Alright, see you in WotR!
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Yeah, I know about procrastination. Is that the only reason though? How are things going lately?
Confident that Morgan will hold their foes for at least a short while, Cruodh draws a javelin from a large quiver on his back and gives it to Era. "There. Careful though, it is made of simple iron."
Cruodh's countenance immediately changes when Anna shoots her arrow. His contained agitation fully disappears and he becomes tense and focused. "Yes, go ahead Era. Patience Anna, they might have to come to us." he whispers in one breath.
"Well spotted." Cruodh whispers to Anna when she notices the trap. Following Dar'shyn's growl, Cruodh extends a hand to stop both Anna and Morgan. "Careful, there might still be traps, let's not run toward danger. Maybe ambush them."
With every step they take further into the cave, Cruodh's breathing accelerates, he grips his spear tighter, and drums his fingers on it. Even his eyes start to dart from one thing to another faster. Still, for those perceptive enough to notice, the gnomish Kellid clearly remains in control of his actions. "Thanks." Cruodh simmply says to Sef as she takes her leave to speak with her tribe. The shaman then turns to the tunnel opening in front of them for it is now the object of his curiosity. "Yes, let's see. But, Morgan, let's stay careful and see if we can parlay with them beforehand. A fight, even against weaker foes, is always a gamble with life."
Well spoken thinks Cruodh as Anna speaks. However, having nothing to add himself he does not speak, but instead simply nods in agreement to Sef.
Cruodh's mind quickly latches on to the word stranded, curiosity rises. Yet, he directs his thoughts toward the subject at hand. His face grows more grave and he turns to the others to see their reactions to the idea of fighting gremlins. He knew little of them, as such, it was hard for him to judge whether they could be successful.
"I am Cruodh, shaman of the Clan of the Menhir." Cruodh says with assurance after acknowledging Wrixx's statement with a quick nod. "It's true we are here to revive the flame atop the hill, but also to find what happened to the others who have explored these caves." Cruodh pauses for a short moment. " We are grateful for your warnings, but we have taken this mission and cannot go back on our decision. We will have to brave these dangers you speak off. But, if you could tell us what you know about those, than we might stand a greater chance against them... we might also be able to help you in return. Your tribesmen here mentioned that you were seeking to speak with surface dwellers, so I am guessing there is something we could do for you in exchange of information."
Cruodh steps forward, walking closer to the skulks than any others of his group and lifting a palm up to calm down the conversation... especially from Morgan. The orc was a bit too warlike to his taste which was not ideal for diplomacy. Hopefully, he could make up for it while still allowing his companions not to part... which would be equally disastrous. "It is hard to trust a people you meet for the first time." Cruodh answers looking at Anna. He had purposefully chosen to speak aloud so that there would appear to be nothing hidden from the skulks. "In our, when two tribes meet who do not trust each other yet, they do so in a neutral place and with equal parties. That way, both sides are as safe. None are at a disadvantage, so any fight would be a dangerous path for both groups. Why not invite your chief and an escort for her so that our groups will both be as numerous? We would be willing to wait here."
Cruodh perks up when he hears the conversation down the tunnel is mind, having lost focus on the strange drawing and the tracks of the metal beast, is now mostly preoccupied with a new exciting prospect: speaking creatures who have had little dealings with surface dwellers. Yet, for all his excitement, the little kellid is still aware of the possible danger, and so he remains silent and alert and gives a protective look toward Anna.
At the mention of his name, Llinellau scurries out of Cruodh's bag and onto his shoulder. He takes some time to settle comfortably on the shoulder before looking toward the mural too.
Meanwhile, the small kellid's gaze is directed at the ground, at first he cranes his neck slowly in different direction, apparently bored, but it does not take long before his foot starts tapping and his movement start betraying a renewed curiosity. "Someone has been traveling to and fro this tunnel" he says, controlling his voice. "A voice?" Cruodh replies to Wrixx, suddenly speaking much softer. "Must be the person who left these tracks.Maybe we should trick the person to come hear rather than going to them.... we can setup an ambush... "
Cruodh waits, half crouched spear at the ready, until Morgan calls the all clear. As silently as he can, he moves into the next room. The sight of the pile of refuse and strange drawing his attitude changes. For a moment, his guarded stance almost disappears, he begins to straighten up with gleaming eyes. Excitement creeps into his mind, his grips continually changes on his spear and his steps become more energetic. But he is not careless, he is a Kellid. Regaining control, he listens to Era and Morgan speak. With curiosity, he bends down and starts searching the ground for tracks.
"Ysbryd yr haul, sydd bellach wedi'i chuddio gan y ddaear, dod o hyd i'ch ffordd i echel y rhyfelwr hwn a goleuo ei ffordd." Cruodh starts intoning at Era’s suggestion. Small wisps of light slowly start to form, swirling around Era’s axe and infusing it with their light.
Hallit: ”Spirit of the sun, now obscured by the earth, find your way to this warrior’s axe and light her way.”
Cruodh moves away from Anna, reaching his spear he looks around for signs of dangers. Relaxing, he puts his spear aside.
Cruodh does his best to climb the small mound leading into the tunnel. It takes him a short while, but in the end he succeeds. Atop the mound, he helps the others to climb up before falling in line.
”We the Kellids do not record history as the southfolk do. We do not write intricate books because the truth of the past does not lie with details but with the spirit of the story. But no, this is not a story about the Rain of Stars. if you think about it carefully, you’ll see that the Rain of Stars is just a small part of the story, the result of an act…. This is the story of Berog the Kellid above all else. The spirit of the story is meant to teach lessons to the young ones of a tribe. Cruodh responds to the others. ”As far as the blinheim goes, it is now your responsibility Era. You saved it, you are now its guardian… and maybe Berog’s story will help you in this… maybe.” "I don't know Morgan, my people say that mercy is a funny thing, it can bind someone to you forever or be your downfall… If Era is strong, then I believe we will benefit from this. If not… we will see…."
The small kellid moves to Anna’s side where he props his against the cavern's wall. ”I leave my spear in your company while I help Era.” he explains. "I can. But, remember, it is a beast, it might not recognize us as allies, and any blood it spills will be on your hands." the gnome solemnly answers to Era. "Mae ysbrydod o ddŵr, ysbrydion bywyd, yn cywiro'r clwyfau hyn fel y gall yr anifail fyw." he intones, raising a hand over the blindheim. Slowly, some of the wounds close and the bleeding stops. Hallit:
"Spirits of water, spirits of life, mend these wounds so the beast may live." Without a second look to the beast, the shaman takes back his longspear and propping against his shoulder, he turn toward the cave to stand guard. After a few seconds, he starts speaking, is voice altered, with more rhythm and gravity than usual. ”Once there was a man named Berog. Great he was, at every of his endeavours. He would craft the sharpest of axe, cook the tastiest of meals, successfully court the beautiful and handsome, hunt the fastest and toughest beast. In war, he would lead his tribe with guile and fury, felling countless foes and guarding his own. In peace, he would negotiate treatise both fair and fruitful. Berog was 16, a star burning bright, the pride of his people.
"Satisfactory, Morgan?"
Cruodh first reflex, when Anna cries in pain, is to look toward her, giving him a short respite from the blinding light emanating from the blindheim. It quickly becomes apparent from her rubbing that she's been blinded. "Rwy'n iawn yma Anna. Mae'r Dallheim yn is ac yn annhebygol o ddod atom ni." the gnome says in Hallit to try and keep Anna as calm as possible. Hallit:
"I am right here Anna. The blindheim is down and unlikely to come to us."
Turning back toward their enemy, Cruodh grasps his spear with both hands, steps to the side to avoid Morgan, and stepping forward, he trusts his weapon straight at the blindheim.
Letting go of his spear with one hand, Cruodh half covers his eyes with his arm. Eyes squinting, he maintains his gaze and starts to whisper to no one in particular. "Ysbrydion y ddaear ddwfn, ysbrydion o ddiffygion anghofio, clywed fy ngeiriau a fy helpu a'm ffrind i ddisgwyl y creadur luminous hwn yn ddall iddo fel y gallai fod yn ddall i ni. as the words are spoken, a small cloud of dust and water starts to rise. Debris and droplets of water are spirited up and flung in gusts at the face of the blindheim. "Now's the time to cover its eyes or slay it."
hallit:
"Spirits of the deep earth, spirits of forgotten gusts, hear my words and help me and my friend to fend of this luminous creature blind it just like it might blind us."
"Careful! Maybe we can try to calm it. But if it safer to take the creature down, than do so." Cruodh says, pointing his longspear toward the blindheim.
God of accidental death? Does civilization change people so much that they need to worship such uncanny things? Cruodh thinks right before light appears within the water. "Careful Anna, who knows what that could be!" the gnome says, stepping slightly forward and putting a hand in front of the kellid to guard her from the water.
Oohhhh, I did not know that. Well, that is disappointing, most of them already have maluses to strenght and some of their item weight as much as medium sized ones. But alright, I will try to find a way to unburden him at some point (when in town).
Cruodh has a total of 8 strength (10-2 for race). So he should not be encumbered!
"A little respect for those who passed." says Cruodh as he passes by Wrixx and gives a kind tap on his shoulder. The Kellid takes only one or two steps into the cave and looks at it, trying to spot any dangers and waiting for Dar'shyn to give them the go-ahead. When it appears that the wolf hasn't found anything, Cruodh carefully makes his way into the new gave, brandishing his spear around to guard himself from danger. Arriving at the water's edge, the shaman lays a stopping hand on Anna's shoulder.
"And I have your back Anna." Cruodh adds right after his fellow Kellid. As Cruodh passes the dead woman, he lays a hand on her forehead and whispers:"Rest in peace in the knowledge that we will bring you back to your people."
"I can't tell you much about her state... I've never spent much time with the death. My tribe has been in the past few decades, no one's body has been left in the open for much time." says Cruodh, as his gaze returns to the surroundings, looking for any possible traps.
Cruodh nods in agreement at Anna's statement regarding returning the body. "It is a sign of danger for sure." Cruodh answers with a gravely whisper, apparently not picking up on the term Anna used. The shaman passes a hand through his hair eyes looking toward the ceiling as he things before he gazes back on his fellow Kellid. "Fal, you said she had fallen with the wrong kind, was she part of the expeditions sent down here? What other reason would there be for someone to come... Morgan, anything else ahead?" Cruodh continues whispering.
"Watch out for traps." Cruodh responds with an audible whisper.
"Thanks tally."whispers Cruodh when his body and clothes are suddenly dried through magic. Successfully fighting the urge to inquire about the power of the owl and her magical power, the gnome remains on guard near the ledge. Finally, when everyone has climbed, he follows, keeping an eye on Anna.
”No need to worry Era, with this blessing you’ll able to walk at the bottom of the pond.” Cruodh says, right before he follows the human into the water. Water was not the element Cruodh was most comfortable with. He had swum a few times in shallow ponds or lakes, but never really had the chance to perfect this skill. Living in a land locked village really did not help. And now, the taste and stinging sensations made it worst. Interesting, but worst and enough to prevent aiding Era as he himself spent . So, when Era experiences difficulty of her own, Cruodh is just too far behind to help in any way. Still, the gnome manages and, as soon as he emerges in the cavern, his weasel companion scurries on the ground rolling itself around to try and get the water off his skin. Though less frantic, Cruodh robs his eyes with his sleeve, to little effect, and combs his hair back with his hand. His sight cleared, the shaman, takes out his longspear and slowly advances forward on guard.
Cruodh accepts the blessing from councillor Kyte with a nod of respect, which is reluctantly mimicked by Llinellau. And, while the others one by one dive into the lake, the gnome shaman takes the time to properly thank the old man.
Cruodh then turns around to face the lake, and after a nod to his weasel companion, he walks into the lake. Once he is waist deep, he dives in.
Llinellau glares at Tally for such an horrible suggestion while Cruodh's face slightly twitches at the mention of Brigh. He had not expected an elder of the Kellid nation to be worshiping a foreign goddess. But that only last and instant, the instant it takes for Cruodh to wonder what could have led a kellid to worhip this goddess. The gnome follows the others.
Father Kyte's mention of Era, draws Cruodh's attention. It was the second person mentioning that he believed in her inevitable involvement in the matter. She was a truly strange woman to the shaman, a sentiment visible from the twinkle in his eyes. But, before his gaze becomes awkward to bear, Llinellau Haul nibbles at the kellids ear and emits a shrill noise. "Ah, right. I think my friend here is complaining for being excluded from the blessing." he says with a poker face. "As for the danger to come, please don't worry about us. I have never met a group so keen to meet it. It or our own will that we go. An so, our spirits will not haunt this place if we were to fall... but we won't."
Unlike Era, and Anna, Cruodh does not bow. Instead he steps forward and brings his left hand, in a fist, to his right shoulder. "Cwrdd â'r cynghorydd yn dda Kyte. I am shaman Cruoch of the clan of the Obelisk. It is good to meet one more member of the council of this town. As traditions dictate, and as Era mentioned, we are here to get your blessing to go down the tunnels of this town. Also, councilor Freddert said you could further bless our mission by calling on the spirits to allow us to breath underwater. We would be thankful if you would." Cruodh says in a solemn way.
Hallit: Well met councilor Kyte.
No worries, setting up Roll20 always takes a while!!
”Wise words Anna. But just like every living being has a different nature, so do these metallic creatures. Still, keep your eyes open for trouble, or it will take you by surprise.” he ends, citing a Kellid proverb. Cruodh gives one more look to the mangled automaton, the cautious fear that had veiled his eyes slowly giving way to his natural curiosity. The small Kellid shakes his head and walks away from the metal creature. He turns toward the door. ”Let’s see this councillor Kyte then.”
"True enough." responds Cruodh, hammering in the points slightly more, he might not have been a girl, but he was little. "Not only that, but we luck might have played its part today, though Morgan and Anna showed great strength, we were able to take by surprise. It might have been a formidable foe if it had time to prepare. And so, we need to remain careful." Cruodh adds, trying to make sure that the two warriors would not become reckless from their victory. "Val, while you were dusting did you touch it in any way? I have never seen these beast suddenly start to move, they usually need a... trigger of some sort. "
4 posts appeared between the time I started writing and the time I posted! Not complaining just impressed and trying to write faster!
Having been caught behind the whole crew when the door had flown open on its own, Cruodh slowly enters the house last once the path is clear and everything is calm. He cautiously eyes the automaton as he walks in a semicircle and approach it. He waves, uselessly, at Wrixx and Era to approach and probs the mechanical creature with his spear. Once he’s convinced that it is dead, he steps away to finally take in the scene. ”Well… we know how to destroy those things now.” he says to whoever might listen to his words, or at the very least Llinellau. The gnome then walks toward the young girl, and after she is done hugging Anna, he introduces himself too.
Hallit:
"I am shaman Cruodh." "I know little of these beast, but isn't it strange that it would start to dig through a house?" Cruodh asks, carefully approaching Era and Wrixx.
"I see..." the glint in Cruodh's eyes seems to diminish a bit. "I will try still, but it is good to know this." the gnome passes a hand through his hair, momentarily preoccupied.
"Wrixx seems to think so, and so do I. Metal creatures act in unexpected ways, we must be prepared to fight such beasts... prudence first." Cruod responds to Era.
Cruodh listens intently, his eyes squinting from his focus on the information and alight with curiosity. He flashes a look to Llinellau when Dolga mentions a door to the skymetal. "Thank you for this information. Hopefully, all these automatons are deactivated... but that, we will come to know in time." he says, looking toward Wrixx. "What we will need now, is a way to communicate with these people who are called skulks and gremlins. If we enter their territory, we need to be able to ask for permission to pass through and to ask what happened. We might even bring an offering... or gifts." Cruodh stops for a moment, trying to remember stories about gremlins.
"All things have a spirit. Whether that spirit can act upon the world and appreciates offerings is a different thing... if you are lucky this is one spirit that does not care for offerings... otherwise these years of garbage disposal would probably be the cause of the disappearance of the flame. As for questions..." Cruodh tilts his head and looks toward the ceiling as he searches for questions. "What kind of dangers did Khonnir find the first time? Natural dangers like cave-ins or pitfalls? Or living creatures? ... and, why is Torch no using them, caves have many uses, why ignore them?"
If Cruodh hadn't been raised by Kellis, he would have entered the building whistling in appreciation and staring with wide opened eyes at everything, a true tourist. But the shaman knew better and kept his eyes on their goal, barely letting them dart to the many details that caught his attention. Familiar? Cruodh thinks, exchanging a look with Llinellau who was still on his shoulder. He shrugs and steps forward to come at Era's side.
"Hear that Llinellau Haul, tan line... hehe." Cruoch chuckles, the weasel bites his ear, Curodh's half-smile does not falter."I named him Rays of the Sun because of the lines of light on his skin. But they're not of his own making. Llinellau told me that he did not always have them. He was once a normal weasel with normal weasel instincts, but the stone obelisk dotting the land seem to have changed him. Tally... self coloring?" the curiosity in the gnome's eyes appears to flare up."Has she told you how she gained such an ability?" "Thank you for the offer, but my belongings should be fine."
"Cruodh shaman of clan of the Obelisk." the short Kellid says, not only introducing himself but also correcting Era's assessment of his origins. The shaman holds out a hand while gazing deep into the woman's eyes.
"Hopefully we will find this Khonnir down there." he then adds after Wrixx.
"Then we will need to inspect that metal beast before going in search of them... it would be foolish to fight things we do not understand."
Cruodh passes a hand through his hair while listening to the others.
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