Working with his shield, Blake takes a terrible blow on it that would have brained him had it landed, then deflects a blow aimed at Magnus. Quickly reversing his shield, he lashes out with it at the nearest skeleton.
shield bash:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
damage if hits:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Swift action:Aid another (+4 AC to Magnus); Reflex actions: Bodyguard
Magnus glances at Erick. "Those ARE glass shards on the club right? THAT would hurt!" The magus states with almost boyish enthusiasm over his discovery.
As the skeleton lands a lucky blow with his glass sword, Blake grins, wipes some of the blood off and says,
"Yep, That hurts all right. But its nothing to what I have already endured, or what I am prepared to endure for the sake of the Feathered Serpent."
surprised by a lucky strike by his opponent, Blake uses the edge of his shield to partially deflect what would otherwise have been a nasty wound, then once again evokes the power of Quetzelcoatl, emanating a rainbow hued pulse reminiscent of coloured feathers and sunlight glinting on scales.
Swift action Aid another, main action channel energy, reflex actions bodyguard Magnus
Magnus doesn't even need to duck behind Erick's broad shield this time, the skeleton's swing is so wide.
"Whoo! Swing and a miss! YOU, my bony friend, couldn't hit the broad side of a barge, much less an elf! Good thing too. That club looks nasty! Are those glass shards?"
Magnus glances at Erick. "Those ARE glass shards on the club right? THAT would hurt!" The magus states with almost boyish enthusiasm over his discovery.
I think you mean Blake, not Erick. Erick is in the town.
Hearing Magnus' somewhat flippant comment, Blake nods in agreement. His shield weaving a complicated defense, he calls upon the name of Quetzelcoatl, an iridescent display of colours running about his person before releasing in a pulse of colour.
Swift action: Aid another on Magnus; main action: Channel Energy; Combat Reflexes: bodyguard Magnus
swift aid on Magnus:1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12
Channel Energy:2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
DC17 Will save for half damage, affects all undead within 30'
As the skeletons close, Blake skillfully dodges one and deflects another's attack with his shield, then reverses his shield, using the opening to hit the skeleton with it.
Calling upon the blessing of Quetzelcoatl, Blake uses communal aid upon himself swift action, then steps next to Magnus, raising his shield in readiness.
Despite the rain, Blake is fully aware that there are plenty of jobs to do on board; coiling and stowing ropes, swabbing the decks, painting pitch, etc. He sets himself the task of assisting as and when he can, careful not to get in the Captain's way , and engaging the sailors in quiet conversation as and when he can.
Blake does his best to join in the bar song, laughing as he sings the wrong words and happily puts a couple of coppers in then hat when it comes round, appreciating the sense of community it engenders.
"Oh, I don't mock knowledge - quite the contrary - but you speak not of knowledge but of conjecture. It is easy to confuse the two if you are not careful, and before long conjecture becomes 'truth' and we end up believing a lie."
"Hah! While we are supposing, let's suppose the moon is made of cheese and the Sea Wolves aren't dangerous. Personally, I prefer reality to supposition. Keeps you grounded. If I find that there is an ancient artefact or the Xoltec rulers have returned, We will deal with it, but until then let's just keep to what we know. That's enough to deal with for now, without borrowing troubles that may not be real."
"Undead armies of old? Bah, we have enough trouble with the ones we got now without worrying about what happened a thousand years ago. Only thing we need to know is where they are and how hard to hit them."
"Even a dozen zombies can be great trouble for the people there, but I suspect they have enough experience of undead attacks to tell the difference between a dozen and an army. Even if exaggerated, There will still be a significant number. I don't know enough about lizardmen to hazard a guess as to their motive, but Magnus's suggestion sounds possible. If we can show them that the undead problem is eliminated, they may well go back to their normal hunting grounds and leave the settlers in peace."
"I am more than happy to accompany you all. I am better in a group than alone, though I prefer to stay sober. 'The Feathered Serpent is ever vigilant', and so must I be." Blake says happily, his scarred visage somewhat at odds with his cheery demeanour.
"Duty is a harsh mistress, but she's faithful, at the very least. And if you don't abandon her, she'll always be there for you."
Well, Blake has no time for History or Nobility, so that quote goes right over his head, lol
Quote:
"Magnus Darkenstar, at your service. A beautiful day for travel! Seeing as how we seem to be traveling together for a while, I thought I should introduce myself. Where are you lads from, if I may ask? I cannot tell, and I find that intriguing.
"I am Blake Hunter, and originally I am from Beladris, though my mother was from Opal and I have lived here a few years, working with the Order of the Feathered Serpent. I am going upstream to find the truth of the recent rumours, and help if need be."
After Docking:
"Well, I have no particular need in town, but I am happy to accompany any that feel they need it."
Blake grins at the thought of the pirate dangling with his feet in the water. "Well, that's a job well done. It's good to know that there are those who take their duties to the defenceless seriously."
"On one of the ships I sailed with, the crew would take bets on how many shots it would take to skewer one of the seabirds with an arrow. At least until the First mate put a stop to it for wasting arrows. The sharks would come up and feed on the remains."
Blake smiles. He nods at the firearm.
"Don't see too many of those about. I'm not very familiar with guns, but it looks solid enough. You'll probably need it, too, where you're going. If the rumours are correct."
"Like me, then. Though I guess I would consider Opal my home now. I worked a long while as a sailor, trying to get here. Little bit of hard work is good for the soul. Reminds us we're all part of the same community, benefits society and earns us a pretty penny too. I been on Paddle steamers a couple of times - they don't use them much on the sea because they lose power in a swell, but I've been on a couple of trips with the order since I got here. Make for a smooth ride, and much faster than tacking into a fore wind."
Blake sits under the shade of a canopy, watching the crowds and letting the scent of the river waft through his nostrils. Different from the sea, sure, but so familiar were the rhythms of the dockyard and the movement of the crowds, it eased his soul with its susurration, like a constant prayer to Quetzelcouatl. The sound of the lute strummed by the youth and the laughter of the children acting as a counterpoint to the hum of conversation and the movement of people. Even the sharply-drawn breath of those who happened to glance his way and see the feather tattoos and ritual scarification was familiar.
He looks up at the approach of the gentleman with the strange garb. It was unusual for people to go out of their way to speak to him, and he nods in acknowledgement before responding,
"Evening. I have heard rumours of trouble in the Jungle of Skulls. If there is any truth to the rumours, there will be plenty of work at Fort Tevins, but the River Captains will most likely have more up to date information, having recently arrived from there. Ask among them."
He thought about leaving it there, but realised that it would be rude to not engage in further small talk, so after a moments reflection he added,
"I'm guessing from your hat and armor that your not from around here, though I don't recognise your dress. Might I enquire where you are from?"
Sorry it took so long, was just awaiting an update on my current status
Years of experience at officer cadet school meant Blake woke up early, shortly before reveille. The discipline instilled in him as an officer meant that he came awake instantly, rolling out of his bed and onto his feet in a fluid motion, his hand snaking out to where his dress uniform was hung, at regulation height and distance from his bed. As usual, the corporal had neglected to send him a batman, but he hardly needed one. He knew the family would have left a little something for him as instructed - they were quite cowed at the thought of a Kesadrian Mageocrat in their Inn, even if he was only a minor one.
Must remember to thank them for their hospitality. Even if they are obliged by Kesadrian Law to provide. He thought to himself. He had arrived quite late the night before with orders to take command of the troops stationed in the village to protect the logging camp. Officers Billets were in the local Inn, at the Innkeepers expense as per Regs, but that didn't mean he had to make an ass of himself. He was quite firm about his intent to keep his quartering to the regulation room and board - no free drinks or lavish feasts at the Inkeepers expense.
There has been quite enough of that sort of thing. Necessary provisions only,
He thought determinedly.
Quickly finishing with his dressing, Blake set off toward the kitchen to find the breakfast laid out for him before the Innkeeper went to bed. Cold breakfast wasn't ideal, but beggars couldn't be choosers. He knew he'd have to eat on the way to the men's billets, and he meant to be there early t make sure they carried themselves with the aplomb expected of a Kesadrian soldier. Grabbing the food laid out for him, he headed for the door.
