Why do all places heroes travel to seem to be plagued by problems? Here, in Estoria, there’s a princess that’s about to be sacrificed, a group of young people missing, a monster coming out of the mines and preventing the dwarves to recover the bones of their dead and a huge army at the gates, and that’s to name just a few. It’s like it’s… dare I say, cursed. And not in a good way. I wonder, do curses follow heroes? Or do heroes go where they are most needed? I’d hope it was the latter, or else the world would descend into chaos, but we did come here somewhat by chance so it does make one wonder. Or maybe this chaos is just the beginning of what the Oracle prophesied?
But on the point of armies, a huge one stands by the Northern gates of Estoria: at least 1,000 centaurs joined by giants. Far bigger than I’ve ever dealt with and the guards have good reason to be tense. I had hoped to talk to them or even, ambitiously, negotiate, but they seem to be joined by the Order of Sydon. Doubtful how far we’d get with them, but an option to keep in the back of my mind - apparently there’s scouts going out at both dawn and dusk. I wonder if any of my new friends would be brave enough to join me on a diplomatic mission.
But inside the city is as normal. From the rather nice food at the market, to a dubious wine vendor interested in cheating some of the group and a man trying to sell me his cursed loot. You have to give him credit for bravery, so hope he does better in Mytros… if he ever makes it there. The day ends with us spying on the site of the sacrifice - the rock of Estor. And behold: proof that turning people into stone isn’t really a curse, but an advantage: two basilisks. But if we choose to fight these creatures, it’s their advantage...
Almost forgot, largely because it was most amusing retrospectively (rather confusing at the time, but let’s not dwell on that). Dear Calliope was rather convinced I too am a child of Sydon. That’s one titan that’s more prolific than the god king Pythor! Who knew that the drunk king could be beaten at this of all things. She was almost disappointed as I explained it’s more of a family legend - sometime in the very far past my family is said to have been children of Sydon and I do like to believe that my powers over thunder may be linked to that. But that may just be one of the many stories we tell ourselves…
But the simple fact that this is the level of dispute we have is quite refreshing - they’re a good bunch and, as I may have slipped over breakfast, I may even grow to consider some of them friends.
… woke up in the middle of the night after a nightmare. Something about licking everything. There’s something I’m not willing to consider, not even if the end of the world stands in the balance…