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09:44, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

[IC] Chapter 0: Prologue...

Posted by GMFor group public
Vetur Amastacia
Eladrin, Swordmage, 3 posts
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 15:26
  • msg #9

[IC] Prologue...

"The soup is ready," Vetur states after tasting from the large pot he has set up on some warm coals. He ladles the contents into a wooden bowl and sticks a chuck of hard bread into it before passing it to Jessica. Vetur's soup is always a little bitter from the herbs he uses.

"It is fine, child. Better you start as early as you are useful."

Scooping another bowl and piece of bread he moves towards Mokvon at the brazier, his mere presence causing the fire's warmth to lessen for those closest to him.

"It is unseemly to get into it with a child in front of so many people0," he suggests, pushing the bowl into Mokvon's hand before retreating to see to his own bowl.
Kaleas
Tierian, Runepriest, 8 posts
Runepriest
AC18/F15/R13/W16
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 18:50
  • msg #10

[IC] Prologue...

Kaleas's shoulders rippled in a shrug at Zuranduil and Vetur's dissuasions. He certainly had no intent of pressing on any of those points (or "getting into it", as the latter had put it).

He'd just finished setting up the last of the tents before the questions had broken out. They weren't all of standard make; some of them would be sharing the larger ones while others would get a small one unto themselves. The only question that remained was who would be waking when.

"I'll take the first watch?" It was as much an offer as a statement, but given his heavier kit, it was more prudent (or at least much less trouble) to be first or last, just in case. The same applied to another member of their company, though. "Unless you'd rather have it and I take the last, Zur?"

There wouldn't be a need for seven watches, of course, so the downside to this arrangement for the rest of them - that those who were woken would have interrupted sleep - was set against the blessed benefit of getting a full night's worth some of the time!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Sun 09 Jan 2022.
Jessica
Human, Wizard, 4 posts
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 19:10
  • msg #11

[IC] Prologue...

"I will let Lady Treona explain the details. But if you must know the place we will be hired to search in is the former city of Kiris Dahn now known as Gorizbadd.", Jessica said, "We will be searching for the Slaying Stone."

She is again closemouthed about her intentions or reasons but there is a hint of sadness in her face when she mentions the city.

Having travelled on the road through 6 years of her short life, she is not picky with her choice of food and actually eagerly slurps up the soup in no time.

"I will join you Kaleas for first watch."
Mokvon The Swift
Human, Slayer, 7 posts
L1Slayer A8 1d10+8 I5
29HP AC18 F15 W12 R17
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 19:43
  • msg #12

[IC] Prologue...

Mokvon smiled in what he hoped was a friendly manner as he accepted a bowl of soup. He was surprised by the bitterness, but the fact that it was hot soup was the primary concern at the moment.

"No row here. I just answered the question she asked, honestly.

When I want to row with someone, trust me, it'll be unseemly.

Second watch, unless someone has an issue."

Kaleas
Tierian, Runepriest, 11 posts
Runepriest
AC18/F15/R13/W16
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 19:54
  • msg #13

[IC] Prologue...

"Alright," Kaleas nodded toward Jessica, accepting her offer to join in the watch. "You can tell me all about Gorizbadd then, perhaps? I'm recent to the Vale." There was a touch of apology there. The Slaying Stone sounded dire enough not to need any further explanation for now, but city names and histories weren't his strong point, especially this far from home.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Sun 09 Jan 2022.
Vetur Amastacia
Eladrin, Swordmage, 8 posts
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 20:10
  • msg #14

[IC] Prologue...

Vetur sits down next to the soup pot and makes his own bowl.

"I stand corrected. Let us not have too many questions or answers in the future, then."

He paid the discussion of watches no mind. Explaining the ins and outs of eladrin physiology was of little interest to him. He would be here, sitting all night, whatever the watch order was.
Zuranduil
Dwarf, Fighter, 5 posts
Cheerful, for a Dwarf
Don't ask about the Axe
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 21:41
  • msg #15

[IC] Prologue...

"Early riser, I am" he nods, agreeing with himself.  "But Iike a little music, before sleep.  If it safe enough for stew, safe enough for a little clarint, yes?"

Barring any objections, he'll get it outa play some, low and slow, more pensive than sad, but certainly not a reel.
Kaleas
Tierian, Runepriest, 13 posts
Runepriest
AC18/F15/R13/W16
Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 22:58
  • msg #16

[IC] Prologue...

Kaleas collected a bowl of soup and piece of bread for himself before settling down on a patch of grass, relaxing as he ate and listened to Zur's music. First watch would come soon enough, and it was best to be as rested as possible before then.

Vetur's preference for bitter flavors struck him as curious. It wasn't bad, just unusual in Kaleas's experience. A local custom? Personal preference? What Vetur happened to have on hand? He'd have to inquire into local seasoning and cooking customs, if only to be better prepared when his turn came to prepare the meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Mon 10 Jan 2022.
Jessica
Human, Wizard, 5 posts
Mon 10 Jan 2022
at 06:59
  • msg #17

[IC] Prologue...

Ever since the mention of the mission, Jessica's mood seemed to go on a downward spiral. In truth she did not want to mention anything else about the mission since it brought back bad memories and grief. So she sat by the fire and ate. She will remain silent and brooding for the first shift and then get some sleep.
Ehryk
Shifter, Cleric, 3 posts
HP 25/25
Mon 10 Jan 2022
at 08:34
  • msg #18

[IC] Prologue...

Being the newest addition to the group of travellers, Ehryk had kept mostly to himself. He could not help himself from staring at Kaleas, and got caught on several occasions. Uncomfortably, he took his bowl of soup and took a spot away from the warmth of the brazier to eat it.

He broke his gaze away from the wolf-man and looked at the child instead. He himself had been introduced to the cruel world at a young age, but he had been much better equipped to handle himself... this thought caused him to look once more at Kaleas.

He nearly burnt his mouth after the first sip of soup, sucking it down hungrily. The warmth chased the river's chill from his bones and silenced the rumblings of his too-oft-empty stomach. He used his finger to wipe any remaining drops and licked it clean.

"I'll take the middle watch," he said quietly.

He then listened to the melody of the dwarf=music as he curled up in his fur cloak.
Merric Lightfoot
Halfling, Rogue, 1 post
Mon 10 Jan 2022
at 17:42
  • msg #19

[IC] Prologue...

Merric had walked along with the others and thought about speaking a few times but didn't exactly know what to say. He is a short lad standing just under four feet, and from a distance could easily be mistaken for a child. He wears leather armor and has a shortsword and a dagger sheathed to his side.

He sat around the fire for warmth and ate his bowl of soup. As the man dressed in wolf pelt spoke about taking watch, Merric looked up to him and said, "Oh... taking watches is good. I'll take the last watch as I tend to be an early riser anyway. Oh goodness me, where are my manners? My name is Merric Lightfoot but some just call me Merri... and you are?"
Mokvon The Swift
Human, Slayer, 8 posts
L1Slayer A8 1d10+8 I5
29HP AC18 F15 W12 R17
Mon 10 Jan 2022
at 17:55
  • msg #20

[IC] Prologue...

Mokvon didn't treat Merric any differently than the others in the party. He'd met enough halflings living in cities. He offered a handshake.


"Mokvon the Swift: have pike, will travel."


He debated mentioning the fact he'd been born in the city. On one hand, he might be able to help. On the other, it had been occupied by goblins for years, and who knows what condition the streets and buildings were in.
Kaleas
Tierian, Runepriest, 14 posts
Runepriest
AC18/F15/R13/W16
Mon 10 Jan 2022
at 19:47
  • msg #21

[IC] Prologue...

"Kaleas Eldran." It was the first time that he'd offered up a last name, and it would do for now. A lengthy discussion of sociological differences on his account probably wasn't what everyone wanted right before bed.

Then, playing directly (if unintentionally) right into Mokvon's thoughts, he glanced toward the suddenly-morose child mage before looking back to the rest, and added, "What's the significance of Gorizbadd? Something about it is clearly troubling Jessica, and I apologize for stirring up whatever bad memories it holds, but I really don't know anything about it, and apparently we're going to search there."
Ehryk
Shifter, Cleric, 4 posts
HP 25/25
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 03:00
  • msg #22

[IC] Prologue...

The fur-wrapped man moved a bit, laying on his side on the hard earth. Glanced over his shoulder at the halfling and said, "Ehryk." After a few more efforts to get into a comfortable position, he ended up on his back.

From beneath a flap of fur he asked, "What are you doing here Merri?" Perhaps a bit blunt or even rude, but if he couldn't fall asleep he might as well humor the little fellow.

He was also listening closely to the conversation about Gorizbadd. "An abandoned town is it not? West I think?" Having hunted the breadth of the Vale for years, he was familiar with names and places, even though he'd never been to many of them himself. There were many places one did not treat alone...
Jessica
Human, Wizard, 6 posts
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 03:06
  • msg #23

[IC] Prologue...

Jessica is not really offended at all. She simply avoids the conversation because it brings back painful memories.

"Well I am Jessica Darkwood and I am a wizard. My dad taught me.", she then adds mostly in a defensive and quick manner, "He died a about a month ago when me and him were prisoners in Gorizbadd."

There is a tinge of grief in her voice as she tried to deflect and hold back her emotions about her recent past.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Tue 11 Jan 2022.
Vetur Amastacia
Eladrin, Swordmage, 9 posts
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 04:45
  • msg #24

[IC] Prologue...

Letting out a heavy sigh, Vetur reaches a long limb over and lightly pats Jessica on the back. Whether it is meant to be a sign of sympathy or merely a soothing motion is hard to say.

Then he answers the halfling, "Feywarden-Errant Amastacia."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Tue 11 Jan 2022.
Kaleas
Tierian, Runepriest, 15 posts
Runepriest
AC18/F15/R13/W16
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 05:43
  • msg #25

[IC] Prologue...

Kaleas's initial look of surprise and concern quickly shifted to one of sympathy as he looked directly back at Jessica, and his tone was similarly gentle. "Again, I'm sorry."

Abandoned and taken to by bandits or worse, quite possibly in possession of something called The Slaying Stone. A bad place to be held captive, and Jessica had the scars to prove it.

A firmness crept into his next words. "I will support you in confronting your ghosts, whatever else we do."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Tue 11 Jan 2022.
Mokvon The Swift
Human, Slayer, 9 posts
L1Slayer A8 1d10+8 I5
29HP AC18 F15 W12 R17
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 07:18
  • msg #26

[IC] Prologue...

Mokvon visibly frowned. He'd lost his own parents when the city had fallen, years ago. But it seemed impolite to mention that in the face of the child's fresh pain. He hoped she did not join her father here.
Ehryk
Shifter, Cleric, 6 posts
HP 25/25
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 08:01
  • msg #27

[IC] Prologue...

"Not so abandoned then..." Ehryk said from his repose beneath the furs.

After a moment he added, "Your sorrows are known to me young one. Now I understand..."

He would not question her place in the party again.
Zuranduil
Dwarf, Fighter, 6 posts
Cheerful, for a Dwarf
Don't ask about the Axe
Tue 11 Jan 2022
at 15:30
  • msg #28

[IC] Prologue...

Zur stops playing for a bit.  "A lot of loss here." He murmurs, as much to himself as those around, in acknowledgement of the conversation.  "Only time will heal."  He goes back to playing a bit longer before he gets under his heavy plaid blanket and tries to get some sleep before the last watch...
Kaleas
Tierian, Runepriest, 16 posts
Runepriest
AC18/F15/R13/W16
Wed 12 Jan 2022
at 06:48
  • msg #29

[IC] Prologue...

Kaleas split his time on watch between slow-strolling the periphery of the campsite and sitting near the fire and tending to both his gear and whatever stray pieces others had left nearby, respecting Jessica's disinclination to speak further during the watch even though he felt that she would do better to focus on something other than her grief. Vetur betrayed no such turmoil, but his recuperative practices didn't invite much conversation either.

Mokvon needed no special handling when the time came to rouse the next pair for second watch and was the first to be roused, but Kaleas made a point of standing well back when he called Ehryk's name, just in case.

Once things were duly in order, he doffed his sword, shield, and armor, setting them carefully next to the entrance to his tent, and retired for the night.
Jessica
Human, Wizard, 7 posts
Wed 12 Jan 2022
at 07:20
  • msg #30

[IC] Prologue...

Jessica is ever watchful and alert. She had already set up her tent up so once the time came she woke up the next shift and also went to bed. Before entering her tent she says, "Good night Kaleas and thanks. All I can say for now is that what we need to get from that city is far too dangerous and lethal to fall into the wrong hands."
Ehryk
Shifter, Cleric, 7 posts
HP 25/25
Wed 12 Jan 2022
at 07:28
  • msg #31

[IC] Prologue...

Ehryk jerked awake and sat up. He seemed to be a bit bewildered as to where he was. Finally, he ran his hand through his wild hair and got to his feet. "My turn. I... I guess I'm not used to sleeping with anyone besides Keeta keeping watch." He stared a few more moments at the wolf-man as he prepared to bed down, looking almost as if he wanted to ask something of Kaleas. Finally, he turned away and crossed the campsite to where he'd have a better vantage for his portion of the watch.

A mongrel dog that could have been any of a number of breeds crawled out from beneath the furs where Ehryk had been sleeping, padded over and sat down at his master's feet. Ehryk reached down and scratched behind a half-missing ear.

Then he heard the girl arise.

"Go ahead and sleep young one, Keeta and I can manage." He said to her quietly.
Zuranduil
Dwarf, Fighter, 7 posts
Cheerful, for a Dwarf
Don't ask about the Axe
Thu 13 Jan 2022
at 13:29
  • msg #32

[IC] Prologue...

Maybe it was something a noise - or a feeling - that pierced his subconscious, or maybe a dream of an evil wizard cracking the walls of his brothers's temple with waves of sound, but Zuranduil woke with a start, grabbing his axe and half-kipping to a fighting stance "What was that?" He growlingly whispered, and still partially in dreamland "Something live? Or was it Memorex?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:33, Thu 13 Jan 2022.
Vetur Amastacia
Eladrin, Swordmage, 10 posts
Thu 13 Jan 2022
at 19:26
  • msg #33

[IC] Prologue...

Silent and stiff as ice, Vetur sits throughout the night. He breaths in deep, repetitive exercises, channeling some inner force as he exhales visible breath. Though focused inward, his eyes track movement as the other camp members move about.

Perception roll: [roll=1642101281.76138.364032]
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