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"Good Brezik, there's common sentiment that this could be a delay tactic and we're going to push forward quickly now."
'Surely he's eaten all his snacks by now, or else whom ever spawned those orcs will be able to follow us by the crumbs... like the whole area doesn't know where we're going anyways..
"yeah, delay...
Why disperse the illusions early, if delay was the intent they could have held us far longer... it's like Gad passed some test or triggered something...
As the party starts moving again Brezik poses a question.
Could it have been someone from the village. Maybe they wanted to make a somewhat dull journey more exciting. Is there anyone in the village that can cast that kind of spell. I mean that was a lot of pomp and circumstance for just sending the kids out on a hiking trip.
Brezik's stomach begins to gurgle ominously....
Gad'larr will help set up the camp properly, and will aid anyone who has difficulty getting settled with their tent and such.
"So we think this wizard Holgast cast the illusion spell? By Irori's twisted braid! Why on Golarion would he do such a thing?
Is he going senile?"
Brezik has been looking less than well most of the day... his stomach making strange noises. As they start to set up camp he looks at his travel companions and gets a look of surprise on his face and runs out into the forest quickly. About twenty minutes later he comes back...
I learned something today... Never eat orange berries that you find in the forest... It does terrible things for one digestion. Give me a few hours to rest up and I'll take the next watch Vivian.
Gad'larr will nod in agreement with Vivian's assessment.
"I'll take the last watch until sunrise then. It gives me a chance to exercise and stretch before we get going.
I suggest we let Bel and Qina rest as long as possible so they can be at full strength after today's run."
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Allister pretends he did not hear Vivian mention watch shifts for the night and goes off to collect fire wood. I don't want to stay up for watch, it will be dark. I'm tired...Yes, too tired.
He gathers up a pile of dry wood from around camp and piles it together. The process comes easy to Allister because he has done it a thousand times. He does not light the fire yet, instead waiting for darkness to close in. Fire always soothed his mind, gave him something to focus on so his thoughts did not wander.
Once the firewood is ready Allister tries to set up his tent. It is a difficult undertaking, a puzzle that tests his patience. He looks at the poles and fabric like it's some foreign food, then throws them down in a pile. "I'll sleep under the stars tonight. Very pretty. Don't need stupid tent."
Allister sits on a dry patch of ground with his legs folded and eats a trail ration, then begins the task of removing his half-plate.
Gad'larr will look at the mess of Allister's tent and approach the man as he disassembles his armor.
"Sir Sunscale? May I Offer you assistance in defeating this particular enemy? I know certain things...give each one of us difficulty.
It took me nearly a year to learn to not only survive but thrive in the wild when I left home as a young man. It is a daunting task to
build rather than destroy, especially to one such as yourself who was mainly taught to seek out and destroy evil."
Smiling casually, Gad'larr will gesture his hand at the tent.
"With respect, you should have the same advantage of a comfortable night's sleep as any other person here."
Brezik puts together his tent quickly with the experienced hands of a craftsman. Next he takes out his Anvil and sets it next to Allisters fire. He picks up a piece of Allisters armor and looks over it with an experts eye.
Humming a song to himself that sounds VERY old fashioned he begins the process of removing any minor dings that may have accumulated during this adventure or previously. Once complete he takes out a cloth and polishes the armor placing it in Allister's tent. After this he moves on to the next piece of armor. He brings a sense of order and fastidiousness to these tasks that are completely absent in the Dwarf at other times.
He Nods and gives the Dawn Guard a Giant smile with teeth that have recently been stained a strange shade of orange. Thanks... hard to sleep if I haven't had some time at the anvil.
Afterwards he packs up his anvil and heads off to bed.
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Allister fumbles for an excuse to give Gad'larr. "I, uh, think some pieces are missing, and it's broken, and it's getting too dark." He immediately feels guilty for telling his friend a string of (entirely unbelievable) white lies. "I couldn't do it. Sorry I lied. My brother always said "you have to be smarter than the thing you want to fix," but I never am. I'm dumber than a tent."
Thoughts of his brother Baeloth sour Allister's mood. I hate you, Baeloth. Stay out of my head or else... He realizes there is nothing he can do. Allister has searched for his brother for years, but never knows what he would do if he found him. Brezik hammering out the dings and blemishes of his armor made him happy again. He thought of the saying Lightbringer Naabi used to tell him while they trained together. "Blade and armor serve me well, or else i'm dead and doomed to hell." Allister could remember that because it rhymed.
"Thank you Brezik, and thank you Gad'larr." he says with a smile. As he climbs into his tent, Allister thinks "These are good friends."
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The sounds of Brezik's anvil comforts Vivian immensely. She breathes in the fresh wilderness air deeply, smelling the fire in the light wind.
'I must remember to speak with Brezik when we're both around and not busy, if he would be willing to help me continue to learn armor working I would be in his debt. Perhaps I'd even progress to start working with arms...' a smile moves across her face before she shakes the daydream from her head. 'Focus, Vivian, weird things are about..'
But evidently visions of Brezik's anvil continue to dance through her head!
Qina whistled while she worked to set up her tent. It was larger than she expected, and could have probably slept most of her family. When finished, she plopped down into a pile and began to rub her feet. Today's walk was farther than she had gone in a while, certainly in one day. She was never one to wander too far from home. Not because she didn't want to, but because she never really had anyone to go with. Her parents were always working, and Pressi never wanted to go anywhere with Qina, so she stayed around town most of the time.
It wasn't long after camp set up that Crow returned with a shiny piece of glass. "Crow, where have you been?" The raven tilted its head and looked at Qina. "I found this! Isn't in pretty?" Qina sighed. "Yes Crow, it's very pretty. Come now, it's time for supper." With that Qina pulled out some hard bread, dried fruit, and aged sausage.
"My new friend, I assure you that you are not dumb: Merely Different. The gods gave you different challenges that some others do not have to face, just like you can handle certain challenges more easily than others without help."
After helping with the tent, Gad will touch the young man on the shoulder and assure him as he rests for the night.
"You are a strong and determined man. Face your unique challenges in life with dignity and determination; and your friends, family, and gods can never find fault for you in that. Most importantly: Do not be afraid of asking for help from us. You never know when we might need help from YOU in return some day."
oops forgets..
middle watch
Setting up his tent silently towards the edge of the encampment, Belathorian watches as the others make their camp, work metal, commune with familiars. Toying with one of his knives as he watches. A smile passes his usually dour face.
This is were friendships are made, fates realized, this is life.
Gad'larr, wake me for your watch please, I'll spend the dawn with my lady of the graves, I'll not disturb your stretches.
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Allister sleeps deeply and dreams.
It is yesterday morning and Delarra knocks on his door, but her look is different. "Delarra? What are you doing here?" The words feel like peanut butter as they fall off his tongue. Bright light pours in the window and turns everything white - there is only Allister and his beloved Delarra. "It's our son. They found him. They know. They know! They know....They know........
"They know...They know......" Allister mumbles in his sleep and shakes his head as if to say "no."
He wakes early with a deep breath and finds Gad'larr and Belathorian already awake. Gad'larr looks preoccupied with his stretches, so Allister, still in his underclothes, rises and goes to Belathorian with a heavy mind. "Bel, what are dreams? Are they real?"
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When Vivian wakes up cuddling with her armor. She crawls out of the tent wearing plain adventuring clothes, marking one of the first times anyone has seen her out of armor for over a year. Rest assured though, the armor is close by, hanging loosely in her right hand.
With a yawn she shakes her black, shoulder cut hair. This seems to be a different Vivian, a feminine Vivian that isn't hidden by the boyish lines of battle gear.
"Brezik? " she looks around to see who is awake. It is barely light out and appears that Gad, Belathorian, and Allister are the only others walking around at the moment. "Oh." she quietly answers her question and sets her armor down in the tent.
She begins to stack some new branches in the last night's fire pit for Qina when she's ready and willing to cook. Then approaches Allister and Belathorian who seem to be talking. "Good morning. I usually get some morning exercises in, are you interested in some light sparing? Wrestling?" She starts some light dynamic stretching of her arms and legs to get limber and her form would appear much more bouncy to the two gentlemen than the other day when encumbered with gear.
Gad'larr is moving through his morning kata, with steady purpose and inclination, but he can't help
but overhear Vivian's offer to test herself against the others. He smiles to himself and speaks without
looking at her.
"What? Is the "Finkle" Ferris afraid of little old Gad now? You could beat me two out of three as a child,
but now...?"
Qina tossed and turned as she slept. She bolted upright in a sweat, huffing and puffing and heart racing. She quickly looked around, surveying the scene. She was still in her tent. It took her a few minutes to shake the feeling, but she eventually calmed down enough to get dressed. She ran her fingers through her hair and got dressed at a leisurely pace. She knew that once they started walking again, they would be moving with purpose. Right now, she just wanted to relax again. This adventuring was hard work.
She left her tent, stretched, and waved good morning to everyone. She clapped her hands and rubbed them together. "So, who wants breakfast?" She headed over to Brezik's space to retrieve her pots and pans and stacked them around the fire. She rooted through her pack for her rations and spices, all the while deciding on what to make for breakfast. She pulled out some aged sausages, cheese and molasses and begin to stir everything together in some water. Once everything had simmered for a bit, she rapped her spoon on the side of the pot and called out "breakfast is ready." Crow was the first one to fly over. "Breakfast you say?" She pulled off a piece of bread for the bird and dipped the rest into the stew before taking a big bite.
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Distracted by the morning spar, Allister turns his attention to Vivian and Gad'larr. He watches with excitement and interest, moving about and making faces as if it is him in the friendly combat. Allister is too unintelligent for most things, but he always understood the art of combat - the raw forces, the emotion and restraint, the technical intricacies (even though he doesn't know the meaning of those words).
Almost every morning since Allister was five years old he sparred with Cedron, his family's Master-at-Arms. The old Dwarf was crass, rough, and occasionally cruel, but he taught Allister everything their is to know about combat. Some mornings they used wooden swords, some they used blunted steel and practice armor, but others still were much like this morning: bare hands and feet, fists, dirt, and laughter. Never from Cedron, though, who never laughed about combat. Even when Allister was grown and much stronger than Cedron ever was, the old Dwarf would still win, and always taught him new tricks. The previous morning, Cedron had rung his head with a blunted sword so hard it made him dizzy. Allister loves to fight, even if it means losing. It makes him feel alive.
"Get him. Get him! He's right there!" he says too loudly, forgetting it is early in the morning. "Save your strength, the winner fights me!"
Qina's call for breakfast gets his attention, and the delicious smell of food draws him to the fire like a moth to light. "I could get used to this," he thinks as he sinks his teeth into a fantastic meal. "Qina, this is...Wow...Mmmmpphhhhh." There are no words.
AoO Trip attempt for failed grapple:
Success!
"Watch out for the ground, it can hurt when it jumps up and hits you like that."
Standard Grapple attempt target:
Grapple Started! (Hammerlock)
"Never underestimate your opponents abilities..."
Grunting and smiling, Gad laughs.
"This dance has become a favorite of mine!"
Missed it! Grapple broken...but you are still prone!
=)
"By Irori's braid! You still dance well too."
Gad'larr hold his hands in a fighting stance, flips his hand over
and gestures for you to get up freely.
There is a lot of loud snoring still coming from Brezik's tent... Just a little longer Ma.... The snoring continues...
Grabbing a clod of dirt from the ground, Gad rolls five feet away from Vivian to be out of immediate reach and tries to throw the dirt clod in her face!
Successful!
SMACK! Blinded for 1 round.
Still prone, Gad'larr chuckles as Vivian coughs up some dirt and rubs her eyes.
"It is difficult to defend yourself is it not, if you are blinded to your opponents actions!"
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"Ah! Bastard!" Vivian exclaims while she tears up and tries to wipe dirt from her eyes. Then she starts to chuckle, "Heh heh, you still need tricks to take me down Gad? Don't worry, I'll still find you!"
Vivian lounges to grab for what she thinks is Gad.
Instead she ends up tackling a sleeping Brezik and his tent.
There is a lot of snoring still coming from Brezik's tent...That's my hammer Flint. I need it for the Macaroni and cheese. the snoring continues...
All of a sudden there's a crash as Vivian tackles Brezik's tent. With a start he wakes up...
GET AWAY FROM MY MACARONI.... Huh... What... Where am I.. What is this....
Brezik pushes at Vivian through the tent trying to figure out what she is and manages to finally pull his head out from under the tent...
Oh... Hey... Viv... You okay?
Gad'larr will get up casually and look around pointedly at Allister.
Smiling broadly, showing his shark-like pointed teeth, he looks kind of like a very satisfied cat...
"Who's next?"
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As Vivian regains her sight, she sees Brezik looking at her from under the crumpled tent. As she tries to gather herself, she scans the mess, "I...uh...yeah..you? Looks like I missed the most damaging parts of your assembly.." she says pointing to the anvil, pick, and hammers.
"Sorry about your macaroni though," as she gets up she starts to rummage through what was under her. Then stops when she remembers it's all Brezik's things. She straightens up and dusts herself off, "Ahem, I think we can call it a draw for now Gad. I'm going to grab some breakfast. Oh, Brezik I can help you clean this up too." Then after an awkward pause, "Would.. um... you be willing to help me tune up my armor a little later before we head out? Anthony always spoke highly of how natural metal working was for you.." Leave it to armor talk to make Vivian coy and girlish.
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With a big smile and a full stomach, Allister responds to Gad's challenge. "You sure about this, Gad? I won't go easy on you like Vivian did."
Allister wastes no time and charges at Gad'larr.
With all his strength and weight are behind him, Allister drives his opponent back 5 feet. Does picking on girls make you feel tough, Gad?" He lets out a strained laugh at his own jest. 'I hope Vivian didn't hear that, she'll kill me. Or make me march even faster today.'
Brezik looks around and starts to actually realize what has happened. After disentangling him self and making sure Vivian is okay he checks to make sure his supply of snacks is unmolested. He lets out an audible sigh of relief the. Looks up and sees Vivian starting to clean up his things and gives a big laugh.
Ho there go... No damage done... Of course I would help you. Anthony said that? Nice to know. He's taught me so much over the last few years. Why don't you grab some breakfast. I know right where I like everything.
AoO: Trip Attempt
Gad'larr gives ground to the bull rush so quickly that Allister stumbles and falls in front of Gad.
Allister is prone!
"Have a good trip Sir Allister? See you next fall..."
Standard Action: Grapple attempt
But Allister is still too slippery!
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Vivian walks over to Qina and sits in the dirt by the fire.
"How did you sleep Qina? Thank you so much for cooking, mmmm fantastic! Wur gut'n spoll'd o'heer." the end partially interrupted by Vivian stuffing her face. When she's done eating she sighs, "I was thinking, when we get back from this I think it would be cool to get a tattoo commemorating the mission. It just means so much to me, representing the town. I think it'd want to get the old Everflame symbol on my bicep." Vivian holds up her arm and flexes, "Right here, like this." she says while she traces the area with her finger. "Would you be able to do something like that? I wouldn't need to turn into anything either."
"I slept okay, I guess. It's not by bed or room back home, but it's a nice tent. Oh, thanks. It's the least I can do. Mama always said you gotta keep the army well fed. Besides, I like to cook. Almost as much as I like to eat." Qina stands up with a big smile on her face. "I would be honored to. I'll start working on drawing it up right away. I just know we'll be successful." Qina tosses her empty bowl down and rushes off to find her pack. She pulls out a sheet of paper and ink quill and immediately sits down to start drawing out a flame.
Brezik finishes packing up his supplies and stretches... he walks over to where the two girls are standing and helps himself to some of the food burning his fingers as he grabs a piece of cheese with his bare hands. He pops the morsel into his mouth and looks up into the air with an appraising look.
Not Quite as good as Ma's But Still Good.
Brezik sits down with his met kit and slowly eats what is in front of him savoring it.
Is that Coriander?
With a shrug he looks up at Vivian and grows quiet obviously lost in a memory of times long gone. He gets a bit of a sad look on his face and addresses Vivian in a somber tone.
You know Vivian with out the armor you look a lot like your Ma did. I never noticed before.
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As it often does, Allister's mind goes blank. There is only the primal struggle, the fight, all training has disappeared from his mind. Allister wraps his arms around Gad'larr's legs and tries to wrench him down to the ground.
But the Half-Orc slips easily from his grasp. "What's a matter, Gad, afraid to get dirty?"
"Oh now that IS funny, since both of my opponents so far have tasted dirt!"
Backing out of reach, Gad tries to kick dirt into the prone man's face.
Even prone, Allister must have saw that coming and covered his face in time!
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Gad'larr's dirty trick angers Allister. Now that his opponent has backed away and out of threat range, Allister stands. "You'll pay for that!"
As he pushes off the ground he grabs a fist-full of dirt and throws it.
A large cloud and clump of dirt hit Gad'larr full in the face. Allister immediately has conflicting emotions. "HA!" he bellows while questioning his actions. 'I hope I didn't hurt him...much.'