The rain fell in heaps upon his shoulders. The large man was the last one on watch that evening, and had his share of rest. He adjusted his helm once again, that skull which almost never left his body. It was a mark of who he was now, and he gave a grin as he looked up into the rain.
He drank freely from the falling water, and sipped on it dearly before he went about the camp, taking a patrol one last time while the others still woke up. he was bothered lightly by this weather, for it was not like the harsh winters he was used to; no, it was another creature entirely. And he welcomed the experience to learn and adapt.
For weeks he had been alone, and now he had ended here with newfound allies, for the time being. It bothered him that he felt like some dark mercenary amongst the rough - but it would not deter him from his goals.
No, not yet.
The Heral- no, the Dragonskull adjusted his armor one last time, and began to unstring his bow for the travels to come. He slung the bow to its harness on his back, and ensured the furs were as dry as he could make them for the day's trip, for wet fur was dank and ruined morale - and he had no reason to make their trip any worse than it might already be. With this done, he sat outside on a nearby log, and awaited the rest of the group to prepare.
As the group took a break from the rigors of their travel, Tess figured there would be no better time to break out the map and show her traveling companions whatever secrets it might have held. The pretty elf dug into her satchel and pulled out a mapcase. She pulled out the rolled parchment inside and showed the group.
"This is the map I mentioned earlier. I received it from a wizard friend, but did not have a chance to ask him about the specific directions contained therein. It seemed really interesting. Could one of you more skilled in tracking than I look and see if you can make any logic out of this?"
Finally sitting down and not precisely in a decent table, inside and inn as he would have liked to do, but still at least he could rest for a moment and take a brake until he is called to guard duty.
After listening to Tessara "Well I'm not much of a map reader but I can help in the tracking or searching in the wilderness"
Unsure if he had made the right decision to join this group of adventurers, Thoian stepped over to where the rest of the group was looking at a map.
"I'm not a map maker or reader. I was never properly schooled. Hopefully someone here can read it though. I hope that I may be able to better contribute to the group in the future."
Dressed in peasants clothes and no longer wearing his soaked shirt, Thoian's massive form towers over everyone as they huddle around the map. It is at this time everyone is able to notice the many small scars that cover his body. There must be dozens of them, glistening in the rain. Thoian returns to his backpack and pulls out a small stick. He walks back to the group holding the stick out in front of him pointing it at the group.
"I was told that this can heal you when you have been injured. Could one of you put this to good use? I am unable to make it work."
"Let me take a look at the wand. I've got some ability to use those things." Once she received the wand, she instantly knew its properties. "Ah yes, this is exactly as you described. It will heal minor wounds. Very useful out here. And I Should be able to make it work."
"I will try."
His voice was harsh, like the bellowing of drums in a distant valley - echoing something ominous. The warrior stood up and moved towards the elf-woman, and bowed with great respect - he recognized ones similar to her, and it was something sacred in that respect.
So when he took a firm look at the exchange of items, he nodded - he had seen similar objects from his home, and recalled their uses to aid children and others be healed from light injuries. This brought memories flooding to his head, and he instantly moved to a new subject.
He takes a good look at the map, but does not take it from her hands.
Know. Arcana
Know. History
Know. Nature
Know. Planes
"Aldhelm when you are leaving please do tell me so I can send you some sort of... aid in your tracking and path finding around here"
Knowledge Planes
"Perhaps I could help aid Ald in scouting? We could look for a hill or tall tree from which to view the area and possibly get an idea of which direction to head toward. Who knows we may even spot a tower?"
Thoian quickly gathers his things, throwing on his shirt and strapping on his sword, looking anxiously at the party, waiting for their approval of the idea.
I just want to be useful.
Ormak, not really bother by the rain, sits quietly in the camp. He seems lost in thought, listening to the sounds of the land. When mention of a map and tracking is made, he gets up and takes a look at it.
"If any of us will be scouting it will be me." He does not say this in a superior manner or as if he's putting the others down. He says this because he knows he's the best at tracking among this group.
"Finally a brake from this horrible weather and a good meal to boast with it" as he patiently awaits for the food to be ready "I don't like this Orcus guy... honestly sends shivers down my spine"
Once settled in, Ormak whistles for his wolf, Whisper to come and enjoy the warmth provided by the tree. The Half-Orc shares his meal with his companion, making sure both eat their fill
"Who is this Orcus you speak of? The name sounds a bit ominous" He asks Belneiros as they sit around the fire.
Thoian quickly sets up his tent, making sure it is a comfortable distance from the fire. "I offer my tent to the lady if she so desires." Thoian takes a portion of the food offered and finds a place just at the fires edge to sit down, relax, and eat. Thoian waits patiently for the others to finish. Hoping that maybe one of them may be able to shed some more light on this adventure.
"I have heard the name Orcus before. From what I recall, the name refers to one who lives below the roots of the world tree, forever blocked from the rainbow bridge of the ethereal realm. He is bound to the power of the unlife and some even worship this being of great power, or attempt to contact it/him for access to powers not of this world. In other words, it refers to an exceptionally evil type being."
Tess digs into the grub eating mess less delicately than most elves. she pulls off small pieces for Giggles, who happily chews on the vegetables, while keeping a wary eye on the wolf who sauntered into the area. "Thank you for the offer, Thoian. In this nice warm shelter I will be quite fine however."
Noticing the wary glances Tessara gives his wolf, Ormak says "Don't worry about Whisper, she's a good, well behaved wolf.....for the most part".
He then get's more serious "I don't like this Orcus already. What's he got to do with this place we are heading to?"
"Hmph. Gods and their powers should not meddle of our problems. We will survive, one way or another."
Aldhelm grunts a bit as he sets up his own tent and bedroll, his blanket furred and from more arctic temperatures, and decides to address an issue he hadn't done before. He moves over to Ormak, and clasps his shoulder if not prevented.
"Friend Ormak, your comment was blunt and harsh, this morn. You should welcome aid, even if you are our best. Everyone can contribute, in their own ways." It's here he firmly grips (if he got there), and releases, giving a rare smile and moving back to his things - and strings his bow in preparation for the evening.
"This Orcus is the least of our concerns. We need to focus on what is in front of our eyes, not what is beyond them. But, that is my opinion."
Noticing the wary glances Tessara gives his wolf, Ormak says "Don't worry about Whisper, she's a good, well behaved wolf.....for the most part".
He then get's more serious "I don't like this Orcus already. What's he got to do with this place we are heading to?"
"That is something I am not sure of, Ormak. The letter is in what seems to be draconic, yet it is very hard to read due to age and stains. I can clearly make out the word, 'Winterset.' The map on the back side shows what looks to be a tower and the location of a hidden entrance to some sort of crypt. And perhaps unfortunately, the only writing on the map side of the letter is a name, Orcus. Perhaps this is a dwelling of his followers?"
Thoian watches the exchange between Omark and Aldhelm, unsure where his place is among these warriors.
Thoian turns his attention back to Tessara, Orcus, and the map. "Perhaps if we traveled to Winterset there may be someone there who knows something of this old tower? Or with Omark and Ald we could find a high spot and begin a search of our own. The map doesn't indicate what direction the tower is from Winterset? Does it?"
Although he allows Aldhelm to clasp his shoulder, Ormak does flinch at the touch. However, Whisper growls a bit as her master is touched. "I have the aid of Whisper, who is all I need when scouting. Maybe it is harsh or blunt, but also true"
When Thoian speaks up he replies "Winterset is about three days south, near the marshes. Once there I'm sure we can find this tower"
"Well I was planning on a very good scout to go also, will tell me things faster then you will"
"If you would make some space for me please"
He stands up and concentrates for a moment as he walks a step or two forward from the group and suddenly he begins
Space open and reveal!
Starts drawing a seal with his hand on the floor leaving a thin thread of light...
Time peel back and unveil!
The moment he finished the seal, suddenly within it, becomes a void space only the seal remaining...
Open the seal within!
The seal brakes into sparkling bright lights, swallowed slowly by the void...
Seek the true form of my will!
Suddenly the sparkling lights begin to shine with intensity within the void space inside the seal, pouring forth bright white light...
Searos!
The head of a roaring brown linnorm snapping it's jaws at the air, clawing his way through and followed by it's snake like body and a whip like tail. The seal shatters into nothingness leaving behind the summoned creature.
I hope you don't mind my pet going scouting also
The tiny weasel at the elf's feet literally jumps into Tess's arms with a squeal at seeing the thing that was just manifested. "My goodness. What is that? A pet, you say?"
Looking at all the people gathered and then turning back to look at Belneiros
Draconic
I am your will manifest,what can I do to serve us
"He is no pet Tess make no mistake, he is my companion and yours as well"
Aldhelm, nods to this. He understand what he means, but he does not agree. What he manages to say before this creature emerges before them is, "Brother, you will have my aid - Whisper or no, I could use th-"
The first response to any warrior is the survival instinct.
The second is assessment and removing the threat.
Aldhelm knows this. He abides by it. And with all the power vested in him, he drew his wicked axe from his back, and hoists it, hands wrapping about the shaft firmly and flexing to tighten his grip. He stares the creature down, and moves to the side of Ormak. He growls outwardly, and is prepared to strike it down in a bloody fight should it happen.
"What is this beast?! Quickly, surround it!" he calls out, for he has no knowledge of these things at all, or the capabilities or if it is controlled. All he knows is the man did some finger-wiggling and drawing, and this creature emerged. This... fantastical creature that brought memories crawling back.
The Half-Orc is awestruck by the sudden appearance of what seems to be some sort of bizarre beast. He grabs up his sword and leaps to his feet in order to attack, then holds when Belnerios claims its his companion.
"What in Hells is that?!" He exclaims.
Thoian jumps to his feet, fighter stance ready. "By the gods. Denev protect us."
"Your companion? Perhaps a warning the next time? Seeing that the creature appears to be calm and fond of Beln, Thoian relaxes just a little. He waits to see if anything more is going to burst forth out of nowhere.
Even the roots seem to move as if angered at some intrusion. A faint shift of the color from the setting sun makes the light seem almost a rainbow color.
Then as suddenly as it began...it stops. As if the tree feels nothing it wrong.
"Alright, What was that?
Survival
"Remain calm and in place he is... our friend and not an not someone you might want to fight, but someone who fights with you" as he pets Searos
Draconic
"This are our friends and allies, we travel together just sit with me and rest like we all Searos"
Draconic
"As you wish,I need not explanations of who these people are as long as they are not hostile"
"Alright, What was that?
Survival 1d20+5
Tess shivered a bit from the cool, and again put Giggles back down on the ground, fairly sure that he was safe.
She began talking as there was not much else to do for the remainder of the evening. "So what exactly is everyone's story? I've already told you about the map and how I found it. I'm no fighter, but I can help the group by casting a few spells, and healing a little bit. I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve, but that is what I am best at. Giggles and I have been on a few interesting little treks, but nothing, like, I expect awaits us in Winterset."
"I'm one of the best scouts and hunters around. I can track down and sniff out most foes literally. I fight hard for my tribe and my people, who are not like most Orcs. We are one with the land, and with the greatmother Denev."
Thoian sits back down in his spot. Not quite a part of the group but just on the edge. He is waiting, patiently, for everyone else to give their stories.
He appears eager to ask a question of Ormak, but tries to hide it by biting his lip.
"I'm just an orphan with a thirst for knowledge and adventure" as he smiles and pets Searos
Unable to contain himself any longer, Thoian bursts with excitement and curiosity.
”What’s it like growing up with a bunch of orcs? Where does your companion come from? Can you really track that well? Will it bite me if I try to touch it? Could you track a blood cougar through the mountains? Can you fly on a broom? Are orcs as savage and vile as my father told? Do they really eat the weak?
Flushing red with embarrassment, Thoian quickly puts his hand over his mouth. From behind his hand you hear a muffled, ”Sorry.” He slowly puts his hands at his sides and tries to start again.
”I’m sorry if I offended. Its just that, well, I’ve never…I mean. You see I grew up in the city, in the poor districts. I never traveled further than a few blocks from where I grew up. This is the first time I have been outside of the city. My family never had much and I was not allowed to go to school. We couldn't afford it. Being the oldest in my family, I was expected to help provide for my family. I mostly did manual labor, carrying heavy objects came easy to me, so I did a lot of work just moving things around for people. I used to get into a lot of fights because of the comments the other kids would say about my mom and dad. When I was 14 my father introduced me to a man who organized street fights. He said I was a natural. I spent the next couple of years fighting and making money for my family. I was pretty useful for them. When I wasn’t fighting I was working. Then I had the worst day of my life. I almost killed a guy in a fight. I ran. I left the city and just started wandering. When I heard that you were looking for adventurers I thought I could finally be useful to someone again. So here I am.”
Aldhelm watches, and listens.
It's what he's been doing for the most part of their trip, and he seems unwilling to change this. However, he feels he has not established himself, and the man stands tall, moving towards the center of their campsite. The warrior cleared his throat, and placed his weapon to the ground, blade bottom so as to seem less threatening.
"I am from the northern parts of these lands, and I earned my title of 'Dragonskull' through deed alone - for I slew a drake with my own hands, and a smaller sword. I am well-acquainted with nature, much as Ormak is, and respect those of a tribal descent first - for only those understand the hardships we have endured."
He nods, and returns to his seat, complacent with his explanation. There was no need to tell them any more.
"I'm glad to know how little you respect me" as he grins in a wicked smile trying to not sound offended "After all having to be an orphan, outcast for being half-breed and have to get everything by merit" pausing to notice he was sounded like he did not intended too "My apologies Aldhelm, I know it is a great deed to slay a drake, but do not make less of those that do not come from your same... background, for there are others that have suffered more than you and still strive" he just stokes the flames peering into nothingness, focusing in his own thoughts and the damned cold wind that is relentless.