Timerious rests up in a foul smelling hammock for a few minutes after staggering into the cabin. The hammock's previous occupant was evidentially someone who perspired profusely and ate a diet of mostly onions. The occasional drip from the ceiling falls into the hammock, often near his head. With the pain in his shoulder, heavy thoughts on his mind, and the less than stellar arrangements Timerious's mood darkens even more.
A murmured conversation begins near the fireplace between Erik, Brion, Darcy, and Louis.
"Timerious has gone stark raving mad! He took Markas as a prisoner at sword point and marched him back to us as if he was the greatest hero in all of the land! S!@$! Gertie was forced to use whatever magics she has on him just to keep herself safe from the lunatic. When we got back here with him I thought he was going to go into some sort of blood frenzy and lash out at Murlsan or Garent with the way he was screaming and carrying on! Thank Petra the ogre injured his sword arm, he'd have done the work of the gods if he'd pulled the damned thing right off and used it to smack some sense into him! He's dangerous and we're stuck under the same roof with the bastard! Be wary tonight!"
Erik whispered harshly half under his breath. Seeing that Erik was injured Louis handed Erik the ring to begin mending the wounds. Louis risked a look over to where Timerious had crawled gingerly into a hammock and appeared to be resting. The man twitched frequently and was obviously favoring his right side. 'Why was the flesh of Timerious's right hand, arm, and part way up the right side of his neck red colored now?' Louis wondered as he quickly shifted his focus away from Timerious.
It is not long before Markas, Adrianna, and Gertie are involved in the quiet discussion near the fireplace.
"All but two or three of the bandits are dead; their bodies lie outside waiting on last rights cleric. Two that managed to escape are the halfling thief and the mage. They managed to find our horses and mule; they rode off to the south. We were able to recover my steed and one other horse. The rest's weapons and personal effects are in the back of the wagon, waiting to be split fairly or taken by whoever has a proper claim to them. I've sent word to Melinir on these bounties all that took part today will get a fair split. With that you all have my respect and thanks." Darcy catches up those who had not been with her group in the assault on the bandits.
Markas asks about Gertie’s ring and learns that Erik currently wears the item. When asked why he requires the item Markas answers truthfully and he is met with a confused look from the still wounded Erik. "Do you truly think that's wise?" The question gives Markas pause as well as those standing there; the cleric of Petra sighs and nods affirmatively. Reasonably sure that Timerious's physical wounds wound be mended Markas spreads out his hands over the water skins and mutters a short divine phrase. The air surrounding the vessels shimmers briefly and then returns to normal. Louis takes this moment to remove a pot from the coals and dumps eight baked potatoes onto the table, he refills the pot with water, potatoes and onions and puts it back into the coals.
Before long the talk is no longer quiet enough to allow for sleep in the cabin, especially when the clear contents of the two bottles on the counter are found out to be some sort of strong alcohol which has a brief charcoal taste and then nothing. Latovious rouses from his perfectly dry hammock in the back of the cabin and moves over to the commotion to eat and drink with the others. Rather than eat her baked potato Gertie takes it to Timerious and rouses the fighter, "Here, eat something. My ring will soon mend that shoulder, but it won't mend what's in your mind. Lose your pride and anger; open your eyes to the world as it really is." The old seer turns to walk towards a pile of clothing on the floor then stops and turns back, "Oh and pick up your damned mess boy! No one here's your mother and I'm damned sure no one wants to step in your half eaten spud in the middle of the night. Were you raised in a g!+ d~#ned barn?"
Seeing that Timerious is up, the scarred huntress Darcy steps forward and retrieves one of the yellow and black fletched hunting arrows from the full quiver on her back. Looking down at the missile in her hand and then up into Timerious's face she states bluntly. "I've known many fighters who have personal demons in my time, some conquer them and some are in the end conquered by them." She tosses the arrow into the hammock next to Timerious, "Regardless of how you might eventually turn out Timerious, you so much as raise your voice or your hand to any ally, that includes Murlsan and his kin, and I'll put one of those through your neck before you take your next breath. The farms and small hamlets of the southern plains stand a real chance to gain a strong alliance from what Louis and Latovius have shared with me. I ain't going to let some hot head foul up what will keep those I hold dear and those I protect safe. Now, you don't have to stick around if what I'm saying isn't to your liking. There's a hamlet probably two and a half days walk to the north east and from there Melinir should be maybe another four days if you follow the roads and have to walk it. If you choose to stick with us remember what I warned and should you think you'll have issues when we find Murlsan's kin find someplace else to be." With her piece said Darcy climbs into the hammock Latovius had vacated, the rogue looks like he might say something but thinks better of it and remains silent.
The rain lasts through the evening becoming heavier before dawn; there are even a few rumbles of thunder in the distance as the sky begins to lighten. With full bellies and the shelter of the run down cabin many had the best night's rest that they had gotten since they had stayed in the Black Knight's castle. A watch was kept through the night, usually just a single person remaining awake and staring out the cabin's broken windows at the rain until it came to be Timerious's turn.
During his watch every time he glanced in the direction of the shed where the sub-human ogre and bear slept Timerious could feel his anger flare. Thoughts flitted across has mind in the silence concerning what had happened and had been said. His thoughts never could find focus over the course of his watch; it would require more thought and maybe a prayer or two. Timerious noted that either Erik or Brion took turns keeping an eye on him while he was keeping watch and also when he went back to sleep. As he drifted off to sleep after his watch Timerious wondered to himself if they kept watch over him while he slept.
All rise with the breaking of the dawn, the last of the wood is tossed into the fireplace and pots of rainwater are brought to a boil with potatoes and onions for a meal. Around eight in the morning the rain breaks and the skies lighten considerably in all directions.
Timerious spots Gertie's timber lying in the mud close to the shed while eating in front of the windows looking out at the rain. He could not bring himself to retrieve the item while the damned ogre rested so close to it. Instead he paced rapidly back and forth between the two broken windows in the north east corner of the building while eating and keeping watch on his treasure. When the ogre got up and went behind the shed to relieve itself Timerious instantly ran out of the cabin like a champion sprinter! He had managed to make it to the timber, grab it up in both arms, and begin to race back to the cabin with the prize in his arms before the stupid ogre returned! Laughing with glee at besting the stupid beast Timerious skidded to a halt suddenly before reaching the cabin. Standing in front of the cabin with weapons and shields at the ready were Brion and Erik. In the north east window of the cabin Timerious spots Darcy, bow drawn and a pair of arrows pointed directly at him. He swallows hard, what might be his last swallow...
"The dagger and sword hold a minor enchantment only. Better then a normal blade but they are not some potent named weapon of yore. The dagger at your hip though..." Adrianna advised Brion and Latovius as she handed them back weapons that had been acquired in the Black Knight's keep. Louis notices that Brion's sword is one he had gifted the fighter and his thoughts go back to the gold hilted sword with the skulls and spectral images on the blade of the weapon that he had lost in the flight from the keep. "I know well the history and powers of this small blade my lady. You need not exhaust your powers further on ..." Latovious begins to speak and is cut off as Timerious suddenly drops the food he was eating and bolts from the cabin in an all-out sprint. Everyone rises up at the commotion; Brion and Erik are out of the door after Timerious first with swords and shields at the ready. Cackling with glee Timerious is running back to the cabin clutching in both hands a muddy foot and a half long burned building timber grinning like a village idiot. He stops immediately mid cackle and the manic smile fade when he spots the two fighters at the ready.
Gertie pushes her way through the cabin door and in front of Erik and Brion, "It appears that you are ready to go boy. Let us be off shortly then. Thank you again for minding the token." An odd silence lingers among everyone present; the stillness is broken by Murlsan's return. The ogre is whistling some sort of happy little tune, the serious wounds he and Garent suffered the day before are still easily visible. How well and how far either battered ally could go today was anyone's guess. "We should be gone soon, far to go." The ogre proclaims as he stops whistling and stretches gingerly; wincing in pain he immediately stops.
What is the matter with these people that they consort with two bears. At least the bear knows it's an animal.
"Yes Gertie. I am ready."
Timerious moves to the edge of the camp and squats down to wait for everyone to start moving.
With some rest, food, rain gone, and prayers to Petra completed Markas set himself to the task of sending the bandits who fell in combat to the afterlife. Who knew what harsh lives these men lived that made them commit their crimes. It was not the clerics place to judge, he will leave that to Petra and the other gods to decide.
"Gertie you who are wisest amoungst us, do you see the next step for us to take?" Pausing for an answer before addressing the rest of the group. "I would see our friend Murlsan returned to his brother and recover my holy shield at first opportunity. Do any of you have any ideas on how to move that wagon?"
Besides his holy shield, separating Timerious from Murlsan before someone was hurt worse needed to be done thought Markas.
Timerious answers Markas. "Maybe we should hitch the animals, er, horses to the wagon?"
Timerious has settled himself as far away from the ogre as possible.
Markas like Timerious was thinking that the Ogre, Bear, and Markas himself could supply the needed power for the wagon just not like Timerious suggests. Timerious continues to flirt with danger at all opportunity. All the more reason to get Murlsan home thought Markas.
Louis either ignores or cares not for the fate of Timerious and simply walks away from the stand off to the wagon. He gives the body lying on the ground next to it a respectful distance and refreshes his memory from the day before. The wagon still appears to be intact just like the day before with the worldly remains of the bandits covered by the blanket and cloak Brion had used to carry them and most of the produce remained where he had seen them last.
Markas either ignores or cares not for the fate of Timerious and simply walks away from the stand off to the corpses of the bandits. Prayers to Petra are offered over the bodies of the middle aged and far too young who lost their lives the day before. Along with the prayers Markas apologizes to the souls for not seeing to their needs more promptly. If he was to continue to be a disciple of Petra he would have to defend the living and the departed with equal fervor. Turning from the bodies and walking towards the wagon Markas spots Louis standing in the bed of the wagon looking about the piece of equipment and then about their surroundings. The look on his face made Markas believe that Louis was trying to figure out something. Markas also sees that Timerious has moved some distance away from everyone and everything currently going on. Timerious now squats low to the ground while holding the burned timber to his chest as he stares directly at Murlsan while rarely blinking. "Gertie you who are wisest amongst us, do you see the next step for us to take?" Markas asks of the old seer, she holds a hand with the palm up towards the cleric and says nothing. Unsure of what that might mean the young cleric changes subjects awkwardly. ""I, umm, I would see our friend Murlsan returned to his brothers and recover my holy shield at first opportunity. Do any of you have any ideas on how to move that wagon?"
"An actual trail and two or three more stout horses. Say your a big strapping lad, you can take one of those spots." Latovious smirks as he responds to Markas while walking past the cleric. He stops near the ogre and speaks with him. "How do you fare Murlsan? The wounds to you and Garent still look grave, travel may be tough on you today. Perhaps our new horse would be so kind as to use some of his blessings to mend your wounds before he tires himself out against the reigns? What neigh you Markas?"
Timerious took his true friend Gertie's willingness to speak on his behalf as a blessing and confidently answered her that he was ready to go with her. The foul ogre was much too close for his comfort and these fools seemed to welcome its presence. Rather then risk an undeserved arrow in the back for his proper distrust of the damned sub-human he decided to remove himself from the situation and moved off away from the others. Clutching the prized timber to his chest as he squatted like a lowly beast in the weeds he focused all of his attention on what had happened over the last day.
With his belly full and a good night's rest... Louis was starting to feel like his old self, physically... Mentally was it entirely different story. It seems like only yesterday he was fighting for his life in the Black Knights keep, The last thing he remembers from that was fighting alongside the giant ogre, before blacking out, he figures that the ogre must've rescued him and brought him to the safety of the group. How many days he was unconscious? He just couldn't remember. The bodies from the previous days battle, what were their stories? Killing men was new to Louis, and yet seemed unreal. The old trader was dead now too, who would bring caravans to Hawks Hill? And worst of all... Timonius death, he was gone and Louis felt like he was partially responsible for it, yes Timonius was gone, and yet no one talked about him. Maybe these kinds of thoughts one has to deal with within oneself.
Louise thoughts fatigue him, but he cannot like let it make him weary there are many things to do... Murlsan needed to get back with his brothers, so the ogres could patrol the area around Hawks Hill and protect it from bandits. Adriana and Gertie plus the silver statues need to be returned to Hawks Hill as soon as possible. For Louise the fight would go on, there was more evil in Thunder Riff than he would've ever dreamed of, and it must be dealt with!
Louis straighten himself out, stands tall
Oui, if everyone iz ready we can head out
It dawns on the warrior that he has no clue where he is, or which direction to go!
Despite being the target of Latovius' pun, Markas gave a rotund belly laugh. "Curing our friend would be quite neigh-borly indeed." With that Markas used one of his cure light wound spells on Murlsan.
Timerious unmoving glares forward. His mood is as black as the Black Knight's armor. His lips move slowly and every so often a whispered word causes his teeth to bare with a feral gleam.
Why am I here Halav? I am your faithful servant and I serve unquestioningly, but, but, I don't understand this test. The beast is too large and too strong and my "allies" Timerious grinds his teeth at the painful word. why, they are not allies at all. They befriend the beast! This is torture worse than the pain from the dungeon. Why did you release me into this torment?
As Markas imparts Petra's healing blessings onto Murlsan he finally realizes the sad state of Garent the bear. A favored beast of his goddess that he himself had rescued from imprisonment and torture rested on the ground suffering in front of him. Markas’ heart sinks at the harm he has allowed to come to the noble beast and for how long he has allowed it to linger inflicting needless pain and suffering on one of Petra's chosen. With tears welling at the corners of his eyes the cleric of Petra is unable to hide his shame.
Louis got down out of the wagon and started to lead both horses from where they were tethered back to the wagon. "Where are you going with my horse? I know you aren't thinking to make a plow horse out of her." When Louis looked to Darcy with confusion on his face because he was absolutely certain that the two horses would be able to carry all of them to wherever they may need to go the archer grimaced and shook her head. "There is no way that she will be able to bear that burden for more than an hour. Besides, how much energy would we waste running back and forth trying to pick out the safest path for the slowly moving wagon across the countryside? Energy that would be better spent keeping us moving safely in the direction we are heading. We can fill our bags and packs with potatoes and onions and tie what we can to the saddles of the horses and then we leave. Gertie can ride my horse and trail the other horse behind loaded as heavily as we can manage. I'll remain on foot scouting ahead with Latovius. What is either of your thoughts on that plan?" Darcy asked of Louis and Latovius who were now standing around her.
The heavy thoughts occupying Timerious's focus stopped abruptly when he witnessed the heretical actions of the cleric Markas. Dumbstruck past the point of simple anger at the blasphemy he had just witnessed it took several moments to fully register with Halav's follower. He could feel the righteous rage within him begin to swell and in an attempt to calm himself Timeirous savagely bit into his lower lip filling his mouth with his own blood. The follower of Halav rose from his crouch still clasping the relic of his god tightly to his chest. With blood beginning to seep out of the corners of his mouth Timerious took a deep breath.
Timerious rises from his crouch and spits blood on the ground.
"I make for Melinir on my own. I can't and won't be party to this impure activity. I wish for the might and purity of Halav to wash you clean.
Timerious raises his chin high, turns and walks from the camp with the relic in hand.
Petra's gifts were to be used and not saved thought Markas. Thank you Garent for this lesson.
Markas approached Garent and put his hand softly on the bear's fur.
"Oh Ho Ho" Loiuis thinks to himself, "Theze ladiez are zo in love with me that they make things difficult just to get my attention, no? Well I no longer have zee energy to fool with them."
Louis has been a bit of an epiphany, and though he does not like it he realizes no one is taking him as the leader of this group, yet Markas has two followers, Louis will back Markas as his leader! Turning his attention from Darcy to Markas
very good Darcy... What say you Markus?
Gertie stops Timerious as he makes his choice known to leave those who had freed and escaped alongside him from the Black Knight's keep. Watching one of the only true friends he had in the world slowly hobble her way up to him gave the hot headed fighter time to cool down a small amount. "My friend, I am far from my home and am desperately in need of your aid to arrive there safely. Will you not reconsider your choices?" She asked of him while looking him in both eyes with her one good eye. Timerious took a moment to consider her request while clutching the timber he was tasked with carrying for her tighter to his chest.
Markas's healing magics mend a decent amount of Garent's injuries in an instant, the bear still looks rough but he is no longer on death's door. It rises from the grasses it had slept in and gives its coat a shake before rubbing up against Markas's hip. Markas wipes away tears of shame with the back of his hand and takes a deep breath. That's when he unexpectedly hears Louis ask him something. "Very good Darcy... What say you Markas?"
Timerious looks down at Gertie.
This little, old woman seems so frail yet has great understanding of the world and more importantly she has great understanding of herself. That self awareness is something I lack. She is also the only person other than Shar who loves me for me. I will continue to help her.
"I will continue to help you as much as I am able Old Mother. Thank you for helping slow my anger and change it to thought. I shan't consort with the ogre however. I will walk at the far back of the column as far as possible from it." Raising his eyes back to the group in general Timerious raises his voice "I apologize for my last outburst. I will take the far rear guard when we decide to move. I also need one arm's length of rope to help with my burden. Can anyone spare some or was there something in this camp I can use?"
Within an hour camp is broken and everyone sets out on foot except for Gertie who rides atop Darcy's horse trailing the other horse behind her. Packs are filled with useable supplies and food from the bandits. Such things also fill large sacks and are tied to the saddle of the trailing horse. Before leaving Adrianna briefly speaks a few words over the equipment piled in the back of the wagon and there is a brief arcane flash around her eyes. The sorceress quickly sets aside from the rest of the equipment a warhammer, a potion, a dagger, a club, and a fluorescent blue rabbits foot token. "These bear some manner of enchantment; I haven't the spell memorized today to learn any more than that about them. Perhaps in the coming days I can change my spells around to learn more about them but for today this is all that I am capable of doing. I would treasure the dagger for I have little use of the rest the equipment, is that fair?"
With a decent rest and full bellies the group covers a respectable distance through most of the day and into the afternoon without issue. By late afternoon the heavy wounds still fresh on Garent and Murlsan take their toll and the group's progress slows considerably. Camp begins to be setup earlier then some would have liked and they are anything but quiet about making their displeasure known to everyone. Perhaps it is coincidence or spite that for the evening Murlsan and Garent bed down amongst the rest of the group and the horses. Timerious is forced to find a different place to sleep and finds precious little rest as biting insects swarm about him for most of the night worsening his sour mood. Everyone awakens before the dawn of the new day and they begin to get ready for another day of travel headed roughly to the northeast.
"Let's get going already" Timerious grouses. "We need to get a move on to get ready for another early afternoon rest break. I hope we make sure to stop in a swamp full of stinging midges again."
Markas spent his last spell of curing water and food in an attempt to heal Garent. It did nothing.
"Are you really leaving all of this behind? I worked in Shar's smithy for years and we never had this many fine weapons and armor and would never leave them lying about. If you aren't taking everything some banded armor may help with the insects in this forsaken land. I'm also thinking a shield would be useful if we get into another tangle."
Timerious looks around at the rest of the party to gauge their response.
"Are you all so rich to not want to keep these fine things? Maybe we should bury them and come back later? My lord and savior Halav favors a short sword and so do I. The only reason I'm still holding this long sword is that I made the Black Knight pay the iron price and took this sword from his dead hand. I won't forget the suffering he caused me and this sword helps me remember the pain. That doesn't mean a fine short sword wouldn't fit nicely in my belt however. What do you think? Looks good doesn't it?"
Timerious turns the blade slowly to feel the haft of the weapon.
"That's right. Nothing like a fine short sword. A much more elegant weapon. A couple of these throwing hammers would be good as well. I've trained with hammers. What do you think ogre? I could knock those flies away from your hair? No?"
Timerious turns back to the group. "Well? What are we waiting for? I'm ready now."
As the day (2) begins Markas takes stock of the water supply. (if none is clean he will cast PFW) He then checks on Garent and decides the bear needs more of Petra's healing touch. (Leaving 1 CLW and possibly 1 PFW if it wasn't used)
The rest of the group watches as Timerious's mood changes rapidly from furious to dour to jubilant glee in the matter of mere moments. Erik, Brion, Latovuis, and Darcy murmer amongst themselves about the fighter's state of mind and violent mood swings as he currently chirps away like a happy little blue bird. They don't object to him taking the armor and shield. When he makes his claim for the shortsword and hammers, especially when he seems to take way too much pleasure swinging the hammers visciously and mimicing throwing them at Murlsan's head Darcy steps in. Timerious looks at her as she approaches with a mad gleam to his eyes and a manic smile plastered across his face, visions of smashing the f~#@ing ogre's head in still playing across his mind until she spoke. "I shall carry those for you until such time that you have earned them. Hand them over willingly or I will take them from you." Her left hand rested on the carved ivory handle of her shortsword while her right hand was outstretched to receive the weapons Timerious had claimed.
Timerious donned the armor first when there was no interference. The shield is on the wagon. The leather armor is discarded.
Timerious looks at the young woman.
"Really? You want these? What do you consider is the difference between these and the Black Knight's sword? You did not seem to have this issue with me striking him down. I don't recall you having issue with my claiming his sword."
Timerious looks her in the eye as he drops a hammer to the ground. "What makes you think I need it?"
Timerious continues to look deep into her eyes as he lets the other hammer slide through his fingers. "I don't want this one either. Feel free to pick it up if you want to carry it."
Timerious puts his hands on his hips. "What else do you want Beautiful?"
Without batting an eye and her right hand remaining empty and held aloft the burn scarred archer dead panned a response. "The short sword as well. I've seen your prowess with the long sword, the ogres have nothing to fear from that."
Timerious drops the short sword to the ground.
"Fine. Feel free to carry all of these until you feel you want to give them to me. I have better armor and a shield, I don't need the rest."
Timerious turns back to the wagon, picks up his shield and slings it over his shoulder and onto his back.
Timerious turns back to the group. "Well? What are we waiting for? I'm ready now."
Markas 11 Brion/Erik 12 Adrianna 13 Gertie 11 Latovius 13 High CON make these easier by adding to the results
Day1
Timerious smirks to himself at forcing Darcy to bend down before him to pick up his weapons and then carry the damned things for hours and miles on end. He was finally proving to all of these fools who was in charge! Timerious is shocked and can't believe his eyes when the pair of hammers and short sword disapper into the small coinpurse at her waist causing the woman no undue burden. The shock turns to anger as his childish attempt at getting the upper hand on Darcy fails. Storming away from her he savagely kicks one of the rotted wooden rails of the old animal pen destroying the piece of timber.
The unwanted equipment is tossed in the nearby pond and the group sets out for the day shortly afterward.
Day2 morning
Latovius walks over to Timerious without saying a word after the fighter admonished everyone on their lack of urgency to be on their way at first light. The rogue turns his focus downward and has a look about where Timerious had chosen to bed down the previous night. Latovius's vision stops moving and remains focused at one spot nearby for many moments. The odd behaviour makes Timerious wonder what is going on so the fighter has a look for himself. With the aid of daylight Timerious spots the pile of bear scat and a small puddle of scummy water not more then four feet from where he had chosen to try and find sleep.
"Were you missing your prison cell and the aroma of your own s~+% for days on end that you cuddled up next to a pile of bear s#!~ and a filthy puddle? If that's the case all you will have to do is wait until we get back to Melinir. Your crazy antics will soon get your ass tossed in a similar cell for the rest of your days." Latovius walked away from Timerious, shaking his head to himself as he went. At being bested yet again by the bear Timerious looked up and glared furiously at the damned beast who oddly enough was looking fully healed and watching him at that moment. After a few seconds it cocked its head to the side with an inquisitive look on its face as if to ask if it had done something wrong.
After rising in the morning Markas imparts some of Petra's healing gifts upon Garent, the prayers mend very little damage with this effort. Luckily that was enough for Garent to appear to be almost fully healthy. The big ogre on the other hand remains looking almost dead to Markas, surely the ogre would slow them down this day with so many wounds. And as sure as the sun rises every day, Timerious was already angrily complaining about the evening and how they needed to cover more distance then the day before.
Day2 travel
Sometime past mid morning on the group's travels Erik stops and begins emptying his stomach of its contents. It takes everything that the fighter has to gather himself and continue onward, he does not look well at all. Timerious finds great joy in seeing the snobbish fool so ill and he fights back the urge to shove the man over into his own vomit. It is not long after that both Gertie and Timerious are also are stricken with similar symptoms and travel is halted for several hours to allow all three to try and recover.
Eventually everyone gets moving again, and very slow progress is made over the next three hours before camp is setup for the day. The three sick members of the party collapse almost immediately upon stopping and give into their suffering and exhaustion. Hoping to find sleep and the passing of whatever it was that ailed them.
Those who weren't sick did their best to comfort the ailing while setting up camp. Latovius and Darcy returned to camp late in the day with two hares and three turtles for meat to be added to the diet of potatoes and onions. Towards dusk Latovius has Adrianna examine a dagger he had recovered from the Black Knight's keep, there's a brief flash around the sorceress's eyes and she passes her hand in the air over the small blade. The two then speak in private for a few minutes, Adrianna appears to have been heavily taxed by casting whatever that spell was for she soon falls asleep and even sleeps through her turn at watch duty. A game of dice breaks out between Erik, Brion, and Latovius before bed. Markas & Louis look on with interest unsure on the rules of the game but soon enough they understand it well enough to pass some time and break even. The rest of the evening passes without issue, with the break of dawn it appears that wet weather may be on the way.
Markas 11 Brion/Erik 12 Adrianna 13 Gertie 11 Latovius 13 High CON make these easier by adding to the results
Timerious is starting to feel better, at least well enough to start complaining again.
"I think I'm sick because that stupid bear s$%+s in the woods! Keep that mangy beast away from me!
morning day 2
Markas prays over Murlsan and again this day the results of his healing magics are very weak, barely mending any of the ogre's wounds. Markas wonders to himself if his failings at the bandit camp have caused him to fall out of favor with his goddess as he sulks away to finish his packing for the day's travels. Timerious witnesses the blasphemous actions of Petra's cleric as he once again administers curative magics to the ogre.
night day 2
After praying for spells and checking on those who are ill Markas has a look about the camp and it's immediate area for anything dangerous. He finds nothing that appears to be dangerous and goes about his turn at watch.
morning day 3
With the coming of the third day of travel to find the ogres Erik and Timerious appear to be on the road to recovery from whatever ailment they had contracted. While exhausted, Timerious more so then Erik, neither appear to still feel as sick as they were the day before. Gertie on the other hand is definitely still as ill if not worse. The frailty of the old seer was concerning enough already and the illness has just added to the concerns. Through sheer will the oracle manages to ride the horse until early afternoon before she can't simply exert herself any longer.
After a long session of morning praying hoping to regain favor with his deity, Markas surveyed the health of the party. Murlsan still needed more help with his wounds and Gertie seemed to be suffering from the foul water. Alas the cleric knew little about curing Gertie so did what he could in offering more of Petra's healing touch to Murlsan.
Timerious continues to view Murlsan in contempt and I think that his negative thoughts are spilling over to me. It will be good to return. Murlsan to his brothers and avoid further conflict thought Markas.
"Adrianna I fear your mother suffers from the foul water. I hold two elixers that are unknown. Can you determine their function in hopes that one or the other could help restore Gertie to health?"
Timerious looks with obvious distaste as the cleric dotes upon the monstrous beast but instead turns his attention to the suffering old woman.
"Is there something I can do for you old Mother? If there is anything I can fetch for you or something to make your rest more comfortable?"
morning day 3
After Markas's initial healing effort on the third day Murlsan appears to be finally at half health to the cleric. Markas takes the time to remove the last of the splinters from his flesh and clean the wounds as best he could. The cleric wonders to himself what weapon or beast had caused such a mess of the mighty ogre's flesh.
afternoon day 3
With the group's travel potentially stopped for the day Markas approaches Adrianna who remains near her mother's side while the old oracle rests. He produces both vials and presents them to the sorceress who appreciates the temporary distraction the arcane mysteries might provide. Looking at each vial and opening them to smell their contents Adrianna shakes her head negatively and stoppers both of them. "I do not recognize either draught by sight or smell. It will require me to expend myself and spells to learn more about them. I have never cast two of those spells in a day, casting just a single one brings me to the point of exhaustion. I could attempt to learn about both, one, or none. I can assure you Markas that they are not simple potions of healing or curing if that is what you wish to know."
Timerious interjects himself between Gertie and her daughter shortly after they are forced to stop by the woman's failing health. Uncaring about the beautiful young woman's concerns over her mother's well being that was forced to stand behind him now Timerious frets over his friend's health. Timerious gets no audible response from Gertie, the old seer smiles and nods her head before closing her eyes and appearing to try and rest. Timerious notes that Gertie's breath slows way down as he watches her over the course of a few minutes.
"I will let you rest now. I'm sorry to have to leave but you know how difficult it is for me to bear the...current company. Send for my help if you need it please.
Timerious rises, turns and brushes past Adrianna in the opposite direction from the ogre and bear.
"Since we look to be stopping for awhile I think someone should look around. Who wants to go with me?"
"Adrianna I think your strength is best spent at your mother's side. Perhaps when we reach a safe settlement you could work your magic on the vials as well as this hammer." Markas said pointing to the newly acquired weapon.
While scouting is best left to those with far greater skills than I the walk with Timerious could prove to bear fruit if the reason behind his anger with Murlsan and Garent could be uncovered. Also separating Timerious from the rest of the group could also be most beneficial.
"I would go with you Timerious if you will allow it."
This journey seems as difficult as a battle. Louis thinks, anything that could go wrong has. Louis checks his weapons to make sure he's ready for an attack. He feels helpless as members of the troop fall to illness.
Before leaving Gertie's side Timerious noticed that the old lady had suddenly started sweating heavily while her breathing remained shallow and rythmic. She remained at rest with her eyes shut and made no sounds that he could hear. He would have stayed at her side longer but the damned ogre picked a spot nearby to sit down. Involuntarily Timerious drew his sword a few inches from its scabbard as he backed away from the foul beast, bumping into Adrianna as he went. Rudely the fighter offered no apology for his clumsiness while lost in his own anger at being forced to be so close to something so evil and devoid of a soul. As Timerious retreated from the sub-human Darcy returned to the group, Latovius must still be out in the wilds. With a bit of distance between himself and the evil ogre his nerves remained on edge so Timerious took a breath and he tried his best to suddenly be warm and outgoing. He called out to the others, "Since we look to be stopping for awhile I think someone should look around. Who wants to go with me?" Timerious smirked to himself as he finally ascended to his rightful role of leader! These foolish nondivinely touched infidels who he allowed to accompany him on this adventure looked to him after he addressed them like the sheep that they were! A silent moment went by, and then another, and then another... no one responded to his request and they soon went back to what they were doing before he addressed them.
From the small coinpurse at her waist Darcy removed two large waxed canvas sheets with twenty foot ties attached at regular intervals. Next came slender poles and stakes that Erik,Brion and Louis set about using to put up the shelters with minimal guidance from the archer. She next removed tinder, a tied bundle of kindling, and a tied bundle of dry fire wood from the small bag. Next she tossed Timerious's two throwing hammers onto the ground in the direction of where he stood, "If you are going out there to hunt or look around city boy you'll need these. I shall be out there after I see to camp being setup. Shall we place a wager as to who comes home with the most meat for the table?"
The break in the rain ended just then as light rain began to fall once again. The resting Gertie was moved beneath one of canvas covers by her daughter, Louis and Erik. As Timerious was about to decide whether to have a look about the area in the now wet conditions Markas spoke up "I would go with you Timerious if you will allow it."
Timerious picks up the two hammers.
"Thank you milady" he smirks. "Let's go Markas. If we see some game at least I have range weapons now instead of just trying to throw my sword."
Louis makes his way to the ill Gertie
Louis looks upon Gertie, his concern for his neighbor from Hawks Hill is great, and his understanding of the magical arts is limited, he seeks enlightenment Dear Gertie zee ring would cure what ills you no? the warrior waits for her reply, if the lady is to weak to speak he will try to comfort her with good news. He whispers to her Zee silver statues of the ancients from Hawks Hill... I have found them! Soon they will be returned to their rightful place! if nothing else he hopes to bring a smile to the old lady's face. If the sage is too weak to speak and Louis has the ring he'll put it on her finger.
Before setting off Markas leaned in to Louis and said softly, "Take care of Gertie."
Under the canvas roof and out of the rain Louis notes that Gertie is unresponsive to his touch and words, she had been sweating heavily but was not doing so now. Her ring resides in its rightful place, upon her hand while she appears to be in a deep comatose slumber. The seer has an aroma about her of rotted vegetation and likely heard and felt nothing from Louis. "Let mother rest, I believe she is mending herself with her powers and shall be all right if allowed to rest. The power to purge the body of all toxins and diseases used to tax her greatly when I saw it years ago. She must be very ill indeed to risk such a thing. We must remain vigilant for a time." Adrianna whispers to Louis as she guides the concerned fighter from her mother's side to give the old woman peace and quiet.
Three hours go by while Gertie rests, folks gathered firewood, Latovius returned with a pair of pheasants and Darcy returned with a porcupine. Neither had actually seen Markas and Timerious, Darcy had crossed what was likely their trail but did not follow it instead she continued to hunt and scout the area. "I suppose one of us should go and find the two lost city boys. Louis, care to come with me?" Darcy asked as she ate some baked potato and a bit of pheasant. Adrianna placed a hand over the strange club that Louis had received from the fight with the bandits and spoke an odd three syllable word that the fighter did not recognize. There was an aqua flash that surrounded her eyes and extended between her hand and the weapon. The light faded and Adrianna appeared exhausted after casting the spell, she had enough energy to impart what she had learned about the weapon before curling up to go to sleep.
Within an hour of leaving the group Markas and Timerious are hopelessly lost in the prairie. The rain, landscape, Timerious' exhaustion, and their lives in Melinir all worked against them and for three straight hours the pair wandered the plains in vain. On a flat spot of land with two scrub tree covered hills in the distance and rain falling the two traveling companions have a (temporary?) falling out.
Being lost alongside the treacherous cleric who kept badgering him about his beliefs, his continued failing at trying to be a leader, the traveling situation he was forced into accepting after slaying the Black Knight, and his heavy fatigue from poisoning by the damn bear that this f!@&ing man worshipped shattered Timerious's resolve. In an uncontrollable rage the fighter lashed out at the evil cleric who had dared to desecrate the tenants of Halav!
After almost three hours of questioning Timerious while wandering in the rain Markas has gained some partial insight to the fighter. Timerious apparently is a fanatical follower of Halav Redhair(husband of Petra and a lawful neutral patron of warfare, smiths, and a bane of humanoids), well sort-of. The fighter's warped mind has singularly focused on just that last aspect of Halav's faith, a vehement all consuming hatred of all things humanoid! While walking across a flat stretch of land that looked just like everywhere else they had been Markas asked Timerious again about orcs.
"Why do you keep badgering me? I've seen the way you coddle that fell beast and I don't like it. It's inhuman and uncivilized! You are the same when you deal with it. Orcs you say? Let me tell you about orcs. They are beasts the same way that big monster is! Do you know what orcs deserve? Let me tell you what they deserve. They deserve to be thrown around and driven back into their holes. You love them so much? Better yet let me show you what I do to orcs? Aaarrgghh!!"
Timerious turns in anger and grabs Markas by the young man's breastplate and attempts to throw him.
The attack pluses were the +1 listed above with the +2 for strength.
Oui Darcy I shall go with you. Louis will follow Darcy Hmmm... Ho... Ho Ho Ho, Ha ... Lost city boys! Ha ha