Round 4
If necessary Easop will move to flank.
Flanking Quarterstaff attack
Damage
Jasmine cries out in pain as her back is nigh flayed by a vicious swipe of the darkfriend's sword. With a shriek of rage and flooding with the power she attacks the darkfriends.
Round 4
Graul presses the attack on the soldier.
Attack:
Damage:
Jed continues to keep up his flanking position with Lain, furious at the man's success against his battle partner. His face goes dark, but he tries not too show too much emotion to the man, instead channeling that energy into fierce determination. It pays off as he makes a very successful strike right across the mans ribs.
Gritting his teeth against the pain, Lain seems to faulter for a moment, before regaining his composue. Straightening, he twirls his spear deftly around his wrist, before lashing out, sending the polished steel head twirling towards the mans throat, trusting that Jed al'Raes will deliver the killing blow, should he not manage it.
Realing from the multiple attacks, the leader will strike out one last time at Jasmine as she comes into range.
With a roar that startles everyone, Easop swings his massive staff and crushes the skull of the last soldier remaining.
Lain attempted to use the distraction to attack the soldier but was unable to connect. Jasmine, free from the threat of the soldier's blade, raced over to deal with the leader of the men, her flame lance stabbing through the leader's armor and the smell of burning flesh filling the air.
With a scream of pain and anger the leader lashed out at her, DIE Witch!!! his blade punching through her stomach and coming out her back. She collapsed in a pool of blood at his feet.
With pure hate and murder in his eyes, Jed launched himself at the man, severing his arm at the elbow. Graul shifted his weight and spun to charge him as well, his spear putting him to the ground.
"Someone help"! "Bring the village Healer". "Lady Jasmine has been stricken down"!
Easop then rushes to her side to see if he can help her in anyway without further injuring her.
Heal Check
As Jasmine hits the ground, Lain darts off in to the village, searching out the Wisdom.
Graul drops down next to Jasmine, ripping the hem from her dress and using it as a makeshift bandage tries to stop the flow of blood.
Burn me! I should have acted faster! I should have burned them before they got close to my friends!
Heal:
Heal:
Heal:
Easop heal checks
Round 2 check
Round 3 check
As the dust settles it appears that the villagers, due largely to the group's aid, have managed to drive off the raiders. It seems that they won't be returning to torment this village anytime soon but the price might have been too high.
Jasmine is carried into the Three Crowns, the inn only slightly the worse for wear after the battle. She is brought up to her bed and laid gently upon it. The Wisdom begins to watch over her, shooing the men out of the room but she doesn't promise them good news.
Minutes later, Lain and Graul return carrying Pandin's broken body between them. While Jasmine is struggling to hold on, Pandin is truly lost. Multiple stab wounds cover his body and it is clear that it took a while for him to fall, dying an honorable death.
As you sit in the common room, waiting to hear if Jasmine will pull through the front door opens. A slender, small-boned woman dressed in a dark blue dress comes into the room and speaks briefly with Hobbs. She heads over to your table and with her cool, ageless face and commanding but graceful presence, she can only be an Aes Sedai. Accompanying her is a broad-shouldered man wearing the distinctive cloak of a Warder, parts of him seeming to vanish as the stands there, eyeing all of you and the room in general.
Master Hobbs has informed me of what happened. I will attend to your companion and then we will talk. And with that she heads upstairs to Jasmine's room.
While the rest of you wait downstairs, the Aes Sedai opens the door to Jasmine's room and politely dismisses the Wisdom. She then opens herself to saidar and begins the complex weaves of healing.
With a gasp Jasmine's eyes snap open and her wounds seem to close on their own. Her head settles back and she falls asleep almost instantly.
It is late evening, at least six hours having passed when Jasmine descends the stairs with the Sister. Her cheeks are hollow and she looks exhausted but her wounds are healed and she gives everyone a wan smile. The Aes Sedai calls out to Hobbs to bring her a large dinner for Jasmine. At this point the common room is empty with Hobbs ushering out the last patrons to provide privacy for you. The woman introduces herself as Nadira Sedai and the large man behind her as Gable, her Warder.
Jasmine begins eating ravenously, the war between her growling stomach and her sense of propriety not going so well for propriety. As she eats she keeps casting furtive looks towards Nadira Sedai as if unsure what, if anything, to say. Thankfully the need to fill herself to the brim with food currently keeps her from having to talk, but she gives some pleading glances to her male companions to say something.
When the Aes Sedai and Warder enter the common room, Jed's eyes go wide. That cloak is amazing... Light!
Jed doesn't say anything until Jasmine returns. The look of concern on his face is replaced with a look of relief at seeing Jasmine up and moving around, seeming only tired, not injured. He sits next to Jasmine as she eats, but speaks to Nadira Sedai. "Thank you, Nadira Sedai. I fear Jasmine would have been lost without you." He then turns back to Jasmine. "I am sorry I didn't protect you. I should have been there..."
Jed resolves to stand by Jasmine from this point on, not leaving her side unless necessary. He doesn't want her to fall again. As he ponders over what he can do to keep Jasmine safe, Jed keeps and eye on the Warder. I should make a point to talk to him, if I have the chance.
Nadira looks calmly between Jed and Jasmine, a small smile showing at the corners of her lips. Of course young man. She could indeed use someone to keep her from making childish mistakes. Behind her, the large Warder grunted, what could have been a laugh or simply clearing his throat. Nadira looked back at him coolly although with a hint of warmth before turning back to Jasmine. Really child, rushing in to save the day? That is something a man should only be foolish enough to do. Were you at the Tower where you belong this would be trained out of you but the Wheel weaves as it will and it has woven you to my needs.
Nadira looks at the group of you, no expression on her face as her eyes pass over the Aiel and Ogier sitting at the table. You all did a very brave and good thing for these villagers and for that I thank you. I also apologize for my delay in arriving. As you are no doubt aware, there is much afoot in this region - trouble enough to concern each of us. As she says this, she pulls open a satchel that Gable laid on the table and pulls out a bright white cloak with a golden sunburst on the breast. These men were no simple raiders but Whitecloaks. Why they were attacking innocent villages, and doing so in disguise, I cannot say but it is troubling indeed. Even this news is unremarkable compared to the rumors swirling around these lands. This, however, is not why I sought out a group of individuals like yourselves.
I fear these villagers may not be the only ones subject to attack in these wild times. An Aes Sedai has been lost in these parts. Her name is Megda Sedai, and she is of the Green Ajah. Megda was last known to be in Tobin's Hollow, a small village a few days travel to the west of here. She had been in contact with the White Tower, but several weeks ago, that contact came to an end. I have come to discover what happened to her - and to continue her mission in her absence. Unfortunately, I cannot do both, and that is why I sought out your help. Can I count on your aid in this matter? And your discretion?
Nadira pulls out a jeweled lock box of exquisite design and rests her hand on it. The White Tower can be quite generous in its gratitude.
Jasmine blushes at the admonishment and lowers her eyes, her long loose hair falling to hide her face. As you say Nadira Sedai. Jasmine says. She has slowed a bit in her eating, waiting to see what the others have to say. Jasmine has definitely changed in her mannerisms around the Aes Sedai. She seems much less sure of herself and seems genuinely embarrassed at the state she had to meet the Aes Sedai in.
"We will not fail you Aes Sedai."
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Lain keeps his mouth closed and his eyes on the ground before him, as he idly toys with a broken spear.
Something like a bleakness had settled over Lain, from the first moment he and Graul had found Pandin. Three had become two. yes, he had gained Jed al'Raes, the Treebrother and Jasmine Raleen, but so far from the Three-Fold land, it was more Aiel he needed to be around, not less.
"No... We will not fail!"
Easop can only stare wide eyed in wonder at the presence of a real Aes Sedai. Lady Jasmine was outstanding...but this...this was a real tower trained Aes Sedai. Suddenly he realized he must look like a gaping fool, and realized that some sort of response was expected of him.
"Why yes Aes Sedai". "Certainly, whatever you say". "I would see where this story leads". "I know till now I have not been of much use...but I do know things...and I'll try...harder"
Seeing your dedication and intentions, Nadira nods her head. Thank you all.
Megda was investigating rumors that Aes Sedai - or some other women channeling the One Power - had attacked villages and wrecked havoc across Toman Head. She was given specific instructions not to engage these channelers should the rumors prove true. She reported her findings every evening. Three weeks ago, all communication stopped.
Since Megda's disappearance, Gable and I have discovered that Falme has been invaded by an unknown host. The city has been taken and the surrounding villages are being invaded as well. We know the invaders have channelers at their disposal and they employ strange beasts as well.
We believe that Megda may have been captured by this group - or worse, that she may have been killed. I would like you to discover which scenario is, in fact, the case. Even given your - unique - traits and she eyes the Aiel and the Ogier, a group such as your own should not attract as much attention as a full sister and her Warder would during these troubling times.
Megda is a slender woman, with fiery red hair, green eyes and pale skin. Her warder is a barrel-chested Tar Valoner by the name of Maynard. They were last seen in Tobin's Hollow, a similarly sized village about 3 days travel west of Aturo's Orchard. Nadira leans towards Jasmine, not whispering but making sure she had her attention. Megda was communicating with the Tower via a ter'angreal, a small slate tablet held within a wooden frame. Please try to ensure that it makes its way back to Tower hands child.
Nadira removes a hefty velvet bag from her jeweled lock box and sets it down on the table with a noticeable clink. A down payment and a small price to pay for your help in this matter. Find Megda, or bring me indisputable evidence of her demise and its circumstances, and there is a like sum for each of you.
Rising from the table, she gives you each one last appraising look before settling her cloak around her shoulders. Gable and I shall be leaving Aturo's Orchard immediately. We travel on to Tanchico in the morning - there are matters of importance in that city that I must see to as soon as possible. Once you have completed your mission, send word to me at the Inn of the Golden Cup. Do not tarry - Megda Sedai's life is in your hands. With that she and Gable head upstairs, preparing to sleep and rest up before their long journey to Tanchico.
Graul stands silently for a moment watching Lain before answering.
He reaches down touching Lain's shoulder. "Come Lain of the Taardad Aiel. Lain of the Stone Dogs. We must sing for our brother Pandin.”
Lain nods softly, standing and brushing himself off, before sliding the broken spear behind his belt.
"Lead on Graul of the Spine Ridge Miagoma!" Smiling, Lain follows the Far Aldazar Din, out of the common room, to retrieve the body of their fallen companion.
Of course Nadira Sedai. Jasmine says calmly. It will be done.
The night passes quietly, everyone lost in thought after the events of the day and the upcoming task before them, no easy one at that.
Jasmine and Jed sit together in the common room close to the room's large fireplace. At times they talk quietly together, heads close and voices low sometimes soft laughter coming from them. Other times they sit silently, sharing in a new and unknown connection created through the stress of the day's events.
Easop sits quietly by himself, his large hands delicately holding a quill and ink well, a large book spread over the entire surface of a table. Despite his large size, the Ogier's movements are slow and precise as he writes in his book. He can't believe all that has happened in the brief time he's been away from the stedding. While he wanted to see the outside world, he never dreamed he'd end up in some adventure of his own.
Lain and Graul silently move off into the woods surrounding the town, carrying their fallen brother between them. Without a word they begin to lay Pandin to rest, far from home. After a moment the two men begin to sing, their voices drifting softly through the night air.
------------------------------
The morning sun rises over Aturo's Orchard as the group gathers their gear and readies to set out. Nadira Sedai and her Warder have already left, seeming to only have rested briefly before they set out for Tanchico.
You begin trekking west toward's Tobin's Hollow, unsure of what awaits you.
Lain trots along slowly, off to the side of the group, keeping his eyes peeled for any danger. After the loss of Pandin the night before, he had sunk in to a dark mood. The nights sleep had brought him out of it, but he had yet to say a word to anyone this morning. He had not planned it that way, it had simply happened.
You've traveled for 3 days and except for the unnatural cold weather, things have been rather uneventful. There have been few travelers sharing the road with you and the town of Tobin's Hollow can't be more than a few hours distant at this point.
Suddenly the shriek of a creature rings out through the sky and a large shadow passes over you. Looking up you see a huge creature gliding through the air, circling in an ever tightening spiral. It has mottled brown skin, a long horny snout, and enormous leathery wings. The creature, perhaps half a mile away, if that, descends out of sight beyond the trees that line the muddy road you've been following.
Perception:
Graul looks up at the beast flying above his group. "Burn me! Someone is riding that thing!"
Pausing, Lain scrubs a hand across his eyes, before sighing softly. "I miss poisonous snakes, lizards that can bite your toe off and the barren wastes... This Wetland is a bloody light forsaken pit of madness..." Looking to Jed and Jasmine, Lain grins. "No offence..."
"A rider?" Jed has just enough time to look harder and notice a rider on the strange creature as it disappears behind the trees. Light, what now?!
Jed solemnly responds to Lain. "No offense taken... I'm starting to agree with you myself. Perhaps we should proceed carefully?"
Nodding his agreement, Lain grins, before moving back to his place at the edge of the group. Slipping through the trees silently, he keeps his eyes peeled for any sign of the beast, or danger.
Easop cranes his head to look at the passing beast as well.
Perception
Plus whatever Knowledge skill would fit.
Some sort of darkspawn maybe. I have never seen the like before. Perhaps some perversion of Draghkar.
Lain leads the group forward quietly, moving through the trees in the direction of where they saw the flying thing descending. It's not more than 5 or 10 minutes before you can hear noises ahead of you. Approaching the tree line, you see a small clearing ahead of you with figures moving about.
The massive flying beast, decked out in a harness and with a large, basketlike saddle on its back, sits in the center of the large clearing. Surrounding it, unloading the supplies and making camp, are half a dozen or so men in strange, colorful armor. Their helmets look very much like monstrous insect heads, with thin red plumes dangling like feelers; each man's eyes seem to peer out through crafted mandibles. Both the helmets and armor are painted and gilded in bright colors.
One of the soldiers - an officer perhaps, judging by the even more fanciful quality of his armor - stands speaking to another man in dark leather and chain, apparently the rider of the great beast.
Thin woods surroung the clearing on all sides and a thick mist rests in a shallow hollow along the western side. You are all hidden within the woods along the east side of the clearing and so far it appears that the strange men haven't noticed you amongst their work.