"Happy to have you along, Sassithorn. Marvin, is that...weapon...of yours more effective up close or at range? If it's effective at range, you should probably stay and cover us. Xor, I appreciate the offer of help, but you're too loud with that scale mail on."
"Acknowledged. This unit will stay behind and provide cover."
Diarmal grabs his bow and quickly strings it. "Sneaking about's not my specialty either. I'll stick back here."
"OK, Sasithorn, let's go. The rest of you should stay close enough to support us, if necessary, but not so close as to make our scouting pointless." With this, Ribat starts sneaking towards the structure.
Day 1, Friday: turn 93
After following the trail for a couple of hours at least, the party moves deeper and deeper into the Moor proper. The trees are thin, but close, with little in the way of leaves, but they drip with vines and moss. The ground is soft, and the trail weaves back and forth.
Occasionally the trail disappears, as when it is obvious the skeletons and zombies took no pause from small streams of brackish water and simply slogged this way and that.
But Ribat is tenacious and even when the trail is momentarily lost, it is quickly discovered again.
The ground seems to slope downward, as the group moves to the west, and the water gathers into wider streams. The trail runs parallel to a dark, slow moving stream for a few hundred yards and then it veers to the north. And just ahead, just past a thicket of trees, there is a raised mound and on that mound is a ruin.
The ruin appears, from a distance, to be three separate structures. Two of the structures are difficult to properly identify, as they are only low walls of stone, with tumbled stones scattered around the base of the walls, but the third ruin is nearly intact, even part of the wooden roof remains. The third structure is a temple, an old Elven Temple by the high pitched roof, and buttressed stone walls with narrow open windows facing the east.
After a quiet discussion, Ribat, Sasithorn, and Xor agree to approach the ruin using the cover of the small bushes and few clumps of trees that stand between the party and the ruin. Diarmal, Marvin, Tess, Nathaniel and Paulina agree to stay hidden and wait for a sign that the way is clear.
Ribat and Sasithorn move in short sprints, from tree to tree, and pause and listen for sounds of danger, and then wave for Xor to follow them.
Watching the ruin there is no sign of anything moving, no sign of any camps or recent fires, and when the three are within fifty feet of the closest ruin, Ribat notices a print in the grass. It is faint, not like the boney foot of an animated corpse. No, the print is of a shoe, a quality boot, and then there is another, but that is all he sees.
Oh Yeah
Xor is the first to spot what looks like a Elven cloak moving among the rocks.
Gideon Illsutra stood under the tattered roof of what appeared to be a temple site. The structure's inner walls had been removed for what seemed like decades ago, and the cieling's roof revealed the sky in three places, shedding rays of sunshine in an otherwise darkened area. Even in the dimlight, Gideon noticed what seemed to be the remnants of a camp.
Stalking forward and ever watchful of dangers, Gideon had hoped that this was another clue of a group of bullywugs that he had been tracking over the past week. Unsure of their numbers, he preferred to have a better understanding of their ranks and activities before applying his blade in the name of Tarclughlin.
To sa zdá byť nebezpečná situácia. Nemôžem nechať svoju stráž nado?!l. Gideon thought to himself.
Even here, they seem to proliferate. How much longer must I wait to rid them of this world?!
Crouching within the shadows, he attempted to manuever himself around the rubble and debris of the ruins, moving towards the camp and keeping his wits about him.
Xor is quick to point out where he is sure he saw something move in the ruins to Ribat and Sasithorn, though the others did not see anything.
The three crouch down behind some bushes, and watch, waiting.
Wot the...You Illsutra's breed lahk rabbits...Bah the way, didya see that cloak movin around ova ther Xor indicates where he saw the movement
- - - -
”They were here...” thought Gideon to himself as he adjusted himself, and slowly motioned towards the end of the temple's ruin. With two other buildings left to scan, a set of towers connected by a rickety wall, he felt that his quarry couldn't have gone too far. Confident that there was no ambush waiting for him, the Highlander Elf slowly steps out from the temple's shade, and moves swiftly towards the tower. However, something caught his eye as he neared the closest tower.
A stout figure of a man, dressed in similar scale mail bearing a wooden shield seemed to be holding his ground.
A dwarf! This far away from his homeland?
Čo trpaslík? Ako je to možné? was Gideon's thoughts as he adjusted his stance and decided to seize up the humanoid.
Thoughts raced within the Highlander's mind. Was he alone? Was he an envoy of the bullywogs? Is this some sort of black magic?”. But before he could ponder them out, Gideon choice the brashest of actions. Ensuring that he wasn't perceived as a fool or perhaps worse, a weakling and coward, he stood upright, and showed the dwarf that he had nothing to fear.
He called out to the dwarf in common.
”You're a long way from home, dwarf. What business do you have in this land!”
Xor will casually start bouncing a rock in his right hand and start chuckling a little.
Xor says loudly hoping to keep the elf's attention on him and make everyone aware of the new arrival.
Gideon smiled at the dwarven warrior that stood before him. While keeping his arms crossed, he offered a small quip while seizing up his opponent.
”Pozrite sa na tento blázon! Kto si myslí, že je?”
Heh, the dwarves! Always known for their self gratification”
It then occurred to the sentinel that the dwarf was merely taunting the elf. As if Gideon would succumb to such a lowly tactic. Adjusting the blade that hung behind his back, he made sure that his new friend would see the size of his weapon.
”And a dwarf among rocks and rubble! While I have no problem letting you sulk among your squalor, a real pity I'm sure, my quarry is near. Either stand out of my way, or I'll add you to my legerdemain!”
From a short distance behind the others, Diarmal and Marvin, with Nathaniel, Tess, and Paulina, can see that Xor appears to be talking to a human sized person.
It is too far away to make out details of this person, who or what they might be, but it appears that it is safe to approach, even though no one has given an all clear signal, yet.
|
Sasithorn steps out from hiding.
"Greetings," he says in Drasbian . "I'd say it might be a good day for some solitary hunting, but something menacing appears to lurk in these woods, hence why our band has been treading softly - or as near to that as is conceivably possible," He says, glancing at Xor, "as we pursue it. You startled us - and our apologies if we've done likewise."
Diarmal draws an arrow and nocks it, though he hesitates to approach any closer - lest the currently-peaceful parley go awry.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Gideon couldn't believe what stood before him. Not only a dwarf, but one that has a strange companion! The creature next to the rock wielding idiot was small with a pallor that rivaled the harvest moon. Even stranger was this creature's proficiency with the Drasbian tongue. It seem to speak as if he had grown among Gideon's people despite not being an Illsutran.
”Ako ste pochopili tento jazyk? Ste zlý?”
”How have you come to speak my tongue with ease? Are you an illusion?”
Despite seeing two folks now, Gideon's ease began to slip as he was unsure of what he faced. Surely, there were mercenary groups who functioned together, but one so strange as this was never a good sign. Choosing action over diplomacy, the Highlander reached for his blade and drew its great length out so that both the Dwarf and his companion could see that Gideon was not to be trifled with.
”I will speak in common so that you can understand, rock dweller, I am Gideon Illsutra, Highlander of Drasbia, and Sentinel of my homeland. Your friend mentions apologies but how do I not know that this is an elaborate ruse?”
The Sentinel knew that the dwarf could be a sizable foe but his strange friend, was another matter. Cloaked in heavy trappings that marked him as a traveler, Gideon didn't know if it was to hide what horrible truths lay inside.
O yeah, we be traipsin through the woods a hopin we can find a treehugger to pull a fast one on Xor says smugly continuing to bounce a baseball sized rock in his hand.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I could have quite the conversation with you on the topic of illusions, but as the Ultimate Truth was so long ago spoken, Dạngnận p̄hm khid ẁā p̄hm,"
"so I assure you I am far more than that myself, and besides, too much further delving into the subject might make your brain hop out of your skull and flee in terror. Since you broach the subject of such puzzles, however, might I point out we are equidistant in the matter: How are WE to know we can take YOU at face value, especially after the events of last night? Have you yet heard of the phenomena at the village of Connie's Bright? In the absence of reason to judge one over the other - and the absence of violence even thus far - can we not find a twilight zone in giving each other the benefit of the doubt? That sword could have made quite a name for itself last night."
"And oh yes: I am Sasithorn Xuwicha Thaang Loom, ambassador of the Unseen Nation of the Wayang, this is Xor, who elevates the casting of stones to a higher art form, and I have no doubt Ribat, Diarmal, Tessrimea, Nathaniel, Paulina, and M.A.R.V.I.N" How Sasithorn manages to enunciate the name's acronymous status is anyone's guess. "Shall be joining us in due time."
Sasithorn's eyes abruptly shift, one widening as the other narrows.
"'Illsutra?'"
"Diarmal, do you by chance know a 'Gideon Illsutra?'"
Despite Sasithorn's approach, Marvin sticks to protocol and remains in position having not been given the signal.
Knowing the reputation of his uncivilized cousins, Ribat remains in hiding. Best to let Diarmal explain it, he thinks.
The voice brushing past his ears caught him off guard, but Diarmal held his bow steady.
Gideon Illsutra...
Another clansman? And Gideon? This far from Drasbia? It seemed impossible... and yet, the evidence was just before him. Slowly - cautiously, for it could be another trick of the shadows - Diarmal lowered his bow. Glancing sidelong at his companions, he gestured for them to stay back. Gods willing, it truly was Gideon, one of the sentinels of the clan. But if it wasn't...
He dared not give such thoughts weight.
Advancing towards the ruin, he called out.
"Hail, kinsman! If you are who you claim to be, lay down your arms. I am Diarmal of your clan, priest of Aisling, and these are my compatriots, not our enemies.
Gideon's ears pricked as he shone his blade brightly, allowing its great length to blind the clothed man and the dwarf. But within that brightness, something captured his attention, an elven voice that rang out like a song he hadn't heard from a long time.
How can it be, another of my kinsmen here??? thought the Sentinel.
Slowly lowering his blade, he scanned the ruins until he saw the source of the Drasbian voice.
By Tarclughlin's magnificent bow!
Storing his blade, he advanced towards the fellow Drasbian.
”You're a long way from home, cher cousin. I have not seen you since the Summer Festival in our youth, when the Sentinels took their pledges, the Priests received their vows, and the Elders reignited the sconce! How truly blessed to see a familiar face among these wilds!”
He said while embracing his relative.
”Diarmal, tell me, how have you come into the relations of these...lesser creatures? Especially the pale one. Is he not evil?”
While the Dwarf and its companion looked upon the elves, Gideon made sure to give them an occasional hard stare to divert their gazes.
Xor rolls his eyes at the sight of the 2 elves hugging If they tain't a huggin trees it's each other...ugh The dwarf visibly relaxes.
Diarmal chuckles at Xor's comment. "Surely you have similar greetings amongst your clansman, no? After all, it's been years since I've seen Gideon!"
Nodding to his cousin with a grin, Diarmal continues in the common tongue. He had nothing to hide from his traveling companions. "I assure you that each of these men is a worthy soul. They have come from all walks of life, far and near, strange and simple, for this moment. It can only be Lady Aisling's doing, cos'. There are truly dark things afoot, evils more pressing than ye could imagine. It would be an honor to count one of the Sentinels among our number."
Gideon's hard state fades as he's relieved that Diarmal was not in the employment of a foul wizard's grasp.
”Indeed, and to have the favor of Aisling's stewards is indeed a blessing!” he said while clapping his cousin's shoulder.
While he had the attention of Diarmal's allies, Gideon eased himself into a friendly demeanor. ”If what my kinsman says is true, then it I see it no other way for me to let dark things and monsters to go unabated. Fear not, for I am a Sentinel of the Illustran Clan!” he said while joining their ranks.
Ribat speaks up from his hiding place: "Ah, Diarmal, given how you and your other cousin reacted to me, perhaps there are some explanations in order before I reveal myself?"
Day 1, Friday: turn 94
Gideon's attention shifted as he saw a bullywog appear from the undergrowth. Shoving his cousin aside, he brandished his greatsword with great haste.
he said while staring at the creature intently.
Well, so much for that idea.
Ribat instinctively responds by casting his net.
Diarmal spun on his heels, trying to catch his cousin before he created an international incident. He grabbed his cousin's shoulder, pulling him back.
Panting for breath as Gideon held his sword high and ready, he prayed that his cos retained enough sense to stay his blade.
"Just look at him, cos'. He is one of our number - and his skills have proven invaluable. Give him a chance to redeem his barbaric cousins."
As I must do for mine, Diarmal thought. Bloodshed could erupt at any moment - and all good men's blood. Aisling would not approve.
"I do apologize, Ribat. As you have no doubt surmised, our people have had a... troubled past with your kin. Please understand that life in the highlands leaves little room for hesitation in the face of danger - particularly for the Sentinels."
"I surmised as much, which is why I responded with my net and not my kukri. Everyone has a troubled past with my kin; I'm kind of used to it at this point. Hesitation is deadly in the forest. I applaud his decisiveness, though I would appreciate it being pointed somewhere else."
Day 1, Friday: turn 94
What is, at first, a rather light hearted, and somewhat pleasant reunion, suddenly becomes an intense confrontation, as the stranger draws his sword hastily, and Ribat covers both elves with a net.
But Ribat pauses, gives Diarmal a chance to explain further, and the small aquatic humanoid drops the rope attached to net from his hand in a show of good faith.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel, who has circled around to the opposite side of Ribat, has overheard the conversation, and he and Paulina wave both their arms in the air toward Marvin, in a signal that they hope is clear that Ma5rvin does not have to use his weapon.
Soon all is made clear and the group shares introductions with Diarmal’s relative.
Gideon shows the group what he has so far discovered, and relates how he had been tracking a small party of Bullywugs who must have camped here the previous night, but have apparently moved on, while, Sasithorn and Ribat, with some help from Xor, and a few confusing and yet somehow corroborating comments made from Marvin, manage to explain that their group was tracking a large band of undead creatures.
It is agreed that the group should spread out and examine the hill in detail, and new things are discovered
Xor will pass on his info to the party.
|
|
Sasithorn picks out a few pieces of whatever natural detritus he finds around the area that look most interesting to him for whatever reason and places them beside or within each stake-mark to ensure they remain easily located and not too easily scuffed by others. He notes inwardly what a profoundly thorough job whoever camped here did of clearing every other sign of their presence, and heads back to rejoin his nearest companion.
Marvin reports the finding of a trace of highly specialized hydraulic fluid in one of the tower ruins.
Ribat reports having found a large indentation in the ground, about the size of a cottage, that appears to be in the shape of a shoe.
Diarmal joins the others in mentioning the reliquary he recovered from the temple's wall. Though it was closed and locked, he couldn't help but wonder who would be so valuable to be interred within the reliquary.
Particularly since the temple bore some semblance of Elven architecture, and yet none of the typical Drasbian craftsmanship...
Curiosity got the better of him. May Lady Aisling understand these dire straits. All does not sit well.
He offers the box forth to his companions, "I don't suppose anyone found a key?"
Sasithorn - there are no magical auras on the small box. The spread of the largest of the tents covers an area of nearly 1000 square feet. You are certain it is a single large tent, as there is a hole, five inches in diameter, in the center of the area, and evenly placed small holes surrounding it that are in the pattern of a rectangle, which are the marks of tent stakes.
All who examine the box - the key hole is very small, there are hinges, visible on one side of the box. it is made of light iron, possibly steel, the lid is about one inch high, while the bottom of the box is only two inches deep. The box is light, and something inside of it rattles around when it is handed from one person to another
yes I am allowing a take 10, on an untrained Knowledge History Check for Elves, only, as long as they are smart enough to pay attention when their elders are going on and on about the greatness of the past, so if your Int >9, you know that there was some kind of great battle in the Moors on this side of Ibalnd, many centuries ago, but not much more than that (remeber the Elven hero with the bow?)