Rysalius moves up to deliver a clumsy swing, but before he can close in, the bird pecks at him
Narvik and Todric can then move up unimpeded, and they each deliver a powerful strike: Narvik morningstar thumps into the featherbed of the bird, and the rapier opens up the underbelly of the bird after a fierce strike!
---
Eolowyn
Castien
Rysalius
Narvik
Todric
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Bird (29)
Bird - Dead
Lander
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The terror bird looks ready to pick at Eolowyn, just as - in rapid succession - two arrow cleave the air, and the chest of the large bird. This time around, the strikes prove fatal, and no longer will these terror birds terrorise the countryside.
By the roadside is a small hill, where the birds came from.
Lander is exhilarated What a great experience! I feel so, so.. alive! Really, we must go out and hunts the dangerous creatures that reside in these woods, so that the forest may be safe for unexpecting travellers. What say you?
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Rysalius taps himself with his curative wand before answering.
"You're right Lander, but that's a fight for another day. We need to sort out the problem of Marek selling weapons to bandits first, since it serves a higher purpose. There's more good to be done by stopping the root of a problem rather than the mere consequences or byproducts of it."
"Speaking of which, do you know anything about it? I for one am convinced that Marek is an honest man, but he fell with the wrong crowd."
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Eolowyn uses her own wand on herself
She then joins Rysalius in his request
"I agree with Rysalius. Animals might be ferocious, but are not likely a match for one of your stature. You might want to deal with problems that are more likely to be a challenge"
Unfortunately she can't get the sarcasm out of her voice...
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Tod cleans off his sword and then sighs as the pain of his latest wound seeps in.
"I must concur with my friends. While we were able to rout these birds, perhaps a chance to rest and resupply would do us well. Besides, you've spent so much time with Rysalius, I haven't had the chance to show you the finer points of swordplay! An intelligent lad like you would do well to learn to strike an enemy's vitals, much as I was able to do here."
The youth is clearly embarrassed at the implication of Marek's treachery. He seems uneasy, and refuses to answer in front of the party. Later during the day, however, he comes up to Rysalius in private and says I've thought it over. I believe I should do the right thing, so I will testify.
In the end, the party sways Lander not to go on a creature hunt. The remainder of the trek back to Silverhall is uneventful, and at Silverhall, Dame Sarrona Lebeda awaits. She is positively overwhelmed with gratitude.
Rysalius convinces Lander to remain at court, and in return he is offered the position of official tutor of the young man.
The pathfinder have also found overwhelming evidence against Marek. A patrol is dispatched to find the disgraced weaponsmith, and he is swiftly arrested, and dragged to the dungeons in chains.
Finally, the grateful Dame Lebeda hands over the price for the Pathfinder's efforts: the fabled Horn of Aroden. Lady Glorianna will be pleased.
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The Chelish opera singer nods gravely. "It must not have been an easy decision, Lander, but I think you have made the right one. Let's head back to Silverhall now."
Later, at Silverhall
Rysalius bows humbly before Lady Lebda as he hears the news. "I am deeply grateful for your offer. I, Baron Rysalius Starnon of Westcrown, gladly accept to pledge myself to your service, and will endeavor to make Lander a fine young man, in the way of the sword and in his life. May House Lebda prosper!"