★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Drummady looks at Kraggak angrily. "If you weren't here to help find my children, I'd ask you to leave. I have feelings. I just don't thrust them on the world." However, the kind words of Prince, Wetbeard and Braggett make her smile a bit. "Found every child you were tasked to find? That's good enough for me then."
She looks sad. "I wouldn't mind it if I thought the kids had run off for a bit of adventure. That's what children are supposed to do... Discover the world, and their place in it. Betrona works hard, almost too hard, keeping my useless ex afloat. She deserved time to play and be with her friends." She sighs. "And no matter what Petrello tells you, they were good kids, all of them. Smart. Ambitious. Hard-working. Gellion and Pavolus were great friends. Pavolus even made Gelly some sturdy rubber boots for working in the lab. Such boots! Bright yellow they were. But then Gellion's so charismatic, he could carry the look off. He was the group's leader. I never saw a group of friends so tight, or that cared about each other so much."
Her eyes glitter, but she takes a deep breath and wipes her sleeve. "Then Nolaria disappears, and my two children were frantic, looking everywhere for her. Gellion went missing not a day later, and then Noemi, and then my two."
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Aha! A timeline. And Morvinar from the tavern was last after the twins.
Zakhar stands back, listening to Drummady and working to piece together the puzzle.
To Castiel he muses, "I agree that the temple and graveyard are both places of interest. But..." he strokes the stubble on his chin thoughtfully, "They have been missing for days. I'd like to spend a few minutes to be thorough and stop by Gunty's on our way."
"The haberdasher mentioned the orchard, as well. Though that is less promising a lead."
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"Thank you, my Lady! That was most helpful." Lord Braggett bows once more "Gelly is their leader, not Nolaria? Hmm, Morvinarr is the protector, Nolaria the adventurous one with a knowledge of nature, Betrona the caring organised one, and Pavolus the practical one." He gives a little nod "Ha! The more I hear of these children, the more convinced I am of their safety. Why with a little forewarning, I bet that they could even best most knights if they worked together!" He says cheerfully, though he raises a finger and adds "Not me of course, but I am not like most knights."
After one more longing look at that pair of shoes in the window, Braggett bids Drummady farewell, and a turns around to see Zakhar and Castiel deep in a hushed conversation "What is it good Sirs, that has your attention so? Have we a plan afoot?"
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Castiel turns from Sprout to Braggett with concern on his face "Given the urgency of the situation and the likelihood there’s foul play at hand we have been discussing our next move. The answers to our questions seem to point us in the direction of the graveyard or temple which is my preference but Zahkar believes we should make haste to Gunty’s just up the road first… What do you think Lord Braggett?"
"Yes, you've summed it up proper," Drummady nods to Braggett. "But you missed one. Noemi, the artist. She decorates all of Gunty's cakes with flowers so real looking you'd swear you could pluck them. She designed a couple of the decorative patterns that I use. See these butterflies?" Drummady points to a whimsical set of lady's shoes, decorated with a trim of little leather butterflies. "Noemi drew this for me, and then I rendered it into leather."
Drummady abruptly kneels down to talk with Braggett and the Prince. "You find my kids, and by my kids, I mean ALL the kids. Many of them are foundlings, but all of them has someone who loves them. If you find the children, I'll make you the best-fitting boots you ever had."
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Lord Braggett smiles broadly at the cobbler's offer, stands bolt upright and salutes "My Lady, it would be an honour! You have my word that I will not rest until I have found them all." He turns around and walks up to Castiel with an added swagger to his step.
"Indeed, Sir, there is a certain urgency to the situation, but I have learnt in my many travels that as mighty as I am, information can be mightier still. I would visit with Gunty first and then head towards the temple and graveyard..." Lord Braggett says in reply to Castiels question "But have no fear, when I ride on the back of the swift Sir Kibble, I am never late!"
Undecided amongst yourselves, you do the time honored tradition of flipping a coin. As you do... The most delicious smell of breads and pastries assails you, and you spot Gunty’s Hearty Breads, a very large bakery that is bustling with customers. You see Ed from the wall buying several loads of bread, and other families going in and out.
Behind the counter, you can see into the bakery proper with its large ovens and sturdy wooden tables, bustling with actvity. Two teen girls are kneading bread, and one boy is frosting a cake.
Still, in this crowd, Gunty’s easy to spot. He’s a massive old guy behind the counter with a peg leg, tattoos, scars and a baker’s hat. He’s looking back at a pair of teen boys who seem to be struggling with a cart with a broken wheel. “Troops, move it! Have I trained up a bunch of slack-a-bouts?”
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Wetbeard steps into the bakery and inhales deeply, his feelers coiling up when he does. From underneath his armor Wanda rumbles, the lump of flesh is getting excited at the smells, eager to see if she'll get any treats.
Having grown used to the routine of gathering information at this point, Wetbeard knows better than to try and be the one to talk for information and instead tries loosening up the baker.
"I can 'ardly believe anyone in town be managin' to stay away with the smells that be comin' outta 'ere. Ya got some delicious treats 'ere, how much for one o' them?" Wetbeard looks over the pastries and treats, seeing if any of them have the masterful work that Noemi was known for.
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Lord Bragget takes a deep breath, savouring the incredible smells, "Aaah, the aroma of fresh bread always reminds me of home!" He smiles and bows slightly to Prince, wordlessly thanking him for the information That's incredible! How does he know this stuff? Does it come from some sort of regal training? He approaches Gunty, doing his best to suppress a shudder, and trying not to think about what Wanda is up to when he notices Wetbeard's armour rumble "Good day, Sir! We have come to enquire about one of your apprentices, Noemi. We understand that she recently went AWOL, and we are currently tasked with ascertaining her whereabouts. Is there anything you can tell us about her or what she was up to in the days leading up to her desertion? Anything you say could aid us considerably!"
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Embarrassed and flustered, Kragrak tries to sputter an apology to Drummady, "I didn't mean. Er. What I was trying to say... Um. Sorry. I'm leaving now." He slinks out of the building and away from the rest of the party. Once he's confident that no one can see him, he leans against a wall. Taking a deep breath, he ponders the impact his words. This isn't just about how most people don't respect directness the way they did back home. I've gotten pretty good at remembering that, even though it makes it hard to talk sometimes. No, Dad would've given me an earful for distressing a grieving parent like that. Well, all I can do now is give her space and help find her children. Kragrak spends a few minutes meditating to clear his head before returns to the rest of the party, just in time to see them heading off in the direction of the bakery.
Kragrak decides to leave this next bit of questioning to his fellow PCs. Instead, he joins Zakhar in helping the boys. "Lots of weight on a broken wheel. I'll take some of those flour sacks for ye. Where do they need to go?
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In response to Wetbeard's comment about insects near the bakery, Oak Sprout says, "Let's go there first. No one likes flies in their pie! Besides, when we go to the orchard, I'll need time to properly commune with the apple trees. I don't want people rushing me so they can get their bakery treats. Apple trees are quite delightful and generous people."
When they group reaches the bakery, she notices the broken cart, and tries to think of a way to fix it.
That cart's pretty broken, all right!
Well, I'm certainly not going to impress him with a show of Strength!
The spirits take little interest in human wars, it seems. Oh well. I suppose my natural charm will have to suffice, hehe.
Truly, your delicious treats draw people from all around, even plants such as myself.
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While half the group is helping the boys with the cart and the other half is questioning the baker, Castiel takes some time to walk across the street to strike up a conversation with the local apple vendor and buy a few apples for the group.
Taking a bite “Sir, this apple is delicious… I have never tasted it’s like. You are truly gifted.. Can I please get a few more for my friends… While the vendor starts to fill a small bag, Castiel hands him some coins and asks “Can I trouble you for some information? My friends and I have been asked to look into the disappearance of the missing apprentices and I was wondering by any chance if you had heard any news or seen them recently?”
Kragak and Zakhar help straighten out the tottering bread wagon, and Braggett describes the missing apprentice in military terms. Gunty nods appreciatively, and calls behind him, “Tipston, front and center, recruit! I need you to take watch on the counter!” One of the girls who was kneading bread hastilly wipes her hands and rushes to the front.
Then Gunty stumps out from behind the counter.
Stump. Step. Stump. Step. Stump. Step.
“Aye, she went AWOL, probably off with those undisciplined friends of hers. Some officers don’t know how to lead their troops, and let them get into all sorts of mischief.” He shakes his head. “Noemi is a good sort, but she’s a bit flighty as a recruit. She was quiet, always drawing. Now, there’s a use for all kinds in the army. Some are ground pounders and grunts, and others do the surveyin’ work and light scouting. Noemi couldn’t keep up like the others could in our morning calisthenics. Still, she could do work the others had no patience for. Would spend all morning doing delicate flowers on a cake.”
He steps outside the bakery with you, and confides, “She didn’t like my strict rules none. Lately, I’ve been hearing buzzing noises and seeing lights in the sky... I think that’s her and her friends trying to prank me.” He twitches a bit. “The buzzing’s been affecting me so much that I thought I saw a bug the size of a dog on the edge of the orchard... but then when I looked again, it was gone.”
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Outside the bakery, at the apple cart, Castiel realizes that the apple cart has barely ten pieces of fruit left, and many of them somewhat older and bruised. The apple seller is nodding. “Yes, we have the best fruit in Saringallow! Thank ye for your business, good sir!”
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Lord Braggett nods "Thank you, Sir! We will do our best to find your missing recruit and bring her home safely..." He looks towards the orchard with concern Hmm, this Noemi sounds like the most vulnerable of the group. The heat of battle is no place for an artist! If we find the children cornered by giant insects, I should send Kibble to protect her while I gloriously tenderise the bugs with my flail... He notices Castiel talking with a vendor of some sort near the orchard, and realises just how eager the shiny man is to act on their current information "We may start with the orchard. After all, we can't have a respectable officer being pranked by his recruits, now can we?" He bows and bids the baker farewell.
Making his way towards the tall paladin, Braggett realises that he has lost sight of his faithful stead, and calls for Sir Kibble. Scant a moment later, the large shaggy wolf brushes up against Braggett from behind, surprising the brave knight <Aagh!>, his snout and head, covered in flour "What have you been up to, then? Never mind! There is danger afoot, and we must be ready for enemies above and below." He, almost gracefully, hops onto Kibble's back and canters over to Castiel, admitting "I fear you may be right about the urgency of the situation."
Tipston sells Wetbeard some hearty bread and a sack of delicious and fresh cinnamon churros, all in the shape of little canes.
Meanwhile Gunty shakes your hands. His grip is very strong and firm. “I’ll thank you for it. I sort of figured Noemi would be back by now, if only to pick up her sketchbook. Tipston tells me she left it on her bunk in the barracks.” He looks a bit troubled. “It’s not like her to leave it behind for long.”
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You wave your goodbyes to Gunty, and head off to the Orchard whose edge starts just around the corner from Gunty’s place. The Orchard is big and sprawling, but the apple trees look surpisingly neglected, and there’s fallen fruit everywhere.
As Sprout walks through, she is instantly greeted by the rustling trees, all eager to talk to someone intelligent enough to hear what they have to say.*
An apple tree with rosy-colored apples rustles as Sprout goes by. Well, ain’t you the cutest thing! I swear, you’re as adorable as one of my own apples! I’m Pink Lady. Who are you?
You’re not a weed, are you? A crotchedy Granny Smith tree says, sourly to Sprout. Don’t trust weeds.
Of course that isn’t a weed. A perky tree with shiny red and green apples speaks up. Granny, can’t you tell a nature spirit when you see one? By the way, I’m McIntosh! You can call me Mac. What are you folks doing in our orchard?
Spirit or no spirit, be better if they stayed out! Granny says, offended. Strangers come in, and everything goes wrong.
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Noticing the expression on the apple sellers face, Castiel first looks intently at the trees and back to the group to see if they are finished with the Baker. He then catches the eye of Braggett and points to towards the orchard.
As Braggett nears, Castiel turns back towards the orchard and says... Lord , we need to get the group together and head to the trees... The apple seller fears something in there...
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Sprout signals for the rest of the party to hold back for a moment. To the party, she says, "Let me talk first, then I can translate what you want to say too, okay? As long as you are respectful. I'm not going to make these fine trees listen to anything rude." She then proudly steps to the front of the group, giving the trees a respectful curtsey. Her plantspeech is more elegant and verbose than her Common. "I am Oak Sprout. It is truly a pleasure to meet all of you! And thank you, Pink Lady, for comparing me to such vibrant and beautiful apples as yours. I assure you, Granny, that I am not a weed, but instead a nature spirit given walking form, as Mac has so astutely noticed. My companions and I have come to this place because we heard that there was trouble afoot, with missing children and giant insects, and we wished to offer our assistance. Its plain to see by looking around here that the humans have not been giving you the respect and care that you deserve. If it is not to much trouble, we would greatly appreciate if you would share with us your insights into what has been amiss around here."
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"What!? Ordinary trees can talk?" Lord Braggett blushes, thinking back to a wild summer, some 70 years ago, when he spent the whole season running through the forest completely naked. However, being the unshakeable knight that he is, Braggett recovers quickly and immediately thinks of a plausible excuse for his shock and embarrassment. He clears his throat and says "Please relay my apologies for how Kibble has treated their trunks over the years. In the future I will make sure he relieves himself elsewhere." He bows his head towards an apple tree, feeling decidedly odd while he's at it, and asks Oak Sprout to inquire about the bugs "Have you seen any lights in the sky, or perhaps insects the size of dogs?"
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“Well bless your heart!” Pink Lady says when this is translated. “Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Gnome. Why yes, there were children who came through here. They used to pick our apples and play!” Pink Lady exclaims. “We haven’t seen them since the big one and his friend came through.”
“Didn’t like them,” Granny says. “Always climbing and running and laughing too loud. Though the one girl with the bird was respectful. Talked to us polite sometimes.”
“The kids’ noises were happy,” Mac notes. “I’ve never minded happy noises, even when they bumped into me. But something’s wrong now. We can feel it in our roots.”
The rustling stops, as the trees acknowledge a moment of silence, contemplating all that has gone wrong.
“Ever since the insects came, there’s been whispers from the trees to the northwest is that Red’s covered in goo and has gone crazy. I’m real worried about him,” Pink Lady says.
“Ha! Red was a terrible tree to begin with. His apples were pretty, but they had no soul,” Granny mutters. “Calling himself ‘Delicious’ — the nerve!”
“Now Granny... That’s not fair. It’s his name. Folks don’t choose their own names,” Mac says, brightly. “Yeah, there’s insects larger than bugs should be, and Red’s been muttering to himself about how he’ll rule all of us and change our minds, and Haralson’s not much better. Both are covered in some horrid, sticky goo, and spend all their time ranting. Is there anything you can do to help them?”
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Oak Sprout stands up tall and brave, brandishing her spear with a flourish. "How awful! We cannot allow such a substance to continue to despoil your orchard. We shall go to their aid with haste. Perhaps once we have helped them recover, they will be able to tell us more about the source of their malady. I am quite loyal to Kragrak here," she says, pointing to the oread, "but I have not forgotten that the care of orchards is my most natural and sacred duty."
Sprout tries to see if she knows anything about this goo.
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Kragrak approaches as well, placing a gentle hand on Sprout's shoulder. He activates his empathic link with her to transmit a feeling of calm and confidence. "We'll observe this goo carefully. Then we'll decide best to treat it. W'can make sure it doesn't spread to anyone else. Anything else we can do for you? Any beetles or other bothersome things you'd like us to remove?"
This goo sounds unnatural, but Kragrak only has knowledge of natural phenomena. He checks to see if he remembers any plant diseases that fit the description.
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"Hmm, the big one... Morvinarr? But he was the last to disappear... So who was his friend that day?" Lord Braggett wonders out loud, stroking his beard. With no answers forthcoming, he bows once more to the trees "Thank you, trees of the orchard, for your assistance! With Oak Sprout as our guide, I'm sure your friends will be feeling better in no time."
Deferring to their intimate knowledge of nature, Braggett leaves Oak Sprout and Kragnak to hypothesise about the goo, while he readies himself for tyrannical trees and giant bugs. He draws his shield and flail, and leans over to talk to Castiel "Sir, it seems that the trees confirm the apple seller's fears. Now there are just too many accounts of fearful phenomena in this orchard to ignore, and we must be ready to protect group! Can you keep an eye on Oak Sprout, while I protect the Prince?" He asks quietly, as he waits patiently for the brave nature spirit to lead the way.
"Thank you friends, and good luck," the Pink Lady wishes to all of you.
"They'll probably all die." Granny notes.
"Y'all go kick beetle butt!" Mac says enthusiastically.
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
The group travels a little further northwest (but are still in the southern end of the orchard) as a sense of wrongness envelops them. Rows of neglected apple trees sway in the wind, and the occasional rotting, worm-eaten fruit falls with a wet thud to the ground below. The earth is heavily trampled, and an overturned barrel of apples lies broken on its side, exuding a sickly sweet scent.
The rustling of the trees seems more agitated, and Sprout hears some angry blustering.
They’re all against us... They never liked us... Why didn’t they like us? There’s another voice, far less sure of itself. Wait, I thought they liked us before. Weren’t they our friends once? I feel funny, Red, so many voices in my heart, whispering to me....
As the group approaches, it becomes clear that the two trees are infected with some kind of glowing purple sticky goo. Red’s rustling is even more belligerent.
A buzzing noise sounds from behind the tyrannical tree. Some dog-sized beetles emerge! They snap their mandibles in evil glee.
Also, Red is very big for an apple tree. Bigger than you might expect.
Round 1
Active conditions: None
Castiel
Sprout
Zakhar
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Big Bugs
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Wetbeard
Braggett
Princess
Prince
Kragak
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Leaning close to Sprout …Please stay behind me Lil Sprout so as to not get hurt…There is no telling what they can do but they must be sent back from where they came from..
Castiel’s first response is to stay back and guard Sprout but the thirst to end evil wins out. He charges forward into battle yelling "Honor oz Torag, honor oz my Pappy...” and slams into the closest bug with his shield lashing out with his long sword….
Zakhar readies an attack! Castiel charges forward and slays the pink fiendish beetle in a single mighty swing!
Round 1
Active conditions: None
Castiel
Sprout
Zakhar
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Big Bugs
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Wetbeard
Braggett
Princess
Prince
Kragak
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Sprout usually isn't much one for fighting, doubly so with this fearsome goo. The tree's threats clearly rattle her, and she shrieks it terror. Clutching her spear tightly, she hides behind Kragrak and Castiel. She checks to see if she knows anything about the bugs that she could share with the group.
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It’s the bugs’ turn! Blue comes forward to attack Sir Kibble, but Zakhar’s readied action slices right through the center of the bug! Green, the lone bug, moves forward, readying to eat the first creature that dares approach him!
Meanwhile, Red is unhappy with the caliber of his troops.
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Round 1 / 2
Active conditions: None
Castiel
Sprout
Zakhar
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Big Bug
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Wetbeard
Braggett
Princess
Prince
Kragak
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That poor, poor bug...
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Seeing another beetle to the right, Castiels checks behind him for Sprouts location. Seeing that she is out of range, Castiel moves to the right to block the path to the group.
Moving forward, Castiel intercepts the bug and again slams into the beetle with all of his weight while lashing out with his longsword...
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Prince points to the ground, singling out the broken branches, the kicked up dirt, and especially the bits of cloth snagged on bark: "A couple humanoids clearly fought here for a while. The smaller one got the drop on the larger, and dragged his body away to the south..."
Then, seeing the big tree start calling out and bugs bugging us Prince, motions Princess on... before hopping along himself, towards the yellow-eyed bug.
Having muttered words of power, and called to Pharasma, he flicks his tongue at Princess and gives her power.
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The beetle snaps at Castiel....
...and misses! Castiel returns the favor! Then Prince casts guidance on Princess, who flings her own green goo around,
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Round 1 / 2
Active conditions: None
Castiel
Sprout
Zakhar
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Big Bug
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Wetbeard
Braggett
Princess
Prince
Kragak
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"Stand back, Sprout. Kragrak pulls a gnarled, hand-carved quarterstaff off his back and...
Possibility #1: Kragrak can charge the beetle: ...charges forth at the remaining beetle. He swings the end of the staff in front of his body in an quick arc, attempting to smash the bug's head in.
Possibility #2: He can't charge the beetle: ...closes much of the distance toward the bug, holding the staff menacingly in front of him.
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Lord Braggett immediately recognises the purple goo for what it is "That stuff is demonic bile, and it must not be allowed to spread any further! Come friends, we must strike with cold steel and positive ener-" Distracted momentarily by the glowing substance, he looks around to see two dead bugs and Prince leaping into the fray "Your grace, be careful!" Sir Kibble's hackles raise, and he charges with teeth bared, carrying an excited looking Lord Braggett on his back "Foul creature, prepare to be thoroughly tenderised!" The enthusiastic knight spins his flail around faster and faster, which makes a pleasing whirring sound that reaches it's crescendo at the moment just before he strikes.
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Braggett
Free action: Ride check to attack with Kibble
Standard action: Attack
Kibble:
Move action: move 30' towards beetle
Standard action: Attack
Out of turn:
If Kibble is hit, Braggett will use Mounted Combat as an immediate action to try and negate it. If Braggett is targeted for an attack, Kibble will use the Boddyguard feat to expend an AoO and boost Braggett's AC.
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Wetbeard howls with excitement when the bugs emerge, feelers twisting and writhing rapidly with glee. "Aye, now this be what Wetbeard came for!" He rushes into combat, following the mighty sir Kibble and drawing his Falchion as he runs. "Yer gonna 'ave more bug tonight than you know what to do with Prince!" Wetbeard jumps up, slamming the Falchion down in a vicious overhead swing strong enough to send grass, dirt, and hopefully bug parts flying through the air.