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The crow rolls his eyes,
The old lady calls back in a creaky angry voice "Hump, who made you ruler? I didn't vote for you! Just because you killed the Staglord, what makes you think you can just come in here and build a town in my swamp with out my say so?"
Sunset looks from Asta to 'Beldame' and back shifting her stance slightly, hooking her thumbs into her belt, to settle in and wait developments.
She glances down and seems to think about something for a small moment...
Seraph's smile was warm, despite the surly old hags comments, she was completely at ease as she stepped forward and giving a sweeping bow as she introduced herself. "Greetings, I am Seraph, loyal retainer of Witch Queen Blackheart and to answer you simply. The right was gained by the Freedoms. 'You have what you hold.' By this we have asserted our right to exist until the day we fall. However the kingdom this council is building together is one where opportunity abounds and a place where one's such as us will not be so quickly judged by the standards of the civilized races. Many races have and will be brought together under her banner given time. Though I hope you can see the good in this endeavor Madam Beldame, so please hear out milady Asta." Given her outsider heritage she was hopeful the Beldame would get the gist of her subtle words.
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"Everyone, please let us be calm..." After calling for everyone to hopefully settle, and realizing her mistake, she back-peddled and regarded Doran with far softer eyes. "Forgive my quick tongue before and I failed to remember that Doran is far less experienced with our time here. As was I once. He is also in what could become a rather thankless position if we continue to sling mud back and forth like this. I trust in Doran's battle experience, for the 'Wound is not to be taken lightly, and though we may disagree I like the fact he has the guts to say What if which makes I for one think about countermeasures. Now..."
Regarding Doran and sitting back down in her chair she answered his questions in a way she hoped that satisfied him. However she gave him a bit of insight before she started. "I am cursed. So please understand Master Doran, I hold to my oaths absolutely or I am punished severely for breaking my word. It is the source of my abilities as well, so Asta's will, my oaths, the Freedoms and the our Law are paramount to me." A true double edged sword but piercing my heart at the same time.
Refocusing she answered his first question about the upkeep of the military. "Maintaining the Army? Through taxation. Anyone who travels through our lands has the potential to buys our goods or other services and through taxes we will remain strong without violating oaths or freedoms in the process. It is why I pressed for the Bathes, the inn and similar services. These are services people will use so taxation will work." Seraph grimaced at the thought of her curse crushing her if she did violate the promises made. "Our growing farmsteads will keep the army fed as well with little issue so long as we do not bloat our military, but this threat the trolls pose is too great to not have active troops to deter them from attacking our citizens while we are exploring."
At the thought of betrayal she leans back a frown forming on her face momentarily. "Normally I would be inclined to agree with you. The saying It is a matter of time weighs heavily on my mind. However the Sootscale tribe have a history with Asta and Torod, one that involves a heavy debt. Of which they have been paying for amicably with our treaty. They even stood with us in the face of the troll threat. So they are an ally I can easily accept." She says the last part determinedly before exhaling lightly and releasing the tension between her shoulders. Our troops can't beat the trolls on their own but we have to deter a strike at home. Even if it just a show of strength..
She stands then nodding to each council member as the council convened. Though she looked to Doran still as she spoke. "If you wish to speak more Master Doran, then feel free to seek me out at anytime." She continues smiling then, firm in her belief she could take whatever was dished out. Especially now that sleep wasn't so hard to come buy due to the ring. "So feel free to hit me hard."
At his silence she frowned slightly before stepping up and embracing the solidly built solider of Iomedae tightly. Her tail even gripping his ankle before she gently released him. Her holy symbol danced on its chain, seemingly possessing a mind of its own. "I meant what I said before, you can seek me out. Anytime. I don't mind sharing my nights with someone if it ease their mind or my morning meditation. Even a good soak is great for the body." Nodding to the shield. "I was merely eyeing your measurements when I affixed the handles and strap. If you need it adjusted, let me know."
After completing the shield for Doran and finally having some free time Seraph used it to promote happiness among the citizens. She used the time to spread a little of Arshea's liberating influence so as not to be distracting but to allow the more overburdened citizens some form of release at the end of their long work days. She sent word to those at the Bathhouse that for the next few days those that she referred be allowed to use the Bathhouse for free on their first visit. A free promotion was always a sure sell, especially for those who belief held more to coin then gods. She even so much as sent invitations to her fellow council members of the free service provided at the Bathhouse, seeing as she wasn't about to exclude her comrades after all.
With the Bathhouse being their center of worship made it a little easier to provide needed services and hopefully build positive momentum.
From there she visits the Innkeeper and offer's to wait tables, make drinks and clean around the Inn for the day. All the while mingling casually with the inn's customers and even the Innkeeper, where she suggest the bathhouse to those who appear they would be interested. Telling those who were interested to let the bathhouse staff know she referred them for a free visit. For the Innkeeper though she gives a special gift, an entire week of free use of the bathhouse and any services she wished so that she could let go of stress when she found time. The reason for this was because she had respect for the woman's ambition and felt she needed to be rewarded for it from time to time, to reinforce a positive attitude. The service was paid for by Seraph herself seeing as the bathhouse staff had to be paid as well. To see the Innkeeper relax some Seraph even so much as offers to run the Inn at night so the woman can take some personal time for nighttime relaxation and cleanliness. Lacking the need for sleep was a bonus she gladly abused to make progress towards her goals.
The rest of the week she bounced between her duties to Asta, the training yard, the inn and the Bathhouse where she spent time there mingling with her fellow worshippers and the citizens that frequented the baths. If the Innkeeper was one such patron she offers up her services to make the visit that much more enjoyable.
While working at the bathhouse, and everywhere else for that matter, she uses her abundant healing skills to relieve pain and injuries while relying more on the bathhouse to relieve fatigue. She also spread the idea among visitors about the possibility a full time priest at the bathhouse, somewhere locally people could go to get aid if needed. Again, subtly influencing popular opinion with their movement before criticism or skepticism could take root. If opinion was positive on the idea of a full time priest she would look into funding the service herself.
At the end of the week, before departing on another expedition, she contemplated Arshea's place in their kingdom. Hoping that her altruistic actions would bring happiness to the heart of their people. Casual worship is enough and she is lenient enough that we don't have to be overzealous. Which would muddy what we are trying to accomplish. The thought gave her strength prior to her journey with Torod once more.
Justinian does not respond to Seraph. His newness to the kingdom was put to point once again. He knew now better than to express an opinion so soon.
Justinian stiffens at Seraph's embrace. People who accept the embrace of those who look like her often end up dead. Not that he thought any such thing of her, it's just...well...old habits die hard.
Again, the Council was missing a key point here. '...we don't rule these lands specifically...we haven't even explored this swamp let alone claimed it for Stagland...' But he said nothing. Clearly the strange old woman didn't want visitors, and another voice would just aggravate her.
"What great bonds you are making." Torod says not so under his breath toward Asta.
He calls out, "Beldame, I am Torod. I am walking the land that I have made my home and have vowed to protect. I am meeting my neighbors, wishing them well, and hoping to leave as friends. I do not seek to rule over you, but to live beside you. Please come out or invite us in so that I do not lose my voice yelling at your door."
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Sunset watches for developments.
Seraph steps forward introducing herself answering some of Beldame’s questions, and reassuring her that the kingdom is built on diversity of its people. Indeed the honey words of Seraph seem to sooth Beldame’s disposition, ”Well you don’t say, might be an improvement over the Staglord, but if you don’t mind I’ll wait and see how it works out for you lot, before making any judgment.”
At the Hut, Justinian holds his tongue despite feeling there is something to say. He feels the old woman has gone to great lengths to be left alone, but she is no longer hostile towards the group thanks to Seraph’s way with words.
Still at the gate, Torod calls out introducing himself as one who wishes to protect the land and treat neighbors and friends. Beldame is quite a moment before calling back in a more hospitable voice ”Since you have made journey all they way out here, I guess it would be neighborly of me to invite you in for a chat. Come on up, and mind you wipe your feet before entering, I just swept.”
If you accept her invitation, as you walk to the hut the scarcrow’s pumpkin head turns to follow your progress but makes no other movements. Upon entering the hut you find it is a simple, one-roomed affair; about 20 feet in diameter with a dirt floor and thatched roof. The rafters are hung with dried herbs and swamp-weeds, a bubbling cauldron hangs over a firepit in the center of the room.
Old Beldame offers seems to have become friendly, offering you tea as you chat ”So what can I do for you today? Are you looking to have item’s crafted or are you looking for a quest, or just information?”
"Tea? Wonderful. What's your blend?" Torod takes in the aroma before he drinks the tea.
"Information would be welcome. As we have said, we are building a kingdom and are out here exploring the land and trying to make allies of those who live in it."
At Torod's eloquent words to Beldame even Sunset turns her gaze to regard the ranger with respect.
Once in side Sunset politely removes her hat, tucking her smoke-tinted glasses into a vest pouch as she finds a place to settle in. She nods politely to Beldame by way of greeting as she does so.
With talk turning to tea and niceties Sunset adjusts her position to possibly be closer to any window or door as she takes out one of the rolled leaf items she seems to enjoy lighting on fire and 'smoking'.
Sunset's gaze brightens with interest at Beldame's offer of item creation but she holds her tongue until approached properly/civilly. She does accept the offer of tea.
At Torods well spoken speech leaves Seraph smiling as she responds to the Beldame. She took a note on how to introduce themselves next time, especially since they were explorers and not conquerors. "I can respect that Madam Beldame." Seraph nods respectfully at the older woman's choice. More then pleased to have a far friendlier chat then before.
Not wishing to overwhelm the small hut Seraph waits outside and gladly accepts the tea. Even though she had no need for it, it was good courtesy to be grateful to their host. "Thank you for the tea."
Unless summoned she remains beside the doorway, watching the scarecrow which was watching them with an amused smile on her face. "Interesting guardian..."
Justinian wonders if he's heard anything about an old swamp witch in this area. 'Beldame' certainly looks old enough to have left some story in the people's minds.
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Beldame talks as she makes and pours the tea, ”It a Chamomile blend that I harvest locally.” She takes a sip from her cup after pouring several from an well used teapot.
Justinian tries to recall what he may have heard about Old Beldame.
He recalls hearing something about a powerful arcane crone named Elga Verniex who sometimes went by Beldame disappearing into the greenbelt.
Most of the denizens of the greenbelt know a story about an old woman thought to be a hag. They call her the Swamp Witch. In the stories she shold her soul to a demon or devil for malign powers. Whenever a child goes missing, it isn’t long before someone blames the Swamp Witch. Her tale is used to scare small children into behaving well or finishing their supers.
As you chat and sip tea with Old Beldame, you find her to be knowledgeable thought crotchety and ill-tempered old woman. Beldame mentions ”There is a Mad hermit in the Narlmarches to the west. South of here the Island of Candlemere is infested with will-o-wisps, and to the west of that is a village of lizardfolk. Out towards the east there is a Lonely Barrow that has an ancient undead guarding it.”
"Most excellent," Asta says after sampling the tea, and she gives Beldame a smile.
"So. You are a spellcaster? Now, I know you said you want to wait and see how we do before committing yourself one way or the other" -- Asta smiles again, as disarmingly as she can -- "but this is just something for you to consider: I'm forming a Circle up at the capitol.
Training up apprentices. Gathering lore. The usual. But, and this is the important thing, it's all under the care and protection of the government because we are the government. There are opportunities there, and none of them include being driven out into the wild or being tied to a stake and being set on fire because people are afraid of magic.
And even if you're not interested in being a part of the job of keeping this land safe, magically speaking, it's a chance to pass on your knowledge to keen young apprentices -- to build a legacy."
Seraph makes notes in her head as the Beldame spoke. To gain her aid outside of magic creation would be a boon for the kingdom. Something she could dedicate herself to outside exploring.
Aside from 'The Barrow' the other directions were very useful. However a item creator was a great boon too, especially as Seraph had plans for items she was interested in researching.
"You are very well informed indeed. We've already visited the barrow. We put the undead king back to rest and I got this sword." Torod proudly displays the scimitar. "Sounds like we'll want to head west real soon. Can you tell us more of the hermit and the lizard folk?"
Sunset contin8ues to sit and listen to the conversation only occasionally sipping at her 'tea', though she seems to find far more pleasure in the smoking of her rolled leaf item.
Her gaze slowly ambles around the room, its occupants and it's accoutrements.
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Beldame nods, "Nice scimitar, I'm not sure I could make better. Good that someone put that restless soul to rest. As for the mad hermit he is a crazy one, hears voice in his head and kills unwary travelers. He has a brother Bokken up north. The lizardfolk are known to attack anyone who enters their territory and eat the bodies of any they slay. It seems they worship spirits of lizardfolk heroes. Both are best avoided."
"This hermit must be dealt with. Murdering travelers is a heinous crime." Justinian says from where he stands by the door. "The lizardfolk as well. We need to make sure trade can flow up from that part of the lake."
Sunset continues to sit, rest and enjoy the social environment. Puffing slowly on her burning leaf roll. Sipping tea.
"We should deal with the hermit, certainly," Asta says. "But if he is merely a man touched in the head, I am loath to kill him out of hand. As for the Lizardfolk, we need more information. If they can be dissuaded from killing strangers, we should make the attempt."
She nods to Justinian. "I am not discounting the possibility that we may be forced to deal with them in a decisive fashion. I would just prefer not to slaughter them out of hand if an alternative might be found. These are mortals, people, fellow living beings. I believe we should act with some forbearance, at least.
How say the rest of you?"
Justinian cuts off any reply from the others before it can be spoken.
"I'm sure the victims of the mad hermit would be glad you showed him the mercy the he denied them." Justinian says acidly. "Those who were merely guilty of trespassing on the lizardfolk's land were mortals and fellow living beings as well, Asta. What justice was given them? They did not even receive the barest decency of a proper burial."
Justinian looks around at the members of the Council present. The anger and frustration he feels is evident on his face. "Justice." He taps on the symbol around his neck. "I am a representative of the Lady of Justice. The followers of Iomedae do not turn from a task because it may difficult or unpleasant. Justice may be served fairly and equitably, and sometimes that means at the end of a blade. You will not pacify these lands by merely wishing it to be so."
He turns and leaves the hut, shutting the door behind him. He pulls his copy of the The Six Acts from his saddlebag and sits under the oak tree. The old ragged copy has served him well in the past when he was frustrated, and - he hopes - it will do so again.
"He is, of course, not wrong," Asta calmly admits -- and sips her tea.
Torod takes his tea calmly as Justinian vents his anger. When he storms out, Torod says to Asta. "You know I agree with him." He then gets up and goes to the door. "But as always, I will abide by the consensus or your command." With that Torod goes out the door.
by the time Torod walks up to Justinian, Strawberry has already joined the reading Iomedean. "I agree with you. You made a strong argument for justice. Asta even agreed with you. What I wonder is do you only espouse only justice or do you also preach of valor and good rulership? You see, Asta means well. I firmly believe that she has a good heart. What I think she needs is someone to advise her. Someone that will keep her from getting our fledgling nation embroiled in a fight with a foe that we know nothing of." Torod starts to move away, back to the hut (though he will wait for a response), but stops after a few steps to add. "Justinian, it must be difficult for you. Being here, in this land, in this situation, after having spent so much time battling the worst beings that that cosmos has birthed. Take your time, friend. You will adjust."
Strawberry is outside stalking the raven and other creatures. She sees Justinian come out and feels the frustration coming off of him in waves. He has barely sat down under the tree when she comes up to him. The celestially infused feline walks around him twice before laying down next to him, offering him warmth and support and quiet companionship.... until she starts purring.
At the curt attitude Seraph steps into the doorway, wordlessly staring back at Justinian as he speaks his piece. Though she disapproved of such talk she didn't intervene. Seeing as Justinian wasn't to be argued with. She lets him step past as she bows her head to Asta and the others inside the room. Apologetic for such talk in front of the Beldame, who they barely knew.
She fiddles with her holy symbol, rubbing the surface with her thumb as she considers her thoughts carefully. "Pardon me milady, but Bokken should be reached out to in regards to his mad brother. As for the Lizardfolk, that isn't something needing to be discussed in front of Madam Beldame. Pardon me if I offended you Madam."
The way Justice was used catches her off guard, as they had no real clue about the situation though to use it so loosely to justify action against an entire race. Especially one they have had no dealings with, which left her feeling cold. She sighs as she shakes her head. She steps back out if no one seems to need her presence further, taking her place outside the door again and obviously wary of entering the conversation for fear of it escalating further.
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Justinian declared the lizardfolk and hermit must be dealt with.
Sunset sip tea and smoke
Asta is oath to kill the hermit out of hand and wants more info on the lizardfolk
Justinian makes a case for seeking justice and reminds the council that his deity is a god of justice before stepping out.
Asta admits Justinian is not wrong
Torod agrees with Justinian, but abides by the consensus. He steps out to chat with Justianian.
Seraph suggest taking with Bokken about his mad brother, and apologies to Madam Beldame.
Finishing her tea, Beldame stands, ”If your goal is to civilize this land than they and more will have to be dealt with before done. I’m not sure what you expect from Bokken, or if he even remembers he has a brother at times. As for the lizardfolk they follow a different culture, meat is food to them it doesn't matter where it comes from. People usually don’t like having neighbors that will eat them. Well look at the time, I’m sure you must have things to do. Next time you're in the area just ring the bell at the gate, I may answer or not. Also, If you happen to find yourself on the south side of the Tuskwater lake, there is a dangerous Mud Bowl place where Black Rattlecaps grow. I use it to brew a potent tea, but the mushrooms are very rare. I’ll pay a 100 gps for everyone black Rattlecap you can bring me.”
With that you find yourself shooed out of the hut and back in the swamp, feeling that you have successfully explored and pacified any dangers in the area. It’s also getting dark soon, but you have time to return to the River Queen which is still moored where you left it.
Sunset stands and first helps Beldame a little in putting the teas stuff back in place then says,
"I'll be sendin' word t'ye later about things t'will be handy to have a second crafter workin' on. Look forwards ta' doin' buisness with ye self, Lass." She says to Beldame before, with a nod and thanks, heads out with every one else, placing her glasses and hat back on her head. Once a small ways away from the hut Sunset calls,
Oiy! Justinian! There's be words I'd like ta' speakin' with y'self about things. T'were tha' courtesy of yon lass' cabin whut stayed me a'fore. Maybe come t' an understandin' about stuff." She calls though looks around at the gathering sky,
"Though, t'is late an' perchance folks be wantin' ta' get back ta' safer digs of tha' boat than stand around lolly-gaggin', hey? Whut say ye?" Sunset asks, though with a waive of her arm indicates all are included in the call for council.
Seraph had nothing more to add with the Beldame, instead thanking her for the tea before leaving the hut as bidden.
Outside she stayed close to Asta, her mind exploring what she knew of the Lizardfolk. Though the blatant disrespect and curt attitude being given to her Queen as of late was starting to mount in the flaring of her scales. Seraph's tail was low and completely still as she held herself in check though just barely. Clearly, oath's are only a convenience. As is Justice. That thought was disturbing to her.
Once they had stepped out of the Beldames yard she looked to Asta then, regardless of other opinion, her face. "I will try and recall what I know about the Lizardfolk. How do you want to deal with the Hermit?" She puts her holy symbol away then, tucking it inside her white shirt. The broken chain on her locked neck collar swayed slghtly with her movements.
"Thank you for your hospitality. I'd like to make a gift to you of some tea." Torod pulls out some tea leaves. "I don't know if you'll like it. Its part of what little I have left from when I first arrived in this land. I'm still working on a blend from here. So far, my efforts pale by yours."
As they return to the boat, Torod stays quietly close by Justinian.
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Seraph doesn't know about these particular Lizardfolk, but generally they live in swampy areas with access to rivers. She has heard the roomer that the local lizardfolk eat people, but she knows that this is true of all lizardfolk that although they do devour other intelligent creatures, this is a practical habit rather than a ritualistic custom or a craving due to a racial trait. “Meat is meat,” the lizardfolk say, and life in the swamp is too harsh to forego a perfectly good source of food because of some “civilized” taboo against the consumption of thinking creatures. Also, she would know that Lizardfolk are medium size 6 to 7 feet tall and weight about 200 to 250 pounds.
Old Beldame accepts Torod's gift, but her patient for visitors see to be limited.
Once everyone is back on board the RiverQueen, a night watch is set, but nothing challenges them. In the early dawn of the second day the Captain takes the RiverQueen across the lake to the southeast shore (hex I9) a short trip of a little over an hour. Assuming that is still the plan.
As normal Torod leads the group through the unfamiliar territory with Strawberry ranging out further to help keep the group safe and well fed.
UNsure whether some would listen Seraph shares what she knows of the Lizardfolk, sparring no details, with Asta. "... if we encounter them I can do as I did with Kressel and search their soul for ill intent."
The day fades to night and Seraph spends the entire night until the wee hours of morning patrolling the ship. Staying close to where Asta and her companions are bunked for the night, her massive sword drawn and ready all night. Once Asta and the others were awake Seraph finally sits back leaned against a corner wall and sleeps only a couple of hours before rising again. Refreshed and ready to trek on.
As Seraph tells what she knows of Lizard folk and their habits Sunset nods intently.
"So... they's a practical kind'a folk, then?" Are Sunset's comments on their reported behavior.
"Indeed, thank you for your hospitality," Asta tells Beldame, bowing her head to the elder spellcaster. "And, if you do not object to it, I would like to suggest to the Council at our next official convening that this swamp area be registered as your private demesne. That way, even when people start to expand this way, you should be left in place."
The Witch winks at Beldame before departing the hut and joining the others on the voyage to the River Queen.
Asta makes a point of seeking out Justinian.
"A moment of your time, good priest?" she asks.
Unless rebuffed, she says a few words: "I do appreciate your counsel and your vigilance. Your perspective is appreciated, even if it may not always seem so. Please rest assured that if we face evils which cannot be tempered or reformed, I shall stand beside you all in combat, and that I will stand strong between it and the people we serve -- for a proper rules serves at least as much as she leads. In return, I only ask for your patience when I try to find other ways to resolve conflict."
Asta listens to Seraph's information on Lizardfolk and purses her lips in thought.
"Hm. So unless we could provide them with a steadier food source, they would have no reason to make permanent peace with us, save through subjugating them thoroughly. And enslaving a people would turn all the River Kingdoms against us, which is .... undesirable. Not to mention the fact that we do not know that these Lizardfolk have anything to offer that is worth trading for food. I would like to suggest we map out the area, and if we find them, mark it as dangerous for now and perhaps perform some long-term espionage through the creatures of the air. Speaking of which....?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it," Croft croaks.
The raven lifts off from Asta's shoulder and launches into the sky. He will perform high-altitude aerial reconnaissance, performing wide circles around and above the group, and return if he finds anything of interest. In essence, he is serving as an early warning of approaching danger.
Without hesitating she draws her bow and signals the others as to the creatures presence, raising her open hand upward and palm forward. Hopefully when the others had stopped she tries to analyze what they were looking at...
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If Seraph is at all stumped, Asta edges forward and offers her assistance.
Seraph tries to conceal her presence despite the jangling of her Kikko Armor, discussing quietly with the others as to what they were looking at and openly welcoming other opinions.
Stepping closer a ways to the group Sunset opines quietly,
"Well.... t'is sure enough a big an' feirce-um lookin' critter. Just how 'Dragon' like be it, though? "
At Seraph's actions Sunset too draws her softly crackling alchemical weapon.
Stealth
Torod readies his bow. He doesn't try to get closer. As quietly as he can, Torod casts Magic Fang on Strawberry then Gravity Bow on his own weapon.
Strawberry Stealth +4 in undergrowth
Strawberry knows a predator when she senses one. By instinct she hunkers down to be less noticeable. She patient, waiting for either Torod or the predator to attack.
Asta mutters a spell under her breath, and a field of protective energy surrounds both her and Croft.
Hearing the others casting quietly, Seraph decides to gird herself with Arshea's protective hand and strengthen herself with her divine favor. She tried to cast quietly like the others...
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Drawing her bow Seraph recognizes the creature as a Manticore, a magical beast that flies and has nasty tail spikes it can fling at foes. It is an intelligent creature that finds human flesh to be a prefered delicacy.
Seraph, Sunset, Torod, Strawberry, and Asta attempt to be quiet so not to alert the creature.
Torod casts the spells.
"It is a manticore, can fly and throw tail spikes. It also prefers human flesh. A direct threat to our farmers..."
As Torod continueespecially casting, so does Seraph, starting with her shield of faith, followed by divine favor.
She was prepared to lay down her life for the Kingdom, always and especially when threatened by such a wicked creature.
Justinian is absent-mindedly scratching Strawberry behind the ears when Torod comes out. He puts down the Six Acts to listen to the hunter speak. "Adjust?" he says, standing up. "I'm beginning to think that I won't." Justinian sighs. "I've advised Asta on more than one occasion, Torod. Each time my advice has been slapped back in my face. I had really hoped that things would be different here..." This last is said more to the open air than Torod. Justinian smiles at the half elf. "You can't understand, of course. One of the things that plague the crusades is the in-fighting among the crusaders themselves. Cults infiltrate the ranks, and witch-hunts abound. Fear and mistrust hamstring the efforts of those like myself who would focus on the problem at hand."
Justinian sees the others beginning to exit the hut. "You see, Torod, when the problem is set clearly before you, you do not hesitate; you strike. Kobolds? Mites? A murdering hermit? I don't see that it can be any clearer."
"Whenever you wish."
"How many will suffer before we decide that we can't resolve our problem by anything other than conflict? Evil is as evil does, that doesn't change because we have hopes and dreams. I will be patient, until the time to be patient is past."
"I wonder..." Justinian whispers to the others, "what this creature has done to earn such a violent response. As far as I can see, it's just sunning itself here..." He leaves the obvious point of a double-standard hanging in the air. But he draws his sword and readies his shield.
"The Lizardfolk confine themselves to their swamp," Asta whispers back, her tone serious. "Manticores are limited only by how far their wings can carry them, and they think human flesh is a delicacy. Get me a cub to rear or spells to bind an adult's mind and I might try it if you wish, good priest. But this one is unfortunately out of luck. We are fortunate to have found it before it found out about the settlers."
Instead of casting Mage armour, Asta reaches out and casts Umbral weapon on Seraph's blade - before she can rush out to distract the manticore.
The noble Paladin's blade goes from argent to roiling purple and black, shadows trailing after it whenever it moves....