The automaton slowly follows you. First fixing the broken ladder's rung. Climbing up after you. Seeing the fire it walks over to the tree line and searches for loose wood. Then slowly brings it over to be placed in the pile of fire wood.
Looking back to Thorn, she will address his gathering of food.
"What did you manage to grab?"
Hopefully, in his gathering of food, he was smart enough to segregate it with wrappings of napkins. She would love fruit, but will not eat his food if its mash potatoes smushed between everything. In fact, if that were the case, she may treat him as a madman.
"I can't see in darkness...." Thorn points out.
"I could see with a little light here and there but if there isn't any, I'm not doing much more as I am now. For food though....here." in answer to Lilianne's question.
The fat man begins to pull out a substantial number of bottles of wine and gin easily recognizable for the fact that the group has had them only recently.
Following that wrapped in leaves and kept warm in his cooking pots comes sliced meat, cubed cheese, warm glazed rolls, shelled boiled eggs and a collection of cut vegetables, neatly separated by Pots. Some fruits seems squashed as they aren't kept in any packs rather wrapped in some cheap clean cloth.
With those removed one of his packs now seems a lot smaller and you realized that the man has scavenged almost all of the food and fruits not eaten and stocked them in his pots and stacked over each other.
"Would have borrowed the silverware but Ethos didn't seem to like it. Besides I don't think I had enough space...." mutters the fat man and his attention is instantly riveted by the appearance of the automaton.
"Oooohh a doll!" he exclaims in delight.
Blaze was pleased with their discovery, but while Aramyros took off after the automaton, testing it's abilities, she was still concerned with the bones on the bed. She continued searching for signs of who had died in this place, alone save for a clockwork assistant.
---
Blaze had not really eaten at the earlier meeting, so she was glad to see the spread Thorn produced from his pack. She ate well and drank well and shared her story of finding the second trap door that hid the automaton and the bones. She let those with a better grasp of the language fill in the finer details.
While the group was still discussing the days events she pulled out her pyrography tools and a scrap of hardwood she had salvaged from the hidden workshop. The leather pouch looked much like a thief's tools with all manner of probes and hooks with fancifully shaped ends. The array of metal tools with various designs had caught her eye in a shop in the port city where she'd boarded the accursed boat.
She sat much closer to the fire than most would be comfortable with, placing the tools to heat in the embers and not even bothering with the leather gloves that came with the kit. She begins scoring the surface of the wood, branding and blackening with each different shaped tip, and at first it seems she is just testing them out and doodling a bit, but soon you see an image starting to take shape. It looks like the image on the tabard you all received, the symbol of the order.
While the group was still discussing the days events she pulled out her pyrography tools and a scrap of hardwood she had salvaged from the hidden workshop. The leather pouch looked much like a thief's tools with all manner of probes and hooks with fancifully shaped ends. The array of metal tools with various designs had caught her eye in a shop in the port city where she'd boarded the accursed boat.
She sat much closer to the fire than most would be comfortable with, placing the tools to heat in the embers and not even bothering with the leather gloves that came with the kit. She begins scoring the surface of the wood, branding and blackening with each different shaped tip, and at first it seems she is just testing them out and doodling a bit, but soon you see an image starting to take shape. It looks like the image on the tabard you all received, the symbol of the order.
Andrei sat watching Blaze practice her pyrography. "Dât îz verry nîce, Blâze. My old cărăvăn would hâv looked even more lovely wîț șeverâl of your deșîgnș îtched on our wooden wâgonş."
Lilianne will partake of Thorn's collection with thanks. In taking a break from the work, she'd grab some of the shelled egs, smushed fruits, and cubed cheese in her hand while waiting for the others to come by to hear what was found down below in the room. Once Blaze shares her story, she watches as Aramyros moves to go downstairs.
"I suppose I've been too occupied and should investigate this too."
Before he turns it on, she wishes to know how to forcefully turn it off if needed.
She will study it herself as the others have, but it is a strange, foreign device to her.
After it shows its skill at repairing the ladder, she is assured it can help them construct the outpost.
Before leaving, she will search out the room herself.
She will climb back out and approach the others as the automaton moves off to collect firewood.
"I believe it can construct things too. As in our outpost. All of it."
"I believe it can construct things too. As in our outpost. All of it."
"Şplendîd!" Andrei clapped. "Âş ă țrue vârîşîân, my cărăvăn nevâr șțopped enywhere țo leârn how țo buîld ouțpoșțș." If Thorn was sharing his stolen alcohol, the caydenite will hold on to his, in hopes of making it last, until he has to draw on..reserves.
"I miss those days. In a way, I still live them," she will thoughtfully mention toward Andrei. With the sun down, it is their watch, and she prefers to do so from the tower.
"I'll be on watch in the tower if anyone needs me. Get some good rest all."
With that, she will head up into the tower and keep a lookout.
"Căllîe. Why dîd you leăve me?"
You do find a journal and many personal items in the desk and nearby shelves. Three blankets, another set of sheets, a wide brimmed hat, several sets of clothing, which all fall apart once you start to touch them. Then there are more tools that seem to be for the maintenance of the construct. There are also several pairs of spectacles and spare parts.
Looking through the journal you see it is more than that. A magical tome of some kind, or at least infused with preservative magic.
His name was Henry Joneston. Looking to the back you see the last few entries which were months apart. He was the last researcher here and the healing construct went berserk killing its last patient. He just waited. His ring kept his needs met but this cough would be the death of him. His last entry talks about coughing up blood and there is a smear of blood.
Scanning the journal you see there is easily 500 pages of notes, mostly on creating and maintaining constructs, his life's work.
It also seems to comply with orders so something like stop might work.
Perception:
You do find many personal items in the desk and nearby shelves. Three blankets, another set of sheets, a wide brimmed hat, several sets of clothing, which all fall apart once you start to touch them. Then there are more tools that seem to be for the maintenance of the construct. There are also several pairs of spectacles and spare parts.
Once it is confirmed that action is what you want it then begins doing it 3 times faster. Collecting wood, bringing it to the pile, laying it down then getting more.
You all wake up well rested and see a huge pile of firewood and the construct standing next to it frozen in place.
Her eyes see that nothing stirs for a very long distance, so she turns to face the Varisian. With people still awake down below, she doesn't worry so much about keeping watch for the time being.
"You can't tell anyone this, as my life would be forfeit should it get out, but I am a Taldan spy." Her eyes will leave him in shame to look toward the moonlight. As it illuminates her face, she continues to speak.
"When I first met you I was on a mission." She laughs lightly. "Your approach was unique and amused me, but I was focused on my job. That's why I rejected you at first. You were cute and I didn't want to hurt you, but you persisted." "Over and over again till I was worn down..." "I had seen your behavior with the other ladies you entertained and decided that you would be a good cover for me, as my intent was to infiltrate your family--the Fidecupes."
She will look at him again fully and continue, "I wagered that with you not caring two copper for me more than any other woman, it would mean I couldn't hurt you too badly when my mission was finished and I ultimately had to leave. I think I made a tactical error though, as I began to fall for you. Your attentiveness and sweetness, your vivacity and love were unlike anything I had known. My life's been rigid and militaristic, which you didn't know of me. You knew me as a free-spirited scribe, but that's not who I was inside. You helped me find that side of myself and the lie became truth."
She will pick at her hair, twirling the ends in her fingers.
"With my love for you, I opened up who I really was to you. I shared details about myself and my life that I've not shared with anyone, or since. I thought I caught a hint of something. You started saying things that were more specific about us and our future. You began to show me primary affections and cares, even more than you did your family and I grew worried that you might actually start to develop feelings for me. While it hurt, I had to complete my mission."
She looks down in shame and continues. "If I could have stayed, I would, but I messed up. I was too hasty and was found out. If I had remained, my quarry would have suspected you were part of things as well, but instead, I decided I should leave and spare you the dangers coming our way. I'm sad, but glad I did. You lived. I took the brunt of the suspicion and I used it to bring my enemy out into the open. He met his end shortly after..."
"From there, with my success came fame. In the ranks came praise and I was sent on mission after mission. Finally, I was able to return as an agent in Varisia, but you were gone. I looked for you among your family, but your name was not one they wished to discuss. I have been lost in the dark ever since that night and wondered for years whether this ways Cayden's punishment for abusing you. I thought that for so long, until tonight."
It is clear she is emotional but is holding back any tears that could fall as she waits for Andrei's reaction.
Thorn is more then happy to share out all of the goods if it means it'll clear his pots and various pans from the weight.
Afterall, he didn't have to work so hard for them.
Watching the construct work was fascinating and he observed as the others played with it and worked out what it could do.
Lilianne's discovery that it could actually build their outpost for them excited Thorn for this means that they could spend more time searching out the lay of the land.
Picking up a discarded length of wood, the fat man examines the shape etched on to it. Maybe Blaze could instruct the doll to build their outpost with designs? Could it be like the Dark citadel he had escaped from once? Idea...Ideas...Ideas....could be explored later.
He drops and changes his attention upon seeing that Lilianne wasn't with them and the beautiful half elf did mentioned that she wouldn't mind his company but seeing the Varisian, Andrei follow soon after and a vague memory that coming in between them at an inappropriate time might be hazardous to his health. Changing the watch timing might be better and he decides that he'll likely join the Warrior, Aramyros instead. At least he remembered the man was a solid wall to hide behind.
In the morning, he renews his disguise as it would have dropped during the middle of the night but Thorn didn't bother. The others wouldn't care about it either way so why would he?
The refreshed fat man is ready to go and explore the lands!
"You can't tell anyone this, as my life would be forfeit should it get out, but I am a Taldan spy." Her eyes will leave him in shame to look toward the moonlight. As it illuminates her face, she continues to speak.
With his ioun torch radiating around his head, Andrei shooed it to the back of his head, lighting him in profile. "Ţâldor?" The varisian asked softly in amazement. But Andrei continued to listen to Callie's whole story.
Humbled by the details of the half-elf's tale, it was Andrei's time to squirm."Ăye freely ădmîț, dăt ăș â Chîld of Câyden, ăye chooșe țo emulațe Hîş Wây țoo cloșely. Never în my lîfe, dîd ăye thînk ăye would meeț ânyone âș wonderful ăș you. Ănd ăye curșe myșelf țo thînk my ăctîonș măy hăve țurned you ăwăy from me."
"Ăye"..
Andrei stopped. Full of emotion. It is all all nothing, the caydenite thought. I live and die by my next words.
The varisian male got down on one knee, hands clapped.
" You ăre dă sîngle moșț âmâzîng woman ăye hăve ever meţ! You âre dă lîghţ of my lîfe, no ăzăță could replăce!" Andrei breathed. "Âye wâș şo hâppy of our growîng connecţîon ănd cloșeneșș; â şweeţ drug âye hope țo never recover from! Âye wîll noț burden you wît dă detăîlș, buț ăye neărly loșț myșelf în grîef of you. When you țold me, dă love wâș stîll ţhere, sțîll reâl; âye felț âye could fly țo Elyşîum îţself!"
Andrei opened his hands wide, exposing his heaving chest to his love and the night.
"Âye em wîțhouț my cărăvăn, loșț. Wherever you go, âye follow. Âye do noț care where. Âye don'ț care îf Eţhos leâdș uș ăll țo dă gâţeş of Hell îtșelf! Âye wîll follow. Âye wîll wâlk wîth şhoulderş şquâre ând cheşţ ouţ, for no devîl cân hâve my şoul. Câuşe îț îz âlreâdy yourş, ând hâş been for â long tîme. Lîlîânne. Âye love you! Whâtever your nâme you uşe. Juşţ leț me follow where you go!"
Her lavender-colored pupils dart to and fro as she searches his face for the answer. He then drops. Her eyes go wide as he exclaims his admiration for her. She's is struck by his openness and part soothed by it as he's not quiet. She had seen him passionate about topics before, but this is a new level. Frankly, she doesn't care if others hear him at this point.
There she will stand a few feet away from him, listening as he declares his love. Her face is studious, as one trying to retain everything being said. That is disrupted as a small chuckle will escape her lips as he calls her a drug. His joke is in all seriousness and she nods understandingly--lowering her grin to take him as real as he is presenting himself to her. How addictive they were and still are to each other. She will agree. Her face turns from one of delight to one of sympathy in her eyebrows as she hears how he lost himself in pain. Her hand subconsciously moves to her sternum, loosely clentched, in nervousness. That was her fault, but she doesn't linger in that pain too long. A moment later he speaks of her earlier declaration of love as being received and received well.
A caring and delightful smile spreads across her face as he continues. Lilianne looks down at him and as his words stretch on, he can see the love there as well as a stronger desire for him. Moving a step closer as he finishes, she now towers over him. With a gentle hand will reach out to take hold of his shirt, tugging him upwards to meet with her lips. There she will meld into his arms in the moonlight like so many nights before. She doesn't have to say she loves him. It's there written in the words of her kiss. In her eyes. In the hands that embrace him now. Only after kissing him for some time, she will break apart and lingering close, will whisper jokingly to him, "You can be such an idiot sometimes."
A light-hearted laugh will come from her as she brushes noses with him. Eventually, both she and him will have to keep watch again and will scan the forest with the telescope. While Andrei can't see well, to her it is like daytime outside. She looks for more threats, but most seem to stay far away. Lilianne will tell him more of her past and growing up in her home so that he could know the real her. By the time it is time to change shifts, she will kiss him goodnight and tell him that she will meet him soon.
"Make sure you wake Aramyros"
In the hands that embrace him now. Only after kissing him for some time, she will break apart and lingering close, will whisper jokingly to him, "You can be such an idiot sometimes."
"Țhen ăye noț only țhânk Câyden Câîleân, buț Phârâşmâ, Lâdy of Myşţerîeş, ănd Deşnâ, Goddeşş of Forţune; dăt ăye hăve found â womân who loveş en îdîoţ șuch âș âye", Andrei smiled through watery eyes. Looking out into the night, the cleric observed, "There îz noţhîng âye would love țo do âş țo şhouţ my love from dâ ţower, yeț dăț îz dă lășț țing ăye mușț do."
"Ârâmyroş. Your wățch begînș," The caydenite spoke low but firm. "Şome wâțer țo weț your țongue before you go?
Aramyros rolled around his armor clanking. After a moment of waking up, he answered "Thank you. And yes to the water."
Trying not to wake anyone, Aramyros walked as silently as possible towards the watchtower. When he finds Lilianne, he doesn't seem very open to conversation. "Seen anything interesting?"
"For the first time in a long time, I don't feel like everything is wrong. I don't feel doomed to destruction and torture."
She wants to tell him everything about her, even of her childhood and Erecura. That is the only secret left about her that she considers he may have an issue with. That and her arrest of his uncle, if he has not figured out it was her doing yet.
Aramyros will find Lilianne perfectly willing to speak to him upon his shift or willing to remain silent, as she seems to respect him having woken from sleep. They also are not bound to stay in the tower either. At the end of it all, she will wake Nazetoz and will crawl into her tent.
"'Ello, Câllie", Andrei said seductively. "Âye remember you șăyîng you thînk you hăve drăwn Câyden's îre. Âye hăve prepâred ă quîck țeșț țo șee îf dîș îz șo. Pleâșe come în", the varisian spoke with hungry eyes. "Âye hăve prepâred șome honeyăle from Ențhoș'ș ștock. Noțhîng hăș been ădded nor removed from dă mug'ș properțîeș. Pleâșe hăve șome ând țell me whâţ îț tâstes lîke."
You all wake up well rested and see a huge pile of firewood and the construct standing next to it frozen in place.
After his shift was over, Aramyros went back to bed, glad for having a good night sleep in total.
The automation had done well and seems to understand his broken Draconic. It was either him or Nazetoz who could order the machine around. "We should let it build something. It seems equipped for woodworking. Like a palisade or something. It brought more than enough wood anyways."
Remembering his defensive plan that he designed yesterday, after breakfast, Aramyros approaches the frozen clockwork.
He eyed the machine carefully and helped carrying some logs just to not look lazy and get bored.
Lilianne will, of course, touch the clothing to find them wasted away. She will leave them be. Perhaps magic could restore them if she doesn't destroy them by touching them. Aramyros speaks in draconic to the construct, awakening it to do his will. She will watch it begin to repair the ladder, and she will search out the rest of the room.
If they are not destroyed by the ravages of time, she will collect the repair tools for the construct and look through each of the several pairs of spectacles, as well as at each spare part.
-------------
On their first day there, Lilianne has set up the camp with others, predicted the weather for the coming days, and made sure the camp is concealed to a point. With Thorn's food, she didn't need to go foraging, and with it gone, they didn't need to secure their food. Keeping any food they gather hung or on racks in the cool earth of the cellars would actually be a preferred method rather than hanging it outside for the bugs to get to. She will not give a command to the construct, as it seems to be gathering wood into the night. Tomorrow, however, she will work with the others to make sure it is on its proper schedule when others wake up.
He can see her finish removing her armor and crawl to her bedroll to lounge upon it. Once her boots are removed and she is comfortable, she considers his words. This intrigues her, as he is all too easily able to do to her. She will take it into her hand and drink it. Closing her eyes, she tries to identify it.
[b]"It tastes like solera, with raw wildflower honey, aged in oak barrels with a minor hint of orange zest."
The next day, she will be up early to begin setting up foliage around the encampment. The construct has been felling plantlife for a while, and that left behind much in its wake for her to take. By the time others may wake, she will have set up a nice, thick screen that blocks their flanks from sight, as well as littering the forest floor with snappy branches for animals and things that would dare to tread there. This will leave any approaching enemy with good sense to come from their front or rear. Those up early do not see her prepare any sort of spell or need 8 hours of rest to cast as an arcane caster or need to pray at a certain time of the day like a cleric. She seems more like a warrior than anything else.
He can see her finish removing her armor and crawl to her bedroll to lounge upon it. Once her boots are removed and she is comfortable, she considers his words. This intrigues her, as he is all too easily able to do to her. She will take it into her hand and drink it. Closing her eyes, she tries to identify it.
"It tastes like solera, with raw wildflower honey, aged in oak barrels with a minor hint of orange zest."
Andrei breathes a sigh of relief. "Everyțhîng îz fîne. Dă moşţ common șhow of dîşfâvor Câyden Câîleân hăș en hîș înhârenţş îz dă bîţţerîng of şweet wîneş ând âleş. Îf țhere wăș ţreșpâşş, ît îz forgîven."
"From uş boţh, the varisian adds.Both lover continue to share the cup until the contents are gone. And Andrei gently pulls Lilianne down to the bedrolls under them, into his arms.
In the morning, after his morning prayers, Andrei goes back to restart the campfire if needed, and prep it for cooking.
"It is fortunate we found an ally down there, rather than traps. I will take my leave to rest before my shift on watch." He says bowing and quickly walking away to rest, he sleeps fitfully in a new place surrounded by new people.
---
When it comes time to switch with Nazetoz, he pats him on the shoulder.
"I hope Sarenrae has kept you warm and safe through your watch? Anything of note?" he asks before he looks for Blaze.
He wanders the camp, enjoying the darkness and quiet, hoping to come upon his partner for first watch.
"My life has changed quite drastically in such a short time." he muses out loud while he searches.
---
Baahir being up from watch, stokes the embers of the fire and waits for the others to rise.
"Thorn, I need to step away for a few moments to prepare myself for the day ahead." he tells the man before he finds a quiet spot near the camp.
As the sun begins to peak over the treeline, he pulls out a more elaborate red and gold scarf which he uses to blindfold himself. He breathes steadily, thinking on his past and future, while absorbing the rays of sunlight that barely pierce the scarf.
He returns to camp a short while later feeling more aware and refreshed.
As Thorn seems to be readying to hop off into the forest, she will clean off her hands. The debris and soil from picking up branches lingers on her smooth skin. She will jog up to the disguised half-elf. He will notice that Liilianne is quite graceful, even in such a state. "It is 'tomorrow'," she will announce to him. "I'd be willing to go with you unless you wish for solitude? We can get some small game for breakfast?" "Or if we are lucky the deer have returned in the morning for water."
She will point to his bow. All she seems to have is a very long sword at her side.
Blaze was glad to have Lillianne's company as they searched through what remained of the previous occupant's life.
"Henry Joneston." She pronounces the name, standing over his bones and looking where his eyes had been. "We can bury him with his name, at least. His book say he has ring. Do you see it?"
---
Andrei sat watching Blaze practice her pyrography. "Dât îz verry nîce, Blâze. My old cărăvăn would hâv looked even more lovely wîț șeverâl of your deșîgnș îtched on our wooden wâgonş."
"Thank you," Blaze replied, "This is how I... 'sing for my supper', when traveling." She explained, "I work wood and leather, mostly." She said flicking her tail forward with a different tool so she could quickly swap out with the one she currently used. "I can add art, once building is... build."
"It is fortunate we found an ally down there, rather than traps. I will take my leave to rest before my shift on watch." He says bowing and quickly walking away to rest, he sleeps fitfully in a new place surrounded by new people.
Blaze found it fortunate too, perhaps suspiciously so. "We find Henry Joneston bones, too. Tomorrow, we should bury him, mebbe. You will help? Say holy words?" She asked Baahir, feeling some need of reassurance from him. Of what, she could not say.
---
Blaze stirred on her own when the time came for her watch, tsking and grumbling under her breath in Infernal over Aramyros not waking her himself.
She joined Nazetoz for watch wherever he was and spoke quietly of whatever he wished to speak of, carrying her armor and shield with her. It really was much easier to don with help.
She had taken it upon herself to work on the list for Ethos and asked him for suggestions on what to add.
---
"My life has changed quite drastically in such a short time." he muses out loud while he searches.
She was waiting for Baahir when he came on watch. Knowing he would now be up for the day, Blaze had set out the cooking kit and put water on to boil for something hot to drink. Coffee, tea, whatever was packed with the rations. She handed him a steaming cup as he came close.
"Yes, true. Yesterday morning, I was alone. Many yesterday before too. Now many new friends." She looked down, as if she felt embarrassed or apologetic, maybe.She also asked Baahir for input on the requisition list for Ethos.
Edit:
When she concluded her watch, she woke Thorn by calling to him from outside his tent. But she did not return to her own tent to sleep, instead beginning to prepare the dry rations into something more palatable if possible. Toasting breads and biscuits, mixing dried fruit and nuts into grain porridge and boiling more water for coffee or tea.
With the previous night past him, Thorn had taken over from Blaze for watch duty. He had also acknowledged that Baahir had gone to do his daily obedience having done his the previous night. The young half elf by now had not donned his disguise but the others either did not notice or couldn't be bothered.
The doll was doing fine work and he didn't see a need to disturb it lest it might attack him instead.
Blaze had set about preparing breakfast and Thorn while waiting had asked the surrounding lands for a treat.
His rewards weren't great but at least it was something.
With the sun up once more, he summons his magical gift to disguise himself once more and the fat man replaces the lean wry half elf.
Once everyone seemed to be more active, he was ready to head into the forest when he notices Lilianne fairly dancing over through the forest towards him. She must have being in a very good mood after her talk with Andrei. As she mentions hunting and his bow, he grins and nods.
Common, Taldane
"Yes. A spot of hunting if we're lucky and if the forest likes us, maybe we could get additional nuts and berries as well. From what I estimate previously, it will take several days to map this land out. I am honored that you would accompany me."
Blaze, you can't find a ring or any magical items beside the journal.
Responding to Blaze, she shakes her head.
"No, I see nothing. It must be gone. Someone or something likely found this place already and looted it. It's hard to say for sure though"
-----------------
Back with Thorn, she nods to his answer and will announce to those up, "We are going hunting. Hopefully, we'll have breakfast before long. If not, don't hesitate to dig into some rations."
With that, she will give Andrei a kiss on the cheek and will head out for a light bit of hunting.
Once away from the camp, she will ask Thorn, "Why do you wear a disguise? If you don't mind me asking?"
Blaze found it fortunate too, perhaps suspiciously so. "We find Henry Joneston bones, too. Tomorrow, we should bury him, mebbe. You will help? Say holy words?" She asked Baahir, feeling some need of reassurance from him. Of what, she could not say.
"Of course, there have been times in the past I have had to speak on behalf of my brothers in arms. I would prefer to speak the words over a fire to incinerate his bones so that the rest can be final." he agrees to hold ceremony for the previous denizen of the tower cellar.
He makes sure to gather some cloth to wrap the remains, for tomorrow.
---
She was waiting for Baahir when he came on watch. Knowing he would now be up for the day, Blaze had set out the cooking kit and put water on to boil for something hot to drink. Coffee, tea, whatever was packed with the rations. She handed him a steaming cup as he came close.
"Yes, true. Yesterday morning, I was alone. Many yesterday before too. Now many new friends." She looked down, as if she felt embarrassed or apologetic, maybe.
She also asked Baahir for input on the requisition list for Ethos.
Baahir laughs for a moment when he realized he was speaking loud enough for her to hear.
"Thank you, the warmth of the cup is nice at this time of night." he says holding the cup in his hands, close to his chest, before taking a sip and sitting down.
"I felt loneliness after the fire and my sister's disappearance, for what seemed like an eternity but the truth is I was taken in by my adoptive mother before the embers had faded from what remained of my home. It is a blessing that you are no longer alone and I hope to keep it that way, protecting you...and everyone here." he smiles with some difficulty due to the tautness of his burnt skin. Self-conscious thoughts began to nag so he reaches for her list to busy himself. He looks to see what there is so far, taking note and adding a few things himself.
He opens his own pouch and looks through what he has, to double check.
"Whetstones and weapon oils. Alchemical remedies are always useful. Anti-plague, Anti-venom, weapon oils. Fireward Gel if these goblins are anything like the rumors I have heard. I admit, I have mostly dealt with desert pests and witches back in my homelands." he says working through his ideas, focusing on survival, but perhaps possibly being a bit optimistic about the item Ethos would send.
---
Having made a promise to handle the remains, Baahir heads down to the cellar to wrap the bones in cloth before bringing them back up.
"Is everyone fine with me using a bit of the fire-wood? I would like to form a small pyre for Henry Joneston. I don't know his life but what he left behind has proven to be a boon for us...and I don't like remains laying about." he asks the group when they gather at some point. If they agree he builds it nearby so it can be lit later that night when he would give his words.
Baahir laughs for a moment when he realized he was speaking loud enough for her to hear.
"Thank you, the warmth of the cup is nice at this time of night." he says holding the cup in his hands, close to his chest, before taking a sip and sitting down.
"I felt loneliness after the fire and my sister's disappearance, for what seemed like an eternity but the truth is I was taken in by my adoptive mother before the embers had faded from what remained of my home. It is a blessing that you are no longer alone and I hope to keep it that way, protecting you...and everyone here." he smiles with some difficulty due to the tautness of his burnt skin. Self-conscious thoughts began to nag so he reaches for her list to busy himself. He looks to see what there is so far, taking note and adding a few things himself.
Blaze listened with sympathy on her face, but not pity. She hated that look on other's faces and she was not about to inflict it on Baahir. She was tempted to expound upon her own tale but she did not wish to speak of what was done to her in captivity to a man whose sister may well be a witch's captive even now. She shared his smile, and raised a wry eyebrow. "Mebbe I protect you." She said tapping her fancy new mithral shield with a grin.
She nodded over the items he requested and made sure they end up on the list. For the alchemical remedies, she wrote down a Chirurgeon’s Kit which consisted of a healer’s kit, a bottle of strong brandy, a potion of cure light wounds, a vial of smelling salts, and 2 doses each of alchemist’s kindness, antiplague, antitoxin, bloodblock, and soothe syrup. All for 400 gold.
---
Having made a promise to handle the remains, Baahir heads down to the cellar to wrap the bones in cloth before bringing them back up.
"Is everyone fine with me using a bit of the fire-wood? I would like to form a small pyre for Henry Joneston. I don't know his life but what he left behind has proven to be a boon for us...and I don't like remains laying about." he asks the group when they gather at some point. If they agree he builds it nearby so it can be lit later that night when he would give his words.
"He is only bones now. Small pyre works. Big fire may draw goblins." She helped him to set it up, using her knowledge of how a fire burns hottest to arrange the wood. It seemed only right as she had asked for his help in this matter.
The automaton stands there frozen its last load upon the stack of wood which is now several feet tall.
Perception DC 18, you notice a feminine form clothed in shadows, 30 feet away, in a tree holding a long handled blade of some sort.
The automaton stands there frozen its last load upon the stack of wood which is now several feet tall.
It didn't follow Aramyros at his Draconic command. It didn't move at all.
"I'm not sure it is of much help." Aramyros claimed after his simple order to build a palisade wasn't executed by the construct.
In Draconic he tries other, simplier, commands to slowly investigate its capabilities. "Build a table"
Lilianne wonders what else she could ask her companion Thorn, as well as how she will answer any questions he has.
--------------
End of their Hunt
(what race? any affiliations noticable?)
Lilianne is not managing to find anything for hunting in the region. Perhaps it was Aramyros yesterday tearing through the area that kept them silent, but it isn't likely. At the end of their hunt, however, it is clear. Her keen elven eyes spot the offender who has been terrorizing the forest in the distance. Whether or not she has already noticed them is up to debate, but if so, one moment she will spy Lilianne passes behind a large tree, and then no more as she stealths herself.
With an intense focus on an image of a serpent sliding into sand to conceal himself, and the emotional clarity, she fuels her spell without motion or sound. A moment later she fades from sight into the background, and by the time Thorn would be walking out the other side of the tree, she is no longer seen by either. Where she is may be unknown except to the keenest eye. Her soft footfalls head along the flank of the secretive goblin killer from one point of cover to another.
The fat man doesn't seem to give any objection to Baahir's suggestion.
in Common, Taldane
"I will not begrudge a man whose bones lie forgotten this. May he find peace and return to wherever and when he should be."
Thorn whistles to himself as he estimates the amount of firewood this doll had collected overnight.
in Common, Taldane
"Now this is fantastic but if we're not careful, it might just harvest the whole forest and leave us expose."
Thorn seems at home within the forest as his clothing with the help of some magic changes color to help him blend further into the forest as he tracks spoor and observes the local flora for a chance to forage nuts, berries and perhaps if they're lucky meat.
Useless banter that leads to nowhere seems to be Thorn's attempts to make their hunt a little less dreary but Lilianne's questions sends the fat man into silence.............for a short while.
*breaths*
"The disguise is to protect myself and others from myself and those who wish to harm myself." he begins and seems to consider his words.
he sighs and shrugs.
"I wear it because a fat man with no capability to defend himself warrants not a second glance." he replies truthfully.
He snickers to himself, a dark chilling self deprecating laugh that doesn't look like it belongs to one so fair.
"My family loves me but feels that I'm old enough to learn how they say it.....shall we say learn to live among my true people. My true family would like nothing more but to dig my heart out for some sacrifice. No one would suspect a useless decrepit fat man to be something of worth or to consider that I might have skills suited for deeds needed but not wanted.
It doesn't help that I ride in the eddies of time and I have already met, would have met or could have met all of you before." he grins at Lilianne.
"Does that help?"
As the half elf moves towards a tree..........
Looking up, Thorn notices that there are dead goblins and he is alone. With the feeling of being watched and yet not noticing anything or anybody. Thorn curses himself for speaking to Lilianne. What if she was one of those sent by his family to deliver his corpse up to them.
This smells like a trap but someone has to spring it. If he was wrong he would likely face multiple assassins like before and so braces himself and slowly approaches the body to examine them.
From a distance, their wounds looked like a blade had torn them up and the wielder must have either studied them well enough or was simply skilled and looking for sport. Both thoughts didn't sound good to him.
By Shyka! This would be a good time to fall into one of those time holes...
You notice that the elf has moved as well.
By the 3rd round you can see her and she is looking the other way toward Thorn. Apparently she lost you, what do you want to do?
The automaton still does nothing.
Lilianne was useless today at finding food. It seemed that whenever she was about to walk on to something, a bird would fly overhead and scare it off, or it would look like an edible bush, but would end up being the poisonous version of it. On the other hand, Thorn was far more capable or lucky.
Thorn would find that Lilianne thrives on useless banter. As a spy, half of her intel comes from useless details. In short, each tidbit of information he eludes to helps map out the character and mind of the man she walks with.
"Does it help? Of course. Although fewer people would be inclined to help you if you were not so incapable. A good disguise should repel those who would seek to interact with your figments. A stinky beggar, a puss covered witch. A grumpy old hag with a stick to beat you with all can help keep others from ever knowing you are not yourself. Take it from me. I know..."
At that moment, her eyes catch sight of the elf and she is gone, leaving the poor bumbling man to himself. Truly, she could not have asked for a better distraction, as in time, she finds herself within reach of her quarry. Thorn definitely would even distract her if she was in the elf's position. As Lilianne walks, the silent interior and good maintenance of her sheath masks the drawing of her blade, and as the unknown rogue's eyes seem intent upon Thorn, the blade will be at its length will slide up under her neck.
"My blade is upon you...," she softly mentions. It would be loud enough for the frantic Thorn to hear, and yet not so loud as to scare her quarry into action.
"State your intent, as we may very well be allies...and lower your hood."
She will retract her blade a short distance from the female's neck but readies an action to strike if needed.
"Hunting goblins and protecting my home. You are very stealthy." she says and lowers her hood with her left hand. You do see a snake curl along her neck and face you, Lilly.
She will remove her green, sickly-looking, massive sword from the woman's neck further and rests it on her shoulder. Her body is angled in such a way to be on guard and yet still twist quickly and come down on the woman if need be with her blade.
"Do you mind if I ask your name and where your home is?"
Thorn replies to Lilianne bitterly.
"The problem is was that I am capable and others believe that I am the usual evil that walks. They aid those who attacks and not me. Only my family does so."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Thorn hears the woman speaking but doesn't see them.
"Is it a bad time? I don't want to be eavesdropping or anything but I do have two hares that needs to be dressed for meals so would you two come out where I can you both?"
Blaze listened with sympathy on her face, but not pity. She hated that look on other's faces and she was not about to inflict it on Baahir. She was tempted to expound upon her own tale but she did not wish to speak of what was done to her in captivity to a man whose sister may well be a witch's captive even now. She shared his smile, and raised a wry eyebrow. "Mebbe I protect you." She said tapping her fancy new mithral shield with a grin.
"I would appreciate that but know I would be right behind you, actually I would prefer that." he nods his head to the side before producing his own flames from his hand, he knew that being on the frontline wasn't his specialty but he trained enough not to be a burden. That was at least the excuse he told himself when he replied with his desire to support her. His curiosity only grew about her own story but he wasn't the type to prod...yet.
"Was that a gift from Ethos? I was granted this beautiful scimitar." using the flame in one hand he illuminated the cold-iron blade engraved with intricate channels depicting flames. He channeled some of his divine energy into them, lighting them up with a warm amber light. He was proud of the new weapon, it was as much of a tool as it was a symbol for him.
---
"He is only bones now. Small pyre works. Big fire may draw goblins." She helped him to set it up, using her knowledge of how a fire burns hottest to arrange the wood. It seemed only right as she had asked for his help in this matter.
"That is true. We can tend it together so it doesn't become a beacon for our prey. Even a low flame will eventually turn his bones to ash."
He pauses for a moment to watch her work, impressed but not surprised after seeing her by the campfire. Adjusting the wood so it would burn longer and consume less of their stock.
"When the others return we can say our words, for those who are interested. I do hope the others are having success on their journey into the woods."
The fat man doesn't seem to give any objection to Baahir's suggestion.
in Common, Taldane
"I will not begrudge a man whose bones lie forgotten this. May he find peace and return to wherever and when he should be."
"Indeed, hopefully he is bound for a nice plane of existence, with our coming battles it will surely be more peaceful than this one. Thank you. Please let me know if you need any help with your work." he says graciously.
Aramyros is getting frustrated. "Guys, I'm neither a mechanic nor a wizard. Constructs are the opposite of my specialty. I don't believe it's broken, it ran smoothly yesterday. Do you think it needs something to run? Like a steam engine needing fire?"
He begins touching and investigating the machine thoroughly, but obviously not understanding anything deeply.
Andrei got the fire roaring and ready to cooking. The varisian looked into the slowly-lightening forest and looked on with sorry.
I know my Callie is a competent woman, but..to lost her SO soon after reuniting would kill me, Andrei pondered. Hopefully that 'fat man' doesn't sit on her!
Word got around that there would be a small pyre later for a found body in the tower's basement. The cleric asked to attend and help with any preparations.
"Greetings, Alia. We did not intend to enter your home without being invited. It was unknowingly done. We are hired by Ethos, but our allegiance is still fresh. Why do you curse his name?"
"I would appreciate that but know I would be right behind you, actually I would prefer that." he nods his head to the side before producing his own flames from his hand, he knew that being on the frontline wasn't his specialty but he trained enough not to be a burden. That was at least the excuse he told himself when he replied with his desire to support her. His curiosity only grew about her own story but he wasn't the type to prod...yet.
Blaze blinked at his words, fluttering red lashes and looking at him with a wry expression as if she expected the punchline of a joke next. She seemed to recall something said about men who liked to be behind you...
"Was that a gift from Ethos? I was granted this beautiful scimitar." using the flame in one hand he illuminated the cold-iron blade engraved with intricate channels depicting flames. He channeled some of his divine energy into them, lighting them up with a warm amber light. He was proud of the new weapon, it was as much of a tool as it was a symbol for him.
She nodded eagerly, latching on to a subject in which she felt more confidence. "Yes, the 'gifts'. Much gold spent. It is beautiful blade," she said admiringly. "My Pater, who take me in, was Bladesmith. I help to work forge many years. He would call that blade... a master's piece." She smiled, pleased to have worked out the words in Taldane.
---
"That is true. We can tend it together so it doesn't become a beacon for our prey. Even a low flame will eventually turn his bones to ash."
Blaze nodded solemnly and wondered if she should say some words later. It felt strange to speak of a man she never knew over his funeral pyre, but it also felt like an important duty. A thing that should be done by someone. She looked over his journal as she considered what to say.
Aramyros is getting frustrated. "Guys, I'm neither a mechanic nor a wizard. Constructs are the opposite of my specialty. I don't believe it's broken, it ran smoothly yesterday. Do you think it needs something to run? Like a steam engine needing fire?"
He begins touching and investigating the machine thoroughly, but obviously not understanding anything deeply.
She approached where Aramyros was struggling with the Automaton. "I have journal. Mebbe say how to use." She said and offered it to the metallic man.
While he looked over the book, she considered what the trouble might be. "Last time, it work for you when I use lever. I try again." She reached out and used the same maneuver as before.
Thorn blinks as sunlight flashes into his eyes.
looking up he notices Lilianne but does a double take as he notices another woman beside her.
Really? he thinks to himself.
They sent two of them to kill me this time?
In common, Taldane.
"Umm Greetings, friend of yours?" he calls out though he makes no attempt to approach either woman. I mean look at this situation? They both have nasty looking sharp blades out.
All he had was a club and a clubber he wasn't. it was a nice looking club they call mace though.
Aramyros you notice that there is a lever attached to its back. Pulling it down you see a hand hold below, fiddling with it you notice it turns. Those are the two movable pieces that might do something. As most of its other joints seem to be in a state of lockdown.
As Blaze works the lever and obviously activates it with her hands sliding over the chest piece runes begin to glow. The automaton would stand up and look from her and then to Aramyros then back.
The snake then rests upon her neck again and she answers Thorn, "We are not friends yet, time will tell."
"I suppose you are right. Time will tell. I will ensure that what we take from the forest, we will replant and use. I would like to know how to contact you again if you are remaining here, as our raids on the goblins should begin shortly. Also, because I'm curious, does Ethos desire dragons then? Is that the true point of all of this?"
She will take a step backward from the woman and will sheathe her sword.
Aramyros you notice that there is a lever attached to its back. Pulling it down you see a hand hold below, fiddling with it you notice it turns. Those are the two movable pieces that might do something. As most of its other joints seem to be in a state of lockdown.
As Blaze works the lever and obviously activates it with her hands sliding over the chest piece runes begin to glow. The automaton would stand up and look from her and then to Aramyros then back.
Blaze considered the Automaton as it waited again for commands. It would be good to get a head start on the outpost they were to build, but after seeing how far it went with a simple task of gathering firewood, it might be prudent to phrase commands as specifically as possible. An outpost built on the scale with the stack of firewood would be excessive and unnecessary...
"Mebbe it do more than build. Can you ask if it can show us building plans? If so, then we pick best plan. And machine build to plan, no more... this." She said raising her hand to indicate the overly tall stack of too much firewood.