The one goblin left lying on the ground shrieks in fear as he sees the roaring flames coming at him and he tries his best to get out of their way!
But he does not manage to dodge them and he gets burnt badly!
Tamlara, having picked up her shotbow where she left it by the bush, will shoot at the one badly burned goblin that is left . . .
then look around for the other worg.
Tamlara's arrow goes wide flying off into the trees. Tamlara also can see roughly the spot where the Worg ran off into the trees, but that is all. She does not even hear the whimpering cries of pain it is making as it continues running away.
Seeing that Tangar still looks hurt, Alex decides the rest of the group probably has this handled and decides to make sure his new friend will get through the day.
Seeing things well in hand, and realizing that his bowshots have been entirely useless, Aldhranhald simply retrieves his quarterstaff in his right hand, still holding his bow in his left, and moves into a position to block the prone goblin's escape.
So, can it threaten if it doesn't have a weapon out? I realize I still probably miss, but if it doesn't threaten when Tangar stands up, then it doesn't threaten when I'm shooting at it.
Tangar sees the goblin fall beside him and in his rage he laughs as he again swings his axe from a prone position.. maybe it's his current state of amusement or the long day taxing his strength, but he seems to not be able to hit the goblin at all
Tangar's 'cleaving' axe, manages to slice another goblin clean in two!
Boudacia goes over to Tangar thinking to give him a hand getting back up. Then decides not to when she sees him more closely and realises she is not strong enough and he is also covered in blood, hopefully not his own. Instead she says, concerned:-
"Are you OK Tangar? Everyone else? "
Glancing at Tangar, but still looking around for the other worg, Tamlara responds to Boudacia:
I am fine, though I believe our friend here needs a good, steaming bath at the least. . . We should continue moving if everyone is able.
Holding her bow in hand, Tamlara stands ready.
To the farmhouse then.
Boudacia will start walking once more unless someone objects. Then return to bat form to provide an aerial scout as is her usual proceedure in the woods.
Tangar never really felt his blade connect with the goblin and is surprised to see the little bugger gumming up his axe, he stops laughing when Boudacia asks if he's ok. he looks himself over and sees that he is relatively unharmed. Yes, I seem to be unhurt.. but I vill need a few moments before I can travel again. The rage it takes time to recover. He sits there on the ground for a few minutes, his chest heaving with great breaths as he calms from his rage. Noticing he does seem to be covered in blood as Tamlara mentioned he looks at her.. Vell, if you want, you can vash my back for me, I'll get a room ve can share... he looks sideways at her with a sly smile on his face..
He looks around to get his bearings again on where they were going..
He points back down the path they were traveling.. Dis vay.. ve keep dis vay for a vile longer...
He finally stands and cleans his axe on the goblin next to him, he thinks about the worg and the pelt it has.. but he settles for drawing his dagger and cuts both upper incisors out of its mouth and wrapes them in a small cloth..
After a good few steps down the path Tangar looks around again and gets better bearings..
As the group heads down the path a little ways, Tangar starts to slow down a bit and look around again.
"Oh, not dis vay. Dat vay vill not lead us to dee farm. We go dis vay instead. Dis vay vill certainly take us back to dee family's farm."
Noticing he does seem to be covered in blood as Tamlara mentioned he looks at her.. Vell, if you want, you can vash my back for me, I'll get a room ve can share... he looks sideways at her with a sly smile on his face..
Boudacia tilts her head thoughtfully, showing no hint of flirting or embarrassment, replies:-
I thought it was traditional for the lady to bleed when their virginity was lost Tangar. Obviously it is different in the north.
After a little mix up at first, Tangar manages to guide you successfully to the farm. It is dark, and fairly quiet, but not like the eerie, strange, quietness of the woods. Here there are the normal peaceful sounds of a small farm. Some of you manage to hear the clucking of the chickens and all of you hear the goat bleating somewhere near the house. There does appear to be a light on in the house, but it is faint.
Tamlara somehow sees where every single chicken is roosting and where the goat is. She manages to stop Alex as he was just about to step into the goat's droppings.
Wayne flies on over to the roof of the shed and settles down for a brief rest. Boudacia gets some mixed senses from Wayne. He is clearly glad and tired, but seems grumpy about something as well.
Noticing he does seem to be covered in blood as Tamlara mentioned he looks at her.. Vell, if you want, you can vash my back for me, I'll get a room ve can share... he looks sideways at her with a sly smile on his face.
Tamlara blushes brightly, "I wasn't, umm, I didn't mean . . .anything like . . that! She doesn't appear to hear Boudacia's comment, but moves to take her place near the back of the group.
When the group reaches the Stonde homestead, Tamlara will ask, Do we wake them? They might freak out.
Noticing he does seem to be covered in blood as Tamlara mentioned he looks at her.. Vell, if you want, you can vash my back for me, I'll get a room ve can share... he looks sideways at her with a sly smile on his face..Boudacia tilts her head thoughtfully, showing no hint of flirting or embarrassment, replies:-
I thought it was traditional for the lady to bleed when their virginity was lost Tangar. Obviously it is different in the north.
The north-man laughs out loud as the woman bat mix, makes her comment. He shakes his head.. Vell, ve may haf some odd customs in da north, but that isn't von of dem, but I can appreciate ze humor here. he looks himself over again as he leads the way.. I am rather covered in the blood of mine enemies.. it brings me honor among mine people. He goes back to leading the way, his glances around lead him to notice the woman, Tamlara hanging back, and he sees she is still a little red cheeked about his comment. He smiles and likes that he could have such an effect on her.. maybe she liked him.. maybe she was just flustered by the comment..
__________________________________________________When they come across the homestead of the people they met, he slowly approaches the place to see if any lights were on.. if there are he will knock on the door lightly.. and wait for them to respond.
Aldhranhald waits patiently leaning on his staff with a bit of weariness setting in from their travels and excitement.
As Tangar walks up to the door, he notices it is very quiet in the house, but he can hear the voices of a man and woman in conversation, though it is too low to make anything out.
When Tangar knocks on the door there is sudden complete silence in the house.
After about 30 seconds the door cracks open just barely enough to peek through and you hear the young Davon, "Who is it and what seek you at these late hours?"
Boudacia has reverted to human form and has been using dancing lights to provide illumination for the party. Upon hearing Davon she responds with "Davon, it is Boudacia and the group of adventurers who were here recently. We are hoping to find shelter for the night."
Upon hearing Boudacia, Davon goes ahead and opens the door wide. He stares in almost a state of shock at the north man in front of him covered in so much blood. He just continues staring, unable to make himself say anything. But his mother steps over and steps on out of the house.
"Well! I see you have met with something other than the old dried up skeletons! I'm sure you must have an interesting story or two to tell, but it is late for us as we rise with the sun. I have no room for you in our small house, it is already overflowing as it is, I'm sorry. If you have some bedrolls or tents or such your certainly welcome to make camp in our yard if you wish? But beware of the goat and chicken droppings! I am sorry that I can offer no better to you! If I at least had a barn I would gladly let you use it, but we can not afford such luxuries. You are of course welcome to use our well as well to drink and ... she looks directly at Tangar as she says this, clean up some maybe? Preferably before the little ones see you please? And ... I have not much to offer in the way of food, but if it is necessary I could provide you some eggs that I was planning to sell at market?"
It is clear from the look on her face that she doesn't really want to give you the eggs, but she does not wish to offend you either.
Boudacia is embarrassed when the blood covered Tangar causes a reaction she failed to anticipate. In reply to Mrs Stonde she says:-
"We will be fine camping in the yard, thank you kindly. And please excuse our barbarian, we were assailed by goblins and worgs in the woods. Perhaps we can buy some of your eggs in the morning. We have some loot from the spire, so are well able to pay for our food. Sorry to disturb you, we won't keep you up. We can talk in the morning when we are all refreshed and... less blood covered."
When setting up camp and discovering Tamlara lacks a bedroll, Boudacia says:-
"You can borrow mine if you like. I can sleep as a bat, so don't really need one."
Aldhranhald thanks Mrs. Stonde kindly and agrees with Boudacia that they could certainly purchase some of the eggs themselves in the morning. Then, as he's rolling out his bedroll in as dropping free a place as he can find says, "I have magic that can keep someone awake all night so they can watch for dangers, yet, in the morning they will feel just as if they had rested for a full night, with no adverse effects. I could cast it on someone else if they want to volunteer, or on myself if you'd like, but I think it would be better to cast it on someone with darkvision." As he talks he pulls one of his books out of his backpack.
Having finally regained her composure after Tangar's flirting(?), Tamlara will respond to Boudacia's offer. "Thank you, but I have a blanket, which I believe will do me just as well as a bedroll. However, Aldranhald speaks sense. Someone who can see in the darkness should keep watch tonight. I will take that task, and that spell, Aldranhald. The rest of you should get some sleep." She does not mention bathing again, though neither does she avoid Tangar's gaze.
In the early hours just before dawn, Tamlara does hear some wolves in the distance, but she is easily able to tell they are not heading in your direction and they go out of range of her hearing. Everybody awakens feeling refreshed, but famished! Some eggs for breakfast sound like a really good idea!
Waking refreshed, Aldhranhald pulls his Unbinding the Fetters from his pack, and peruses some of the passages, while praying for Irori's blessing of divine magic for the day. That completed he walks to Tamlara and places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for keeping watch Tamlara. Are you feeling okay? Some people have told me they felt a little funny after staying up all night, but not feeling tired. I've done it myself a few times, and it is a bit strange to have been awake all night but still feel completely rested. Probably less disturbing for Elves, we seem to have a heartiness where sleep is concerned. I've never cast it on a Dhampir before. If you are feeling a bit... off, I've found a nice cup of hot tea usually helps with that feeling. Perhaps the Stonde family has some tea available? We should purchase some eggs from them to break our fast anyway."
Boudacia awakes and makes her way to the door of the house, listening to see if the Stondes are awake. If they are she will see about the purchase of some eggs and tea if it is available.
Lady Illiana and Davon rise with the sun. They are definitely awake. The smaller children wake up whenever they do, or when Iliana calls out that breakfast is ready.
When Boudacia knocks on the door and inquires as to buying some eggs and the possibility of tea, Davon brightens immediately! "What a concept! People coming to me to buy my eggs instead of me having to take them all the way into town! I like this! Certainly, I have 21 eggs currently available. I usually sell them at 2 coppers for 3 eggs. How many would you like?"
"And as far as tea, well, I do have some leaves that we grow in the garden that we use for tea. It may not be quite as nice as some of what gets served in town, but it certainly is cheaper for us! And I'll be glad to give you some of those leaves, no charge for my friends."
After you conclude your transaction with him, as he is walking back into the house you hear him muttering to himself, "Now, what could I do to encourage people to come to me to buy the eggs instead of me having to travel into town every time?"
"Fifteen eggs sounds great Davon. Providing a safe place to camp on the way back from the Spire may result in return trade from us, but I think you will still need to sell most of your eggs at market. Thank you young man." Boudacia hands Davon a silver piece and returns to the group looking to get breakfast cooking. "Do we have a skilled cook?" she asks hopefully.
@ Aldranhald:
"So far I feel fine, thank you, Aldranhald. Though tea does sound nice."
When Boudacia asks about a cook, Tamlara says, "I don't know about skilled, but I've seen Kagnin do it before. I can give it a try. Does anyone have a pot? Or two?"
Tamlara manages to make some eggs that are fairly decent along with some tea as well.
As you're all gathered around sharing this breakfast, Alex asks, "So, does anyone have any suggestion as to who we should see about trying to get this communal dark-vision or what ever?"
"Perhaps we could approach High Mother Sarise Dremagne first then Aberard Roost. They should be able to provide what we need if so inclined. The High Mother is backed by a large organisation, so might be the first to approach. If that does not work, we can try the High Commander. She is less approachable, but can certainly give us what we require if so inclined. What do you think?"
"I'm thinking that Lord Abernard Royst - I think that's who you were referring to? Roost? Heh, heh. Funny. Maybe all the chickens 'roosting' in the yard got into your head huh? Anyways, I'm thinking he seemed to have plenty of easy access to magic and we already have a little something of a map to present to him right? Maybe? Not to mention that he wasn't hurting financially speaking."
"It is Abernard Royst as you say Alex. It wasn't the chickens, I was distracted by the excellent eggs. Thank you Tamlara. Very well, we can start with Lord Royst unless anyone objects. And it seems time to pack up and be on our way."
"I'm glad I managed to do the eggs justice, I had never really tried before. But I do agree, we should head out to see Lord Royst at once." Tamlara begins straightening the 'campsite' in preparation to leave. She doesn't want to leave the Stonde yard disheveled when the group heads to town.
Taking the time to wipe his mouth with dainty etiquette, Aldhranhald agrees with everyone else. "Yes, Lord Royst seems our best option. He wants a detailed map with notes for all of the spire. We can't do that if we can only see things in little five foot increments. That reminds me." Aldhranhald fishes through his pack and pulls out his paper, ink, and quill and jots down some more of the things they encountered.
Everybody packs up their things and cleans up the 'camping ground' so as not to leave the Stonde's yard in any more of a mess than it's natural state, and the group starts heading off towards town. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get to town. You get through the 'Juliver' gate with no problems once you show your license to 'adventure'. During this whole trek the party is talking and coming to a decision as to who should be the best person to talk to Lord Royst or whether you all want to 'play it by ear' and let everyone chime in as they think appropriate.
"Lord Royst, we have been to the Spire and encountered a serious problem. When we entered the Spire we found that the whole construction, or at least the level we entered on, was enveloped in magical darkness. I would be grateful if you could inform us if this was the case when you adventured there. We were able to light our way to a degree with dancing lights. But we can only see in the immediate area lit. As most of us cannot see in total darkness, it is just too dangerous to try to try to adventure there.
So we ask if it would it be possible for you to provide us with some means of piercing the darkness. A scroll would be sufficient if it is only the first level.
We would much rather have returned with a map for you and ideally with the skymetal statue you seek. Hopefully we will have more next time we return from the emerald Spire."
"Aaah yes! I'd quite forgotten about that magical darkness. I can see where that would be a problem. It is only on the first level as I recall, though the none of the levels were by any means 'bright' from what I remember, though it has been many years since I was in there. Who knows what might have changed. ... Let me check, I believe I do have a scroll with communal Dark-vision available. ... Yes, here it is! Now this was prepared at a little higher level, let's see, there are 3 of you that need the dark vision correct? So this should give you two hours each, but just in case I'll provide you with another scroll of the same. Now, of course those aren't cheap! I'm trusting that you all will be able to handle yourselves and get some loot or at least make some decent maps so that you can pay me back! I'm extending a good bit of 'credit' here for you all. Of course if you don't use the second scroll, you can always return it to me. Is there anything else at this time?"
"That is most generous of you Lord Royst." Aldhranhald says and offers his best sweeping court bow. "Please trust that we will do our absolute best to return with, not only, treasure of an equal or greater kind, but with information and maps to our best capabilities. We are, as ever, in your debt. If there is nothing else you require at this time, we apologize for disturbing you, and will take our leave."
"Thank you kindly Lord Royst."
During the night Tangar had decided washing was a good idea, he stripped to the waist and threw water all over himself, rubbing at the tough spots. He did think to ask Tamlara to help, but decided he wouldn't bring the red glow to her face again.
When he lay down to sleep he set out his bedroll and leaned back on his pack, his armor on top of his furs to dry after he has rubbed at it with some water, and used some oil to keep it from wear and tear. If she notices, she'll see that he keeps his eyes on her until he finally falls asleep a good few minutes after getting settled in. He sleeps bare chested and half out of his bedroll, a slight smile pulling at his lips..
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In the morning he is still quiet, and all watch as he walks some distance away while Tamlara is fixing those eggs.. they can all understand why he walks away from them all, as in the distance, they can hear him in what might be thought of as practice. The north-man is going through some motions with his axe and shield, and there might be a tree that is being looked at as the creature of choice..
once he comes back he is covered in a slight sheen of sweat and he again uses the well to dump a couple of buckets of water on himself and over his head.. he shake dries his long platinum hair ans then uses his hands to bring it to a tail in the back and he uses leather to tie it back.. He does compliment Tamlara on her cooking skills as this is much tastier than trail rations.
_______________________
Once in town he goes along with the Royst idea, it makes the most sense, as he is their best patron.. and might just take the payment out of their payment for the maps.. who knows..
Tamlara doesn't notice the barbarians eyes on her that night. She's too busy keeping watch. In the morning, however, she does notice his 'exercises', wondering why he would want to get all sweaty & smelly right before asking a Lord for help. Oh, well. <sigh> Men. At least he seemed to like the eggs. She stays out of the conversation at Lord Royst's house, seeing as she's not much of a negotiator, and has no need of this scroll anyway. She spends her time looking around at all the interesting stuff Lord Royst has in his home.