Fading Memories

You are many places but you have gone nowhere.

It has been a long journey.

All around you is a vast nothingness.  A sea of liquid that seems to be dark and loneliness distilled.  You float in it, freezing in the cold unable to see and unable to hear your own voice.  The sea would be endless if not for the immensenes that is the single point of light in the distance.  Impossibly far away yet too bright and too hot to look at.  The burning scorches your exposed side such that the freezing of the black ocean almost feels like a balm.

Almost.

Again you are transported from the empty horror of nothingness and pain.  Now you are among friends, family and in a vast field where there are all good things and nothing to be done.

If you could, you know in your heart you would remain here forever.

This too fades and flickers, a hundred faces move past you and a thousand hands grab for you.

Then you awaken.

Inside the Building

The world is shaking and wobbling around you.  The light sneaking between the cracks in the logs shimmers and dances on its own accord.  The walls move outward and then rush inward as the floor surges up and down.

The world has gone quiet, yet your ears are filled with a constant all-consuming chatter of a million creatures across a million years yelping, braying, roaring and calling out.

Slowly the building comes into focus and the sounds quiet.  The corpses and your enemies remain, but the large chunk of amber has been blown into bulky fragments that litter the far side oft he room, the metal object that once sat atop it is now beside the far wall.

The man in robes steadies himself against the wall with one hand, and you can see a faint halo of green all around his body.

When he turns, you see that Brennan's arrow is stuck into the man's hood, but penetrated only a fraction of an inch.

He looks around himself and when his eyes fall on your group, he frowns.

Carefully he begins to pick his way through the pile of bodies.  As he does, his robes seem to bulge then harden and become angular.  They cease flowing so easily, and take on the likeness of so much metal around his body.

In his right hand he holds a short stick.  Before your eyes this grows longer, then becomes metallic and sharp so that he is soon holding not a stick but a long sword with no hilt.

Enrei's captive, who has gotten free somewhere along the way, fights to his feet alongside his companion.  The two pull themselves to their feet and look down at themselves as if seeing their own hands for the first time.  You notice that they too have glowing auras about their bodies.  Their attention turns from themselves to you and they don't look happy.  The one with an arrow through his leg, limping before, now moves with smooth ease.  You note as he rights himself that his feet no longer touch the ground, and that he is somehow floating toward you.

Combat

(OOC:  You are all assumed to have stood back up while your enemies did the same)

Disposition:  There are two unarmed foes standing before you, both retain their injuries, and the man in robes is partway toward you across the pile of corpses with a sword and robes that look a lot like they are now made of metal.

Man in robes (Sword?)
Enemy 2 (unarmed): 3 killing, 4 shock to R. leg.  3 killing L. arm, 3 Killing head
Enemy 3 (unarmed): 3 shock to R. leg.  7 Shock 1 killing R arm.  3 shock L. arm, 4 shock body, 1 shock head

Outside the Building

The world is shaking and wobbling around you, and it's possible the pulse of white light that came from the building knocked you unconscious.  The walls move outward and then rush inward as the ground and the darkening sky surges up and down.

The world has gone quiet, yet your ears are filled with a constant all-consuming chatter of a million creatures across a million years yelping, braying, roaring and calling out.

Slowly the building comes into focus along with the headless corpse of the mysterious axe man and the struggling of the one survivor outside the building.  The sounds around you quiet and return to normal.

Titus raises himself on one knee.  His foe's eyes snap open and he seizes Titus about the ankle.  Before the performer's eyes, small roots and vine-like tendrils shoot out of the ground and wrap themselves around his right leg below the knee, pinning him to the ground.  A glowing field becomes visible around the man.

Combat

Disposition:

Arule is unconscious behind Titus, who is on one knee above the injured man.  Lump is lying in a heap beside a small hut nearby.  Titus' leg is rooted to the ground (to try to fight free, spend action making Body + Athletics or Brawl).  The enemy has a disabled leg.

Godrick is nowhere to be seen.

Enemy 4 (unarmed): 8 killing to R. leg, 3 shock to head
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Mon 09 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

What the devil?

Brennan steadies himself, takes a step backward, and draws another arrow. If the man with the sword continues to advance, he'll fire it at his head.

Second time's the charm.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 2):

Titus tries valiantly to fight free of the roots entangling his leg.

That's it.  This is the last time I'm not killing you.

With a tug in the right direction, the tiny vines snap and Titus leaps to his feet dramatically.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:00, Mon 09 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 3):

Enrei looks at the three men, not entirely sure what the glowing implies, or even what just happened other than a bright light and a lot of discomfort.  He does take immediate issue with the sword that forms itself in the robed man's hand.  How it does that is a secondary matter, at best, to the big islander, "I do not want to kill you!" he shouts as he rushes the now-metal man and attempts to take the former stick from him.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 4):

Uldaf wobbles on his feet as he attempts to make sense of the situation around him.

Where am I? When am I? What just happened?

Uncertain of the opposition's intentions and in no mood for discussion, Uldaf braces against and behind his staff, attempting to block any who wish him harm as he reacclimates to the reality of reality.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 5):

Inside

Enrei goes streaking across the building with alarming speed.  Where his large feet hit corpses, blood and bits splatter up as if he were running through red slush instead of the dead.

The robed man seems to welcome the attack at first and lashes out with his sword.  The blade, however, clangs against Enrei's skin, failing to cut it at all.

Then Enrei seizes his weapon and tosses it to the side, leaving the man with a bewildered look on his face.

Wind, coming from no source that he can discern, kicks up slightly around Brennan, tossing his cloak as he sights down his arrow.  One of the two men advances, lowers his body to ram into Brennan.  The slightly breeze that surrounded Brennan somehow kicks up, and pushes back on the man, tossing his hair and making his clothes flap as he spins to the side and thunks into the wall instead of Brennan.

The final foe lunges toward Uldaf to take a swing while the hermit recoils behind his staff.  There is a blur of activity under Uldaf's cloak and his normal grunting voice deepens and becomes far bigger.

Before your eyes the old man is replaced by a very large brown bear.  A very large brown UNHAPPY bear.

Outside

The man on the ground reaches for Titus' throat, and though he is nowhere near being able to get there from the ground, the tiny tendrils and roots sprout further and faster, just barely missing the singer's neck.

Round 2

In reply to GM (msg # 6):

Brennan is so startled by the sudden burst of wind that he quite forgets to release his nocked-up arrow.

Instead, he closes his eyes for a moment and frowns in concentration.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 7):

What happened to you?  What happened in there?

He asks all bravado gone for the moment.

You know what.  I don't want to know.  TO THE DREAM OF HELL WITH YOU!

With that he plunges the sword into the man's face.

[Body + Melee 2x8 with 2x7 backing up]

Enrei pays no mind to the bodies splattering under his footfalls, being far to focused on his goal to notice.  The clang of the sword against him is odd, but easily attributed to it striking one of his armbands as he grabs it and throws it aside.  Whatever has afflicted him thusly dismissed, he also decides that whatever is afflicting the robed man must be similarly benign.  And so his course is clear: apply brute strength until the problem gives up.  With no regard for the make of his opposition's robe, Enrei grabs at his foot and, throwing both his opponent and himself to the ground, attempts to entwine their limbs rather uncomfortably.

((1,1,8,5,1,2,5,5,3,1, I'll take 3x5 with +1 init to pin this guy by the leg.))

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 7):

Beardaf rises up in front of the would be assailant, barely contained within the small tent as he stands almost fully erect on his hind legs. With an unmistakable ferocity, he vocally expresses his displeasure with the man's chosen course of action vis a vis attacking Beardaf.

Grr? Roar?

BRAWRRRRRWRRWRRRRWRRRR!!!!!

[Maul 10, 2x10]

Beardaf falls forward with all his bear weight, bringing his front legs/claw paws crashing down on the poor attacker's head.

ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 10):

Outside

With speed and precision that surprises even Titus, he stabs the man through the neck.  The plants wither and fall away as the man's blood drains onto the earth.

For an instant, the glowing field around the man shimmers, then like fog it rolls slowly up Titus' blade toward his hands and and fades away.  Titus leaps back in surprise.


There are no more foes outside.

Inside

The poor man, now confronted with a bear, does his best to protect himself but it does no good.  The bear claws at his face and knocks him to the ground before gouging out his eyes and crushing half of his skull.

The reddish aura that surrounded him pulses slightly and flows around the bear's claws like mist before fading.

The robed man moves fast, much faster than he did a moment ago but it isn't fast enough to avoid Enrei's grab.  The big islander sweeps his leg and lifts it up, holding the man in an uncomfortable position where he is forced to stand on one foot or fall.

Brennan's cape flutters and then suddenly billows toward the man who attacked him earlier.  The man is buffeted and blinded by the force and cannot make much headway in attacking.

Man in robes (unarmed, pinned by leg)
Enemy 2 (unarmed): 3 killing, 4 shock to R. leg.  3 killing L. arm, 3 Killing head

Round 3

In reply to GM (msg # 11):

Brennan continues to concentrate as the frown upon his lips is replaced by one of puzzlement.

Is that... is that me? Can I control it?

He raises his off hand and pinches the air as though holding an invisible arrow, nocks his bow with it, and "fires" at the aggressive target closest to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Mon 09 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 11):

I mean, I told her I wanted to know what it felt like for her, but this is ridiculous. How am I doing this? Did I just maul a man? Why am I suddenly craving salmon? Would anyone object if I started lightly eating at that guy's face?

ROARRRRRRRR!!!!!

Uncertain as to why the last unclaimed attacker is doing a one man break dance in-place, Beardaf charges at him to discuss the finer points of Northern two-step.


(forgot to show die)
16:14, Mon 09 Mar 2015: Uldaf Asbjorn rolled 34 using 8d10 ((9,9,1,2,1,5,4,3))

[Bear-Things, 9, 2x9]

The man must be old fashioned, because he cries out in agony when Beardaf softly rests one claw on his upper shoulder and another on his lower back.

"Well I thought I was being gentle.."

((6,8,6,8,5,2,5,6,2,3 2x8 with +1 init to choke the man))

The sound of a bear catches Enrei's attention as he hoists his victim's foot off the ground, and he stares as the beast pulps a man's head.  Enrei turns back to his own man, spining around he hooks his leg around the one in his grasp, releases the foot and wraps his arm around the metal hooded man's neck, squeezing tight, "I think the bear does want to kill you," he suggests to his new friend, "I want to run from the bear.  If you will be my friend instead of killing me, I will let you run too." he offers.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Mon 09 Mar 2015.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 14):

You DO NOT reach for a singers throat.

He spits on the now nearly headless man.

Titus switches to his throwing knife and runs as best he can into the building.  You would swear that he is running through pudding.

As he enters the building he starts as he sees Brennan doing some Jedi shit and a giant bear that may or may not be friendly.

Uhhh.... I Missed a bunch of stuff didn't I.  Is the bear on our side?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 15):

Titus bursts through the leather flap that serves as door to the building and, quite rightly, takes a moment to drink in the finer details of the insanity he finds.

Enrei flips his quarry around and sinks his fingers in around the man's neck.  The man twists and fights but isn't able to break the big man's grasp.  He opens and closes his mouth but cannot make any noise (because he's being choked)  (1 shock head).

Brennan moves his hands in pantomime of archery, then releases the bowstring with a twang, but nothing seems to happen.

The bear lunges toward the wounded man near the wall, who appears to be now freed from whatever force was holding him.  As the bear closes he raises one hand and there is a bright flash like lightening.  The bear roars and feels it's leg go a little numb (5 shock R. Leg) though this isn't enough to stop it from clawing at the man's chest savagely (4 killing torso).

The man is badly beaten and bloodied now, but there is a hint in his eyes of the bright light that you just saw him wield.

Round 4

A bear engages enemy 2, who can shoot lightening apparently.  Enrei is choking the metal robed man.

Brennan and Titus are standing within range of either melee.

Man in robes (unarmed, being choked): 1 Shock head
Enemy 2 (unarmed): 3 killing, 4 shock to R. leg.  3 killing L. arm, 3 Killing head.  4 killing torso
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 16):

Titus quickly decides the bear is on his side, and the man shooting lightning is not.  That decided Titus quickly acts flicking out his dagger.

[Coord + Perform, called shot to the head: 3x7 with 2x6 backing up]

I really hope that bear is on our side...

Enrei maintains his hold on the robed man as he watches the bear maul the remaining enemy, "If you do not want to run, then when this man is dead, I will throw you at the bear," Enrei informs his captive of his own escape plan.  He is unfortunately too focused on watching the bear, just in case it finishes early, to realize that his own victim cannot talk.

((3x4 potential opposed roll to maintain the choke))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 18):

Bright light. Pain. Angry. Very angry. Hungry. Very hungry.

No arms, no lightning.

Different from his previous battle roars, Beardaf emits a menacing growl before lunging at the arcanist once more.

[Bear Things - 4, 2x9, 2x4]

An enraged Beardaf opens his mighty jaws and attempts to separate his assailant from his arm.

Stringy.

This message was deleted by the player at 13:40, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 19):

Brennan looks crestfallen at the wind's sudden insubordination, and closes his eyes to concentrate more fully.

The devil's going on?

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 21):

Brennan, you may want to open your eyes and start shooting shit.  Though if you want to wait, we will take care of it for you.  No big deal.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 22):

Enrei's captive continues to struggle, but cannot escape (1 shock to head)

The man at the wall raises his hand again but is unable to do anything before Titus' knife thunks into his cheek and pokes out the back of his skull.

The man's body does't fall, buffetted as it is by a strong wind that seems to be coming from nowhere at all.

Then the bear bites off the arm and begins to gnaw at it.

The aura around the man flickers and then leaps across the room to touch Titus, where it fades away.

The man in robes' eyes bulge out of their sockets.  He's beginning to look rather red in the face.

Round 5

A bear stands over a corpse.  Titus is in the doorway beside Brennan.

At the middle of the building, Enrei is choking a man to death.

Man in robes (unarmed, being choked): 2 Shock head

In reply to GM (msg # 23):

Titus retrieves his sword and swings the flat of the blade at the face of the immobilized man only managing to graze his head.

[body+melee, called shot to head, 2x1]

10:32, Tue 10 Mar 2015: Titus Blackwell rolled 19 using 5d10 ((1,9,2,6,1)).

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 24):

"I am being more effective than you know," Brennan says calmly, opening his eyes but not drawing his bow. "Besides, arrows are expensive and I don't want to risk hitting an ally in melee with one. But that's not to say there's nothing I can do. Probably."

He motions carefully toward the man in the robes and makes a constricting gesture with his hands.

Fine control seems beyond me, but perhaps I have some general direction over who is affected, if not how. Bind his arms to his sides, perhaps? Or assist with the choking? Let's see what happens.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

As Titus thunks his knife into the bear's victim, and the bear then begins eating his arm, Enrei decides he is done waiting for his potential friend to decide.  With his one leg still hooked around the robed man's Enrei shoves him toward the bear, forcing him to fall on his face, then ruashes toward the stick-sword he tossed away earlier.

((5,8,10,4,6,7,3,2,9,2, the dice gods offer a measly 2x2 to push this guy to the ground))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 26):

Preoccupied by the delicious arm, Beardaf almost doesn't notice the last remaining man being shoved toward him by the dullard islander.

Belly full. Body sore. Need to finish this. Regroup. Figure out. Why bear? How bear?

Beardaf approaches the prone man before letting out a blood curtling roar, punctuated by the half gnawed arm falling from the bear's mouth onto the man's lap, and spraying chunks of viscera onto his previously pristine robe.

[Beartimidate 2x8, 2x5, 2x1]

Beardaf finishes his mighty roar and tilts his head slightly, as though asking the man

"Are you going to bark little doggie, or are you going to bite?"

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 27):

Oh good.  The bear is friendly...  That could have been REALLY bad.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 28):

The man gasps for breath as he is sent spinning toward... a hungry bear.

His face continues its adventure through the color wheel, going from red to flesh and now to white with terror.  His eyes open wide and he moans pants wildly.

He scrambles to his feet and makes to run out the door.  Titus being in his way, he ducks to one side in an attempt to slip through only to almost collide with.... another Titus?

Brennan gestures with his hands and his robes are once again kicked up in a sudden breeze.  The man's long robes become caught in it and flap wildly, making it difficult for him to hold his ground.

Round 6

The man in robes (unarmed, fleeing) is making a run for it, but is blocked by two separate Titus' (Titusi?  Titui?).

Just behind him is an angry and bloody bear.  At the middle of the room is Enrei and off to one side is Brennan.

In reply to GM (msg # 29):

"Stop!" Brennan shouts, jerking his hands toward himself violently. "Don't kill him, but stop him."

Maybe I can blow him backward a bit.

In reply to GM (msg # 29):

Beardaf is overcome with the delight of eating a man's arm, and will take no action this round as he peels flesh from bone.

So wrong but can't stop. So delicious. If only I could get into my alchemy pack- this would be great with thyme!

Seeing the man run after all and the bear otherwise occupied, Enrei grabs the sword off the ground and then quickly makes his own way toward the door, trying his best not to look apetizing.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 31):

The Titus closest to Brennan takes off after the man executing a flying tackle rolling them to the feet of the second Titus, who ineffectually flops on the whole pile

[Titus 1 Body+Brawl 2x10]

[Titus 2 Body + Brawl 2x1]

Titus looks at his mirror image.

You know its true... I really am ruggedly handsome.  Also why am I wearing a Magneto Helmet?  And who is Magneto?  I've heard of Magento.

/ooc I've gone full Alveris! Also just crossed the stream of all three of our RPOL games.  DAMN IM GOOD!/ooc

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 33):

While the bear continues to chow down, the rest of the group convenes on the robed man.

The two Tituses throw themselves at him.  One manages to grab him by the arm and give him a thorough shaking, the other vanishes.

Both Titus and the man in robes find themselves in a small gale, which causes their clothes to flap and billow around them, making it difficult to fight effectively or to remain on their feet.

You notice, however, that the strange glowing aura seems to have vanished from the man somewhere in the recent activity.


Round 7

Titus is holding the terrified man by the arm.  The bear is eating and Brennan and Enrei have more or less surrounded the melee.

In reply to GM (msg # 34):

Brennan says something in Cha'li before switching to the common tongue.


"We have some questions for you," he says, the billowing of his clothing dying down somewhat as he advances. "Are you feeling cooperative, or would you rather speak with the bear?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:23, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

Enrei skirts around Titus and the robe man, trying to keep them and his borrowed sword between him and the bear.  "There is a bear!" Enrei informs Brennan in common for Titus's benefit as well before continuing in Chal'i briefly and then making for the door.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 36):

... So where is Uldaf?  Did the bear eat him?  Is it a jilted lover or something?

EDIT:  Titus will keep ahold of the guy like an octopus until he yields.  If he does then...

[melee + brawl to cling: 4x9]

07:05, Wed 11 Mar 2015: Titus Blackwell rolled 44 using 5d10 ((9,9,8,9,9)).

He listens to the conversation while he recovers his knife and loots the bodies of the dead looking for valuables, more throwing knives, better weapons, cooler clothing.  He will also search the cabin for anything that looks valuable or out of place.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:06, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 37):

Ulbear tilts his head quizzically at the group, as if asking

"Are my bear services still required, or are we prepared to begin tending to the wounded? I'll keep eating this arm whilst you decide"

The facial expression is decidely communicative.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 38):

Between Enrei and Titus, the man is unable to escape for the time being, though he is not compliant in the least nor does he stop trying to escape.  Together they shove/shuffle him out the door.

The sun is setting now and it will soon be totally dark.

The bear continues to eat inside the building while Brennan watches.

End Combat

(OOC:  We are out of combat rounds for now, which means:

1. Everyone gets to remove 1/2 of Shock damage, except Titus.
2. Secondary effects of injuries may start to take effect (i.e. bleeding, infections, trauma, concussions, all the fun stuff).
3. Though we are not in combat, Enrei and Titus are 'stuck' holding the prisoner.  I will need a Body + Brawl/Wrestling/Martial Arts roll that the prisoner will oppose.  If they stop holding him or he overcomes their hold, combat will resume).

In reply to GM (msg # 39):

Titus in a fit of pique at wanting to loot the house glares at the man.

You had better start talking... quickly and accurately about what is going on in there.

The man looks decidedly noncooperative.

Enrei... Break his legs.  That should stop him from running.  He says with such nonchalance that it is absolutely terrifying

[Command + Perform 2x10 with 2x5 backing up]

You have three choices: Talk, Bear or man-bear.  Take your pick, my patience runs thin.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 40):

While Titus is talking and he and Enrei are holding, there is a faint shimmer in the glowing aura that surrounds Enrei.

As you watch, the long cuts on his torso shrink and close up slightly.

((4x9 opposed grapple.))

"I do not like you," Enrei says as he embraces the robed man in an especially tight bear hug, "I think you should have stayed with the bear."  The probably magical, spontaneous healing is not immediately noticed by the islander as he focuses a very unhappy expression on his captive.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 42):

The man howls in pain at Enrei's embrace (2 Killing torso).

In reply to GM (msg # 43):

"Let me go you stupid oaf!"  the man yells as he does his best to bite off Enrei's ear.  He kicks and squirms as well as he can.

When the man screams, and something internal cracks louder than usual, Enrei tries to relent his grip without just letting the man go.  When he tries to bite Enrei's ear, the opposite instinct kicks in and he holds firm. "No, you talk!" Enrei looks a bit flustered at the squirming man, "Why don't I like you?" he demands.

((2x8 to keep him grabbed))

In reply to GM (msg # 44):

Brennan winces and raises a hand to his sliced-up chest, the pain nagging at his mind as the adrenaline of combat fades.

It will have to wait just a moment longer.

He makes his way outside to where the robed man is struggling and thrashing around between Titus and Enrei.

"What have you done to us?" Brennan asks, calmly drawing his bow and nocking an arrow. "And what language were you speaking during that ritual?"

"There's no reason we can't be reasonable about this," he continues, voice still soft as he draws the bow and points it between the man's legs. "So here's the deal: stop struggling and start talking. Give us what we want -- information -- and we'll give you what you want."

He smiles slightly.

"Freedom."

In a manner of speaking.

[Negotiate: 2x6, 2x2]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 45):

Titus decides to change tack.  Instead of threatening the man overtly he switches to passive-aggressive.
DONT BITE ENREI!  ITS RUDE! he punctuates this with a kick to his arm

[Body+Brawl 5x2 backed up with 3x3]

He turns to Brennan

He's not going to talk.  I say we kill him and be done with it... Unless that's what you want you slimy kerr.  In which case I am planning to torture the shit out of you.  Enrei, crack a few more ribs, then move down to the legs, like I said I'm sick of holding his ass down.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:22, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 47):

In an appallingly graphic and grotesque transformation, the ursine features begin to fade from the bear, and a more human shape begins to emerge.

After almost 30 seconds of holwing, shedding, and bone crunching noises, Uldaf stands before you, naked as the day is new, covered in blood and with chunks of sinew clearly stuck in his teeth.

"Biting is just how one man says he loves another lad. Nothing to be ashamed of. But with that said, I'll be more than happy to have my alter ego discuss the finer points of biting with our friend over there if he doesn't start immediately explaining how in the name of all that is holy and unholy I turned into a FUCKING BEAR!"

Uldaf spits a red loogie onto the ground. Whether it is disgust with the situation or the taste of people is difficult to say.

Disinterested in the continuing interrogation, Uldaf sets to checking himself for cuts and bruises.

While he can't do much for the minor aesthetic injuries

[First Aid, Fail]

He's able to quickly stitch up a rather deep gash to near invisibility.

[Medicine, 2x10]

Feels good to have hands and fingers again. Gods could I use a drink. My mouth tastes like cholesterol.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 48):

Uldaf gets to sewing up his arm, not even noticing the pain of his own needle.

(OOC:  Medecine roll will convert all killing in arm to shock.  This takes time, technically hours but I'll say you can get it done this evening if you keep at it.  For future procedures, if you want to just "close the wound" so that it doesn't get worse but doesn't get better, that will be a matter of minutes).

Titus' kick gets a grunt of pain from the man (3 Shock R. arm).

"A demon's cock in all of your holes!"  he spits, "I'll tell you nothing.  Think I'll tell you my secrets and THEN let you kill me?  Kill me now or bugger off!"

He keeps struggling but can't get free.

Man: 3 shock R arm, 2 Killing torso
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:39, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 49):

Uldaf momentarily stops his seamstress work to address the man.

Who said anything about killing you? Did you miss the part where I ate the arm of your colleague?

If you don't tell us what's happened, I'm going to turn back into a bear right now, and each night for the next week, and I'm going to eat a different part of your body.

I'm going to start at your feet. Then work my way up to the knee. Then the remaining thigh. Then the other leg in the same fashion.

Without your legs, you likely won't be having use of your prick, so I'll eat that little stub too.

That's week 1!

Then it's onto the hands. Up to the elbow. Then the arms.  Rinse and repeat for the other side.

I think at the end of week 2, I'll either take your nose or ears. It's tough to plan that far ahead, and truthfully, I'd rather play it by ear. Ooh! I see what I did there! Ears it is lad!

And if you're thinking to yourself "He's bluffing" or "I'll just go into shock and die", remember that I'm a field surgeon and an alchemist trained in isolation medicine and battle triage.

Uldaf taps his arm to show the partially inserted needle working its way up his wound.

You will tell me what I want to know. And you will do so now. Or you will suffer unspeakably, starting with your left foot.

So what will it be little man- Are you going to tell me what I want to know, or are you feeding me dessert?

To emphasize his point, Uldaf picks up the mostly gnawed bone of Mook #2 and throws it at the man's chest.

Your friend wanted to have a hand in the decision making process. He suggests you talk.

[Intimidate, 2x8]

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 50):

Brennan shrugs, seeing the situation well in hand, lowers his bow and attempts to patch his own wounds over the course of several minutes.

[First Aid: 2x10]

]

I'm no surgeon, but I seem to have done a damn good job of cleaning this up.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 50):

The man is clearly terrified, but apparently doesn't see any light at the end of his particular tunnel and continues to struggle.

"You'll kill me anyway," he hisses.  "No, my secrets die with me!"

(OOC: As a time-saver, unless you're planning to actually spend days torturing him, he's not going to tell you anything.

I'm not saying you can't do that, but no more intimidate/negotiate/frighten/cajole rolls are going to do any more good at this point.  He's terrified out of his wits but is in no way convinced there's any way you let him live and has the additional "mental defense" of being crazy.)

"Killing is bad," Enrei remarks to the man, "I do not like killing." He frowns very meaningfully at his captive, "Do you want me to kill you?" he almost sounds hopeful.

((2x8 to hold and this time I do mean to hurt him, a little bit))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 53):

The man howls as a rib cracks (2 killing, torso).

"END THIS!"  He yells, spitting and hissing.  "I GIVE YOU NOTHING!  YOU ARE NOTHING!"

Man: 3 shock R arm, 4 Killing torso

In reply to GM (msg # 52):

Enrei, I trust your ability to hold this guy down.

Titus stands up and readies his throwing knife... just in case.

He pulls Uldaf and Brennan into a loose huddle where each can watch the man if he tries to make a break for it.  He covers his mouth and says in a true whisper...

Guys I'm not prepared to drag someone along just to torture him until he tells us so we can kill him and put him out of his misery.  Either we kill him, let him go or take him prisoner with no hope of getting the information we want out of him.  I don't know what the best option is...

"I think maybe this is not so bad," Enrei remarks, before simply dropping his captive.  Then without a word he clocks him right in the face.

((2x9 called shot to the head))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 56):

The blow staggers the man and you're pretty sure there was an audible crunch from his skull.

Combat

As his action, the man will do his best to run/stagger away.

Man: 3 shock R arm, 4 Killing torso, 4 killing head
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:34, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

Enrei keeps pace with the man, swinging another blow at his head, but not accounting for him trying to get away, it mostly grazes him.  "Why do you run?" Enrei asks, suddenly very uncomfortable with what he's doing.

((dice gods don't want me to kill him!  2x2 blow to the head.))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 58):

"Don't kill him!" Brennan exclaims. "Pain and trauma aren't getting us anywhere. I want answers, and we're going to get them even if we have to force-feed him a truth serum to do it."

He glances at Uldaf as if to say that's a thing, right?, then continues.

"Knock him out, gag him, bind him, and drag him inside for the night. It's getting dark and we have better things to do."

Brennan glances at the wounded Arule, then looks for Lump and Godrick.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 59):

Titus smacks the crap out of him in the face with the butt of his dagger.

Fight + Melee 2x10

/ooc Can I pull that so it doesn't just straight up kill him... maybe by using the height to move the shot around to his ear? If not I may drop to his chest./ooc
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 60):

Yes. Let us see if perhaps I can brew some tea to loosen his lips.

OOC- Jon, I assume this is some sort of alchemy roll, pending whether I even have the supplies/knowledge on how to do such a thing. If I don't, assume I'm trying to make super opiate painkillers to mess him up.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 61):

Enrei clips the fleeing man, though it seems like even his lightest touch is enough to inflict major damage (1 killing, head)

Titus follows suit and slaps him with the hilt of his dagger.

The man stumbles then collapses.  Closer inspection reveals that he is breathing but unconscious.  Whether or not he ever becomes conscious again is up for debate (up to 5 killing and 1 shock to head). 

END COMBAT

A quick search reveals Arule unconscious nearby.  Godrick is... gone somewhere as is Lump.

Looking around, you all note that the faint glowing auras persist around each of you.

In reply to GM (msg # 62):

Brennan lets out a sigh and sits down to rest for a moment. Both his left arm and his chest are splattered with blood, and he sags a bit.

"Uldaf, when you have a moment I could use a more skillful hand than my own."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 63):

Titus looks down at his handiwork.

Well that could have gone better...

He trudges into the hut, for once at a loss for words... to loot the bodies and look for shinies.  You notice that he is not limping or favoring any part of his body.  He actually looks completely unharmed for having taken a solid thumping to the chest and arms.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

Enrei looms over the prone body, looking very unsatisfied with his handiwork.  "This is not being right," he mutters as he clenches his fists and stares at the robed figure.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 65):

So lads, where did we land on killing versus saving? If that man doesn't have a concussion, I'm the Lord of Galeena. He either needs treatment or he doesn't, and if he doesn't, I can see to those who do like Brennan over there.

Or we can just keep playing kick the can with his head. Whatever floats yer boats.

"We should help him," Enrei looks almost pained as he turns and speaks to Uldaf.  Then he actually looks pained as he beholds the hermit, "You are naked!"  Finally, his eyes go wide and he points at Uldaf, "You are a bear!" he seems to pause mentally as he tries to conjugate that sentance properly given that Uldaf is not, currently, a bear.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 67):

Was before today, and will be after. As for what happened in here, I've only got a taste of blood in my mouth and questions in mind. Don't be thinking I have answers to your questions.

[Medicine 2x2]

Uldaf leans over the robed priest and tends to the most grievous of his wounds.

He may yet live, if you stop kicking him.

"No, that was punching," Enrei remarks, remembering his promise to Titus from earlier.  "I can teach you about fighting too," he offers.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 69):

Ignoring Enrei's comment Titus walks towards the door to the hut he turns and takes a bow.

Gentlemen, I leave him in your capable hands, I'll be of little... or no... help.  I'll see if there is anything left of anything interesting in the hut.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 70):

A general assessment of the area and supplies, medical and otherwise worthwhile would be advantageous. With the injuries sustained, none of us are going anywhere tonight. We need to begin thinking about our watch rotation, the defensibility of this position, and tending to all our wounded.

You know, unless you have more corpses to loot.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 71):


The sun is nearly set, and it is indeed getting dark.  The town as you've seen it comprises the one large building and a dozen or so smaller buildings.  Thus far you've seen nobody except corpses.

In reply to GM (msg # 72):

It's him or us lads.

I assume we're voting for "us".

[Medicine Fail]

Uldaf tends to Brennan's wounds, but can do little more to ease the man's suffering than his immediate triage has already done.

Nice stitching lad.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 73):

While Uldaf works on Brennan, Titus wanders into the long triangular building.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 71):

I haven't been able to loot a single corpse yet.  Hence why I'm grumpy.  I'll go in there and see if we are able to make camp in this lean to for the night and what supplies are available to us.  Maybe that crazy asshole on the ground had some magic healing totem or some such nonsense.  If you want to set a watch rotation, I'll take first watch.

Unless you want to ignore a perfectly good lean to and any potential useful supplies inside?  Because we can do that too.


Titus disappears behind the flap.  You can hear him muttering.

/ooc I WILL LOOT THIS DAMN PLACE /ooc
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 75):

Uldaf shakes his head before addressing the increasingly level headed by comparison Brennan

"There's something wrong with that boy."

"We can tie him with rope," Enrei suggests as he fetches his knife in the waning light, "But I have no rope," he concludes sadly.  While he's nearby he checks to make sure Arule is still alive, and tries to wake him, mostly by prodding him gently, for fear that anything more rigorous might break him.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 76):

"Thank you for having a look."

Brennan nods at Uldaf, trying to hide the disappointment from his eyes as he gently flexes his damaged arm.

"There's a lot I don't understand about what just happened, but we need to keep moving. Did anybody see where Lump or Godrick went? Godrick's the Lord's man, and Lump is Flynn's man. Plus he was carrying all the supplies.

Brennan looks at the triangular house for a long while, but does not enter.

"We need to find a place to sleep. A place that is NOT filled with rotting bodies. Not only are they foul-smelling and plague receptacles, but they also attract wild animals. And the next bear we meet might not be an ally. I think we will find more answers in the morning, when the sun is up."

He scratches his head for a moment and sighs.

"I suggest one of those smaller houses might be suitable for the evening."

Brennan collects what arrows he can find, then heads over to the nearest smaller house and pokes his head inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:19, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 78):

Uldaf nods at Brennan, happy to hear someone finally speaking sense.

A sound plan if I've ever heard one. Once we've cleared the hut of any valuables and ourselves, we should burn the bodies. Foul things breed foul things.

Enre'i, grab our friend here and follow us.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 79):

Arule is unconscious, but breathing evenly.  He does not rouse when prodded but (to Enrei's skill) there is nothing outwardly wrong with him.


Brennan is able to recover all of his arrows except the one that stuck into the robed man's hood.  The tip is bent on that one.

Throwing back the flap on the nearest hut reveals a sparse but clean space.  There is a small stone ring for a fire, a small pile of firewood, some basic tools and possessions hung on the walls and clean straw to sleep on.

In reply to GM (msg # 80):

"If the rest are as ready-to-go as this one, I think we'll be set," Brennan says, nodding his approval. "We may only need a total of two or three."

In reply to GM (msg # 80):

[First Aid 2x8]

Uldaf tends to Arule, capably triaging his more minor wounds, and performing a full physical for additional complications

[Medicine 2x2]

Lad, I know how crazy this will sound, but do you see an..aura around me? Around the others? I'm..I need a drink. It's been a long day, and my mouth tastes of blood.

Come to think of it, I'm technically a cannibal now, aren't I? Is it cannibalism if you've been anthropomorphized during consumption? A philosophical conundrum for another day..

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 82):

To the best of Uldaf's abilities, Arule appears to be suffering from exhaustion and a broken leg.  Likely he will not die but there isn't much you can do for him from a surgical standpoint.  Potions etc. are always an option.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 82):

Titus continues to rummage in the tent.


After a while he shows up in one of the huts.

/ooc I'll write more later but i'm a bit swamped right now.  I will show you guys what I found

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
not much

---

and I'll be very interested discussing my new powers/your new powers /ooc

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 79):

At Uldaf's instruction to pick up their friend, Enrei looks between Arule and the robed man.  With a shrug he lifts Arule, careful to disturb his leg as litttle as possible, and hefts him over one shoulder.  Then we walks over to the robed man, and grabbing him by the foot hefts him up to drape over the other shoulder, trying to bump his head as little as possible and ending wih him facing the opposite way to Arule.  Then Enrei carries both men over to the hut Uldaf and Brennan are inspecting and waits for further instructions.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 85):

Excellent work Enrei. You may lay them to rest here at your convenience.

If we could trouble you once more, would you mind looking around and gathering some wood for the fire? It's likely you can carry the heaviest logs that will make for the heartiest fire.

We'll need something to keep us warm and fend off the carrion creeps tonight.

Brennan, I don't suppose you have any experience hunting up some game? I'd love to have something besides the taste of Dead Ted in my mouth.

As Uldaf speaks, he notices the easing in Brennan's body language as he defers an expertise to him and acknowledges his value.

Good, I need an ally and assistant- not a doe eyed idealist.

The hut smells vaguely of cardamom, though how Uldaf could detect such a faint scent and its presence here remain mysteries.

When Enrei gets back with the fire wood, I'll boil some tea to ease everyone's nerves and the worst of their pains. It is unlikely our robed friend here will last night. I intend to put him out of his misery without further objection.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 85):

Arule grunts and shifts.  The robed man is as limp as a dead fish.


When Titus emerges from the larger building, you all notice that the pendant on his necklace appears to be shimmering and glowing slightly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 87):

Titus emerges from the hut and goes to the house.  You can see a few new things about him as he enters.

One, he has some dashing new footwear
Two, he has a new cape full of pockets on the inside
Three, he is belt is now studded with knives
Four, He his holding a book and a some kind of pendant
Five, you can see a glow through his shirt, right where a pendent would sit.  He does not seem to notice it.

Where is lump and Godrick? he says as he enters.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 88):

"We don't know," Brennan says, glancing up at Titus for a moment and shaking his head. "Heaven and Hell, man, you look like you robbed a pawn shop. I hope you left the scene intact for tomorrow morning's observations."

He pulls himself to his feet and glances outside doubtfully as he weigh Uldaf's reasonable request in his mind.

"I'm a fair hunter, yes, but the smell of this place will keep all but the carnivores far away. It has become quite dark, besides. If whoever has the final watch of the evening wakes me, however, I'll be happy to do some early morning hunting tomorrow, however, and more regularly on the road ahead."

Brennan grins slightly.

"A service I offer on the condition of being spared watch duty myself in return. I need to sleep sometime, after all. Or at least, I used to. Maybe I don't anymore."

These last statements leave his mouth more softly, and he raises an eyebrow at the thought.

"I guess we'll find out."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 89):

"Hello?" a voice calls out from somewhere else in town.

The voice sounds like Godrick.

"Well. One question answered, anyway," Brennan says. "I'll go collect him, Lump, and the supplies."

Brennan heads toward the voice.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 91):

Godrick isn't terribly hard to find, though if he hadn't called out it might have taken a while.

Brennan follows his voice to find his head poking out from another of the small huts.

"Is... is the danger over?"  he asks, clearly relieved to see Brennan.  "I was afraid you'd all been killed!"

In reply to GM (msg # 92):

Titus sweeps after Brennan.

These are fine threads and the plunder of war.  Pawn shop indeed. *He snorts*

As far as your morning inspection, I took some daggers that they won't be needing a pair of boots a cloak and found something that you may be interested in.  I'll show you when we get back.

Despite this he still follows Brennan into the night.  As Godrick comes out he hails him.

Everything is fine, in fact better than fine.  At least for now.  Some strangeness has happened and... its gone now.  There is still some unpleasantness ahead but we are safe.  Hopefully you will get filled in at the same time that I do, because hell I don't know half of what went on there.

Is lump with you?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 93):

With the business of the lost companions solved, and the first watch seemingly set, Uldaf sets to unpacking his alchemical fires. With a small workbench (read: stone/log) established, Uldaf begins the laborious process of selecting and grinding herbs, mixing liquids, boiling, decanting, and all of the other art behind the magic of Alchemy.

[Alchemy 2x8]

After some time, Uldaf seems satisfied with the concoction and places it above the fire pit.

Once Enrei returns with the wood, this liquid reduced and mixed with even parts honey to mask the taste should do well to ease our minds and aches.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 93):

Brennan nods thoughtfully as Titus rattles off the valuables.

"I'll be happy to look it, then. My thanks."

He then answers Godrick's question.

"We feared the same of you -- and still fear for Lump, if he's not with you. The immediate danger is over. The ambushers have been killed and their leader arrested, though Uldaf says he won't last the night. A pity; he refused to divulge any useful information."

He beckons toward the hut.

"Come. We found a good place to sleep tonight -- a place with a roof, no less. In the morning we'll figure out the best thing to do."

Brennan shakes his head.

"I don't even know the name of this place. Did they owe taxes? Is it perhaps on your ledger?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

Enrei sets Arule and the robed man on the ground and goes looking for firewood around the town and outskirts.  While he's out he shouts for Lump, hoping to find the wayward member of the party after Godrick makes himself known.  He checks the large hut, remembering the log one of their recent enemies carried.  Regardless of where it comes from he makes sure to return to Uldaf with the heartiest load of wood he can manage.  For once the manual labor is a welcome respite rather than inconvenient tedium, and he's happy to be distracted from some of the uncomfortable things swimming through his head.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 96):

"No, he's not with me I..."  Godrick begins before Enrei's booming voice echoes through the desolate town.

A few seconds later, Lump emerges from the log pile where he'd been hiding.

"...do hope the boy is unmaimed," Godrick finishes.  He scans the area but doesn't come out of the tent just yet.

"You say the bandits are dispatched?  How many of them... did we lose anyone?  Are you SURE they're gone?  What were they after?  Where are the townspeople?"

When it becomes clear what the answer to his last question will be, Godrick ventures a single foot outside of the hut.

"I see... well yes they were in my ledger," he sniffs, "This 'town' has no name that I or my lordship care to record, but its people ARE under Gent's protection and thus do owe quite a bit of back taxes."

He looks around.

"I... seem to have dropped my ledger..."

In reply to GM (msg # 97):

"Rotten luck. The morning dew will damage it," Brennan says, rubbing his temples. "We'll light torches and search for it once the fire's going, and tomorrow morning we can see about collecting taxes from this village's treasury, if it has one. We'll want to note its non-existence for future audits, as well."

He nods at Godrick for moment, considering his other questions.

"We didn't lose a soul, though poor Arule's leg is no better now than it was before. The other questions are why I hope the man we arrested doesn't actually die overnight."

He glances at Lump and smiles.

"Lump! Glad to see you're ok. We'll help you gather the supplies; where are they?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 98):

Uldaf takes the impractically heavy and gigantic wood, and sets to dressing it to start a fire.

[Survival 2x5]

Job well done lad. Catch up with Brennan and the gang outside. I'm sure they could use your assistance as well.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 98):

As soon as Lump sticks his head from around the log pile Titus is on him with preternatural speed and a big smile on his face.

LUMP!!!!  He throws an arm round the the young mans should...ers....hump and pats him affectionately.

Titus unburdens him of some of his load.

Are you injured?  What did you see? 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 100):

"I..." Lump squeaks.  Possibly he's just as terrified by Titus' friendliness as he was of the madmen.

"allright... m'lord... dropped the bag is all, I'll soon right it."  Lump scurries off to recover the fallen gear with Titus lending a hand.  It's easily found and brought to the hut where Uldaf and Enrei have prepared a fire.

Godrick watches them leave but doesn't seem ready to venture out of his hiding place just yet.  "non-existence?"  He asks with a frown.  "What ever do you mean?"

In reply to GM (msg # 101):

You boys coming?

Titus asks over his shoulder.

I hear that Uldaf has something brewed up for us and it smells terrible!  There isn't enough honey in the world to cover it up.  Anything that looks that unappetizing has to be good for you.

He sits down with an excessively intricate folding of his legs.

What do we have for food?  I'm starving.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 102):

After food, I want to recap.  For two reasons, one I missed half of it.  Two this story is so good noone is going to believe it.

He adds quietly

I also want to know if I'm going insane.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 103):

Brennan shrugs.

"My mistake. The people who lived here are dead, as near as we can tell. I don't think a town with zero population can continue to be a town, but I leave that distinction in your hands and the hands of our Lord. Perhaps it will be resettled."

"I do not think is food," Enrei remarks to Titus as he looks at Uldaf's concoction and grimaces at the smell, "Maybe Lump can make soup."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 105):

Now now lads, what doesn't kill ye..

Uldaf removes the tea from the kindled fire, and decants the remaining reduction for all interested.

To our health..

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 106):

In the Dark

Godrick opens his mouth but can't seem to find the words.

"I'll... need my ledger," he repeats.

The tome is easily enough found by retracing your steps to where the fight started.

In the Hut

Lump will not ask for tea but accepts it if offered directly.  He sits quietly unless spoken to with his arms wrapped around his knees.

In reply to GM (msg # 107):

Uldaf offers tea to all in the hut, and divies up what remains of the rations to all parties healthy enough to eat on their own.

Tomorrow morning, we must discuss our plans. Do we rendezvous with the remainder of the party? Search for further clues here? Minimally, we will need to make a litter for Arule if we intend to travel. He will be unable to put weight on his leg for months.

I'd also like to finish inspecting the village and surrounding landscape under the aid of light to see if any additional insight can be gleaned.

And there's still the matter of our friend here.

Have I recently expressed my fondness for the "2 weeks of torture" option?

As if smacked by Brennan's Kvothian plaigiarism, a stunned expression crashes over Uldaf's face and body.

"You will face many trials, and you will know the call of the wild"

But that had just been a dream. Even a salty hermit like Uldaf couldn't really have conversations with animals. Everyone knows the last man or woman to speak to animals was Kragga. But she's just a myth ..isn't she?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 108):

Outside

Outside the sun has set and it is dark.  The 'town' is eerily still.  Being high up as it is, yet in the shadow of the Eastern mountains, the night is far darker than any most of you have experienced.

There is a thin wind blowing between the huts, and it carries with it the smell of dirt, snow and death.


Godrick scoops up his ledger, brushes it off carefully and checks the binding.

He pulls his cloak around himself reflexively.

"Well... now what?  Do we.... we must get word to Lord Gent.  He'll want to... these were his people after all.  We must find out who did this and why and report back... they won't be needing their coin now at any rate, so any balance can go to swift justice for those responsible and we..."  he jumps at a crossing shadow from the hut where Uldaf, Enrei, Titus, Lump, Arule and the robed man wait.

"We should not linger... much work to do I mean..."

Enrei doesn't look happy about it, but is willing to take a draught of Uldaf's tea and his share of rations which he eats slowly, looking even more contemplative than when he was counting.  "I would like to know why these things happen," he offers in response to Uldaf's request for a plan, "But we should go like mister Flynn said.  We have mercenary work of collecting money," he gestures vaguely at the man in the robe, "We can take him with us, maybe?"

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 110):

It is unlikely that the .. magic at play here was isolated. This town, this time and location were all chosen for a reason. I would suggest it is not prudent for us to leave until we have learned all we can.

One must also wonder what has happened to the villagers here, and if the dark machinations we interrupted are truly the cause of the "bandit raids" in Lord Gent's territory.

Much speculation, little substance.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 111):

The tea, as promised by Titus, tastes like bile and grass.

However, as promised by Uldaf, it does prove remarkably soothing to the nerves and body.

Lump sputters and coughs his way through some.  WHen magic is mentioned, his eyes go wide.

"...magic... begging your pardon m'lord but... did you say 'magic'?"

In reply to GM (msg # 112):

Titus sighs.

Yes lump magic.  Something happened in there.  I want to know what.  You saw the second me, I have seen Uldaf turn into a bear, Brennan call the name of the wind and a sword clang off of Enrei's bare skin.

Beyond this.

He produces the juggling balls from his pocket.  He begins the five balls going with an intricate pattern you have never seen it looks like a transmutation circle from full metal alchemist (http://archangeluzziel.deviant...tion-Circle-30779640).

suddenly he stops juggling with one hand and continues a less intricate pattern juggling five balls with one hand.

Things seem to have... slowed down for me.  I can act faster move more accurately.  Also all of you seem to be... glowing.

As he says this he pulls three knives out of his belt and begins juggling them simultaneously with his left hand.

Any of you experience the same?

With no flourish and completely matter of fact, without breaking the pattern Titus puts the knives away one by one followed by his juggling balls.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 113):

Lump is absolutely mesmerized by the juggling.  When Titus puts away his balls and knives, Lump shakes his head.

"no... not... glowing that I can see m'lord... apologies m'lord!"

In reply to GM (msg # 114):

"Godrick has the right of it," Brennan says, casting an apologetic glance in Uldaf's direction. "We will linger in the morning long enough to try to get some answers, but we shouldn't tarry here for another night if we can avoid it. We need to meet up with Flynn and then head toward a larger town where a messenger can be dispatched to Lord Gent."

He looks at his hand for a moment, a faraway look in his eyes as the aura dances and swirls around it.

"This is the sort of thing that Inquisitors may wish to investigate, as well."

Brennan closes his hand abruptly and glances over at the robed man who caused this mess.

"That's another reason we need to keep him alive, if we can. We need someone to hand to the Inquisitors if and when they come looking for answers. You've all heard the stories... and if you haven't, Titus surely knows a few to share. Suffice it to say, we don't want them thinking we had any more to do with this than we did."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 115):

I want nothing to do with the inquisitors.  I say we keep this quiet, let them hear rumor and innuendo and figure out if it is the truth or not.  The best way to keep a secret... is to tell absolutely everyone so they don't believe you.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 116):

"Setting aside the fact that you are the least subtle person I know," Brennan begins with a sigh, "unless you want to see the lot of us hanged for murdering the villagers here, we damn well ARE going to report it to the authorities."

Brennan cracks his knuckles absently.

"Which is what we are, by the way. The Lord's men, so long as our contract holds."

His tone softens.

"Look, I'm not saying we go out of our way to summon the inquisition, but it would be naive to assume they won't look into it."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 117):

Politics and petulance.

We've been touched by another world and you're worried about the arbitration of the law?

Uldaf scoffs loudly and continues drinking deeply from his tea.

I am, however, interested in learning the details of the other bandit raids to see if they bare similarities to this event. It may also be worth taking some of the amber to an alchemist or sage more experienced than myself.

I will also be clear here. Any conversation of the events that transpired in that hut and the abilities we have been endowed with outside of this room will be met with the harshest and most ursine of rebuttals. The last thing we need is a bunch of people poking and prodding us because they think we have secret magical abilities.


To emphasize his point, Uldaf belches loudly and picks a piece of residual muscle tissue from his teeth.

People are stringier than you think they'll be.

I trust I've made myself clear?
OOC- How far are we to the rendezvous point based on whatever you think Uldaf knows?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 118):

The hut's flap is pushed open and you are joined by Godrick.

"I... see we've made ourselves at home..."  Godrick clearly does not like the idea but cannot come up with a better one.

He looks around at everyone, eyeing the various injuries he sees.

"And we're sure all the smallfolk are dead?  The bandits too?"  He looks at Arule and the robed man.


"I won't sleep in the same room as him," he notes, "What if he should wake up?  We should bind him at once!  Lump, get to it.  Then sort us out some soup."

Lump jumps up and hurries to comply.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 117):

Sorry Uldaf.  That's not working.  I am telling this story in every town and tavern that we come across.  This is too good to leave behind.  Nobody will believe this story anyway and I'll tell it in such a way that they dismiss it as fancy.  Trust me when I tell you the best place to hide something is in plain sight.

I am far more subtle than you realize.  I am ostentatious and flamboyant only North by Northwest, when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.


This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 120):

Brennan shrugs, apparently deciding that this is an argument that can wait until morning, and turns to Titus.

"You wanted to show me something?"

Enrei quickly moves to help Lump with his binding once rope is procured from his pack.  He shows surprising skill with knots, clearly born from experience and likely more practice than might've been necessary for anyone else.  "We will watch him," Enrei assures Godrick, "He has secrets," he adds, as if the nebulous statement held grave significance.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 122):

"I... well I'm sure I don't know," Godrick sniffs.

Lump and Enrei have no trouble binding the unconscious mystery man, then Lump gets to unpacking some supplies for supper.

In reply to GM (msg # 123):

Uldaf shoots Titus a look sufficient to wilt flowers and rot wood.

Try me.

If you endanger my safety for the satisfaction of your hubris and the whetting of your whistle, I will pick you out of my teeth, too.

Of that you have my word.

Now that we've reset expectations and put some food and drink in our belly, I strongly suggest we rest for the evening. I'll remain here with our injured comrades/captives.

We search the village at dawn, and leave as soon as we are able.

Unless ye intend to navigate these woods yourself, I suggest you follow.

"Oh, I can teach you and Titus about fighting before sleep," Enrei offers after Uldaf decrees his version of tomorrow's events.  "It is good to know rules if fighting is mercenary work."

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 124):

I promise I won't endanger your safety, additionally Hubris means you have an outsized opinion of yourself... I'd say mine is appropriately proportioned.

So I guess the final word on this is that we are going to rendezvous with Flynn and let him know what happened.  We write up a report, including everything?  Then we move on with our business.  Correct?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 126):

Enrei, teach us about fighting on the road tomorrow.  I promise we will take as much time as you like.  We have another more important matter to deal with.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 127):

"That's what seems appropriate," Brennan nods. "We should meet up with Flynn and arrange for a messenger to be dispatched. The contents of the messenger's letter can be discussed on the road."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 128):

I remain unaligned with this approach. Write the report about encountering the men performing some ritual, write about their murder of the villagers, but include nothing about the other events that followed. They will only call into question your own sanity and the veracity of the tale itself.

We'll also be discussing general survival and woodsman practices on the road beginning tomorrow. The child's pace has ended.

With that, Uldaf pulls up his furs, does a final check on his patients, and if no one else requests his attention, goes to bed.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 129):

Brennan nods wearily.

"We'll need to build a litter for Arule tomorrow to help speed our passage. And we need to set a watch -- something I will not be participating in, if you want me to hunt in the twilight hours."

He glances at Arule and Godrick, mentally dismissing them from the list of possible sentries.

"That leaves Lump, Enrei, and Titus to take three equal watches. Have third watch wake me up when it begins so I can go forage. Make sense?"

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 129):

THATS WHAT IVE BEEN SAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY DO YOU EVEN LISTEN!!!!!!!!

He does a spot on impersonation of Uldaf



Exactly my point.  Nobody will believe us they will just think that we are a group of travelers with big heads and a great publicist.  Enrei, why don't you rest up we have a big day tomorrow.  I'm on first watch I'll wake you for the second.

He takes a torch and nods with his head for him and Brennan to go outside.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 131):

Brennan heads outside with Titus.

Enrei seems disappointed that his lesson is being postponed without his consent but eventually he joins Uldaf in sleep until his turn as a sentry.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 131):

The only response Uldaf makes to Titus's tantrum is the breaking of wind, perhaps the last to be made by any party member not controlled by Brennan.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 134):

"I... what?" Godrick splutters.  "Ritual?"

He dashes out of the hut after Titus and Brennan.

In reply to GM (msg # 135):

The Hut

Lump and Uldaf do their best to sleep.

From outside, raised voices can be heard.

In reply to GM (msg # 136):

Outside

There is some chatter.

Inside the Hut

Godrick jumps back through the leather flap and finds a spot to curl up as far from the door as possible.  He is clearly not at ease, and spends the time it takes to fall asleep jumping at every sound and muttering to himself.

In reply to GM (msg # 137):

All in the tent will learn the true reason Uldaf is referred to as the bear, as he chainsaw snores his way through a restful evening, waking occasionally to tend to his patient.

The condition of the prospective torture victim continues to worsen.

Between Uldaf's noise and the lingering pain in his side, Enrei's sleep is not as restful as it could be.  At one point in the night he tries poking at his wound and willing it to finish closing.  When he is sure that his ministrations have accomplished nothing but making it even more sore, he returns to his uncomfortable sleep.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 139):

Brennan returns shortly afterward and, after ensuring SOMEONE has set a watch order, prepares to sleep until third watch, when he is expecting to be awakened to to hunt.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 139):

Titus assures Brennan hes on first watch followed by Enrei and then Uldaf.  He stands outside watching for anything inside/outside the hut, doing standard patrolling.

His mind eventually wanders and he decides that he is going to try something.

Focusing hard he pushes his consciousness outward, and suddenly there he is (project illusion 3x9).

Hello you handsome devil.

At this point Titus spends the next few minutes testing out the capabilities with his clone and trying to figure out how to utilize him in his act.  Can I juggle with it, tumble with it, wrestle, run etc...  How eloquent is he?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 141):

Each watch passes uneventfully.  Before dawn, Brennan is roused and creeps out to see what game he can find.  He is not yet back when the sun rises and everyone else awakens.

In reply to GM (msg # 142):

A weary Uldaf makes his way to check on Arule, clearly ill-rested from the previous night.

Did anyone else have incredibly vivid and unsettling dreams that challenge the very fabric of your existence, or was it just me?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 143):

Arule, with a little nudging, wakes up.  His eyelids flutter and he takes some time to focus on the world.

"I..." he begins, then coughs a few times.  "water... bring me water..."

When this is brought he drinks deeply and sighs heavily.

"Thank you.  My apologies, my strength failed me friends.  Apparently it was not in God's dreams for me to fight today."

He looks around.

"I have missed it, but if you are all here then things went well?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

"I had strange dream.  I did not want to step on people, and then I look up at large shadow," he answers Uldaf groggily, rubbing the lingering sleep from his eyes.  It is unclear if this alone challenged the fabric of his existence, if there was more detail lost in translation, or if Enrei merely wished to share.  He pats Arule's shoulder, "You can fight next time," he assures his comrade, trying to sound encouraging.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 145):

Brennan arrives with the rising sun, bringing with him a small wild pig. He whistles jauntily as he prepares it over the fire that Lump has dutifully rebuilt, and soon the sizzling smell of country ham and bacon (tough, stringy bacon, but bacon nonetheless) fills the air.

"Dreams?" he asks, noting the conversations sweeping the tent. "Mine were pleasant and invigorating. A good omen, one hopes, for the days ahead."

He crunches through a piece of bacon thoughtfully, and beckons others to enjoy breakfast as well.

"How's the prisoner?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Mon 16 Mar 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 146):

A groggy Uldaf begins fussing over the prisoner attempting to discern his condition.

Did ye have any luck hunting?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 147):

"Nope," Brennan says, blinking at Uldaf and taking another large bite of bacon. "Just found this wild pig waiting near the building, perforated for our convenience by a single expertly aimed arrow."

He smiles.

"You're starting to worry me, friend. Everything ok?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 146):

Titus wakes up working his jaw.

Mine were good... until they weren't.  I held the world in my palm, but then I started hearing pursuit in boats.  Three of them.  Always three of them.


He gives Brennan a significant look.

I was clenching my teeth so hard that my jaw was dislocated this morning.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 149):

Godrick sniffs derrisively at all the talk of dreams, but doesn't comment further.

Arule, on the other hand, nods gravely.

"Heed your dreams, friends.  There is how God speaks to us."

Lump is far too busy running about cooking, cleaning etc. to comment.

In reply to GM (msg # 150):

After everyone has eaten, Brennan will head over to the central tent to look for clues.

As Brennan goes into the central hut, Enrei goes about poking in the smaller ones for any supplies they might make use of, or money he might collect.  He also keeps an eye out for any water he can use to clean the dried blood off his legs, without depleting their drinking supply. Not having realized how much dead body he'd splattered himself with in the night, he's a bit disturbed by his appearance, and the bits of straw matting that've stuck to the dried mess of his legs in the morning.  Any supplies he finds, he brings back to Lump to confirm their need or usefulness among the provisions already in their posession.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 152):

Titus will try to stream out ahead of the others, excited for Plunder, he goes to the main area with Brennan first to see if there is anything new in there.  He continues to switch out old knives for better ones, and keeps an eye out for new clothing as well.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 148):

Our prisoner is stable, but showing no signs of recovery. Without proper attention, he won't survive much longer.

Quite frankly, the last time he was conscious, he shot lightning from his hands; I'm somewhat uninclined to see him restored.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 154):

Brennan picks through the central tent, seemingly unaffected by the pungent stench of rotting flesh that permeates it. He pays particular attention to the area where the crystal exploded, looking for clues.

"Where were the things you found when you came in earlier?" Brennan asks when Titus joins him. "Where did you find the book and the pendant?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 155):

Godrick refuses to enter the building.

The central building is, as it was the day before, filled with corpses.

Being relatively fresh, the stink is bearable though unpleasant.  Already flies, rats, ants, and the like are swarming in to feast.

The bodies are of men, women, children, goats, chickens and you might guess every animal in town that they could lay their hands on.  Largely, the people appear to have died from having their throats slit though some have more extensive wounds that might indicate combat or a struggle.

At the back of the building are large chunks of amber, most around the size of your fist, though they are blackened and charred.  Drawn around where the pedestal stood is a circle of runes, markings, candles, blood and salt.

In reply to GM (msg # 156):

Brennan nods thoughtfully at the carnage, then pulls out a small notebook and charcoal to jot down a few notes. He is completely zoned out while doing so.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 157):

Enrei's search turns up exactly what you'd expect to find in a town of this size.  Numerous cheap home-made tools, some provisions, some wine, clothes, etc, and yes, a small pile of coin.

Counting such is beyond his abilities.

Enrei will collect the coin into a bag of sufficient size and place it in one if his shirt pockets, which clearly has not seen much use as it bulges suspiciously.  He leaves most of the tools, but the wine and other provisions he gathers up to present to Lump so that they can be incorporated into the group's available supplies.  Once his spoils are presented, Enrei removes his shirt, which jingles suspiciously, and produces a sewing needle and the thickest thread he could find among the town's belongings, then sits down and procedes to mend the axe-hole in his shirt.  Calling the stiching poor is over-selling it, but after spending several minutes squinting and sticking his tongue out Enrei manages to keep the hole shit, and eventually knot the thread at each end of the repair so that it doesn't unravel itself. He prods it eith a finger experimentally, and once satisfied that the hole will keep shut, he dons the garment again.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 159):

Uldaf finishes tending to his patients and performs his own search of the town with the intention of looking for medical supplies.

But of course they fond the small pile of money..

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 160):

Uldaf takes his turn poking into each hut and sniffing carefully at everything.

In reply to GM (msg # 161):

Titus helpfully points out the locations to Brennan and then goes and pokes around the camp with everyone else.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 162):

While the rest of the team searches, Lump packs up your supplies and waits around to be told what to do.

Arule rests as against one of the huts watching over the comatose prisoner.

Godrick watches everyone like a hawk.

"All of these things belong to his Lordship," he notes.  "I'll account for the taxes paid in the ledger and the balance we will take back to his lordship to be spent toward recovery of the town."

In reply to GM (msg # 163):

Titus shrugs knowing that his lordship would be uninterested in 9 crappy knives, a tatty old cloak and a pair of boots.

If he wants anything I found he can come and claim it.

After he finishes finding anything of use for the stage or combat he goes over and chats amicably with lump waiting for the others to leave.

This town is boring and depressing.  We got what we came for lets leave.  He says addressing the town as a whole.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 164):

Uldaf returns to the tent, his pack noticeably swelled with stocks from the town.

I can't believe I'm about to say this.

I'm inclined to agree with Titus.

As soon as we have a suitable litter assembled, we should make haste from this place. The air is foul, the dreams are unpleasant, and the stench of death hangs over this place like a tangible pall. The carrion feeders will be coming, and with them, an even deeper darkness.

I'd also recommend setting what little here remains to the torch, lest this place be further desecrated.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 165):

"AbsoLUTELY not!"  Godrick yelps.  "What kind of a savage are you?  These lands are under the protection of Lord Gent.  I'm not about to allow you to burn his property!"

He looks around at the preparations being made.  "Where is the coin?"

In reply to GM (msg # 166):

Brennan exits the large tent after nearly an hour and does not seem to have any loot to show for it. He makes his way over to where his companions are debating their next steps, glancing at the sky to judge the time as he does so.

"It's early morning yet," Brennan says, apparently hearing only the tail end of the past conversation. "We can probably be on the road by noon if we're quick about burying the bodies. Did anyone find a shovel?"

After being appraised of the argument over taxes, torches, and ownership, he clears his throat.

"We're not burning down the village. Someone might have survived, escaped, and be hoping to return. Besides that, there's the very practical concern that a fire could spread to the surrounding wilderness."

"As for the matter of taxes... let's do what we came here to do. Collect money, and turn it over to Lord Gent. We aren't thieves, bandits, or pillagers."

He smiles slightly.

"Unless I badly misread my contract, that is."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:49, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

"I collected money," Enrei declares proudly, though he makes no motion to produce any.  The idea of taxes is clearly beyond him.

In reply to GM (msg # 166):

You're right. Let's leave a completely razed village and all the unburied bodies here for anyone to discover. And then what would people say of Lord Gent and his protection when it does not extend to his own lands or the decency of proper burial for his people? We are not assaulting Lord Gent's honor here; we are attempting desperately to protect it!

And lest we forget the dark things that occurred here and drew people to this location. We clearly do not understand them, or why this site was chosen.

I would say better safe than sorry, unless you'd like to explain to Lord Gent personally why a town on his borders has been completely ransacked, is covered in rotting bodies, and you made no effort to cleanse the defilement.

Please Godrick. I'm all ears.

[Intimidate 2x3]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 169):

Godrick looks take aback and for a moment sits mute.

"... a point is made," he conceeds.  "Burn the bodies where they lay, but leave the rest of the town unmolested."

He looks to Enrei, and speaks more confidently now.  "Please turn all coin you found over to me.  I'll make an account of it and insure it is delivered to Lord Gent."

Enrei looks at Godrick appraisingly.  He was told they were collecting was Lord Gent's, but Godrick did say it would be delivered to Lord Gent.  After a moment he pulls the bag out of his pocket and holds it out to Godrick.  When the smaller man reaches for it Enrei jerks it back, "I collected the money," he reiterates before handing it over.  With Flynn having collected all the money thus far he doesn't want to be accused of failing at his very first mercenary job.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 171):

"I... indeed you did."  Godrick accepts the bag and then finds a place to sit, count the money, and write notes into his ledger.

In reply to GM (msg # 172):

We'll light the pyre on the way out of town.

I'm sure Brennan can strike such a shot.

As for the money, I indeed found this crown, which I believe sufficiently covers the cost of personal supplies used in the treatment of our wounds. I'll be happy to make you an itemized list if you are so inclined.

Enrei, can you help Brennan and I stack the bodies? Titus, we'll need wood for the pyre, unless you're of a mind to desecrate some corpses with us.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 173):

"I'm loathe to waste an arrow on such a task," Brennan says, aware as he finishes that the objection is unlikely to go down without a fight. "What? They are expensive, and I'm a far better marksman than fletcher. Is there a reason you wish to light the pyre from afar?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 174):

I'll get firewood.

Titus says quickly glad to be out of corpse duty.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 175):

Godrick frowns at Uldaf but makes no move to claim the coins he found.

"I will make note in my ledger," he offers, "and count it against Flynn's payment."

Wood and basic tools are not difficult to find.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 174):

Yes.

A giant pyre is likely to attract attention. I'd like to not be here when it does.

I'd advocate for burial, but we don't have time to spare if we want to make a suitable distance from the town and find a safe place to camp before nightfall.

Enrei sets to hauling remains.  He makes unpleasant faces throughout the exercise, those bodies he and Uldaf damaged the previous night being quite a mess and the rest being covered in bugs and smelling none too fresh.  Once the unpleasant task is complete Enrei returns to whatever cleaning basin he could find in town and douses himself head to toe, just to get rid of the sickly feeling of handling corpses.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 178):
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 179):

Private to group.

I'm of two minds on this...

He winks significantly with his own, personal pun.

How much worse would it be to drag two injured men as opposed to one?  I know that Brennan wants to interrogate him for more information and he pissed Enrei off something fierce.  As far as I'm concerned I don't trust him and I don't think we are going to get any information out of him.  We already have our hands bloody, which means that we can say no more blood, or screw it lets get them in there deeper.  I don't think that he has any powers left it seems that all of them went to us.

He shrugs

It all depends on what your endgame is.  Do we keep going with this lot... or become the greatest band of adventurers since the first men?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 180):

"Adventurers are mercenaries without a contract," Brennan snorts, though not unkindly. "And dragging two litters IS a lot more effort than dragging one, but I'm not one for murdering in cold blood."

He blinks as a plan comes to him.

"We could leave all this carnage here," Brennan says quietly, speaking only with Titus, Uldaf, and Enrei. "We could say that the war has arrived at last. That rebel forces allied to the northern pauper who calls himself a king ransacked this village, slaughtered its occupants, and neglected to raze it for fear of attracting untoward attention."

Brennan laughs to himself.

"Why, these border towns would be falling over themselves to pay their taxes once word gets around, thus assuring our good lord's protection and a merry reception for us wherever we go in the near future. These villagers had tragically been behind in their payments, you see, and though it pained him to do so, the good Lord Gent must prioritize the deployment of his forces to those who help maintain them."

"And once the taxes are collected? We'll hire ourselves out to the richest of these border towns, if we like, as an additional protective force..."

The wheels keep spinning on Brennan's head, but he keeps whatever thoughts come next to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 181):

Keeping the private conversation going

As with all good things, I think wisdom lies in the middle. I concur with leaving the carnage here, including the last remaining prisoner. Having attacked us and slaughtered this village, we are not killing in cold blood, but as emissaries of the Lord's justice.

None of the men of the company know anything near what I seem to know of medicine. We could easily subdue the prisoner of apparent natural causes and take the decision from their hands.

As for this lot? It's clear the events in this village have touched us specifically and independent of our current quest. This change, at least in me, dovetails with visions I had been having prior to our meeting, and strikes true at my private reasons for following along at all.

My interest has never been in procurement of the Lord's petty taxes. It has always been personal, albeit unknown. Now I know why I am here, and so do you. We must understand what has happened to us, and herein lies the wisdom

Uldaf pauses, as those pained to connect Titus and wisdom

of Titus's proposal. We 4 are united now with a common gift, and secret, and the even more common obligation to understand what has become of us, and how it has happened. Will you join me in this quest and all the peril and carnage it entails, or will you be ordinary?

Enrei stands at the fringe of the conversation, much of it beyond him.  A few salient points do strike home, and eventually he sees fit to chime in.  "This man," he waves toward the hut where the subject of conversation lies, "Says he has secrets.  I want to kill him.  I want to know why I want to kill him, is bad thing to want.  We should not kill him." Enrei looks at Titus specifically, "You can be adventure.  We are mercenary," he gestures between himself, Uldaf and Brennan, then looks at the other two, "We are collecting money.  You have not done your job," he waggles his finger admonishingly at each of them, "Mister Flynn says he will meet us in few days."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 183):

I must be entering the city limits of the dream of hell if I am agreeing with this crazy old codger.

He continues to the group.

Uldaf is right.  There are two kinds of good lies, ones that are completely outlandish and known by all.

with a gesture at the entire group

And those that are closest to the truth but silent.

He says pantomiming a button on his lip.

Dragging a third party into this while potentially profitable but entirely lacking the necessary kernel of truth can lead to major issues.  Maybe now is not the opportunity for fame and fortune... we can bide our time with this group until we see fit.

As far as the iron monk goes

gesturing towards the hut with their leader.

We seem to be split on the matter.

with a flourish he produces a pair of dice.

Roll for it?

"He may be hurt more if we roll him," Enrei objects, "I will carry him."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 185):

Uldaf splinters from the conversation, and begins brewing some fever relieving tea for the injured prisoner.


He returns with the tea and administers it to the prisoner.

I've sedated him. We'll drag him to our next stop, even if it delays us.

Finish assembling the pyre, and we'll burn the bodies. We'll tell Flynn the village was set upon by an unknown group of raiders, who were not be found save the 2 we killed and this prisoner, who suffered grave wounds and has as yet refused to talk.

Once our current contract is complete, I've no intention of continuing in the support of Lord Gent, and hope you will all follow me in searching to learn more about what has happened to us.

Objections?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 186):


I'm not a fan of the raiders lie.

I say we tell the truth.  That the entire town was sacrificed by a madman for some kind of cultish ritual... We simply omit the part where it worked.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 186):

Godrick, in another location in town totally out of earshot of Uldaf, Titus, Enrei and Brennan, continues work on his ledger and supervises Lump packing up to leave.

Arule, also completely out of hearing range, practices walking with a crutch to some small success.

Unless there are objections, Uldaf enters the hut you slept in and gives some fever relieving tea to the unconscious prisoner.

In reply to GM (msg # 188):

You do realize that 'tea' is probably poison...

Just saying.

He makes no move to stop him.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 189):

"Is poison good for tea?" Enrei asks as the language barrier prevents him from being proactive in the face of Titus's complete lack of urgency.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 190):

His preparations finished, Uldaf rinses his pot, packs his supplies, and motions to Godrick.

Let's get a move on, we've got many miles to cover to outpace this place by nightfall.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 191):

Titus slaps the ground.

That's the most sensible thing I have heard since 'breakfast is ready!'  Lets go!

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 192):

Uldaf places the sleeping prisoner and Arule into the fashioned litters, and straps them to the appropriate beast of burden.

Enrei, you're in charge of hauling our wounded.

Brennan, are you ready to get flaming?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 192):

Brennan sighs, packs his things, and prepares to move on.

Such a waste.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 194):

Uldaf gathers the party at the edge of town, murmuring a brief prayer for the fallen:

"Gods know we tried, but our hands were tied. We're sorry you died, please take solace in the tears your murderers cried.

We know you died in pain, but hope it won't be in vain. Your gravestone will be plain, Brennan, set them all aflame!"

Pleased with his showmanship, Uldaf turns and makes no attempt to see if the arrow strikes true, marching as fast as he can away from the damned town.

Good riddance.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 195):

Brennan lights an arrow and fires it at the pyre in a gentle arc, then turns to follow the others.

Enrei does his best to haul the two injured men along after Uldaf without being too hard on them, the ceremony of the funeral pyre wasted on him.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 197):

Titus shakes his head and sighs heavily at the shoddy showmanship.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 198):

Slowly, the group marches away, backs warmed from the late morning chill by the large funeral pyre you left behind.

Enrei does his best to drag the hastily-built litter containing your captive and to help the injured Arule at the same time.

For the latter's part, he walks as fast as he's able though it's not terribly quick.  In the frequent breaks taken, he questions Uldaf about the "Gods" he mentioned in his prayers, and what domain these heathen deities hold over the world.

Godrick is clearly happy to be away from the town and goes back to his stand-offish self.

There is a fairly clear path along the valley, moving to slightly higher elevations and into gradually denser clusters of large bushes inter spaced with thin trees and numerous goat-paths.

The trail is winding, avoiding most of the rocks and hills, but nowhere near as regular, wide or even as a true road.  Uldaf leads the group from the front, largely along the path but here and there breaking off to tackle this terrain feature or that before returning to the path when it levels out again.  He keeps the mountains to your right, and does not stray any closer to their shadow.

Shortly before it is time for the midday meal, the litter hits a particularly large rock and the prisoner rolls out.

He is limp, cold, and unquestionably dead.

Enrei is quick to drop the litter and pick the man up to return him to it, but at the touch of his skin the Chal'i's face goes stark.  "He...he..." the big man looks like he's about to cry as he sets the body back down where it fell, "He is dead," he says as his shoulders fall.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 200):

Titus puts a consoling arm around the large islander.

He was not in a good place where he was.  Its better for all this way.

He quirks his eyebrow at Uldaf in a knowing fashion.

Damn me to the dream of hell.  I never thought about how his death would impact Enrei.  I should have tried harder to stop him.

Titus spends the rest of the day around the islander, telling small stories and trying to cheer him up.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 201):

"No! Is not better.  This is bad.  I said if he ran from bear," he points at Uldaf to clarify, "we could be friends.  And he tries to run, and then I kill him!" His lip practically quivers, "I am a bad man."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 202):

You can see Titus is visibly upset by this.

You are not a bad man.  He was a bad man.  He was never your friend.  He killed the whole village and made us... whatever we are now.  He was crazy.

Titus crosses his eyes and makes twirling motion with his finger.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 203):

Enrei seems to takes some time to fully digest Titus's words, but does not seem entirely roused from his sudden depression by them, "Is this good reason why you try to kill him too?  Is bad thing to kill people, but Jacob told me, mercenary do bad things for good reason, like money.  But this is not reason I killed him.  When he runs away, I just want to kill him, very much, and I think maybe is not bad.  This is not good reason, but I still do this bad thing.  This is how it means a bad person, yes?"

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 203):

"We'll never know what kind of man he was," Brennan says quietly. There is a hint of suspicion in his tone, but he refrains from making accusations. "With him dies the hope of simple answers to burning questions, such as the permanency of our powers, whether or how to maintain them, and what the blazes he was trying to accomplish when we barged in on him."

Brennan clenches a fist for a moment, then puts a hand on Enrei's shoulder.

"Friends would see each other buried properly," he says to the Islander, brandishing a shovel he stole from the village. "I will help you."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 205):

You and I did a bad thing for one of the best reasons... justice.  You don't know why you wanted to kill him but deep down

He taps the islanders chest

In your heart you knew that he did terrible things, and if he was free then he would do it again.

Do you know what makes you a good person?  Not enjoying this.

Enrei nods quietly and takes the shovel from Brennan.  Titus's assurances of Enrei's moral high ground don't raise any further argument, but the doleful smile Enrei gives him before setting to the final grim task makes it clear he's not so confident in his own motivations.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 207):

Will it make you feel better if I sing him off?

"I do not think so," Enrei replies somberly, "but I think it might be a good thing to do."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 209):

Godrick keeps to himself while the body is interred, clearly impatient to leave.  Lump helps any way he can and Arule is keen to be present for the process of laying the dead to rest.

In reply to GM (msg # 210):

Uldaf quickly confirms the diagnosis of death.

Aye, it's as I feared. The wounds and strain of travel were too much for him.

You've done no wrong here Enrei. Such is the nature of the fragile human condition.

But you're right, we should sign him off.

Uldaf oversees the digging of the grave, choosing his words wisely as the corpse is rolled into the grave.

"You performed a heretical trick, the implications of which make me sick.
Your powers made you kind of a dick, I'm not sorry you're dead and gone Sorcerer Rick."

Satisfied in his eulogy, Uldaf tosses the first pile of dirt over the recently Titus looted corpse.

Come, we have much distance to travel.

When travel resumes, the path becomes noticeably clearer and more navigable. Favor clearly smiles upon the group.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 211):

Travel indeed comes easier now, and the going slightly faster now that the litter need not be dragged along and accommodated.

It is also that the land becomes more level again and the bushes more sparse.


When the sun shows signs of lowering, and thus the time for choosing to make camp or press on is nigh, the land is level and flat.  To the east looms the foot of the mountains, and to the west (a couple miles away) a thin forest that blocks your view.

There are bushes and rocks aplenty, but little else.  Sticks are easy enough to find, but keeping a fire going through the night will be a continual task.

In reply to GM (msg # 212):

"This looks like a good place to make camp," Brennan advises after a few minutes of consideration. "It's been a hard day, and stopping slightly early tonight will makes tomorrow's journey over forest or mountain easier."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 212):

After a hard day's march, Uldaf brings the group to a pause in the clearing. To any with eyes keen enough to see, Uldaf's nostrils can be seen flaring, as though chasing a scent on the wind. The look on his face is one of undeniable concern.

We've got a precarious decision to make lads. The scent on the wind is undeniable; we've wandered into the hunting grounds of a wolf pack. I can smell the most recent kill. The pack must be within a kiloMicah of our current position. Worse still, there's unmistakable pheromones mixed in with the recent kill. If the women are in heat, the pack will be that much more ferocious in their protection of their territory.

I canny tell the size or health of the pack, but it will not be safe to tarry here. With a hunting radius of at least 50 square kiloMicahs, we're unlikely to outrun them.

We can try to make camp and keep a fire going to ward against the wolves, but any lapse in the light would be the death of us. Unless you are of a mind to be eaten by an animal other than me, I would recommend we press on for town. If we make haste, we can make it to safety by night's mid.

We'll need to create a series of torches and maintain a chain. We'll want Enrei and the litter in the middle, myself in the front, and Brennan in the rear. We'll want the remaining flanking the litter in a standard phalanx formation with the torches. Looking big, looking bright, and looking like a predator is the only we don't end up as prey this night.

Uldaf pauses to let the gravity of the situation set in.

There's nothing to worry about lads. You aren't afraid of the dark, are ye?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 214):

"Wolves who have just eaten are not likely to risk a dangerous engagement," Brenna says, considering Uldaf's words and weighing them against some internal thought. "I feel better about our ability to maintain a fire than a chain of torches. Unless we're carrying far more proper torches than I think we are."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 215):

Wolves hunt for reasons other than food dear Brennan. This is their territory. Our presence here is a provocation.

We can try to make camp here, but we are all at risk if we do so.

I cannot advocate for this approach, but will yield to the discretion of the party.

If we stay the night, I do not expect to see you all in the morning.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 216):

Titus shrugs and resigns himself to two equally unpleasant futures.

Ok so I don't know shit about wolves or anything out here in nature.  I do however know feral dogs that live in cities... and the alpha dog marks its territory keeping the other dogs out....

Uldaf, would bear piss act the same way?  Can you turn into a wolf mark some territory?

Other than that... I'm out of ideas.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 217):

"Shall we put it to a vote?" Brennan says, glancing at the others. "We're risking wolves either way. Who wants to fortify a single position and maintain a single file while resting, and who wants to trudge through the blackness of night with makeshift torches hoping the wolves leave us alone 'til midnight?"

He shrugs.

"My bias is apparent, but I'll yield to whichever option has the most support."

Brennan grins slightly.

"And I second Titus's question about the bear piss."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 218):

A pack of wolves is not running from one bear. If you'd like to see my hammer lads, you don't need to make up any convenient excuses.

Uldaf proudly drops his pants.

I vote we continue to move through the territory. The less time we spend in their grounds, the better. Making it through the night does not remove the possibility of attack. it just means we'll see them coming.

Uldaf pulls his pants back up.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 219):

Godrick, again not privy to the entire conversation or mention of paranormal abilities, raises his hands to shield his face.

"What are... what ARE you doing?"

In reply to GM (msg # 220):

Hammering a point home.

So lads, we've heard from myself and Brennan. What say the rest of ye? Press on, or solidify our defenses?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 221):

Your not hammering much with that.

He sighs

I think this is a poor choice either way.  Given I don't know anything about the outdoors and both of you know significantly more than me I would normally trust to your judgement.

Given two options one will guarantee we fight, the other there is a chance we will not fight, I'd have to go with the option where we may not have to fight a wolf.

How far are we from safety?

Enrei how far could you hoof it carrying Arule?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 222):

If we maintain our current pace, and factoring in a slowing during nightfall, we could potentially make the town by midnight. But we'd be keeping a sharp clip. I do have concerns about Enrei as well as some of our less seasoned travelers.

If we start the trip to town, we must finish it. Resting for exhaustion without defenses in place and a large fire already roaring would be incredibly dangerous.

Do the rest of you think you have another 8-12 hours of marching in ye?

Speak now, or be wolf food.

"I can keep walking," Enrei remarks, the trials of the march having hardly taxed him at all, even after dragging a bod part way and digging a grave on short notice, "Arule is not very heavy."  He wasn't quite sure why everyone was concerned, he liked dogs.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 224):

"I don't have a cheerful 8-12 hours in me," Brennan sighs wearily. "But I'll likely be no worse for the wear. It's the less militarily inclined I'm worried about. We cannot carry three people."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 225):

"I could try," Enrei offers.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 225):

I'll do my best, but I'm game.  Lump will complete this or die trying I'm convinced of that.  Godrick?  How about you.

He whispers something to Uldaf

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 225):

Brennan's right. We will press on with the remaining daylight, and begin making camp before dusk. We'll need to be gathering wood along the way to ensure we have a rather uproarious fire, and we'll want to whittle stakes to place around the perimeter of our encampment. We'll need at least a 2 person watch at all times.

If you follow what Brennan and I tell you to do, and you stay calm, we might, just might, live to see tomorrow.

Or I'll fly away and leave them all die. Whatever.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 228):

What the blazes did Titus do to convince him to change his mind?

Brennan blinks, raises an eyebrow, and then nods.

"Right then," he says, clearing his throat slightly. "Let's see what kind of wood we can collect before striking camp."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 229):

Titus says

Right then.  Lets get a move on.

He falls in step next to Brennan for a time


He then lingers back by Enrei gauging the islander's mood.

I promised you yesterday you would teach me to fight.  You feel up for it?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Fri 20 Mar 2015.

"Oh!  Oh yes, I forgot," Enrei seems much more lively at the suggestion.  He stands up a bit straiter and procedes to speak very slowly and carefully to Titus in a tone very similar to how he is often addressed by other people.  He speaks loud enough that anyone else in the party can listen in easily, but he doesn't shout.

The lesson begins by describing how to punch, in the simplest terms possible, taking more time to explain why a fist is more effective than slapping someone, rather than differentiating a jab from an uppercut.  He moves on to kicking, mostly focusing on the fact that it involves both leg and foot, remembering both Titus and Uldaf's troubles with the term.  Any attempts by Titus to confirm that he is well aware of what a punch or kick are Enrei quickly silences, furiously shushing him and insisting he does not know well enough.

Just when it seems Enrei is finished giving Titus a lesson in Fighting 101 for the blind, deaf, and dumb, he begins talking about cups, bottles and sticks, and the best uses of all of them to bludgeon someone. It takes only a little prodding for him to also describe "sticks" to be actually a quite broad category including but probably not limited to sticks similar to the kindling they're collecting, logs, felled tree branches, wooden training weapons, clubs of all proportions, broken ship timbers, unused lumber, and chairs.

Finally he mentions that knives change the rules, and that generally in a fight, removing a knife becomes a goal prioritized over actually beating your opponent, and that one must declare " He's got a knife!" when this rule change is in effect in a large enough fight.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 231):

Uldaf surveys the area for immediate advantages and tactial potential

[Survival Fail]

But ultimately finds nothing of note.

The waiting game has never been my favorite.

Uldaf feared for the fledlging band of mercenaries. The other did not understand. Could not understand. They had never seen the wolf defend his territory. But even the bear knows to retreat to his cave when the wolf brings his friends to settle the score.

Magics from other worlds and the implications of his powers were things he could hardly fathom. They were too abstract to fear. But the bear knew the wolf.

And in that moment, for the first time since he'd left the safety of his cave, Uldaf felt afraid.

Shaking off the momentary indulgence of anxiety, Uldaf turned toward Titus and Enrei, and was surprised to overhear and witness a surprisingly insightful demonstration on fighting.

Well now I've seen everything. Maybe he's smarter than he looks.

When you two are done over there, bring some of the thin, long sticks over. I'll show you how to sharpen them into a makeshift spiked barricade. Depending how quickly we work, we may be able to put up at least a few traps and defenses before night falls.

And make no mistake. Night. Will. Fall.

I hope they understand the gravity of their situation. Just as likely Enrei is about to tell me of course night falls. It comes after day.

Gods help us.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 232):

Moving along collecting wood as you go, the pace would not be considered impressive but it's certainly not from lack of effort on anyone's part.

By the time it is getting too dark to see, you have a small pile of kindling and a few armfuls of larger logs that are dry enough to burn.  The supply will need to be supplemented before the morning light, but it won't be a scramble.

Godrick grumbles about the 'accommodations' and directs Lump to quickly erect a makeshift pup tent with a long stick and a spare blanket.  After that the boy hobbles about his normal routine of helping with the fire and cooking what's left of Brennan's pig along with a few handfuls of stringy dried beans.

Arule allows himself to be eased down against a rock.  After the decision to march on, the swordsman was more silent than you've ever seen him.


Uldaf supervises some makeshift defenses around the camp as the last light from the sun fades behind the western woods.

In reply to GM (msg # 233):

This will be a long night, and if my nose is correct, one we are unlikely to forget.

There's more on the wind than just wolf, what it is I cannot say, but it is safe to assume it does not have our best interests at heart.

After seeing to the camp's defenses, Uldaf tends to Arule's injury, purposefully crushing herbs and liquids into a suitable poultice.

[Medicine 2x9]

At the last, Uldaf prepares Arule some tea to help him sleep.

One us should rest easy tonight..

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 234):

"We'll need to set a watch order," Brennan says. "Hunting seems ill-advised this evening and tomorrow morning, so I'll be happy to participate."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 235):

As the seasoned woodsmen, one of you and I should be awake and on guard at all times.

I'm somewhat more experienced with the dark than you may be. Why don't I take the first watch and a half, and you the latter. Being an early morning hunter, your better with the low light of dawn than I will be.

I'll take Titus on my watch, you take Enrei. We should have one bear on each watch. You'll have to make due with yours not having fur.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 236):

Brennan nods, satisfied with the plan.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 237):

And so my watch begins.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 238):

Godrick takes no part in the negotiations for watch, confident in the fact that the rest of you are well-paid to deal with such issues.  He crawls under his pup tent and lays quietly.

Arule passes out propped up against a rock soon after drinking Uldaf's mixture of herbs.

Lump curls up near the fire, though it's unclear if he plans to sleep.

(OOC:  Waiting to make sure Titus/Enrei confirm that they are staying up with Uldaf/Brennan respectively and what you plan for watch is:  sitting by fire, walking around perimeter?  You will need at least one foray for firewood per watch to keep the fire going.)

In reply to GM (msg # 239):

OOC- I'll be walking the perimeter. Titus has base proper. Brennan's watch and tactics are subject to his discretion.

As the fire wanes, I'll wake watch 2. Titus and I will get wood as the end of our watch while Brennan/Enrei hold the camp.

And may God have mercy on our souls..

Enrei takes well to instruction in regards to scheduling and keeping watch, as most of the concern seems to soar over his head completely, his default attitude of being happy to help takes over.  If his shift arrives without incident he cedes to Brennan's expertise at how best to maintain watch, but he's more than willing to go collect wood, assuring Brennan of his capability at the task, dauntless of the darkness and likely ignorant of any danger therein.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 241):

Brennan outlines a basic strategy for patrolling the camp, and will allow Enrei to gather wood alone if and only if the fire requires it before it becomes time to wake up the rest of the group.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 242):

With a plan set, Brennan and Enrei curl up around the small fire to get some rest.  Titus takes up residence nearby while Brennan slips into the darkness to patrol the meager perimeter of pointed sticks.

Your spot is in a relatively flat area with only a few scrubby bushes so you can see for a good distance in any direction. There are stars out but the moon has not yet risen so the night is near to pitch-black.

Still, Uldaf stares into the distance as he walks, possibly able to see despite the low light.

In reply to GM (msg # 243):

A beleaguered Uldaf nudges Brennan awake and apprises him of the situation.

Fire's low. Wolves are circling the camp. Wood is needed. If we go into the woods now, we risk combat on their terms. If we wait for the fire to go out, we risk massacre.

I would suggest sending Enrei and myself into the woods, and leaving you and Titus here to guard the camp.

It's a  longshot, but it may be all we've got.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 244):

"Is it the fire the wolves fear, or the smoke?" Brennan says, rubbing his eyes and pulling himself to his feet. "If it's the smoke, I can perhaps buy us a safe window for wood collection."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 245):

Titus paces around the camp watching Uldaf snuffling and looking into the distance in the dark.  He amuses himself by throwing anything burnable into the fire.

When Uldaf goes to talk to Brennan Titus kneels over by them.  He nods sagely,

I think I may be able to help with that as well as much if not more than Brennan.  Get Enrei up and you two get ready to move.  How long do you think you need to collect the necessary firewood?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 246):

Entirely contingent on what's in the woods. We'll also need to take much of the little remaining fire we have so we can see what we're gathering.

Uldaf shakes Enrei awake.

Gather your belongings. It's time to gather wood and skin some wolves.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 247):

I'll give you my best...

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 245):

Wolves fear fire. Smoke without fire is but an intrusion on their sense of smell, and likely to draw their ire.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 249):

What would be the best distraction for our purposes... food or sex?

Or is there something else that would strike fear and cause them to run?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 250):

Brennan blinks at Titus.

"You and I are staying here to guard the camp. It shouldn't involve food or sex."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 251):

Titus flashes a wild smile at Brennan.

I plan to stay by the camp... where it is just you and me.


As he says this he scoots uncomfortably close to brennan walking his fingers up the ranger's chest smiling with maudlin false love into his eyes.


also when you get right down to it isn't everything about food or sex... or both... at the same time?


His face goes serious

trust me on this, but give me something that will make them run either to or from a location... and not leave us in a worse position than we are in currently.  I can give you around 10 min of coverage... at least in my current experience to date. 

I've only done this once, and this was supposed to be my ace in the hole, but I'm not going to lose people in case I need it later. 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 252):

After summoning Enrei, Uldaf has a brief conversation with Brennan, handing him a mysterious flask with a firmly planted stopper.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 253):

Brennan takes the flask gingerly and nods at Uldaf.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 254):

Titus fixes Uldaf with a steely glare.

Hey do you mind?!

He continues his awkward wooing of Brennan.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:08, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 255):

Through all the whispering and shuffling about, Godrick continues to sleep.  Arule, being medicated, snores away.

Lump, however, is awake.  He doesn't move but his eyes shine up at you timidly.


(OOC:  It sounds like Uldaf and Enrei are heading toward the woods.  What, if any, light, torches etc. are you bringing?)

Enrei gathers his belongings with commendable speed, having been sleeping with all of them already.  He stands by as the others prepare for the outing, apparently, and wonders why there is so much commotion about gathering wood.  After Titus starts making eyes at Brennan and Uldaf starts handing out nondescript bottles, Enrei sighs and pulls a stick from the fire with a long enough unburned end to serve as a torch.  "I am going to get more wood," he informs Lump, not wanting to interrupt the other proceedings before turning to walk into the darkness surrounding the camp, wondering to himself what exactly a wolf is.

In reply to GM (msg # 256):

He makes a shooing motion at Enrei and Uldaf.

Go on good luck.

He goes over and gingerly puts a hand on lump.

The wolves are circling, get up and get something anything you can get a good swing with.  We will defend you as best we can.  Stay by me, watch my back and sides and let me know what is coming.

Titus positions himself near what is left of the fire.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 258):

Brennan carefully puts the flask among his things and draws his bow, though he does not nock an arrow.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 257):

Uldaf locks step next to the gentle giant, the light of their torches barely illuminating the surrounding area.

Be on your guard Enrei; there are things in these woods eager for a personal demonstration of your fighting.

Let's just hope they decide we're a more tantalizing treat than the camp. The Bear does not fear the wolf.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 260):

"Oh, we will have fighting?" Enrei asks cheerfully then, after a pause, furrows his brow which looks all the more dour in the dim light, "I do not know the rules for a stick on fire..." He looks at Uldaf, "Can I hit them with this?" he holds his torch toward Uldaf, throwing the shadows erratically around them.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 261):

When one is fighting with animals, the only rule is survival. In the wild, it's kill or be killed. Rest assured, the beasts are not considering the ethics of biting your throat.

Uldaf takes Enrei's colorguard routine as an opportunity to survey the area, immediately feeling at home in the wooded surroundings despite the impending danger.

Sentinel [2x9, 2x8, 2x6]

We aren't alone Enrei.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 262):

"Yes, I know.  I can see you," Enrei replies unhelpfully to Uldaf.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 263):

Titus draws a knife to throw in his right hand, his left hand is in a pocket in his cloak.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 264):

"In theory," Brennan says to Titus, idly, "if you were to duplicate yourself, cut your duplicate to release the scent of blood, and send it running through the woods in the opposite direction... how long could your clone outrun the wolfpack?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 264):

At Camp

Titus and Brennan stand near the fire but in opposite directions, straining their eyes and ears to hear anything.

Lump scrambles around and finally finds the shovel you 'liberated' from the last town.  This he hefts with unease but a clear sense of purpose.

The twin flames from Enrei and Uldaf fade into the darkness.  Far off... but not VERY far off, you hear the howl of a wolf.

Another howl joins it from the other side, then for the time being, both are silent.



Firewood Team

Enrei and Uldaf set off west toward the woods.  The giant finds it far more difficult to avoid tripping over rocks than the old hermit, but both have to move slowly to keep their footing.  Here and there are small sticks that you snap up before moving on, but the bulk of the substantial lumber will be closer to the trees.

(OOC:  Treat the torch as a club.  It will have additional effects like bonus fire damage and, hopefully, the effect of keeping wolves away).

In reply to GM (msg # 266):

Brennan recoils visibly not at the first howl, but at the second, and quickly rummages through his pack and pockets something.


"Titus?" he says, returning to his post. "Did you hear that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

"Oh, is dogs, like Titus said," Enrei comments as he collects worthwhile sticks in one arm, "Ooooooh!" he gives an off-key reply to the howls in the dark.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 268):

Yes Enrei, is dogs. And now, we're going to play a different game. It's called follow the leader.

Moving as quickly as is safe and manageable, Uldaf makes for the hole in the wolves circle.

Stay close to me and stay silent. The dogs have surrounded the camp, but we have a chance to break through their containment and flank them when they set upon Titus and the others. When I give the signal, you will make as much noise as you can and follow my charge toward the beasts.

And if you should happen to see a bear, do follow his lead. He's unlikely to be able to communicate with ye, but he has your best interests in mind, I assure you.

Let's just hope we make it through before the wolves realize what we're doing, or decide we're an even more isolated target than the camp.

Enrei nods, his face very serious as he tries to figure out how to remain silent and make as much noise as he can.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:25, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 266):

It doesn't work like that... though I may be able to do you one better... oh and stop scaring the boy with you nonsense.

he said gesturing at Lump.

What I need you two to do is believe in me, and think of the last major city you were in.  Think hard, think of the smells the sight, the sound.  The stronger you believe, the more I can do.

Titus stands up straight and takes a deep breath turning in a slow circle and then focusing the direction that Uldaf and Enrei went.

After a second or two a pungent smell tingles your noses.  If you sniff a couple of times its the smell of an overpopulated human city, people, sweat, night soil, the sour smell of beer and the sickly sweet smell of rotting trash.

Let the city protect us!


The fire before him flares and crackles slightly.

(Illusions 2x2)

You can see sweat beading on his forehead as he focuses.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 271):

He casts a sharp look at Brennan

Your not believing hard enough.  You could learn a lot from lump here.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 272):

Brennan blinks as the sights and sounds of the city flicker in and out of existence around him.

"Are your abilities truly predicated upon belief, or is that your inner performer speaking?"

He grins slightly.

"An excellent idea either way."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 273):

At Camp

The small camp continues to stink like the ports of Galeena.

There are a few low growls and yips from the darkness around you.  Apparently the wolves are closer than you thought...

In the Dark

The scent of people, rotten vegetables, fish, piss and the sea reach your noise.  Where did they come from?

In reply to GM (msg # 274):

Uldaf whispers to Enrei

Finish gathering the wood, and make your way back to the camp quickly. The dogs are closing in on Brennan and Titus. We're behind them now, and they won't expect you to flank them.

Try to use your torch to scare them off and gain their attention. If they attack you, remember:

There are no rules when fighting animals.

Uldaf's tone becomes significantly more serious and his expression plain as he finishes his instructions to Enrei.

And whatever you hear behind you, don't turn back. Titus and Brennan need you.

It's time for things to get primal.

Uldaf will wait to ensure Enrei has followed his instructions, and then it's time for some unbearable puns.