"Yes, for Amieko's well being. " Runa gathers up her equipment and readies herself to explore the ruined keep
"Are you youngsters sure you want to be running around on unfamiliar ground in the dark?"Koya asks "Ameiko isn't in any immediate danger and the castle will still be there in the morning you know.Besides I want to see if the powers of the goddess will tell us something about her condition and that means waiting till the morning as I don't have the necessary prayers ready."
No, of course we should wait. I too need to pray in preparation for such a sojourn. My traveling spells, though useful, would surely be of limited worth in the castle. I will focus on selecting spells that might aid us in times of danger or unexpected circumstance.
Úlf nods at the others. "Is best to wait until morning...we should all try to rest. It seems we will have busy day tomorrow." he adds to the chorus, eager for morning to come so they can be about the business of somehow waking Ameiko.
Lissa nods solemnly, though it is easy to tell that she is deeply disturbed by this sudden turn of events.
"I'll ready my spells. I'll not have it said that I didn't do everything in my power to help her." With that she turns away from the fire and heads back to the caravan. Once inside she takes a deep breath and begins going over the basics of her spellcraft. I'm not going to let it happen again. I'll not let her have another tragedy while adventuring.
The night passes with agonising slowness and you all try to sleep..for some it is easier than others eventually though you all drift off and awaken to the sound of rain on the wagon canvas..it's a dull morning with low grey clouds scudding across the sky almost as if the weather has matched itself to your mood.
Koya is up early praying to Desna for guidance in this matter and then she sits by Ameiko casting a series of spells on her and watching her intently..
"Well" she states "it's not an evil presence..which doesn't necessarily mean it's friendly. Now if I do this..." she mutters a few more prayers.."well that's..interesting.."A few more prayers and hand passes and the old Priestess straightens up.
"Ameiko has been possessed" she says "whatever it is is Lawful and I'm not completely certain but I think the shock of being taken over by something so much off an opposite to our friend has caused her a severe shock..I have every hope she will recover eventually but I still feel the answer lies in the castle"
"She muttered something else this morning Runa tells me she said "Grandfather waits in the dark but he knows not who he was"..I can't help thinking that whatever entity has taken possession of Ameiko is trying to tell us something important"
Shalelu takes Ulf aside
"Look" she says "I know it's tempting to go and try and do everything you have to do in one day but take it from an old hand it never works that way.We won't think any less off you for coming back here to rest and replenish yourselves"
Úlf, despite the excitement of the evening, falls asleep almost immediately.
The next morning he rises quickly, ignoring the rain as he goes to Ameiko's wagon to see if there is an update on her condition. He listens intently to Koya's report of Ameiko's possession, not fully understanding the nature of whatever it is that has taken over the woman's mind and body but glad that it apparently means her no direct harm.
Úlf feels a thrill when Shalelu takes him to the side to offer him some advice, glad that she cares enough for him (and everyone else) to do so. He takes her wisdom to heart, giving a nod. "Is good advice. Ameiko will not be helped if we try to rush and get ourselves killed. I give my word, Shalelu. If we get in over our heads, we will return here to recover before continuing to explore Brinewall." he replies.
Omara will not be deterred by the rain. "At least whatever is possessing her is not making her do weird things," she says to Koya's news. "That's not a bad sign, right?"
She looks in the castle's direction. "Should we scout ahead to see what awaits us at the castle? Or do we march right up there and knock on the door?"
Lissa shivers as the rain falls upon her cloak and she pulls her hood lower to keep the persistent drip off her face. Securing her sword Untested to her hip, she goes over the now-familiar of her various rituals of summoning. One in particular keeps coming unbidden to mind, and she realizes how long it's been since she last called forth Cinder. Yes, you shall unleash your fury today, count on that. Somewhere in her subconscious, an image comes to mind of a smoldering reptile's lips peeling away from its teeth in what might be called a grin. Lissa shakes the thought from her head and turns to face the cart where her friend lied comatose. At least she'll be safe with everyone watching over her: Koya, Sandru, Shalelu, and Tavlor. With that, Lissa says a quick prayer and continues ahead to join the others.
After finishing his conversation with Shalelu, Úlf returns to the wagon to retrieve his weapons and supplies, making sure they're all secure before he looks in the direction of the castle. After hesitating for a moment, he removes his new axe from its harness, putting it over his shoulder before looking back to the others. "If someone is scouting, I will wait a safe distance away. I am no good at stealth. On the other hand, I am very good at knocking on doors." he answers, a grin spreading over his face.
Also remember that Desna has blessed me with a wonderful skill to look through doors without opening them. The process is slow but it may be worth any advantage we gain.
You make your way across the rain soaked ground the castle lies about a mile away but before you get to it you encounter the ruins of the Village it once protected.
The large (I should have said that the hexes are about 50 feet across)area to the SE of the Village proper appears to be a walled graveyard, the funny thing is it appears well tended.The first large building is in ruins but Zaladrel will immediately recognise the distinctive architecture of a Temple of Desna
Zaladrel looks out that buildings in various states. Noting the Desnan motifs Zaladrel nods his head reflexively offering praise to his Goddess. Seeing the graveyard walls appear in shockingly good repair Zaladrel will wave his hand towards the building. It would seem prudent to leave nothing unknown behind us. I see this building is in a proper state. Shall we check this before we head to the castle itself?
Lissa pulls her cloak tighter about her to keep out the rain as the wind whips about sporadically through the seemingly-empty village. Noting Zaladrel, she somewhat reluctantly nods her ascent.
"While I'd like to get to the castle as soon as possible, let's not be too over-hasty that we do not take fair stock of our surroundings."
"I agree. We should check out the temple."
Runa looks over the ruined village and nods agreement. "I to think we need to search these ruins before continuing onto the castle. You never know what you may find!"
Reaching up to brush his wet hair out of his face, Úlf surveys the village beneath them and castle in the distance behind it. "Is my thinking, too. We should make sure is no danger to be found in the village first. If we must retreat from castle, it would be bad to find more foes here to block our return to the caravan."
What you see on the Map is what there is..there are a few bushes and trees in the area but no heavy cover.
You make your way towards the remains of the Temple It's in a sorry state the roof sags visibly and has numerous holes. the walls have large gaping holes in them it's a wonder the place hasn't collapsed which in it's own way is a tribute to the skill off the builders.
The Graveyard in contrast is in a beautiful condition as if someone has been tending it regularly..although the grass is a bit long.
Omara will sneak up to the building (if possible) and take a peek through a window or a hole in the wall, whichever is more convenient.
Úlf approaches to within a safe distance, not wanting to come so close to the cathedral that he threatens to reveal his presence but close enough that he can reach any combat that may break out quickly. He's not stealthy and he knows it, but he wants to make sure he can get to his companions fast if aggression should be required.
The interior of the temple is in complete ruin.timbeers and slates from the vaulted roof lie on the one fine marble flooring and the remains of a pulpit and altar grace the far end..it is a picture of disrepair.
Zaladrel will give space to Omara to recon ahead using stealth. Zaladrel follows Runa's gaze as she looks over the graveyard itself with a contemplative expression. Furrowing his brow that the temple is so dilapidated but the graveyard is not Zal will make his own approach to the graveyard wall (careful to put some distance between Omara and himself) and will press his hands on the wall to focus his mind.
I would like to use
Lissa sneaks up behind the others, drawing her sword in case of an emergency. She moves low, trying as much as possible to blend in with the rubble and detritus littering the courtyard.
The long grass of the graveyard is home to a large number of butterflies.
Zaladrel will give space to Omara to recon ahead using stealth. Zaladrel follows Runa's gaze as she looks over the graveyard itself with a contemplative expression. Furrowing his brow that the temple is so dilapidated but the graveyard is not Zal will make his own approach to the graveyard wall (careful to put some distance between Omara and himself. Seeing the butterflies flutter softly amongst the grass, Zal uses his tall frame to prop against the wall and look out at the graveyard, idly wondering if somehow Desna's power maintains this place.
Runa turns to Zaladrel and asks, "Are not butterflies sacred to Desna? Perhaps something of her grace still resides withing the boundary of the graveyard."
Zaladrel nod to Runa, Indeed they are her messengers and bearers of her concern. It may be her grace remains though it would be prudent of me to note that she often might let loose a flight of these creatures as a warning of something that concerns her...
At Zaladrel's warning, he brings his greataxe to his front, gripping it in both hands, wanting to have the weapon ready to swing at the first sign of trouble. "Is fair warning, Zaladrel. We should move forward with care. Not that we would not anyway, but this is even more reason to be cautious."
Seeing no immediate danger inside the temple, Omara will look around at what portions of the village that is visible to see if anything is lurking about.
To the north lies what seems to have been the Town Hall.It's in better shape than the temple which seems to have recieved special attention from the attackers.
Lissa makes the sign of the rose as she looks about at the devastation of the village and temple. Her face is a mixture of shock, awe, and righteous anger.
"Do you think whoever did this did the same for the castle?"
Úlf releases a slow sigh, looking back to Lissa. "Is possible. Is also possible they left castle as whole as possible to occupy it when defenders were slain. Is only one way to know for sure...
Zaladrel
Zaladrel shakes his head as a feeling of being observed niggles at him but shows no cause. We should move on but remain vigilant. I am still concerned there are others about but we cannot spend the daylight turning over every rock. Should we check the tower or move on to the castle?
Zaladrel
Zaladrel furrows his brow for a second. Does anyone else see this ship to the north, just past the town hall here? Zal waves to the north towards the building and the water. I can't tell you exactly why but my eye is drawn there. Our journey started with a ship. Perhaps you will indulge an elf's fancy and we might investigate? Despite the questioning nature of his phrase Zal's tone is more a directive. Almost distractedly the cleric turns to the dock and makes his way towards his current object of interest.
Nothing moves in the village as you traverse the short distance to the dock..there half submerged by the stern lies a sleek lined clinker-built ship.
The red and white stiped sail hanging in tatters from a drunkenly tilted Mast and the ferocious looking figure head leaves Ulf with no doubt as to what this is..A Drakkar..a longship from Ulfen lands.
"It would seem that we aren't the only ones with a mind to come exploring. Though it would seem that whomever this ship belonged to did not fare so well."
Bad enough to have the challenges before us, other roaming parties will hopefully not become an equal chore...
Following the others over to the ship, Úlf pauses a moment, staring intently at the ship that is listing badly by the dock. "This ship is a drakkar...an Ulfen longboat. It has been many years since I have seen a vessel from my homeland..." he begins, pausing a moment as a feeling of nostalgia threatens to wash over him. He tries to shake it from his mind quickly, though, before continuing,"Is recently arrived, too, but...the way the ship is listing...is strong chance ship was attacked, either here or just before coming into dock. Is maybe not bad idea to get closer look and see if we can tell what damaged the drakkar."
Such closer inspection reveals that the Ships stern is badly damaged by what appear to be raking claw marks.
Northmen! And this far south. Runa shivers at the thought. She looks out over the ruined harbour and wonders what could have brought them here, and what happened to the raiding party.