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"Alright, Trials if you think it is safe i will trust your knowledge about this... Deneb person." He rises out of the brush and enters the road, waiting for the briefest moment for someone else to hail the walking shop before he did so himself.
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Haar goes out and waves down the shop yelling at it and getting its attention. The shop stops and turns towards Haar towering over him. Its legs then bend in and it "sits" down next to the road. A sign appears on the front saying "Deneb's Peddling Pumpkin Patch". The door opens and two strange looking creatures come out the front armed with spears. They are short, squat looking individuals in robes with jack-o-lantern heads that look literally like carved pumpkins but the inside of them is pure darkness. They take positions next to the door. From the door you hear a beautiful woman's voice says. "Hi there cutie! Don't be shy tee he he. Come on into my shop."
Narkus simply sighs. Narkus commands the new and old skeleton, pointing at the halberd wielding zombie.
"Attack."
Then Narkus walks to the side, and once again tries to take control of a skeleton that next to Masha.
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Haar wanted to say something quick but was slapped upside the head by his companions tail before he managed the words for a response. Rubbing his bruised pride he mumble. "Fine, fine. Lets go and see what's for sale then..." Famous last words...
Delphyenes tail wagged in excitement as her baser instincts kicked in. Her horde sense was tingling just standing outside this wonderful looking contraption...
"Indeed, friend, let's enter." Tarias says, and strides into the open shop door.
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You walk into the shop and your eyes see numerous shelves stuffed with piles of different merchandise. However the men of the party don't look too long as their eyes turn upon a VERY attractive woman.
[url]http://s1.zerochan.net/Tactics.Ogre.600.418723.jpg[/url]
She is dressed in a scantly clad black outfit and wears a very large pointed hat on her head. Tarias is defiantly amazed that she is so young looking. She looks at best maybe in her early 20's despite being a good deal older as far as you know. She is currently smoking a pipe that lets off a pink sweet smelling smoke that smells like strawberries and the smoke seems to come off in strange shapes.
She looks to you as you come in and gives a perfect smile and says with a cheerful voice, "Welcome to my shop. I am Deneb the Sorceress, Witch, Wicce, its all the same to me. You folks must really like the Night Life waving down my store during the night. Lucky for you I was still awake at the time. It would be rather rude for a man to wake a lady during her beauty sleep."
She gives a wide smile and then puffs her pipe and blows some smoke that takes the shape of a heart.
She then looks back to the group, "Well then you've come to shop so feel free to look around at my wares. I have everything you would need for your fighting, magical or... personal needs. But don't be walking out with goods without paying dears or I am afraid you will have to pay... the ultimate price."
She lets out a cackle at that one that sounds quite sinister. You get the impression that stealing from Deneb would be a BAD idea!
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In the meantime back at the swamp, yet another skeleton gets charmed by the Death Mage into service and ceases its attack. The other two skeletons stick to their tactics and continue to attack with their rusted long swords at their engaged enemy.
The skeleton on Masha almost strikes a blow past Masha's armor but some quick thinking on her part allows her to deflect the attack with her sword.
The other skeleton still somewhat stuck with the muck from the swamp makes a clumsy blow at Ezekias and misses its mark.
In the meantime the Halberdeer Zombie shambles forward again while the archer zombie continues to pelt arrows at the Death Mage.
Zombie Archer
The arrow zings by the death mage again but was much closer than it was before. Things are getting dangerous.
Seeing that Masha is wounded Narkus uses his power to once again control a skeleton near her. Then he moves backward to try and keep away from the halberd wielding zombie.
I wait to see if narkus succed.
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Haar is slapped upside the head yet again, knocking him out of his stupor. He looks to his small companion who looks away with a hrmph and slightly bristled scales. He gives the woman a warm , albeit sheepish, smile. "Apologies, didn't expect someone so striking to be moving around at night like this. Haar Ramaloce ma'am and it would be an honor to look at your wears, although i must admit i do not believe i will have enough to buy much. Especially if the shop is as fantastic as its owner."
His smile wasn't as sheepish towards the end but he definitely felt a pang of jealousy from companion before he ran a light hand along her scales. "This is Delphyene my companion. We will do our best to be quick and not hold you from your sleep although i am curious as to where your heading at this late hour? "
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Deneb gives a smirk at Haar clearly taking a liking to him, being an attractive man and all. She says to him, "Well of course my shop travels at night silly. How else am I going to get to Blete by morning and be there for the morning rush of shoppers?" She chuckles a bit at that, "This my second time to this teeny little Island of Ovis. I remember it was a wild place the last time I was here. That Alphonse fellow was so cute! Although a bit too young for my tastes. Anyhew, it looks like things are spicing up here again and where there is conflict there is money to be had. And I'm running a bit short of late with all my many purchases and all."
Looking at the store it looks to be thriving place, definitely not some kind of poverty shack. You get the impression that she's either lying about being short on money or that she's some kind of Spendthrift.
She then looks to the dragon and says to Haar, "That's a cute dragon you have there. I LOVE dragons, yes I do. Lots of magical power in them. My dragon orbs were big sellers wherever I went. Unfortunately my current stock is sold out at the moment."
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Instead of looking around the shop he invests his time in listening to Deneb talk, hoping to glean more information from her on her exploits. Her travels and more. However the Dragon Orbs makes him think on what little he knows of the Arcane since he became a dragon tamer. After her comment about Delphyene he his smile broadens. "Delphyene here keeps this old dog out of trouble. I have discovered that being a Dragon Tamer is much to my liking, they make great companions especially when your used to traveling alone." He scratches under Delphyene's chin as he talks and gives a light chuckle he her tail twitches in pleasure.
He looks back to Deneb as he finishes scratching under Delphyene chin. "My goodness though you are well Traveled, Tarias seemed knowledgeable of your exploits..." He nods to their well traveled scholar. "... however this talk of Dragon Orbs and spicy events to come intrigues me. I'd hate to hold you up further but I would love to hear more of your stories and adventures if you will"
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Being linked as they were spiritually and mentally Delphyene could tell when Haar was being false. She couldn't help but glance at him as he spoke She didn't approve of the behavior but this time she could see the gain in his information gathering. She was however intrigued by how well traveled this Deneb was. She also liked her hat! Marking it as a must have the day she had a horde of her own.
[/spoiler]
Haar is trying his best not to act too curious about what Deneb has heard but it's clear in his voice that he may have an already as to what she is talking about.
It's clear he finds Deneb enchanting and intriguing, he also wants to be on her goodside. Not necessarily for any gain other then perhaps a mutual ally or a close friend for the hard times to come.
"You are the famous Deneb Rove, who fought in the Xenobian revolution, correct?" Tarias asks the wicce, almost giddy at a legend in the flesh before his eyes. "Your wares are legendary, especially the dragon orbs. Although we cannot afford such things at the moment, I find it likely that we will be able to do so at a later time. If we could be kept informed of your location from time to time, we could be excellent customers."
The Dragon Orb s? You saw them? As in more than one? Astrid asks, unable to keep the awe from her voice. I thought them myth or at best exaggerated in power.
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Haar makes a good impression on Deneb and she says, "Oooh, you're so nice Mr. Haar. Yes I have been on so many great adventures, including right here in Ovis. There was that battle at Angel's Headstone that I took part in. Those black winged angels sure could throw around a lot of powerful magic around. But not much of a problem for the world's greatest witch, tee he he. I summoned the Salamander of Zoshonel onto the battlefield and BOOM! The dark angels were cooked ravens."
Deneb makes another cackle at yet another pun and then continues her tale.
"As for Shahar, I was there but did not fight him directly. I was too busy with all those nasty shadows and demons that were pouring in from the Underworld. Hideous and unsightly creatures the lot of them and not something a pretty girl like me likes to think about. Of course a hot guy like you is something I like thinking about, he he."
She gives a blush on her face at that one.
"In fact, I've got a present for you cutie. A little treat for your taste buds. Now where did I put that..."
She digs around some shelves and pulls out bag. She seems to dig her hand deep into it and then pulls out what looks like a heavy shield that is in the shape of a heart although it does not look like it is made of metal or wood but some odd brown material. "Ah here it is. Here is one of my Chocolate Shields, made from hardened sugar and coca beans. Smells so much better than those bulky metal shields tee he he."
She take a puff of her pipe and blows a pink heart in his direction and then hands off the shield to Haar if he's willing to accept it.
As for Tarias Malasir's question, she says to him "Oh yes Xenobia! That's where I'm from and home is where the heart is. Yes, I did help that hunk of a man, Destin with his little revolution. Oh... such forbidden love that was."
She swoons for a moment in thought before turning back to the conversation.
"Oh yes back to the business I suppose. My shop is usually on the move from place to place. I spend roughly a day in each town before packing up and going on the move. But if you need to find me, I can give you a little something. A girl likes a man who writes her once in a while. Now where was that item..."
She digs around some papers and then pulls out a slip of parchment. "This is a magical parchment that will let you contact me. Just write your message on the page and it will get to me, eventually. The parchment is two way so I can send messages to you as well. Don't be a stranger and write me once in a while Mister Wizard."
To Astrid's question Deneb says, "Oh I have not just seen Dragon Orbs, I make Dragon Orbs. Dragons are just teeming with magical power and every part of them is useful for spell reagents and magical item creation. Say you aren't so bad looking yourself girl. Have you considered taking up witchcraft? You'll have so much fun with it. Tee he he."
"Oh I'll be certain to write you, dear Wicce," Tarias says flashing a wry smile and a wink before continuing, "hopefully for more than just business..."
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The revelation of the dragon orbs creation elicit a deep fear in Delphyene, who curls up around Haar's neck subconsciously as if such a fate was about to befall her. She calms down some as he reassure her with a gentle stroke of his hand. "Now now. Such a fate isn't going to happen to you little one. I think I won't have much use for a dragon orb, despite its great power. No offense miss Deneb."
He graciously accepts the shield taking it with a bow and a gentle kiss on her hand as he favors her with a warm smile."I will carry it with me and use it in my battles to come. I never forget who my friends are as they are a precious resource as
of late." He enjoyed her stories immensely, barely restraining the curiosity of just how long she had walked the world. Such a question though was poor manners to ask a lady. He shoulder the shield, hanging it across his backside in a way it wouldn't interfere with the drawing of his greatsword. He allowed the others sometime to speak with Deneb as he perused her stop, inspecting the wonders with his critical eye.
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Deneb blushes a bit as you kiss her hand and says, "My you really know how to treat a lady Mister Haar. Tee he he."
Indeed she has a fairly delicate build to her features. Definitely not a woman who does extensive physical labor or knows how to swing a sword. But Haar does not doubt she is a woman of vast magical power.
There seems to be only a small collection of military style weaponry on display. But seeing that Deneb pulled a shield out of a bag she probably has stuff stored away in a bag of holding. As for the weapons, a majority seem to be those which wizards and bards might use. Wands, Staffs, Daggers a few fine looking musical instruments are seen in some places. There is a few blades on some of the walls in sheaths but they seem more decorative in scope. Generally the majority of what is on display is potions, spell reagents, spellbooks, historical tomes as well as a number of strange oddities. Not least of all there is a few of those pumpkin-headed creatures milling about tending the various tasks of upkeep. Very strange looking creatures indeed.
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Back at the fight the last uncontrolled skeleton takes a swing at Ezekias with its rusty longsword.
The zombie charges at Ezekias and takes a swing at him with its halberd.
The zombie surprises Ezekias with its uncommon skill, as though it kept some of its battle prowess even in death. Fortunately the blade is rather blunted over the years of decay.
The zombie archer shambles forward a bit but does not attack this turn.
Narkus moves over closer to Ezekias and tries to exert control over the halberd wielding zombie.
Narkus then points at the archer zombie and orders every undead under his command. "Attack."
I am never one to turn down an offer to learn more about the mysteries of magic, however I am sad to say at the moment we do have some pressing matters to attend to. Astrid says with honest sadness in her voice.
Masha moves and flank with Ezekias
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Sensing he may have asked far too many questions and visibly knocked off kilter for a moment by Deneb's polite comment. Haar refocuses and comes back to his normal self, much to the disappointment of his scaled companion. After perusing the weapons and politely dropping the question as to who, what and why Deneb had such strange servants he focused on what Astrid had said.
"Treating a Lady well is the noble thing to do, even if they wrong or shame you. However you have been a wonderful host and no amount of praise could reflect how well we have been treated tonight. You have a beautiful collection and when we meet again I hope to be able to purchase something from your magnificent shop Lady Deneb." His features were a little harder than before, for a long moment the old Haar had returned. Vibrant and noble, friendly and warm. However fresh memories stirred the pain in his heart and glinted in his lone eye, reminding him of what he had to do still. "My companion is correct as we will need to be on our way and I am sure you will need to be as well soon."
He approached Deneb and gave her a courtesy bow. "Until the chance of our next meeting Lady Deneb."
Narkus moves even closer to the fighting.
"Get the archer and let me deal with these undead."
Narkus will once again use his ability to control the skeleton that attacked Ezekias. Narkus also has the three skeletons already under his control move in between him and the archer.
"Haar is correct, we should be on our way and allow you to be on yours," Tarias says. "I thank you for your time and your boon, miss Rove," he finishes, indicating the parchment. With that, he turns and walks out the door of the magical hut, donning his hat once he's outside.
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Deneb says, "Well if you aren't going to buy anything, you'ed best be on your way then. Ta ta! And don't forget to write."
You all leave the hut and the door closes behind you and locks. It then stands back up and thumps on down the street. A strange chance encounter in the lands of Ovis to be sure. You all head back to camp and hope for a more normal evening after that event.
As for Ezekias, you put too much weight on a rotted plank and it splits under your foot. Make me a Reflex save or fall prone.
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Haar watches the hut move away and smiles ever so slightly. "I think we made a friend. Thanks Tarius, without your insight I probably wouldn't have been of much interest to her. I will take first watch, I will wake whoever wants to be next." He leads the way back to their camp and looks over his shield, chuckling when Delphyene gives it a lick and tilts her head curiously.
"It IS made of chocolate... How strange..."
"It is my pleasure, he who also speaks with dragons." Tarias says, smiling. "I've not spent any arcane reserves this day, so I will gladly take the second watch." With that, Tarias prepares and lights a small fire, arranges his bedroll, and sits down, leafing through his spellbook. After a short while, he puts the book away and meditates for a time, before finally getting into his bedroll and going to sleep.
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The last zombie drops its bow and draws a rusted short sword and advances toward Ezekias although its slow gait means it cannot attack you just yet.
As for the rest of the party the night goes uneventfully and you break camp in the morning and continue to head to the meeting point with your other reserves and then join forces with them and head to the ambush point.
Seeing the zombie drop its bow Narkus moves forward to get ready to try and control this one as well.
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The traveling group continues on their way to meet up with their reinforcements. By midday they have broken the hills and entered the fields passing by some farms along the way. The group was informed to meet with the reinforcements at a corpse of trees an hour from the main road. However I will request you give me a Knowledge Geography or Knowledge Local check to find your way to the location in a timely manor.
Back at the combat, Narkus tries to charm the last zombie and it attempts to resist his command . Unfortunately even the most willful zombie falls to the commanding power of the Death Mage. An eerie silence falls over the swamp as all the skeletons and zombies are currently commanded by Narkus and await his orders. While the task of getting the undead is successful, you know not what else might be lurking in the shadows of the forest.
"Yes, Yes I am. Anyways let's get out of here we have our army and we should move now."