"The professional description's use of alliteration is intentional. When one is trying to evoke a sense of wonder and awe it is best to create a memorable and distinct phrase wherein a customer will recognize and imprint that phrase upon the bearer. Alliteration is a rather banal but effective method to achieve such results. The name of my horse, however, is simply following the naming conventions set forth by the Dortrot Ranch Studbook,..."
"Uh huh" Hazé's eyes begin to look away from Vaethic and watching the path they tread on.
"... which was founded and recognized as the primary horsebreeder of Lastwall's military, and thereby the standard by which any horsebreeder of merit follows. The studbook, authored in 3877 Absalom Reckoning, suggests that the name of the foal should be the combination of the mare and the stud..."
"Really?" he asks as he studies a bird in the sky.
"...Typically the incorporation of a pun or a sense of humor is used when the newborn foal isn't bound for service in the military. In the case of Light's Light Laughter the stud was Grace of Light and the mare was Laughing Spirit. But I've waxed philosophical long enough... come now, let us be off.'"
He comes to his senses as the sound of silence finally registers on him, "Ah. Yes. Horses needed."
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Well then. It seems as though our 'brother' wishes for your speedy recovery, Yuln of the North." Vaethic sets his heels with a militaristic precision, turns to the Apothecary and says flatly, "Mrs. Willowbark, I am most certain that this offering is for Yuln's recovery and well being. Please see to it that all of Zephyr's coin goes towards Yuln's care. Should there be an excess of coin remaining after Yuln's care would that you treat any survivors that we may find as is the right, just, and honorable deed. Should we not find any survivors I'd suggest that remainder of the cache be distribute amongst the various shrines and faiths here in town.
"You mistake me 'brother'. When I say the Lady will guide those in need to this lowly sum surly she will do just that. Your intervention is hardly required."
What an ass. Lady forgive me, grant me patience.
If Zephyr and I start running now, you fellows can get supplies and meet us at the ambush site!
3 miles, 45 minutes at a brisk walk, 30 at an easy jog, 21 at a run. Yes we can likely reach the ambush site well ahead of the others. Yet is it wise to split the party? Surly the Lady will protect me and my lovely companion, but what of the others?
Turning quickly away from what is likely to be a unpleasant theological debate and toward a rather more pleasant Mayumi "Don't look back friend Mayumi, for we are not going that way." Bowing and allowing the lady to pass through the door first Zypher quickly follows driven by the wind.
"You mistake me 'brother'. When I say the Lady will guide those in need to this lowly sum surly she will do just that. Your intervention is hardly required."
AndwhoistosaythatIwasn'tdivinelyinspiredbyTheEternalRose? DoyoupresumethatsimplybecauseIhavenottakenaestheticvowsthatIamincapableof recievingdivineinspiration? Takeaneasyhand,Vaethic,thesepeoplearewetbehindtheears. Asareyou. Letitgo. Isthisreallythehillthatyouwishtodieupon?
"My sincerest apologies, Zypher," whispers Vaethic in a supplicatory voice.
After Zypher and Mayumi take their leave Vaethic turns to his remaining companions and cocks an eyebrow inquisitively. "Well then, shall we be away?"
Faux sighs and lowers the gauntlet. So much for that attempt. No matter. We shall all likely be bonded in battle, if not in belief.
Faux takes Mayumi's proffered luggage, bowing the helmet low in response. "It would be a pleasure, Lady Sasaki. In return, fair slayer of monsters, grant me the small boon of ensuring Sir Zypher's and your own safety until we arrive. We shall only be subject to the short delay of acquiring a ride for Sir Haze, and thus should catch up before too long. I would like fair stab at our vile kidnappers as well."
Shouldering the backpack, Faux follows the rambling half-elf and distracted elf.
After Zypher and Mayumi take their leave Vaethic turns to his remaining companions and cocks an eyebrow inquisitively. "Well then, shall we be away?"
"With all possible speed. My Noble Steed is sequestered in the local stables, so I will aid in Sir Haze's acquisition of a mount. If your Light's Light Laughter is elsewhere then we shall meet you just outside of town on the road to the ambush."
Faux does not wait for a response and clangs with Haze towards the stables.
Hazé ambles down the street, lost in thought.
Velera, perhaps I will join you sooner than I thought. I know you will watch over me as I help these strangers for their cause, and I know you will want our success. But should we not be victorious I will not weep in the cold of an unknown forest, but soon come to your warm embrace.
He looks over at his metal companion as he walks.
This one is strange. They are all strange. Good, I believe, and noble purposed. More driven for success than I. Should I feel ashamed that I lack their wherewithal?
He pays for the horse, offering five gold to the renter for a decent selection, and rides back to the party.
With a cold breeze blowing from the south, the short run is exhilarating for Zephyr and Mayumi. They arrive near the ambush site, just as the sound of hooves began to overtake them. Pausing to catch their breaths, and study the scene from a distance, the mounted contingent of the party arrives, with Sir Faux leading the charge. The lightly falling snow over the ambush site is very disturbing, as this region has never experienced such cold before.
As you approach, the ambush site near the forest, the temperature grows noticeably colder. The road ahead is littered with debris and the corpses of slain humans and horses. A carriage stands in the roadway, its team of horses missing or cut free, while another overturned carriage lies sprawled and broken next to the tree line. To the south, more bodies have fallen around what appears to be a statue of ice. A snowy trail leads deeper into the forest.
Everyone, but Zephyr notices a thumping sound coming from the carriage standing in the roadway.
Hazé surveys the scene before him. His face doesn't change, a mask to cover the dread memory surging across his thoughts. He looks about and wonders.
So much death. Do they have family? Will they be mourned? Are their spirits at peace, greeting their loved ones now?
He moves over as if to stoop over a body and stops at the sound.
"Is there a survivor here?" a flat voice asks, directed towards the carriage.
"Is there a survivor here?" a flat voice asks, directed towards the carriage.
An excellent question, though...
Faux steers Noble Steed, a great, steely grey beast obviously a bit past its prime, towards the carriage producing the noise. When within ten feet or so, Faux dismounts, hand upon the sheathed blade.
An excellent question with but one way to answer.
Thismustbethescene. Whatispresentandwhatismissing?
Vaethic surveys the scene as Faux gallantly strides forward, to get a sense of the scene.
Allthisdamnedsnowisgoingtomaketrackinghard. Openyoureyesboy,observetheworld,thesignsarethereyoujustneedtobesmartenought oseethem.
"Damnably cold and unseasonably so," Vaethic whispers with a shiver.
"Prithee, Sir Faux, mayhaps you might proceed with a modicum of caution until we get a greater sense of what has transpired here this day?"
The decorative chasings on this expensive carriage bear the marks of Taldan heraldry, as well as damage from the many arrows fired in the battle that took place here. A broken spear has been wedged between the handles of the carriage doors to hold them closed. Faux is able to determine that there are two shapes in the carriage that seem unable to get the door open though they are frantically trying to get the door open by slamming their bodies into it.
"Sir Faux! What is making that thumping noise? If it's regular people why aren't they calling out?!"queries Mayumi. She unslings her crossbow and moves to a good position to fire upon anything hostile in the carriage.
Brash! I like him! Though I wonder what he looks like under that helm. Does he have a luxurious beard to run fingers through? Oh wait, concentrate on the mission.
DecorativechasingsonthiscarriagebearTaldanheraldryof... dammitIknewIshouldhavepayedmoreattentiontoheraldricdesign. Think,maybeknowledgeofhistorywillbringtheanswer.
Nomatter,itisclearlywhereLadyArgentea'scaravanwasassailed.
"Yes, sir Faux, this carriage is quite winsome and prepossessing. The craftsmanship is a complex blend of form and function - most likely from Wartherington & Sons Wainwrights in Oppara," Incorporatedin4612A.R.byroyalwritpresentedtothefounder...wait. Nonoise? Thegirliscorrect. Curious.
"Does anyone else hear that? Or I should say 'the lack of that?' It seems Mayumi is correct in her aural observations," says Vaethic as he carefully dismounts Light's Light Laughter.
With a quick glance around the assemblage, Faux notes the suddenly cautious party. It seems likely that something is wrong. Good. It would not be much of an adventure otherwise.
Faux pulls the spear from the handles, recalling a simple mantra from Lucky Lady Lancaster’s Guide to Beginner’s Dungeoneering. Yank and…
Faux keeps one hand on the sheathed bastard sword and rips open the door with the other.
Round 1
With a moan and a plop, a pair of large Ulfen men, with severe frostbite and several fatal wounds, reach for Faux through the now open door.
The first zombie's swing glances of Faux's armor. The second zombie is unable to get through his companion to reach Faux.
Initiative Order
Mayumi
Haze
Vaethic
Faux
Zombie 1
Zephyr
Zombie 2
"Oh those poor men! Let's release them from this horrible fate."mumbles Mayumi. Nothing worse then undead creatures. Better to put them down than allow that suffering to continue on.
Mayumi takes careful aim with her crossbow at the second zombie, and squeezes the trigger.
"Oh yeah! That's a zombie, piercing weapons don't really bother them!"
"Spank," Faux mutters.
Faux rips their bastard sword from the hip sheath, closes both hands on the handle, and brings it in a mighty arc towards the closest zombie.
As the attack resolves, Faux takes a careful step back, allowing the others a clear line of sight on their deceased attackers.
The first zombie slumps down, the top half mostly severed from the bottom. Whatever forces that animated this poor soldier's corpse flees at the power and anger of Sir Faux's gleaming sword!
Hazé takes a step back and watches the knight-errant's sword cut down the undead thing.
A flick of his wrist sends forward a small ball of flame towards the second of the undead.
A handsome Half-Orc comes running up the road towards the scene
I heard the sounds of battle and someone saying something about a zombie? Has the plague of the undead found its way into these lands!
Valgor draws his greatsword as he arrives on the scene and takes in all that is happening.
Current Map
The second zombie in the carriage, with crossbow bolt sticking out of its chest, stumbles forward and tries to bite Faux the Errant. "Uuunnnnnnnggggg"moans the creature, as it slams into Faux causing considerable damage to the errant knight.
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A look of horror falls upon Zypher's face. He stairs not at the undead thing but at his new found companions injuries. A wand of cure light wounds would sure be useful right about now.
Shaking off the internal struggle raging in his mind at his inability to aid his companion Zypher steps forward recalling his endless training as a monk.
I will not suffer this filth in my presence. Let's send these dead ones back to the grave.
Valgor begins a tale of how the brave living will overcome the evil of undead. This tale can be inspiring to those who take it in...
Inspired Rage (+2 Str/Con +1 Will -1 AC) for the non-undead (allies) on the scene if they want it.
Hazé turns to face the newcomer spouting his story. Judging him not an immediate threat he once again sends forward a gout of flame toward the zombie.
Stand still. Let us help you go to your final rest.
The blow echoes deafeningly within the helmet, blanking out Faux’s hearing for a moment. A small price to pay, it appears that the armor turned the worst of that blow.
When hearing returns, the song from the new half-orc fills the air, a pleasing enough sound, though Faux doesn’t understand the appeal.
Instead, Faux adds a harmony with the whistling tone of blade cutting the air, careening towards the assailant.
Taking a careful moment to clean and sheath the sword, Faux turns to new arrival.
"Well met, stranger, I am Sir Faux the Errant. I thank you for your call to valor. Would you care to match those words with action? For we find ourselves on a valiant quest," says Faux, bowing slightly despite the pain.
Already Faux's mind whirls. A fated encounter on the fields of battle. A splendid beginning, there is none greater. However...
The armor straightens back to standing. "Wait, first, how do you find yourself on this twice cursed road?"
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Guilt and disappointment wrack Zypher as he realizes that he not only has let down his armored friend but his Lady as well. So it seems I'm a poor cleric in more ways than one. I must meditate on my failure.
Holding up his delicately carved holy symbol of his Lady Zypher focuses his mind as he channels his energy to heal his companion. Trust in the Lady...Clear the mind...Trust in the Lady...As the wind wills...Trust in the Lady...
The healing energy washes over the party, Shelyn's will seems to want the group to survive. The zombies have both stopped moving and the clearing is all quiet again.
"Thank you, sir...uh, sir..." Orc?TooBrash. Greenskin?Rude. InheritorofRovagug'sWrath? Oh,andyouthoughtGreenskinwasrude?"Sir." says Vaethic matter-of-factly gesturing at the newcomer.
"It seems we were most aided by your inspiring tale of how the living will always triumph over the evils of the un-living. I seem to recall a similar tale, the details of which were significantly different, but nonetheless the moral of the story is similar enough to still ring true in the hearts and minds of men and women of all races, inspired by true events that took place in Ustalav - a typical setting for stories of the Undead. Given your heritage, Ustalav bordering the Hold of Belkzen, and the rousing story that you've told, might I surmise that you're family is at the very least, from that region of Avistan?
Vaethic doesn't wait for but a moment before he begins again.
"Ah, but where are my manners?" he says striding forward towards the Greenskin newcomer hand extended, "Vaethic Brombly, Itinerant Inquirer of Intriguing Inexplicable Incidents and these are my companions. Who might you be?"
Greetings, I am Valgor, it is good to meet you all. I am a wondering tale teller, battle singer, and co-creator of heroic deeds. To fight is in my blood, but to share tales of glory and wonder comes from the soul. It is by chance we are traveling the same road today, and in truth I was drawn to the sounds of battle. Any idea where these things came from? I would like to see the source put down permanently, and would take great pleasure in helping that come to pass.
Hazé's thoughts turn inwards as Vaethic begins to speak of his tales.
Are there not better things to seek in life? The laughter of friends, the touch of a wife, or the savory flavor of roast at a family dinner?
He chimes in once everyone else has finished introducing themselves.
What joy is there in destroying the already deceased? says the expressionless elf.
"The joy of risking oneself to do the right thing, and surviving to tell about it!" explains Mayumi. She then plops down and removes the bolt case from her crossbow and then adds another bolt into it. Then hooks it all back up again. Suddenly realizing that she hasn't introduced herself to the pretty half-orc, she stands abruptly, "Hey there Valgor, I'm Mayumi, professional monster hunter, and we are on a...With a quick look at Faux "a quest to rescue a damsel in distress, the Lady Argentea"
Why all the handsome tall men? I prefer them a little more stout and with many many scars to show how tough they are...
"Many thanks, Sir Zypher," says Faux, stretching appreciatively as the muscles mend back into place.
Back to battle ready already. Excellent.
"Sir Valgor, I would gladly welcome you and your tales to our endeavor. However, we have little time to share said stories. A survivor of this initial attack claims that twisted winter fae have carried the Lady Argentea into these woods, presumably still breathing. We must track them. I am almost certain that will lead you to the source you would see vanquished."
Faux turns to the party at large. "Let us see what can be found here to aide our pursuit then make haste." Faux spares a glance at the recently walking corpses upon the frozen earth. "I fear we will need it."
"Well, Sir Faux, I regret to inform you that whilst my observation skills are quite keen - I, uh, lack the proper field training in matters of tracking and stalking. But let us see if I can spot...
anything...
of...
interest...
to...
the...
task...
at...
hand." Vaethic continues as he surveys the battleground ambush site.
"Grandfather Biros took us out camping once." Hazé offers to no one in particular as he looks at the ground.
Valgor looks around to see if he can find something out of place or any clues.
"Is there anything in particular we are looking for?" questions Mayumi as she also begins to look around the massacre site.
The broken chests and boxes strewn across the ground contain the handmaidens’ spare clothing, including three courtier’s outfits.
In the carriage where the zombies were trapped, Vaethic spots a jewelry box, hastily hidden from bandits. It contains Lady Argentea’s signet ring, a pair of earrings, a set of pearl-inlaid bracelets, assorted gold and silver necklaces, and one sapphire pendant.
The frozen captain still wears his breastplate, emblazoned with Taldan heraldry, and one of the chunks of ice contains the captain’s arm, still grasping his masterwork longsword.
To the south is a very clear trail leading into the forest.
IwonderifI'vebeentoochatty. Notimetoworryabouthatnow,boy. Brevity,thissituationcallsforbrevity.
"Well then, it seems as though the tracks the interlopers left lead to the south - and that is where our Lady shall be found. Come then, let us be off.
Shortsweetandtoothepoint.
Vaethic strides back to his trusty steed, Light's Light Laughter, and leads the horse by the reigns off in the direction of the tracks.
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The lady will surely provide.
As the rest of the party turns to follow Vethic south Zypher takes one last look around the wreckage for anything that will help him heal his fellow adventurers.
Seeing nothing he sighs as doubt creeps insidiously into his thoughts. With a shake of his head and a meloncoly sigh he turns and follows the party.
Valgor thinks to himself... damsel in distress, a Lady nonetheless, undead to put down, and a group to adventure with... This is looking like a good day.
I am with you Vaethic.
Valgor turns to go with the party into the forest.
Uninterested in the goods within the cart, Hazé grabs the reins to his rented mount and follows the party south. He offers a nod to Valgor as the half-orc joins the search.
If there are more of these undead things, we will help them find their final rest.
The Lady will likely want these back.
Faux slips the jewelry box into a saddlebag, and then, following Vaethic's lead, begins tugging Noble Steed into the woods after the party.
"I hope they did not take her too far. I doubt we will do well in this cursed weather once nighttime roll around."
As you enter the forest proper, it begins to snow and while the trail is quite clear, it is becoming difficult to see into the distance. Also the snow makes the route more difficult, hiding dips in the path and making the route generally unpleasant. The trail is barely wide enough in places to push the horses through.
After nearly an hour of travel through the difficult terrain and falling snow, you come upon a chest next to the trail, suddenly. It is a fairly large size trunk, with much gilding and designs carved into it. Several of the designs resemble the designs on the carriages back on the road.
"...and that is doubly important within the aforementioned context of arbitrage inherent in the livery industry."
In the trees, up ahead, there appears to be a large spiked log connected with various ropes, ready to swing along the path. The slight bulge in the snow along the front of the chest betrays the log traps hidden trigger. It appears to be a trip line, just barely buried by the snow.