Kokam saw the older man pick up and pocket the scale to the north. With a look she saw that Stella had the care of Onyx in hand, so she approached the noble, "What did you find there?" she said, crouching to pick up the other four scales.
The noble backed away from the young woman and was about to say something as Kokam picked up the other four scales lay strewn about.
No sooner had she touched it, the monk was overwhelmed with emotion. She felt sadness for the majestic silver dragon that lost her life in the battle against the demon horde but she also felt pride, almost elated, that she was one of the recipients of the dragon's dying magic.
[GM note: feel free to elaborate and that is what all PCs will feel when they first touch a silver dragon scale]
Kokam had no doubt that the dragon scales, for that was what they were, had strong magic imbued in them.
The noble looked at all the wounded and sighed, "I think it's magical protection. And seeing how three little maggots almost killed you all, I need all the protection I can get."
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"True enough," Damon answered the elderly man who seemed determined to look down on his friend Onyx, adding, "But who am I to say who deserves healing and who does not? Having seen the silvery scales during his visual check of the cavern, Damon nodded at Kokam as she went to pick them up, only speaking up if she missed one that may be better hidden than the others.
Moving over to calm the elven wizard Kokam had been talking with before the battle, Damon said, "Be at peace, wizard. There was a short battle as we were attacked by larvae or maggots that were eating a giant spider corpse. We have slain them, and I have returned to speak to you as I promised. Now that we have survived the fall and the immediate threat of the maggots, perhaps we can introduce ourselves. My name is Damon. I would be happy to act as your eyes for the moment and describe to you the other survivors as they introduce themselves. Perhaps if we get to know each other better, we can have a better chance of surviving."
Calling to the others, Damon asked them to come over and introduce themselves to the blind wizard. He pays special attention to the elderly man and the archer, assessing what skills they may have in aiding their survival--especially if one of them would be willing to act as eyes for the blind wizard.
Clutching the scales to her chest, Kokam closed her eyes at the sensations rushing through her....the feeling of the wind as she flew through the clouds, the protectiveness she felt for her adopted people, the fierceness of her anger, the depth of her despair as she fell.
Blinking back tears unsuccessfully, Kokam bent down over her knees until her forehead touched the ground, mouthing the words Thank you over and over.
Then after a few moments, she stood and looked at the noble, her head cocked curiously at what he'd said; obviously he'd felt nothing when he'd touched it. Stepping close to him she said simply, "The scale you took...it was not meant for you." , allowing the man the chance to do the right thing.
If the man was at all perceptive, her stance while relaxed was that of a coiled mountain cat...ready to pounce.
Moving over to calm the elven wizard Kokam had been talking with before the battle, Damon said, "Be at peace, wizard. There was a short battle as we were attacked by larvae or maggots that were eating a giant spider corpse. We have slain them, and I have returned to speak to you as I promised. Now that we have survived the fall and the immediate threat of the maggots, perhaps we can introduce ourselves. My name is Damon. I would be happy to act as your eyes for the moment and describe to you the other survivors as they introduce themselves. Perhaps if we get to know each other better, we can have a better chance of surviving."
The wizard was still agitated and held on to Damon's arm for support, "My name is Aravashnial; I am wizard who's been serving the Crusade for a long time. I know a lot of Kenabres and its history."
The elderly man snorted, "More like a conspiracy theorist you are!"
He moved away from Kokam and simply said, "I am Horgus Gwerm, the IV."
The elven wizard slightly flinched at the name and accusation but said nothing.
The archer struggled to get her footing; her lack of mobility would make her a doubtful ally in a fight unless she was given a spot to watch over.
Then after a few moments, she stood and looked at the noble, her head cocked curiously at what he'd said; obviously he'd felt nothing when he'd touched it. Stepping close to him she said simply, "The scale you took...it was not meant for you." , allowing the man the chance to do the right thing.
If the man was at all perceptive, her stance while relaxed was that of a coiled mountain cat...ready to pounce.
A very self-absorbed Horgus was oblivious to the threat implied. He clutched the silver scale and lowered his voice, "Listen, there are five scales and only eight people left alive here. The archer is maimed and won't need it; the wizard is blind and can't use it, and the tiefling... well he's only alive because of your friends' mercy. Perhaps he should have perished, you know?"
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Ooc- I'll be honest, my character is coming to become a little sour at this noble.
I need to finish work before making a decent post
Onyx stood up, picked up his short sword and cleaned it on the edge of his cloak before sheathing it into its scabbard. He then moved to his short bow and picked it up, checked the string, and slung it over his shoulder. He glanced to Damon and said "Honestly, thank you. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to repay the favour."
When Stella handed the berries to Onyx he ate the first, and immediately recognized the good berry. These tiny berries were a staple of his diet whenever he was scouting with some of the more magically inclined Duskrunners. "And my thanks to you as well, Stella. I feel much better now."
Onyx moved to the injured wizard, and introduced himself. He did so loudly enough for Stella to hear, and he hoped not to make a big deal about her mistake (which he thought was hilarious and hadn't corrected). "The mamet's Onyx Duskrunner. It's a pleasure to meet you Aravashnial, we'll get you to a proper healer as soon as we can. Until then, we'll be your eyes."
Onyx then moved to the archer, looking at the splint. "I don't think I caught your name. I'm Onyx. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do with that bow. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two." he said with a grin.
Throughout this entire time Onyx made an effort to avoid reacting to or even looking in the direction of Horgus. I'm sure this man will stick around like the bad smell that he is...
Kokam shrugged with indifference when the nobleman revealed his name...and supposed storied lineage.
Kokam regarded the 'noble'-man with a look of disgust. As if his slight of her and her comrade-in-arm's efforts against the maggots had not been enough, now he insulted her more so by trying to enlist her aid in a scheme to deny those same comrades their rightful gift from the dragon!
For a moment she could recollect her father, in a raging rant, just after he and his brothers had rescued Kokam from the cultists who had kidnapped her into the 'Wound ,"Graspers and schemers , all!" he had raged, " For what?! Some delusional superiority over others, seeking power that can only consume and corrupt. Fools, all of them...".
Kokam took a deep breath, and looked at Horgus with darkened eyes, looked at another fool.
"I'm not sure which is worse...those creatures I and the others were 'almost killed' by...or you. " she said in a tone that brooked no compromise. Her hand tightened on her spear, the hard calluses causing the wood to creak slightly, "Surrender. The. Scale.... Now."
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When Horgus introduced himself, Damon looked up and said, "Lord Horgus Gwerm, patriarch of the house in the fourth generation? I apologize for not recognizing you earlier, milord. We are in dire straits here, for sure, but I will do my best to help find a way back to the surface and protect you as we go."
Well-used to dealing with self-important nobles during his upbringing before coming to Kenabres, Damon realized that if he weren't placated, he could drive a wedge in the group through sheer irritation and assumed superiority that would drastically reduce their chance of getting out of here alive. Mentally fortifying himself, he prepared to move over and take his best shot at mollifying the noble.
Striding over to the man, Damon proferrs his javelin to the noble, saying, "I know it isn't much, but you will need something to defend yourself with in this dangerous unknown area." Leaning in as he hands Horgus the weapon, he whispers, "We're in a tough spot, milord, and if we're going to survive, we need someone with wisdom and experience to hold us together. Can I count on you?"
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"No problem, my friend. And you are right about opportunities to repay the favor--there is likely no shortage of foes in these forgotten tunnels," responded Damon grimly to his friend's remark. "Yet if we work together, we will return to the surface alive, I pray, he starts, then turns his head at the growing confrontation between the monk and the noble. "Excuse me a moment," he adds, moving over to the brewing argument over the dragon scale.
Ooc- lol... you probably saved him a punch in the face ;)
After hearing Onyx's thanks, Stella replies with a smile and says "No problem at all; I'm just happy nobody turned into maggot food! Let me know if you notice any unusually pain/ markings as it might mean that the creatures injected a poison or eggs into you." before leaving him rather brutally to return to search for suitable debris for the archer's splint.
After searching for a few moments, she quickly discovers suitable materials for the splint and returns to the women to begin assembling it on her injured leg. As she's working, Onyx appears and introduces himself. Hearing the name 'Onyx', she pauses her work momentarily and looks up at him quizzically before asking "Onyx"? Is that a nickname...? I like it!" before flashing him a smile and a quick wink. She then continues to work as she halfheartedly listens to the conversation between Onyx & the woman, humming tunelessly.
Finally finishing the device, she announces with a flourish "Finished! Let's get you standing and join the others!" before carefully helping her up and slowly walking over to where Kokam, Damon and the nobleman are located
Hallvardr was more interested in making sure the site was secure than most anything else going on. Berries were handed around but he waved them off, not needing anything to eat (his stomach was still roiling from both the recent chaos, as well as the putrid smell of the maggots ichor') and needed no medical attention.
Introductions were covered. The wizard was Aravashnial, the archer... well, he would need to ask.
The Viking watched the scene play out in front of him. This nobleman put his teeth on edge, and truth be told he longed to punch him in the face... a lot. He watched the pale skinned Kellid girl shape up to the nobleman.
I'm not sure which is worse...those creatures I and the others were 'almost killed' by...or you. ", she said in a tone that promised a fight without compliance... and then was followed up with an implied threat if the dragon scale (he guessed that is what it was) was not surrendered.
I like this one, he thought approvingly.
At this point he didn't feel this was his problem so to speak, to work on what was essentially 'local politics'. This dog-hearted fool was evidently someone important in Kenebres and it seemed the rest of Hallvardrs boon companions were also of the city, whereas Hallvardr was merely a, to be straight spoken, a travelling, well armed pilgrim. He let the others collect the scales. If the situation did not resolve itself? He would need to step in directly.
That scale will be mine either by diplomacy or by holmgång, he thought simply, referring to the Skald practice of settling disputes... by single combat.
The half elven warrior Or is he a knight? he wondered about Damon's status momentarily, seemed to know him or of him. Lord Horgus Gwerm? A fine title for an onion-eyed weakback....
He tilted his head over to the uncertain woman archer, watching Damon flatter this Gwerm directly... not his own preference but...
Hallvardr shrugged. One way or the other this situation would be resolved.
I am called Stormbrow, how are you called?, avoiding asking for her name, distracting her as the colourfully dressed woman worked splinting there leg. I would have you by my side. You will protect me, and in turn, I you. Lean on me and we will see what we will see... come, he said steadying her.
OOC: Unexpected guests at my house for the weekend may limit my posting ability.
I'll try to move things along tomorrow but no promises.
Game on!
Great stuff everyone!
Turn 008 - Surrender the Scale
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, Damon
Onyx looked to the group and saw that they were ready to start moving.
He looked ahead and saw the cavern had two passages branching off of it. Falling into old habits he said, to no one in particular "Let me take a look ahead and see if there are any other nasty surprises."
He unslung his short bow and crept quietly ahead.
Onyx still hadn't fully recovered from his near-death experience, and his feet dragged noticeably more than usual. He recognized it, but also knew there was nothing more he could do right now.
First he moved to the northern passage looked as far as he could see, and listened for any signs of what lay ahead.
He was pretty confident with his observations about this passage. He crept to the Southern passage and repeated his actions.
Confident with the information he had gathered about their potential paths, Onyx moved back to the group and made his report.
The warrior walked right in front of the nobleman... he would not bear more. He was a threat to the survival of all and likely a backstabber to boot. Time to put him in his place.
Thou snake tongued wheyfaced cur... I will take no more.
You're holding my scale greybeard... either hand it over or do combat for it. I swear by Gorum that you or I will fall, he said, eyes blazing, and voice ringing.
Warriors, form a circle... we will resolve this here and now. I declare holmgång - trial by combat!
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The issue somewhat resolved unless Kokam decided to pursue it further, Damon responded to Horgus saying, "Upon my honor, and in the memory of the brave Terendelev who sacrificed her life for those far weaker and slower than herself, I will do my best to save us all, though if any want to stay behind and hope for rescue, I will not gainsay them."
"Anevia, pleased to meet you and see you up and moving around again. Your offer to guide Aravashnial is kind, and is likely the best option. ," said Damon. Looking to Aravashnial, Damon added, "We seem to have found some dragon scales--presumably belonging to Terendelev. Perhaps you could assess their potency?"
Noting Kokam's reaction to touching the scale, he spoke to her quietly, "If you would bring the remaining scales over to our wizard, perhaps he can assess their power. Please, if they do indeed have power to shield you, take them for you and the others. I will trust in Iomedae to be my protector."
After they found out what the scales do, Damon put in his two copper worth, saying, "We should get moving as soon as possible. Given that there are two passages, we should be prepared to defend both ahead and behind." Turning to Onyx, he added, "I am no scout, but I could be a good defender just behind you if you are willing to lead us. I suggest we put the noble, archer, and wizard in the middle, and have a relatively mobile warrior as rearguard. What do you think?"
Onyx smiled at the archer. "Your assistance is appreciated, Anevia. Let me know if you need any arrows."
The Tiefling checked himself, making sure he hadn't lost anything in the fall, and was about to announce his intention to scout ahead when Stormbrow stepped forward and challenged Horgus. It stopped Onyx dead in his tracks. Oh, now this could get interesting... With the attention focused on the Skald and the noble, Onyx slinked back into the shadows and drew his bow. Just in case things gets out of hand...
Kokam was considering whether to merely slap the noble into acquiescing with her demand, or reversing her spear and putting him to the ground with the butt of her spear.
It was the when Damon suggested allowing the wizard a chance to examine the scales. She turned her head to respond and the large Ulfen steps up and challenges the noble to personal combat.
Kokam's eyes grow wide at temerity and rudeness of the Ulfen, what did he say his name was? Stormbrow?
For a moment she begins to reach over and stop him, then she stops. If the Ulfen felt so strongly, let him teach the sly noble a lesson.
Kokam steps back, then leaves the noble to his fate, approaching the Wizard , "Hello, I'm back. It looks like the dragon left these behind...could you examine them?"
I response to Damon's suggestions on who goes where, she suggests, "I can move quietly when I need to ...perhaps if I follow Onyx...or I can bring up the rear. "
She the lets the wizard examine the 4 shards, crosses her arms and watches what happens between Stormbrow and Horgus.
The warrior walked right in front of the nobleman... he would not bear more. He was a threat to the survival of all and likely a backstabber to boot. Time to put him in his place.
Thou snake tongued wheyfaced cur... I will take no more.
You're holding my scale greybeard... either hand it over or do combat for it. I swear by Gorum that you or I will fall, he said, eyes blazing, and voice ringing.
Warriors, form a circle... we will resolve this here and now. I declare holmgång - trial by combat!
Horgus was visibly shaken when the Ulfen warrior started calling for a trial by combat. His heart beating fast, he thought about just handing over the silver scale...
His hand tightened around the javelin he was given when he came upon an idea. He turned to the paladin, "We just had a conversation about this. Are you going to let him address me this way? You said my wisdom was needed!"
He glared at the Ulfen warrior and hid behind Damon, "You need to help me. You need to be my champion!"
Horgus gulped at the sight of the enraged Ulfen, "I accept your challenge and name the paladin of Iomedae as my champion!"
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"I cannot control others' words or actions, milord, much though I might like to. And the warrior may have a claim on the item, given that it appears to be related to the dragon who saved us all," starts Damon nodding to Stormbrow with respect.
Turning to the elderly noble, he says, "Here is where we need your wisdom, Lord Gwerm. Regardless of who has claim to the item, it would seem wisest to have the strongest warriors use the scale, then the strongest warriors make a shield of themselves to protect those of us who are weaker or slower, or whose counsel and wisdom we cannot afford to lose."
"I appeal to your judgement, Lord Gwerm," says Damon respectfully to the elder noble, asking, "Are you in the strong warrior group, where your claim on the scale is strong and you are willing to make yourself into a shield for those of us we cannot afford to lose? If so, you certainly need no champion to represent you in battle. Or are you one whose wisdom and counsel we cannot afford to lose, so you would be shielded by those strong warriors made stronger by the protection of the dragon scale?"
"Last chance nobleman... either hand it over or defend it with your life", Hallvardr says, taking out a wicked looking hand axe and putting a hand to his dagger. "We Viking understand 'Drengskapr'."
As the commotion with the the rest of the group regarding the dragon scales continued, Stella, who had been bringing up the rear with Anevia & Aravashnial (who had begun to slowly guide him), saw Kokam approach and sarcastically asked "They seem lively over there. Are they fighting over who is most worthy to be 'leader'?" Rolling her eyes a she spoke.
Tired of this sniveling double speaking coward, Hallvardr shoves him in the chest, hoping to knock him off his feet before he can hand the scale over or make him drop it.
Defend what is yours with your own arm snake - I've seen children with more honour and bravery than you! Worm... no wonder you boast of wealth - You use others as cats paws to defend it.
The young man turns to Damon This is his fight Iomadaen. I respect you as a fellow warrior but not this low and base cunning.
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Near his limit of tolerance with the sniveling Horgus daring to call him coward, Damon does not immediately accept the scale. Instead, he says, "All of us who were saved by Terendelev's sacrifice have a claim to these mementoes of her selfless deed. When all eight of us reach the surface safely, if there is still disagreement on who should gain ownership of the scales, I will willingly submit to an impartial third par...." Cut off as the Ulfen warrior side-stepped him and shoved the noble, Damon cannot think for the moment what to say, taken off-guard by Stormbrow's action.
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OOC: touche!
I'm just playing the noble and grasping at what Damon offered. :)
I still don't see any harm at all, just some very good RPing by all involved. :)
Others will let me know if this type of RPing is an issue with them.
Incidentally: both Hallvardr and Damon have inspiration!
Questions?
Game on!
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Suddenly finding an urge to strike up a conversation with Kokam, Damon turned his back on the 'scale' situation and strode towards the lithe monk. "I don't think I told you this, but I was raised in a noble family and taught to respect both my elders and other nobles," he started. Putting his hand to his chin in a contemplative pose, he queried Kokam, "So just to be clear, did the noble Lord Gwerm call me a coward while he was bravely hiding behind all of us as the maggots attacked, or did he call me a coward while he was boldly hiding behind me personally and hoping I would protect him from the Ulfen warrior?
From somewhere behind him, the referenced noble bleated something about privilege and birthright, but Damon steadfastly ignored him, intent on his current discussion. "Did you hear something, maybe someone trying to interrupt our conversation? No? Neither did I. Now, where were we, Kokam?"
"Definitely the 2nd one" Stella who was next to Kokam chimes in, "I would've heard him quiver during the maggot attack" before giving Damon a wink.
Just in case it wasn't clear...
Horgus was surprised when the Ulfen warrior initiated hostilities when he was parlaying with his 'champion'. The noble was pushed down on his butt and released the scale as he tried to catch his balance.
He gave the Ulfen warrior a death stare, mumbled something under his breath, and backed away from the situation.
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OOC: I still need to know how you will proceed...
Questions?
Game on!
As the commotion with the the rest of the group regarding the dragon scales continued, Stella, who had been bringing up the rear with Anevia & Aravashnial (who had begun to slowly guide him), saw Kokam approach and sarcastically asked "They seem lively over there. Are they fighting over who is most worthy to be 'leader'?" Rolling her eyes a she spoke.
Kokam smiles at Stella's comment, and is about to respond with Damon joins them.
She shakes his head at Damon and Stella both making light of the situation, but catches herself from admonishing them. With a deep breath, she recalls that the traditions of her and the Ulfen's northern lands will differ from here in the South. She smiles at both Damon and Stella, "Forgive me for starting all of this, but I could not let that fool take the scale...he does not deserve such an honor. He is what we Kellid's call a Shuvta...the closest translation would be an Empty Shirt; one that is worse than a fool!"
She listens carefully to any explanation the Wizard gives on the Scales and takes them back, giving them reverently to Damon, Stella and Onyx, keeping one for herself, "Let us honor the dragon's sacrifice by seeing these people to safety, yes even the Shuvta"
She then approaches Stormbrow, fetching the Scale that Horgus dropped and offering it to the big Ulfen, "You honored the Dragon with your action, but you took that honor from me. Do not do so again." she says simply and directly, then smiles, "I wanted to be the one to put him on his ass!" she exclaims, offering her hand to the big man.
Onyx returned to the party, and gave his report without any comment on the dispute for the scale.
"Two passages ahead. The Northern passage has an old campsite, possibly some vermin hiding within. The Southern passage has a steep ledge, maybe 13-14 feet. It'll be a hard climb for most of us, and even worse for our injured companions. If we make it up, we will be rewarded by a pack of some sort I saw up there."
Pausing for an instant to make sure everybody understood their options he continued "I say we go through the camp, try to stop the vermin before they have a chance to bother us. Both passages lead East, likely converge. I can head back down the South passage and grab the bag from above. Any thoughts?"
She listens carefully to any explanation the Wizard gives on the Scales and takes them back, giving them reverently to Damon, Stella and Onyx, keeping one for herself, "Let us honor the dragon's sacrifice by seeing these people to safety, yes even the Shuvta"...
When Stella is handed one of the dragon's scales, she was immediately hit with a strong magical force and powerful feelings of Joy, Anger, Pride & Sadness similar to Kokam's initial experience that staggered her for a moment. After the initial wave though, Stella was thrust back into an old memory from when she was still a child traveling across Avistan with her parents. Experiencing the memory as if she were an observer, she saw herself alone staring up into the night sky dotted with the lights of millions of stars. After a few moments, a luminous butterfly appeared in front of her and landed on her hand before it - and the memory - seemingly vanished in a flash of light. Returning to the present, she felt the familiar warmth of Desna return to her that had been mostly missing since she awoke in the cavern and she shed a try of joy and quietly said to herself "Thank you Terendelev for returning Her to me. She also promised herself that when she escaped this place she would be sure to perform a funeral sending for the majestic dragon and everyone else that might've been lost in the city as well. Speaking a little bit louder to Kokam she finishes with, "Thank you for this, I will treasure this greatly" before continuing on with the rest of the group.
Onyx returned to the party, and gave his report without any comment on the dispute for the scale.
"Two passages ahead. The Northern passage has an old campsite, possibly some vermin hiding within. The Southern passage has a steep ledge, maybe 13-14 feet. It'll be a hard climb for most of us, and even worse for our injured companions. If we make it up, we will be rewarded by a pack of some sort I saw up there."
Pausing for an instant to make sure everybody understood their options he continued "I say we go through the camp, try to stop the vermin before they have a chance to bother us. Both passages lead East, likely converge. I can head back down the South passage and grab the bag from above. Any thoughts?"
After they found out what the scales do, Damon put in his two copper worth, saying, "We should get moving as soon as possible. Given that there are two passages, we should be prepared to defend both ahead and behind." Turning to Onyx, he added, "I am no scout, but I could be a good defender just behind you if you are willing to lead us. I suggest we put the noble, archer, and wizard in the middle, and have a relatively mobile warrior as rearguard. What do you think?"
Hearing both Damon's & Oynx's comments, she speaks up with "Anevia cannot make the drop safely on the Southern Path with her leg. Let us take the Northern path and pray to Desna for the best. If you want to explore the Southern path more yourself feel free. As for party placement, I will stay in the center with the injured; I believe I can defend them well enough should anything attempt to attack them" after which she heads off with the archer and the wizard toward the more traverse-able path.
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Actions 2:
”As you wish, Onyx. We follow your lead through these tunnels, scout. With your leave, I will guard the rear and keep our allies safe,” states Damon simply. With that, he made sure everyone was safely on their way before taking one last look at the cavern where they fell—and survived. To the now-empty space, he said reverently as his hand fell to touch the silver scale, ”I don’t know why you chose to save us, among all the citizens of Kenabres, but I pray your spirit rests well, Terendelev. With Iomedae’s guidance, I hope to some day be worthy of your sacrifice.” Then Damon turned and followed the others, not looking back...and pointedly ignoring the soft, scratchy voice whispering, ”...not if I have anything to do with it...”
The Viking looked at the fallen noble with contempt and took a step over and stooped to stare into the face of Horgus Gwerm.
I have your measure worm. You're thinking about settling scores in your own way... the cup and poison, the acid word, the knife in the dark, he raised the hatchet in between them, glaring over the hatchet head directly into the nobles eyes. I'm a light sleeper AND I sleep with this in my fist! Remember that before you go getting ideas, he finished with a snarl.
"If we get through this? You may think of hiring a few bully boys... also remember that if I survive the attempt I will castrate you then butcher you like a hog!"
He stood and moved back towards Anevia, reaching out to support her after picking up his fallen spear.
The Kellid spear wielding woman approached Stormbrow, fetching the Scale that Horgus dropped and offering it to the big Ulfen. He paused slightly on touching it, his expression softening as he could feel a rush of emotions and impressions.
His head dropped slowly, looking at it in wonder before he remembered what he was doing and paying attention to her words.
"You honored the Dragon with your action, but you took that honor from me. Do not do so again." she says simply and directly, then smiles, "I wanted to be the one to put him on his ass!" she exclaims, offering her hand to the big man.
He took her hand and thought before speaking. "There is a debt between us then... you may claim the honour from any of my future kills, say the word and I will relinquish my right.
He turned to Damon, and said not a word...nothing... Hallvardr only gave him a silent nod of respect.
Then the demon-kin returned.
"Two passages ahead. The Northern passage has an old campsite, possibly some vermin hiding within. The Southern passage has a steep ledge, maybe 13-14 feet. It'll be a hard climb for most of us, and even worse for our injured companions. If we make it up, we will be rewarded by a pack of some sort I saw up there."
The tiefling thought then continued to lay out his plan.
"I say we go through the camp, try to stop the vermin before they have a chance to bother us. Both passages lead East, likely converge. I can head back down the South passage and grab the bag from above. Any thoughts?"
Hallvardr looked at Onyx and then to Anevia.
Your plan is good, though I would not have you return alone to grab the bag. I will go with you then. I am both light on my feet and a decent climber.
On the matter of rear guard he simply the Ulfen simply added I will be supporting Anevi anyway... it is your call"
As Kokam handed Onyx the dragonscale he was overcome with a sense of sadness and longing. The image of two people he didnt remember flitted into his mind's eye. The same portraits he had been shown by Damian, portraits of his parents. He hadn't looked at the portrait in years, it was never easy. He focused his vision, and looked to Kokam "Thank you, I never expected to hold something of such beauty and power."
Onyx entered the abandoned campsite and gestured to the refuse pile. "The vermin's hiding in there." In response to his voice, three giant cockroaches emerged from the pile and charged them.
"What's with this place and bugs?"
Onyx took a few steps to the North, putting his back to the wall. He waited until one of his allies was distracting the insect before firing an arrow from his short bow.
The arrow struck true and pierced the crunchy carapace of the cockroach, pinning its lifeless body to the ground.
Seeing Damon, Kokam & Oynx move into action against the vermin, Stella drew her staff and took a defemsive position in front of the non-combatants and conjured a globe of fire which she lobbed at one of the remaining creatures.
Unfortunately though, she did not throw it at the right angle and it landed harmlessly next to it.
Kokam nods when the big Ulfen makes his vow, expecting no less from the man.
When each of her new comrades takes up their Scale, she re-experiences her own feelings upon touching her Scale for the first time. Tears well up in her eyes, and she gives Damon, Onyx, Stella and Stormbrow a hug.
Later, when the cockroaches appear out of the garbage , she silently agrees with Onyx's objection to the variety of fauna they've found beneath Kenabrae.
But their charges were in danger, so she leapt into action, her spear striking out, an extension of her right hand...
...unfortunately, the sharpened point skittered off of its hard shell.
She lands next to the vermin, striking out with her balled fist against it's hard carapace...
... and this time a satisfying crack greets her strike, but with the unwelcome effect of the large bug's insides squirting out!
Hallvardr stays true to his word and stays close to Anevi, forming the rear guard at the mouth of the cavern while his companions leap into action, spear held ready in case his allies fail.
If you see a target for your arrow, shoot!, he commands the lame archer.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, miss
BTW, I have a couple of long field days at work so don't expect much from me except my evenings/nights (and even that is iffy).