Thanim finshes checking himself in the rays of the rising sun. "This will be my best chance to care for myself," he thinks with some glumness, clearly not looking forward to the next few days. He's seen the toll it has taken on the others, and he knows both that he will suffer and that he will be unable to help his friends. "Sol, I am strong. Lend me thy strength that I may continue this fight." He spreads his arms, letting the light wash over him, then digs into his bag to do what he can.
Afterwards, he reenters the cabin and looks to the others. As he tends to Perri, he speaks with him, "Are you feeling any better? Tell me more about the voices..." He opens the windows and tries to arrange it such that as much natural light as possible is in the cabin and on Perri. He completes Perri's care with a special sequence of spells.
Endure Elements
Bear's Endurance
Protection from Evil
Remove Sickness
Remove CurseThanim continues to...
Thanim spends time tending to his care. He is methodical in inspecting his body, cleaning, and tending to his fever. Once done he cleans up the area around him and disposes of the rags and such in the fire.
As Thanim sits with Perri and begins to attend to his physical needs he notices that Perri is in the same physical state as Harry and Cerilis. Yet the man's eyes are sunken in with bags under them. Even though Thanim is sure the man slept it appears as if Perri as not slept for days. He is pale and his finger nails look as if they have been chewed on over the course of several nights.
Thanim leans back reassured of the man's recovery from the plague. He begins praying over Perri. At first as he finishes Endure Elements and Bear's Endurance Perri appears to look better...a bit more fit.
As Thanim begins his prayer of Protection from Evil Perri pulls back and begins screaming at Thanim in some dark language the cleric has never heard. His facial expressions change... Thanim finishes his protection spell and Thanim sees a blurred image of a demonic face that was transposed on Perri's fall away inside of Perri as if pushed by the spell. Perri stops for a moment and doesn't say or do anything. Thanim looks shocked at what he sees and immediately casts the remaining spells. Those spells don't seem to have the same effect on Perri.
As Thanim begins to chant and pray the third time Perri's head begins to pound and there is a sharp pain that feels like something clawing into his eyes. Suddenly he hears something scream in his head....[abyssal]Noooo! Hezzz Minezzz! UGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! Hez going to kill you don't seeeeee! [/abyssal] Then the pain subsides....and there is a pain in your stomach as if something fell inward and hit you. As you look up Thanim is looking at you and he appears a little stunned and frightened and rapidly calls out two additional spells. The golden hue around his hands fade away but you don't feel the warmth that you normally feel when Thanim casts his spells. You had always appreciated the feeling of a warm fire on your skin when he cast his spells on you. That was no longer there... Thanim seems to be acting a little funny...as if not sure what to do.
Thanim answers him...."They keep telling me that you all want to kill me, that you're not trying to help me get better, just to keep me passive . . .. But you're doing the same sorts of things you've done before. It doesn't make sense, but something is obviously going on. Something is wrong. I just have to understand it; to figure it out."
-----
"You don't normally cast that many different spells when healing. What are you doing to me? Are the voices right?"
"No, Perri. This plague is not the conventional disease with which we are all familiar. The spiritual component is as strong as the physical, which is why you must fight so hard. Fight this disease! The voices are not your friends; you have known us much longer. You know our hearts. We have fought together, bled together, and we shall heal together. These spells are to fortify you and your spirit, to give you every advantage. We care for you, as you care for us, and we want to help you in any way we can."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Do we need to do an exorcism? Splash holy water and put the holy symbol of Pelor on his forehead?"
Thanim looks at Maja. Maja sees that Thanim is looking worn, the toil of care and disease taking its toll, but there is still a light of strength and determination in his eyes. "A type of exorcism may be exactly what is needed. I am investigating some new ways of applying the blessings of Pelor to Perri to aid him in any way we can."
"Bloodletting is used amongst the ranks of Hextor's faithful to combat a number of ills - both physical and spiritual. My recommendation would be to commence with such a treatment..."[/b]
Bynoth makes his suggestions and Thanim stops his activity to consider them. "There are many who believe the removal of blood puts the body back in balance or purges bad humors. But I, like you, have spent much time on the battlefield. In my experience, spilling blood only weakens the man. I am loathe to try this with Perri. I am sure he will have many opportunities to balance his humors in the future."
---
Thanim is both excited and scared by Perri's reaction to being prayed over and blessed to resist evil. At least something seems to have an effect, but will it be enough? "If the evil has found a home in him, have we lost him? Bynoth may be right... But we shall not pass judgment prematurely!"
Thanim sees to the care of Cerilis and Harry. He explains that as part of a new healing regimen, he will bless them with additional protection from Pelor to fortify their spirit. He casts Protection from Evil, Communal on both of them as well as himself. He pays special attention to any reaction.
Afterwards, he takes the chance to kneel and pray to Pelor for additional protection.
Harry stares at Perri with a stunned look on his face when the warrior's reaction to Thanim's care shakes his body and soul to the core.
THAT...be what I felt earlier...I be certain of it!
He rests back in his bed and gratefully accepts the spell cast upon him. "I...dinnae know if we could survive this without ye. Are ye well me friend?"
Cerilis rolls over and tries to sleep some more as the others talk.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Perri goes back to the corner he had been sitting in a night or two earlier, and sits in the corner, facing the room, with his scarf across his shoulders. His eyes still darting about the room, watching the others, but seeming to will Bynoth further away than the rest.
He looks exhausted, but seems intent on avoiding the vulnerability of sleep . . ..
Harry stares at Perri with a stunned look on his face when the warrior's reaction to Thanim's care shakes his body and soul to the core.
THAT...be what I felt earlier...I be certain of it!
He rests back in his bed and gratefully accepts the spell cast upon him. "I...dinnae know if we could survive this without ye. Are ye well me friend?"
As Thanim says his prayers over Harry and Cerilis he notices nothing supernatural or unusual about either of them.
Neither Harry or Cerilis notice anything out of the norm and actually feel much better. Both of them feel as if a great weight and black cloud has been lifted off them. For Harry and Cerilis today seems like it will be a good day.
The Farmhouse
Morning going into Late Morning
6th Day of Readying (Early Spring) of 570cy(Day 4) Earthday
Farmer's Cabin Map
Combat Manager (Baltron's Beacon Tab)
Maja finishes up gather wood for the fires. She manages to spend the morning gathering enough wood to sustain the fires throughout the upcoming night.
Harry stares at Perri with a stunned look on his face when the warrior's reaction to Thanim's care shakes his body and soul to the core.
THAT...be what I felt earlier...I be certain of it!
He rests back in his bed and gratefully accepts the spell cast upon him. "I...dinnae know if we could survive this without ye. Are ye well me friend?"
As Thanim says his prayers over Harry and Cerilis he notices nothing supernatural or unusual about either of them.
Neither Harry or Cerilis notice anything out of the norm and actually feel much better. Both of them feel as if a great weight and black cloud has been lifted off them. For Harry and Cerilis today seems like it will be a good day.
Harry stares at Perri with a stunned look on his face when the warrior's reaction to Thanim's care shakes his body and soul to the core.
THAT...be what I felt earlier...I be certain of it!
He rests back in his bed and gratefully accepts the spell cast upon him. "I...dinnae know if we could survive this without ye. Are ye well me friend?"
As Thanim says his prayers over Harry and Cerilis he notices nothing supernatural or unusual about either of them.
Neither Harry or Cerilis notice anything out of the norm and actually feel much better. Both of them feel as if a great weight and black cloud has been lifted off them. For Harry and Cerilis today seems like it will be a good day.
The Farmhouse
Morning going to late morning
6th Day of Readying (Early Spring) of 570cy(Day 4) Earthday
Farmer's Cabin Map
Combat Manager (Baltron's Beacon Tab)
You hear someone talking...loudly...it is a man's voice. Gruff, unsympathetic sounding...the other appears to be an older male voice as well but nearly the opposite in tone as the other voice. The sounds are muted a bit but they are coming closer.
"We heard howling and barking from the farm last night...and...and..we have seen dogs and wild animals attacking our herds...I...I had to burn five head of cattle yesterday. The priest...of Pelor said we should burn them."
You hear some mumbling...and a bit of time goes by.
Bynoth and Sylas rise quickly. Sylas stands up trying to look at the roof to see who is coming down the path. After a man in leathers and a leather, cap appears walking up the rise of the path. As he gets to point that he can look down into the small area of the cabin he looks at Maja, Bynoth, and Sylas. In Keoish he speaks gruffly... He puts his hands out so that the palms are facing the camp as he awaits permission. The man is in his mid to late forties...a grey-black beard and bits of grey and black hair poking out of his leather cap. He is dressed in an old brown cloak, old brown boots, and it is hard to tell what he is carrying from this distance and with his cloak around him but he has a short bow and quiver on his back along with a small pack.
Harry rouses himself from his cot and moves to just inside the doorway of the cabin. He hears Maja announce herself to the man but holds his tongue for the moment, turning anxiously to see how Perri would react.
We need ta keep 'im away from the others until we kin break th' demon's hold on im!
Bynoth eyes the man warily, as if reminded there is another world, other battles to be had outwit the confines of their plague residence.
As Maja invites him in, with a warning of the pestilence, the war-priest grimaces before adding his own voice;
The Visitor
The man walks to the edge of the path before it drops down into the small valley that makes its way into the area in front of the cabin. The very same path the dogs made their way down as they left the valley last night. He keeps his hands out palms facing Maja and stays out in the open. He looks at Maja, Sylas, and Bynoth all standing at the ready looking at him. He looks around your camp and doesn't see anything on the fire cooking and frowns.
Bynoth shoots a look to Maja;
"As I am fond of saying Mistress Hobniz, your enemy oft wears the face you least expect..."
He then backs off, allowing the breakfast negotiations to take their course.
As the man who claims to be the guide Feremon the group was sent to find announces himself, Harry feels a sense of unease.
This be too pat...too easy...What if this man be possessed like Perri be...?
Doubt and confusion wars on his face as to whether to take him at his word.
Let's give' 'im some rope 'ere...
The Visitor
The man stands firm at his location on the rise. I am in agreement with your friend. Considering what is roaming this countryside at present and that it has gotten worse since the beacon went up I don't blame his caution. He looks at Sylas on the roof who appears to be ready to act if he does something to endanger anyone in the camp. My name is Feremon and yes old Demetrious asked me to find you and to act as your guide into the swamp. His crow found me....I came and found you...
He looks back to the trail heading to the farm. My son and daughter came along but they are with the family that pointed me in your direction. We had to kill several odd-looking dogs earlier this morning. They are tending to the wounded at the moment. He looks back at the Riverfolk lass and the Oeridian man. May I come down and if it is all right I am going to put my hands down...getting old and my shoulders ache.
The Visitor
My boy and girl are fine. Arrows did the trick...one of the farmer's son was burned when a lantern shattered and set flame to the chicken cope. I am good but if you need to get a gander feel free to but best warn you I am nothing pretty with me clothes off.
He drops his hands down but keeps them out in the open and walks down the trail slowly. Once me kin are done tending to the farmers they will make their way to Burle and on to Saltmarsh. I plan on taking ya into the Marsh if that is still ya plan. He comes up to the barricades...Looks like ya had to keep something out last night with all the fence and fires... He looks around the camp and both Maja and Bynoth and both of you can tell he is a perceptive man. He seems to note the stains on the ground and the burnt trees to the southwest from the fireball that was thrown that way. He then looks at the cabin and back at the Maja and Bynoth and back up at Sylas. How bad are your companions? Can they travel?
Sylas exits meditation having found no new answers in his thoughts or knowledge and he now finishes memorizing his spells for the day and after this he finally looks down at the guest and says we have had a hard time at it and are glad to have you but we have friends fighting the plague pretty hard right now
Bynoth listens to Sylas' assessment before adding his own;
"While some of our number battled against this pestilence of body and soul, those of us unafflicted defended the cabin, fortifying ourselves against their attacks and protecting our company who had succumbed."
He bows his shaven head in respect to wilderness guide;
"You bested the plague hounds Master Feremon. For that alone you have the respect of my Lord and his servant."
At the man's question concerning his recovering members of the group, the war-priest merely shrugs his shoulders;
"To answer your question - amongst Hextorite cloisters there exists a mantra of "March or Die". To my regret it has not been embraced by my companions, therefore I will defer to our Priest of Pelor, the half-dwur Thanim, who heals men rather than breaks them."
Harry nods resolutely as the man Feremon seemingly proves his true intentions to the group.
Och...I dinnae think we kin risk stayin' here another evening. Th' demons know where we are...
He moves up next to the warpriest and also bows in respect, though his tone is wry. "Ye do us th' honor in riskin' you and yer kin in finding us. Rest assured we had every intention of travelin' to yer abode yet when we ran into signs of th' Plague, we all agreed we couldna risk it spreadin' any further. We did what we could..." here he shrugs and points out himself and the others who still show signs of the Plague, "yet we were careless. Knowin' we couldna travel further we holed up 'ere. The rest of th' tale ye gathered already."
Giving Thanim a pointed look he adds "I believe we kin travel wit' ye...stayin' ere be unwise. Ye have seen signs of...th' demons no?"
Sylas exits meditation having found no new answers in his thoughts or knowledge and he now finishes memorizing his spells for the day and after this he finally looks down at the guest and says we have had a hard time at it and are glad to have you but we have friends fighting the plague pretty hard right now
Feremon makes his way past the barricades and comes up to Maja and Bynoth. He listens to Sylas... We shouldn't rush into the Marsh if your friends are sick. There is plenty in those swamps to fight without having one arm tied behind our backs.
Bynoth speaks up...Feremon looks around again as he talks listening to his story. Don't bow to me...be not worth bow'in to...we killed a couple of wild dogs bewitched with black souls...was lucky but it was not anything we haven't faced before warrior of Hextor. I have not much use of the new gods... I trust the wild and the green...and in those swamps that is what rules there... You march in there and not know what ya be doin...you will die. Many have...those dogs are but an infestation of what has been growin in there. He looks to the Half Dwur... Don't be in a rush to go off and get yourself killed...we can wait it out. Is this Priest of Pelor a healer...a good one?
Sylas continues to keep watch from the roof looking across the area with his keen eyes keeping his bow ready and arrows laying out and creating a small bucket system to bring food and water up to him.
Feremon
Feremon pulls out a canteen and takes off the stopper. He looks around into the woods and takes a short sip off his canteen. He walks around to the left and right side of the cabin. You musta had a wild night last night. All of this is fresh from what I can tell. He looks up at the grey elf on the roof tieing a knot on an old wooden bucket. When Sylas looks at him he gives him an approving nod. He turns to Maja and Bynoth. If you get that fire going I will go find us some food. I need to tell my children to leave and say my farewells. Give me a few hours and I will round us up some fresh meat and maybe some wild roots to sup on. We will need to know how long we will be here. He looks again at the surrounding area and at the three of you. This place is not a good place to be defendin...to many high spots around the cabin...lucky it was dogs and not worse...
He comes back up to the fire that has burned a bit low. Puts the stopper on his canteen and hangs it back on his belt. Maja can see that man is old...probably in his late forties, early fifties but he still moves like a man in his prime. His skin is sun worn and his face is covered in a grey beard with bits of brown and black. He seems to stare at the cabin for a bit. If your friend gets worse does your priest have a plan for him? We can't be goin off into the Hool with anyone who is incapable of travel or fightin...it will get us all killed. The lizardfolk are all in an uproar due to that damn green light. Hell, I can only imagine what the bullywugs are doing... I have also heard and seen other strange things as well...like here things are attacking folks...things that are not of this place. The Hool will be worse...a lot worse.
Perri
Perri tries to fight against the waves of sleep that roll in on him. At some point in the night and drifts off to sleep. His sleep is dark and filled with more dreams of his family. There suffering...his suffering...it is like every time he failed in his short life it was laid to bear for Perri to witness. Curled up in the corner with his face buried in his arms and knees the sound of an unfamiliar voice awakens him from outside. He brings his head up slightly and sees Thanim at the table praying and keeping a close watch on his companions. For some reason, he feels comforted when Thanim is near him...as if his presence alone drives off whatever foul thing resides in him...
Harry and Cerilis
As Perri lays his head back down and tries to focus on the odd voice outside both Harry and Cerilis begin to awaken as well. They to hear the strange voice. At first Cerilis believes it is one of the farmers but he doesn't sound like a farmer. Harry gets up on one elbow and looks about the room. He looks at Perri who is now still and his face buried in his arms and knees. He turns to Cerilis who he sees is also looking at the door and apparently listening to the conversation outside. Thanim is deep within prayer at the moment....Harry looks Thanim...He needs more rest than the lot of us.
At Feremon's words Bynoth nods in understanding, his eyes fervent with zeal;
"At the heart of The Hool lies chaos then? Perhaps the source of this pestilence? Good. They know not that marking toward them is retribution and righteous rule of law will scourge their flesh, bones and very souls from this plane."
Cerilis continues to try and listen in on the conversation. His hand rest reassuringly on the hilt of his weapon.
Harry moves up behind Bynoth his voice soft, "Aye, if th' Hool be whare this plague be comin' from then headin' there be suicide. We need ta rest here then." As the other man's words sink in, a chill runs up his spine. "What 'ave ye seen around th' marsh. Foul things from other planes?" He asks, recalling the demons from the night before.
Bynoth nods sagely, almost smiling at the defiant hobniz;
"Well said Mistress Weatherseed. Although perhaps Master Grawlund has a point? Gird our loins and prepare well for The Hool... Feremon has the lay of the land, which will prove invaluable when we march on the foul chaos nesting there."
He places a gauntleted hand upon her lean shoulder;
"And rest assured that sooner rather than later, we will march on the bastards!"
Feremon finishes up his talk with the party members outside. He drops his pack near the stairs of the cabin pulls his short bow off his back and strings it. Checking the bow string he pulls out a few arrows and gives them a quick sharpening. Any requests? He gives Maja a wink...puts the arrows back in his quiver and moves off towards the barricades and into the woods. The man moves like a stalking wolf once he hits the edge of the forest moving north east.
Once Feremon has left the area Harry glances back to see that Perri is still asleep and Thanim is still engrossed in his prayers. He then addresses the hobniz and the warpriest in a soft voice. "Dinnae question me courage! I not be afraid ta venture into th' Marsh yet only a fool sails into th' eye of the storm with a crippled ship 'n crew! The cloud that hangs over Perri...I dinnae know how to free im, and taking him into the Marsh would surely lead to his death...and ours as well."
Bynoth listens to the sorcerer's words with a stoney expression, giving little reaction until the man had finished;
"Question your courage Master Grawlund? Not I. Your mettle will be tested in the heart of the Hool, by the filth and chaos that nest there. If you are found wanting that will be your burden."
He affixes Harry with a hard stare before continuing;
"As for the malaise that blights Master Purrun. Have you not considered the notion, that if we destroy the source of that foul pestilence, then perhaps he would be freed?"
The warpriest pauses, scarred brow furrowing;
"There is a teaching amongst us Hextorites: Rip the heart from your enemy. Sunder his ribs and feel his life ebb in your hand. Do this and they cease to be. Take from them all they are, and all they were, all they could have been... That is the fate of the Hool's heart."
Sylas remains silent being a believer in the green wood and the fey and the natural world knowing that what ever is in the Hool is a blight upon all that is natural and good.
The newcomer shouts his way into the camp. Thanim hears the conversation, but keeps quiet; Maja and Bynoth seem to have it under control.
A deep breath escapes Thanim. He is glad that Harry and Cerilis have returned to normal, but Perri has him deeply worried. The warrior's condition has improved; the signs of the plague itself are almost completely gone, but still, Perri is not right. He looks out the window toward the source of his strength and prays to Pelor, "I am wise. Grant me the wisdom to help my friend Perri." He starts to sit up, and his head spins as he feels the effects of the plague on his own body. "Please... Grant me some strength, too," he adds, rotating away from the table. He leans over, putting his elbows on his knees and cradling his face with his hands, "What can be done for Perri? What can be done?" He thinks for a moment, prays to Pelor, and presses his hand to his chest.
Thanim rises, walks to the door, and opens it. Leaning against the frame, he searches the yard and calls to Bynoth, "Bynoth! Help me get water from the stream." As Bynoth approaches, Thanim holds up a hand, "Not too close. I've begun to feel the effects. Let's talk while we walk. Who is this stranger? I could not hear everything while in the cabin." After the two are out of hearing distance, Thanim changes the topic, "Bynoth, I have need of your counsel. I am concerned for Perri. Physically, he is fine, but as you've seen, he is not yet right." Thanim lowers his voice, "I've seen further sign of possession. Images of a demon trying to make Perri its home. Some prayers seem to give him a bit of comfort and hold the demon at bay, but none I know are able to purge him of the demon. It is not a curse, and it is no common disease."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Perri continues sitting in his corner, leaving himself in a sleeping pose while his mind races around what's happening. He knows how to fight, how to strip an opponent of their ability to fight back, and though the battleground and weapons are different, he recognizes that the tactics being used against him are familiar. Too familiar. The two best tools against such tactics are distance and overwhelming numbers. The enemy has already eliminated distance. There's not really anybody inside his head to help. He may already be on his back with no weapons left . . ..
Bynoth approaches with caution, placing the water canteen upon the ground as requested by Thanim.
Once approached, he matches the healer's low tone and grave expression;
If he falls to the possession then we have little choice to wrest his flesh from the foul demon's grip and purge the remains. Alas I can do little for him at present Master Thanim. We priests of Hextor break men, not mend them."
The Battlescourge mulls the situation tactically before continuing;
"Should it come to it, I can call upon magics that may contain him to an area. I also carry shackles and fetters as all Hexorites do. In war the victors claim both the spoils, and the survivors. We servants of war bolster our frontlines with those defeated, and give them purpose anew... Such restraints may be useful in limiting our companions considerable martial prowess, yes?"
Harry approaches the hobniz with a worried look on his face, "Aye, this not be good. I know I have magicks that can subdue him...ye remember the ball o' water I conjured before right...if'n it comes to that, but like Bynoth says how kin we be expected ta venture into the Marsh and survive if'n we cannae depend on each other?" He runs his hands through his hair while glancing back towards the cabin, "I think Bynoth called it...what was it...the Esprit du Corps, the Spirit of the Body."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Thanim shakes his head. "That's not what I meant. I believe we can hold the demon at bay. However, I lack the skill to rid Perri of it and bring him back to himself. Physical ailments I understand and have practiced on plenty, but those of the spirit..." Thanim sighs, "I can give aid and support, but I'm afraid we may need to return to the temple at Burle to give Perri all that he needs. It is only a day away, but my health is failing." Thanim is worried but is not close to giving up hope. Wiggar and Cwenchild weigh heavily on his mind, and he is not willing to lose another friend, especially so soon.
Late morning
6th Day of Readying (Early Spring) of 570cy(Day 4) Earthday
Farmer's Cabin Map
Combat Manager (Baltron's Beacon Tab)
Feremon has been gone for about ten minutes and Sylas, Maja, and Bynoth can clearly see that the day will be clear. With just a few clouds in the sky and a sunny day there doesn't appear to be any chance of rain or bad weather blowing in any time soon. There is a light breeze in the air coming from the east. As Sylas looks around he can see the pollen from the trees blowing in the breeze and small colorful insects fluttering in the air...butterflys and such.
The forest is full of noise this morning...the sounds of birds and small mammals moving about foraging for food.
Cerilis stands and stretches. He reaches down and grabs the weapon that is rarely ever far from his side and walks to the door of the cabin.
So what is the plan? How are we to proceed?
Harry approaches the hobniz with a worried look on his face, "Aye, this not be good. I know I have magicks that can subdue him...ye remember the ball o' water I conjured before right...if'n it comes to that, but like Bynoth says how kin we be expected ta venture into the Marsh and survive if'n we cannae depend on each other?" He runs his hands through his hair while glancing back towards the cabin, "I think Bynoth called it...what was it...the Esprit du Corps, the Spirit of the Body."
Maja
She turns to Harry with a gloomy look on her face...Maja is not one for gloom and doom but these past few days have weighed heavily on her typical positive outlook. Harry, I am not sure how long we can stay here and I am not sure how long Perri can fight whatever he is fighting. Thanim and Bynoth are the masters of the experts in this battle. I am worried about Perri. More so because there is nothing I can do. The hobniz looks around at the camp. I am going to clean up all the fire pits just encase we are back at this tonight. But first thing first I am going to get some fresh water for us and see if I can find some berries and wild veggies. Hopefully, Feremon finds something for the cooking pot.
She looks up at Sylas...Are you going to come down today? I can't imagine there is a privy up there and I am not keen on seeing anything roll down the roof that requires that kind of visit! She turns to Harry. You coming along?