Chapter 50: The beginning is frustrated
This part of the Taiswei Mountains is located in this part of Nohan's territory, which is not quite tall, and as its terminus on the western continent, the average elevation of its branches here is not even 700 meters. Once upon a time, this low hill served as an important line of defense for the eastern part of the Principality, a natural barrier to protect the eastern part of the Principality (at that time).
Don't look at it, this is not some insurmountable natural hazard. But a mountain terrain that one person can climb in ten days or so can be a nightmare for an army preparing to attack another country. Combined with a proper garrison and a decent intelligence and patrol system, it can become an impregnable wall that no organization wants to collide with.
Now it was the main culprit of blocking the domestic trade of Nohan and providing a distant source of wealth for the royal family - although the part of Nohan was like a squirrel at the feet of a man compared to the snow-covered mountains of its main body all year round. But even so, it divided the Uriel steppe, the largest in the country, in Nohan. After establishing its capital in the only large valley, the royal family gained an excellent commercial node that was difficult to bypass.
This time, the player's destination is at the northernmost point on the western side of the Teswai Mountains, which is about to reach the border region of the kingdom in the Savage Lands - different from the traditional territory of Norhan, which is protected by the 'Brandenburg Fortress' on the east side of the mountain. There's really a bit of what the player has the impression that the medieval frontier should look like - the real three-way zone.
After getting the information they want from the Church of the Dragon God of Good, players are forced to embark on a long journey. However, for the two eldest ladies who are idle in Poitu City, they are not even comfortable with their bones, this has to be said to be good news. They never seem to know what a peaceful life is, and they can't wait to enjoy new adventures.
Because of the long distance and the limited time of the players. So this time, the 'Bloodstained Gray Flower' mercenary group did not partner with a caravan in a similar direction, but chose to go on the road alone. Fortunately, players have more experience with such long journeys than in the past. After bumping and bumping along the way, the group finally approached the new capital of Norhan, Ulrik, which must pass through the Tesway Mountains.
Looking at the wall that came into view, Barrett pulled the reins and stopped. Then he turned around and said, "When you enter the city, everyone should act together as much as possible, and remember not to cause trouble." You must know that although our last operation was a semi-official mission, the number of 'cabinets' offended was definitely quite a lot. Even if they can't openly trouble us because of this, they have a lot of ways to stumble behind their backs. Everyone must be careful. ”
"I knew there would be such a day." Claudia stretched, then touched her 'barrier shield': "But judging from the harvest, it is all worth it. ”
"Compared to the trouble it caused, the results were really satisfying." Clematis also nodded at this time, "And we also know that we will have to come here sooner or later." On this issue, the psychology has long been prepared. ”
"Barrett, don't worry! Lulu and I are not going to be in trouble. Rielie then gave Barrett a 'reassurance' that he didn't trust very much. And the anvil and noodles nodded directly to show understanding.
After getting the answer he wanted, Barrett immediately said the next itinerary: "Then after we settle down, let's go to the mercenary union in the city to find a guide!" The itinerary east of the Taysway Mountains is familiar to us, but the west is a different story. What's more, our destination this time is by no means a location that can be easily found with a map in hand. ”
For their own safety, the players did not look for the hotel as usual after entering Ulrique. Instead, through Barrett's connections, he lived directly in the 'Boreham Comptoir' in Ulrique's merchant house as he did last time - since the family had arranged a special reception fee, as long as it was not deliberately wasted, it was not in vain.
After dealing with the foothold, Barrett led Clematis to the mercenary union, which had been absent for more than half a year. Of course, this is more than half a year, and it may be able to occupy a certain place in a person's life. But for an organization, it's just a moment.
The noisy hall was as noisy as the last time I came, and the familiar Mr. Doug was rummaging through the books in his hand behind the counter as usual. Barent, who led Clematis into here, immediately attracted the attention of many people because of his excellent equipment and the holy emblem on Klaimatis's chest.
As if sensing a change in the voices in the hall, Mr. Doug put down his book for a moment and looked up. Then, after adjusting the glasses on the bridge of his nose, he immediately smiled and said, "What a rarity!" Mr. Boram, you seem to have not been with us for almost a year! ”
"Mr. Doug, you're joking, how can a year be that long. I'll only be a little over 9 months old! As he said this, Barrett deliberately stretched out his hand to count them.
Mr. Doug reached out and closed the book on the counter and complained, "Isn't that not much worse?" It's been a long time since your last departure. And you must know that it is not easy for us to find a replacement with your strength. ”
As soon as Mr. Doug's words fell, the mercenaries and adventurers in the hall who were waiting for the mission cast scrutinizing glances at Barrett. Immediately after some of the old people here contacted Mr. Doug's words, they probably confirmed Barrett's identity. Then they gave up their meaningless actions, and at the same time reached out and tugged at their companions, who were on good terms, lest some fools who did not know the height of the sky should do stupid things.
"You don't need that, Mr. Doug! It's been a long time since we've been here, but that's because we're not near Ulrike at all! Barrett understood that the little old man in front of him had just said that on purpose. However, he was not prepared to deal with the other party in this kind of matter. Instead, he walked directly to the counter while he was talking.
Mr. Doug also understood that Barrett had no intention of looking for trouble. He took a thick booklet from the side and began to flip through it: "Since it is rare to come once, then solve some problems for us here and then leave!" Ulrik has too many rich and powerful customers, and we simply can't afford them to rob people. ”
"Don't! Mr. Doug, we're not here to take on the task this time. Barrett paused for a moment, and waited until Mr. Doug showed a look of surprise before he continued, "I'm here to post a mission." ”
"Publish a task? A problem that you can't solve with your strength? Do you think it's useful to come to us and post tasks? Hearing this, Mr. Doug immediately showed an expression of disbelief.
But Barrett stretched out his index finger and shook it: "There is a specialization in the art industry!" We're here to find a guide this time. The destination is the northern mountains west of the Taysway Mountains. The village of Tululu there seems to be in trouble. We had to go there when we received the commission. That's why I came specifically to find someone who knows the way. ”
"To the west of the Tesway Mountains, in the northern mountains of the village of Tululu? Are you sure there really is such a place? Mr. Doug looked confused, "I'm so old, I've never heard the name of this village. ”
"The basic information given by the temple mission should be infallible." While saying this, Barrett also frowned: "There is no news, I'm afraid it's because the kingdom hasn't brought it into its normal rule!" ”
"Even if that village really exists. I think you're going to have a hard time finding the right guide for you to post your quest here. Mr. Doug kindly reminded, "I think it might be better for you to find another way." lest we delay the task of the church after we have gained nothing. ”
"Let's hang up the task first!" Barrett said as he reached out and untied his money bag from his waist, "Hurry up and evaluate this task." ”
"You just want a guide, you don't need him to participate in the battle directly!" Mr. Doug began to become proficient in the preliminary inquiry of the commission.
Barrett nodded: "It's true that he doesn't need to be directly involved in the battle." However, it is better to have the ability to protect ourselves, otherwise if we can't take care of him during the battle, it will be troublesome to change the guide temporarily. ”
"Are you sure you're going to be left unguided by the battle?" The corners of Mr. Doug's mouth are twitching violently now: "If it is really that kind of intensity, I am afraid that among the candidates we have registered, I am afraid that we will not be able to find a few who can protect themselves!" ”
"Ugh!" Barrett, who heard this, touched his chin and fell silent. After a while, he spoke: "Then limit the guides who have the ability to hide!" If that happens, just let him find a way to hide. ”
"Even if that's the case, consider your strength. The evaluation of the task should also be raised by 2 levels. Mr. Doug, who pondered for a moment, gave a more pertinent reply.
Barrett has no opinion on this: "Two levels will be mentioned!" Money in this area is not a problem, the most important thing is to familiarize yourself with the route to the village of Tululu. ”
"Then please pay a deposit of 100 gold coins first. We'll hang out the task right away. At this point, Mr. Doug paused, "But you'd better not get your hopes up. It's hard to find someone who can meet both requirements, at least in our case. ”
Barrett, who had left the mercenary union, sighed softly: "I didn't expect the biggest trouble to be here!" Wait a minute, let Noodles go to the 'Good Dragon God' Church's stronghold in Ulrik! Since the church dares to issue such a mission, there should be some way. ”
"It's really not like Barrett at all when you're so negative!" Clematis reached out and patted Barrett on the shoulder, "Don't be so pessimistic! There are not a few channels that we can take. There will always be a way to find the right way. ”
Over the next few days, players began to use their connections and channels to find the right guide. Unfortunately for the Church of the Goddess of Wealth and Commerce, Tululu, which most people don't know about, has no commercial value at all. So Klamatis's efforts failed. And the Boreham family also didn't pay much attention to the remote parts of the empire.
Fortunately, on the fourth day, the halfling wanderer brought back good news: "Guys, I see our teammates in the next mission. A squad that has always believed in our Lord. ”
"Dragonborn?" Rielly asked, turning her head.
"Although the characteristics are not very obvious, they should all be dragonborn." Noodle nodded, "They're our partners this time!" As for the guides, don't be careful, the villager sent out by Tululu Village to ask for help is also on his way to this side. ”
"So can our commission in the mercenary union be revoked?" Clematis, who was in charge of the money bag, immediately turned his head and asked Barrett.
After a slight hesitation, Barrett shook his head: "If you really want to revoke it, let's wait until the day before departure!" In any case, one more guide is one more insurance, isn't it? ”
"Alright! Anyway, it's not bad for that bit of investment. As he said this, Clematis lifted his mace, "So shouldn't we go and meet our collaborators now?" Pre-action communication can be beneficial for the next step of cooperation. ”
Barrett, who nodded, said deliberately: "Noodles, you lead the way in front!" The last time we were there was so long ago that we had all forgotten the route. ”
Led by the halflings, players step into the stronghold of the Church of the Dragon God of Good in Ulrik for the second time. The last time I came, it was Noodle who had to come on a mandatory mission because he had been delaying his church obligations for too long!
Maybe it's because of the previous performance in the Cruze Kingdom, this time the local church's attitude towards players is much better than before. At the same time, under the questioning of the halfling wanderer, the players quickly found their comrades this time - the six men and women sitting around the large round table in front of them.
One of them was wearing a set of sheet metal armor, apparently a common heavy armor professional. Although the other one was not wearing armor, the arms under the flickering cuffs had very obvious thick scales - obviously this was the special ability of the dragonborn bloodline, and the dragon scales that grew directly on the body were definitely enough to compare to ordinary armor. Of the remaining 4 people, 1 was dressed in lighter leather armor, and the rest were dressed like cloth.
However, because it cannot be ruled out that the opponent will remove his armor during the break, Barrett is still unable to determine that the remaining three are arcane spellcasters. Fortunately, judging from their looks, they are all in a good mental state. This gave Barrett a lot of confidence in the next task. (To be continued.) )