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Krystae watched Byrnjar's back as he stalked away, instantly regretting her abrasive attitude towards his assistance. She moved to apologize; however, when they saw Havelock coming with Elen and no Ragnar... "Curse him. I feel as if we have a child tagging along with us!"
Krystae approached the edge of the clearing and knelt at the edge with her bow pulled taut. She looked for any sign of their enemy, though all she found was quiet. She spotted Ragnar still standing in the clearing, holding the chest in his hands. She sighed and looked to Elen. "Call to him, Witch. I believe he trusts you the most."
Brynjar places Helios on the snowy ground. "I say, barkeep, why must you keep your tavern so cold? Might we have a fire?" Where he sits, the half-elf's blood begins to soak into the white around him.
He raises a hand to his head, waves of nausea climbs over him anx he turns to wretch his dinner to mix with his blood in the snow. The violent shaking of his mind brings Helios a bit closer to reality. "What the devil happened? Did I say something wrong?"
"Don't worry, he is coming. With his size, and with me able to move unhindered, I asked him grab the chest instead of a person.
I don't think there will be anything in it, but you all bleed for that chest, IF there is something, I'd say we've earned it.
...Plus, if there is a foe, I'd like him to get a faceful of chest as...payment for that dirty trick."
Havelock frowns a little at Krystaes comment.
"Yes...it is a bit isn't it? And he is followed by ghostly children or so he says, that can claim bodies uninhibited for a time...
I can't help but wonder if he HIMSELF might not also be such a lost child, inhabiting a body perhaps..."
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Krystae turns to look back at Havelock while he speaks of the chest and then comments on Ragnar's strange behaviors. What the Tengu says makes sense to Krystae despite the concept being difficult to comprehend; though.... much of Ragnar was difficult to comprehend. She opens her mouth and closes it with a thoughtful look. "A troubling thought, Professor. And yet..." she trails off as she turns to look back at the giant of a man.
Ragnar dug into the snow and dirt, many small invisible hands helping him. He pulled the treasures left beneath the chest out one by one, placed them inside it, and then followed the rest of the group.
When he turned the bend and saw the woman Krystae staring at him, he brought the chest to her and opened it up.
"Hmmm, I have to admit, when I suggested that he bring the chest, that he would follow us immediately after...
If nobody took a shot at him as he was digging into he snow, I believe that we are safe from an ambush."
Rubing the tip of his beak, Havelock frowns, and that expression IS easily seen even on a Tengus face.
"So they simply left a trap behind...for ANYONE to find.
No profit...no reason...except simple cruelty?!?"
"It took me a moment to realise why Brynjar was running, but it made sense, first trap people and then finish them off with a well-timed attack.
Did they get bored waiting and left, or did they just leave the chest hoping to kill someone?"
"This...this SICKENS me!" The Tengu declares in a voice filled with anger.
Despite greed earlier influencing his actions, he seems to have completely forgotten the contents of the chest now.
Instead he stomps around in the snow, seething with anger.
In the midst of Havelock's rant Brynjar's mind was elsewhere but still focused on the alchemist You sent him to get the chest?! So he would have either died or lead them back to us The tall warrior fought every instinct and desire within him, holding his flood of rage back, despite how much he wanted to comply with these dark urges and simply ring Havelock's neck. Brynjar knew that now wasn't the time to throw blames or fists...it was time to recover from their set backs and move forward...
The red haired man's gloved fist flew through the air and slammed into a nearby tree, causing the snow covered plant to shower him with the cold substance that covered its leaves. The bite of cold felt all too familiar and made Brynjar realize something Forget getting used to this place, I can barely stop my self from despising it Teeth clenched Brynjar moved past the mess of snow that surrounded him and turned to the professor "Professor! If you know anything about healing start with Helios" While Brynjar wasn't formally trained in healing or medicine, it really wouldn't take much to notice that the bard was the one who was suffering the most at the moment.
With apparently no bandits around them Brynjar decided to survey their capabilities of defending themselves in case they did come back. Starting with Krystae he did his best to see how much her injuries were affecting her but knew that he wouldn't get far, especially when she was clearly trying to appear in the best of conditions.
"Law-keeper" Began Brynjar "I am not one of the villagers you protect or try to encourage to defend themselves, I am just a warrior who hates not knowing where he stands in a battle, so put aside your pride and tell me just how hurt are you" He continued, the frown on his face still evident.
"Hmmm...? Ah no, I know some healing, but so far it can only affect myself, but I DO know someone who can help."
Havelock looks up at Ragnar.
Observing Brynjar as he turns to Krystae, Havelock frowns again, his own anger forgotten.
He looks angry, I think I know what he is thinking, but he is wrong, sending Ragnar after the chest instead of picking up bodies didn't slow him down.
But I don't think making that argument now would fall on receptive ears.
But he is smart, once he calms down, I think he might realise that himself.
Nevertheless, I shall have to prove myself to him so he learns to trust my judgment.
Ragnar seemed embarrassed to be put on th spot, but he stood up straighter when addressed so by the Watcher.
"Jag ska försöka, Vigdiri. Innan idag var jag aldrig en Healer."
Ragnar moved tentatively toward Lord Helios, and reached his massive hand out. "আমার পাপ, বিশ্ব কিপার ক্ষমা করো. আমি আপনাকে সাহায্য করতে আপনি সংক্ষেপে আলোচনা করা হবে না."
Again, a comfortable cool pulse issued forth from the big man's hands. Helios' wounds puckered and knitted closed, leaving only faint red scars and some bruising.
Exited whispering and faint laughter filled the air around Ragnar. The corners of his mouth twitched upward.
The half-elf shudders a bit under the cold chill of Ragnar's healing. He sits up suddenly, grasping at his head and allowing his senses to gather to their normal sharpness. As the rush fades he hears the sound of children laughing.
Despite his recent pain and the embarrassment of being bested by a tree, Helios can't help but chuckle. "That's how you administer to the downtrodden and wounded. A little child's laughter never hurt anyone."
He rests a hand on Ragnar's shoulder as he gets up. "મારા આભાર, મિત્ર Ragnar. હું એક વૃક્ષ દ્વારા હુમલો કરીને તમે દો બનાવ્યા ન હતા આશા છે. મારા વારસો અડધા ધ્યાનમાં, તે માત્ર ખોટો લાગે છે."
He grins at his own joke and begins setting himself to rights. "What's next, my friends? I'm sure there's a pongee-stick pit trap around here somewhere I can fall into, eh?"
Looking around to the others, he meets Brynjar's eyes for a moment and offers a silent apology. I should have been more aware.
Havelock nods, as he suspected, Ragnar was capable of more feats of healing, but his words were intriguing.
Aside from that, do you have any more?
Neither Krystae nor Brynjar are completely unscathed, if it comes to battle, we will rely on them first and foremost."
"Another facet of Ragnar comes to the fore, apparently he developed this healing capacity because it was needed, he did not posses it before, or so he says."
Ragnar's brows furrow in thought.
"There is a journals worth of information to be had from Ragnar, the Pathfinder society would walk over corpses to gain this lore."
Quite literally most likely, because I have a feeling we'll deal with more of the undying before long.
Ragnar nodded and reached out to the others. His touch pricked the skin like a breeze on a winters morning. It was invigorating, but made them shiver a bit.
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"Law-keeper" Began Brynjar "I am not one of the villagers you protect or try to encourage to defend themselves, I am just a warrior who hates not knowing where he stands in a battle, so put aside your pride and tell me just how hurt are you" He continued, the frown on his face still evident.
Krystae sighed as she turned towards Brynjar. "I know, Brynjar. Forgive my rash behavior, I was not upset with you. I fear that tree cracked a few of my ribs..." She probes the injury, grimacing. "If they are not broken."
She continued her watch as Ragnar spread his healing among the injured. The inquisitor nodded as he made to approach her and though she felt trepidation at his touch, the chill that came with it thrilled her. It reminded Krystae of a cool winter dawn, in the gray just before the sun crept over the horizon. She could feel the cold tingle creep into her torso as it mended her broken bones.
Krystae gifted Ragnar with a rare, genuine smile. "Du har mitt tack, Ragnar."
She looks at the others as they examine the contents of the chest Ragnar and gathered up. "Perhaps we may find something of use here."
Havelock scratches the back of his head, thinking for a moment.
"When we continue, let me take the front for now, I managed to dodge the trap so I am in the best shape.
And, I'm not exactly without tricks to defend myself."
"Leave the front to me professor you stay at the back of the group and insure we aren't ambushed" Said Brynjar, his blue eyes moving to survey the rest of the group, not missing the glance Helios was giving him Guilt? A feeling of responsibility? Brynjar dismissed the thought for now, there would be a time to talk of who's responsibility it was, and it certainly wasn't anyones fault directly, they all should have noticed how suspicious the presence of a single chest in the wild was...and maybe they did, but their greed had simply trumped their sensibility.
Walking towards the bard, Brynjar stopped when he was but a few feet away "Do remind me to bury these bandits in the chest we found" Commented the scarred man, the hint of anger unmistakable in his voice "You feeling well enough to take them on?"
"What n and ruin a good, solid piece of Oak with the stench of our bested enemies? " In response to the warrior's concern, Helios waves him of good-naturedly. "Oh, I think I can manage, my friend." Helios says with a smile. He grabs up his longbow and knocks an arrow, making as though to fall in line along the left flank to keep an eye out.
As he moves, he's a bit shakey on his feet, giving a branch or two a good snap as he tries to sneak along. The half elf wines at his clumsiness but continues forward, keeping an eye out for danger as they continue.
"Hrm...As you wish it then..."
Secretly, Havelock is pretty pleased at his offer being rejected, while it WAS fairly meant, he did not consider being up front the most advantageous position for a man like him.
Me and my big mouth, lucky he said no...
"Let's go, the day is wasting..."
The cache contains the majority of the weapons and armor stripped from Lady Argentea’s guards, including five sets of leather armor, three sets of studded leather armor, a masterwork chain shirt, two light wooden shields, seven longswords, two spears, a masterwork dagger, and three light crossbows with a total of 25 bolts.
You move on for a few hours, following the track. The snow becomes increasingly deep in this part of the forest, where a windswept gully carves a path through a tree-covered ridge. A soft cascade of snow falls from an overhead branch, hissing softly as it strikes the ground.
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Krystae follows the trail, constantly watching for signs of traps or an ambush. She keeps an arrow nocked to her bowstring, prepared at a moments notice. She had never been to this part of the forest before and despite the danger... She could not help but be awed by the beautiful majesty of the snow.
Havelock brings up the rear, slightly behind the group and off hidden in the tree line.
He carried the new blade in hand as he snuck forward, the other hand was holding one of his larger vials, ready for throwing.
Making his way at the head of the group, Brynjar peered from left to right, trying to see anything that was irregular among the trees that witnessed their trick through the forest. A wave of wind passed by them, showering them with a fresh feeling coldness and shook the outstretched branches, causing them to release a song of scraping leaves and creaking wood. Brynjar knelt down at the thicker blanket of pure white that surrounded them, brunching some of it aside, feeling its icy touch through his gloves. Blue eyes tried to find a sign of previous movement, while Brynjar's mind was busy considering how well their opponents knew this area If they know this forest better than we do, they already have that advantage over us, we sneak up behind them than that won't matter much He got up slowly and gripped his two handed weapon tighter in his gloved hands, a mixture of determination and annoyance clear on his face.
Helios glances longingly at the chain shirt. Not sure, but getting hit with a spiked log changes a man... He grins at his own joke and turns his attention away and continues to the perimeter of the gully, trying to take in the surrounding area and the gully below.
Ragnar was amazed by the armor. It was like a knitted sweater made of metal. Who could have made such a wonder.
He looked quizzically at the strange cross-shaped thing with the string. It reminded him of the World-Keeper's bows, but with a club attached to it.
The swords were too long and thin, and would clearly break if any force was put behind them. These strange weapons and armor were too unfamiliar to him. Until the world began to make sense again he would place his trust in the reliability of his stitched hides and his father's spear.
The rest of you see nothing of importance here. Brynjar sees the track continues to be clear and easy to follow.
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Helios attempts to play at ignorance as he points upwards to the falling snow, pulling up lame on his right leg. He pauses and rubs at his knee. As he does so, he places a hand behind his back so only Bynjar can see. Caylen help me the big warrior knows this stuff... He flashes a warning hand for him to stop the group.
"You know, this reminds me of an old dog I ownedn. He loved the snow, part snow wolf as I recall. When he was younger, he'd hide under the blankets of my bed and spring up at me like I was an elk or something." His hand, still behind his back, stabs a thumb towards where he spotted the baddies.
As he tells the tale, Helios uses more and more flamboyant words in memorizing tones...
Each creature within range receives a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the bard's level + the bard's Cha modifier) to negate the effect. If a creature's saving throw succeeds, the bard cannot attempt to fascinate that creature again for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the creature sits quietly and observes the performance for as long as the bard continues to maintain it. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on all skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.
Fascinate is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting ability. Fascinate relies on audible components.
... so baddies don't know...
... so the team catches on...
DC Fascinate 14
The lizard still doesn't seem to be aware you have noticed him at this time.
Elen whispers to Ragnar to translate what Helios just said, hoping that the foes will not hear, or if they do, will not understand.
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You recognize this beast as an artic tatzylwrym. You know these creatures are somewhat intelligent, are related to dragons, and can speak Draconic.
This is not an ordinary lizard. You think it may be intelligent to some degree.
Ragnar was about to speak, concerned about the strange 'crossbow', but Lady Elen's words about a potential threat cut off his thoughts. He nodded and looked around, waiting.
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Krystae stops with the others and begins to look about anew when Helios begins speaking of a dog he once owned. She spots the creature now that the bard indicates the area of their enemy, but makes sure to keep sweeping the area and not let her gaze lingering on the creature. She then rubs her arms as if warding off the cold as she speaks in Skald.
"Varelsen är ett arktiskt tatzlwyrm, de är något intelligent och kan tala Draconic. Jag tror inte att de förstår något annat språk."
She glances at Brynjar... "Artic tatzlwyrm." 'Hopefully that's the only enemy around.' She thinks as she takes another look around...
You don't see anyone else around.
Helios moves slowly to the left, still affecting a limp as he goes, sidling up to a tree as he continues to speak. But this time, he focuses his words on building up his teammates. "Speaking of my dear pet reminds me of a noble hunt south of here, in warmer climates. My father told me of a time when a dire wolf was terrorizing a small town. He and his men had to create distance between themselves to keep the animal bayed, then carried on with their spears and bows to bring the creature down. They moved slowly, using a tracker to spot the quarry, but then they sprang into action. A dangerous gambit but it was effective."
Seeing Ragnar out of the corner of his eye, he shifts his words from common to elven and back again to ensure he understands.
...as he limps to a tree...
...keeping an eye on the beastie...
...convey message to team to spread out slowly...
Elen begins moving casually to the side, as Helios indicated, while preparing to Hex the creature as soon as it emerges.
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Elen readies an action to hex the creature with Misfortune as soon as it emerges or as soon as one of her teammates attacks it.
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Krystae nods her understanding of Helios' plan as she deliberately slows to maintain a distance of 30' from the tatzlwyrm. She prepares herself to spring into action the moment the rest of the group attacks... She feels her heart begin to beat rapidly from the adrenaline dumping into her nervous system in preparation for combat. She slows her breath into deep, controlled breaths like her father had taught her.
A breath of air escaped the Brynjar nostrils as he stood his ground and stared at the lizard. He didn't know what this creature was capable of exactly, he just remembered hearing hunters speak of it Beasts and bandits, if I am lucky we'll meet one of these witches of Irrisen next Brynjar took a few steps forward so that he was ahead of the rest of the party, but remained quite far from the creature yet "Someone tell the giant to charge in when I attack" He whispered to his companions, his eyes clearly showing his intent to kill.
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Ragnar nods.
For a moment it felt like the whole world was standing still, the trees that encircled him seemed to fade from sight, the sounds of the wind and dancing branches melted away. Soon it was only Brynjar, the lizard like creature, and the breath that hovered in front of his scarred face. Hands moved on instinct to adjust the massive sword, as his stance shifted to prepare for his next move; one foot moved back while the other stayed where it was, the sound of the snow being pushed aside was lost in this moment as well. Then a cold breeze came upon the area and his senses once more absorbed everything that was happening around him, it was then that Brynjar burst out of his motionless state and dashed in silence towards his enemy, his war cry replaced by the sound of his boots digging into the snowy ground.
Once he was a but a few feet away, he utilized the momentum of his quick stride and lunged at the white lizard savagely, sword held back to gather as much power as was possible before the inevitable chains of gravity dragged him down to the earth, that moment came soon enough; Brynjar felt his flight coming to an end as he was within striking range of the beast and brought his sword down with utter brutality. No technique or plan was placed behind his strike, there was only the urge to kill, and a familiar anger that was slowly accumulating strength.
As Brynjar tenses to move forward, Helios pulls up his bow and looses a shaft at the creature, hoping to throw it off as the warrior charges.
Helios dances to the left after his shot sails wide, getting behind the tree he was leaning against. As he knocks his next shaft he continues his description of how the hunters with his father bayed the dire wolf of the north.
"My father was one of humble demeanor, but to see him astride his horse, spear in hand like a knight charging the Worldwound!" Helios takes in a breath, the chill air fogging before him as he exhales. Goodness gracious, was this what my father went through in the north? How in the heavens did he survive? "Oh but he kept his horse moving to and fro, keeping the beast off balance as the rest of his cadre encircled and attacked it. But they had to be wary! What if this wolf was only a straggler? What if the rest of its pack appeared from a thicket of trees?" As before, Helios shifts from common to elvish and back again for the benefit of Ragnar.
He searches their surroundings, ensuring that no others are springing a trap like the wolf in his father's story.