Syeira blinks in surprise as they look up at the crag.
"The Devil's Platter, so named because our town's famous Devil dwells in a hole somewhere near the middle. Perhaps he's what The Trumpet warns of...The Sandpoint Devil IS a fearsomely powerful beast..."
She keeps her wits about her, looking to make sure something isn't sneaking up behind them.
Rokkad turns and hurries to catch up with Shalewen, Kokip following with no discernable command being given. "Good work! The trackers from my tribe would have had a hard time finding that trail." he compliments with sincerity.
“The lost card, a loss of identity and confusion. Rokkad you may encounter a time when confusion hits you or maybe when you feel like you have lost your way. It also speaks of clarity of mind in a stressful situation. You may yet help us when we are confused and stressed.”
Mitsuko's voice was soft but firm. Confident and sincere as she spoke with her emphasis on the strengths of the cards. Seeing the worry and doubt in everyone she knew that had to be nipped in the bud.
“Ikoma The hag does indeed talk of holder of dark secrets and blood pacts but she also speaks of unshakable Loyalty and lucidity of speech at a critical moment.”
Grinning. “You may even out speak my sister at a critical moment and show the true strength of your loyalty.”
Looking to her tall friend.
“Tregdorult, the Eclipse represents self doubt and loss of purpose but it also can augur an unheralded ability coming it the fore or the revelation of a concealed place. Keep your senses sharp and don't be afraid to look within for the power in you is still growing.”
When Shalewen finally drew her card she listened and thought for a moment. It was an interesting card.
”Whimsical and illusions, arcane magic is usually stronger but it warns that could be risky depending on such forces. Your role may be to keep us grounded in reality and help us see through such things. This card also warns about imprudent planning and unrealistic expectations.”
Taking a deep breath listening to the full reading she would put in her own interpretation.
“As you said a big change happened in our towns past and as is normal those that were weak became victims and those that grew strong became hero's. Because of this it was revealed that my brother worked with the goblin to try to ruin a festival and... well other distasteful things.” She straightened and smiles moving past those memories.
“The Bear is definitely a symbol of power and strength. Also of being in control of ones self at least that is my belief. Believing in one's strength and using it to its fullest, even if it is in pretty words than force of muscle. Isn't the Liar misaligned if only partially? Wouldn't that mean that something new is beginning even if it isn't pretty? Or am I mixing that up with another card?” She looks kind of sheepish.
“Koya use to do readings for me all the time when my father would visit her and I always remembered your questions about the cards Syeira. It has stuck with me all these years.” Shaking her head she would continue. “While we may lose our path and our purpose, I believe we as a group will come out stronger. Tregdorult, as it is your card you may find something that shakes you. But know you don't do this alone, our faith and our beliefs may be shaken but we will work through it together and help each other out. After all, we are a team.”
“Our future is unknown, a desert of possibilities but a hard journey none the less. We will prevail though by seeking aid with each other and making allies along the way to find something we can not yet hold. What that is I don't know but I am certain we will prevail even with the Crow circling over head. Maybe there is something we must do and they are trying to stop us. Someone or something that will be a constant force in our future. Expect hardships because of them. Their motives are not noble or honorable, they will bring injury and sap our strength. If we don't defeat what ever it is..”
The statement hung in the air and then she hummed. “But we have the strength and will to defeat everything put in our way. Syeira to guide us and warn us of the dangers ahead. Shalewen and Shadow to track down our foes and make sure none escape. Rokkad and Kokip to be a force to be reckoned with but also if I know Rokkad to talk peace when violence is not needed. Ikoma may not speak much but his words hold great wisdom. He strikes fast and hard and is Loyal just like his companion Windspirit. Tregdorult, you may seem stiff and unyielding but there is a passion to learn and see so many things. You are not quick to fight but should anyone threaten those you wish to protect I have seen you move with a speed and grace that many haven't noticed. Your heart is pure.”
Shalewen didn't believe in the cards and the fate mumbo jumbo. She knew the trick after Mitsuko and Syeira had done it so many times before. It wasn't about predicting the future. It was about reinforcing people's strengths. They didn't read the cards so much as read the person. Imprudent planning and unrealistic expectations had been drilled out of her by her mentor. What seemed the most likely explanation was usually the correct one. But always be ready, because the world didn't always throw the most likely situation at you.
As they followed the trail, Shalewen slowly worked out who they must be tracking. "Walthus," she says out loud for her benefit and everyone else's. He had been here for some reason. Shalelu suggested they should see him anyway so they might as well follow. When the trail ran out and Shadow picked his scent, she didn't question him and followed, even if it was towards the Devil's Platter. Odd place for him to go but she trusted her companion.
After a moment, Tregdorult gives out a soft chuckle. "I knew having you with us would be a good idea Mitsuko Kaijitsu, though I will admit I did not know how much." Finally, he bows low to Mitsuko.
As they followed the trail, Shalewen slowly worked out who they must be tracking. "Walthus," she says out loud for her benefit and everyone else's.
Tregdorult leans down, trying to see what Shalewen sees. Finally, he looks up, "That is good. We were seeking him out first, yes?"
Syeira nods and smiles.
"Thank you Mitsuko. Sometimes I forget that the Harrow isn't an exact thing. Neither is the future. Thankfully I've got more than just the Harrow at my disposal!" she says with a chuckle.
Shadow was the first to sense what was up ahead and froze. Shalewen followed suit, crouched low, and held up a hand to the others. She begins making some intricate hand signs. When no one moves, she looks back and sees many a confused face. Right. So she points off in the distance and whispers "Goblins." She then readies her bow and knocks and arrow.
Shadow crouches low, eyes and ears forward, watching a spot in the distance. He was ready to charge but he was not the alpha. Only when the alpha gave the signal would he attack. Until then, he'd keep an eye on the bushes ahead.
Rokkad nods and pulls out his sling, moving a bit further back to the middle of the group. A mental message goes out and Kokip slithers into the undergrowth.
Goblins ahead Kokip feels Rokkad's anger in the warning and moves quickly and quietly to the left to circle around and ambush the ambushers...
Syeira mutters something as she riffles through her cards, displaying in order The Trumpet, The Survivor, The Desert, The Brass Dwarf, The Teamster, The Mountain Man, The Tangled Briar, The Sickness and The Waxworks. As she draws them, she tosses them into the air and, as if they have will and power in their very paper, swirl and flutter around their mistress, weaving a web of purple light that surrounds her before dissipating as the cards return to her hand.
"I'm ready. Dogslicers are insignificant next to the Harrow's power."
Drawing her bow as she prepared to move closer sticking to the shadows.
Rokkad crouches down as he reaches into his pouch to remove several stones. Moving quietly forward, he rolls the stones around in his palm, muttering words in the Shoanti tongue until he finally reaches down to press them for a brief moment to the ground.
"Mother Earth, grant your strength to your children."
The stones start to glow with a dim green radiance as he reaches for his sling.
The giant serpent continues to glide through the underbrush, searching for his prey...
Shalewen makes a sign in the air and waves towards Shadow. The dog seems to grow in mass ever so slightly. She then whistles, sharp and low, and Shadow moves. She then moves a few feet closer to put the goblins in range.
Shadow takes a longer route to the side so as not to get in his master's way. He rushes off to the side to circle in from theirs.
As Tregdorult moves forward, one hand snakes down and in a practiced movement, unwraps the nine-section whip from around his waist. His other hand reaches down to pull out a shuriken. Though he tries to move quietly through the brush, his foot catches on a hole, and he stumbles, making quite a bit of noise. After that, he tries to continue forward, but having lost his composure, still seems to be quite noisy.
Two move actions, draw nine-section whip as part of that. Half speed for stealth, so a total of 20 foot movement.
Free action to draw a shuriken.
Rokkad pulls out his sling and fits one of the glowing stones into it, still crouching as he creeps towards the flickering light. He tries to count the shadowy figures dancing around, but still needs to edge a bit closer before he can determine how tough this fight will be.
Kokip continues to slither through the brush.
Syeira puts her Harrow Deck back in the case and grabs her spear off her back.
"Any of the more tactically minded want to direct me?" she whispers.
"I'm not that good with this thing, but I don't really have any spells that work well for direct fighting?"
Shalewen and Shadow continue to move forward quietly. The goblins were still well out of range of any of her shots.
Mitsuko would touch Syeira's shoulder motioning her to follow her example. She would slowly creep forward towards the goblins. Since she could only move so fast and stayed stealthed.
Syeira follows after Ikoma, her pike fixed before her.
Tree advances on the goblins, steeling himself. He seems to get a little excited as he moves a bit faster, but still tries to remain quiet.
Darting forward to take cover behind a tree, Rokkad peeks out to make sure the goblins have not spotted them yet. He gauges the distance and determines that they are still slightly out of range.
Kokip continues to slither towards the festival, almost at the edge of the flickering light shed by the bonfires.
Syeira quietly advances until she's next to Mitsuko, following her lead.
Still not close enough.
Mitsuko would motion to Syeira pointing she was heading almost directly south. They could at least flank them on two sides. She tried moving quietly sticking to the shadows.
Tregdorult continues around the back side of the large tree trying to get closer and into a good position.
As the goblins rush out to attack, Kokip slithers towards the nearest and rises up, hissing! His jaws gape, revealing his glistening fangs before he darts forward in a flash to strike at the goblin's bulbous head.
Rokkad edges around the side of the tree and whirls the sling around his head. He sees that Kokip is busy devouring one of the lead goblins and looks around for another target. Focusing on the next in line, he waits for him to get in range before loosing the glowing stone with a wild whoop!
2 magic stones remaining.
"Prin fiecare Dumnezeu și mama lui! La naiba! La naiba! NAIBA !!!" Syeira curses as she picks up the pace to join the others.