The men are barely out of earshot, when Terri turns to Odelia and repeats in complete exasperation, "You may want to circle around the town?  Gawd that man can be an idiot sometimes.  You'd think he'd realize that the more we move the more likely we are to draw attention to ourselves..."  She pauses for a second, still holding the bag of caltrops in her hand.  "It was a right smart idea to set a few traps though.  Then if something does come we'll at least have some time to get out of here if something does come.  Might not hurt to put together a getaway bag either."  Terri busies herself next to the cart, shoveling a few things into her bag using only the dim lighting of the stars above.

"I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep any more, but you are welcome if you want to."  Terri adds to Odelia, pulling up a rope from amongst the items as she appraises it aloud.  "Looks a little thick, but I should be able to get some use out of it..."

OOC:  It is 0315 on the 22nd of March.  Terri is going to set some traps around the area just in case any threats as well as pack a bag in case a quick escape is needed.  Feel free to take any action you want.  You may decide to try and go back to sleep.  If so roll vs. HT+1, a successful roll means you manage a full nights sleep.  On a failed roll, or if you opt not to go back to bed, roll vs. HT-2.  On a failed roll you lose 1 fatigue due to lost sleep.
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:01, Tue 01 May 2018.

   After the Men had taken their leave, she heard Brandald's wife, Terri, as she exercised her own thoughts. She nodded her agreement to what had been said and tapped the side of her head before she shook it slightly.

   She turned her attention to the cart, where her own things were stored. Everything she owned, outside of the tent she used at night, was loaded in the pack she carried. It was bulky, but her life was inside that gathering of things. Anything of value, she usually carried on her person.

   Walking over to where Terri was and tapped lightly on the side of the wagon. First, she shook her head, and then placed her hands together in what a Christian might interpret as a gesture of prayer, then pointed to where her tent was. She hoped that her gesture, along with the times of the day she'd paused to pray, would deliver the message of her intent. It would be light soon, and there was little excuse for not attending to what was necessary.

   With a short walk to the river, the girl sat on the edge and took a moment to roll up her sleeves, then her robes to just under her knees and began to use the freezing water to wash. She worked as quickly as she could, not only for the temperature of the water, but the fact that she felt exposed in such a way. Usually, when the others were about, she'd used either her canteen and a small amount of water to clean herself, but with the Men off on their duties, she risked the possibility to be caught immodestly attired in order to perform the Wudhu, or ritual cleansing.

   Once finished, she unrolled the emerald robe back down her arms and legs and walked to her tent to begun her devotions ...

---

Odelia thinks in a manner similar to Terri that there simply isn't enough time left to get a decent sleep before she'll have to be awake anyway.  Pointing towards the river, Odelia informs Terri of her intentions and though Terri has a slight look of concern on her face, she smiles and waves as she continues about her work.

The trek to the river turns into quite a longer journey than Odelia intended.  The short hike down the steep hill proves only mildly difficult though the hike across three or four farmer's fields adds more time and distance between herself and Terri than she bargained for.  Still, it is well before sunup as she reaches the bank, disrobes, and performs the Wudhu with none of the men or the locals being the wiser.

The trip back proves similarly uneventful, with Odelia taking a longer route up the backside of the hill to keep from having to climb any significant grade in the darkness.

Odelia makes her way back to her tent, unrolls her prayer mat and performs her devotions as she has so often these days, estimating the direction of Geb'al Din, somewhere to the south southwest.  By the time she is complete, the black of the night is ebbing from the east and the light blues of the dawn have started to creep across the skies.

Terri has proved to have been busy.  "Don't go there."  The other warns as Odelia walks towards the tower, attempting to get a decent vantage of the valley below.  "I set up a few trip wires with some extra precautions...  I don't think it'll be an issue going out, but I don't want to you fall on any of it coming back in."  She smiles.  "Besides, you'd make me have to set it all back up... easier just to go around."

Perhaps it goes without saying, but Terri has been much more talkative with the men gone.  Knowing full well that Odelia won't respond in kind, she fills both ends of the conversation, asking rhetorical questions and then answering herself, all the while taking care of minor errands.  She has Cutlass saddled, a bag packed and Firebrand set up with a lead rope in addition to all of her own small items taken.  "Can't be too careful."  Terri says, half to herself and half to Odelia.  "If we do have to leave we want to take everything we can.  I'd rather not lose the horses if we have to run."

The morning light spreads orange and crimson across the sky before the sun starts it's slow climb upward.  Odelia has spent the past several minutes with a whetstone against her knife, honing the blade to a keen edge.  The moment of quiet seems to go overlong, and Odelia looks after a moment towards Terri, who has her gaze cocked upward to the sky.  Odelia looks upward and notices some blackbird or crow circling high overhead.

OOC:  Thanks for the patience.  It is now 0555 on the 22nd of March.  The sun has risen perhaps a half an hour ago and you have stayed mostly in camp to keep out of sight since then.  roll vs. perception.

   As might be expected of someone that couldn't speak, the emerald-eyed rogue went about her own duties without a word and half-listened while the Seafarer's wife projected her thoughts in her direction. She was accustomed to some level of noise - she had lived in cities or major towns most of her life - so a level of din was expected. As Terri spoke here and there, Odelia managed a small nod of acknowledgement to let her know that she was following what was being said, and 'saying' little in turn.

   Although she would have preferred the thought of having a hot meal prepared in the morning to give her some warmth as well as something to do in tending the fire, she knew it was a risk as a fire, as well as the smoke,  could be seen from a far-off distance. The last thing that they needed was a curious look at their makeshift camp by anyone that might give away their position. So she ate her morning ration without the comfort of a campfire ...

   After spending part of the morning seeing to food and the care of her weapons and the security of her things aboard the wagon, she walked the edges of the Camp - mindful of where Terri had placed her trip wires - when she caught the look of the woman who was looking up at the sky. Odelia looked up as well and squinted as she tried to make out any details about the blackbird that circled overhead. From what she could tell, it wasn't the Magician's prized falcon ...

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
14:06, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 9 using 3d6.  Roll vs. Perception (IQ 13 w/ Acute Vision).

---

Odelia watches the bird in curiosity at first, for she is not outdoorslady and has little idea much of what the bird is, but as she looks upward she can't help but linger on the black avian circling overhead.  There is some bobbing motion, some awkward shade about the bird's wings that she simply can't place.  It is only after several moments of staring that Odelia recognizes there is an arrow lodged somewhere near the thing's torso.

"That's not normal..."  Terri mutters, still staring upward.  "There isn't a bird alive that could take an arrow to the chest and live long... let alone still fly.  I guess that thing does look pretty big though."  High above, the bird continues to wind in lazy circles...

OOC:  Let me know if you want to do anything, if no then that's fine, I'll fast forward to the next decision point for you.

   Looking up at the bird, she wondered about it - wounded and yet still managing to fly? She didn't think it was possible that something like that could happen, but here it was.

   She had a sneaking suspicion that it might be magical, but there was no way to communicate that effectively to anyone. One of the Men might have easily considered such, with the amount of magic they possessed, but they were off on their own adventure.

   She looked about to see if there was a crossbow about. She didn't trust that the bird might be magically in contact with someone who could see through the bird's eyes ...

Odelia grabs her crossbow from her things, thinking to get her first real use out of it.  Of course she had practiced some since she had won the crossbow back at the fight on the road to Three Corners, but that was all practice at bags of dirt so that she could grab the bolts again afterwards.  Watching the bird as it circles, she cocks the weapon with some significant effort, loads a bolt and aims for several moments before squeezing the trigger.

Twang!  The bolt flies from her weapon, pressing back against her shoulder with a sudden force.  Her aim looks true, though the bird proves a smaller target than she was counting on...

"Agh!"  The thing cries shrilly as the dart misses by a half a body length, whizzing by and sailing on upward into the sky and back down the hillside to the west.  Still, the thing seems undeterred, and continues it's circling motion overhead.

OOC:  The bird is circling overhead about 25 yards overhead, which puts the range penalty at -8 (shots upward count double for the range for penalty).  It is also SM-3, so even if you aim for the full three seconds, you are still rolling against a 7.  You can feel free to use the rest of the bolts in your inventory if you wish (9 left total) or you can dip into the ones you took from the fort that are sitting on the cart.  Let me know how many you want to shoot or if there is anything else you want to attempt.

   Odelia had expected her first bolt to fail, it hadn't been more than a shot to figure out the angle and range to the bird. The fact that the bolt had failed as badly as it did prove nothing more than the bird was nothing like the targets back at the Castle.

   Even with the cloth gloves on, pulling back on the drawstring of the weapon caused her fingers more pain as she pulled with all of her strength. Her teeth gritted together as she pulled and only released when she heard the string fall into the catch, taking a breath before she brought up the weapon and dropped the bolt into the flight groove, then raised it and sighted along the length of the crossbow. She waited as she watched the bird circle, then held her breath before she pulled the trigger. The buttstock struck her padded shoulder hard, and she moaned softly as she watched the bolt pass as close as the first ...

   She lowered the weapon and placed her foot in the stirrup once again, and repeated the steps. This time, the drawstring found the same place on her fingers and dug in harder this time. With an inward gasp of pain, she cocked the weapon again, raised and fired another bolt ... this time the shot was closer, but still missing the bird.

   As she lowered the weapon a third time, her lips parted slightly as she remembered the beginnings of a prayer she had heard as a child: O Allah, Merciful and Most High! she silently petitioned as she gritted her teeth and pulled the drawstring, Grant me the strength to wield this weapon and protect those who travel with me ...

   The drawstring finally found the catch and dropped in. Odelia dropped the bolt into the groove and continued her prayer. Merciful God, guide my arrow to slay this evil and unholy vulture that plagues us.

   She waited, concentrating on the flight of the bird and watched it continue to circle above their small camp. She aimed just slightly ahead of the bird and held her breath for a moment. If it is the will of the Almighty ... she hoped as she pulled the trigger.

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
10:01, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 14 using 3d6.  Firing Crossbow bolt.
10:02, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 10 using 3d6.  Firing Crossbow bolt - Aimed for three turns.
10:03, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 5 using 3d6.  Firing Crossbow bolt - Aimed for three turns.
10:04, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 8 using 1d6+3.  Damage (Crossbow/1D6+3).

---

Odelia takes her time and keeps her patience as she sends her second and third bolt astray.  For indeed, it was the virtue of patience that granted the great prophet his audience with the angel Gabriel when he had secluded himself in the cave and it was patience that brought all good things in time.  High above, the thing is no longer circling, but cartwheeling and flying figure eights... some repetitive 'caw' keeps sounding from high above, a sounds that reminds Odelia strangely of laughter.  Odelia breathes slowly out as she sights in the bird leading it just ever so slightly.

Twang! The crossbow jumps in her arms as the bolt screams off towards the sky on a perfect trajectory.  Still playing in some game, the bird barely notices the bolt before it sticks hard in the thing's chest with a sudden, sucking pop!   "Agh!"  The thing shrieks, his whole body displaced as the bolt strikes him and barely slows.

"Good shot!"  Terri screams, jumping up in the air slightly before she turns, her smile gleaming at Odelia.  She turns her head back up to the sky, watching the bird as it falls from the sky.

Trailing a wing, the thing corkscrews to the earth, its body barely moving as it descends until it strikes the ground, hard, some dozen yards away.  As Terri had said, the thing is massive, some two feet in height with a wingspan that is likely even longer.

"You think it's dead?"  Terri asks as she grabs her own bow, knocking an arrow as she steps slowly and softly to where the thing fell.

OOC:  Really nice sequence of rolls on your part there.  The 'bird' is about 12 yards or so from you, though after hitting the ground, it only appears to be a mass of feathers and wing.  Terri is moving slowly that direction.

   Odelia took a moment to look heavenward. Praise be to Allah, she smiled, To grant my wish and bring down this vulture ...

   The young rogue looked to Terri and her veil rose slightly in another smile as she watched where the bird had landed. She put the crossbow on the wagon and reached for one of her sharp daggers and made her way to where the bird was. As she got closer, mindful of where Terri had placed traps and snares earlier that morning, she could see that the animal was much larger than she expected.

   "You think it's dead?" Odelia heard from the Seafarer's wife, to which she managed a shrug of her small shoulders as they advanced on the mess of feathers, feet and wing. She held up a hand as if to indicate not to come closer, while she advanced on the thing to see if it was still alive ...

Odelia walks softly forward, putting out a palm towards Terri to signal her to stop as Odelia closes the last few feet...  Even as she approaches she can tell the thing is not dead, its body is writhing on the grasses as it turns itself back over onto its feet slowly.  Odelia pauses, horrified for a moment as the thing rears it's head.  It is no bird, that much is for sure.  Instead, rows of razor sharp teeth line the mouth that lies somewhat inside of two sharp protrusions from its head that Odelia had mistaken for a beak from a distance.  It's wings have no feathers, but instead are made of a thick, leathery skin.  It's body is shaped much like that of a bird, though its legs are black and thin, it's claws curved and viscious.  But worst of all, it speaks with a voice that is hollow and full of hatred...

"[Language unknown:  Et si ica under lldin allore'ounhisich, terrutthe.  Wihou pr vorortoul ingeauven anyll illfi he i ouesma.]"  The thing begins to unfold its wings as it stares directly at Odelia, a leer of rage and disgust.

"God..." Terri whispers to no one just behind Odelia and to her right.

OOC:  Roll vs will and consider yourself mentally stunned for as many seconds as you fail by.  With a success you may act normally.  You are at range 2 to the demon, and Terri is a hex behind you at range 3.  You have a ready dagger in your right hand, Terri has an arrow knocked and drawn.  Go ahead and give me 2 seconds of action.

   The emerald robed rogue advanced on the bird, dagger in hand when it turned and looked her in the eyes. There was a moment when their eyes met and she could see that this 'bird' was not what it had appeared as in flight. She stopped and looked at the abomination. It was one that needed to be put out of its own misery.

   She never paused but ran ahead, her veil covering the look of angry revulsion that showed on her olive features. With her teeth gritted, she started a run at it, then pushed off of her right foot, with both hands on her dagger as she sailed through the air towards this avatar of evil ...

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:01, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 9 using 3d6 - Will check, Will = 11. ((1,6,2)).

11:12, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 16 using 3d6 ((6,4,6)) Leap/jump to gain momentum, Jumping = 12.

11:14, Today: Odelia La Faelis rolled 14 using 3d6.  Attack roll with Knife - Knife = 13. ((5,6,3))

---

Even as she sees the monster for what it is, Odelia is already darting forward with her knife, looking to thrust it deep into the monster's heart.

Twang! The bowstring hums from just behind Odelia, though the arrow misses badly high and to the right of the thing.

Odelia lashes out with her weapon, thought the thrust is just off as the thing stumbles awkwardly to the right, grasping out with a clawed talon as it takes to wing, though it only rips a bit of the cloth at Odelia's sleeve without doing any real damage.

With a few sturdy beats of its wings, the beast takes to flight, buzzing the grass as he accelerates away from the two.  It is only a matter of moments before the thing is well out of range, climbing slowly, though it speeds on too fast for either of the women to have a chance to catch up.

"Shit."  Terri curses half-heartedly.  "Who would have thought that with an arrow and a bolt sticking out of that thing that it could still fly?"  Terri shakes her head, though her face brightens up after a moment.  "Well, at least it's gone now...  That thing was seriously creepy.  You know, for a second, it almost sounded like it was talking."

OOC:  Unfortunately with each of you missing, the 'bird' managed to shake its stun and get back to flight.  Since neither of you had a ready ranged weapon at that point, you didn't really have a chance of making another attack.  It seems likely that you may attempt to communicate with Terri at this point, if that's the case, just post what your gestures are and roll vs. gesture for each idea (or subject/verb combination if you want to think of it that way) you are trying to convey and let me know what you want to express in OOC.

   The ... thing ... moved surprisingly fast as Odelia partly leapt through the air and tried to strike at the beast. She brought down the razor-sharpened blade just as whatever it was moved to the right and out of the way. She felt claw's tendril on her shoulder, but it was little more than pressure as it nicked the fabric and made a small rip. She was about to slice again when the beast took to the air and moved out of range.

   Her head lowered as she took in a trio of deep breaths, her shoulders rising and falling just before the Seaman's wife arrived. She looked up to the spot where the thing had gone and managed a long, deadly stare for a moment ... more disappointed that she hadn't been able to wound it to the point it would have been helpless.

   "You know, for a second, it almost sounded like it was talking." She heard, and turned to look in the other woman's direction.  She brought a hand to her veil next to her mouth, holding her fingers tightly together, then opening them as she drew out the fingers from her mouth ... then moved both hands up, extending both first and second fingers before placing them on either side of her covered head and rolled her eyes back slightly to show the whites ...

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
12:39, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 10 using 3d6.  Gesture - To show Terri that it had spoken to her (Gesture = 14)
12:42, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 6 using 3d6.  Gesture - To show Terri that it might have been a demon (Gesture = 14)

---

This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Wed 30 May 2018.

Terri nods as Odelia gestures towards her.

"I bet you are right, this guy is a necromancer after all...  I bet it really was speaking some nefarious demonic tongue."  Terri walks forward to try and pluck her arrow out of the ground ahead.

Odelia suspects that the comment was made innocently, though the unintended racism still strikes her quite squarely.

"I guess it's back to waiting."  Terri's words are as much of a question as a statement, though she looks at Odelia to see if the other has any other ideas before walking back over towards the cart.

OOC:  Let me know if you want to wait, or if you want to take some other action.  I'm happy to fast forward from here, though I want to give you the opportunity to do whatever you see fit.

   In the aftermath of the conflict with the 'demon' along with her conversation with the Seafarer's wife, Odelia's hands began to shake a little as she could feel the last of the adrenaline leaving her. This wasn't the first time she'd fought, but considering the opponent had been a hellish abomination ... she brought them together as she heard Terri's statement.

   She looked in the other woman's direction for a moment as she caught the words, but chose to not reply. She was used to the casual unkind words that were tossed in her direction, whether it was about her beliefs or the less subtle method that one of the Mages had used, Odelia wasn't one to take offence as easily as some other people might. And if she'd been truly bothered to the point of distraction, there was always a knife that could be used to get her point across.

   Her gaze returned to where the 'bird' had flown to, partially thankful that it was no longer a threat, but mildly annoyed that they'd been unable to bring the thing down or render it unconscious. She mentally shrugged at their minor failure. She turned to look back at Terri and her shoulders rose slightly, then fell as she started to walk back towards the wagon.

---

Odelia wanders out looking for some of the bolts that she had fired.  It becomes apparent to her quickly that the missiles had traveled some distance farther than she had imagined, even having shot them almost straight up towards the demonic crow.  Still, after five minutes of looking she does manage to stumble across one of the bolts that looks to be undamaged and stuffs it back in her hip quiver with the rest.  Deciding that's as far as her luck will take her, Odelia heads back with Terri towards the cart and her tent, finding a spot of shade to sit in and wait.  Terri takes out a horsehair brush and starts to comb down down Cutlass, wanting for something to do.

Perhaps a half an hour later, Odelia is sharpening her knife when the sound of clinking steel attracts her attention from up ahead.  Just coming over the crest of the hill to the east stands a single man, his chest as wide as a barrel, likely as large as Magnus or Rondald.  However, he stands at a list, hunched forward and to the side as he holds a single hand onto a stone that stands chest high just next to him.

"[Language unknown:  Ate erthu tiohatencwitred o allno ai fi Tin Nioun menantounredset.  Ee tioreaardven the antforeenart o sonundday ut butck eclo e neure eau ounlatineoul.]"  The man shouts in Arabic, his deep voice carrying easily the some forty odd yards to the two women's camp.

Terri shoots Odelia an unsure glance, the horsehair brush in her hand stopping midstroke.  Cutlass's ears lay flat backwards on his head as he points his nose and sniffs the air around.

OOC:  It is 0630 on the 22nd of March.  The man is about 40 yards away, across bumpy but mostly clear hillside.  He appears unarmored and unarmed, but wearing a servant's tunic and pants that are well worn.  Obviously you have plenty of options here.  You know from experience that trying to gesture from this far away is unlikely to work (unless it's something obvious like throwing your hands in the air).  You have a large knife in your right hand and a whetstone in your left, your crossbow is uncocked and unloaded, sitting just at your side.  The horses are still around, Firebrand is a dozen or so yards away and Cutlass is still standing next to Terri.  Neither is hitched to the cart and Cutlass is saddled, Firebrand is set with a lead rope and about a dozen yards from you.  Your tent and blanket is still set up, but you have all of your possessions in your pack.  If you have any other questions that you think might affect your actions feel free to ask.  No need to post combat rounds unless you specifically want to start combat, just give me general actions.

   Initially surprised at first, the emerald robed rogue collected as many crossbow bolts as she could and returned to the wagon with a look of mild disappointment. For all the work both she and Terri had done, that ... thing ... still managed to break free and fly away, most likely to wherever it considered home. She'd seen pigeons kept for the purposes of sending and receiving messages - no doubt a holdover from when magic was not as powerful or as widespread as it was today - so she suspected that it (she refused to consider the abomination even possessed a gender) had returned to its starting point.

   That done, she walked over to the wagon and climbed into it, situating the blanket against her backpack and resting on both of them as she retrieved one of her daggers along with a whetstone she carried and began to sharpen the last of the trio of knives she carried. The beginnings of dawn began to show as she worked the edge of the blade and a smile began to form under her veil. One of the benefits of beginning her prayers before dawn was that she could watch the sunrise first thing in the morning. Some people preferred their evenings, and some people preferred mornings, but Odelia had always been partial to the first rays of the sun ...

  The grip of the knife in her hand switched when she heard the sound of steel. She looked in the direction of where the sound had come from and saw what looked like a half-giant that reminded her of Terri's husband, Rondald. Her curiosity changed to a narrowed look of suspicion as she saw the man's hand on the stone, while she rose and got out of the cart. The rogue exchanged looks with Terri, her brows showing a confident if a slightly confused pair of brows. She managed a small shrug and slipped the knife back into its sheath and walked a handful of paces as she brought out both of her hands, palms up to show that she was not armed in the traditional sense.  She stopped and then knelt on the grass, and brought herself forward until her head touched the grass in an absolution she knew would be familiar to any practising member of the Faithful. She held the position for a moment, then rose up to resume her kneeling posture and extended her right hand, palm up and flat before she curled her fingers slowly as if to ask him to come closer.

   Most wise Allah, she prayed silently as she awaited the man's next move, Grant me the wisdom of your understanding ... and grant this stranger the capacity to figure out my humble gestures and make my meaning plain.

The other stands still and waiting as Odelia genuflects to the ground, though as she holds up a beckoning hand, the man lumbers forward, letting his hand fall from the stone to his side.

It is almost immediately that Odelia notices something off about the newcomer.  His arms are too long, hanging below his thighs and near to his knees, though his hunched over posture surely exaggerated the effect.  His gait was too shambling... his leg joints did not seem to move in fluid linear motion, but rather rolled as if they could pivot in more than one direction.  Though his movements were awkward at best, the man's motion was nonetheless swift, covering vast strides without even the appearance of running.

Behind the man, two additional figures appear from behind the hill and stone, gleaming in thick steel plate that clinks with each movement of a joint, though with a gesture and an inaudible word from the first man the two hold in place, far enough off for the moment to avoid presenting any threat.

As the man approaches more closely, Terri gasps and Cutlass knickers, throwing his head and mane back in a wild arc.  Odelia can hardly blame them, for as the man's features come into relief his disfigurements become immediately more apparent than just his movement or balance.

Scars, or more appropriately, stitchings scatter the man's face like a patchwork leather rug.  His skin is rough and pale, with thick clumps of black hair that fall down across his scalp towards his eyes.  He wears little more than a servant's tattered shirt and pants, frayed at the edges and spotted sporatically with dirt.  There is no doubt that the man is hunched, with one leg in front of the other, his spine seems to curve around in an arc leaving his opposite shoulder forward and his stature significantly short of his potential.  Yet despite the man's many faults, Odelia cannot help but look into the man's pale blue eyes.

The man stops some ten yards away from Odelia, showing holding his arms up, palms outwards to show that he is likewise unarmed.

"[Language unknown:  Io siho fi wa nde antouthis...  ai lepl pre iv notabe il her ticartsan stiers'encers.]"  The baritone words are almost melodic in sharp contrast to the man's features.  They do not seem threatening and are indeed devoid of emotion, the man's face a blank slate as he watches Odelia intently.

"Odelia..."  Terri mutters uncertainly, fear clouding over her voice.



OOC:  The man has closed to within 6 yards and appears to be both unarmed and only clothed in simple servant's garb.  The men behind are still at a range of 35 yards and are both fully armored (in platemail) and are carrying roundshields and weapons, one an axe and the other a spear, though they do not appear interested in coming any closer for the time being.

   Odelia rose from her position and regarded the approaching men, her green eyes drawn to the two in the background that moved slowly and deliberately until the one in front signalled somehow and they stopped. If fighting broke out, she thought, It would be nothing short of a miracle that both Terri and I would be able to battle them in the first place, much less win.

   The man that stopped a short distance away hadn't moved in a normal fashion towards either of them and when Odelia looked in the direction of where the man was, a partial look of horror and revulsion came over the rogue's features. The pale complexion, the rough exterior, and the stitches made her look at whatever this was as more of an abomination than anything created by the Almighty ...

   Every fibre of her being screamed at her to get away from this creature - it was not human, and a perverse abomination of life; even looking into its blue eyes had not convinced the woman of any shred of humanity. She shook her head and made a throat-cutting gesture before she placed a hand over her mouth and then flat-palmed it forward as if to show that she could not reply. She watched this ... thing's ... response, getting ready to run, if necessary.

---

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
12:24, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 7 using 3d6.  Gesture: To indicate to the Golem that she cannot speak (Gesture = 14).

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Though Odelia gestures in what she deems a way that is completely clear, it is hard to tell that the other as Odelia comes to think of him, has completely understood what she has intended.  The other watches her as she makes a gesture across her throat, as she places her hand over her mouth and flaps it forward, but it does not seem to come of anything in the way of understanding.

"[Language unknown:  Omtho neit ous i ee wiwanc...  ll blend un n lethsi t rone atehisave urouwefi.]"  The thing repeats as if Odelia had not heard her.  "[Language unknown:  Of tio adpapo es elany n intcomday ol hat ect ailo ic.]"  The other does not move, but stands his ground, his palms open and without malice.   "[Language unknown:  Prit tereveort nanilo ev liri encas...  Er wesom paivwa ive wheorelat an en ch ch romou urngat.  M fiing menthower Le at el ee uldica...]"

"Odelia..."  Terri says, with little more than concern in her voice.

OOC:  You are still 6 yards from the other and he still seems to be no more no more than doing his duty.  However, his emotionless face seems completely serious, despite the fact that he seems entirely emotionless in the first place...

    The look on the young woman's features, that thankfully, the abomination could not see, was a mixture of fear as well as a large dose of frustration. Whether this ... thing ... could understand her or not, she couldn't speak to it and it couldn't speak a decent word of Arabic that she could understand in the first place.

   She moved from her kneeling spot, first to halfway rise from where she was, then rose to her feet from her knees and began to retreat slowly. She wasn't sure that the monster would understand what she was doing, but she held her hands out empty in the hopes that He whose mercy grants all wishes would at least make it understand that she meant the thing no harm as she began to make her way back to Terri and the wagon ...

Slowly, Odelia stands from her spot and retreats, palms open and as non-threatening as she can manage.  She makes her way back to the cart, all the while the thing looks upon her with an expressionless face as there were nothing really happening at all.

"[Language unknown:  Li fi Our.  Ittr ons vorar setit il.]"

"Odelia."  Terri whispers as she comes close enough.  "What do we do?"

OOC:  My sincerest apologies for missing you in the language group.  You should be able to read everything now, as opposed to having it be entirely gibberish.  If you can't, I'll keep working on it, but he's essentially saying that you have to come with him to the tower.  Let me know what your plan is, if you resist, run, or accept, Terri will go along with your lead.

   The emerald robed rogue continued to back away as the abomination regarded her with what she thought was curiosity, but she wasn't sure in the heat of the moment.

"Odelia."  Terri whispers as she comes close enough.  "What do we do?"

   She paused for a heartbeat and glanced in the direction of the Seafarer's wife with a look that showed both the confusion and fear she felt. She turned on one heel and faced in the direction of where Firebrand was and pointed her right hand in the direction of where Cutlass was, then urgently pointed to the animal. After she made the gesture, the rogue bolted for the other horse, Firebrand.

   Mighty Allah, grant me and my ally the speed to escape this monster and ride to safety and freedom ...

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:08, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 11 using 3d6.  DX (12) check vs. Munt - Initiative.
16:27, Today: Secret Roll: Odelia La Faelis rolled 10 using 3d6.  (Jump) Jump check to mount Firebrand - (Skill = 12).

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If Terri understands what Odelia is after, she doesn't betray it early.  She stands fast, her eyes locked with Odelia, displaying the same frazzled mix of emotions...  As Odelia raises her hand, she watches her companion, noting little change until she points at the steed, when she notes a flash of determination cross her features.

In a moment, the look is broken and Odelia racing with bounding steps towards Firebrand.  Wind flutters at her veil and rushes at her ears, though it does not hide the sounds of pursuit hot on her heals.

"[Language unknown: E!]"  Munt screams nearly as soon as Odelia's hijab has stretched with her first step, and the sounds of his heavy footfalls come racing after.  They are not shuffling or slow, as Odelia had hoped, but rather heavy and uneven as if the thing were making great strides at speeds behind her.

Odelia makes it to Firebrand's flank, placing both hands on the horses rump as she vaults herself straight up into the air, landing on her robes so that the cloth rises up over the ankles and shins of her armor as her legs and knees are pushed back and the rest of her body falls forward towards the horses neck.  She manages to catch herself about Firebrand's mane, though there is little doubt as to the lack of grace of the maneuver and less time to ponder it.

"[Language unknown:  Icna enc alpo!]"  Munt's scarred baritone voice is just behind Odelia as she swats Firebrand's flanks desperately with her heels...  Somewhere to her side, Terri is trying to reign Cutlass in and desperately tries to prod him forward...

OOC:  Roll vs. Riding (defaults to DX-4)

   It was nothing short of a miracle that the robed and armoured form of the rogue managed to reach the horse and vault up from the flanks of the animal and onto it's back. She heard the heavy footfalls of the half-giant as he worked to keep up with her. After she'd handed in the saddle, she grasped onto Firebrand's mane with one hand and tapped the side of the animal with her other hand quickly in an effort to get the horse to move.

   For the love the Prophet - GO!! Odelia's thought screamed, but sadly there was little way to direct that thought to the steed. She risked a glance behind her towards the grotesque abomination ...

For a tense moment, Odelia half sits, half lays upon Firebrand with one hand wrapped about a tuft of mane and the other slapping (perhaps more forcefully than she had intended as the animal nickers underneath her) at the beast's shoulder to get him moving.  Horrified and hearing the fast approaching steps of the man behind her, Odelia turns her head just a fraction, peering behind her to get a glimpse of her fate.

The monster behind is no further back than three feet and gaining swiftly one hand extended outward as he lopes forward far faster than Odelia had given him credit.  Praying for haste, Odelia braces herself for what is about to come... whack!

It is not the noise, but the abrupt shift in her mount that surprises Odelia, an instantaneous flex of the muscles along Firebrand's flank and back that nearly unseats her.  But hold on she does, keeping her seat as she looks back just long enough to watch the back leg lash out and connect with the wild-man's hip, sending him in a half spin just as he is about to reach out and grab her leg.

"[Language unknown: Ck!]"  The man shrieks out, and Odelia feels his fingers brush by her ankles as Firebrand lurches into a canter, shifting Odelia awkwardly again, though she manages to keep her seat.

"[Language unknown: Es.  Ri pl foder!]"  Munt calls from behind, his uneven footfalls trailing behind as Firebrand speeds up to a lope.

"Come on!"  Terri cries from beside her, finally managing Cutlass into movement.

Slowly...  Ever so slowly the two outpace their follower though the terrain ahead begins to get rougher...

OOC:  A few nice rolls there helped you out on still managing your way out of the situation despite the riding roll.  Terri is beside you on Cutlass and Munt is dropping further and further behind, though he's still within a few dozen yards.  The easiest path is back to the west (along the path you pulled the cart from) although you can head downhill to the north if you wish (if so make another riding roll).  The ball is back in your court.  You have left the cart behind you, but have managed all the gear on your person and both the horses.  Let me know what general actions you want to take.

   Not knowing the first thing about how to ride such a beast, Odelia did what she knew how and held onto the mane of the animal while they rode away and out of the reach of the abomination's touch. It's fingers touching against her skin might have brought forth a yelp of surprise, but nothing came forth out of her mouth except for a silent scream ...

   She rode the horse as best she could, and finally slowed down a short while after they'd gotten out of sight of the thing's grasp. She looked over to where Terri was, astride the other horse, and pointed in the direction that they'd brought the cart from.

Odelia and Terri ride off, not swift nor skillfully but well enough to continue to gain ground on the three of the necromancer's flunkies.  Odelia cannot help but continue to steal glances behind her, for though Munt only pursues for a few moments before he stops astride the cart, Odelia cannot shake the feeling of dread that has seeped over her.  The two ride for a quarter of an hour, slowing down only when Odelia is certain that none of their foes could still be following but even then, the two only slow their pace to a walk as they continue on, treading backwards the same path they had walked yesterday...

OOC:  Ok, let me know how far you plan to head backwards and what the plan is from there - if you just want to hunker down I can do a decent bit of fast forwarding I think.  Feel free to make any rolls for pertinent skills in your trek if there are any.

   There was relief on the face of the rogue as she stealthily looked over her shoulder for the last time. The abominations were well enough behind both her and Terri that they could at least consider taking a moment to figure out what their next move was. As the animal slowed, she placed a hand on the side of the horse and moved it slowly back and forth in the hopes that it might realise the danger had, if possibly just for the moment, had passed.

   She looked about and tried to see about the lay of the land while she attempted to figure out where they could spend the next few hours. She looked out for a small copse of trees in the hopes that the two of them might hideaway. It was no certainty, but something was better than nothing ...

Odelia and Terri ride, each of them for what is nearly the first time in their lives.  Odelia finds quickly that her ankle length burka does not work well with an equine and she repositions herself several times before finally settling on a posture slightly leaning sideways with both legs hanging over a side and her bottom slightly off over the other, both hands wrapped around the horses's neck for support.  The pose allows little more than a walk from Firebrand, though luckily the slowed pace does not seem to put them at any increased danger and neither Munt nor any other visitors catch up to them from behind.

Odelia spends her available time looking for some copse of trees or other hidey hole but the hilly scrub barely comes up to her waist in most places and isn't really sufficient enough to hide Terri and herself let alone the two horses.  Still, Odelia hadn't been looking over long when it seems that Terri had read her mind, pointing with her hand as she whispers, "Over there."

Odelia doesn't think much of it at first, just a rocky path down to some low terrain that seems as out in the open as the rest of it but as they descend, Odelia can't help but marvel at Terri's foresight.  One of the cutbacks turns turns so abruptly with the cliff at such a sheer drop that they are entirely hidden from any prying eyes to the east, and Odelia can't help but wonder here how the even the others in there group would manage to find them if they stayed here.  Terri seems to be thinking along the same lines for the spot and she dismounts Cutlass, letting the horse roam a ways though she keeps him saddled in case a quick flight is needed...

Odelia too dismounts, sliding gracefully down the side of the animal, though her bottom chafes with soreness from the extended ride.

Terri goes straight to her backpack, swinging it to the ground as she searches through, and takes account off all her possessions.

"Damnit."  The girl intones, and Odelia realizes for the first time that Terri is pale and shaking.  "I didn't think that would really happen...  I didn't pack that much for us, maybe enough food for a day's eating but not much more.  What if we had been able to bring the cart... but I know that's impossible, there would have been no way to get away..."  Odelia's mind strays to some of her own equipment, her tent and her blankets that still set next to the cart.

"But that's not really it at all."  Terri blurts, her fingers fumbling about the strings to tie the bag back together.  "We can't stay here.  If the others come back...  They'll stumble right on that thing...  We've trapped them and they don't even know it."  Terri wrings her hands in anguish.  "What do we do."  She looks at Odelia, her features strained and her eyes tortured, looking towards Odelia in anticipation.

OOC:  You have found a surprisingly good hideout for the time being due to a great survival roll from Terri (lucky we didn't have to use your default roll ;) ).  You are fairly confident that it will be difficult at best to find you and even if someone does stumble this way, you are likely to be able to see them well before they see you (though you would be looking up at them).  Terri does not seem to be comfortable with the decision to stay here, though she defers to you for leadership.  Let me know what your short/long term plans are and I'll work them out.

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