The monk came to unexpectedly as the sharp pain wracked her body. She then turned and caught the Erutaki warrior lunge towards, who the elf assumed was her attacker, after shouting out her name. She wasn’t sure how the fight ended up in front of her as she previously wasn’t in the fray. Instead being caught up in the mental tug of war. She looked around to see the others also now in her presence.
When did all of you get here? What’s going on?
She shook her head to clear out what was left of the yellow misty fog it had been in, just in time to see Bax stick her blade into Liesel-Marie. Something washed over the monk. It was like an logical calm taking over her body.
I cannot tolerate you harming my friend. Don’t you dare touch her. You’ve done quite enough
Kyt strode past Liesel-Marie, pulling out her temple sword as she headed towards Bax. She said a prayer in hopes that it would be heard.
Irori help me to stop this hate filled and wretched woman.
Burning 1 pt of Ki for extra attack
Stunning Fist: If a foe is damaged by the attack, it takes damage as normal and must attempt a Fortitude save (DC 15). If it fails, it's stunned for 1 round (it drops what it holds, can't take actions, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC, and takes a -2 penalty to AC) or fatigued.
She attacked Bax, kicking her first with the right leg, then coming down on her with her sword, slicing at her twice.
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Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Team Ruby Theme: Jamie Christopherson - Rules of Nature
Kyt
The monk came to unexpectedly as the sharp pain wracked her body. She then turned and caught the Erutaki warrior lunge towards, who the elf assumed was her attacker, after shouting out her name. She wasn’t sure how the fight ended up in front of her as she previously wasn’t in the fray. Instead being caught up in the mental tug of war. She looked around to see the others also now in her presence.
When did all of you get here? What’s going on?
She shook her head to clear out what was left of the yellow misty fog it had been in, just in time to see Bax stick her blade into Liesel-Marie. Something washed over the monk. It was like an logical calm taking over her body.
I cannot tolerate you harming my friend. Don’t you dare touch her. You’ve done quite enough
Kyt strode past Liesel-Marie, pulling out her temple sword as she headed towards Bax. She said a prayer in hopes that it would be heard.
Irori help me to stop this hate filled and wretched woman.
She attacked Bax, sword leading in a high overhand strike. The masked woman met the elf's blade with her daggers, crossing them to form an "X" in front of her. Kyt nodded her head in approval, then smiled as she launched a kick to the backside of Bax's calf with the shin of her right leg.
Bax felt her left knee buckle, and so, was unprepared when Kyt's temple sword came down, breaking through her guard as the daggers she once wielded fell to the landing, allowing the elf to leave a pair of cuts in an X-shape across the half-orc's chest.
Seeing her prey disappear upward as she lowered her shoulder, the bloodrager’s anger is redoubled, expressed as a long string of dwarven that can only be assumed to be inappropriate in polite company. Of course, that usually doesn’t bother the woman in the first place and this wasn’t exactly polite company she was keeping, anyway. When
she feels the bite of the well-placed dagger, she wheels around, the greataxe coming to bear.
”I’m gonna split you in two, girl. And I’m gonna enjoy doing it!”
The blood trickling from Liesel-Marie’s wound doesn’t seem to bother her in the slightest.
The stab to Liesel force Rohan to snap out from the apparently wide eyes expression on his face that originally occurred. His attention quickly snapped to the threat at hand who was being handled by kyt, thankfully someone was able to do something while Rohan was in complete shock from the arrival and blood drawn tears of his fellow comrade. Furthermore, he found the urge to both attack and defend Liesel but he knew that she could handle her own. Support was the necessary action at time and at that Rohan begin to bring out some force from outside the door.
Whirling around everyone in the room a dust filled hand immediately came flying into the room at Bax who apparently was an immediate threat. The hand harden to stone just before impact against her armor. Whether or not it did any damage was to be seen by the reaction of Bax.
Determined to reach the others and help however he can, the big Mwangi, with his new guard companions, hustles over to arrive on the scene.
Nogusta arrives on the scene and takes in what he can. He thrusts forward his holy symbol and channels the light of Sarenrae down onto the scene, bathing the area in healing light. (Using selective channel to ignore the baddies).
Nyym kept his movement to set flanking with LM. He had no illusions as to what would happen should he be caught between her and her pray while in a rage. As he moved he came around with short sword and crystal blade in hand.
Nyym knew as as he made his attacks that Bax was not long for this life. She would never be able to harm Ruby or anyone else ever again.
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Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Bax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Team Ruby Theme: Jamie Christopherson - Rules of Nature
Rohan
Bax's acrobatic evasion of Liesel-Marie forced Rohan to snap out from the apparently wide eyed state that had him transfixed in place. His attention quickly snapped to the threat at hand, who was being handled by Kyt. Thankfully, someone was able to do something while he had been in complete shock from the bloody tears of his fellow comrade. Furthermore, he had found the urge to both attack Bax and defend Liesel (who he knew could handle her own battles). Support was the necessary action now and with that, Rohan began to exert his presence on the situation.
Particles whirling around everyone, a dust filled hand immediately came flying at Bax who apparently was the immediate threat. The hand condensed in size, hardening to approximate stone just before impacting against her armor.
Already stupefied from the torrent of Kytynna's attacks, the masked half-orc wilted even more under Rohan's assault.
Nogusta
As this was transpiring, Nogusta arrived on the scene and took in what he could of the situation. He thrust forward his holy symbol, channeling the light of Sarenrae down onto the scene, bathing the area in healing warmth.
Her eyes dazzled even with the protection of the mask she was wearing, Bax hissed as she seemed to shrink even further from the momentary radiance that resulted.
Seeing the situation being handled by the members of Team Ruby, the pair of guards that accompanied the Mwangi cleric quickly hustled up the stairs and made their way inside the Longhouse.
Nyym
Nyym kept his movement set to flanking with Liesel-Marie. He had no illusions as to what would happen should he be caught between the Erutaki and her pray while in the throes of her bloodrage. As he moved, the half-drow came around with short sword and crystal blade in hand.
Aodhán
The Chelaxian bouncer felt, for a brief moment, a sense of pity for the woman surrounded by his comrades. But he understood that the individual had brought this upon herself by going after the child that was both the namesake of their group and the youngest daughter of Trunau's Chief Defender.
Aodhán decided to follow the guards and look after the occupants of the Longhouse, knowing that his companions had the situation well in hand.
Mesa
The Minkai minstrel, accompanied by the cockerel Boo, made her way to the stairs of the Longhouse and watched her companions decimation of the threat they had come to stop. Even having fought alongside of them in defense of the inner gate earlier, what Mesa witnessed now left her speechless. The sheer ferocity of their attacks had rendered their enemy entirely helpless before them, unable to fight back in any meaningful way.
There was no glory here. This wasn't something worthy of song. This was nothing more than a slaughter.
Whether she penned it that way or not, only time would tell. But in the meantime, Mesa and Boo stood by as silent witnesses to the event as it unfolded before them.
Liesel-Marie is not in a mental place where fair or sporting or honorable matters. She is in that mental place similar to when a mother bear sees a threat to her cubs and seeks only to destroy that threat by any means she has at hand.
For Liesel-Marie, she has a greataxe at hand. Trying to run over the slippery masked woman had failed utterly. Better to plant both feet firmly on the earth, draw strength from that solid foundation, and split this threat in twain.
None of these thoughts pass through Liesel-Marie's mind. No thoughts are being entertained by the bloodrager, in fact. She is operating on rage and muscle memory...
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Liesel-Marie stepped forward, performing a full rotation and a half that put all of her might, all of her weight, into a sweeping horizontal swing that went up diagonally before coming down in a vertical stroke that left no doubt as to her intent.
She had told Bax that she would split her in twain, and that was what she meant to do.
Through the whirlwind haze of confusion in Bax's mind, the masked half-orc could once again feel the presence of heat, this time directly in front of her. She tried to focus her senses, but all Bax could see and hear was a snarling tiger with bluish fur and dark stripes in mid-leap bearing down upon her with murderous intent in its eyes.
The Erutaki raised the greataxe from the landing, where it had left a spiderweb-like crack from the impact, and let it rest upon her shoulder while examining the bloody result of her handiwork.
Liesel-Marie had indeed kept her promise.
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As her bloodrage leaves her, Liesel-Marie's body begins to react to the crash from the adrenaline and the emotion, the fury she had felt. She begins taking huge breaths as she tries to keep it together. She sinks to one knee as she looks at the corpse, trying to figure out why she suddenly feels remorse for this assassin, this woman that caused so much of the pain currently wracking Liesel-Marie's home.
"We should cover the body. Ruby doesn't need to see it." She looks up, concerned, "Is someone with Ruby? Is she OK?"
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Nyym likewise drops to a knee as his adrenaline also wanes. His mind flashing back to the flashback he had not long ago. It had been him and Liesel-Marie then too. They had targeted someone that had wronged their employer. He quickly shook his head to try and escape the memory.
We were different people then. This was not the same. It was done to protect an innocent. A child. Ruby.
Right then and there Nyym swore to himself that he would not return to those ways. LMs words snapped him back to the present as he looked down regretfully at their handy work. She had forced their hand and paid the price. It was not a fight, but more a... he could not find the word.
Yes, we should cover the body.
Nyym looked around for something they could use to do such. They could go over the body for useful items once Ruby was safely away from there.
As we were dealing with Bax, I saw 2 town gaurds as well as Nogusta enter the longhouse. I assume they are currently with her.
As Nyym look back at Baxs body again. It accused to him suddenly that she was what they once were themselves. With that realization, Nyym wasn't sure he wanted to know who he once was.
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As the Erutaki and half-drow sought to find something to hide the hemisected corpse of the half-orc, the remnants of Bax's mask, split roughly in two, fell from each half of her face to reveal the visage concealed beneath.
To call the sight "hideous" would have been a disservice to the word. It was asymmetrical, with a mouth filled with fangs of different lengths. Even in the stillness of death, the muscles of her face seemed to twitch and spasm rather than flow properly beneath mauve skin that was both rugose and squamous.
And as Kyt, Liesel-Marie, and Nyym took in the view of the dead woman's face, a thin mist leeched from Bax's head, containing within it blurred images. The vapor coiled over the body, swirling widdershins vigorously even as it slowly rose in the air. When it became level with Nyym's waist, each member of Team Ruby found themselves mentally overwhelmed in a dizzying flash.
Music Transition: What Do I Have To Do? (Remix Instrumental) - Stabbing Westward
When it was over, the entirety of Team Ruby found themselves no longer at the Longhouse, but rather beside a glistening pool that lay in a valley between three dunes. A small wooden hut stood near the water, and an immense tree provided shade to both the pool and the hut, with large, lumpy fruit hanging near the ground. A hum reverberated around the oasis.
The King of Khyledonia would have words with you.
The proclamation came from a bearded man of middle-aged years. He had the look of a Keleshite and yet not at the same time as he gestured grandly over the clear waters of the pool with his free hand, the other holding close to his person an ominous leather-covered book.
Step in. Don't be afraid. The King only wishes to impart unto you a glimpse of things to come. Or perhaps, things that once were.
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Nogusta looked around in confusion and whispered to his goddess.
So we transport again so soon? So be it, my Lady, thy will be done.
The cleric was a surprised by the sudden shift from aiding the town in crisis to standing in this peaceful valley. Nogusta attributed the location shift to his goddess and moved quickly to acceptance of the strange, new situation. The child should be safe for now with the half-orc dead, and the Mwangi had asked to be used however Sarenrae saw fit.
Nogusta nodded politely to the bearded stranger, thinking that most of the many questions springing to mind would be answered in a conversation with this "King of Khyledonia," whatever that was.
Of course, and may Sarenrae illuminate your path, sir.
With little hesitation, the cleric shakes his head a bit and strides boldly towards the pool.
The sudden shift also caught Nyym off guard as well. One moment lost in thought of a past he could yet remember. The next standing in this place to which he did not have knowledge. Looking at his companions in confusion. He had the sudden feeling of dread as this was not the 1st oc strange accurances this night. Again questions flooded his mind. Had they done something wrong? Had they done something right? Was this yet again like the black lady? Those among other unspoken that flooded his mind.
He had said of things to come or of things that were. Do we dare temp fate on the future? Do we dare to revisit the past?
Looks as our only recourse is to follow and see where this leads.
Nyym reluctantly followed ths Cleric, on his guard though he he knew that there were powers at work here that were again behind his understanding.
I got a BAD feeling about this.
Liesel-Marie initially attributes the change of scenery to being lightheaded, to the fatigue that often engulfs her after a battle. The man's voice, so calm and out of place, shocks her into realization that they aren't where they were. It happened again? What is this?
She deliberately takes her axe and scrubs the blade with a fistful of sand to clean it, her mind racing. Rising to her full height, she fixes the man with a stern look as she returns the axe to its sheathe before turning to follow Nyym.
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what on earth is going on?! .
The elf thought to herself. The fast series of events had left her head in a spin. They had rushed in for Ruby, she had gotten separated from Liesel-Marie, ended up against that whack job in the nasty fog, attacked by Bax, fought Bax, watched her go down... then BOOM! Now they were here in this unknown place with this unknown person telling them what to do.
Are we just going to follow what this man says? We have no idea what’s going on here? Where is here? Are we safe? Is Ruby safe? Does this not strike you all as odd? As peaceful as this seems, I’m more trusting of the yellow fog, as I’ve now been in that more than once and know what to expect.
She asked as she looked around to the group and the backs of those that were walking in the direction the man specified.
I will trust you all as my team and friends, cause where you go I shall follow, even to the ends of the world.
She states trust of them. But she does not mean trust for the situation of itself. If all else choose to head where directed, she will do as a friend should, and take up the rear. Just in case this turns out to not be as good as it seems.
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Aodhán nodded as Kyt uttered her misgivings about the situation. Like the elf, he wasn't too keen about blindly doing what the bearded man wanted. But he also didn't know what else to do. So the Chelaxian bouncer began to pay more attention to the place they were now in.
As Nogusta, Liesel-Marie, and Nyym began making their way toward the pool, Aodhán soon picked up on the fact that the movements of the Erutaki and the half-drow looked hazy and unfocused. The Mwangi priest, however, seemed normal. Intrigued, the bouncer raised his hand and noted that the action also had the same quality to it.
Mesa seemed nonplussed by the happening, given the group's recent trip to the Memory of Nature. What she experienced now was about as different from that as it got. The Memory of Nature was mostly an endless white void that had been entirely unsettling, whereas this place seemed almost idyllic by comparison. And while both locations had their singular entities, the Keeper of Memory came off as an alien guardian, a pragmatic protector, of something of immense importance and value. The bearded Keleshite, with his gold silk turban and sirwal breeches (billowy pants), seemed more dubious. Regardless as to how he made her feel, the Minkai minstrel nevertheless couldn't shake an odd sense of familiarity with regard to this location.
Boo, in contrast, was obviously disturbed by what was transpiring, despite not uttering a single cluck or squawk. The cockerel's head was darting to and fro to take in his surroundings as he walked alongside his companion.
Upon reaching the edge of the pool, the members of Team Ruby could see themselves reflected in the surface of the waters, with one notable exception: in place of Nogusta, there was a wide man with a salt-and-pepper beard clad in thick furs and wearing dark-lens spectacles.
The Keleshite man's image was present as well, making the same offer that had been put to them moments ago, only in the reflection, it was to the man in the dark-lensed glasses.
Team Ruby did not have long to wait with regard to the outcome as the wide man shoved them, one at a time, into the pool with no struggle or resistance at all. As soon as each made contact with the water, one by one, their faces became blank and distant. A heartbeat later, a thin sliver of vapor seeped from each of the heads of their reflections, containing within it images:
Liesel-Marie saw herself standing in front of a desk located in someone's office. Across from her sat the wide man.
Those that take what they do not earn must pay dearly in their turn. The man stared intently at the Erutaki from behind steepled fingers wrapped in gloves of silk finery...
Mesa and Aodhán could see the wide man greeting the group after being introduced to him by a strange woman shrouded in tattered studded leather robes that were yellow in hue...
Rohan and the others found themselves standing before a squat building sporting a pair of heavy wooden doors that broke a 10-foot tall hedge surrounding an estate that belonged to the wide man....
Kytynna's eyes flashed, betraying her sadistic glee, as she delivered blow after blow to a young woman, not stopping even when the victim's ribs collapsed or the light in the woman's eyes faded. Only when she felt satisfied did the elven monk relent...
Other things were visible to the members of Team Ruby within those slivers of mist that could be seen swirling beneath the water's surface. As for their blank-faced selves, they continued to sink further and further away until they vanished amidst a flash of fiery light accompanied by the tearing open of the sky.
And with that, the group found themselves back at the Longhouse, their minds abuzz with new insights into themselves and each other.
It took only a moment for Nyym to realize that he had just had another memory flash. One that left his blood boiling with anger at whoever they had worked for, but who he had been as well. Looking back at the Body of Bax. Nyym shuddered briefly at the though that he himself had been cut down in such a way. He had no way of knowing this really, but the though was there. He took a deep breath to steady himself and looked to each of his companions as he was sure they had shared a similar experience.
I am not sure I wanna known past anymore. But then again the past may hold the key to the future. They needed to find the one they seek if they are to put an end to this madness.
We need to see to Ruby and rap things up here. I just had a vision that had you all there as well. There was a pond as well. The old man said that there would be glimpses of the past and maybe the future as well. The only thing I saw that could effect our future may be that pool, or one like it. I suggest once we are done here that we move to the Hope Spring. That is the one place left we have not checked and cleared.
And hopefully we can get some other clue or glimpse that will lead us down the path we need to take to end this.
Rohan was distracted by what had transpired but his attention was very focused. The onslaught of new information took a hold of him and made him see parts of his past that were best left behind him. However the darkness that he saw seemed to be present even in the time of the past. To this knowledge he was un-sure how to proceed with such information. None the less he gathered his thoughts and begin to focus once again on the longhouse that he arrived at in what seemed like eternity of time passing before his eyes in the pool of waters. The feeling of watching his own body fall away was extremely alarming to him but once his feet rested again on solid ground he felt more at ease.
"I don't know if you saw the same thing I did but that was one wild dream..."
He spoke openly as to not address one person but to address everyone in the room.
"I second that we need to see Ruby as soon as possible. Yesss yess I had a much similar dream on vision as you would call it. Though mine brought me back to Trunau and the darkness that has spread there but I am not sure I can recall much more then that as many of my memories are still left to the unknown."
While speaking and coming to reality once again he stood up and looked around adjusting his long coat and studded leather armor and prepared for the journey ahead. Not sure if it was the sweat or the water from the pond his hair was soaked and he rung it out as though it was a wet towel. Tied it up to a bun and left it be. He checked quickly to the small rocks he had in his bag to see if his powers were unchecked or the same, and it appeared that everything was in working order.
When the heroes of Team Ruby find themselves back in front of the Longhouse, Liesel-Marie is distracted, trying to process the half-memories, to grab them before they disappear. And maybe to prove them wrong somehow, for they are not memories she wants to have, not things she wishes to be true.
She nods vaguely at the others' suggestion to find Ruby and protect her, moving in a bit of a fog. With some irony, she thinks, fighting the masked woman would be better, would allow me to focus.
The thought reminds her of the nature of the covered corpse on the ground. Shaking herself out of the fog with a found purpose, she raises the sheet that someone retrieved so she can examine the body without those within the Longhouse having to see it.
She asks the body - and anyone that happens to overhear, "Where or what is Khyledonia? Why would the king wish to speak to any of us?"
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Kyt was in complete shock. Her blank face remained as she stepped away from the group. The elf fell against a wall, needing the support.
That bastard... that bastard... that ill forsaken... godless... bastard...
Her head lowered down as the tears escaped. Her voice never raised, shaken but low.
Get in the water he says... I didn’t want to go into the water... but I went in anyway... that bastard killed us in the water, oh the irony, making us step into it again. I would never not follow my friends, leave them high and dry, come to find that we were all low and wet. Drowned by the bastard we served. How was I that way? How were any of us that way? The things that we hate the most. The unworthy. The dark hearted. Why? To smile at the suffering of others? Why? To take life in the name of the man that took ours? Why? None of this makes sense. This sick and twisted reality that has been shoved into my mind. All of our minds. I want it gone. I want that bastard gone.
She stood and turned, now angry, as her head tipped back and she cried out from deep in her body. Her fist striking the wall before her. First things first, finish up where they were now. Then take care of that nasty bastard and the raggedy man. The order in which it happened didn’t matter to her. They both needed to perish.
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Aodhán watched as Kyt backed away from the rest of them and slid down a nearby wall. Like the elf, the Chelaxian was impotent with rage, one that grew as the tears streamed down her delicate face.
He listened to her muttered words, the sentiments expressed echoing what remained unspoken in his heart. And he knew that he wasn't alone in this. Aodhán didn't look at anyone else in Team Ruby to confirm this. He didn't have to. The bouncer could feel it somehow, through whatever it was that bound them together.
He watched as the elf struggled to her feet, her normally kind face twisted into a visage of anger. Her cry was his cry. Her strike was his strike.
Aodhán watched as she collected her emotions, bottled them up and stowed them away. The bouncer nodded, knowing that he too needed to do the same. There were other matters that needed to be attended to first. Only when that was done would the members of Team Ruby be able to handle their personal business.
The Chelaxian brought his caestūs-covered hands up before him and clenched them into fists, the creaking leather serving to calm him somewhat.
What now?
The bouncer directed his question to Kyt. He wanted to see what she would say, but more than that, Aodhán wanted to know where her head was at. With her answer, the Chelaxian hoped to be able to release his own anger on a foe truly deserving of it.
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Kyt looked at Aodhán, her gaze unwavering, as she finishes mentally pulling herself together.
I say we go with Nyym’s suggestion and do what we need to do here. Then we go see what that King wants from us. As the Raggedy man comes at unannounced times we will deal with him as those occurrences arise. Our personal needs will wait till later unless they too pop up along the way as they have been during this whole time. The memories and the like. As sparaddic as they have been, those too will come. That is how it is. Regardless of knowing how upset we all are over the current course of events and what it means for us, what it’s doing to us. We must take things in it’s due course.
She walked up to his side, ready to rejoin the group.
Shall we?
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Aodhán nodded, a slight smile touching his lips as he made the movement. She seemed to navigate through that mess with an ease that spoke of leadership experience. Maybe she had been their leader previously. If that was the case, then he knew that the group was in good hands.
Cham Larringfass emerged from the Longhouse. I don't know what's going on out here, but now that things seem somewhat calmed down, I wanted to thank you all on behalf of those inside. Don't worry about Ruby. She's in good hands with us. Especially now that those guardsmen are here. You go on and do what needs be done.
The bouncer looked from the halfling back to the others, his eyes resting squarely on Nogusta. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the guy, but there seemed to be nothing inherently suspicious about him.
And what about you? Will you be accompanying us as well? You've been instrumental thus far in helping us out. I can't speak for the others, but I'd like to continue having you along as we go and check out the Hopespring.
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Nyym knelt down to pick up the pair of daggers Bax had dropped when Kyt stunned her as Cham came out. Seeing and hearing Chams voice and hearing that Ruby was safe brought comfort to Nyyms mind and his heart. The whole way way to the long house,,his biggest fear was that they would not arrive in time. Now seeing Cham and hearing that Ruby was safe, he visibly relaxed abit. Looking at Cham while stile knelt down..
It brings me great relief to see you safe and to hear that Ruby is safe. The assassin will not be making another attempt on Ruby's life or anyone else's for that matter.
He spoke softly as he looked from Cham to the sheet covering Baxs body.
Someone needs to get the healers in here to tend to any wounded and a priestess or priest to give last rights to those that did not survive.
Looking back at Cham...
My apologies for our delay. We came as soon as we realized that Ruby was a target and that you all were in danger.
Hearing Kyt and Aodham return and the bouncers remarks towards Nogusta. Nyym returned to standing and also looked to the Cleric..
I too hope that you will continue to aid us in our endeavors. You, as well as Mesa both have played important roles in our success and survival.
The tension that was within Nyym drained away at the news of Ruby being safe and seeing his companions.. no his friends and newfound feeling of family. He shared a knowing look with Kyt. A look that said he would that showed that he to would push past the negatives of their past and work towards a better future. A feeling that he knew the others shared as well.
This king will have to take a number for we have other business to tend to. I believe Gorewillow may have found what he was searching for. Regardless, I am sure he is still within the town and we need to find him. The only place we have not covered is the Hope Spring. As soon as we gather ourselves together and do any healing that needs done. I suggest we start there.
And Cham, thank you for caring for Ruby and helping keep her safe.
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Mesa wasn't quite paying attention at the moment. Given the situation seemed to have given them enough time to pause to recover, the bard had plopped down in the nearest chair and pulled out a quill and parchment to begin furiously writing.
Boo looked a little annoyed as she was using a chicken feather to write with though he was more interested in the bit of corn that was on the ground.
The dark haired woman scribbled on the parchment furiously filling the page with line after line. Clearly she wasn't paying much attention and simply nodded to Nyym, probably not really hearing him.
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: potions of cure moderate wounds
Liesel-Marie lays out the other still-whole items from the body to be claimed. ”The Hopespring? What of the attack at the gates? Do they not need us there?”
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Nogusta went to work healing what wounded he could save.
At Cham's question, the Mwangi stopped his ministrations long enough to give him a broad, but weary smile and respond in his careful, formal version of common.
I would definitely accompany you, if you will have me. I believe I am supposed to. I was praying to the Dawnflower for guidance on where I could best be used in her holy service, and I was suddenly filled with a powerful feeling of peace and love. Right before I ended up appearing on a bloody battlefield with your assemblage. There is much I do not know about what is going on and what has transpired, but judging by what I have seen so far, you seem to be fighting on the side of good."
The cleric pauses for a moment and closes his eyes as healing power radiates out from him again, then re-opens his eyes and looks to the group.
I'm not sure what a Khyledonia is, or what exactly just happened to all of us, but I have gathered that, at least most of you, are missing memories of your past, memories that seem to trouble you. I would like to say to you that the most important step in a journey is not the first one, nor is it the last. The most important step is the next one.
Of course, previous wrongs in the past must be set right, but they need have no bearing on what you choose to be in this moment, or any moment following. Walking the path to redemption is as simple as deciding to be redeemed.
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True there is still a battle going on at the gate, but as I recall, the General left and as we were leaving, Vegazi was beating the hell out of the b%#&# on the wolf. But Gorewillow is a higher priority as like Bax, he has an objective. The attack at the gate was a diversion. Gorewillow is the only major player within the city that we have not intercepted or killed. Plus we owe him.
1. He was the one that attacked the group with the wolves.
2. He attack and incapacitated Silver Main. Myself and Kyt having intervened on the Druids behalf.
3. With the way these players like to brag and boast like to brag about what they have gotten away with. Not one has claimed responsibility for the death of Rodrick. While Bax could have done it, I believe she would have claimed it like a trophy. She did not. Gorewillow on the other hand has been in the town the whole time and was the 1st to against us. That being after our rescue of the Patrol Sgt. Plus those wolves were poisoned before they attacked us. We have found no indication of any type of poisons on any of the others including Bax. Yes I believe Gorewillow is indeed the one that poisoned Rodrick and started this whole chain of events.
And 4. We are the only ones with the freedom to move about and find him while it still matters. With everyone else busy at the gate, they would not be able to respond to Gorewillow in time.
Nyym was ticking off his points with his fingers as went over them. His confidence was returning and his determination growing strong with each one.
As for our memory flash. To hell with them. Yes we may have more, but that is not here and now. We are obviously not the same people we saw in those visions. We will learn more from them later as they come and they will come as we move forward. Ws only seam to have them when we do something important and or altering here. The keys to our bath is in our future. Plus we were told we were sent here with a particular task. That task may very well lead to our atonement as Nogusta has so eloquently pointed out. For that enlightenment, I thank you sir and you honor us with both ur presence and ur abilities. Like us, you seam to be sent here for a reason. Judging from our actions and our reactions to the visions. I have no doubt that each and every one of us will strive to be different people then we were before. And should we ever see the one responsible for what happened to us. If we see him or anyone associated with him or his organization along the way. I for one plan to send him to the gates of hell itself.
Nyym drives that last point home by shoving the daggers into his belt for easy reach. He will also take any of the items that no one else wants as well as the blade treatments. If the chance arises, he may very well learn how to us the star knife.
Now I do believe we have another assassin to hunt and kill. Let us not keep him waiting to long. Would not want him to get the drop on us again now would we.
Nyym gave a confident smile to all those present as he spoke now for it would do no good to dwell on the past any longer. Yes the path was clear and in his mind. He had no doubt that many more would pay the price of that atonement should they try to harm anyone they cared for or protected.
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The Erutaki nods, the light coming back to her eyes. ”Yes, let’s show Gorewillow the hospitality that Trunau saves for those that attack her.” She’s ready to go...
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Nyym looked to Baxs body and then back to Leisel-Marie and with the same fire in his eyes, smiled..
Yes, it is time for Gorewillow to learn as Bax has. That When Leisil-Marie promises something, she delivers with the utmost prejudice. As does the rest of us of Team Ruby.
Nyym gave a wink to LM as he made reference to the promise she had made to Bax as she flex from their 1st encounter. LM had to great effect delivered on said promise with direct application of the sharp edge of her axe.
Let us remind him what happens to those who cross Team Ruby and bring harm to our home and Family.
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Kyt looked at each and every one of them, so very proud of the group she was with now. Being a part of Team Ruby had given her a larger sense of belonging than she had felt in a long time. Past included. Because even lost or blocked memories couldn’t belie true feelings. And she had faith that if this was the first time in a long time that she had felt this way. Then it must be true. Whatever happened that had turned her into the monster that she had seen is still what brought her here to where she was now. There is something to be said for coming to terms with the unknown for the time being.
Nyym, I agree with your points and your insights as to what we need to do next. I feel that it’s the right direction for the group. If we are all in agreeance then we should set out as soon as we are able. That is my thought on the matter. I stand behind you all and will follow you guys wherever you feel we need to be. Whatever you feel we need to do. As the saying goes, there is no I in team.
The elf was ready to travel with her family to the ends of the realm if needed. Starting out with the Hope Spring and the hunt for Gorewillow.
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And Cham, thank you for caring for Ruby and helping keep her safe.
Cham responded to Nyym's thanks with a nod. It's a small thing, really. One that I'm perfectly suited to doing. The statement was accompanied with a cheerful wink.
Nyym, I agree with your points and your insights as to what we need to do next. I feel that it’s the right direction for the group. If we are all in agreeance then we should set out as soon as we are able. That is my thought on the matter. I stand behind you all and will follow you guys wherever you feel we need to be. Whatever you feel we need to do. As the saying goes, there is no I in team.
Meanwhile, Aodhán's smile broadened as he watched Kyt rally the other members of Team Ruby. But he was eager to be about the business of resolving the current situation. [b] Well, if there's nothing else, we should be off. As Nyym has so eloquently pointed out, we need to check out the Hopespring. The sooner we do that, the better. And if this Gorewillow chap is there, we can make him pay dearly for the trouble he's wrought upon us and Trunau.
The stench of blood and smoke hangs thick in the air. In the darkness, the crackling of fires mingles with the war cries of orc raiders and the screams of townsfolk. The remains of Hopespring beacon sputters defiantly, illuminating the pool at the bottom of the Hopespring’s waterfall as well as a rough hole gouged into the side of Bloodmarch Hill with an eerie greenish light.
At the southern side of the pool lay the partially submerged corpse of what could only be the Twisted Heart alliance's prized "war machine" Ooruk. Seated atop it in the lotus position was a man with a wide yet compact physique that gave him a burly appearance, dressed in a tunic with a single long sleeve and pants. His eyes are closed, his body relaxed.
Welcome. The man called out before opening his eyes. He reached up and, with his right hand, rubbed the left side of face, where a long recently made scratch can be seen. Perhaps you will be better competition for me than this one was. He gestured with the other hand at the corpse that he sat upon.
He rose from where he sat, then hopped down into the pool, where the water came up to his knees.
Shall we begin?
Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Burly Man: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
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Aodhán: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Burly Man: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Nogusta: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Mesa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Aodhán
The Chelaxian bouncer whistled at the sight of both the downed giant and the smaller man that apparently took it down. We all don't have to fight this guy. Aodhán nodded in the direction of the hill, where the rough hole had been gouged out. Some of us can get inside, while the rest hold him off.
He brought his caestūs-covered hands up before him and cracked his knuckles before clenching them into fists. I volunteer to stay and hold him off.
Burly Man
The man looked thoughtfully at the members of Team Ruby for a moment. You're not thinking of running, are you? He shook his head at the idea, then reached behind him with his left hand. Moments later, a long, roughly 5-foot-by-10-foot spindle of stone materialized into view before settling into his grasp. That would not be in your best interest, as you'll only die tired.
And with that, the burly man hurled the weapon, launching it so that it spun on a horizontal axis at the group.
Nyyms eyes dart between the dead giant and the burly man. Nyyms eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to facilitate an idea for handling such an obviously powerful foe as he heard Aodhen's whistle and comments..
Well this is gonna complicate things abit..
The words had barely left Nyyms lips when the burly man's attack forced his mind from thought to reaction..
”Why would we care to fight you? If you’ve dealt with the general’s pet, you’re more likely our ally than a foe. We’re not his friends.” She points at the giant corpse of Ooruk.
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”Why would we care to fight you? If you’ve dealt with the general’s pet, you’re more likely our ally than a foe. We’re not his friends.” She points at the giant corpse of Ooruk.
I am not, nor could I ever be friends to the likes of you, came the burly man's reply. That one, he indicated Ooruk with a sideward jerk of his head, would have only gotten in the way of our sport. Now, are you going to talk or are you going to fight me? Because if you don't, then I will raze this place. And when it is spoken of, it will be with hushed whispers, as this town will forever be associated with death and desolation. This is not a threat that I make to you. It is a promise, my word of iron.
The man took a wide stance and gestured for them all to come at him. Now fight me. Or die.
The rager, oddly, makes no move to engage. [b]”Sport? What are the rules of your sport?”
"Oh no. Not again." Mesa cursed in almost a deadpan tone as she flung herself to the ground to avoid the spinning blade of pointy pain and possible death.
"Rocky is this one of yours? there's a lot of tossing the first stone crap going on here!"
Mesa cursed, pretty much nonstop, under her breath thinking of how the day had started out so nice. Sing some songs, get paid, sleep. Now there was fire and orcs and people throwing spinning rocks of death... Ah well at least she had chicken.
Boo clucked happily barely having even noticed the thrown rock blade.
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The rager, oddly, makes no move to engage. ”Sport? What are the rules of your sport?”
You seek meaning in your actions. The burly man's words carried with them an undertone of surprise intermingled with respect. He continued speaking. Mindless bloodshed is not enough for you, it seems. And while you clearly are one capable of enjoying battle, your control is such that you will not charge headlong into it with reckless abandon. There must be... more.
The man nodded approvingly. So you want rules. Well, rules imply stakes. You wish to be about your business, while I am set as an obstacle to prevent that. Fighting is one way to resolve the matter. But perhaps there is another way. Are you willing to do so, or are your words merely an attempt to forestall the inevitable outcome should we clash with one another?