The time spent for those two weeks is nothing close to idle.
Atriox, you spend time healing and investigating on behalf of Ferrar, looking into his son's disappearance. You are able to find out that Zinnia was one of the last people to see him that night at the Fang. But now that she's disappeared, you can't ask more. You also realize... There have been more disappearances.
The old woman Willow of the tailor shop is now gone, along with a pair of farmers. The town is buzzing with nervousness, a new curfew at night and more guards patroling.
Rumors about the kobolds split people down the middle. Some people think the disappearances are their fault. But Tak tries to offset the distrust by having his fellows train with the guards of the city. Fortifications around the edge of town are also going smoothly.
You also mean to check in with Olohand and his research. Perhaps he would know more about what the Keeper of Pyrlanth was talking about, with the Taker or this Whyte fellow.
During one of your visits with Olohand, he sits back and rubs his temples. "Oxious and I have searched through so many books...nothing has turned up relating to these 'servants' that the mad wizard mentioned during the Tribunal. But," he pauses, leaning forward to hand you an old book.
"I looked into that Drovin Whyte fellow. Oxious and I have... a theory."
The tiefling walks over, passing you both a cup of cherry blossom tea. "Yes... when I first met you at the late Miss Dryadson's house, the name "Taker" was mentioned. You probably saw how the others reacted."
Oxious sits down in a plush chair, stirring in a cube of sugar. "There is a myth amongst the children of this town. Children that dont behave get kidnapped by the 'Taker'. He will come for you in the night; a dark twisted spirit of black mist that takes you into a chasm of blackness for all eternity. Even the older folk would sometimes blame missing children on the Taker. Ironic, now that even more people are going missing."
He smirks a little, but his eyes have noticable bags beneath them. You know Zinnia is still missing, and with what's happened... he knows he was close to losing Magnoia as well.
Olohand nods. "If the dragon and the elven maid knew the name Droven Whyte, it would have been from long before Dragonshore was established. The old town, or one of the surrounding ones... and I was right. White Birch came to mind." He points to the book. "This is what I found from their historical logs."
You look through the information and see at the top, "Criminal Report and Execution Record - Drovin Whyte"
Criminal report by Leuitenant Chambers:
15/12/216 Whyte, Drovin - Theft Report
Early Afternoon, White Birch General Store
Drovin Whyte has been found this morning stealing tools from the general store. Nothing of great value, some small shears, string, rivets, and a hand saw. Again Drovin has come into the hands of the law, that’s 4 times in the last month, for another petty crime. I have never seen him act so strange. I have known this young man for many years, and although he is a little slow witted and a...somewhat unlucky individual, he has always been a kind man; helping out around the village with odd jobs etc. Although I have let him off on his other petty offenses, I will have to reprimand him on this occasion. I will be issuing a fine of 5sp, and a weeks service to the White Birch Watch.”
01/02/216 <this record has been moved from the ‘unclosed crimes’ section>
Midday, White Birch School
I have been called out to White Birch School on a very upsetting occasion. Mrs. Krystal, the teacher there broke down in tears as she explained to me how 5 of her children have been abducted. She says they were a group of friends and were playing on the school grounds when they went missing. She seems adamant that they did not run away. I will be returning to the watch at once to issue an emergency search for these children.
05/02/216 Follow up Report
It has been 4 days since the children went missing and we have still not found them or any evidence of their abduction. We have completed a full search of White Birch but have found nothing as yet. However, I have not given up hope. We will be extending the search for another four days.
<end of excerpt>
8/02/216 - White, Drovin - Altacation Report
Dusk, Carter Timberwoods Farmstead
Mr. Timberwood has reported to us strange noises coming from Drovin's cabin across the other side of Shadowbark Road. We heard noises as Mr. Timberwood was explaining his story and proceeded to investigate immediately. When we arrived at Drovin's cabin there were no noises coming from within. There were some small traces of blood on his front steps.
After knocking on the door several times with no response and concerned for his welfare, we proceeded to gain entry by dismantling the door. Drovin was found with the 5 children in his cabin. Their bodies had been severely mutilated. Drovin was seated at a desk, covered in blood. There was a wide range of tools scattered around his cabin. In complete shock, I questioned Drovin as to what he was doing. Drovin turned to me and responded in a very hostile manner: “Cant you see!? I’m fixing it...it's broken!!” and started talking incomprehensibly.
Drovin tried to attack one of my guards with a handsaw in a manic rage. He was subdued and is now awaiting trial in the White Birch Watch Tower cell. I will be recommending to Judge Silverkin that Drovin receive punishment to the full extend of the law. He is extremely dangerous to the public and can not be trusted.
Account of the event - Drovin White’s Execution Orders.
10/02/216 - Judge Silverkin “Drovin Whyte, you are being sentenced here today for the murders of 5 of the children of White Birch Village. Your actions are inexcusable and are a crime against humanity. Your punishment: to be put to death by beheading. Do you have any final words”
Drovin's response: “I do.”
Judge: “And what be those words?”
Drovins response: “I will return for your children magistrate, and your children's children, and all of these rodents before me, their children too. You can not kill the Taker!”
Judge: “Even in death you are still unremorseful...In the name of the White Birch Judiciary Council, I sentence you, Drovin Whyte, to your death.”
- Drovin Whyte's time of death, midday 10/02/216.
Follow up notation by Judge Silverkin: “Following Drovin's execution, many of the witnesses reported a strange green glow coming from Drovin's body. We have found a necklace on Drovin of a very suspicious nature. It has a thick silver chain, with an obsidian stone in a sphere shape.
No one was willing to touch it, saying it was cursed. I had ordered the priest Wilfalcon to handle the necklace with care and send it to the Court of the Magi to examine and destroy. When Wilfalcom approached Drovin's body to remove the necklace, it was gone. All of the guards that were in close proximity to Drovin's body have been heavily interrogated and searched, but the necklace has not been recovered.”
– Secretary of Justice; Follow up Report on Missing Necklace, 30/6/217
Oxious continues to stare at his tea, unable to bring himself to drink it. Olohand pauses for a moment to contemplate all this. “I’m uncertain of where we should look next. The necklace must have a new owner. The only place I can think of going next is Drovin's Cabin...Although hundreds of years old, a few people have reported it still exists. This is approximately the area where you will be about to find it..."
Olohand takes a slim stick of charcoal and draws a circle on a map, just below White Birch Mountain. "It might yield us more information. We can pray for such, anyway."
Atriox nods his head thinking absently for a moment looking at the spot that Olohand indicated on the map.
"Very good work Olohand. And you Oxious. Very good. This is more than we knew before. I will leave immediately to investigate. Oxious I know this will probably be out of your comfort level but I need you to come with me. If theres dark magic about I need someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to the practice of magic and cursed items. It would make me feel much more confident. I can have Bitey accompany us if you wish. My one guy who doesn't know how to talk. I know how much you don't like to be annoyed."
(Persuasion 14)
Atriox gives him a playful smile.
Oxious looks between you and Olohand. He seems contemplative.
"Perhaps this once I will humor you, dragonborn." He finally drinks his tea, cringing at the coldness of it. "If only to discuss more needs of our business venture. No need to bring Bitey."
He stands, taking up a metal staff nearby--you recognize it from the dragon's hoard and figure Alrik gave it to him.
---
Now late morning, Oxious and Atriox head off toward the north end of town. The tiefling goes into great detail about certain aspects of running businesses, much of which comes off with a hint of condescension and smugness. It makes the time drag by, and upon reaching the northern forest you are quite ready to change the subject.
The white birch trees seem starkly different than the gnarled oaks of Tanglewood. A refreshing change. Oxious double checks the map, following an old trail through the little groves.
"This forest wasn't so dense once... Quite a few people lived here. Logging was popular. And ship building of course..." he drones on about the old buildings and ruins that lay here now. You've never heard him quite so chatty. It's a little off putting.
(Make a perception check for me)
(Perception 19 raw first role of the day boyyyyyyy)
(Oh boy.... You're gonna probably like this.. Lol)
(Oxy rolled a 10)
Passing through a wider section of the road, Oxious is now divulging the finer points of enchantment permanancy when all of a sudden...
SNAP! CRRRRRFWOOOOOOMP!
"AAAH!! WHAT THE HELL?!"
Before you can blink, a trap is triggered. Branches swing, a tree snaps upright and the tiefling is hoisted up into the air. His staff tumbles from his hand at the force. His foot snuggly caught in a silk rope, he is about 20 feet off the ground and flailing about.
Glancing around, you see another trap right near where you were about to walk--one with a bent branch tied back, ready to spring, with sharpened sticks attached down the length.
"DON'T JUST STAND THERE IDIOT! GET ME DOWN!"
Atriox looks up with a glint of amusement in his eyes. Trying his hardest no to laugh he says
"Now now Oxy it's not very polite to call your rescuer, business partner, and most importantly your freind. For shame Oxy. Maybe I should live you up there just to teach you some manners you old goat"
"Don't patronize me!!" Oxious growls, slowly spinning in circles. He has no way to continue his intimidating demeanour looking as stupid as he does.
He tries to untie himself but can't reach his own foot properly. Without his staff he can't perform any magic either. Resigning himself and folding his arms... The tiefling glares at Atriox as he spins around again. He looks like he's struggling horribly to say what he needs to. His eye twitches.
"P...please help me down..."
Atriox chuckles
"You act like that was sooo hard. Now hold still and I'll get you down you Billy goat. And for the record I'll tease you as much as I want partner. You are the master of rude quips and teasing so it's nice to get payback once and awhile."
"Billy goat my ass..." he grumbles, turning around again as the rope spins. "Not a word of this to anyone or I'll mount your horns in the new Fang."
You can tell he's kidding... Hopefully. Looking around you see where the rope is tied down below to a root.
(Make a perception check and a dexterity check)
As you go to help Oxious down, you hesitate as you reach for the rope. You study it closer. It looks like it's actually a second trap blended in with the first. Pulling back you study the area more.
"What's wrong with you!? Get me down this instant!" He looks rather funny with his robes and coat hanging down around his shoulders and neck. You spot another vine camouflaged in the trees and strike it with your glaive.
"AAAH!!"
The tiefling falls from the tree like a stone. You try to catch him and he crashes on top of you. You're both sore but uninjured.
Atriox gets up stretching trying to get some of the soreness to go away.
"Well I suppose we should carry on. I don't want to be away from town to long. Theres much to be done.......to much."
Oxious stands, dusting off his coat and adjusting his robes. "Bloody heathens..." He glares up at the trees, nervous about any other traps. "Yes, yes let's continue onward. I don't want to be out here any longer than we have to either."
The two of you continue on the road, careful to avoid additional traps. You pass by a few more contraptions, some very well hidden among the brush and across the road. Someone definitely doesn't want others passing through here.
Oxious keeps his mouth shut more, concentrated on his surroundings. At one point he looks over at Atriox, giving him a strange look. "Hey. Thank you, by the way. For standing up for me at the trial."
Atriox nods his head but takes his time to actually reply......
"I didn't just defend you because I like you Oxious. It was a matter of principles as well. They're methods are beyond barbaric and more than dated. I could not just sit there and let you be tortured. Especially when you hadn't even been proven guilty yet....of anything. Besides if Dragonshore is to be under my rule someday then I cannot just allow a boat full of mages to stroll into town and torture people as they please. They are bound by my rules and laws as much as anybody when they enter my lands. If they cant respect that........then they will have to be dealt with. Even if I am fond of one or two of its members........"
Atriox gives Oxious a side glance and a mischievous smile
"But you are welcome you stubborn goat. I have no regrets about it."
The tiefling smirks. "Yeah, well... I'm with you there." He pulls a red ring out of his pocket and fiddles with it, spinning it between his fingers. "Granted they got me to sing about a few of my... vices. But not what they thought I was into. I could never support Necromancy."
He stops spinning the ring and catches it in his hand, staring ahead and thinking. "You know what's funny, Atriox? Even though that ass of a friend of yours, the storm mage, was the one getting me thrown up there on the stand..."
Oxious glances over, a strange look on his face. "He kept trying to get me out of it. Mostly with the torture. He looked almost as bad as I did when it was done. Came and talked to me at the Fang after..."
Atriox grunts blowing some steam
"Good. He should have looked guilty. It was his rage and shortsightedness that put you in that position in the first place. Maybe next time he will show restraint. While Alrik is my freind he can also be such a pain. I was very angry at him but now ? I'm to tired to fight over it. If you two are at an agreement of some sort than it can be layed to rest I suppose. I have a different human that has earned my hatred and ire."
He raises an eyebrow. "Not much luck with humans lately, huh? They can be very unpredictable. But also... very predictable, too." The tiefling goes back to spinning his ring.
"Alrik and I have come to at least some degree of tolerance... In a business sense. Who is this new human? I'd prefer to stay away from them, given my track record with you and your friends. Likely lose an eye or a hand or something, with my luck..." he snorts.
Atriox looks at him with an amused look but his voice is the very sound of seriousness
"Her name is Etny.....a huntress from the south pole. She helped us slay the dragon but not long after challenged me to a unfair fight and ran away. I have a bit of a score to settle."
"Pft... Sounds human enough." He scratches his neck. It seems like he wants to be snarky but can't quite bring himself to in this situation.
You continue walking further down the damp, pebbly road. After you have travelled a short distance, you find another overgrown dirt track leading off to the left. There is a broken sign post that has fallen onto the ground. You hear a loud screeching sound coming from above the forest to your left as well.
Atriox looks around but speaks to Oxious
"Do you know where we are ? How close are we to this delightful cabin we are looking for?"
Oxious shrugs. "I don't travel out this way much. No need to. But I think we're close to a graveyard from back in the old days..." The tiefling stares at the broken sign post nearby.
He bends down to pull a piece free from the grass. This part has the full word "Memorial" carved into it. Staring it it for a few seconds he tosses it back into the grass. "Pah. We need to find this Drovin character's old house. The old man said it should be somewhere this way. Probably have to pass through the graveyard."
You head down the little path after him, coming to a small clearing. A fence encompasses a grave site. There is a large statue of a man in light armor, holding a sword aloft, standing admid the cold sea mist.
(Make a perception check for me)
You can hear scraping sounds and a faint voice, talking aggressively and in a manic fashion. You spot a little dirt flitting by in the dying light. It seems someone is digging up a grave, one with a larger, vine-covered tombstone flanked by two gargoyles.
"Must fine parts for the master's machine! Yes, YES! Heh heh... The shadows will swallow me. Must find more! MORE!"
Atriox brings his glaive up in preparation. He looks to Oxious and motions to the noise
(You can have the first move, your perception was high enough you have surprise 😁)
(Just a note: the enemy has the surprised condition. XD)
(Thanks XD
(Yep. 😆)
Oxious follows close, his staff glowing a faint pink as he readies a spell. As you approach, the eyes of the gargoyles seem to follow you.
"Yes... Yes this will do... It will do soooo nicely! Heh, yes won't they be pleased!" You hear a rustling and a grunt, then a shovel being tossed up out of a shallow grave. It clatters against some rocks.
Atriox try's to deafly move up on the grave robber moving as silently as he can (stealth 15)
Once hes upon the grave robber he doesn't even bother to speak he just extends his hand and blasts the man with Eldritch Blast
The man turns at the last second, completely surprised. You see the maddened look in his eyes, bloodshot and drugged. He's unable to even scream before the blast hits him point blank.
A sizzling shadow burns through his face and skull, the body crumpling into a heap in the freshly excavated grave.
(Perception or investigation check to look for things, if you want)
Atriox looks utterly shocked. He looks from the corpse to his hand that he just shot the blast out of. He looks over at Oxious shrugging as if it's not important
"Sorry.....I'm still getting used to this spell casting thing. I guess I don't know my own abilities. We should search this poor bastard. Heh hahaha he dug his own grave."
(Investigation 16)
You look down at him, finding he doesn't seem to have any bags or pockets. But nearby is a rough sack leaning against a tombstone.
Fishing it open, you see it contains a decrepit severed arm, rusty tools and bits of metal. You also find about 40 gold pieces. Down in the grave you notice the coffin he'd pried open has a decaying body with an arm missing.
Atriox pockets the gold and then looks at Oxious while gesturing to the arm and corpse
"Got any ideas what in the 9 hells this was about?"
---
Alrik has spruced up his little cabin with a few new things, making it more comfortable. He is also keeping track of all the strange magical items he has with him. Business ideas are definitely stirring.
After your discussion with Oxious, you also went back to The Juniper for the trial. Thankfully Trak was not needed, as torture does nothing for the insane... The mad wizard definitely had little tangible to say.
"The servants guide me! Prosperity will come! MWAHAHA! The master will kill you all! Fire and venom, ash and poison, you will be bled dry! SEPITUS WILL FLAY YOU!"
As you left the Tribunal you noticed... The sea was churning below the boat. It was flooded with about a hundred sea snakes, battering themselves against the hull. Their blood and scales float like a foamy mist.
---
Alrik, following the Tribunal you say goodbye to the mage guard. It was a good reunion, albeit a little stressful. You've written up a contract with Oxious as a "contractor" of sorts... verifying permission with Jaundree by post.
After a very thorough "are you sure about this?" sort of discussion... you have received written permission by the Court of the Magi to proceed with the business. Included with the letter was a special card and a little bottle of solution; most assuredly Nathbryn's spider-like handwriting.
"Another small dose of the "magic" potion you enjoyed during our time together. Hope you have some fun with it. I'll send you more surprises soon. Kinks and kisses - The Scourge"
Aside from the strange cursed ring the tiefling verified for you, you've had him check the staff you found. It doesn't seem to hold any magic whatsoever, but is a good candidate for a conduit. He seems a little partial to it, finding it a beautiful work of art.
Finally recieving the letter, he grins at the potion and the card... "Nathbryn, you pain in the ass..." He carefully rolls the letter up, grabbing the cursed ring and sliding it down overtop the rolled paper, as well as grabbing the ornate staff and makes his way to The Fang in search of Oxious.
Heading in you are directed to the matron's office, finding Rebecca, Dahlia and Oxious having a meeting. The tiefling leans back, staring at you with a very exasperated expression. "Please tell me you have good news, magi."
Alrik leans the ornate staff against the wall and tosses him the rolled paper. "See for yourself..." the corner of his mouth twitches upward.
He catches it, slipping the ring off and twirling it between his fingers as he flicks the paper open. His black eyes scan the words, and you see his eyebrows raise. He looks over at you with a little bit of surprise.
"Really? This is...? Official?"
"Look at the wax seal at the bottom... it's definitely Jaundree's. Looks like we're in business..." he extends the upturned corner of his mouth across his face into a smile. "A gift for you..." he gestures to the ring. "I have no use for cursed items, and now that we have this letter, you can continue to collect them... we can even sell them, should we choose."
He reaches behind him and grabs once again the ornate staff, rolling it between his palms. "I've never been one for extremely flashy... all yours!" He tosses it lengthwise over the heads of the two women in between them, aiding it's flight across the room with a spectral hand of sparking lightning.
(omgosh xD So showy I love it)
The girls jump but Oxious catches it without flinching. He gives you a smirk.
"That's because I'm the one with class and good taste." You can tell the insult is good humored and as nice of a thank you as you're going to get.
He folds the paper and pockets the ring, giving it one more glance before it disappears. "You and your dragon friend have interesting ways of securing new business partners."
(Big character moment, here... Alrik is legitimately trusting someone...)
(Right?!)
(I love it... It's powerful.
Alrik turns to leave, waving his hand over his shoulder as if dismissing something. "Yes, I've heard... I want no part of that business deal. Too adventurous and unbalanced." Turning to look over his shoulder now that he's outside the door, he smirks. "Besides, Atriox wouldn't want me as a business partner... I like talking to people before I make decisions." His eyes gleam with amusement, clearly making fun of his Dragonborn companion.
"In all seriousness, I'd lose money if I owned one of these..." he gestures around him, indicating he's talking about The Fang. "I like the finer things in life a bit too much."
Oxious scoffs loudly, twisting the staff between his fingers as he looks at it. "And you think I don't? You've seen my house. That's why I started the Fang. So I could share the fine life with others." He smacks the butt of the staff on the floor, flashing a cocky smile.
"As for talking... He's got you beat there, bud." He chortles with irritation. "The damn lizard wouldn't leave me alone. Bugging me at all hours of the night... You seem more like the shoot first, ask questions later sort of fellow. Speaking of..."
His eyes grow a bit dark. His voice takes on a note of seriousness you aren't sure you've heard before. "Do me a favor, Alrik. If you're heading out east of town... can you stop by the orphanage? I think you could be of use there."
Alrik nods. "Suppose I'll stop by the orphanage... it'd be good for them to know the townsfolk care."
He leaves, walking in that direction...
---
The walk is pleasant, but you notice a tension in the air... Something akin to the electricity that builds before a thunderstorm. It makes your nose itch.
Arriving at the orphanage you find Trundleberry outside picking vegetables from the garden. The old kenku lifts his graying head. He nods in greeting. You also spot Tuck and the little 5 year old twins nearby in the dirt, morose. The twins look like they've been crying.
Alrik nods his head in acknowledgement to the Kenku, and walks over to Tuck and the twins. "Missed the boat, I see..."
The half elf burrows his face into his arms. The kenku shakily stands, using his shillelah to steady himself, and approaches the group. Putting his feathery hand on Tuck's head, he says, "Hmmmm... He did... Told me he wouldn't leave after..."
Tucker tightens his grip on his arms. He looks up angry. "B-by the time I got back, the others-- they--" he's angry, furious even. At the world, at himself. "They haven't come back!"
Alrik looks confused, changing his sight from the kenku to the half elf and back a few times. "They who? What's going on, Tucker? Come here and talk with me like an adult... take a deep breath and explain what's going on..." He begins to walk away from the twins, guessing they don't need to hear everything.
Tucker wipes his nose on the back of his hand, his face smudged with dirt. Finally far enough away from the little children he stares up at Alrik.
"I couldn't go with the boat. I felt stupid. I did stupid crap and the magi don't like me anyway." He clenches his fists. "I went to town again a few days ago to... get away. Think about stuff. When I got back, the others... Rufus, Sarah and the others, they'd gone out to look for me. And they haven't come home. I can't find them anywhere."
Alrik face changes to a look of disgust, but not at Tucker. "You ever been in a real, true, fight for your life situation, kid?"
His eyes harden. He clenches his shaking fists to steady them. "Yeah... I have."
"How'd you defend yourself?" Alrik eyes him hard, a flicker of lightning in his eyes.
His knuckles turn white. "I did what I had to. Kicked, bit, punched, stabbed. Didn't matter none about fairness. As long as I walked away and he didn't. And when I got his face..."
You notice something drip from his palm, but it's not blood... It's yellow, and it sizzles as it hits the grass. "Something happened to me. I burned him.
Alrik nods. "Magic..." He flows the bluish purple liquid down his arm and flicks a little onto the ground with a loud crack and a bright spark. "You found yourself a focus? Something to channel your magic through?"
He sniffs loudly, nodding his head. From within his pocket he pulls out a dagger. Plain with a hand carved handle. He can't seem to say what's churning in his head, but you can see the resolve on his face, the desire, clear as day.
"Get your shit, kid... I'll be damned if I'm going to let you go off on your own... and I know you. You'd go even if I told you I'd take care of it. You're me when I was your age... may as well take you with me and teach you a thing or two!" Alrik gives him a slight push toward the orphanage.
Almost as if he's been a coiled spring, Tucker bolts for the house as fast as his skinny legs can carry him. He runs inside to grab his things, Trubdleberry turning to look at you. He gives a slight nod.
A few minutes later Tucker is back outside, a tattered coat over his plain shirt and a small sack in hand. His eyes blaze, waiting for guidance. A change has come over him.
"Okay, kid... some rules here. You come with me, you do what I tell you the instant I tell you. No questions, no hesitation. You act or you die... that's how a real fight is." Alrik's look is hard as stone, his eyes showing no sense of mercy.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat anything for you, and I'm not going to protect you from the harshness of life... I will, however, teach you how to harness the magic inside you. The raw power that flows in your veins... IF... you listen to me..."
A small pool of blue energy seeps into his right hand as he holds it out to Tucker. "Do we have a deal? Do NOT shake if you don't mean it... a magical agreement isn't something you break without consequence."
He steels his resolve. Reaching forward almost immediately, he grasps your hand with a powerful shake. The energy blends in a tingling aura. Tucker definitely has a long way to go... But you feel his potential.
"Show me where you and your friends usually go. We'll start looking for them there. More than likely, they thought you'd go there and followed..." Alrik does a quick, cursory glance at his hand to make sure the ring is still on his finger as he begins following the young half elf.
Ring still in your posession, you follow after Tuck around the far side of the lake.
"We sometimes go here for fishing or swimming..." He looks around at the ground. The path is well worn, but the tracks are older. It's hard to tell them apart.
"Where would you guys go when you did something bad? Something Trundleberry would scold you for?"
He scoffs a little. "Well... Mmm." He leans against a tree thinking. "I usually go down to the docks. Always think about bein' a stowaway on a ship but I never did."
"Rufus would go there sometimes. Sarah though, I dunno... She liked the forest. But not too close, cause..." He sniffs. "Well that's where we got Beaver from a few months ago. Kobolds killed his da. Trundle didn't want us near it after that."
"I don't know them like you do, boy... where'd they go? Where would they think you went? What's your gut telling you? Listen to the power within you. It knows more than you think..." Alrik looks around, keeping a vigilant eye about him as he talks, never really focusing his gaze on Tucker. (17 perception)
You still feel that hard energy in the air. It's discomforting. Nothing else moves nearby... save for a stray rabbit. You watch a hawk pluck it from the grass before it makes it to safety.
(18 raw insight) "Forest. She liked Beaver and always wanted to help him get over his fear. Prolly woulda gone there. Plus sometimes I... Would go there to find her." His ears turn red. "It's relaxing in the trees." He stalks toward the woods, making for a specific spot in the distance.
(when you get there roll investigation for me
(13 arcana) As Alrik follows Tucker, he attempts to figure out what the heck is going on. (16 investigation)
(The arcana check was basically him trying to suss out why the air feels weird... lol)
You can't seem to tell why your skin crawls. It's not necessarily magical, but something in your gut. Something you felt when you were in the war.
You arrive at the trees. The sun is just starting to wane in the sky, the forest providing you some refuge from the heat.
Alrik, you spot something familiar in the grass. Bending down to look you pick up one of your old cigarettes.
Alrik lifts it up. "They've definitely been here. Recently..." he lights the cigarette with the regular spark between his fingers and takes a long drag. "Which way, Kid?"
Tucker peers up into the trees, a boiling anger festering. He smacks one of them, wishing his friends--his family--were here.
"I... I don't know, ok? I've been here a million times." He looks up at the tree, carved names and crude drawings on some of them.
Tuck puts his hand on one and it glows slightly. He seems to strain, still very green at channeling the magic of the Weave. You can feel his grasps of the threads are few... but desperate. The yellow haze leaves a mark on the bark, a picture of a crow. A faint smell of wet hay permeates the area.
(3 insight/perception) He sighs and looks at the ground. "Maybe... They went in further? I dunno." He looks into the woods. "I'll leave this here in case they... Whatever. It's stupid." He stuffs his hands in his pockets and walks away to nowhere in particular.
Alrik follows him, still smoking his cigarette. "This is when most adults would tell you we'll find them..." he takes a drink from his small flask, savoring the fruited brandy within. "All I will tell you is we'll keep looking. Come on... let's go." (16 perception to find tracks or something)
You spot some trodden down grass nearby... It looks a few days old but it definitely has the browning strands of crushed blades. They lead off to the west.
The Storm Caller nudges Tucker. "See here... stomped down grass. Someone... something... went this way. Let's follow it."
He swallows a lump in his throat. Quietly he follows after you. You walk for some time, the only sounds being the crunch of your feet in the gravel.
After about an hour of tracking, Tuck finally asks something.
"You said earlier I was like you? When you were my age?"
"I'm an orphan as well..." he calls over his shoulder. "Way up north in a city called Winterhold. I did what I had to do to survive... until Jaundree found me."
Tucker goes silent again. The trail is difficult in places, but you can tell at certain points that some of the dirt was disturbed by smaller shoes. Definitely children.
Up near the Eastern edge of the white birch forest, the trail disappears into some of the trees. The ground here is much rockier and difficult to follow tracks in.
"Usually we go around... Dunno why they woulda gone into the forest." (Go ahead and roll a survival check to track, or investigation)
(14 for either... lol)
(Oh wow.. 18 for Tuck.)
Alrik, you cautiously make your way into the trees near the edge of the forest. Their white trunks seem eerie in the fading light, very pale with curling bark.
The air feels strange here again. Although you can't see any footprints among the rocks, you can tell that certain stones have been overturned by movement...
There are also a few drops of blood.
Tucker moves forward ahead of you. He stops, hesitatating, then starts running at full sprint. "Rufus! RUFUS!!"
You see someone resting on the ground up ahead, shrouded in the shadows of the trees. Tucker practically skids through the rocks to his side, his hands alight with a yellow glow. The person is definitely about the size of the stocky 13 year old you've met before.
"Oh Gods no.... RUFUS!!"
You see Tucker reach him... then recoil in horror and wretch. He's as pale as a sheet, the magic coming off of him erratic. The scent of wet hay fills the air, mixing with a lingering, sweet, sickly smell.
Alrik runs over, putting a hand on Tucker's shoulder. "Sorry, lad..."
Tuck shakes and vomits again. He can't bear to look at the body--decomposing with a slit throat. He digs his nails roughly into the rocks, trying to handle his emotions.
There are no signs of the others nearby. Too many of the rocks have been disturbed here to see exactly what happened. And in the dim light... It's almost impossible to make out more clues.
Alrik crouches down and as gentle as can be, forces Tucker to look at him. "Remember our deal, Tucker... go wait over there." He points to a nearby grove of Aspen trees.
Tuck grimaces. "Ok." Stiffly standing he walks to the spot mentioned. You see him trying to breathe and calm down.
Alrik pours magic down his arms, it pooling in his hands and creating a wafting scent of freshly fallen rain and fruits, masking the smell eminating from the body. He leans in closer, examining the young boy. (HAHA! NAT20!)
The body looks like it's been dead for a few days, being decomposed by insects. The blood on his neck has pooled under the boy. You see a strange powder on his clothing, a rocky dust thst doesn't come from this area.
(Do I recognize or know where/what the powder is?)
(It looks like a type of rock dust, but not from where you're familiar with. Something like a mine perhaps.)
Alrik stands, walking over to Tucker. "Time to make a hard decision... how do you want to take care of his body?"
The half elf breathes shakily. "I want to bury him. Or... Cover him up. He's not scavenged... I don't know why. But I don't want him to be."
Alrik nods. "It's a tough thing, deciding what to do with a friend's body..." he kicks the dirt, thinking. "I don't have a shovel, and unless you know magic that can manipulate large amounts of earth, I don't think we can bury his body... we could, however, build a pyre..."
He blanches. "A pyre?" Tuck thinks about it. "I suppose... Oh gods... This is..." he clenches his fists again. "Ok let's just do it. Where?"
"When I was in the desert, the locals always had their funeral pyres in an open place, so the flames and smoke could reach the sky. Their beliefs were the person's soul would only be able to pass on if the body faced the open sky." Alrik points to a nearby clearing, grabbing a couple large branches from a fallen tree. "It doesn't get any easier... you just learn to live with it."
He sets a look of grim determination, picking up a few branches. "A-alright. Let's do that. I think he'd... He'd like it."
Tucker continues to the clearing, piling branches as best as he can on the makeshift pyre. He doesn't talk, hyper focused on the job at hand.
Alrik helps form the pyre, carefully laying the body on top, wrapped in a piece of cloth he had inside his satchel. Once it is done, he places a hand on the boy's shoulder. "If you want a last minute with your friend before, now's the time..."
He takes a couple steps back, giving Tucker some space to say goodbye.
Tucker tentatively walks forward toward the body. He takes a deep breath and runs his hands through his hair. There's a moment where he stops, frozen. Thinking. The moonlight is out now, casting its ghostly glow over the scene.
The boy crouches down at the side of the pyre. Bowing his head, he finally allows the waves of emotion to come. He weeps.
Several minutes pass before he quiets again. His face is stony and resolved... He is determined not to cry anymore. He'll be strong.
Standing, he withdraws his knife and places his hands on the pyre. A yellow glow flickers under his palms, the threads of the weave struggling to form. He sweats with the effort. A small flame sparks to life. It starts.
He retreats to Alrik's side. The two of you watch as the dry branches catch, immolating the death shroud... and along with it, Rufus' body.
Alrik reaches down and places his hand on Tucker's shoulder. "Since I'm training you, there's something you should know... life is part of the weave of magic."
He pulls on the magic around them, causing the air to become thick, cool, and humid like in a rainstorm. The energy runs down his arm and across Tucker's shoulders, wreathing it's way around his neck and up to his eyes. "Magus Jaundree showed me this when I was his apprentice... now I show you."
Watching the flame, Alrik and Tucker begin to see... something... within. The magic essence of life returning to the weave as Rufus's body burns, his spirit being released into the aether.
"You see that?" Alrik points at the wisps. "That is the magic remnants of your friend..." The Storm Caller makes a pulling motion with his hand, drawing a small wisp toward him and cups it in his hands, holding it for Tucker to see. "Jaundree showed me this, as well..."
Alrik holds up a quartz crystal and the wisp and crystal begin to react, a silvery hue of light filling his cupped hand. "Now you always have Rufus with you..." he places the faintly glowing crystal into the boy's hand.
Tucker stands there speechless. He gently handles the crystal, turning it over and over in his hands. The faint light illuminates his scraped fingers, a balm for the sores and blisters gained making the pyre.
Clutching it to his chest he trembles. All he can manage is a nod of gratitude. His muddy brown eyes struggle to stay strong; to not betray him.
---
After being patched up and tended to by Matilda, Etny decides she will do what she can to watch over and tend to Oredion. She looks over his serious, but healing wounds, noting the professionalism and high quality of the work that has been done on him to stabilize him and keep him alive. He is still unconscious, and hasn't woken up yet. She leans over, every chance she can get, and plants a kiss on Oredion's forehead, and grips his unconscious hand in hers. Sometimes, she wonders why she pledged her love for this dwarf, but in the end, he makes her happy, and has shown what it truly means to be a good friend. She always is checking on his unconscious form, and while the wounds are healing still checks his stitches and bandages, changing them when she can (usually when no one is around). Maybe in haste she had given her love to this dwarf, but she regrets nothing--not a thing.
One day, she is outside, tending to her axe beak, Gaare, whispering sweet words to the bird in her tongue.
---
Oredion awakes jolting up screaming no. His eyes now engulfed in green flames. He looks around to see a man sitting beside him. He grabs him by his collar with his good arm and yells "Where is she?" He suddenly feels all of his pain that he tried to ignore, the adrenaline now gone, and falls back letting go of the man's collar. Oredion stares at the ceiling confused by everything that's happening. Who was the man sitting in the chair? What did he mean? Why did he see those eyes again? What is going on?
"It's alright my lad. Calm yourself. You are safe now. You're in the presence of Pelor in the town Dragonshore."
The priest leans forward, putting a cold rag on your forehead. "I am Petvin Spiritforger. The woman is safe and being treated as well... She got you here just in time my friend."
Oredion looks around and calms down. His normal eye extinguishes, but his scared over one stays engulfed in flames. He grimaces at the pain in his body and looks at Petvin questionly.
"Is she and her bird all right? You said she's being treated, but is she hurt badly?"
Oredion tries to stand to his feet and walk around. He feels immense pain when he sits up.
(Strength 10+5)
Petvin shakes his head. "Just mostly cuts and bruises. She'll be just fine... My assistant is with her now. The bird is also being treated out back."
He puts his hand out to steady you, unsure about you getting up so soon. "Careful now, brother. It's alright, don't rush. You lost a lot of blood." The priest watches the fire in your eye closely.
"What attacked you so viciously? I haven't seen injuries like that before... An owlbear, or?"
Oredion accepts Petvin's helping hand. Oredion now on his feet feels like he's going wretch. He looks at Petvin, a look of confusion passes his dwarven face.
"I... I don't know doc. It was an abomination I've never seen around here before. Hell I've never seen one anywhere. We tried to harm it and snakes exploded from the wounds. We finally killed it, but not before the damned thing fell on me. So how beat up am I doc?"
The priest looks very thoughtful, a dark expression passing over his face. "That doesn't sound good... Something that dangerous so close to town can only bode ill. I will pray to Pelor for guidance in this matter. Thank you for risking your life to dispatch the beast."
He hands you a thick piece of root. "Here, to chew on. It will help the pain and the nausea... I had to put some stitches in you, and you have a fractured arm." He gestures to your left. "Probably won't be using that for a month at least."
Oredion takes the root and starts to chew on it. He rests a hand on Petvin's shoulder.
"Trust me doc I'll be right as rain in a week. Thank you for helping us, much appreciated. Now if you'd kindly point me to my companion we'll get out of your hair."
Oredion chuckles at his words. He can still fill pain in his arm, but the root seems to be helping.
---
Etny carefully, gently grooms her axe beak's feathers, and massages her neck muscles, all the while whispering sweet things to the bird in her native tongue.
She continues grooming and cooing to her companion, absently thinking on her plight. She loathes the idea entirely, but she understands it must be done. She can't shake the feeling that she must go and find the Angakresh-arach, and make peace with him. Somehow.
The idea utterly revolts her--causing her to shudder in anger, but it can't be helped: it must be done regardless of her hatred. She has been stewing and turning the idea in her head over and over again, and just can't see a way for her to accomplish what she needs to without being killed outright. He would just as soon kill me as breathe, she thinks coldly to herself.
Etny has no idea what Atriox-arach is truly capable of, particularly in a fight. He is both proud and savage, as well as unpredictable. She can't possibly see any other way to 'make peace' with him other than giving her life away.
Beyond any doubt, he has manpower...EINHYCACHT power, resources, armies, and hatred. Etny only has a dwarven friend, an axe beak, and her own wits. She would not last long in a pitched battle. The ONLY reason she even got the hits she did in their fight was because she put serious distance between herself and Atriox-arach, and peppered him with her thunder arrows. She had, to her detriment or credit, given herself the upper hand, and had turned what would have been an honorable duel into something completely skewed in her favor. Etny has been reliving the events of that fight in her mind for some time now, and cannot help but think...
...Maybe the truly dishonored one...
...was herself.
But was she though? Was it truly dishonorable to utilize her wits and strengths as a huntress? The Hunt was all about survival. It wasn't dishonorable in her tribe and culture to survive, and bring down the prey, using the gifts and talents one has...and yet...she couldn't bring herself to accept that wholly; not after what she had heard Tak screaming from the sidelines about what the Angakresh-arach had actually accomplished. Actions speak louder than words in her mind, and this Angakresh had done more good and honorable deeds than she realizes.
Openly challenging him in a duel for honor, then...was it really justified? Or were her motives really that honorable to begin with? He had made her kneel, insulting her sensibilities, but was that truly a reason to openly challenge the Angakresh?
Etny struggles to find the answer to that question. Now, more than ever, she must find a way to make peace with him...
---
You head outside, Petvin holding the door open for you. You spot your friend Etny standing with Gaare a little ways away, her leg bandaged but otherwise doing just fine.
The fresh sea air feels good, taking away some of the residual nausea. Although difficult at first, walking around is doing wonders for you.
Oredion takes a deep breath in, feeling a little better with the fresh air. He spots Etny and is instantly full of relief. She looks relatively fine to him, except a few bandages. He thinks he might as well have some fun surprising his companion and carefully sneaks up behind her to give her a hug.
(Stealth 18)
(Welp I got a 19 perception but only a 13 dex)
Oredion stealthy comes up behind Etny and picks her up with one arm swinging her around. He sets her down gently embarrassed that he spun her around and cockily says.
"Did ya miss me?"
Etny yelps out loud as she is lifted off of her feet, spun around, and set back down again.
About to lay one on whoever did this, she suddenly sees Ore. A bright smile splits across her face, her violet eyes shining with joy. "Well, well," she chuckles, "it's wonderful to see you too, Oredion-elenn! I can't believe my eyes! You're looking well! And of course I missed you, you silly Antrahtu!"
"Well of course you missed me. Who else are you going to talk to, Gaare?"
Oredion let's out a loud chuckle immediately regretting it remembering that he's injured. He looks A Etny up and down double checking to make sure she's fine.
"So lass I see you made it out without to much harm. You ok? Anything hurt?"
"Not much, really, except for maybe a small snake bite. Otherwise, I'm fine, Ore-elenn."
Etny smiles again at the dwarf, and turns back to Gaare. "I will admit...grooming Gaare is relaxing for me. But she's not much in the way of company. I was...I was worried about you, elenn. Gave me a scare like I've never had before. Luckily, these people know what they're doing, and kept you alive. Shiza, I was so worried!"
"I bet, for a sec there I thought I was knocking on the pearly gates or hell. Either way it was a fun ride."
Oredion chuckles and starts to remember his dream. He glances at Etny petting Gaare and closes his eyes. When he opens them she's laying on the ground motionless. A look of horror appears on the dwarfs face. Then he blinks and she's back up grooming Gaare. He starts to back away not quite sure what his vision means. Joey pops his head out of Oredion's beard and starts to flick his face with his tongue. It helps bring him back to reality and calm him down. Oredion reaches down and pets the little salamander calmly saying.
"It's fine bud, I'm fine."
Etny, stroking the neck feathers of her axe beak, notices something is maybe a little off with Oredion, but it passes, as she sees him petting his lizard Joey.
"Everything alright there, elenn? Wouldn't want to have to send you back in." She winks at him.
"Just dandy lass."
Oredion turns and starts to walk into town in need of a stiff drink after today's events. He turns to see Etny looking at him. The dwarf almost slaps himself remembering she refuse's to go into town.
"Feel like getting some proper grub in your belly Et?"
(Persuasion 13+3)
(We actually are in town, but I know where Ore is coming from! 😁😁)
(Gimme just a sec rq)
(Np, i thought the temple was on the outskirts though? I'm not 100% sure of the layout though lol)
(Yeah, I think it's actually in the middle of town, so Et didn't really have much of a choice. But I digress. I'm not 100% sure of the layout either. I post now.)
"Well, since we are here, I suppose it couldn't hurt. I've been shoving rations in my face for the last little while, I might as well," she says, tapping a finger on her chin, "I think it's time I visited a smith to get me a new javelin, or even a spear."
You both head off toward the backsmith, hoping to stop in for gear as well as a bite to eat. Oredion leads the way, familiar with Ferrar after a few weeks of working with him on the shield. As you arrive, he waves jovially to you both. "Oredion! My good sir, welcome back. Goodness... you look a mess, I hope that shield you had came in handy!"
He walks forward, shaking Etny's hand. He has a warm smile, but appears very tired looking. It doesn't seem like he's been sleeping well at all. "How may I help you, lovely lady?"
Etny shakes the man's hand, and smiles back. "Good sir, I require a new spear. At one time I had a javelin, and now it is no more. But...now I am in need of something more versatile...a honed spear, if you could."
Her expression grows dark for a moment, but it passes.
The blacksmith cracks a large smile. "I see! Well no worries, no worries. A friend of Ore here is a friend of mine." He leads you over to a weapon rack on the front wall, flanked by some barrels full of spears, javelins and pikes. "What's your style, miss? And your budget?"
Oredion waves the blacksmith over leaving Etny to browse the Spears by herself. He motions to talk in secret out of view and earshot. They walk to the back of the shop leaving Etny up front.
"So I got a quick favor bub. I will pay of course! Will you fashion these two claws into two separate necklaces for me?"
Oredion pulls out a blood soaked cloth that he had pulled off his trench coat from his travel bag and unwraps it to show two large bear claws that he severed only hours ago.
"Do you think you could do it?"
He looks at the Smith's eyes pleadingly letting out a small chuckle.
Etny stares in awe at the assortment of spears, javelins, pikes, and other assorted long pole weapons that the smith possesses. She doesn't quite know where to start, and begins picking through the various weapons, testing their weight, and giving them test swings. She begins to become a little nervous, realizing that she had given away all of her coin at the temple...
The blacksmith lets out a little guffaw. "Yeah, of course! Woah, these look huge..." he glances over his shoulder at the huntress and back at Oredion, giving a slight nod and a raise of the eyebrows. Ferrar wraps the claws back in the cloth and slips it in his blacksmith apron with a wink.
Oredion places his hand on the Smith's shoulder smiling mischievously.
"Aye, thank you lad. Your a good friend. As for her let her get anything she wants. I'll be the one to pay ya. Besides that lass over there just saved my life, least I can do is get her a new weapon."
Oredion chuckles loudly forgetting his stitches and ends the laugh with a small grimace. They turn to go back up front.
Etny, holding a particularly lengthy poleaxe, turns to the smith and the dwarf.
"Oredion-elenn," she says with a note of childlike awe and slight pleading in her voice, "can...can I have this one?"
Oredion chuckles and turns to the Smith.
"What ya say bud. Can the lass have that one?"
Oredion hands a bag full of 100 gold to the Smith in secret with a big smile and a quick wink.
Ferrar's eyes widen in surprise. He pockets the bag before Etny can see it. "Ahem, yes! Of course! Best one I've got. It's all yours, lass." He smiles broadly, walking over to admire the pole axe with you.
"Anything else you be needin'?"
Etny's violet eyes light up as she holds the poleaxe, admiring its simple, yet masterful craftsmanship.
Not wholly familiar with how to use such a large weapon, as she is only used to smaller weapons like a javelin, she will teach herself how to wield it.
She flashes a smile at Oredion, suspecting he had something to do with the acquiring of this particular weapon. She mouths "Harra" to Oredion, and thanks the smith.
Ferrar chuckles, patting you both on the back. "Glad I could help. Feel free to check back in, uh... Later sometime. Always getting new stock in!" He clears his throat and nudges Oredion.
You both head back out into the sunshine. Mid afternoon now, you spend the rest of the day talking, having lunch, and training a little--mostly Ore providing Etny tips as she tries using her new pole axe.
---
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