Death turns to Rols
He is like you, he is the youngest of us, yet no less respected. He is not a... Seer, in your sense. While he has on occasion foretold events that came about, he is more of a finder. He looks into matters, issues, questions, and gains answers.
War then cuts in, And even if that is the case, those within the town are as much at fault for so blindly being led and easily deceived. The accusations of the curse possibly coming from us shows how quickly they are to point fingers. As death said, if you wish your words to be heard, prove you are strong enough to be considered worthy. Otherwise, you will be considered nothing more than the bleating of sheep to the wolves.
He turns to Artemis.
Come, There is a makeshift arena in the camp. I'll be waiting for you.
War then walks off towards the camp.
Death then turns to regard Posh.
yes, if you wish. However my trial will test you in more ways than pure physical strength. My trial with give you a brush, or more, with death itself. He finally looks up just enough for you to see his mouth, and it is formed into a grin.
He then speaks once more. Are there any others? Our meeting where we decide on our course of action is tomorrow, best decide quickly. Any that are deemed unworthy will not be allowed to attend.
"In that case, I will go too." says Lienhol, falling in with Artemis.
Artemis turned to the group as War began to walk away. "You all take care of yourselves, with luck and skill I will win. We need to win. If we do not get them to hear our words countless lives on both sides will end." She stated as she backed away from her friends before turning on her heel and following after War to the arena.
May the gods grant me strength, swiftness, and make true my aim.
Looking Death in the eyes, Posh responds. "well, I've been in a fight and I've been sick. I suspect those are the challenges War and Pestilence offer. Death seems the most enjoyable choice. I've never been dead to my knowledge and new experiences are often quite entertaining."
Contemplating the situation a moment, he adds, "I would like to thank you all for speaking the common tongue for our sake. It's quite the gesture if I do say so."
Glancing over to War, he reconsiders his request. Hell, when I beat him, it could cause a bigger incident. I don't know if he could accept losing to a creature so much smaller than he...
Alvin sighs, it looks like he'd be attempting one of these trials after all, no way he was sitting the tribal council out.
Sucking his teeth, the young half-elf grins at Pestilence, moving alongside Lienhol, "Well then, I guess you'll be testing the both of us. So far the others have been offered a brush with death and a punch in the face. What challenge does the illustrious orcish chemist offer?"
Death smiles. Interesting. Perhaps this trial will prove to easy for you. And, it is merely to make things simpler. I'm sure most of the orcs here would have rathered kill you outright.
Pestilence gives a furrowed look before merely stating. Follow.
Those that choose Deaths trial are lead to a dark grey tent in the middle of the camp and told to lie down. He then begins to chant in a language none of you have ever heard. Slowly, you begin to feel a sickening sensation, and an overwhelming dread. Eventually you black out. You feel as if your entire self is being eroded away. You start to forget things, why you're here, what you were doing, even where you come form is becoming foggy. As you search for clearer memories, you find that possibly reasserting who you are, and the reason you continue to live may help you. However, failure surely spells the end of your existence.
Tell me what your character would latch onto, memories, desires, goals, be specific. Then roll me a d20.
You are lead to a green tent, within you smell all kinds of concoctions, herbs, spices, and oils. Pestilence merely grabs a vial.
Drink this, but be warned. Once drinking, your life is in your and the gods hands.
If you drink it, you feel several diseases take hold, you start to become nauseated, fatigued, dizzy. You hear Pestilence say, from what seems far away. The antidotes are within here, among my components. You must find them and take them. Prove your intelligence. Or, you can pray to the gods in hopes they find you worthy.
If you drank the potion, make me 3 Knowledge nature checks, or Survival checks
You can also make 6 Fortitude saving throws, 2 for each sickness affecting you. If you have spells that can aid you, feel free to use them. Or mix and match.
I'll let you know the results after rolling.
Artemis, you are lead to a tent with a 50ft by 50ft makeshift arena inside. When you enter you see two bleeding orcs crawling from the arena as War enters it.
Come little one. Let's see if you are as strong as you seem to think! He Shoves a greatsword literally into the arena floor and finishes donning a metal gauntlet.
When you enter he grins. He is giving you the first move.
Following Posh and Death shaking his head, I thought I was done with this crap...
As Death begins chanting Rols looks over to Posh lying on the ground,"Like mother's lullaby..."
Rols holds on to memories of his Dryad mentor after he fled from his tribe, and how she helped him.
"You name your children no? Why not use my name? Artemis." She stated as she took down her long blonde hair and leaned over, gathering the loose strands up then twisting it into a bun. She tied it off as she straightened up, yet of course there where a few strands that didn't comply.
With that done she moved into the ring, drawing her twin katanas. "And with this, it begins." She stated before she moved to War.
Alvin takes the vial offered by Pestilence dubiously, holding it up to the light, "So that's it? Let you poison us and if we don't die, we're worth talking to?"
He smirks at Lienhol"Sure you don't want to sit this one out Dreadguard? Probably at a disadvantage here. Not being a drinker, your liver isn't nearly as familiar with filtering out toxins."
Grinning at Death, "Don't be fooled by my oversized stature. I'm quite stout where it counts my good orc friend." With a wink he adds, "Bottoms up!" and downs the concoction in one swallow.
As the darkness envelopes the gnome, he looks towards Rols. I wonder why he left these people. They seem to be a lot of fun...
======
Hmm...is this what dieing feels like? Tis not overtly unpleasant.... There was a purpose to this, right? Was I looking for something? ....
What should I have for dinner?.... OH Right! I'm dieing...
=====
As the seconds stretched into hours and on into years the gnomes thoughts drifted back to his family. Dad busting his ass at work...putting in those extra hours to hire the aristorcrat... And I just pissed away his efforts. Watching him sit on that spike was funny though....and they time he pulled out that whistle instead of his book? OH priceless..
His soul beginning to drift away. Twould be nice to see them again though. To prove that I'm worth their sacrifice.
With renewed vigor Posh pictures the weary rundown image of his father and mother toiling away in the city. The trials he'd faced in training. Graduation night....
DAD I'LL MAKE YOU PROUD YET! he screamed in the blackness surrounding him as he drifted further away.
The order does need me He considered and his mind fell back to his mother's tear stained face. The day he'd announced he was joining the order. All other memories paled in comparison.
Reaching out for her, he brushed the tears from her cheek as his own began to dampen. "Mother. I will see you again. I promise you." whispered Posh. I know I hurt you, but I had to go. Someday you'll understand, right? I did this for you. For all of you! Without the order....the evil will over-take us. Forgive me Mom.
As his mind became numbed, all memory fading save the picture of his mother's sadness still clear as day. The gnome whimpered 'Gods....just keep her safe if I must fail."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lienhol scoffs.
"I am vassal of the Red Queen. My faith shall not wane."
With that, he takes to the concoctions.
Rols, you feel yourself begin to slip and fall away even the memories of the Dryad fade beyond your reach, however, at the point where you almost fade away, you feel something you've never felt before. You felt it in the grove after fleeing your old tribe. It is the touch of the earth mother, however this time it is much stronger. It feels you with a sense of warmth. Slowly, it reminds you of your desires to protect and help those that suffer. You latch onto that desire, and with the it and the seemingly pure power of nature helping you, you defy the fading and you awaken, feelingly extremely fatigued and tired. You are sweating and have a numbness to your entire body. However, you feel a deeper connection to the energies the Dryad had taught you about. And you still feel it, stronger than before.
Posh, as you seem to fade entirely, suddenly the thought of failing your first mission comes along. And you don't very well fancy that. You aren't sure why at first, but then the memories of your life start to trickle back. You find yourself refuting the idea further. You shout out, I'll show you all! The things you need to do, things left unfinished and unaccomplished. You find yourself forming A rhyme, recounting the goals you have left to complete, and as you finish it, you find yourself awake and feeling more alive than ever. Your goals and desires fresh in your mind. After all, who would keep the band of idiots safe if you didn't? While you don't particularly feel tired, you find you are quite numb all over.
Death actually gives the two of you a smile.
Good, you both passed, one it would seem with the protection and guidance of the earth spirit, The other through sheer defiance of will and personality. Now that that formality is out of the way, I can say I am quite glad you have come.
As you drink the potion confidently, you feel a sensation you haven't felt in a long while. The tingling of fatigue tickles at you. However, As the diseases and whatever other concoctions you freely allowed to enter attempt to take hold. You feel the touch of your deity, of the Red Queen, and your faith never wavered. As swiftly as the tingling came, it vanishes, leaving only an uneasy feeling in your stomach.
you feel a tap on your shoulder, turning around you see Cedric, the ranger that showed you to this place. He whispers to you.
So, how long have you known the Half-orc. What do you make of him? And are you sure they should be splitting off to take these.... challenges? Surely its nothing more than a lie to separate them and kill them, or worse take them prisoner or as slaves.
Artemis, your blade bites into the Orc, getting into a chink around his breastplate. He smiles.
So, you do have at least some bite to you!
He throws his gauntleted fist out, catching you in a strong backhand, knocking back a couple feet. Just out of range of his follow up jab.
He hefts the Blade he shoved into the floor up onto his shoulder. Still smiling he says.
Alright then, warm up's over.
Alvin smirks again, raising the vial in a toast, "Well then. To your faith Dreadguard."
The half-elf shudders slightly as he downs the orcish concoction, "Ugh, it's not the foulest mixture I've downed over the years, but it's damn close."
Swishing the last of the tincture in his mouth, he considers the properties carefully, taking into account the rapid and thoroughly unpleasant reaction his body was having to the toxins. Nasty stuff, but it's nothing you haven't seen before. I think I might have put one of these in Old Ironmug's coffee my first month..."
Smiling at Pestilence despite the quickly worsening nausea, Alvin takes stock of the arrayed herbs and reagents, "I commend you on your stock, Pestilence. Urrp. Ugh. Lets see here..."
The investigator rubs his temple in frustration. Not good. Climate must be more dissimilar out here in the woods than I'd thought. Half of these reagents I've only seen in drawings. But maybe...just maybe.
Lienhol maintains his composure. He had expected nothing less of himself. He watches as Alvin takes his own concoction. "Feeling well?" he comments.
Artemis spat the blood from her mouth onto the ground, she gave War a smirk and said "If that was warm-up, then maybe I should be calling you boy." With that however she twisted her blades back around for another attack.
With a shake of his head, his smile returns. "Wowza! So that's what it feels like to die? Neat!"
Posh physically inspects himself from head to toe, taking his shoes off he counts to ensure he still has a full compliment. "Nothing lost and nothing gained. The latter would have been nice....ah well."
"So Mr Death, might I ask you to elaborate? Why is it you're happy we've come?"
Alvin successfully manages to put together the correct remedies for the diseases attempting to take hold, however, he realizes too late he put far too much of one ingredient into one of his mixtures causing him to become nauseated for the next hour.
Posh and Rols.
Hmm, yes, I honestly have considered what you and your group proposed, that perhaps it was not the city at large that caused this curse, and that perhaps they too do not know from where it comes. However, After Famine's deceleration that its origination came from that city, the deep rooted mistrust and distaste took hold. And for War, well, it was a reason to go to war. These trials were, at least on mine and Pestilences part, more of a holding to tradition and keeping face to the tribes. With this, you have proven your worth to us, and so will be seen as worthy to the tribes, even if grudgingly so. War is likely wanting naught but a good fight. I hope your female companion is up to that task.
War laughs as once again your family crafted blade strikes true, though perhaps enjoying the fight too much, his blade swings wide, and you deftly dodge its backswing.
Come now! Surely you have more of a sting than that!
At this point, some of the Orcs passing by have started to gather round to watch the fight.
"Says the boy whose only hit was with his fist!" Artemis taunted, her smirk still upon her lips. "Don't feel too bad of course! I was bred and born to be a warrior for the Dawn, you on the other hand," quickly, she brought her blade back around to slash into the Orc chief again.
"Well I was just expecting more." She shrugged.
Alvin had known this headache would be the end of him. It had cost him his ever precious focus.
Bent over and staring at the ground, he holds out a hand in Lienhol's direction, "Minor...Ugh. Miscalculation. But once the, urrrrp. Hawksbane wears off. I'll be...Ugh. Right as rain."
He turns his head to cast a queasy glance in Pestilence's direction, "Satisfied? Ugh..."
War uses a momentary opening in your attacks to bring his blade around in a deft slash, cutting deep into your stomach. However you manage to dodge just enough to keep the blow from being fatal. His second strike goes wide.
hahahaha! Come show me your best! he stands tall, chest out.
The now large crowd gathered around the arena is cheering, they especially begin to shout when he lands his blow on you stands tall, confident in his clear soon to be victory.
@Alvin and Lienhol
Pestilence take you in a moment, then nods. here, drink this. he hands Alvin a lime green mixture and then turns. come, let us go see how your friends are doing with death.
Artemis bit back the her cry of pain. Something she had learned from sparing with her cousins many times. She took the chance however to spit the blood that filled her mouth into War's face. Then went right for him, holding nothing back.
"Don't get cocky boy." She hissed, the blood dripping down her chin almost looked like war paint. "Your first hit of our match isn't much to brag about." She stated. "The sight of my own blood is one I can handle well."
You take advantage of the openings he left you, drawing a small grunt from him. He winces only momentarily before grinning wickedly, then his face because a visage of a primal focus. His muscles bulge as he raises his blade. He strikes with a swift, precise right slash, angling it down across your leg opening large cut. You feel yourself grow dizzy from blood-loss and you fall to one knee. Just as you start to blackout however, you feel something inside you spark to life. You Also feel a touch, a feeling you've never felt before, It seems to give you a minor surge of energy.
War doesn't speak this round.
He raises his bow and points it towards the nearest orc guard inside the encampment. He is about 5 ft behind and to the right of you. What do you do?
Artemis felt the slice through her flesh, she bit down on her lip to keep her scream of pain from slipping out, but she couldn't stop her wounded leg from buckling under her weight. Following right behind that she felt the crushing darkness, then a voice...
"So this it? Is this what the Juno line has come to? Is this what you've come to?" He's just stronger then me... "What does that matter? You fought those stronger then you before." I just can't... "Then he's right. You are a child." I. Am. Not! "Don't tell me. Prove it. Prove it to him. But more importantly, prove it to yourself."
Artemis's eyes snapped wide open as she lifted herself off her knee, slashing at War's thigh, to give him a matching wound.
"I'm sorry, did I give you the idea we where finish?" She stated as she brought her blades back to her. "Because we're not done yet." She stated in a matter of fact tone. "Or at least I'm not." Her face covered in blood and sweat looked like one who was done, but her eyes told a different story. Her emerald eyes bore right into his very soul, as hard as adamatine and as fiery as dragon flame.
Alvin downs the offered vial without hesitation. There would hardly be a point to Pestilence poisoning him now, after he'd asked politely to do it the first time, "Ugh, yes. Let's hope the others are no worse off than I."
He shakes his head at Lienhol, waiting patiently with no visible ill effects, "Cheater...Ulp. Ugh."
Lienhol considers this, and replies "I believe it would traditionally be referred to as an "act of faith", but yes"
Contemplated the orc's words, Posh pushes him "Other than destabilizing the region, what would they have to gain? Surely no one would have the power to overthrow such a fine tribe, even after the town took out one or two of you."
Turning to the door he giggles. "Should we go see how Arty's doing? I bet she has War running for help!" With a sigh, he adds "Sadly, they'd probably view my cheering as outside help"
War seemed impressed, however he also seemed to notice your state, and launches a surprise left hook instead of using his blade. It catches you square in the jaw. The sheer force causes you to stagger backwards a couple feet. War stands tall, bleeding heavily, you here him speak.
Conquest, tend to her. Your vision begins to fade, the last thing you see is War fall to rest on one knee seems he was reaching his limit as well, and you feel rough hands grab you as you begin to crumple to the floor.
You awaken some time later laying on the arena's floor, as your blurry vision begins to clear, you see War being tended to by another orc, almost the same size he is but smaller overall. When War notices you stirring, he stands and walks over to stand above you. After a few moments, he extends his hand, offering aid.
Well fought Artemis Juno. I haven't had a fight that good, in a long time. By my mark, you have proven yourself a worthy warrior. You do your name proud.
If you take the hand he helps you to your feet. If you don't he merely rests it on his hip. Either way, he says.
I look forward to our next fight one day. I sense a warrior's spirit in you, so I wager you'll want a rematch some day. I know I would. Anyone that can fight so passionately and with such a pure spirit deserves to be heard. You will be my guest at the council tomorrow, if you so desire.
-
Death regards Posh.
Yes it was one of the questions I had intended to raise, I have held out hope that someone from the city would come, it is why I have delayed the meeting so. I would hear the story from the other side. Many within the tribes, Famine included, have come to the conclusion that those within the city wish to wipe us out and take the remaining forest for themselves. Perhaps, with you here, and a bit of luck we can at least convince them to consider another possibility. For a full on battle against the town would likely go in our favor, but the cost may be to great in the end.
he considers the idea. Well, you've been out for over 5 minutes, It might already be over, but yes, lets head that way. We can collect Pestilence on the way and have a small discussion.
On your way you meet Pestilence who offers a nob to Death then falls in with him. You begin to realize Pestilence isn't a talkative sort. As you near the arena, you hear a large resounding cheer from scores of orcs within the large tent. Upon reaching and entering the tent, you see War standing over Artemis, with his hand extended down in an offer of assistance.
Alvin, within a minute of drinking the concoction, you begin to feel much better. The nauseating feeling gone. However it doesn't take effect until after you meet up with Posh and Rols.
so what do people do? You'll all back together save Todrek, who likely has his own problems atm.
With a soft mutter of, "Gods be damned!"Tordrek runs toward Cedric and hits him with the back of his rifle.
"Hey, now that none of us are dead we should check on Tordrek" Rols pauses, "Because I don't trust that one eyed pointy eared dink..."
Artemis reached out and took War's hand using his strength to get her up on the arena ground. She beamed with pride when he gave her praise. "I thank you for the praise. As for the rematch, should fate prove so kind, or if I can get leave from the Order, I will gladly return the favor." She smirked. "I will gladly be your guest at the council. I thought if I lost I'd fail trial, but I think I misunderstood the point of the trial... It wasn't to win was it? It was to impress you." She asked as she placed her hand upon her hip, the other hand still resting where her gut wound had been. "The council is not till tomorrow... I wonder if we should return to the town or remain here..." Artemis wondered as her allies caught her eye. "Ah, and there are my brothers-in-arms... at least they where not here to see me get my butt kicked." She joked, giving a small laugh though it ended in a cough. "Now if you'll pardon me, I'm going to rejoin them... and maybe get some water to clean myself up. Even if I've been told red is a good color on me."
With that, should he allow her to leave, Artemis makes her way over to the rest of the group. "Well, it would seem I passed. According to him and I quote "I haven't had a fight that good, in a long time." so, I think it went well." She told them as she gave a low groan. "So, how did it go for the rest of you?"
"Well done ma'am" His smile broadening at her question, he proudly reports "I died! I got better though. These orc's are an entertaining lot."
Looking over his other companions, resting his gaze on Rols, "Personally, I'd like to retrieve Rusty and just stay here for the night. Tordrek's gotta be getting bored by now."
Alvin leans unsteadily on his spear as they meet up with the others, "Urrrp. I rather hope you're, ugh, exaggerating Posh. If they've turned you, ulp, into a zombie, I'd say you got the short end of the...ugh, stick.", he offers a sickly smirk in the gnome's direction.
"Still. Glad to see we're all...abyss...", the half-elf's thought remains unfinished as he bends double and vomits the last foul remnants of his stomach onto the ground.
Death looks to you all.
You have another companion? Who is this Rusty, and why did he not come with you?
Artemis gave War a nod as she said "They speak of Tordrek. As he puts it, "My trigger finger gets twitchy around orcs." So he elected to remain behind with our guide who did not wish to enter your stronghold." She sighed as she looked to her group. "and I agree with Rols. I don't like that man, he seems far too... Jumpy." Her gaze returned to the Orc leaders. "The guide wished for us to just up and attack you. Not even try to talk. And with no way of getting him into this stronghold without issues I was glad Tordrek stayed behind. He will ensure the guide doesn't misbehave." Then she smirked at War. "It was also a good idea strategically, if you all turned hostile and we needed to withdraw back to the town to fortify it, he would have been able to provide cover fire."
"Problem is I doubt that guide will bring his sorry ass here... And I don't want him returning to the city with out at least one of us. He could tell the mayor any story he wished and this could end badly... We may have to go back to the city then." Artemis said as she crossed her arms. "I need a bath anyways so it isn't a terrible thing. But would have liked remain so we don't risk missing anything."
"Ranged support, never leave home with out it"
Tordrek whispers, sending a message to Posh, "Cedric's gone rogue, some immediate backup would be greatly appreciated." Tordrek then aims his rifle at Cedric, shouting, "Lad, I didn't want ta do this to ya."
Frowning at the idea of leaving the orc camp, the gnome starts digging through his pack. Presenting a length of rope, he smiles. Looking to Artemis, "This might keep the guide from leaving us! Would you give me a hand in..."
Posh stops short of his request as the winds bring news to his ears. Hastily shoving the rope back into his back, he hurriedly turns and heads towards the doors. "Guys. Cedric is causing trouble. Rusty needs us...now. Please don't hold our racist friends actions against us or the town!" he holler's as he begins to sprint to their hiding place.
"Rusty, we're on the way." he whispers back through the spell, breathless.
Alvin sighs, his stomach was only starting to settle thanks to Pestilence's tincture and now they wanted him to run. Spitting to clear the last vomit taste from his mouth, Alvin shoots the others a look, "I guess we'll be tying the idiot up after all. Come on!"
Hefting his spear the half-elf takes off after Posh, his long legs quickly overtaking the gnome as he sprints towards the spot where they left Tordrek.
As soon as you get the message, you hear a loud crack of a musket.
"I wouldn't really call Cedric our friend." Artemis stated. "Never liked him, not in the slightest." She hissed as she quickly followed after Posh and Alvin.
"I just hope Tordrek doesn't kill the idiot! That's all we'd need." She sighed as she quickened her pace. "Should have just got him to show us the stronghold on the map and went with that, stupid fool of a man!"
Rols calls his horse and mounts up.
Lienhol opts to remain with the orcs as a show of good faith and to ensure they do not overreact while the others are away.
As you rush out, you see several orcs looking around in confusion, wondering where the shot came from. You see in the distance several orcs with drawn weapons moving in on the area you left Tordrek and Cedric.
Tordrek, your shot connects, and the man grimaces in pain.
Fine, have it your way. You'll regret this.
He turns and sprints back into the deeper forests towards the way you came. You can get off another shot, but he will have bonuses against it and it won't be in the touch AC increment. You also notice several orc guards moving in on your spot. They have weapon drawn.
Tordrek yells to the guards, "That bastard tried ta attack you. Any help in dealin with him?" before taking another shot at Cedric.
"Stand down!" Artemis shouted as she came jogging up. "Tordrek, report. What is going on? You told Posh that Cedric was was causing trouble. Explain, now please." She stated as she made her way through the group of orcs who had gathered, still covered in her own blood from the match.
The orcs give a slightly confused look, until War shows up and gives them a nod and says something in Orcish. They grudgingly back down.
War whispers.
You didn't say he was a dwarf.
He gives you a wry look.
Tordreks shot catches Cedric right in the butt, however the man manges to keep moving and is soon gone in the trees.