Psilo glanced sideways at Lauranthalasa:"I could try, but should I .. ?".
He pointed at the two opponents:"I did try to keep them apart to figure out which side is in the right here and that spell seems to have no effect either, and if I help Drevor for all I know I help the perpetrator against the victim".

"How well do you know Drevor because my first impression hasn't been altogether positive and it sounded like he confessed to past misdeeds just prior to the fight breaking out .. Did you notice he dropped his accent? That's weird. If you know him well tell me what's going on here. And if you don't know tell me which one of the two is worth saving more because I only have one last heal in me".

He crossed his arms and observed the fight.

[Private to GM: (But I will spare a readied Cure wounds spell if either opponent drops)]

"He did try to avoid the fight, he is the defender. That is good enough for me." the ranger explained her point of view. "I have done some business with him before and we also went hunting. I cannot fault him in any of my dealings with him."

LMG barrels through the grasping vines around the bear and swings his mace. It passes through the back of the bear as if it were smoke and the bear continues its focus solely on Drevor. Drevor shoves the paw from his chest and kicks the bear off. The bear is sent rolling to the side where it rights itself and is about to bite down on Drevor's leg when it gets a boot to the snout to send it back. [Secret to Drevor Jemmson: "You always have rage. You let it fester and grow. For what?"]

22:18, Today: Omni rolled 9,13 using 1d20+6,2d6+4.  Bear Bite Attack/Piercing Damage.


[Private to GM: Brown Bear AC12  26/38]

His rage worries me a bit, but he did get us out of a precarious situation at the keep. His changing accent clearly belies some sort of dual nature, but I have not enough evidence to conclude that said nature is of a maleficent quality. By all appearances this fight seems unprovoked. Given that we don't seem to be able to affect his opponent — due, no doubt, to some fascinating magic about which I'll be delighted to learn after Drevor is victorious — I will reserve what little magic I have left in preparation to heal Drevor should he become gravely injured. Until then, the man arranges himself in a comfortable position on the ground, I supposed there is naught for us to do but observe.

"Yea, yea .. like I said if he goes down I have one final heal in me. But lets let this play out. Clearly there is more going on than meets the eye". Psilo sat next to Zaphkiel. The seawater had done wonders for his smell.
"But if he kills the bearboi I will do the same for the young shapeshifter because it feels like he has a right to retaliate somehow. Gut feeling".
He whispered to Zaphkiel:"But I suspect the bear may but be a manifestation of guilt on the part of our .. ally, for the misdeeds he confessed to as the fight began. In which case this is his to work out".

Drevor steps back, crouching and ready to pounce, fists at the ready, his face twisted in anger, a growl rumbling in his throat.  Suddenly, something changes.
He stands up to his full height.  Fists still clenched, looking the bear right in the eyes.  When he speaks, his voice still holds anger, but is calmer.
My past has strengthened me, made me tougher than I would be without it.  It has also given me compassion for the plights of others.  It has given me my rage, but that is just a tool I use to survive, to stand against those who oppress others, those who trick others, and steal from others.  My past made me who I am, but it does NOT define me.
With that said, he turns his back on the bear, knowing now it is truly no threat to him, but a part of him, and moves to collect his shield....
End Rage.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:31, Tue 25 Apr 2023.

"Oh, so the fight's already over? Another victory for us then," proclaimed the autognome as he looked around the area with a bit of confusion that shifts to joy rather quickly. Whether or not he understands what is going on is anyone's guess at this point.

The ranger looked flabbergasted when the cook turned his back to the bear he had just been fighting with, kind of inviting him to attack from behind. Yet, the words he spoke seemed to indicate he was sure of what he was doing and since her actions had no effect anyway, the elf waited for what came next.

The bear rears up on its hind legs, standing a good foot taller than Drevor. It lets out a deafening roar and drops back to its front paws and you hear it speak, "Then you are the victor. Take my strengths and use them in your righteousness." The bear's form becomes ethereal and rises a few inches over the tangle of vines on the beach. It moves to hover around Drevor like armor before vanishing from sight.

You each gain 100 xp.

Zaphkiel watched the fight with rapturous intensity. I concur with your conclusion that this ursine spirit is some ephemeral manifestation and not, in fact, a corporeal threat, he whispers in response. As to why it appeared, it may be an avatar of guilt, but it could also be a rite of passage. Many cultures use metaphorical combat as an avenue to prove their physical prowess.

He watches the conclusion of the fight, his eyes going wide when the bear merges with Drevor. Simply fascinating! he exclaims to no one in particular. Mister Jemmson, I would relish the opportunity to record the details of what just happened from your perspective. Perhaps when we get back into town?

He jots down a few final notes then stands up and brushes himself back off. Oh, and are you injured?

My p'rspective?  His voice has gone back his normal street patois.  He shrugs.  I dunno wha' tha' was about.  I go' wha' it said, I've ne'er seen anythin' like it.  Any conv'rsations I've 'ad wit' meself about thin's I've done 'ave either been done in me 'ead, or,if aloud, somewhere private.
He moves to collect the trident.  Le's get 'ome, huh.  He begins heading back to town.  We've go' urgen' bus'ness wit' the guard.  An' mebbe some visits ta some scholars.

Psilo raised his eyebrow as he glanced at Lauranthalasa[Private to Lauranthalasa:  as if to say:"You don't know this guy-at all".]

"From what it -looked- like was a spirit of vengeance trying to murder you for shit you did in your past but i looks like you convinced it not to .. ", Psilo commented to Drevor:"But since you're using your accent again I guess you're not planning to tell us, so sure lets see the guards and get this over with .. ".

Tell ya what?   Whaddaya wanna know?
I'm an open book, he says with a chuckle.  I talk like I grew up,'cause I'm no' pr'tenshus.  I go' no illusions o' who I am, where I'm from.
He stops and turns to Psilo.  I learned my art from a dwarven clan chef, an education handed down by generations of dwarven chef to those they thought worthy.
 Most people think I'm just a street rat with a knack for cooking.  Because of that, they underestimate me.  But, really, I have an education.  Now, you know I am neither ignorant, nor stupid.
He smiles as he turns around to continue walking back to Lydan.  Let then wha' don' know me think wha' they will.....

"I was mostly pointing out the allusion you made with your own comment: "I have been making up for the things I did in the past".
"Sounds like you did things in your past that you weren't particularly surprised a werebear or whatever came looking for you to take revenge. You also appear to think you are in the process of making up for it. And then you turned the bear your back and it appears to have quenched its need to maul you".

"Leading me to think you used to be a royal asshole, possibly even harmed or killed in a fit of rage, and that by turning your back to the fight you showed you have your rage more under control, or that you were willing to take the punishment. And whatever just happened was a test and it appears you passed. How close am I?".
This message was last edited by the player at 15:06, Thu 27 Apr 2023.

I was ne'er the arsehole 'til pushed too far, is the only answer he gives.  He continues the rest of the trip in silence.

You all reach the west gate of Lydan in short time. People move about in their normal day to day errands.

Where are you all wanting to head to (together or separate)?

Outside the gate, Drevor pulls everyone aside.  We need ta find ou' more abou' tha' cult and their god.  We also need find ou' more about the creature tha' laid those eggs.  And, we need ta warn the city watch about tha danger tha' cult presents, considerin' tha number o' members a' tha castle.

"You know, I recall something the town cryer anounced recently. What was it again?" the elf said, wondering out loud. "Right, it was:
    Careful on the seas! Homukore fanatics seek to sink ships and drown crew!" she repeated the words, letting them sink in for a heartbeat or two. "Am I the only one who thinks the Cult and these incidents are connected?" she asked, looking from one companion to the next.

Yes, I cannot believe I did not notice earlier, but those two events definitely seem connected!

Perhaps we should split up, now that we are back in the safety of civilization? Whoever talks to the guard should point out the connection to the cultists on the sea. I'm itching to learn more about this cult and their paragon Dubana Maujuda. That is, of course, probably more informational and less practical that some of our other pursuits.

What should we do with the trident? There's more to learn there, as well, though I don't know if the city watch will want to confiscate it as evidence. As for the eggs, it seems like those might be more up Psilo's line of interest?

OOC: Sounds like splitting up makes the most sense, once we figure out who's going where. I'll seek out a library or temple of Homukore, if any of those are in the city.

Drevor looks thoughtfully for a few moments.  He then looks to Lauranthalasa.  How abou' you an' LMG go talk ta tha Watch?  Don' give 'em details unless they ask fer 'em, but let 'em know what' is goin' on a' tha keep.
He turns to Zaphkiel.  Any information ya ken learn abou' this god an' that cult wou'd be very useful.
Then to Psilo.  How about if you take the ggs to one or two of the scholarly guilds?  See if'n they'll buy 'em, find ou' wha' ya ken about 'em.  I think it's a bad idea ta keep any o' 'em, but, if'n ya must, keep only one.  Is 'at fair?
I think I'm gonna find out more abou' this trident.  We'll meet up a' tha Predator fer dinner an' tell Mags wha' happen'd then.

"I guess I'll let you do all of the talking with the guard then, Lauranthalasa. I'll be the one who nods in agreement with everything that you say," stated LMG as he started nodding in agreement with his own suggestion.

Psilo fell silent for a moment, staring at Drevor:"To be bluntly honest? I was going to tell you leadership qualities are woefully inadequate and will get someone following you killed .. ". He considered for a moment:" .. and then you pull .. this .. show promise and be reasonable".
He narrowed his eyes:"You and I both know there are things you're not telling. There can't be trust without disclosure. But I'll give you some time, the best way to gain trust is to show trust".

"I'll bring the eggs to the local scholars and hear them out. If I do end up keeping one it will be as an experiment. Nature versus nurture"

He was about to seek out the scholars and looked back at Drevor.
"About Mags .. I don't know her and her job offer got us in the same position as the people we failed to save. Don't be too trusting either".
He then continued on his way into town.

I've worked wit' Mags awhile.  She's good people.  She cares abou' those who come t'rough her door.  Like I said, her cust'mers are like family ta her, Drevor tells Psilo.  An' we were'na there ta save anyone.  Wha' they needed was vengeance, justice.  An' we need ta finish tha job.  Whether we do it ourselves, or we sen' in tha cavalry, does'na matter.
So, le's get to it, eh.  Le's hit tha streets.

Psilo nodded brusquely and went on his way.
He wasn't convinced yet about Drevor but some progress had been made.
And admittedly he had been tripping balls through most of the experience.

Perhaps a few shots of strong liquor at the Predator when they'd meet up again would wash away the wooly headache he was developing ..

The elf looked a little insecure at what was being discussed, but she figured she'd be able to handle informing the guards. "I guess we can do that." the ranger agreed with the short one, then lead them to the guard's headquarters...