Ana fires another pair of missiles.
I
Spells Prepared (CL 4):
Level 2 (2+1/day)
Bull’s Strength (used)
Spiritual Weapon (used)
Zone of Truth (Used / Turned to CMW)
Level 1 (3+1/day)
Shield of Faith (used)
Sanctuary
Murderous Command (used)
Divine Favor (Used / Turned to CLW)
Level 0 (4 at will)
Spark
Detect Magic
Guidance (+1 Attack / Saving / Skill)
Domains
Ferocity
3-Rage
6-Bull's Strength, Mass
Glory
1-Shield of Faith
2-Bless Weapon
2-Zone of Truth
Special Qualities
Aura
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 2d6 (4/6 per day) (DC 16 Sacred Conduit)
Spontaneous Casting
Touch of Glory (6/day)
You can cause your hand to shimmer with divine radiance, allowing you to touch a creature as a standard action and give it a bonus equal to your cleric level on a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check. This ability lasts for 1 hour or until the creature touched elects to apply the bonus to a roll. You can use this ability to grant the bonus a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Special Attacks
Ferocious Strike (+2) (5/6 per day)
Whenever you make a melee attack, you can designate that attack as a ferocious strike. If the attack hits, it deals additional damage equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum +1). You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Skallangbiorn reels from the attack, the demon's axe cutting and freezing a swatg across his chest. The cleric takes a step back, realizing that his enemy is focused on doing him in. He holds is greatsword at the high guard position, glowing grey flames casting a pale light on Skallangbiorn's helmed visage. "Your powers are waning, foul creature. I can sense your fear..."
He spares a glance to his Ulfen brother as Thorvald joins the fight. Skall grins again and glares back to Smokie Joe. "And you should be afraid. Because whatever you are, fiend, you're going to die. And the demons you worship will soon have their way with you."
With that, he calls upon Gorum for what he considers may be the last time. "Great Lord in Iron, give my brother your glory and strength!!"
Takes a 5ft step back and casts CMW on Thorvald.
He's focusing on our priest. Tactics, fear, or hatred of the holy? Whatever his reason, I'll try to make him regret it.
If Joe is going to focus on Skallingborn so, Rutilux shifts his position to strike at the being's flank if possible.
Feeling ineffectual, Julian runs to aid Zeth.
At last Julian understands himself!
Zethyris takes the girl away from the fight, pulling out his adamantine dagger as he does so. Reaching a safe distance (somewhere by Ana or the horses?) he stops to cut her free of the sack.
power attack rage and bard bonus
power attack two handed, plus bard bonus
"To whatever end!"
Thorvald bellered as he brought the Werewolf Lords axe through the smoke man before him.
"To whatever end!"
Zethyris rushes farther away from the man as Anastasiya fires two more blasts of force at the man. As soon as the bolts connect with him his body begins to fade and disperse into puffs and wisps of smoke picked up by the wind. Despite his destruction you still here an echo of his voice, "Damn you all for ruining my latest wedding day. I'll remember this and I'll come back for you. I'll have my revenge! You'll all pay for this!"
"The coin we deal in is steel and might. You'll not like collecting," Rutilux's eyes narrow as the smoke turns into an echo. He turns, "How is the girl?"
Julian turns to Ana and Isham. "Discover all you can about him. Quickly. There is something powerfully amiss about him."
"I am Skallangbiorn, son of Hefelmein, decedent of the Iron Eye." he answers the dissipating smoke. "When you want your revenge, come and claim it, scum."
He spits blood at the spot where the demon disappeared. "In the meantime, may your wedding night with the demons of whatever hell spawned you give you the sport you so richly deserve."
With that, the cleric pulls off his helmet and plants his sword in the ground before him. Then he kneels and begins to pray. He asks for insight into the foe they'd just faced after offering thanks for the day's victory.
knowledge local Ulfen
Any stories about this type of being?
knowledge Nature
Do I know how we injured a ghost or was it all Ana's and Skallangbiorn's magics?
perception
Look closely see if you can glean anything about him.
Sense Motive
Does he really believe that he can come back and haunt us? Did we deal him a blow tonight?
Isham takes a moment to survey the sledge, and determine if it appears to be usable. He uses detect magic to determine if the sledge might be exceptional.
If the sledge might be put to rights, Isham looks for reindeer tracks. "Perhaps we can retrieve those animals, and bring the young lady back in the front seat, rather than a sack."
Zethyris frees the girl from the sack.
"Are you all right, miss?" he asks.
He looks back at the rest of his group, scorched and bleeding. A sense of admiration grows within him, and a small rush of shame for leaving them as he, unscathed, fled with the girl. We did it. We saved her, thank the Lucky Drunk.
Thovald hangs onto his rage for another round and calls to his battle brothers.
"Come, while I still have the strength of the Kodiak within me, lets set this sleigh right. I brought my heavy horse as a spare, we can use that monsters own vehicle to our advantage."
After setting the sleigh back on its runners Thorvald will respectfully give thanks to Gorum next to Skallangbiorn for a brief moment before slapping Rutilux on the shoulder plate and walking over to The Mountain Who Glaives.
"Good call, was it you who directed us to attack his cup? Do you think it was the source of his power, for our weapons passed right through him."
He watches Zethyris freeing the girl using sweet words. As much as he wished to go and aid in her recovery from the sack, the big barbarian figured that the half elf was better equipped to do so without scaring the girl any further.
She might awake and think a bloody troll or worse was pulling her from that bag. I pray she is still intact emotionally as well as physically.
Thorvald continued to Ana's side and embraced her.
"Thank you my love. Without you I fear we would have fallen. You show me every day how important your magic is to our survival. Our weapons were like swords seeking to slay a swarm of gnats. Your arrows of light seemed to strike true. The fiend looked as though he was injured when he left."
Rutilux will help set the sleigh upright though clearly his mind is on making sure the young lady is alright. Still, Zeth is seeing to her.
As Thorvald pats him on the back, he nods in return, "Well fought by all, I'd say. You took many hits to shield that girl, Thorvald. It was truly heroic."
Well he was definitely doing something with that mug so I thought it would be a good idea to stab at it. Unfortunately i whiffed rather hard and lost my grip.
"What a strage old soul. Perhaps next time we meet him - as he promised - we'll be able to have a discussion."
"Are there many of these spirits in the north, ones which weapons seem to pass through? Ana's magic seemed to reach him, where our steel did not. Ana, do you think it's possible, and worthwhile, to enchant some weapons with the potency of your bolts? Many things to consider about this, once we return the young lady to her home."
"And a song, a tale. Something to add to the legends of this Smokie Joe, and memorialize the legendary heroics of Skallangbiorn, Thorvald, Zethyris, and Ana. Truly the claws of the Kodiak today, with a little help from the rest of us Claws."
Isham works with Thorvald to restore the sleigh, ensure the young lady is safely ensconced, and move the entire phalanx back to the farmhouse.
Perhaps I'll hire a bard to write about this story. Hmm.. Stout brothers Jediah and Zethyris and brave men-at-arms Thorvald and Skallangbiron. The wise adviser Isham and the clownish Julian along with haughty Ana. Hmm..that sounds good!
Skallagbiorn, after the fact, when you take the time to consider what happened you are almost certain that you all just did battle with some form of apparition or ghost and a powerful one at that.
Thorvald's you remember stories told about men and creatures so tough that their flesh gave way to no weapons but nothing about any that passed right through them.
The sleigh, despite its rather abrupt halt seems intact but banged up a bit and capable of being pulled but is in no way magic. The sleigh is large enough for five people, with two seated in the front and three tucked in together on the floor of the rear, if it wasn't semi full of items scattered on the ground.
Amongst the junk and broken wood scattered on the ground you find:
Two masterwork trappers kits
Eleven bottles of cheap wine
Two long spears
A collection of animal pelts already cured an rolled up (value 150gp)
A box of jewellery including precious gems, gold and silver (350gp)
A heavy shield made of supple green hide (magic aura)
A bag of coins:
546 copper
387 silver
132 gold
3 platinum
Pulling open the bag does reveal the girl. She is tied up and gagged and her night clothes are in disarray but the worst par is the large welt on her face and forehead. She's unconscious and even with magic healing won't wake up for at least a few minutes, maybe an hour or more.
After righting the sleigh someone's foot bumps something in the snow. Kneeling down you reach into the snow and pull out a slim one handed axe with good balance and a sharp edge to the dull iron head. The handle looks made of ash and a loop of the same leather as the shield hangs from the end of it. There is a distinct magic aura coming from it.
Zethyris makes room in the sleigh for the girl, storing most of the items in his bag of holding for now. He carries her limp form over and gently places her inside.
Later, as they arrive back at the farmhouse, Zethyris will carry the girl inside (if she's still unconscious, that is).
Settling the girl into the sleigh (along with the loot), Isham takes a moment to clean, treat, and salve her wounds.
"Ana, if you'll ride with the girl, I'll lead your horse. As we discussed before, mine is perhaps not the most comforting visage for her to wake to. And no, Julien, I doubt she'd be more comforted if she were to wake in her arms." Isham drops Julien a wink to signal some gentle teasing, and to hint that the Outlanders might still share some humor less dour than standard Ulfen fare.
"Of course not. She'd be heartbroken the minute we left." Julian returns the grin.
Spells Prepared (CL 4):
Level 2 (2+1/day)
Bull’s Strength (used)
Spiritual Weapon (used)
Zone of Truth (Used / Turned to CMW)
Level 1 (3+1/day)
Shield of Faith (used)
Sanctuary (Used / Turned to CLW)
Murderous Command (used)
Divine Favor (Used / Turned to CLW)
Level 0 (4 at will)
Spark
Detect Magic
Guidance (+1 Attack / Saving / Skill)
Domains
Ferocity
3-Rage
6-Bull's Strength, Mass
Glory
1-Shield of Faith
2-Bless Weapon
2-Zone of Truth
Special Qualities
Aura
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 2d6 (2/6 per day) (DC 16 Sacred Conduit)
Spontaneous Casting
Touch of Glory (6/day)
You can cause your hand to shimmer with divine radiance, allowing you to touch a creature as a standard action and give it a bonus equal to your cleric level on a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check. This ability lasts for 1 hour or until the creature touched elects to apply the bonus to a roll. You can use this ability to grant the bonus a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Special Attacks
Ferocious Strike (+2) (5/6 per day)
Whenever you make a melee attack, you can designate that attack as a ferocious strike. If the attack hits, it deals additional damage equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum +1). You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Skallangbiorn rises from his prayers and works with the others to get the sleigh ready for transport. "I know not horse flesh," he mentions to Thorvald. "Would ShaggyHorse work under the yolk?" As he asks the question, he touches a hand to the big warrior's shoulder and casts a Healing upon him.
He moves over to the girl, sparing an eye as the contents of the demon's sleigh is checked. Isham steps back from his bandaging and ministrations as he shares a word of humor with Julian. The wash of battle fervor reminds Skallangbiorn once again what he'd been missing for all these past months in his search for Savol; camaraderie. The big cleric had never felt so at home until he'd been part of the Blackravens and shared spilt blood with his brothers and sisters of battle. For all his dour aspect, Skall cracks a grin at the comments as pleasant memories surface in his mind.
"It is too late for her, Julian Itto." He says through his grin. "The girl has seen your soft face, heard your sweet words and knows you must drift to the horizon like a flake of snow on the wind. Her heart is already broken."
The cleric first nods respect to Isham's efforts, then sets to observing the girl's wound and using his connection to Gorum to ascertain what may have happened to her beyond a blow to the head.
As he sees everyone within range, he calls to Gorum to bring life energy to those still wounded to ensure any open wounds have been closed.
During the journey back to the house, Skallangbiorn begins voicing his observations of their enemy. "This Smoking Joe, he is a spirit of some sort, a ghost to be specific. One who must have had exceeding skill in life, made only more deadly in his death." Skall points to the half-elf and his bag of holding. "We should be cautious in regards to his weapons, they possess an aura of some kind. Mayhap this aura could anchor the malignant spirit to this world and give him a foothold for a return. We may have to destroy them."
After a few moments, he gestures to Julian and adds. "We've already covered that Julian is the fairest of us. What if Joe wishes him for his bride?"
In reply to Thorvald, thoughtful:
"Thanks. I seem to have a gift for destruction." Then, in a more upbeat tone: "I had something to fight for." She gives him a kiss. "Thanks for not dying."
In reply to Isham, doubtful:
"Are you sure? I'm not so good with ... people. I'll try not to shoot acid at her if she wakes up on our way home, but beyond that I don't guarantee for much."
Ana picks up one of the bottles of cheap wine, takes a big draught from it, and hands it to the next person.
Then she takes a few moments to inspect the shield and axe more closely.
Following Skall's remark she eyes Julian and says: "Yes, you have a point there, Skallangbiorn. Our friend Joe seems to be into the flat chested type. We need to put up guards at night."
Isham responds to Ana, "I think you are better with people than you credit yourself. And if we are to lead in these lands, we must nurture our ability to connect with them - particularly those that need our help most. Simply be present, it will mean much to her." and more softly, "and to yourself, if you let it."
Isham passes the wine, undrunk.
'We're not back to barracks yet... I'd gladly lift a bottle with comrades, once we're less exposed.'
Rutilux nods a thanks to the priest for the healing he does. He shakes his head at the wine, "Terrible year." and actually laughs at the jests regarding Julian's irresistible beauty but he grows sober at a thought, "We need to return quickly to the house for other reasons. Rose is still possibly suspect to her geas."
"We'd better get back fast ...with me gone he might settle for Rose!" Julian hops on his horse
"We can take everything with us and give Isham a chance to identify what the items are . Shaggy Horse can pull this no problem as long as we do not overload the sleigh. The two ladies and the items shouldn't be much trouble."
"You will be fine Ana." Thorvald smiles reassuringly.
"Yes, let us return and quickly. Skallangbiorn has healed me back to full health, but we will need all of our spell casters magic come morning I fear."
It doesn't take long to return to the homestead. When you arrive and start unloading the door opens and Montulo can be seen at the door bathing the area in light. Inside you can smell something delicious, or at least appetizing considering how long it's been since you've all had any real meal, and hear dishes clinking.
"Welcome back friends. Rose and I managed to find some more robust fair to supplement that brothy soup. I take it by the sleigh that you managed to find her?"
As You move to pull her from the back of the sleigh and carry her in Montulo holds the door wide.
After tucking the girl back in and checking the room once more you settle in for the night and enjoy a much more hearty and warm meal.
The next morning you are woken early by the sounds of rattling and clinking. Those of you sleeping in the main room turn around or get up to find the girl up already and making breakfast. She appears to be quite flustered but otherwise none the worse for the nights ordeal. Montulo who was sleeping closest to the kitchen gets up and tries to help but is dismissed none too kindly at the end of a raised and readied ladle. "You'll not step one foot inside this kitchen. I go to sleep last night and wake to find it a mess after one of your midnight snacks. If my mother was here she'd tan all of your hides. If my mo..." she forcibly holds back some sobs, "I am grateful that you and your friends saved me and Stenly but a kitchen is no place for a man. No sense, if you'd have your way it's would be meat and beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and then you'd be fat and useless when something or someone comes raiding. Now go wash your hands." Montulo looks like he's about to provide a sharp retort but looking at the brandished ladle decides upon discretion.
Over a northern breakfast you discuss with the girl, Jennis, their situation. "Family. No we don't really have any family. The only relatives I had were Stenly's mum and dad." looking at your confused expressions, "Stenly's actually my cousin. My parents took him in when he was a baby. His parents were killed several winters ago by wolves. Game was real bad that year so everyone was busy fending off wolf packs daring enough to go for our cattle or livestock kept in the barns. Thankfully my father went to check up on them after finding their horse, rumple, running wild. He found Stenly standing in his crib crying for his parents half starved and brought him home where he's been ever since. I don't know about anyone else that's family except for a cousin my mother talked about some times but she's down south somewhere having adventures with some chieftain's boy. "
"Yeah he's a dragon slayer and when I grow up I'm gonna be his thane!"
"Yeah well you've got a lot of growing before that. There's no way just the two of us can handle this farm so I guess I'll have to see about selling it and take Stenly to live in the city."
Rutilux is glad to see all is well with Rose and Montulo. "Food, my thanks." Rutilux is quick to catch the two up on what happened, and on the odd nature of their foe. Then, doubly tired, he goes to see if he can finally get some sleep.
Almost to his surprise, there are no further attacks in the night, nor strange visitors, or dark omens. He washes off in a basin before dressing and following his nose. But breakfast is not done just yet.
The next morning you are woken early by the sounds of rattling and clinking. Those of you sleeping in the main room turn around or get up to find the girl up already and making breakfast. She appears to be quite flustered but otherwise none the worse for the nights ordeal. Montulo who was sleeping closest to the kitchen gets up and tries to help but is dismissed none too kindly at the end of a raised and readied ladle. "You'll not step one foot inside this kitchen. I go to sleep last night and wake to find it a mess after one of your midnight snacks. If my mother was here she'd tan all of your hides. If my mo..." she forcibly holds back some sobs, "I am grateful that you and your friends saved me and Stenly but a kitchen is no place for a man. No sense, if you'd have your way it's would be meat and beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and then you'd be fat and useless when something or someone comes raiding. Now go wash your hands." Montulo looks like he's about to provide a sharp retort but looking at the brandished ladle decides upon discretion.
The Cavalier is highly amused at this, and finds this tyranny in the kitchen quite endearing. Rutilux grins at the door way as Montulo retreats. He turns his attention to her, only to find the ladle is still drawn. He glances at where he's located, and wisely steps another foot away from the doorway, "I was just ...checking in on you. I hope you're well and all." He glances at the ladle again, "And suddenly I find myself wanting to fetch my shield."
He inclines his head, and withdraws.
............
Over a northern breakfast you discuss with the girl, Jennis, their situation. "Family. No we don't really have any family. The only relatives I had were Stenly's mum and dad." looking at your confused expressions, "Stenly's actually my cousin. My parents took him in when he was a baby. His parents were killed several winters ago by wolves. Game was real bad that year so everyone was busy fending off wolf packs daring enough to go for our cattle or livestock kept in the barns. Thankfully my father went to check up on them after finding their horse, rumple, running wild. He found Stenly standing in his crib crying for his parents half starved and brought him home where he's been ever since. I don't know about anyone else that's family except for a cousin my mother talked about some times but she's down south somewhere having adventures with some chieftain's boy. "
(Stenly)"Yeah he's a dragon slayer and when I grow up I'm gonna be his thane!"
(Jennis)"Yeah well you've got a lot of growing before that. There's no way just the two of us can handle this farm so I guess I'll have to see about selling it and take Stenly to live in the city."
Rutilux listens to the breakfast chatter, "This is excellent, many thanks, Jennis."
As the subject of selling the farm comes to mind, he speaks up, "Maybe we can help in another way. Would fifty gold provide a buffer for you and Stenly while you seek a new home in the city? Inns and the like can be expensive."
Beer and meat sounds perfect to me.
Beer and meat sounds perfect to me.
Thorvald has been deep in thought since he awoke. Try as he might he cannot puzzle out the being known as Smokey Joe. The girl obviously has forgotten her ordeal with the kidnapping spirit, but in the barbarians mind that would not spare her from harm if it tried to reclaim its lost prize.
The morning had been light and amusing with the events in the kitchen. Thorvald didn't want to ruin that mood, but the thought of sending the girl and the boy away to the city with 50 pieces of gold didn't sit well with him.
"With due respect to Rutilux, whom I know to be an honest and honorable oath keeper. There may be other options for your future which you might wish to consider. We could take you and your cousin to the camp of Savol Kodiakborn. He is a great man and I believe he will soon be a true Linnorm King if he has not already earned that title. He has taken in and promoted people such as yourselves with no where else to go. If you come with us the way back to him will likely be dangerous, but you are no stranger to that now."
"There is also another matter Jennis, last night you were stolen from your bed while you slept by some kind of a man made of smoke who left no footprints in the snow. He drove a sleigh pulled by to elk. Thanks to our companies diverse talents and skills we were able to run this being down and take you back through force of arms and magic. His axe passed through our armor like air and he breathed fire from a cup of spirits he carried in one hand. We found that even our enchanted weapons likewise passed through him like swords through mist. Ultimately, we drove the man off, but as he faded away he vowed to return for revenge. He had intended to make you one of his brides he said. As he disappeared he left this axe and his green shield behind."
Thorvald stands, walks over, picks up then displays items to prove the truth of his words.
"I am hoping that you might know something of this strange man. Even if what you have heard is only myth."
"Your parents followed the old way when they took in and adopted your cousin. I follow the old way as well and I proclaimed to your abductor that he had stolen children from a house under my protection, thus I am bound to look after you and your Stenly. Should you choose to go to he city I will do what I can to help you, but that need not be your only choice of where to go."
"I am not your father and I do not pretend to know his mind, but I cannot think of any father that I have known that would wish to send his young farm raised maiden to a city with no one there to help support and guide her there. Please forgive me if I have spoken too plainly, but what I have said was in earnest."
Zethyris has remained quiet to this point, but then jumps in.
"You said that you had a cousin who went south adventuring. What was her name?"
Travelling with a dragon-slayer... could that be Savol?
It doesn't take long to return to the homestead. When you arrive and start unloading the door opens and Montulo can be seen at the door bathing the area in light. Inside you can smell something delicious, or at least appetizing considering how long it's been since you've all had any real meal, and hear dishes clinking.
"Welcome back friends. Rose and I managed to find some more robust fair to supplement that brothy soup. I take it by the sleigh that you managed to find her?"
As You move to pull her from the back of the sleigh and carry her in Montulo holds the door wide.
"Hmm, smells terrific. Is it troll meat?"
Next morning, Ana facepalms when Thorvald bluntly confronts Jennis with the events of last night.
"Very tactful, honey." she says softly, as she pats him on the back. Then she grimaces apologetically at Jennis.
After the breakfast, Ana stays in the kitchen to help Jennis with the dishes (using prestidigitations of course. The princess does not want to scrub off dirt with her bare hands).
"Sorry about Thorvald's bluntness earlier. He means well." she says casually, once all the men have left.
Skallangbiorn listens quietly as the morning unfolds. He does not quite agree with Thorvald despite running afoul of the old ways of their people. But the group faces a great many dangers in the region. Would bringing the girl and boy along be wise? They would constantly have to divert attention away from combat, assigning one or more themselves to the protection of the younglings.
He goes to one of the open tables and begins checking his weapons. The ritual of preparation has ever been a method to clear his head when weighty topics were afoot. His crossbow is first on the table in front of him, its gear and lever and trigger getting a thorough once over and a fresh and thin application of oils to prevent freezing up in the cold. Then he checks the wood and stationary parts to ensure no cracks or other issues will hamper the weapon's effectiveness.
What would be our options? To give them money as the knight has put it and see them to the nearest city?
Setting aside the crossbow, he pulls forth his Morningstar and a whetstone and begins honing some of the spikes that appear less than battle-ready.
Now we have this cadre of demon-spawn and mercenaries owing allegiance to Margrave. They will be either hunting us, or solidifying their hold on the region.
"You said that you had a cousin who went south adventuring. What was her name?"
The sound of his whetstone scraping along pauses for a brief moment and then continues. Skallangbiorn's pale blue eyes glance up and study the girl's response, his hands moving with practiced precision of their own accord. Yes, who is this cousin? Perhaps they would be the best choice for caretaker. This is their blood and is their duty and honor to see them raised.
"Thank you for your offer but you have already done so much more than we could ever repay you already, I couldn't possibly take your money."
She turns when Thorvald begins to speak.
When he first says that she was taken she appears shocked and doesn't seem to believe him but as he continues, each and every sentence seems to be a blow to her. Her eyes quickly glaze over as if she was seeing something else and terror is painted across her face. When he brandishes the axe it appears to be too much for her and she faints right where she was standing, missing the nearby table with her head by inches.
Rushing to her you and trying to open her eyes which are unfocused and empty. And a deep chill and a cold sweat clings to her. Pulling her up from the floor you can feel her body trembling slightly in her catatonic state.
"Jen?!? Jen! Are you okay?" the boy turns to Thorvald tears running down his cheeks, "What did you do to my sister? I thought you wanted to help. You're no hero!" with that he runs to his sisters prone form and clutches her tightly crying.
Try not to feel bad. You've just given a chance for great role plying to ensue
Rutilux attempts to catch Jennis before she falls...
"Is she sick? Or is this some retaliation from that Smokey Joe fellow?" He looks around at those who know more lore than he.
"No, wait, it's something about the axe, isn't it?"
Stenly)"Jen?!? Jen! Are you okay?" the boy turns to Thorvald tears running down his cheeks, "What did you do to my sister? I thought you wanted to help. You're no hero!" with that he runs to his sisters prone form and clutches her tightly crying.
"Stenly, whatever has happened to your sister, I assure you Thorvald would never knowingly harm a hair on her head. He is a hero. He fought hard to save her."
"Wah? What happened?"
She rushes from where she was sitting and moves beside the girl. She checks her pulse and carefully inspects her. "Well it doesn't look like poison. I think the poor thing's just overwhelmed. No thanks to you." as she looks in Thorvald's direction.
Zethyris jumps to his feet as Jennis collapses.
Is it just shock, or something more?
He looks to Skallangbiorn. "Is it magic?"
Not waiting for an answer, he crouches beside young Stenly, placing a hand around his shoulder in an effort to comfort the child.
"It's okay. It's okay. We'll find out what's wrong and fix it, I promise. I do want to help, and will do everything I can to keep you and your sister safe. Will you let my friend look at your sister and find out what is wrong?"
Ana casts detect magic to see if any magic is to be blamed for Jennis' condition. If yes, she then casts protection from evil on her.
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(Earlier)"Jennis, gender is no determiner of culinary skills. "
(Then, later)"So I am definitely not the loudmouth now."
"Well that was certainly not my intention to have happen, but better here and now than on the trail."
Thorvald eyed the axe.
"I didn't cause that . . . Right."
"This wasn't what I was hoping for Rose. If my words were too overwhelming I am sorry for having to speak them, but time is not a luxury we have and these children's placement is of importance to me."
Despite the blacksmith's gruff exterior he is pained by what has happened. Feeling blunt and awkward he stays out of the others way for fear he might make matters worse.
In response to Stenly's accusation he states, "I havent done anything to your sister directly. She was kidnapped last night while you slept, by a powerful entity. what can you tell us of smokey Joe? It may help us help your sister."
I told you the weapons may be cursed, wielded by a malevolent spirit, but you chose to claim trophies... Skallangbiorn stands from the table where he was maintaining his weapons, letting his morningstar thump into the wood like a pronouncement.
"Give her room for Gorum's sake, she needs only the comfort of her strong cousin's arms about her." The cleric steps forward, and seeking the boy's permission first, checks the girl's condition. "If I may, Mastrr Stenly. You must remain to comfort her, but I wish to make sure her condition."
Let it only be the shock of the revelation that holds sway over her and not the wicked touch of that demon... He's seen too many curses in his lifetime. Some more recent than others as his mind drifts to Rose and her compatriot, Rolf. He spares an eye for the two, as though checking if a pair of particularly dangerous dogs are secured.
He glances towards Ana for confirmation of her findings.
...if Ana detects magic afoot...
Cast Dbtect Evil upon her and the general area (including the axe and shield)
Ana looks back at Skall and shakes her head "No magic involved. Can you do anything to help her?"
At Skallingbiorn's insistence to give her room, Rutilux reluctantly does just that. His worried expression remains
Skallangbiorn locks eyes with Rutilux, giving him a nod of gratitude and reassurance. "Do not give way to worry, Sir Rutilux. Courage is what is needed here."
"No magic involved. Can you do anything to help her?"
Skallangbiorn frowns down at the unconscious Jennis for a few moments. In his past, in the days spent patrolling the wilds and the villages of surrounding Trollheim, he'd come across his fair share of victims. At times, those who survived the attacks of the Irrisen - be they demonic or simply violent - were sometimes worse off than those who had simply perished.
"She lives on with what occurred last night. The event is a part of her now. Mistress Jennis will need to come to terms with that fact." He stands away from her and points to the weapons in Thorvald's hands. "But we can start by putting those cursed things away. While I do not detect the presence of evil about them, nor a connection to the vile spirit, there are still connections of other varieties." He gestures to Zethyris' bag of holding. "I for one would not want to associate with them knowing their prior owner. Nor does young Jennis. Put them away, perhaps in Zethyris' bag for the time being."
Turning his attention back to the girl, he again asks the boy's leave before moving her to an open couch in the main room. "Isham, you have drawn insights into this household's worship. I understand they have the holy writings of Erastil close to hand. Perhaps if one of you is versed in the teachings, you could begin offering prayers for the Warden’s protection.” Belying his height and formidable presence, Skallangbiorn is gentle in placing Jennis in a more comfortable place. ”I will set about praying for her in my own way and ask for Gorum’s strength to wash over her and provide her with strength to fight these fresh memories.”
”She is strong-willed, Master Stenly.” the cleric mentions to the young boy. ”But even if she doesn’t know it, she will need your strong will as well. Stay close to her, Master Stenly and pray she awakens with renewed strength.”
He stands away from the couch and focuses on the group. ”Give her responsibility, allow her to be the Mistress of the household as is her due. It will serve to give her strength and purpose. That is what she needs most of all to surmount the events of last night. The more purpose, the better. When she is ready, have her take part in a ceremony to destroy the demon’s weapon and shield. Give her power over the events that took place.”
Skallangbiorn steps away from the group and commences to kneel at the young girl’s side to pray.