ProfPotts' Blood of the Redwyrm PbP

Game Master Alexander Scott

Sir Clarius ignores the whining of the barbarian and reloads the heavy crossbow. He takes aim and lets loose another bolt.

Ranged heavy crossbow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 +1 for possible favour

Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

At that point, the barbarian can have double moved to be just out of melee range so Clarius will drop the crossbow and with his move action, affix his shield and draw his longsword. I'm sure Initiative checks are coming up, too.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Rd 1 Swim, DC 16: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2 - Fail.
Rd 2 Swim, DC 17: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9 - Fail.
(If not grabbed by Aydan) Rd 3 Swim for surface, DC 18: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

A little confused - Is Aydan holding Zurladew up? Waiting for some clarification of Aydan's (much better) rolls, because otherwise Zurladew is fairly well dead.

Aydan's strength checks are indeed to drag Zurdalew back to the surface and keep him afloat, and hopefully drag him to land. I know I beat swim checks, but I'm not sure what DC I needed for the str. ones so I'm waiting on Prof to clarify

Aydan's 23 swim check was enough to get him to the surface, and his 15 Strength check enough to bring Zurladew with him (just). A 10 on a Strength check isn't enough to pull Zurladew free though, although (assuming Aydan doesn't just get himself to firm ground without the jester) the next round is basically just Aydan managing to keep his own and Zurladew's heads from sinking again...

After a few nerve wracking moments, Aydan surfaces, with Zurladew in tow... they're both now close enough to firm ground to dimly be seen through the mists (and can be grabbed without the need for an item to reach them - although it's still a DC 15 Strength check to pull each free).

The two barbarians and their Galtan allies are within sixty feet or so when Clarius's next shot catches the lead barbarian in the thigh. Bellowing, the man grabs the bolt, pulling and twisting as he rips it from his own flesh. Although clearly quite eager to fight, they're still forced to make their slow way towards the group... or risk a similar fate to Zurladew...

Always happy to be wrong, I'll keep up the fire. Can we know if it is possible to charge or is it difficult terrain, etc.?

Sir Clarius shows no emotion at the hit. He simply reloads and fires again at the same target.

Ranged heavy crossbow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 +1 for possible favour

Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

No, he definitely won't be just leaving him

swim 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
str check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Keeping a firm grip on Zurdalew, Aydan kicks his legs, feeling them burn against the cold grip of the waters, trying his damndest to get them back to solid ground.

the following is if Aydan manages to get them back,

Sputtering and heaving, his strength slowly returning, Aydan waves a hand at the approaching enemies and gasps to Zurdalew, "Illusion... will 'o wisps..."

Putting both up here because I'm unclear as to whether Aydan's strength check manages to get both of us out, or only one of us.

Right... Aydan's latest Swim and Str checks are enough to keep both his and Zurladew's heads above the surface still, but aren't enough to make it out. You need to make a DC 15 Swim check to actually move anywhere. Others can reach from solid ground now (i.e. they strech out their arm to reach your stretched out arm), and if someone on solid ground does that and makes a DC 15 Strength check then yes, both Aydan and Zurladew can be dragged out. Until someone does that it'll still take a DC 15 Swim check to reach solid ground independantly (plus a DC 15 Strength check if Aydan is dragging Zurladew with him). It's pretty nasty stuff, after all!

Tantalizingly near solid ground, Aydan clings to Zurladew as he struggles to make headway, the chill peat-rich bog stubbornly refusing to let the two of them go, as their heads bob just above the moss-coated surface...

'Jaymin, Garrett!' exclaims Lady Rebecca as she kneels, trying her best to reach for Aydan's hand, 'Help grab them!' Glancing towards the approaching warriors she adds, 'Beatrix, is there anything you can do to help Clarius?'

I'll wait to see if Jaymin and / or Garrett try / succeed to pull the guys out of the bog this turn before going over any more combat...

"Argos, stay." Garrett says reaching out for Aydan and Zurladew...

Strength:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Well I guess it's up to Jaymin...

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Jaymin reaches out, grabs Ayden and hauls the two of them onto dry land.

"Well, Ayden did need a bath," he quips as he shoved his lance beneath Argos' saddle strap and readies his sword and shield for the onslaught.

As the Strong Man's strongman lifts Zurladew out of the water, the little gnome breathes a silent prayer to Chaldira Zuzaristan that he'd learned from the halfling staff of the castle, thanking the Halfling deity for the timely aid of others. Landing on his feet, he quickly brings his hands to bear, weaving the familiar motions of illusory magic. After a few seconds, coming over the bog, a pair of large glowing orbs of light begin silently moving towards the party.

Now a Silent Image of a pair of Will-O'-Wisps!

Between them Garrett and Jaymin (mostly Jaymin...) manage to pull the reeking, peat and moss covered, Aydan and Zurladew from the bog and onto more solid ground.

As Clarius is reloading, the group led by the two blue-haired barbarians moves ever closer. The barbarian Clarius has been focusing his shots on pulls out a handaxe from the back of his belt as he moves forwards... then in one fluid motion hurls it towards Clarius! The axe cuts through the mist enshouded air to thud painfully into Clarius's shoulder... Clarius takes 8 Hit Points of damage. Charging across the soft, treacherous, moorland being impossible, the barbarians and their Galtan allies continue slowly closing...

... Then (as Zurladew completes his spell), two orbs of light appears from the bog and float towards the enemy group... The lead barbarian spares them little more than a glance, seeming determined to keep on towards you all... but his companion seems more concerned, stopping and grabbing at the lead man's shoulder. The two appear to be deep in a conversation of hushed and urgent whispers as they, and their Galtan mercenaries, eye both your party and the glowing lights warily...

At this point the bad guys are about 45ft away, and Clarius is reloaded ready for his next shot (as rolled above) if he still wants to take it (and if he's still up after that hit, of course...).

Coming up to a knee Aydan's hand drops to his quiver and he grimaces... six arrows left. He draws one and aims for the Barbarian who's axe bit into Clarius,

atk 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Shouting as loud as he possibly can, Aydan yells "HURRY! Oh gods Whisps... If we don't get away they'll entrance us, or worse they'll lead the Boggards to us!"

..bluff check? 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Any chance of a damage roll to go with that attack roll of Aydan's? Anyone else doing anything? I guess Clarius will fire too (with his previous rolls) since Aydan's decided to open up... What about the rest of the party?

oops

1d8 ⇒ 8

Does it look to Aydan like he could guide the others through the marsh without simply guiding the bad guys?

Does it look to Aydan like he could guide the others through the marsh without simply guiding the bad guys?

Yes - he knows the way through, and the bad guys pretty obviously are slowly finding their way through. Barring any more falling off horses, of course... ;)

'Jaymin, Garrett!' exclaims Lady Rebecca as she kneels, trying her best to reach for Aydan's hand, 'Help grab them!' Glancing towards the approaching warriors she adds, 'Beatrix, is there anything you can do to help Clarius?'

'I shall see what I can do.'

Beatrix tries to maneuver herself closer to Clarius while avoiding the group's foes.

Beatrix is unarmed and unarmored, but has healing spells.

As Lady Beatrix approaches, Sir Clarius extends his hand holding the crossbow to her as he reaches back with his other hand to take up his shield.

"It is already cocked and loaded. Just point and squeeze the trigger." He says as the beautiful half-elf lays her healing hand upon him

The knight straps on the shield and draws his longsword, taking up a defensive stance in the face of the oncoming barbarians. Grinning at their leader, he calls out, "I am going to cut a fine figure in Oppara wearing that breastplate."

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Everyone with me, fall back! Let the bog kill them for us."

intimidate 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Cautiously moving back Aydan takes Rebecca by the hand and begins the trek once more, trying hard to focus on the treacherous path ahead, and not the blood thirsty maurauders behind them.

Zurladew follows Aydan while carefully maintaining the Wisps' images, inching the faux-spirits closer to the mercenaries.

Okay, it's gotten a bit confused with the staggered postings and actions here, but I'll try to clear it all up a bit...

Despite the seeming sea of low-lying white mist which conceals the treacherous ground between the two groups, the blue-haired barbarians and their mercenary companions are only a few moments away (about 45ft / 3 rounds / 18 seconds at this point) when Clarius's latest bolt is joined by an arrow from Aydan's bow, and Lady Beatrix lays a healing hand upon Clarius's shoulder (roll for the healing done by the spell, please). The bolt once more deflects off the lead barbarian's silvery breastplate, but the arrow finds its mark, sinking deep into the man's shoulder. The barbarian grunts, dropping to one knee as he reaches up to pull the arrow free.

"I am going to cut a fine figure in Oppara wearing that breastplate."

Clarius's taunt seems to be the proverbial back-breaking straw, and the wounded barbarian shrugs off the cautioning hand his companion (who is still eying Zurladew's will-o-wisps nervously) as he stands to his full height, pulls a small leather flask from his belt, and quaffs the contents. Bellowing a savage battlecry, the barbarian eyes go wide and flecks of foam spill from his lips as he charges forwards... and seems to grow larger with each step! Soon the man is a giant, towering over twelve feet tall as he charges...

... then flounders, his massive size and reckless (attempted) charge not helping his footing through the treacherous terrain in the slightest. With a few moments of attaining his giant size, the barbarian starts to sink, his crazed expression lingering for a second or two, before turning to panic as he realises what's happening. His companion quickly moves to try to grab the sinking giant, calling to the mercenaries to help... but between the hidden dangers of the bogland and the presence of Zurladew's wisps, they seem reluctant to advance...

So, the bad guys are still (roughly) 45ft away, and right now Clarius's crossbow isn't loaded (in case that's important). Lady Rebecca seems keen to follow Aydan, rather than try to take on the bad guys right now, but the question is - what are the rest of you all doing?

Leaning close to Zurladew, Sir Jaymin whispers, "Perhaps now, while the barbarian has lost control and already yelling, the wisps should attack him. It might just be enough to scare off the Galtans."

He readies his sword for an enemy to get within ten feet, and scopes out the ground where he'll make his five-foot-step.

Okay, I will amend Clarius' actions seeing the current situation and knowing how far back our enemies are.

Sir Clarius spends the next several seconds to again reload the crossbow before firing at the uninjured barbarian.

Ranged heavy crossbow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 +1 for possible favour

Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Zurladew nods tersely at Jaymin's words, weaving the spell to bring the wisps straight toward the fallen barbarian. He swoops them to hover a handful of feet away from the floundering giant and his helpful companion. He continues to walk after Aydan.

Concentrate to maintain, follow Aydan away from the battle.

Aydan continues to plot their course through the swamp, hoping that the Knights can either keep pace... or that he can make it back to them in time...

leading anyone who follows through

The smaller of the two barbarians falters a little as Zurladew's lights swoop down towards the pair... but only for a moment, then he goes back to trying to help his sinking companion...

Following on after Aydan and Zurladew, Lady Rebecca calls quietly back to the others,

'Come on! You'll never find the path without Aydan's guidance!'

As Clarius reloads his crossbow, and Jaymin readies himself for battle, the normal-sized barbarian appears to be rallying his tentative mercenary companions. It looks like he gestures towards your group, and something about 'only needing the redhead alive' drifts across the mists. Seemingly emboldened, several of the mercenaries ready bows, whilst the others move forwards to aid the barbarian in helping his giant friend...

I'll be needing initiative rolls if Clarius and Jaymin (and perhaps Garrett and Beatrix?) are planning on staying to take them all on...

"I believe we should leave them to the bog. They'll waste time getting their friend out. We can get a lead, and Ayden might find us some better terrain to fight them on."

Garrett nods in agreement with Jaymin, grabs Argos's reigns and then follows Aydan...

"Lead on, Aydan." the last knight calls forward.

Following on after Aydan, the group soon find their pursuers lost in the mists behind them...

Although (considering the terrain) Aydan is leading the group at a steady pace, it feels all too slow, especially knowing that the enemy could still be somewhere behind, doggedly tracing their steps... However, eventually evening starts to draw in, and there's no further sign of the barbarians or their Galtan allies.

Now deep within the Grimsmoor, Aydan leads the group up one of the granite-capped 'tor' hills rising from the sea of mist covering the more water-logged peat bogs. The smallish grass and moss covered hill sprouts a cluster of natural upthrusting granite standing stones atop it, along with the shell of a good-sized field-stone roundhouse which may well have been built in ancients times.

As the sun starts to sink beneath the horizon, and the stars begin to show in the clear night sky, the vantage from the top of the hill reveals a landscape of tors spread out like islands in the mist, many with stones and boulders atop them, and one or two others within sight with ancient ruins of their own. The landscape appears to get gradually more hilly and less mist-enshrouded as it continues south, with clusters of lavender and bracken, and far off in the distance the quiet sounds of grazing sheep...

Sitting down with her back to one of the standing stones Lady Rebecca peers out across the view for several minutes, then sighs,

'My thanks, all of you,' she offers, 'I... if I'd known the troubles we were to face I'd not have asked you to join me... but I am glad you're all here. Hopefully the worst of things is now well behind us...'

I still need to roll for how much Clarius was healed (or, rather, he'll need it...).

So... what's everyone doing?

Also - this seems like a good time for you guys to level up too!

"Well done again, Sir Ayden," Sir Jaymin says, zero mocking in his voice. He sets himself up with a good position to watch the direction they came and sharpens his sword.

"Sure wouldn't have minded being able to relieve some of those mercenaries of their horses, though," he mutters quietly.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2=9

Beatrix carefully follows Aydan's path through the swamp, happy to avoid all the nasty fighting and such.

Sorry, I kind of got confused by what was happening during the combat.

Because I meant to post this part before the update, and it's too perfect not to act on.

As Aydan leads the group through the tors, Rebecca at his side, exhaustion creeping in on him, his head pounding and his eyes beginning to blur...

"I believe we should leave them to the bog. They'll waste time getting their friend out. We can get a lead, and Ayden might find us some better terrain to fight them on."

muttering quietly in annoyance, Aydan gripes, "Excellent idea.. wish I'd thought of it..."

Once they've been led to safety...

Aydan lets out a long sigh of relief, and nods thankfully to Jaymin... somewhat chagrined by his earlier pettiness. Still, the danger has passed and the Forrester quickly finds a semi soft spot near one of the standing stones, mutters something about "No fires" and promptly falls asleep.

For those who missed it - it's time to up your characters to level 3!

With Sir Jaymin on watch, and the danger seemingly past, for the moment at least, Lady Rebecca glances at Aydan's slumbering form, smiles a little, then yawns and stretches. Standing, she arches her back and quietly says,

'Our forester has the right of it, it's probably best we sleep whilst we have the chance.'

Nodding to the others, the flame-haired young noblewoman heads into the shell of the roundhouse to find a good spot to sleep...

Garrett places a hand on Jaymin's shoulder...

"If you would like to rest now, my friend, please do. I'll handle this shift. If you would prefer to stand this watch, that is fine too, just wake me when it is my turn to stand guard."

Garrett waits for Jaymin's response before either taking a position for watch or removing his armor to get a bit of rest...

"Thank you, but I'll do the first watch, and then wake you in, say, three hours?"

He continues to sharpen his sword and watch. He eventually adds the other directions to his patrol, listening even more than looking into the mists for sounds of pursuit.

Beatrix stays close to Rebecca, her vigilance heightened by the bandit attacks of the past knight and day.

'You know, I swear I have seen this place somewhere before...'

Is there a chance of Beatrix getting a weapon off someone? She lost all of her gear and his somewhat underwhelming as a fighter when armed.

In answer to Lady Beatrix' request for a weapon, Sir Clarius gives her a belt with a sheathed longsword and dagger. "It's best you also put on some of this piecemeal armour as well. Every little bit helps."

Turning to Lady Rebecca, the horse knight offers her a sword, dagger and armour, too. "Lady Rebecca, you need to wear some protection in case we come under attack. Here, too, is a sword for you."

Here is a list of the gear that Clarius brought with him to Old Maggie's:

studded leather x2 (just handed those out)
scalemail (Clarius is wearing it)
longsword, belted x3 (Clarius is wearing one and just handed out the other two)
dagger x4, belted (Clarius has been wearing two and just handed out the other two)
halberd, rolled into bedroll
heavy crossbow, in hand, loaded
bolt case, belted (5 bolts left)
backpack, (Clarius is wearing)
bedroll, rolled around halberd, strapped to backpack
bell, muffled, in belt pouch
blanket, winter, wrapped around bedroll
candle x5, in belt pouch
chalk x5, in belt pouch
fishhook x2, in belt pouch
flint and steel, in belt pouch
oil x6, in backpack
pouch, belt x2, belted
rations, trail x3, in backpack
sack x2, in backpack
sewing needle, in belt pouch
signal whistle, in belt pouch
waterskin x2, in backpack
whetstone, in belt pouch
thread and cloth
lantern, hooded
hunk of half-eaten hard cheese
half a bottle of pour quality wine
a pair of carved bone dice
a dog-earred set of playing cards sporting crudely painted pictures of nude females of a variety of humanoid races.
21 sp 19 cp

From the dead at Mother Maggie's:
studded leather x4
longsword x4
dagger x4
heavy crossbow
crossbow bolt x9
hooded lantern x4
flint & tinder x4
crude and inaccurate map of the area
Galtan flier with some scribbling on the back
46 gp 36 sp 32 cp

'You know, I swear I have seen this place somewhere before...'

Turning towards Beatrix, Lady Rebecca raises an eyebrow,

'Really? I didn't know you'd ever been to Grimsmoor before? Is there anything you can tell us?' she pauses, then adds with a smile, 'Unless... you know... there was a man involved or something...'

"Lady Rebecca, you need to wear some protection in case we come under attack. Here, too, is a sword for you."

Glancing at Clarius for a moment, Lady Rebecca turns back to Beatrix,

'... in which case you may want to wait until we're in private before telling me all about it!'

Looking over the items offered by Clarius, Lady Beatrix frowns. Taking the dagger, she tucks it into her belt, then shakes her head at the offer of armour and sword,

'I'm sorry, Sir Clarius,' she replies, 'but I don't think I could even move in armour... and I know nothing about handling a sword. Mayhap I should learn, considering all that's happened... but I've watched the men train enough to know that such skills aren't developed over night...' she sighs, and hangs her head a little, 'I am sorry to be such a burden to you all.'

Meanwhile, outside the roundhouse as Jaymin and Garrett discuss the watch schedule, Aydan snoozes against a standing stone, and Argos finds a patch of long grass to munch on, a pair of glowing lights rise from the mists at the base of the tor. The lights, one pale blue, the other a light purple colour, seem to each be about a foot across and about as bright as lanterns. At first rising just above the mists, they begin to bob and dart about, soon taking to circling the tor above the watchers' heads...

"What exactly did Ayden tell us about floating lights?" Jarmin asks Garrett nervously.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Quote:

'You know, I swear I have seen this place somewhere before...'

Turning towards Beatrix, Lady Rebecca raises an eyebrow,

'Really? I didn't know you'd ever been to Grimsmoor before? Is there anything you can tell us?' she pauses, then adds with a smile, 'Unless... you know... there was a man involved or something...'

Quote:

"Lady Rebecca, you need to wear some protection in case we come under attack. Here, too, is a sword for you."

Glancing at Clarius for a moment, Lady Rebecca turns back to Beatrix,

'... in which case you may want to wait until we're in private before telling me all about it!'

Looking over the items offered by Clarius, Lady REBECCA frowns. Taking the dagger, she tucks it into her belt, then shakes her head at the offer of armour and sword,

'I'm sorry, Sir Clarius,' she replies, 'but I don't think I could even move in armour... and I know nothing about handling a sword. Mayhap I should learn, considering all that's happened... but I've watched the men train enough to know that such skills aren't developed over night...' she sighs, and hangs her head a little, 'I am sorry to be such a burden to you all.'

Beatrix will take a sword, dagger, and crossbow; she was already wearing the studded leather.

'Oh, I've never been here. Just have the oddest sense of deja-vu.'

Maybe she read it in a book? Or saw it in the movie based on said book?

Oops, yes - that was meant to be Lady Rebecca talking, not Lady Beatrix... DM brain-fart, sorry!

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"I believe Zurladew said something about Will-o-the-Wisps..." he says, trying to focus his vision on the glowing objects...

"I don't think those are Wisps. If you look closely, there are the bodies of a tiny woman, with insect-like wings inside the glowing balls."

"I hate to do it, but I think we need to wake good Sir Ayden."

He goes over and gently shakes Ayden awake. "Sorry to do this, my friend, but what does it mean when tiny fairies inside glowing balls are swarming around us? Is that bad?"

Maybe she read it in a book? Or saw it in the movie based on said book?

Hound of the Baskervilles? I may be channeling Holmes on the moors here... ;)

Inside the roundhouse...

'Oh, I've never been here. Just have the oddest sense of deja-vu.'

Lady Rebecca (not Beatrix!) gets a faraway look in her eyes for a moment, as she replies quietly,

'Speaking of odd... I... I've been thinking... worrying, I suppose... about what happened back with those giants... That flash of fire? I... I guess I'd decided it was all just my imagination until Sir Jaymin mentioned it when we were fleeing those men...' shaking her head the teenage noblewoman's brow furrows, '... It just doesn't make any sense! I can't cast spells! What would I know about magic? But... it felt like it was me... I think... I... I just don't know...'

Outside...

The two glowing globes whizz closer, to within a dozen feet or so of Jaymin and Garrett, the tiny pixie-figures inside easier to see now, but still little more than outlines within the glow. Seeming to glance at each other for a moment, both figures reach out, as if beckoning the two knights. High-pitched, lilting, voices, soft with a hint of tremor in their tones, call out, blue and purple alternating as they speak...

'Come with us!'

'Yes - follow us!'

'Come to the Queen!'

'She'll want to see you!'

'To reward you!'

'To aid you!'

'Yes - come with us!'

Garrett eyes the fae creatures with equal parts curiosity and suspicion...

Sense Motive:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Who is this Queen you would have us see, and to reward us for what? While any aid is appreciated, I think that we'd like a bit more information before risking our little group."

Diplomacy:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Quote:

'Oh, I've never been here. Just have the oddest sense of deja-vu.'

Lady Rebecca (not Beatrix!) gets a faraway look in her eyes for a moment, as she replies quietly,

'Speaking of odd... I... I've been thinking... worrying, I suppose... about what happened back with those giants... That flash of fire? I... I guess I'd decided it was all just my imagination until Sir Jaymin mentioned it when we were fleeing those men...' shaking her head the teenage noblewoman's brow furrows, '... It just doesn't make any sense! I can't cast spells! What would I know about magic? But... it felt like it was me... I think... I... I just don't know...'

'For some, magic simply comes naturally, perhaps you should speak to Zurladew, he is knowledgeable in such matters.'

Glancing at Clarius for a moment, Lady Rebecca turns back to Beatrix,

'... in which case you may want to wait until we're in private before telling me all about it!'

Looking over the items offered by Clarius, Lady Beatrix frowns. Taking the dagger, she tucks it into her belt, then shakes her head at the offer of armour and sword,

'I'm sorry, Sir Clarius,' she replies, 'but I don't think I could even move in armour... and I know nothing about handling a sword. Mayhap I should learn, considering all that's happened... but I've watched the men train enough to know that such skills aren't developed over night...' she sighs, and hangs her head a little, 'I am sorry to be such a burden to you all.'

Sir Clarius stands silently as Lady Rebecca makes excuses for herself. Speaking gently and quietly, he attempts to comfort her. "You have had a horrible couple of days. You need a place to rest and grieve for your losses, isn't that so?"

Outside...

"Who is this Queen you would have us see, and to reward us for what? While any aid is appreciated, I think that we'd like a bit more information before risking our little group."

Again the strange glowing fairy creatures speak in their sing-song voices, alternating as they did before...

'She who is the Queen of us!'

'Yes, the Fairy Queen!'

'Do you not deserve rewards?'

'Are you not good, and kind, and brave?'

'And handsome?'

'Oh yes, and handsome...'

'There is no risk!'

'No risk at all!'

'All will be well...'

'We shall guide you...'

'Yes, we shall guide you...'

'You will be safe, you will see...'

Inside...

'For some, magic simply comes naturally, perhaps you should speak to Zurladew, he is knowledgeable in such matters.'

'Perhaps,' Lady Rebecca agrees, with a tired smile, 'although such a thing happening to me seems absurd...'

"You have had a horrible couple of days. You need a place to rest and grieve for your losses, isn't that so?"

Lady Rebecca opens her mouth as if to speak... then closes it again. For a moment or two she stares at the ground... Then finally looks up at Clarius,

'That is so for all of us, I would say,' she responds, 'for all my losses, it is not my place to lose sight of the losses everyone has suffered - us gathered here, and the people of the Barony. There will be time for rest and grieving... I hope... when the usurper has been ousted and our people are once more safe.'

Outside...

Quote:

"Who is this Queen you would have us see, and to reward us for what? While any aid is appreciated, I think that we'd like a bit more information before risking our little group."

Again the strange glowing fairy creatures speak in their sing-song voices, alternating as they did before...

'She who is the Queen of us!'

'Yes, the Fairy Queen!'

'Do you not deserve rewards?'

'Are you not good, and kind, and brave?'

'And handsome?'

'Oh yes, and handsome...'

Here at Castle Grimsmoor we have but one punishment for setting light to the will-o-wisp shaped beacon. You must tie her down on a bed and spank her!

A spanking! A spanking!

Spank her well, and after you have spanked her, you may deal with her as you like...And then, spank me.

What? No one else was hearing that in a sing song voice...?

Lady Rebecca opens her mouth as if to speak... then closes it again. For a moment or two she stares at the ground... Then finally looks up at Clarius,

'That is so for all of us, I would say,' she responds, 'for all my losses, it is not my place to lose sight of the losses everyone has suffered - us gathered here, and the people of the Barony. There will be time for rest and grieving... I hope... when the usurper has been ousted and our people are once more safe.'

Sir Clarius regards the young woman before responding more gently than he had initially intended. "Wisely spoken, however; words are not going to be enough in the coming days. Currently, you are an orphan whose hand in marriage dispenses lands and titles. You have no acknowledged legal guardian save, by default, our most exalted Grand Prince Stavian III. He will harbor no qualms about auctioning you off to the highest bidder, but only after letting several petty rivalries and feuds spend their blood fighting over you. If you would take the reins of your destiny for yourself, you must present a formidable figure. People must regard you as a threat in and of yourself because at present you are accompanied by only three knights, a forester, a minsterl and one lady-in-waiting."

He holds up the armour and longsword. "No one learns how to wear and wield these before first taking them up. They expect a demure young noble girl. Show them a warrior instead and let them think upon all that the name Redwyrm has meant for these many centuries."