Unable to sense the good intent of the man, Dmitri raises a brow. He'd finally found someone who wasn't going out of their way to do useless deeds for people they didn't even know. The man had been beaten badly, and if asked, he'd admit to being somewhat envious of the injuries, but alas the wounds the man had were minor at best. Such weak constitutions, these people had.
With that thought he tossed a glance over to Koritylija, who, very well, was the only person really keeping him in check with her presence. She had an infatuation with these men it seemed. She didn't actually care about them, but at the same time she would be upset if he did anything to them.
Then there was the question of Apollo... Good? A man who recklessly swings at, kills, and violently hunts down these dogs with a treacherous tenacity. He reveled in their deaths. It was strange to him.
Looking down at the gnolls, he picked up one of their crude, heavy wooden shields, and placing it on his back. It would be nice to use that and the sickle in the future, if the situation ever became needed.
Weighted down and slightly addled by the experience, Dmitri still rode the high from the fight, and with as little care in the world as possible after the event, couldn't quite keep his tongue. The pain in his eye twinged once more, harder, this time. Presenting a hand to the new, beaten man, he put on his tidiest silver tongue and spoke.
It wasn't his best performance, but he wasn't really asking too much of anything really. It would just be best if he found him somewhat of a nice character.
"I see you survived well enough? Admirable quality. You have far more of a spine than the other old man we saved in the nearby pig pen... and far less blood from the look of it." He wiped away the sticky crimson fluids from his forehead and proceeded to push his hair back so he could see properly again. "Pardon my current look, I am well aware that the lot of us are in need of a good bathing. That matter will have to wait, however. Shall the lot of us return to the hideout? I am sure the small man would like to speak in the shade and safety."
His hand still presented, he locked a piercing gaze with the apathy of the man's own eyes, trying to get a read on him. If he wasn't of good intentions... what was he?
Kori takes a breather while Pain-lover and Lizard-friend jabber with the useless man that needs saving. As she rests from getting worked up for a fight that she didn't feel needed it, she once again tries to massage and drive away the pain in her leg. She is a little surprised to see she still has a handle on this god magic, as she watches some of the wounds caused by the thrashing tentacles close. "Hey Short-legs, a god has chosen to give me power. I can close my wounds, like you used to do. Now you can work on being more useful in a fight."
"Pfahh... just cause I got short legs don't mean I'm no good in a fight. Thinks you mights have noticed otherwise. Or do ye see me runnin around crying for the doctor every time we tussel wit some Gnolls?" The Dwarf replies with a sidelong glance in Apollo's direction.
"Whatever god is grantin you powers must be rightly outta his mind. The divine arts are one that requires much dedication, prayer and most of all practice. You sweetpease has none o that or has ye been prayin lately?"
Clearly the Dwarf feels considerably insulted by Kori's remark about his lacking martial prowess and is getting a bit stirred up. However he does notice that clearly Kori seems to have been gifted some sort of healing powers, powers it took him years to master. A fact that does not make the Dwarf any less grumpy.
The man staggers to his feet, even helping Apollo up from his kneeling pose on the ground once he's on his feet. "Evidently my survival was just a matter of chance and the fact of my divine powers that my companions did not possess. There were five of us, before, but my companions were unable to heal themselves of the torments visited upon us for the last several days, and so they perished. I thank the Master for your appearance at what seems to be exactly the right time."
He brushes himself off and turns to face the group to reveal a largely bloodied torso and face, although he still seems to be mostly okay on his feet. "You aren't the only one that's in need of a good bathing, apparently, although I believe that the majority of that blood is not yours. By the by, what ought I call you lot? My name is Oxvard."
Angmar tunrs to the Cleric Angmar Firefoy me name!
As the rest of the group turn up one by one behind him, Apollo stays crouched on the ground, as the man in front of him stands up faster than anticipated.
Injured? This man seems to be doing just fine!
With the man bending down to help Apollo up, the two men lock arms and in a split second Apollo springs to his feet in a confident standing position once more.
Yea, that's the one. I forgot his name. More just heard it in passing actually, though I think the others I travel with conversed with him more. As for luck, I'd say you're right. You see we're actually in the middle of something right now, and if it weren't for me deciding to play hero, rescuing another brother in need, you'd probably be Gnoll food by now.
Apollo turns around as the party approaches, then looks in their direction, still engaged in conversation with the man.
It looks like our injuries were worth it though, because you're still breathing.
Apollo smiles briefly at those around him.
You see, we all pride ourselves on our fighting prowess. None of us want to back down, and so instead of rushing the dirty stinking dogs that kidnapped you, I used those I travel with to my advantage.
We can all handle ourselves pretty well, but I feel if I hadn't have focused on getting to you and only killing those that got in my way, we might not be talking right now. As for your friends though?
Apollo glares at Angmar as the Dwarven man throws out the snide doctor related comment.
If your companions run off leaving you for dead, it sounds like you need some better friends.
As the man introduces himself to the group, Apollo picks something fleshy from his head and flicks it on the floor, rubbing his hands together, then brushing off his shoulders.
Sorry.....had a bit of Gnoll still stuck to me. Anyway, the name's Apollo and this lively bunch are those I've been travelling with.
putting his arm out and opening up his hand, Apollo gests to lock arms with the survivor.
Pleasure to meet ya friend.
Well, looks like I still need rest from my wounds yesterday. If I could heal like Angmar, I wouldn't even bother asking for help, but whatever, I'm good to continue even in this state. My body on the other hand....hahaha!
Used? That word raked Dmitri like Undrella's claws, and not in a good way. The nerve.
Tossing Apollo a brow, he decided it best to ignore the ranger and let him have his moment. They were in a strange situation now. They'd all literally just walked out of the building for about a minute and freed this man, and if anything, it was a morning bloodbath. Dmitri looked to Koritylija, who'd apparently been blessed overnight.
Despite his recklessness, Dmitri didn't make it to this stage without keeping an eye on how much potential everyone else had. Angmar had not exhausted a single healing spell during the encounter, and Koritylija, whom's healing depths had yet to be explored, had only cured herself a single time. They were definitely set to keep going.
At the sound of Koritylija's news, Dmitri smiled wide. "An Oracle? How queer. Seems a deity thrust themselves upon you in the night. Congratulations, lady Koritylija." he said with a bow. "It seems that the lot of us are in good shape to continue on? Oxvard was your name?" he asked, casting a glance over to the man who'd just stood up. "My name is Dmitri Alexander Mavis. You said you could heal yourself? If so, I see no point in being charitable with the rest of kelmarane being such a pressing issue on the horizon." he said, outstretching a hand.
If we waste any more precious healing on these fools...
Shaking each of the men's hands in turn, Oxvard allows himself a smile. "It is good to meet you. However the rescue happened, I am, of course, glad that it did, but I would also like to be returned to safety." He shows off his wounds before continuing. "As would seem to be obvious, I don't think I can take much more punishment before I fall once more, and I am currently bereft of my diety's blessing. I've exhausted it all just keeping myself alive up to this point."
Kori does not waste time introducing herself, but she does see fit to defend her newfound power. "Pssh, Pain-lover, no god thrust anything upon me. The god of war saw that I was doing so good killing things, he decided that I was worth giving more power to. Maybe, Short-legs just been wasting his time with all his praying and dedicating. If you're strong enough, they just give their power to you."
As the guy they happened to save while killing the gnoll patrol whines about how weak he is, she replies "Why doesn't he just hide out with the other crybaby at the manor? If he ain't gonna help, then there isn't no need to drag him along."
Listening to Kori's big headed reasoning behind her new power, Apollo smirks slightly, avoiding any conversational engagement with the woman, as he speaks once more with the Cleric.
Well, if we're continuing on, I'll take you back to the manor and then be on my way. After we're done here I'll see how you and Philliped are doing in the manor house, but if you hear anything, do your best to stay out of sight. It's probably the safest place to be right now.
Looking to Dmitri, Lizard-friend asks; Are you joining me as I escort our new friend here back to the manor, or do you want me to meet you somewhere?
No point in splittin up me thinks! the Dwarf adds to the conversation as he joins Apollo and the priest pack to the mansion.
Apollo nods at Angmar's comment as he begins to walk back with the men.
Dmitri smiled wide and gave a quick chuckle at Koritylija. "Hm, perhaps. You are what the zealous call an "Oracle". A god of war could have gave you healing, or a god of compassion merely wished to balance your destructive prowess. We'll never know for sure... However that isn't what concerns me." he states with a hint of worry.
"Oracles frequently suffer from some sort of... ailment. From what I can tell, yours has yet to surface." he says as he watches Apollo and Angmar walk into the manor. As Apollo asks him, he merely raises his hand in objection. The Manor isn't far away and they'll likely come right back outside to them.
The hand quickly reaches his eye again as it feels as though a dagger goes through his eye. Taking a knee, the pain subsides completely, but not before a slight trickle of blood seeps out of it. Looking at his hand he notices the blood, but hides it away. What on earth is it now?
"My apologies, Koritylija. I believe I was... grazed a tad in that previous fight and it's just now registering. No matter."
With a wry smile he asks. "Are you well?"
Oxvard nods his head in thanks as Apollo and Angmar escort him back to the manor house to be reunited with his compatriot. He doesn't object to Kori's assessment of his level of courage, and he doesn't comment on the tension between the party members.
As Angmar and Apollo return to the mansion, Felliped bursts out of the front door. "I thought you were dead, Oxvard!" he stage-whispers. Oxvard wryly replies, "Apparently not." before walking into the manor house.
Alright, so are you two guys okay if we leave you here for now? We'll be back to check up on you once things have been resolved here, but in the meantime...
Apollo whispers to both Felliped and Oxvard.
Pssst, hide and stay away from the windows unless you hear one of us say "Nom's a baby dinosaur. All hail the King."
The man smirks as he knows how profound he sounds, but can't help thinking to himself; "Not a single enemy will guess that one."
Felliped seems mightily relieved to have a friend around, especially Oxvard, and Oxvard informs Apollo that he's sure they'll be alright, as long as they aren't attacked by gnolls in the night.
That's about as much reassurance as he's gonna get, so he and Angmar return to the rest of the group, still waiting by the corpses of their enemies.
Before Angmar and his companions head back out he turns to Oxvard and Felliped:
"Say ye twos wouldn't by any chance have met a girl by the name of Haleen in this town?"
When Pain-lover mentions an ailment she scowls, unthinking she punches her leg again as if working out a tight muscle. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself. Especially now that I was given god magic." She counts herself lucky for the fact that they won't notice how the leg is slowing her, not with as slow as they all walk anyways.
Oxvard shakes his head. "I'm sorry, I wouldn't know. We barely got here before we were accosted by the gnolls."
Alright, well you two stay out of sight and we'll see you later. says Apollo as he leaves the unarmed men at the Manor.
Passing by Angmar, then Kori and then Dmitri, Apollo speaks to the group as he continues to march fourth; Looks like we're done here. The Battle Market's our next stop, so who's joining me?
The man then stops where he stands, keeping his back to everyone, (about 10ft away from the party) as he looks up at the clear blue sky, seeming to be somewhat accustomed to the blistering heat of the desert here.
My wounds still haven't fully healed from yesterday, but at least I've sustained no further injury. Let's see what trouble today brings with it, and maybe we'll learn a thing or two on the whereabouts of that flea ridden king...
Not so fast boy... Angmar grumbles. Some of us is hurt you included and I'd hate to make fer the battle market without our full strength. There's still plenty other buildings we hasn't explored so I say we explore a bit more...
Kori nods, takes stock of what they have left to explore, then turns to Short-legs "Well, if you're planning on patching up people, do it now. I think we still need to check the buildings along the road up to the top of the hill."
Most of the buildings on the long, looped road are pretty well ruined, destroyed by fire or by structural declines brought on by the passage of time. Moving quickly, the group manages to make the loop with little incident, and reaches the intact buildings near the Battle Market.
The building Kori's indicated is a large, stately building that's fallen into disrepair and disuse. It might well have been an office in the past. Ahead, the road continues on a lazy loop around the Battle Market, but to the left, the Battle Market's entrance looms closer.
Kori looks both directions before voicing her opinion, "When we continue, I say we go this way," indicating to their left toward the west side of town. "There's a lot more cover we can use. The other side just has big opening and a cliff on one side of us. Not a good mix."
Noticing the door abruptly close behind him, Apollo turns to Angmar with a smirk.
It's a shame Oxvard couldn't have aided us on that front. Still, I guess we better get a move on.
Looking at his surroundings and hearing no word from Dmitri, the man thinks to himself as he listens to Kori's request.
Well, a cliff CAN be used to our advantage. It's just a matter of positioning.
You're right. says Apollo as he turns to the Dark Elf.
Only, you're not seeing the bigger picture here.
Kori merely raises an eyebrow in Lizard-friend's direction, certain there is more to be said, but uncertain what it may be.
With Kori's attention now on him, Apollo continues; Well, the thing is we CAN work our way around these ruins and out of sight, but chances are, when we enter the battle market we're gonna stick out like a sore thumb, so let's try and keep the support of our enemy down.
We're all different but perhaps someone here will concur, so here goes!
So, to lower the reinforcement count, why don't we lure out the Gnoll's still on patrol here?
My plan, as questionable as it may be to some, would likely benefit us in the long run. So, what I'd like to air is that in this instance we could do with one person who's willing to play bait. Now I'm happy for it to be any one of us, and naturally I put myself forward as it's my suggestion, but what I think we should do is have one of us walk out in the open while the rest of us slowly work our way through the buildings out of sight. This way, the one playing bait would draw attention to themselves so that the rest of the party could get the jump on the enemy while one of us play decoy.
Now pacing back and fourth, Apollo elaborate's further before awaiting feedback from those he travels with.
So, how will this benefit us in the long run? Well, if we get into trouble inside the battle market, there'll be little to no support for those inside as we'd have already dealt with most of the patrols out here. As such, we'd have less to worry about and would likely sustain less casualties.
Aye a good plan. But I'm not sure if Gnolls would even fear confronting us. At least they haven't until now even though they do not pose a serious threat...
Angmar whispers in reply to Apollo's thoughts.
But perhaps feigning injury will be enough for them to consider us easy bait in the first place?
Kori looks a little thoughtful as Lizard-friend lays out his plan, "That's actually not a terrible idea. I don't think you should be bait, though, you are rather.... what's the word? Fragile? I don't blame you, the part of bait sounds like it could be fun, being the first to get to hit them back, but I think it should be Pain-lover. I think he's the hardest to hit, and the worst at hiding. That's even compared to Short-legs here."
Pfah. I don't thinks the masochist is recovered from last nights ... the Dwarf seems at a loss for words and merely spits in disgust. In any case if ye want me to I'll be yer bait. Wit me sturdy shield an armor and Angradd protectin me those stinkin Gnolls won't even put a dent in me...
At the prospect of finally getting into the thick of it, Dmitri can't help but grin as Kori actually acknowledges his uses... and admitted flaws. Reaching out a hand and slowly lowering Angmar's mace as he raises it up with gusta, Dmitri chuckles a little. "I'll have you know that the harpy is quite... accomodating, and if anything, invigorating." he says, giving him a rather proud look. "I will agree forthwith to lure these dogs out. But, I have a request." he states.
Drawing out the situation on the ground with a sickle, he points out exactly where they are and where the gnolls are most likely to patrol from. "One thing absolutely none of us have even slightly attempted to do is communicate with these damnable hounds, have we?" Casting a glare at Apollo; "I'll admit to enjoying myself up to this point, but we know nothing of the inside of the battle market. As a second objective, I declare that in this next combat we find whichever one of the beasts that looks the most important, and confine him. I'll even nominate myself to get the information out of him." he says with a "Fu fu" at the end of his sentence.
"Koritylija, though I am in no way demanding it, is the most capable among us to seize one of the creatures while it is still healthy. Or we could, of course, just resuscitate one after the fact." he states, casting another glance to Apollo. "Assuming he can handle 1 of them living." During the course of this, he's all smiles.
Speaking ever so slightly out of earshot from the others, That's the plan! says Apollo, as he mumbles his response to the Dwarven man, still keeping his sights firmly fixed on Kori.
HEY! I'm no more fragile than any one of you. We're all a bunch of fleshy skin bags, but with the exception of yourself Kori, both Angmar and Dmitri here are just better protected.
It seems I'm the heaviest hitter here, Kori's the best at grappling, Angmar's the best all rounder and Dmitri.....well Dmitri...you're just you. Anyway, I can allow one to live, so long as it proves useful in getting me to the Carrion King himself. Though, I still don't plan on letting it live for long. says the man, with a more concerned look on his face.
Turning to Angmar, Apollo asks; You haven't had much say in any of this yet, so why not suggest our formation? You're as much a part of this team as I, Dmitri and Kori are, so I want to make sure you know your presence is appreciated.
Rubbing his hands along his jaw line, the man speaks out once more; I can't promise I'm any good at hiding, and I've got to say the image I had of myself walking out in the open, firing arrows at these worthless mutts was pretty appealing, but if you feel I'm better suited for something else, tell me now.
The man smiles though appears to be deep in thought.
If we can get a hold of some rags, maybe we can disguise ourselves for the Battle Market with hoods or cloth draped over our heads to look like some shady slavers. There's gotta be something we can do.
Well hidin' a red bearded Dwarf is sorta like prayin to Torag to bake ye cupcakes... Angmar grumbles in the direction of Apollo. Anyways how come ye talkin tactics now when ye couldn't even hold still fer a minute yesterday? Anyways ye idea isn't bad just think we have the means to set the plan in action. And anyhows these Gnolls is dumb enough to come at us so let em come!
Kori nods with the idea to take one alive, shrugging noncommittally. "Sure, there can be use in getting info from a prisoner." As Apollo makes his assessment, she tries to explain, "I know you hit hard, and that's not what I mean with the word. Did I use the wrong one? I mean, you can be in very bad shape after a fight. For the times you have been hit, it seems like it affects you bad."
She points to Dmitri as she continues, "Pain-lover here takes pain for fun. He enjoys it and stands ready to get more. The bait needs to be ready to take a lot of hits if we don't get there fast enough like when you charged the other group and were mostly out for the fight."
"A bow would be used better by a hider. The bait will be the first one in axe range. I say we circle the market west, using the buildings to hide, while the bait walks between us and the market building."
So ye want's to do this? Who shall be the bate then? Me or Dimitri.
Dmitri scoffs at the prospect of the Dwarf being the bait in the situation. There had not been a better time for him to truly enjoy himself. Dmitri unsheathed his scythe for a moment, looking at it carefully. Oh, the blood it had drawn so recently... "I nominate myself, but alas, it is not my decision. I would however not fail at the job."
He places his scythe on his back, drawing out his Heavy wooden shield and Sickle. The shield still stunk of gnoll, even after it'd been so long since he liberated it.
This version of Dmitri seemed... slightly less reckless. And that might have been what was so worrisome.
Moving down the road, with Kori, Angmar and Apollo sticking to the sides of the buildings and going off-road and Dmitri just walking in plain sight.
The very first building the group comes across is a large and sumptous palace. Three stories and built with shining white stone and fine wood, the building is locked up tight, but not with what seems to be the original lock. It appears a lock has, somewhat recently, been installed on all of the doors.
Am I correct in me assesment that none o ye knows how to pick a lock?
Clearly Angmar already knows the answer to his question as he moves to the door Mace in hand and begins to whack the sturdy looking lock with his magical mace.
Well, my hammer would work. Can't say as it won't draw unwanted attention though!
Moving to a different door currently unoccupied , Apollo moves across and swings his hammer hard down onto the lock.
It takes just a few moments for Apollo and Angmar to smash through the doors to the palace.
Everything of value has been removed from the palace.
Guess now that we was so suttle in our approach we'll just walk right in and wait fer a friendly reception ey... Angmar says jokingly.
Then the Dwarf gets his shield up and his mace out and kicks in the door ready for action.
Apollo smirks.
Sounds about right he says as he raises an eyebrow at the suspiciously empty Palace.
What I wanna know is...why was this place so heavily locked up if nothing of value remains?
Kori looks around, shrugs, and replies "Well, they locked up the other nice place too. Maybe whoever's in charge doesn't want the filthy dog-men s!#*ting on the floors. Oh well, looks empty, let's keep moving."
Upon closer inspection, Apollo realises that the room is completely empty, bar several boot and paw prints.
Hey! If we have to stay here any longer, at least we'd have a decent place to hold up. It may be empty but apart from a few hairs and the odd boot or paw print here and there, it's a good shelter from the harsh sands outside. It'd be a good place to fall back to at least. says the man, in response to Kori's analysis.