Succession

This story is considered Canon

This particular story is meant to be read from the perspective that you, the reader, are Kal'ran.


With their arch-foes the Followers routed and all the Eclipse Shards finally accounted for, the Crescent Empire celebrates the Companions’ victory. For the Companions, however, each of them feels as though their battle is far from over. In their hearts, they feel that something sinister looms on the horizon. Still, they each take advantage of this moment of reprieve, and attend to the personal affairs that each of them has inexorably developed over the course of their long journey...
Having helped his friends secure the Eclipse shards and with his Ravagers having assisted in defeating the undead horde, Kal’raan now seeks to relieve himself of the burden of leading the mercenary company. His future uncertain but his resolve clear, he meets in private with his lieutenant, Sonya the Orc, and explains his brilliant plan to leave the Ravagers behind once and for all...
“So, let me get this straight. You want me to challenge you, in front of the whole company, for your title as Battlemaster?”
You nod.
“And then you want me to “kill” you, and push your body into the bay so you can swim off to freedom, never to show your face around Ravager’s Cove again, is that correct?”
You nod once more. Seems like a decent plan. If anything you’re being exceptionally kind to the Ravagers; you’ve wanted most of them dead for a while now, so this is a big step for you.
Sonya, the Orc Ravager that has helped you in your position all this time, sighs and puts the blade she was polishing to the side. For you, she was the obvious choice to try and bring order to this ragtag group of bloodthirsty peg legs. Not only can she certainly handle herself, but she’s smart, and loyal. It’s funny, because that’s exactly what you want her to pretend she’s not. But it’s your only way out.
“Boss, if you’re serious about this, I’m willing to try. But it won’t be easy. Most of the mercs are ticked off that they still haven’t been paid for their part in helping the legion take down the undead up north. And if they’re going to listen to me after you’re gone, we’re gonna have to make it look good. Are you still up for this?”
You nod once more. The Ravagers are much better off under Sonya anyways, you think. You were never really into the whole blood and glory thing.
“Well, then let’s get ready. And boss? I know it may not seem like much, but...thanks. For thinking I have what it takes. And for being a pretty chill boss. I understand why you want to leave though. Once you’re in this line of work, it’s almost impossible to fully leave it behind. So I hope you find whatever you’re looking for afterwards. I’ll try not to let you down.”
You assure her she won’t. This will work.
It has to.
_____
The dark waves of the docks in Ravager’s Cove are illuminated by the various torches and lanterns the mercs have lit for the night. As you observe the common area, many of your men are cleaning the ships, sharpening their weapons, or getting drunk at one of the various bars that lines the Cove. Good. It looks like almost everyone is here.
Showtime.
As you step out of the shadows, the Ravagers immediately take notice of you and the crimson sheen of the trident you carry. One of them, a red faced halfling with a hook for a hand, speaks up above the murmuring that has arisen.
“There you are Boss! Where in the seven hells have you been?! You missed all the action up north. Oh, you should’ve seen us. We were cuttin’ through those undead meatsacks like they was butter! We gonna get paid now?”
Several members of the crowd murmur in agreement, the idea of gold causing a number of them to start salivating. Then a different voice emerges from behind you, causing the crowd of mercs to stare in surprise.
“No”, Sonya says coldly, already brandishing her blade. “None of us are getting paid. Isn’t that right, Boss? Because you never had any money to pay us with to begin with.”
At this the crowd begins to murmur more. “Is that true?” “Wait, so we were just cannon fodder?” “You watch your tongue there, orc!”
You turn to face your accuser, who thankfully, seems to be sticking to the script. She continues, raising her balde to be level with your face.
“Kal’raan, you are leading the Ravagers into a state of ruin and stagnation. There will be no blood and glory so long as you continue to be in charge. You are unfit to be Battlemaster; I challenge you to Mono-Machia!”
At this proclamation, the crowd bursts with excitement, quickly forming a ring around you and Sonya, chanting for blood. Good. Things are going well. Most of the mercs are just as brainless as you remember them being. That's when Sonya surprises you. Not even waiting for you to stand ready, she rushes at you, drawing blood with a wide swipe across your chest. Well, she did say to make it look convincing.
You respond quickly by knocking her back with war, and begin pelting her with bolts from your rapid fire crossbow. The crowd is ecstatic, no longer choosing sides, but entertained by the sheer ferocity of the fight. Sonya rips one of the boards of the dock at her feet up and uses it to deflect the bolts, then hurls the board right at you. You manage to roll out of the way, and stop your bleeding by telling yourself that it's merely a flesh wound.
Dang. That board move of hers was good. You’ll have to remember that.
As you stand back up, you barely have time to react as Sonya has thrown her blade like a spear at your face. You manage to deflect it, but as you do, she roars and leaps on top of you, beating you with a series of ferocious punches. Guess there was a reason Larson liked her. She is certainly making it believable; each punch slams into you with tremendous force. Your body starts to ache, and blood begins to pool in your mouth.
Time to get serious.
With a flurry of energy, you produce your draconic wings, pushing Sonya off of you. This was it. All or nothing. As you fly into the air, a number of the Ravagers are losing their minds. It had been a while since they had seen such a fight. The important thing was that they were all watching. As you dived bombed Sonya, War held to thrust into her chest, you see her take the stance you discussed.
Perfect.
Expertly, you allow yourself to be grabbed by Sonya mid-air as she reaches down and grabs her blade. You feel the cold steel enter you as she stabs you, to the shock of the Ravagers watching. Thankfully, she knew exactly where to pierce you; it hurts like heck, but you’ve had worse. The Ravagers don't know that, and you put on quite the performance as Sonya drags you over to the docks edge. You cough up blood, groan in pain, even throw in a couple of whimpers for good measure. Sonya eventually holds you over the water, letting the Ravagers watch in awe as she proclaims her victory.
“Woe to the conquered! You are no warrior, Kal’raan. The Ravagers are mine! You can rot at the bottom of the Crescent Bay.”
Just before she releases you, she leans in and whispers to you.
“Good luck boss. Live well.”
You hit the cold water, waiting a moment until you’re out of sight before swimming away. It seems to have worked. Whatever happens with the Ravagers now, it's in Sonya’s hands. You’re relieved to finally leave it behind.
_____
While you are able to breathe underwater, swimming all the way to Imperia just isn’t feasible. You’re exhausted even swimming out of sight of the Cove. Thankfully, you thought ahead and arranged a pick up. As you see the bottom of a sloop approach your location, relief washes over you. Guess he isn’t that bad of a sailor after all. And being somewhat familiar with the area around the Cove, he was the obvious choice to ferry you back.
“Ah, the triumphant hero emerges! Geez, you're cold,” Flynn Tattersail remarks, helping you onto the small boat.
“So, Mr. Ex-Battlemaster; it looks like you and I are finally free. Let’s go celebrate with a nice hot meal. My treat.”