Matthias knelt to pat Apollo's head. Then he nodded to Hezar, and helped him to move the bodies of their briefly-known friend. Knowing how much he loved Belina, the cleric was touched that the ranger would take the time to honor the dead while she was in danger.
Kevkas stabs his sword into the dirt, frustrated at missing the demon worshippers. "Hezar, do you see any tracks you can follow? We need to catch these bastards."
Well fought, brothers and sisters! Kane yells, cleaning demon ichor from his sword with a strip of cloth. I'd be honoured to fight by your side, any time! Shiang rolls his eyes at his husbands' enthusiasm, clearly still distrustful of your group.
I'm sorry about your girl, Hezar. But I think she was the target of this ambush. The two women that accompanied the cultists brought tools and implements of torture with them... they wanted her.
She told them everything... Rylind says, shaking her head. You musn't hold it against her - torture will break anyone, given time. As we were locked in the trap below ground we heard what they were doing to her ... and the things she told. About the barony the Helmish church has granted you, the secret bunker, Lassathor, even everything she knew about your parents, Hezar. Even if we get her back - she won't be the same girl you knew, not after this.
We must get Hezar's beloved back, then. This is a matter now not only of necessity, but of honour and love. My sword is at your command, until we get your woman back, Hezar! Kane spits on his hand and extends it to Hezar.
Will you be able to fight effectively if we do find these cultists? Many of you are wounded. Some of you have used most of your spells. Should we not scout their lair out first, rest, then strike when we are ready? Shiang asks this, no malice in his voice, his husband's offer of aid clearly on his mind.
Let us track them.
Survival to find tracks
Hanlde Animal to get Apollo to Track, he can use scent
"Let us find them, first. We may decide what to do when we know the circumstances in which she is held." Nijena's face was grim.
Matthias bent his head in prayer for a few moments for Marius and Tethys, then turned with an unusually dark expression. "Yes, let's get moving." He offered an arm to Rylind once he was mounted, expecting that Ambrose could ride with someone else.
Hezar pauses and considers Kane. We do not agree in everything. But your assistance and concern is both accepted and deeply appreciated. I thank you. Together we shall bring her back. Hezar returns the gesture, though he is smart enough not to squeeze too hard to avoid having his hand crushed.
"We're a little banged up, but I think we can move on. And, Hezar, keep the arrows. You're a better shot than I am anyway. Just give me 10 of yours and we'll call it square."
-Posted with Wayfinder
[dice=channel 1]2d6
[dice=channel 2]2d6
** spoiler omitted **
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Thank you," he said sheepishly when Matthias channeled more healing energy into him. He had been hoping that he didn't look quite as hurt as he felt. But he supposed the helmite had seen through him.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"No thanks needed, friend. You had no reason to join us in our endeavors, but you've given us your aid nonetheless. It may have made the difference in saving Rylind and Ambrose's lives. I thank you."
Matthias looked over at Kane and Shiang. "And I thank you as well. Your ferocity against the Schir surely helped to turn the tide."
Davin perhaps I should hold onto these arrows? I would not be surprised if we faced more demons.
Davin perhaps I should hold onto these arrows? I would not be surprised if we faced more demons.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Rylind looks incredulous as Kane is introduced to her. You son of a b~%+~! She moves to lunge at him, but faster than you could have imagined, Shiang's blade, glittering red, is at her throat.
Consider your next move carefully, BANDIT. Shiang seethes, as Rylind stares and says nothing.
We have met before, Kane says, motioning for Shiang to lower his blade. Several of her people set upon us in the Starspire foothills. We gave them the chance to flee, but they failed to take us up on our offer. We killed five before the rest fled.
Liar! You set upon them like the mad beast you are! Rylind says this, rubbing her throat as Shiang backs away.
Just stop! We have people to rescue, the rest we will sort out later! Hezar growls
Kane and I have our differences but we have put them on hold for now, and you, Ryland, will do the same!
"He will face justice for his crimes," Matthias said to Rylind quietly, trying to soothe her anger. "But now we have a common enemy, and it is one we may be unable to overcome alone. Without Kane, we may not have been able to rescue you. Please, let it lie for now. Belina's life hangs in the balance."
Rylinds face turns red. How do I know you're not saying the same thing about me, behind my back? I'll help rescue the girl - the thought of her cries, of her laying under their whips, makes me sick - but keep your distance, Helmite! She storms away, a veiled look of hatred directed towards Kane.
the first one to cross anyone before I say so will die by my hand. Now shut up stop arguing and move!
Matthias looked stunned for a moment; then his face crumpled into a look of worry. "Rylind, wait!" he called after her retreating back. He shot the others a helpless look.
Janiries certainly won't go talk to her, and Hezar has other things on his mind. Osuki, Davin and Kevkas don't know her at all... Ambrose? He probably feels the same. I can hardly blame them. Kane is certainly ferocious enough to do what they said he did. Looks like I have to man up and see if I can smooth things over myself.
Clearing his throat sheepishly, Matthias said, "I'll go talk to her while Hezar finds the trail. Give us a minute, please."
"Rylind, wait," he repeated more quietly as he jogged after her. "You know you have my word that if you and your people come work with us, we will forgive your banditry," he began awkwardly. "It's not like you killed anyone."
"Wait... I'm sorry. I know that he murdered people close to you," he tried again. "I promise you, he will face justice for it. If you truly do not believe we need his help against the cultists, I will argue along with you for that with the party. But for now, can we make peace? Hezar is finding their trail even now. We will have to fight together, not with each other, to save Belina. Please, Rylind?"
Nijena cleared her throat, after making sure her hands were well clear of her sword hilt - which they hadn't been while Shiang's blade had been at Rylind's neck.
"I think we would all be well served by withholding death threats. Let us not do the demon worshipers' work for them."
Davin's hand slowly retreated from the hilt of his own sword. He listened to Nijena reprimand everyone and held his peace. But as soon as things calmed down he walked over to her and spoke to her privately.
"Miss Osuki, I know you don't know me very well. And you have every right to suspect my motives and question my actions. I've promised my sword to you either way. But I'm a Tymoran. I live to roam free, seek adventure, and perhaps one day die for a good cause. I willingly tread where others don't. I've seen wonders and horrors to last a lifetime, and yet I crave more. That is what drives me. That is my measure."
He took a breath and looked her in the eye.
"And know this as well. I've encountered many men like Kane. I know what drives them. And it's not the siren's call of adventure. He feigns a yearning for order and justice, but what he seeks is domination through violence and death. He's a tyrant without a crown."
"He'll keep his word for now. He'll fight and kill by our side, but only because it amuses him or fills some sick need for justification. But make no mistake. This only ends one way. He's not going to submit himself to any justice. And the second any of you try and force the issue he will respond in the only way brutes like him ever do - with death."
Davin sighed.
"Look -- you're obviously a wise woman. I'm sure that what I'm saying doesn't come as a shock to you and I don't mean to tell you and your company how to live your lives. But you all are in very real danger. And I beg you to remain alert. And -- when you have a moment, you should speak to your friend, Matthias. He needs to understand that this will only end badly."
Kevkas had looked almost excited at the possibility of another fight, but he kept his mouth shut. He looks skeptical at Davin's tone. "I don't know about domination- he's out here camping in the woods because he can't show his face in a civilized town. But as long as someone's willing to fight next to me to fulfill a purpose I'm willing to have them along."
"It isn't like we can know anyone else's word is any better than his. At least we have a shared goal and can trust that he'll be on our side until it's done." The big half-orc grunts. "Or nearly done, anyway. They don't all have to be dead for their group's back to be broken. That's when he'll stick the knife in our backs."
Kev grins at Nijena. "That's when I'd do it, anyway."
Nijena gave the sellsword an appraising look. Then she nodded.
"There is a truce in place, Saer Greyhill," she said. "A fragile one, to be sure. But it stands, for now. I will not be the first to break it, and I will not stand by and allow my allies to do so, either."
After a moment, she gave the man a small, tight smile.
I am not a simpleton, however. I grew up... well. Let us just say that 'creative interpretation of the rules' was a way of life with my people. Very careful to follow the strict letter of the law, but loopholes always seemed to be found, with enough motivation. Kane is not so creative as the men in my father's house. I doubt he will surprise me. Shiang, on the other hand..." Her voice trailed off, and her eyes clouded, briefly.
She shook her head, as if shaking off her worries.
"With you, and our own oaf, Kevkas, here, I suspect we will be on our toes. Thank you for your warning. It is not unheeded." Her smile returned, this time with a wry twist.
"Kevkas and I, however, have been with this group only a brief time longer than you. Perhaps a few days. So it is not so much "my company," but the company that Kev and I are traveling with - much like yourself. Fortunately for them, two of us have some wisdom in our heads." She did not specify which two.
Hezar detects a trail heading away from the farm and leading away to the southeast.
Hezar and Apollo lead the way, with Apollo tracking by scent to make sure they stay on track
Matthias smiled crookedly, perhaps more relieved than was strictly necessary by Rylind relenting. This probably isn't the time to bring up a trial and prison as an option. To be fair, I'm not sure a prison could hold Kane.
He held a hand out to her, nodding back towards the others. "We'll deal with Kane and Shiang together, all right? Come on, let's get back to the group before Hezar loses patience and sets out himself."
The tracks consist of three humanoids; two sets are firm and strong, and one set are dragging; there is evidence of this third individual stumbling and falling from time to time and the occasional droplets of blood are to be found as well. The prints are followed over the course of a couple of hours, until they lead to a crossroads, at which point the trail becomes confused. The road leads roughly north and south, with another road leading west towards the sea. The ground is harder on the road as well, making tracking far more difficult.
The daylight is waning, as well, making finding the tracks even harder.
Anyone looking to track may make a survival check here against a DC of 25. Knowledge (local) vs a DC of 20 can also be tried to think of locations where they may be taking Belina.
favored terrain and favored enemy bonuses on the survival
geography if that can help at all.
perception and Scent, perhaps to aid
Apollo sniffs all around the various tracks, whining as he does.
Hezar will not be thrown off the track - despite his quarry travelling on the road, he keeps on their trail nonetheless. Though it gets dark as night falls, his abilities impress even Kane.
Look, brother. Kane points to spatters of blood on the road, and a trail leading to the heavy brush at the side of the road. Two dead bodies lay there, commoners from the look of them. Even in lawless Tethyr it is hard to lead a bound captive at the end of a whip. These two must have challenged Belina's captors, and paid with their lives.
Selune is only a sliver in the sky as darkness falls ever deeper around you. Another survival roll against DC 25 will be needed to continue to follow the trail as you hit another crossroads, with a cobbled driveway leading to a walled estate, a dirt path leading into the forest, and the road continuing north and south.
Sick at heart for the fate of the two commoners, Matthias took a moment to lay them to rest in the open, saying a prayer to Helm over their bodies.
Nijena put a gentle hand on Hezar's shoulder. "The darkness," she said, "It does not hamper me as it does most of you, but even still, I can only see so far. The demon worshipers, they must stop to rest at some point, as well. Whether at night or during the daylight. We may be at an advantage if we can catch them before they rest, but we must catch them soon, or we face an ambush, or getting lost ourselves. How quickly can you track at night? Surely, this darkness is slowing you, and allowing them to get further ahead than if we rested, and you could see tracks in the daylight. Unless..." she paused, and looked around at the group, "do any of you know this area? Can you think of where they may be headed, so that we may just ride there, and hope to gain ground? Because if we stumble around in the dark all night, we will - if we meet them at all - most likely meet them when we are tired, depleted, and on ground of their choosing."
I'll not stop.
Hezar stops to whisper a prayer over the two bodies, and commits their faces to memory, then move on.
Hezar finds the trail and continues.
Nijena shrugged. "I am with you, Hezar, but you may wish to consider that what will most help Belina may not be what most helps your wounded pride, in the end."
As she remounted her horse, Nijena added, "It may feel better to drive yourself into the ground, so that you may say that you did something, but what good will it do her if doing something merely leads to you being too late to arrive, or, when you do arrive, you do so in such condition that she is forced to watch you slain, and given to the demons?"
Nijena's green eyes glinted in the faint light of the slivered moon above. "Of course, if that happens, it will be at least the two of us. So let us do our level best to avoid that last bit."
Hezar grabs Nijena by the tunic, robe or whatever
Do not speak to me of pride, fool. These are monsters that will kill without a thought, that will sacrifice t a whim. Will you be responsible for yet another death by waiting. If you are not helping you are hindering. If you are hindering, go hinder elsewhere.
He releases and moves back to the trail
Hezar grabs Nijena by the tunic, robe or whatever
Do not speak to me of pride, fool. These are monsters that will kill without a thought, that will sacrifice t a whim. Will you be responsible for yet another death by waiting. If you are not helping you are hindering. If you are hindering, go hinder elsewhere.
He releases and moves back to the trail
Nijena's eyes narrow, and her voice is cold when she speaks. "You think I do not know what demons and their ilk do Hezar? I have already seen more years than you are likely to live in your entire span. I have seen things you cannot imagine. How many deaths will you be responsible for, crawling along a darkened road like this? When you could be thinking, and figuring out where they are going rather than following along after where they have been? Look at yourself, Hezar! So wrapped up in your own guilt - guilt that you do not deserve - that you will not see a better - a faster way to save her."
Her voice softened a bit. "I am not waiting, Hezar. I am on my horse. I have told you that I am with you. It is you who insists on doing this the slower, more dangerous way, and hears friendly advice as insults or hindrance."
She very politely did not demand an apology for him laying hands on her - after all, she had let him.
init to grab, then to speak (a free action) and release a free action
for the grab itself
I hold no guilt. I hold urgency. You speak of demons and what you have seen. You were not at the tomb with lassathor. You do not know horrors. When you speak speak wiser. Speak from a place of knowledge not assumption.. He replies as he continues to follow he trail.
"You tell me not to assume, while assuming that what you saw at the tomb was worse than anything I have experienced." Nijena shook her head, sadly.
"My apologies, for angering you. I merely meant to suggest that, while you are a formidable tracker, perhaps there is a faster way to catch up with our prey. Please forgive my imprudent tongue."
You see you speak as if you know all because of your longer life span. Once before I have met one that threw such in my face. Arrogance does not become you. Perhaps you have seen worse, perhaps I have. But neither of us knows.
We are both stressed. We have been betrayed by a companion and a friend taken as a possible sacrifice. He drops the line of thought.
Lafali goaded me into battle. I will not let Nijena do it as well.
If you know a faster way I am all ears but until someone suggests one. I will continue on until I am too weary to be effective.
Matthias raised his hands, alarmed at this turn of events. "Peace, Hezar. The concerns Miss Osuki has raised are legitimate - it is better to get ahead of our foes than to stumble after them, if we have that opportunity. Do any of you know this area?" he asked, turning to the others.
As I said Matthias is anyone has a real suggestion of where they are going then speak up and I will lead us there, but until someone does I will follow. However if no one knows where they are going then we have no choice but to let me track them.