he scratches his pegleg where an itch would be and smiles mysteriously.

"Remember to keep your oars in the water and your sails tightly trimmed! Farewell!"

Scotty
The shack is surrounded by wooden skiffs. Flotsam is piled up all along the shore, and the man inside the shanty looks like a piece of driftwood himself. Hearing you creep near him, he turns, holding a dagger. He apologizes and puts the knife down.
 * A small boathouse - Scotty


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "What business have we here, warrior? I am no great fighter. Do you seek information?"
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "Judging from the arms you carry, you are not here for sailing. What is it then, lassy?"

You have never seen a saltier old dog than this man. You wonder what he knows and ask:
 * News? "My ship was sunk in a storm at sea. I and old Pegleg were among the survivors."
 * News? "The fish used to be good here, but sea creatures live in the ruins of ships now."
 * News? "There are creatures out there that can blow your mind! Salamanders and Sylphs are some."
 *  Sylphs? "Made from the very surf they are. They muster the strength of the water."
 *  Salamanders? "They are huge beasts made of fire itself. They will burn you if you let them get close."
 * Other? He picks his fingernail with the point of his carving knife, then looks at you and shrugs.

"Be off and be well, and remember to keep your head and spirits held high."

Morwin
You are in a strange hamlet looking up at two towering Avalonian warriors in full armor. The elder warrior has wonderously fashioned metal hands. You sense strength and mystery. "Travelers, a warning: we do not suffer fools easily, but Avalonians will always assist."
 * The portal - Morwin the Elder


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "It is a fine day to die, brother. Fear not the knowing of the Pearls of Avalon."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "It is a fine day to die, sister. Fear not the knowing of the Pearls of Avalon."
 *  Pearls? "You may see our kind in many of the lands of the east. Seek them if you are troubled."

As the party moves on, you have a brief moment alone with Morwin and, curious, you ask:
 *  News? "Many Secrets we have kept from the Follies of men. Return someday and you may hear one."
 *  Secret? "Yes, but that I will save for another day. I will await your return and pray for success."
 *  Other? "Rumors are not for warriors. If you have not learned this, then gossip will undo you."

"Live as long as it takes, travelers. The Knower is for Magic, the Fostering, chaos."

Slaine
A woman's emerald eyes greet you with warmth, light, and a calm that is compelling. "I am Slaine", she says in a voice that is a song you wish to hear again and again. "Travelers, our home is open to you if you are in need of knowledge. What do you seek?"
 * The hostel - Slaine the Younger


 * MAN/ELF/DWARF/KELDEN: "It is a fine day to die. It is a world with much that is harsh. Here find gentleness."
 * WOMAN/ELVESS: "It is a fine day to die, and a finer one to greet a sister friend. Remain wary, always."

When your eyes meet hers, you feel like an old friend. Smiling at her, you ask:
 *  News? "Carry our hopes and greetings to Stephanie when next your path leads to Brettle."
 *  Other? She laughs. "Such things are beyond our concern. The Fostering is for such queries."
 *  Avalon? "We have existed longer than the memories of men, at the start and end of all."
 *  Pearls? "You have seen but one Pearl in our necklace. Seek others when you have need of them."

You feel sad as she says: "May the way rise to meet you, and the sun be ever at your back."

Dunnigan
You hear the chaos of urchins at play. As you walk toward the door, they surround you. A huge man yells a word, and they scatter. He looks at you, apologizes, and asks you to sit. "Adults! It is always a good day to see so many who do not require their noses wiped. Come."
 * The Fostering - Dunnigan


 * MAN/DWARF/KELDEN: "It is a fine day to die, brother! I recall of my past battles with yearning now."
 * WOMAN: "It is a fine day to die, sister! Awed am I to greet a knower of the subtle edge of war."
 * ELF/ELVESS: "May your long lives be to your joy. All my wee ones have delighted in your kin."

As the urchins get quiet for dinner, you pause to appreciate the lull in the chaos and as:
 *  News? "I teach the urchins my craft of battle. The Women raise them in the Knowing arts."
 *  Women? "The women are the Avalonians. No one has the memory of males or Avalonian birthings."
 *  Avalon? "Yes, a strange race when first met. But what looks strange, with time becomes common."
 *  News? "Our ways must appear strange to unenlightened souls. I, too, possessed this Soul once."
 *  Soul? "The soul in all of us beckons to be heard. I listen now with ears that hear anew."
 *  Other? One of the children falls from a stump; the man moves like lightning catching her. "What?"

"It is sad that you go. Live as long as it takes, and return again, with clean noses."