| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Huh? Something moving? Like what? An angry bear? A stalking Wolf? A rabid armadillo?" A slight pause, followed by a defensive response to any odd looks, "What? It could happen. You don't know..."
Beyond that, however, Culver is really of little use in picking and setting up a camp. To that end, he begins to expound upon that fact to anyone willing to listen, all the while taking in what the others are doing so he can learn...which he also comments upon.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Casina had been combing the depths of her memory for an appropriate song for the situation. Not to sing, of course. She would never sing in front of people, especially ones she barely knew. And she would like to keep it that way. Instead, Casina mumbled the words to a tune she had learned from a bard. He had picked it up in Galt a few years ago during their semi-annual revolution.
"Stunning eight K gold piece value meditation glass.
In honor of the revolution, it's half-off at Les Jacques'.
Red Raven's strong left hook, loving parents, harmless fun.
The backlash to the backlash to the thing that's just begin.
There it is again, that funny fee-"
The mention of something moving caused Casina to nearly choke on her spit. "Whatever it was, it would have to be stupid or starved to attack a group as large as ours," she said between coughing fits.
Later, once teh group found a good spot to rest, she dropped her pack and started to unload her part of the camping supplies. It didn't take an expert to know that the sooner they could get out of the cold, they better off they would all be.
[dice=Perception]1d20+6
[dice=Survival]1d20"Huh? Something moving? Like what? An angry bear? A stalking Wolf? A rabid armadillo?" A slight pause, followed by a defensive response to any odd looks, "What? It could happen. You don't know..."
Oh yeah, one raised eyebrow from the half orc. Then a chuckle.
The mention of something moving caused Casina to nearly choke on her spit. "Whatever it was, it would have to be stupid or starved to attack a group as large as ours," she said between coughing fits.
Grobradon nods at that.
Keth moved through the snowy woods as quickly as he could. He limped a bit his leg still sore from his injury and he would've missed out on the quest if Olmira hadn't healed his leg. At times he used his spear to support his weight but he had made good time with Woolf following the groups trail. He took a drink of water and looked. He thought he could see a fire not far away in the dusk and he could hear Woolf's excitement in the distance. It'd be good To see the others hed gotten to know in the three months hed been in Kassen. His stomach growled. A testament he hadn't eaten to I sure he caught up with the others before the crypt.
He started again after putting his water skin away and pulling the thick winter cloak around him and started toward the welcoming flame
Woolf had followed the tracks diligently as The master asked. He had even ignored the tasty bunnys scent hed run across to please the longstrider as Woolf knew him. He even peed on bushes and trees so his friend could follow, hurt as he was.
He had been glad to get back in the woods again. He didn't care for towns. Too much nasty smells. Throughout the day he had ran ahead of longstrider finding their path. Then as the dark was coming he knew he was close . He could smell the fire ahead. He ran excitedly in a circle. His eyes lighting up. He knew the others would have snacks and scratchings for him and that made him happy with anticipation. He forced himself to be calm and started forward again.
Just a few short minutes of running brought him to the edge of their campsite. He perked his head up...ears up...listening...he sniffed the air, whatever had made that noise was a predator...it knew to stay downwind. He growled and looked at his friends in the firelight...and setting sun and looked around for the threat. He glanced back and could see longstrider about a hundred feet back moving through the trees.
Thanks to everyone's efforts, the campsite Grobradon finds as evening begins to fade to twilight is by far one of the best he's ever seen. The rocky walls on three sides provide shelter from the wind and water is easily accessible. Best of all, the ground is mostly dry thanks to the overhang supported by the walls.
Bimbur is likewise fortunate. He and those that go with him to help come back with a late season harvest of berries, nuts, mushrooms, and a hart that Bimbur took down cleanly with his bow. Even better, he was able to recover the arrow.
As you go about preparing supper, a familiar wolf comes scampering into camp shortly followed by Keth, who limps along, leaning heavily on his staff after the grueling hike to catch up.
"Huh? Something moving? Like what? An angry bear? A stalking Wolf? A rabid armadillo?" A slight pause, followed by a defensive response to any odd looks, "What? It could happen. You don't know..."
Betzolte raises an eyebrow at Culver's words.
"Garth's speech got to you a bit, seems like," she comments. "Never really seen you be nervous before..."
Despite Betzolte's education not really covering woodcraft, she surprisingly manages to be helpful with the selection and assembly of the campsite, though it's clear she's largely following the examples of Moon, Grobradon and Keth.
Then she sees Keth stumble in with Woolf in tow.
"Keth!"
She puts down what she's doing and goes to help him join the camp and take a seat.
"I was wondering where you were! I thought you getting laid up might have meant you wouldn't be able to join us!"
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Maidie was busy feeding the last of her cut-up rations to Tanglefoot when she spotted the grey canine shape emerging from the woods.
she shrieked, scrambling in a near-panic to scoop up Tanglefoot. Startled by her emotions of fear, the hedgehog instantly rolled into a ball, causing Maidie to prick her fingers during her rescue attempt.
She was halfway through the incantantation of her acid blast cantrip when Keth showed up behind Woolf. Recognition penetrated her spellcasting focus at the last moment and the spell fizzled out, a few drops of acid dripping down from her outstretched hand to the dry leaves below.
”Keth! You really shouldn’t let your pet roam free like that. It almost gave me a heart attack…but…uhm…welcome, I guess. Your leg has been healed, I see.” she chided as she struggled to regain her composure, her face flush.
As she deftly skins and butchers the deer, Moon glances over at Grobradon, asking quietly. "What were the rest of the words... to your song? I think you stopped in the middle." There is no mockery in her tone, just curiosity.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Betzolte raises an eyebrow at Culver's words."Garth's speech got to you a bit, seems like," she comments. "Never really seen you be nervous before..."
Culver winks,"Not nervous exactly. Cautious. Yeah, that's the word. Rabid armadillos are NOT to be underestimated..."
One moment, Culver is unrolling his bedroll, setting up his personal space in camp, small though it might be. And the next, Maidie is screeching, and the blonde-haired rogue spins, dropping into a crouch as he does so, drawing two daggers as he moves.
A long pause follows as Culver takes in the situation and then sheathes his blades with a chuckle, "Maidie, don't DO that! Hey, Keth. Good to see you." He then turns sheepishly and goes back to his efforts, muttering quietly to himself, "Nope. Not nervous at all...
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"About time you got here, Woodbrother," Grobradon nods to Keth, "Bimbur's skilled aim brought down this gift from Nature who we honor for sharing of its self with us. Anyway, we have dinner..."
A glance at Maidie as she fusses at Keth after getting a hedgehog related injury "And a show." He mutters the last.
As she deftly skins and butchers the deer, Moon glances over at Grobradon, asking quietly. "What were the rest of the words... to your song? I think you stopped in the middle." There is no mockery in her tone, just curiosity.
Grobradon is tempted to wave it off, but then it occurs to him that just because he can't sing doesn't mean it should go forgotten. I'm bad soil for a song to grow on, but that's not the fault of the seed is it?
Softly, he starts over again, not loud, and switching to just 'speaking it' if he slips up again, essentially singing for an audience of one
"Deep inside the forest
Is a door into another land
Here is our life and home
We are staying, here forever
In the beauty of this place all alone
We keep on hoping
Maybe
There's a world where we don't have to run
And maybe
There's a time we'll call our own
Living free in harmony and majesty
Take me ho-ome
Take me home
Walking through the land
Where every living thing is beautiful
Why does it have to end?
We are calling, oh so sadly
On the whispers of the wind
As we send a dying message
Maybe
There's a world where we don't have to ru-un
Maybe
There's a time we'll call our own
Living free in harmony and majesty
Take me ho-ome
Take me home"
Grobradon will never be a bard, but perhaps because he is keeping his voice soft, it's not as bad this time.
Afterwards he says "It's a good song. Learn it if you want. You'd probably do it more justice than I." A nod.
Maidie was busy feeding the last of her cut-up rations to Tanglefoot when she spotted the grey canine shape emerging from the woods.
she shrieked, scrambling in a near-panic to scoop up Tanglefoot. Startled by her emotions of fear, the hedgehog instantly rolled into a ball, causing Maidie to prick her fingers during her rescue attempt.
She was halfway through the incantantation of her acid blast cantrip when Keth showed up behind Woolf. Recognition penetrated her spellcasting focus at the last moment and the spell fizzled out, a few drops of acid dripping down from her outstretched hand to the dry leaves below.
”Keth! You really shouldn’t let your pet roam free like that. It almost gave me a heart attack…but…uhm…welcome, I guess. Your leg has been healed, I see.” she chided as she struggled to regain her composure, her face flush.
Betzolte gives Maidie a look that says "Seriously?" as she lets Keth lean on her.
"What was he supposed to do, Maidie? Skulk up like some monster and scare us even more?"
Once Keth gets settled, Betzolte sits by the fire.
Softly, he starts over again, not loud, and switching to just 'speaking it' if he slips up again, essentially singing for an audience of one.
"Deep inside the forest
Is a door into another land..."Afterwards he says "It's a good song. Learn it if you want. You'd probably do it more justice than I."
"I think you sang it well. I could not do better. The words are strong and the tone almost feels elven." She catches Grobradon's eye and holds it. "Thank you."
She quickly turns back to her butchering, embarrassed. "Who's cooking? The deer is ready."
"That sounded much better, Grobradon!" Betzolte comments with a thumbs-up. "Shows that a little practice can go a long way!"
Bimbur helps clean and dress his kill at the campfire. He waits for the others to begin to eat as he roasts his steak over the fire then digs in with relish.
"Watch order sounds good. I will be happy to share in the darkest of watches." He seems distracted by the snores of one of his companions, so he is not as alert as he would be alone.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I think you sang it well. I could not do better. The words are strong and the tone almost feels elven." She catches Grobradon's eye and holds it. "Thank you."
Grobradon is not used to people meeting his gaze for long. Most find him a bit intimidating. Surprised, he says "Ah, you're welcome."
She quickly turns back to her butchering, embarrassed. "Who's cooking? The deer is ready."
Grobradon is about to say something but then...
"That sounded much better, Grobradon!" Betzolte comments with a thumbs-up. "Shows that a little practice can go a long way!"
"mmmph, don't get used to it , I am not the party minstrel." Grousing feels more comfortable to him, though a part of him is glad Bezolte said he got better. She was a straight shooter. If she told you you sucked less, you could count on it to be true.
"Watch order sounds good. I will be happy to share in the darkest of watches." He seems distracted by the snores of one of his companions, so he is not as alert as he would be alone.
"Probably you and me..." Grobradon nods.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Between Culver jumping at every little sound and Maidie panicking over the friendly wolf, Casina could barely keep a straight face.
“What a group we are!’ She said with a chuckle. “A bunch of brave adventurers for sure!”
Casina dropped to one knee and started to undo the latches that kept her axe locked in place in her gauntlet, still chuckling. Once she had it removed, she picked a spot next to the fire and laid the axe on the ground beside her.
“I can help keep the fire going but,” Casina looked over her shoulder at Moon, ”I promise you all, if I cook anything, none of us will make it back alive.”
Dinner turns out to be great. Roast venison, fresh nuts and berries, and a stew made from dried vegetables and hardtack makes for a filling meal.
Moon pulls the hashi from her bun, letting her hair tumble down. Then she washes the hashi (chopsticks) in the stream before eating her meal with them. She eats in relative silence, watching the interplay of the people around the campfire.
Betzolte tucks into the meal with relish.
"Nice and hearty! I'd say our quest is off to a great start, dontcha think?"
Voronoy smiles at the camaraderie that the group are exhibiting. From her relatively short time with the military, she knew how important it was to not only be a team, but to act like a time and feel you were a team. Because teams looked out for one another - whereas a group of individuals will tend to put themselves first when the chips were down.
And, as she listened to the song and ate her meal, she reflected on her role as part of that team. Maybe when those chips were down, her military training would come to the fore? One thing she knew from that training, was to let the experts take control at the appropriate time. Natural leaders will always emerge, but they know when to take control and when to defer.
Glancing around, she was aware of the varied background, the blend of skills and competencies. Should they come across a challenge, she felt assured they would deal with it.
But her musing ended almost as it began. What was her role? How could and should she become part of that team, as opposed to the silent outsider for now.
Tomorrow.
Not that she was a procrastinator, but she promised herself that the next day she would have at least one conversation with each of the group.
Betzolte tucks into the meal with relish.
"Nice and hearty! I'd say our quest is off to a great start, dontcha think?"
"Mmm good meal, tolerable company, could be worse" He concedes.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mouth full of venison, chewing happily, Culver says, "ThwiSth if rWreely Goodth..." He pauses to swallow, then wipes his mouth on the back of his sleeve and grins, "Seriously, Good job. 'Compliments to the chef!"
"So...I have a question." From his spot near the fire, the halfling glances around at everyone in turn. "While things are kinda quiet right now, they're sure to get a bit more wild tomorrow or at the day after at most. What do we really know about this place we're going? Like, we all know the rumors and what the other candidates have said, but..."
Culver shrugs, surprisingly sounding much less naive and fun-loving than usual, and a bit more mature than maybe he usually lets on. "What do we KNOW, and what are we planning to do once we get there? What do we all bring to the table, so to say?"
While most of the group may have not ever seen this side of the halfling scoundrel, Grobradon has, which he knows means that Culver actually is taking things seriously, despite his demeanor.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"So...I have a question." From his spot near the fire, the halfling glances around at everyone in turn. "While things are kinda quiet right now, they're sure to get a bit more wild tomorrow or at the day after at most. What do we really know about this place we're going? Like, we all know the rumors and what the other candidates have said, but..."
Culver shrugs, surprisingly sounding much less naive and fun-loving than usual, and a bit more mature than maybe he usually lets on. "What do we KNOW, and what are we planning to do once we get there? What do we all bring to the table, so to say?"
While most of the group may have not ever seen this side of the halfling scoundrel, Grobradon has, which he knows means that Culver actually is taking things seriously, despite his demeanor.
Grobradon nods at his friend, "Good thinking, Culver. I admit, I first thought this ritual was a yearly go and camp tradition, like a cake walk at a fair in ease? our biggest risk getting lost. We go there, honor the everflame, return triumphant. But I'm wondering if I wasn't too lax in my thinking. The woods are alive and living beings move through it. So likely not as safe as I figured. We should keep our guard up. There are a lot of things we may not know about each other if the fertilizer hits the windstorm." He shrugs "As for what I bring to the table? Everyone here knows I am one of two druids trained by Olmira. But for details? I have a connection with trees more so than fire, water, earth, wind or beast. Currently, thanks to prayers, I can cause plantlife to entangle those who trouble us. I can heal a little, though we have potions a plenty for that, and currently if need be I can speak with animals. I'm woodwise, though..." A nod to Moon, Keth, and others "I'm not alone in that. If we run low on water I can create some. I'm okay in a straight fight but nothing compared to our warriors." He looks about, clearly expecting others to mention a few more details of what THEY can provide.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Still embarrased by her startled reaction - and her peers’ reaction to it - Maidie sits by the edge of the fire, barely able to enjoy the delicious meal.
She does not attempt to join in the conversation, instead focusing her mental energy on the day ahead. And quietly dreading her watch rotation with Casina.
If I can just get through the night without making a fool of myself, perhaps everyone will forget about it. Surely there will be plenty of distractions at the tomb.
Betzolte thinks a bit on what Kassen history she remembers. It wasn't the kind of history she could learn from a dusty tome on Holgast's shelves. It was the living, breathing story of her friends, neighbors and family, passed down through conversations, tall tales, idle gossip and the annual ceremony year after year.
“I can hit things,” Casina said matter-of-factly before taking a bite of the venison. She chewed for a moment then looked around the group. “That was a joke. I mean, I can definitely make something have a bad day with this baby,” she nodded towards the axe, “but I’m not sure how else I can help. I know a little about some of the more common religions but nothing about getting along in the wilderness. I guess I’m mostly here to make sure the survivalists don’t get got by a random kobold?”
“Oh. And I’m pretty good at figuring out if a person is a bad guy or not. I’ve figured out who the guilty person was at a crime scene a couple of times. Not really sure if that could help though.”
Voronoy smiled at Casina’s description of her talents. ”Make that two of us that are about hitting things,” she added. ”For a while, I wondered why I’d been invited. I was half-expecting to be told to keep an eye on you all, given what I do for a living. But so far, I’d say everyone’s knowledge of the wilderness and such-like has been paramount in us getting where we are. In fact, I’m hoping my skill-set isn’t going to come in handy at all. But…” she lays a hand on the hilt of her sword, ”rest assured I’ll be ready if needed.”
"And I can make either of you hit things even harder!" Betzolte adds. "I've got a spell that makes a person large as a giant, with the muscle to match! Though that may not be as handy in the Crypt itself...can't fight if you're knocking your head on the ceiling..."
It went against her nature and nurture to boast of her skills. And speaking in front of so many was equally uncomfortable. But if she remained silent, they might take that as proof that she was as ‘stuck-up’ as many said.
Her voice sounded very small to her when it emerged, ”I’m comfortable in the wilds... and adequate with bow and blade.”
Bimbur nods at the conversation, eating his venison in small bite sized pieces and cleaning the residue off his beard carefully.
"Scouting and archery seem to be my talents, but you never know when danger strikes. Sometimes when your guard is down."
After musing philisophically about danger, Bimbur checks his assortment of miscellaneous arrows.
Voronoy smiled at Casina’s description of her talents. ”Make that two of us that are about hitting things,” she added. ”For a while, I wondered why I’d been invited. I was half-expecting to be told to keep an eye on you all, given what I do for a living. But so far, I’d say everyone’s knowledge of the wilderness and such-like has been paramount in us getting where we are. In fact, I’m hoping my skill-set isn’t going to come in handy at all. But…” she lays a hand on the hilt of her sword, ”rest assured I’ll be ready if needed.”
Grobradon nods at the quiet guardswoman, "let's hope not but , speaking for myself, it makes me feel safer that's for sure." Voronoy doesn't talk much , so he figures he should show her that she's not being ignored. Besides, it's true.
At Betzolte's talk of banging heads in the crypt, he grumbles and rubs at his noggin. He had not thought of that.
Bimbur nods at the conversation, eating his venison in small bite sized pieces and cleaning the residue off his beard carefully.
"Scouting and archery seem to be my talents, but you never know when danger strikes. Sometimes when your guard is down."
After musing philisophically about danger, Bimbur checks his assortment of miscellaneous arrows.
"How DID you come by learning archery anyway, cousin?" Betzolte asks. "It doesn't come to us dwarves naturally the way it does for elfy folk like Moon. No offense!"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
The half-elf's chopsticks stop halfway to her mouth. Her response is dry, "Saying 'no offense' removes no venom from a racist remark."
The awkward exchange between Moon and Betz makes Maidie forget her own worries. In an effort to distract everyone from the uncomfortable tension, she shares her own capabilities.
”Uhm…As you have probably guessed, I can cast spells too. Right now, I have chosen to focus on tactical spells that can provide the entire group some advantage, like covering an area in grease or creating a mist cloud to provide concealment if we come under ranged attack.” Maidie says, hoping to sound like she knows what she’s talking about rather than quoting almost directly from the book on tactical spellcasting she studied yesterday.
Of course, both Betzolte and I have several other spells in our spellbooks. So we can be quite flexible, depending on what the group needs.”
The half-elf's chopsticks stop halfway to her mouth. Her response is dry, "Saying 'no offense' removes no venom from a racist remark."
"Hey, there wasn't any venom to be removed there! I'm just saying, archery's something your folks probably encouraged you to take up so you got good at it faster. Dwarves like Bimbur and me usually get steered more towards clunkier things like axes and hammers, so I was curious about what started him down that path!" Betzolte replies, clearly hoping that over-explaining her rationale would clear the air and not possibly make things worse.
The half-elf considers pressing the point but Betzolte was likely to just dig herself a deeper hole. And what would be gained? Bad blood or awkwardness. In fine Tian fashion (the other half of her dubious pedigree), Moon deflects instead of confronting to prevent a loss of face on one side or another. ”Bimbur has a fine bow - far better than mine. I am curious how his passion began.”
She holds out her own bow to the archer as a point of comparison.
”I once read a book about a traveling adventurer.” Casina said to Maidie. “In one instance, he used that spell to conjure up a bunch of slippery grease to slow down the group of villains who were chasing him through Magnimar.” Casina slurped up some of the stew and added with a waggle of her spoon, “That one could come in real handy. Though, I doubt you have the same skill with it as Jatpert Voluna.”
”Yes, grease is a really versatile spell. It can also be used to coat an enemy’s weapon, making it harder to maintain a strong grip. Or it can coat armor, in case you are caught in a grapple.” Maidie explains, obviously happy to talk about the application of magic.
”I may not be as practiced a spellcaster as this Voluna character, whomever he is, but I have learned a trick or two that makes the spell even more effective. You see, I can also craft different alchemical items and use them to augment my spells. For example, this flask of acid can make my acid splash more potent or make the grease slightly acidic. Imagine if your axe was coated in slick grease, which burned your hands even if you managed to hold on. I’d say that would make swinging it a bit more tricky...” she retorts, waving a slender vial of light green liquid.
"Well, let's hope we never have to find out, right? Casina said with a smirk.
"Oh, and it's Jatpert Voluna. He's the main character in the 'Descendants of Potentiality' series."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Grobradon watched the interaction between Betzolte and Moon with quiet curiosity. Oddly feeling sympathy for both simultaneously. It's interesting. I get what Betzolte is saying, we are shaped by our cultures, and that's an edge in some areas of training. I also get how Moon might resent having her hard work and skill talked of as a matter of that culture alone. What I didn't realize was that half elves face similar concerns as half orcs. He sighs. He remembers Olmira hinting, in her own eccentric way, that his burdens were quite real, but not as unique as he thought. He thought at the time that talk was about Keth. Trust Treesong to make me think of the pines and the elms, not just the oaks
"Oh, and it's Jatpert Voluna. He's the main character in the 'Descendants of Potentiality' series."
That snaps him out of his reverie. He's not much of a reader, but now and then it can be nice. Maybe he'll find a copy and try the first book in that series out.
Bimbur replies to Betzolte, obviously a little unused to be addressed directly.
"I was fortunate to spend time at a monastery dedicated to Irori. There I was able to perfect this craft which the elves seem to believe they have a monopoly on it."
For the second - and last – time, Moon sets her hashi aside. She offers the rest of her meal to Keth’s companion. She casts a hard look at Bimbur. ”That may be said at dwarven hearths but I’ve never heard anything like it said among the elves… and I’ve never once seen you with my mother’s folk to have a basis for that... opinion.” She washes her hashi vigorously, clearly done with the meal and at least a few of her companions. ”Good night, all.”
Seething, she strides off to the tent to try to sleep before her watch shift.
Grobradon grunts, "Not a bad idea. Night, Moon."
He sighs, and looks at Bimbur, "Her main archery teacher around here is Arnama Lastrid, who is, as you know, not an elf. I made a mistake with Moon too once, a different mistake but i assumed: but she busts her ass for her skills. The ears ? Nothing to do with it far as I can see. " And it's true. He misread Moon once before himself, though he's not going into details about it and he hopes he made amends. "We're going to be a pack on this trip. We don't have to like each other, but let's at least go easy where we nip and bite accidentally if we can help it?"
Then he adds, "And someone else will have to remind me of the same later I'm sure. I can be a jerk. Ask Culver." a nod to his friend.
After a little while, everyone finds their way to their bedrolls after a filling meal, save Voronoy and Culver who spend the first few hours of the night on watch, then it is Bimbur and Gorbradon. Nothing happens as Betzolte and Moon take their turns. The night is cold and flakes of snow can be seen dancing on the updrafts of the fire. It's about halfway through their watch when Moon hears the snapping of twigs.
For Maidie, sleep is uneasy and uncomfortable in the chill forest air. She wakes several times, disturbed by the natural noises of the woods and, after a while, the pressing realization that she will soon need to leave her warm bedroll to pee.
Resting in the wilds is nothing new to Grobradon and he settles in pretty easy.
The half-elf sits silently through her watch, in no mood for conversation. At the twigs' breaking Moon rises, drawing her sword from its sheath. She quietly offers, ”Something snapped sticks over there... I’ll check it out.” She moves off roughly in the direction of the sound. Once she hits the tree-line, she attempts to creep through the woods.
Arrows (20):
Betzolte nods quietly at Moon's words, getting out her crossbow, just in case.