Aphail aimed his bow at Usopi, confused as to what had gotten into the normally calm and jovial knight...perhaps some toxin in the creatures blood?

If he struck Caith...he would loose....

Lann casts heal injury and defends himself, reminding the crazed knight he has saved him on some occasions.

Moralltach came sweeping through the air towards Lann, but Usopis fury was making his swings wilder and Lann was able to step back quickly to safety.

Usopi glared at Caith and Lann....


[Private to Usopi Venia: Usopi suceeded in the save so he is free to throw Moralltach down and is his own man once more.]

[5 blank lines suppressed]

OOC:

20:55, Today: GM, for the NPC Lann, rolled 4 using 1d4.  Heal Injury.

[Private to Usopi Venia: 21:11, Today: GM, for the NPC Moralltach, rolled 16 using 1d20. Control Check. MA 16 - 4 success - 7 MD.

 21:03, Today: GM, for the NPC Usopi, rolled 5 using 1d20. Intelligence Check. Add -4 to MD.]

21:02, Today: GM, for the NPC Usopi, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Attack Lann. ATT 19 - DEF 15. .

At the back end of Usopi’s swing his hands open, and Moralltach slips from them, flying a short distance away until it spears itself in to the peat moss and stands tall. The large knight falls to his knees, the energy sapped from his body.

”The blade...” he gasps through ragged breaths, and perhaps still some simmering anger, ”it’s fury and bloodlust. Gatanadese preserve us, it is... possessing”

He rolls on to his back heavily, armor clattering against itself. His body seems to sag as he comes to rest against the earth, ”...apologies...” he mutters before he shuts his eyes, focusing on calming himself.

Lann pauses when he sees the blade fly away and Usopi sitting down.

He cancels his enhancement and sheathes his weapon, walks over to usopi, pats his shoulders and says with a slight questioning lilt, thinking on what Usopi had said in previous conversations about Moralltach, " Thank you! Your blade is certainly a powerful entity with berserker ability that seems to draw on your deepest emotions and amplify them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Tue 30 July 2019.

Caith waits, staff in hand, keeping herself between the red raged knight, and stares back at him, set to counter another sword blow with a searing jab, but still refusing to back down.

The sight of the howling sword landing in the peatmoss draws a grim smile of satisfaction from her, and a softly spoken thanks of "Cutting it a little close, aren't ye, Gatenades? Better close than beheaded though, so thank ye."


She looks around to see what needs to be done, looks to Lann and asks in a worried tone "How much of that blood is Usopi's? if that blade drives it's wielder like a bezerker? They are nay the wisest of warriors when the battle is done."

Caith draws a familiar looking green bottle from her belt pouch and passes it to the warlock as she says "I have no healing left in me for a while, but this elixir will do what I nay can for now."

She grins and says to to the knight once again in charge of himself "Drink up, Usopi, you're nay dead yet."

Only then does she look to Brannon, and says in a pragmatic tone "I nay know how many hill fey are still out there, but there's shovel work to be done right now. I nay fancy a raging peat fire to contend with on top of everything else."

The look she gives sword is a pensive one, and all she says is a curt warning of "Nay touch that blade, any of ye. I reckon it be like one of those one rider only warhorses, and that rider would be Usopi."

"Gat! Leave that fey be!" she adds, after spotting the hound muzzle deep in hill fey innards, and concerned that such creatures may not be the kind ye should ever eat, even with a dog's resilient digestion.

"Alphail, keep a sharp eye out. Night's not over yet." she says, strangely gentle in tone to him, for all the grimness of her words.

However, there is no softness in her voice at all when she inquires "So, Lann now ye have the weight of two good men's deaths laid on ye, and many hill fey's deaths besides for your greed. That fill ye with pride, does it?"

Caith offers the young warlock only one choice "Ye will speak of what happened between ye and the fey tonight, and truthfully. I can nay offer any lore to advise ye without the full knowing of what brought this about."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Wed 31 July 2019.

Aphail nodded in response, drawing his aim from Usopi and peering out into the darkness from atop his stony perch.

Brannon smiled in relief and dug out his shovel, putting out those fires that the damp vegetation and chill night air had not already done for.

Lann thanks the witch for her potion and rejects it politely. "I have almost healed mysef. Thank you."

Then turning to the group, he says,"Apologies for bringing a bunch of creatures on us. I was investigating some treasure hoard with Chlainn when my minion woke up some of these things who attacked us. Believe me, i tried to tell him to do it without being caught but I guess I wasn't careful enough. Chlainn tried to fight the beasts  but was overwhelmed. There are two or three more of them out there and I suggest  we exterminate them soon before we leave this place. I want to retrieve Chlainn's body and give hima proper burial."

Having said one of his longest pieces, he bows his head.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:37, Wed 31 July 2019.

Aphail continued staring out into the dark, " A mans brother for a suit of maille, a friend for a fistful of silver.....what is there to be next? A child sacrificed on a stone altar for greater strength? A village for the power to command the elements?"

" I know the price that comes with power, Artia lends but she also asks of me....", he looked across his companions. "...sometimes too much."

" I believe.......if the Hearthfather agrees, we sleep now and keep watch for visitors of the tall, pale variety."

" In the morning we find Chlainn and bury what is left. Then we go and assist these shepherds in the Grey Hills."

" Beyond that I believe we return to Hallowhall, then Glissom City."

He sighed deeply, " We find Svalfr there and tell him what befell his brother.....weregild or blood it is the only honourable and responsible course and Artia would have me follow it....I am ashamed I did not do so before but without knowing the identity of the man who was slain it seemed a fools errand."

Caith looks at Lann, puzzled for a moment, then laughs as she retorts "It's nay for ye, Lann. I can already see that ye nay need it." then points to Usopi and explains "On the other hand, Usopi does. Help him up, ye daft man, or he'll likely choke on what's supposed to be healing him!"

She then listens carefully to the tale Lann tells, watching closely for the slight hesitations in speech and the shifting of eyes in the direction of lies rather than truth.

Her face is set as stone when the warlock finishes speaking, flint eyed and stern, but she simply nods to Alphail in agreement.

The only geas she lays on the penitent Lann is a simple one "From now on, while ye travel with us, ye are never to use that bit of fey glimmer on your finger without me standing next to ye to consult on the matter. I want your oath on that to the Gods too, and before witnesses."

There is no mercy in her voice as she concludes "If ye can nay make that promise, Lann? Then go take your chances with the fey out there, by yourself this time..."

"Sure," Lann says before continuing,"I seem to remember you guys do not wish to know when I was using it and so I didn't inform you. That was indeed my mistake and I apologise. My good witch, I will do as you say. However, do remember to speak in a more civil tone with me. I am NOT your servant and you are NOT my lord. It will be wise for you to be civil if you wish others to be civil with you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:39, Wed 31 July 2019.

" Now when ye say 'Sure' is that only to Caiths generous offer of tutelage or also to the path I have laid out?"

He turned towards Usopi, " Do you know Chlainns family? We must send word and reparations."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:09, Wed 31 July 2019.

In reply to Toirneach Lann (msg # 989):

"Thank ye..." Caith replies, somewhat surprised at Lann's ready agreement to her proposal, then stops as Lann continues speaking to listen.

She holds up a finger when he finishes his own retort, and after listening to Alphail's response and says "Firstly, Lann, I accept your apology. It is never easy to admit when ye have done wrong."

Another finger raised she explains "Secondly, I was a fool of a witch to think that one like yourself, who was never taught to summon fey as part of their training would have the knack of it without that learning. For that professional error in judgement, I apologize to ye, Warlock Lann, and to everyone else here for it's consequences as well."

Caith draws herself up to her full height, all be it no more than a scant five foot tall, and offers "Thirdly, they are nay witches, aye?" as she gestures at the rest of the group around the campfire, then points to herself as she says "I am, and I know the summoning of fey is no task to be taken lightly, but I believed that a Clan as powerful as Gar would have tutors in the art with a far greater education than I ever did."

The expression on her face is genuinely sorrowful as she says "I was mistaken, and I will remedy that lack for the sake of both ye and the fey ye summon." then smiles wanly as she adds "And for my own sake as well, I must admit, as I would nay wish the wrath of Clan Gar on anyone."

Caith is wry faced as she concludes "Aye, ye have the right of it, Lann, I am nay your lord, nor have I the right of those born to nobility to command others as he does, that is true."

She explains more gently "I admit that I am inclined to order folk about when I am dealing with the wounded in the aftermath of battle. Such is my duty as a healer, and I would likely order even King Conn himself to stay abed for his own good, if I had the care of him."

Caith smiles as she concludes "I will try to be more civil, aye, but I will nay give ye honeyed words when sharp ones are required to save lives."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Wed 31 July 2019.

Usopi eventually sits up. He struggles to remove his gore covered tabbard and, finding a small spot on the underside that is relatively clear of ichor, attempts to wipe his face, smearing black blood in streaks across his jaw.

He glances at the sword when Caith suggests no others could wield it. It stands in the peat like a villain observing the fruits of some cruel scheme, "I will leave it there for the evening, and though I will carry it from this place, I will never use it again unless there I am surrounded only by beings I wish dead. The ferocity of it..." he grips the side of his head, "I can not find words to describe the sensation."

Usopi listens to the conversation of the others for a while, still regaining his composure and coming to terms with his actions under the blade's domination. Could such a thing be used for good in any circumstance? Was it better to smelt the blade in to mundane liquid and then toss it out with the refuse and waste?

Once Aphail had suggested telling the truth to Svalfr and Lann had roughly agreed to Caith's oath, Usopi spoke quietly as he slowly stood from the dirt.

"As of Chlainn I know only loose details. Many siblings, a grande estate. The name Vacrolann and scouts might uncover some direction..." he paused after answering Aphail's question, considering the group as a whole "I have much this night to consider, so you will forgive me if I retire, and though perhaps at this moment my words should not be given much consideration, I feel the need to speak them now, as I failed to do all too recently." He hesitates as one palm clenches in to a ball, "I approve of the agreement between Lann and Caith, though his suggestion of due respect and consideration in this moment seems disingenuous to the point of insult." the large man takes a deep, quavering breath and slowly forces his fist to open, "I also agree with Aphails preference of truth above consequence, though I would hope the same approach be taken toward Lord Taran Hewell and his kin. Such an honesty also seems honorable and responsible. Now I will rest and consider what has happened."

Usopi walks slowly past Moralltach and to his tent, lifting a flap, "He that might be an enemy in theory is made certain in practice if the foundation is built with deception."

He bent to enter, and though he was still in armor there was no sound of the man disencumbering himself of the heavy plate.


OOC - I don't know what the potion did. Let me know and I'll reflect it's effects on my character sheet.

[Private to GM: So, Usopi is taking alone time for the evening. He's not sleeping, so he's not taking off his armor and can still hear further discussion, but he's got more to think about. things like why he could say such things, and perhaps if he'll start getting more noticeably angry even when not using the sword. His plan is to just sit still and think until the others are preparing to go. So much so that if Gat tries to enter the tent Usopi keeps the entrance shut. Even his hound became a potential target with Moralltach in hand, so he needs a bit, not trusting himself with his pet.]
This message was last edited by the player at 08:19, Wed 31 July 2019.

Aphail nodded seriously at Usopis words, " Rest well. You are right I believe....", he finished turning to Brannon with a querulous expression.

" Leave the bodies for now.  The blood will hide our scent and hopefully any wanderers will want no part of it."

" I will sit watch, the rest of you sleep. Artia will sustain me."

In reply to Usopi Venia (msg # 992):

OOC: It's a Healing Potion, drink the lot down for same effects as a Greater Healing, 7 Health back. Caith meant what she said about Usopi needing it. She doesn't carry any other sort of potion, and that was her last one.

Turning to Aphail, Lann speaks,"Yes, I have met Colm and fought alongside him and he has my respect. The man went through a lot and I totally feel for him and have thrown in my lot with him. However, to say that he is my Lord is a tad too far fetch. I follow him simply out of my respect for him and my belief in his vision. Someday, I will return to Clan Gar to take my rightful place as Clan Wizard and i believe having good ties with Colm will bring much peace and prosperity to this areas.You speak of blood. I am most disinclined to do much for that man. Remember I killed him as intentionally as you did to the lord's brother."

Then to Caith, he says,"Nah, I do not require honeyed words from you. Afterall, I know the value of those and am a master at it myself. However, your words do smack of arrogance and I recall Chlainn. bless his memory, getting offended previously. Speaking nicely to people usually yield results. And if they don't there is always the spells."

Turning to Usopi, he says,"I suggest you keep the potion for later use. I can still heal some wounds. If you guys know, I am not one who suffers arrogance well which was why i dueled tha mercenary man. Yes, I do give my word that I will be mindful of my partymates before doing any action. Sometimes, I am too confdent of my combat prowess."

OOC:Cast Heal injury on Usopi, terminate enhancement.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:08, Wed 31 July 2019.

Aphail sighed deeply and stared out into the void, slowly rubbing one finger on each temple.

Brannon finishes dowsing the fires, then adds. "Yes - we rest, and in the morning, we will bury Chlainn as best we can. I can say a blessing for him, though I do not whether he would appreciate that..." He looks inquiringly towards Usopi. "Otherwise... onwards. There is a darkness aplenty abroad, though I fear we are trafficking with many things that we do not properly understand."

The group slept through the night; some fitfully, some wracked with guilt, some grieving....others untroubled.

No more of the fell pale folk came close in the night, though Aphail did note one form in the distance in the wee hours.  As the companions woke the suns first rays shone upon the camp and illuminated the area, no longer stained with black blood and twisted bodys but rather the camp was now surrounded by a series of white stone outcrops surrounded by gravel, sand and smaller stones.

" Well...that clean up was easier than expected."

" I guess thats why they only come out at night."

"Let's go and find Chlainn and bury him. These monsters will not bother us," Lann says.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:19, Wed 31 July 2019.

In reply to Aphail MacRoach (msg # 999):

"No wonder there are so many rocks across the moor." Caith says, looking pensive, but grateful not to have to dig any more graves.

"Ser Vacrolann's remains may not be as easy to find." she adds softly.

Her expression is worried as she says quietly to the Hunter "I will do what I can to find a way to pay the bloodebt for the Hewells, Alphail, even if they never know of it. There is truth in what Usopi says, but justice needs mercy to it too."

OOC: It's One Thousandth Post time again too. New thread?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:26, Wed 31 July 2019.

Head across to Ereworn: Loss and Gain.