"By Lore! Am I surrounded by creatures of evil?"
Uses detect evil on both Nevuda and Angus
"Angus is using sorcery, its something I noticed back on the other plane but said nothing as he had been attempting to help. I never saw his spellbook which is why I figured sorcery over proper wizard schooling." Toriel will trail off, gazing at Argus intently.
Shallya moves forward, checking on the body of the man the ants had been carrying...
A sorcerer? Perhaps we should all just calm down and talk this through. He has been a true companion until this...incident! Nevuda as well, you saw her yourself Jark, pulling that child from the fire, risking herself without asking for reward or anything!
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Jark does not detect evil from either.
Angus looks a little worried as the dwarf takes an armed stance. Whoa... my friend, I am unarmed? Would you strike me down? He frowns as he takes some steps back as he looks at Nevuda. Maybe. Maybe not. But, I'm beginning to see this, Perhaps, wasn't such a great idea. At least not for me. It seems that even among an informal group of adventurers thrown together by fate, I am not welcome. As you suggest, Jarkrlzak, I will take my leave. Securing his back he backs up slowly and begins walking in the opposite direction.
As he passes the halfling, he continues to frown. I was not aware I did anything, even during this 'incident', that was anything but true to keeping my companions alive. Best of fortune, healer.
Jarkralzak slowly begins to relax his rigid stance. He looks over to the rest of the group, a stern look still on his face.
"I do not know what he did, but I will not truck with anyone who thinks they can open me up to evil of ANY kind. If you would rather me leave as well, then say so now."
He stands awaiting the judgement of the rest of the party.
I too would not accept such a spell Jark, it would sever my connection with channeling life. I don't think his intentions were base, but I would not accept such a thing either.
Nevuda once more returns her hand to its sling as she looks down at the ground. "I do not condone evil, I slay it." She murmurs as she walks past the group to take point, staring silently towards the horizon in the direction of their destination.
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You look over the body. The dark skin man has definitely expired from multiple ant bites. His clothing indicates that he's from one of the local towns. He has a small coin purse on him with 50gp and a masterwork short sword worth a bit more.
The bear cub eventually loses interest in Shallya and wonders off.
The party moves forward, with Angus walking back, disappearing in the distance before the hour is over. The rest of the day, the party walks quietly before sitting down for their next night camp.
Giving you all another opportunity to chat before the resting for another evening.
Yes, I chose an elder god, whom I called Lore, a god of law, order and good.
A few times Jarkralzak approaches Nevuda as if to speak, then drops back to the rear of the party. Finally he seems to get up his nerve and marches up to the woman.
"Errrmmm. I am sorry for what transpired back there. It was uncharitable of me to speak to you in that way. I can only say, in my defense, that the spell which was cast upon me had shaken me to my core. Believe me when I say I am sorry."
He walks silently beside the warrior, almost jogging to keep pace with her longer legs.
"I don't believe any of us would condone evil acts Jarkralzak, you've nothing to worry about. I will have to give some thought about reporting Angus to the guild... they would look down upon it if they knew I was aware of him and said nothing...." Toriel will muse, "...but up until this fight I assumed he might serve a useful purpose."
"You would not be the first to call me a monster, and you will not be the last." Nevuda states calmly as she continues walking. "Who knows, perhaps I am irredeemable."
Zarkralzak stops in front of Nevuda, making her halt in her tracks.
"You are not a monster! Any more than I am! In my people's eyes I am a heretic, but I know here..", and thumps himself on the chest over his heart,.."that I am true! You are not irredeemable if you truly believe in yourself! As I will...or..do!"
Nevuda smiles softly, her eyes covered up beneath the shadows of her hood. "It is assuring to know that this group does not judge simply based on appearances." She remains still as long as Jarkralzak blocks her path, looking a bit out of place.
Coughing, Jarkralzak moves out of the way, allowing the group to continue on.
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The night passes without incident. You wake the next morning and continue your journey.
A few hours later, you spot a caravan heading towards your direction. At this distance, it would be impossible to tell if its a merchant caravan, or one serving a different purpose. You could take the opportunity to hide in the nearby tress hoping they have not yet spotted you, or you could press forward and meet them half way.
Nevuda immediately leaps into the bushes like a spooked squirrel.
"Here now! No need to run off and hide yourself. Come, lets us meet these travellers as we would any other."
Jarkralzak continues along the road towards the caravan.
Nevuda pokes her head out from behind the trees. "What is that thing?" She questions bewilderedly.
"Simply travelling merchants and their merchandise and guards, from what I can see. Nothing to be fearful about. Come walk with me and tell me about your land and I can tell you stories of the great dwarven citadel-cities."
Not hiding
Nevuda shakes her head almost childishly as she firmly positions herself into hiding. "Guards don't like me. People yell for them every time they see my face." The guard caste of this plane is always malevolent towards outsiders...
Toriel will glance over to the brush, "Let her do what she is comfortable with for now... better then showing a scene of it when it crosses our path."
Toriel will look towards the caravan attempting to see if there is any sign at all of what sort of caravan it is.
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As the caravan comes closer, you see that its well armed. Memebers of the Royale Guard, likely from Silverfall, accompany it.
As they approach, the caravan slows down.
The guard looks at the dwarf, halfling and elf. Good morning, says the tallest one. The markings on his shoulder indicate he is in charge of this squadron. Looking at Jark he says, We don't see many dwarves this far north. You may not be familiar with our laws, but I'm sure you two are.
Citizens, are any of you practitioners of arcane arts?
"I am a member of the mages guild but I don't actively practice magic at this moment...I chose to further study it before utilizing it." Toriel will state this assertively. "Are you seeking someone specifically? Seems a strange thing to just flat out ask... considering."
"I am not a practitioner of the arcane arts,"Jarkralzak rumbles
"I think you fail to see what I am getting at, if someone were to illegally practicing magic I doubt they would be so law abiding as to just flat out say they were using magic. If everyone did that then your job wouldn't really be needed would it?"
I do not practice the arcane arts, I am member of the green and revere nature. It is good to be on the open road again! Shallya smiles warmly.
"Silverfall."
"Adventuring... shouldn't you be out looking for people who are actually doing something wrong?"
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You're awfully sarcastic for a citizen. Maybe the rules are different where you come from, hon, but here, military are to be treated with respect. I'm been patient so far. While the elves and us have long been allies, remember that in our lands you follow our laws. Don't push it.
He looks each of you over carefully again. Finally, after a few tense moments he says, Fine. Carry on. Maintain vigilance.
Thank you good sirs, we shall! I look forward to seeing Silverfall, they should have a great herb selection, many varieties I have only read about. Shallya chuckles giddily...
Jarkralzak watches as the patrol moves down the road. Once out of sight, he motions Nevuda to come out of the bushes.
"It is clear now. The patrol is gone. You came come out now."
Nevuda lightly brushes herself off as she emerges from the brush. "That went well." She smiles contentedly.
Jarkralzak shakes his head and snorts.
"I do not understand you! The men, while rude, were simply carrying out their lawful duty. There was no need to hide...unless you are an unsanctioned user of magic?!"
Glances at Jarkralzak more seriously as she explains, "Upon a single glance, you yourself condemned me as a creature of evil, only pausing to take reason based on prior knowledge. Those who do not know me, do not like me. When they are given arms, it is their intention to kill me. It is more practical for me to avoid this, rather than convince everyone to change their ways."
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Another day of travel brings you a step closer to SilverFall. After another day of walking, you see farms not too far in the distance. Despite the fact that its a beautiful day, you do not see anyone working the fields. This strikes you as curious, though investigating the affair would takes you off the trail and add time to your journey. The party discusses the matter.
Such a beautiful day, yet no one in the fields? Perhaps there is a festival or something? Shallya questions the group, a slight amount of hope escaping with her statement, her mouth curled into a smile...
Does anyone know more about these parts? Could it be some type of festival or feast day?
"Perhaps the same troubles we've met so far have also been trouble here... if we check the fields we may find clues on it." Toriel will respond glancing out at the fields.
"If these people are in need of assistance, we cannot turn our backs on them. Maybe there is a simple answer to this question, but lets us try to find it!"
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You walks towards the field to investigate.
You walk through field after field and eventually make your way to the town square of sorts. Everything is abandoned, and quiet. Too quiet. You see enough things knocked over and left undone to give you reasonable cause to suspect that the people here left in a hurry, or against their will.
Nevuda notices a regular everyday object lying sideway on the ground, fallen over.
"I am guessing this is not normal?" She asks, as she tries to figure out what the object it is.
perception:
"Hmm..I do not know. Seems empty and not sure why you would leave your tools lying about."