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Hedda barely notices the change in vegetation. What she does notice is the increase in insect activity. How she dislikes what she considers to be incessant buzzing which reminds her of how close they are to enemy territory. "I agree with Aron that we should stop. We already know the lay of this land and can take time to strengthen our defenses just in case we're attacked. If we keep going, we don't know what terrain we'll end up camping on and we may draw unwanted attention."
Hedda's brow creased as she considered Elriel's question. "I don't know. But demons often think women are weak and easy targets. Or maybe in our cases, they sensed our strength and decided to use us as playthings until they could break us. Breaking the strong is true entertainment for them." She paused as if hesitant to voice her next thought. "In my case, they may have sensed my taint and thought I'd be willingly turned to be used by them."
Elriel's proposal sounded similar to what the bloodrager would have proposed, if she was one to think about such things. Hedda added, "Agreed. We're supposed to reach our destination quickly without detection. We shouldn't wait."
Hedda nods at the others' words, knowing that she wouldn't be able to articulate anything close to them. Her eyes glint with resolve, "Revenge," then a small glimmer of hope softens her look "and redemption," she murmurs quietly.
Hedda removes her cloak and places it around the woman, having been in a similar situation not so long ago. With disgust in her voice, she asks rhetorically, "Why is it that demons insist on stripping women of their clothing and carving into their flesh?" Before the commander covers herself the bloodrager notices the groupings of marks and continues, I'm Hedda. Do you know what they were doing to you?"
Hedda heads to another section to start searching for anything of use. Over her shoulder she states, "Agreed. Can't ask the army to do something we're not willing to do ourselves. I'll search the area over there."
As soon as Hedda sees the brimorak, she loses all thought for anything but killing it. The fact that she had almost died at the hands of another brimorak not that long ago, fueled her wrath. She had learned a few things last time that she was eager to try in this fight. With her anger focused like an arrow, she takes off across the battlefield. Leaving a swath of tiefling bodies behind her, she carves a path towards the brimorak using her beloved greataxe. As she moves, she uses her innate magic to make her arms grow in length to give her the necessary reach to attack the brimorak while staying far enough away to remain unaffected by its burning blood. She continues to rely on her instincts as she gives in to the rage seething through her veins. The claws grow and her body takes on demonic bulk thanks to the taint in her blood. Reaching her quarry, flaming glaive clashes with coldiron greataxe and sparks fly. Hedda keeps her weapon moving and manages to land numerous blows; however, the brimorak manages to give as much as it takes. Snarling in fury the bloodrager taps into her recently acquired abilities and she manages to completely bypass the demon’s defenses. She starts by sheering its arm off at the elbow causing it to drop its glaive. Capitalizing on her advantage she brings her greataxe down on the brimorak’s head, cleaving it in two almost perfectly symmetrical halves. The force of the attack causes burning blood to splatter Hedda even at a distance but she barely notices. Her weapon stops mid-sternum in the demon as it loses its momentum. Hedda puts her boot on the demon’s chest and pushes as she pulls her weapon free. She then whirls to meet the next enemy but there is none, the army had defeated the tieflings. As her rage begins to dissipate, Hedda focuses on keeping her feet. It wouldn’t do to collapse from exhaustion in front of everyone.
"The sooner we go, the better. The tieflings need to pay for what they've done, and are doing, to the crusaders." Hedda unslung her greataxe in anticipation of the fight to come.
Everyone was on edge which was expected considering where they were. If you weren't vigilant and alert, you were dead. However, Hedda didn't want to spend the evening allowing herself to imagine the worst in silence. As they sat around eating trail rations in the dark she asked the group, "How'd you all meet? Have you been fighting together long?" tag all
Hedda agreed with the others. "We should definitely camp. We know the risks of our position and can defend against them now. If we continue in the dark, the risks are unknown."
Merry Christmas!
I'll be traveling starting tomorrow and away until about the 28th. I'll only have access to internet on my phone so my posts will probably be short and sparse. Please bot Hedda as needed.
Hedda understood wanting to believe that there was someone to save but she was highly doubtful. "I agree with Brevon. Speed may be our best chance at the moment to get to Drezen undetected and demons tend to not leave survivors unless they're interrupted - which clearly they weren't. But if you need to look, I'll do what I can to help.
Hedda sat with the others around the fire. At Brevon's question she succinctly answered, "Faring better than most." She looks in the direction of the square. She finds it sad that she isn't even surprised at the depths of the depravity that the demons will delve. That doesn't mean she isn't bothered by it but she's almost come to expect it. "Those I loved...died before the war got really bad. Maybe that's a blessing for them. It definitely got me involved in the fighting." Her eyes got a far away look for a moment before she continued, "But I did lose a crotchety old commander. A vrock ripped out his heart so I cut out theirs."
Nothing wrong on my part. Just busy with Christmas coming. I'll try to post something tonight...
"I can help hunt. Let's just hope it's not as difficult as our last hunting trip."
The bloodrager could feel her anger simmering as she surveyed the horrors displayed in the town square. "Demons don't need a reason for such carnage. This is what they do," Hedda said bitterly, "for fun."
"I prefer the ruins too but is there enough space there for the army? If not, we'll have to camp in the open. No matter where we stay, I agree with Arrika that we need to clear the ruins and make sure there are no surprises."
Hedda is definitely not smart enough to command an army. I would lean towards option C but I'm good with someone else commanding the army if they want to.
Hedda had never traveled any distance with an army before. Would they be able to remain undetected? It was good to know that they had all volunteered to go because she didn't have to worry about their motivation. However, she couldn't help but look out and wonder how many of them would die on this journey. She stands with her arms crossed but gives each of the three specialists a nod of her head as they are introduced. She tries to keep her face neutral as both Brevon and Elriel professed surety of their success. If she'd learned anything from her bouts with demons is that nothing ever went as you expected. What she did know was that she'd do whatever in her power to help them take Dresden and bring back the standard.
Hedda's in the same boat as Brevon, opinion wise. But if you need something specific from me, let me know. Otherwise, she's good.
"The form may be impressive but that wasn't entirely due to the ritual. I grew in size and had claws before...at least when I got angry. But since the ritual, I can hurt demons easier than before and there seems to be more power to use. Growing in size has its benefits but also makes you easier to hit."
Hedda hadn't had an opportunity to settle into Kenabres at all so her belongings were already packed and ready to go. Therefore, it was no surprise that she was the first one to arrive at their meeting place. She subconsciously touched and adjusted her weapons to reassure her of their presence before giving a small nod. Time to take back what the demons stole. And maybe gain some redemption.
Hedda is aware that she doesn't know much but she has made it her life's work to learn what she can about demons. One needed to know their enemy in order to defeat them. So when Aponavicius' name was mentioned, her heart momentarily skipped a beat. "I agree. The sooner we go, the better. We don't want to risk Aponavicius returning before we can recover the Sword of Valor."
He then asked, "Who knows more about this Aponavicius?"
It took Hedda a few moments to realize what had happened. The wardstones are gone? That isn't good. It definitely made it more important to take the fight to the demons now that the wardstone border was gone. It would also help the bloodrager to further work towards her own redemption if she were to help strengthen morale. She waited for the others to address the Queen first as they were truly the ones she was addressing; however, she did add her voice at the end. "If allowed, I would go too."
Hedda tries to separate herself from the others as they are called into Irabeth's office but someone she gets ushered along as well. She stands awkwardly at the back, not really knowing how to handle herself. She copies the actions of the others in kneeling and rising. She still can't believe that she's in the presence of the Queen. Her eyes are mesmerizing and almost appear to penetrate deeply into whoever they're directed at. It's both unnerving and flattering all at once. The bloodrager stays quiet as she listens to what happened to the wardstone fragment, trying to go unnoticed. Talk of wardstones made her think of another group she had traveled with and her own encounter with a wardstone. It would have been nice to have Kaede or Kazmuk here to explain things to her. It all seemed like such a lifetime ago.
Cool, thanks. She'll add +2 to perception.
Before I post, did Hedda also experience the dream? Considering she didn't really do anything to help save Kenabres (at least in her mind since she failed to save anyone), I just wanted to clarify. Awww, I'm part of the unit! How nice :) I'll make sure she doesn't get greedy. Honestly she'll take something if given to her but she won't ask for anything. For one, she wouldn't even know about it.
I assumed Hedda wouldn't get anything from your loot already accumulated.
Their plan to leave Kenabres was met with a mixture of apprehension and encouragement. Everyone was in agreement that it was dangerous outside the city but they also knew that there were desperate refugees who were vulnerable as they traveled and the idea of fresh animal meat was awfully tempting. They were advised to keep to the south or the east but refrain from venturing anywhere to the north. Brevon had already suggested traveling south so that was the direction in which they headed. The devastation laid to the surrounding countryside was more than Hedda had expected. She knew that demons reveled in defiling anything and everything but it still surprised the bloodrager. For the first time, she had her doubts about finding anything worthwhile to hunt. However, they were also looking for refugees so at least their venture shouldn’t be in vain. To her satisfaction, it didn’t take long for Hedda and Elriel to find some fresh tracks. Looking back on it later, she should have realized that the trail was a little too convenient. She should have realized that all the noise that Brevon was making would have scared any animals away. But she was so focused on the tracks and the thought of bringing the meat back to Kenabres that she failed to notice the trap that had been laid for them. Knowing that food would be a temptation for the beleaguered city, demons had used the deer being tracked to ambush unsuspecting Crusaders. Before the trap could be sprung, Brevon sensed the evil closing in and managed to warn them in time. It didn’t take long for a battle to ensue as the demons attacked. Repulsed by their evil that was a powerful reminder of her own taint, Hedda let her rage flow through her body. She unslung her beautiful greataxe and growing in size and strength, she rushed to meet the foul creatures. The only thought in her head was the slaughter of the ones intent on defiling what was good in the world. She was pleasantly surprised at the magnitude of damage her attack wrought and she smiled savagely as she taunted the demon she’d badly injured. When the fighting was over, Hedda took a few moments to catch her breath. Her episodes of rage always took a lot out of her but it was more than worth it. She was vaguely aware that she was bleeding but her wounds were unconcerning. What mattered was that she was still alive, the others were more or less ok, and the demons were dead. When her energy returned she got to her feet and asked, "Shall we finish tracking the deer?"
"I felt an undeniable sense of satisfaction but now I'm not so sure of its origin. Did I feel satisfaction because I tricked a tiefling at her own game or because I killed a defenseless thug? Mind you that it was trying to kill me." Hedda looked up from her plate. "Doesn't sound like she was defenseless. Sounds like she didn't know her prey. You deserve to feel satisfied because you were the better hunter."
"These are training fields. I'm sure we can find me a weapon." Not that I need a weapon. Hedda was secretly relieved when Brevon halted their sparring. She had been able to hold her own against the seasoned holy fighter but she wasn't sure how much longer she could have lasted before reaching into her rage to further fuel her strength. Her face brightens at the paladin's suggestion. "If you think they'd let us leave the city, I would be very willing to accompany you. Maybe in addition to refugees, we can also find fresh meat for eating. I'm good at hunting - both food and whatever lurks."
Hedda wakes feeling more like herself. She doesn't feel so empty which means she doesn't feel as vulnerable. Not being one to stay cooped up inside, she wanders outside to take a look at her new surroundings. It doesn't take long for her to find her way to the training fields. There isn't much movement in the city yet and she can hear sounds coming from that direction. She responds to his greeting. Not cheerily, for that would be out of character for her, but cordially. "Good morning...Brevon, right? Are you always up this early? I thought training to fight demons would require a sparring partner, no? Care for one?" tag Brevon
@Toothy: So if Hedda (and others?) were to go outside the city to hunt and encounter a few demons where we didn't expect them to be, do I just assume that we beat them or do I then have to involve you? Just wondering how much free rein we have.
Hedda would be up for trying to hunt/find food outside the city if allowed. Would be fun to drag Brevon along and then relax at the end of the day at a tavern :)
Hedda's up for a side story with someone but I highly doubt that she'll be left by herself to have some sort of adventure on her own. Or I could be wrong and maybe you all aren't overly suspicious :)
Hedda takes in the scarred symbols on Arrika's arm and realizes her words aren't just empty phrases. At least mine weren't permanent. However, the bloodrager isn't used to openly discussing feelings but knows enough to realize it would be rude to not acknowledge Arrika. "If I have something to keep me busy, it'll get better faster. Not sure I'll ever feel completely clean. I'm not really the innocent-type. Maybe that's why they chose me. Keeping my hands busy will keep my mind busy. I'm strong so put me to work."
Hedda nodded her thanks at Arrika. "That would be much appreciated." Once Hedda was shown the location of the washroom, it didn't take her long before she was scrubbing her skin almost raw. The blood itself didn't take much water to wash it away but Hedda just couldn't feel clean. It was only after she had pretty much removed her outer layer of skin that she began to feel more normal. Her armor had been made well enough that it had survived the attack but her regular clothes and undergarments hadn't. They had been shredded, most likely cut off of her. Arrika came back as she promised with some clean clothing which Hedda gratefully donned. She found her bone amulet in her things and fastened it around her neck. She then rebraided her wet hair to keep it out of her face. When she finally emerged she asked, "So what can I do to help?"
A weapon? That sounds promising. A feral smile stretches across Hedda's face. "I'm going to make them regret the day they laid eyes on me." I would like to stay. I have no where to go and no one to go to. If they've made me into a weapon then use me. Did they tell you what kind of demon is caged in me?" tag Irabeth or others ”A demon trapped insider her? This sounds quite dangerous, even unpredictable. How do we know the demon cannot take control of her, as intended? Hedda, do you feel any wicked urges? Any desire to harm us or act violently?” "What do you mean by wicked urges?" I have no desire to hurt any of you if that's what you mean. However, I do desire to get cleaned up and dressed. Can I do that now?" tag Brevon or others
Hedda shrugs, "I guess. Never considered it before. It's hard to believe the gods would choose anything for me or give me any thought."
Again she tries to reach for the comforting rage that always simmered below the surface but there was nothing, she was empty. An anguished cry escapes her lips and she mutters, "I failed them."Trying to be as practical as ever, the half-elf shook his head, "No, you were brave enough to try and lucky enough to be alive. There's plenty of other people that need saving so... chin up." "Too many people have died because I couldn't be better." The faces of her family came to her mind but she pushed them away. Now was not the time to dwell on past guilt. "I feel it's a blessing I don't remember anything after the attack."
As Hedda walks by the table that she had been chained to, she catches a glimpse of the face of one of the slain bodies littered around it - a child she had only met recently. This causes her to stumble and almost drop her belongings. Then she realizes that all the bodies on the floor are those who she had tried to keep safe and now they were all dead. If there had been anything left in her stomach, she would have emptied it on the floor. As it was all she could do was dry heave. Again she tries to reach for the comforting rage that always simmered below the surface but there was nothing, she was empty. An anguished cry escapes her lips and she mutters, "I failed them."
"Will your priests need to see the markings on me? Or maybe one of you - to see if you can tell what they were trying to do?" She looks at Brevon, "You said that you are a god-follower, yes?" tag Brevon
Hedda raised an eyebrow, "Next time? How often does this happen to you all?" tag ?
"I'm Hedda and things are still a little hazy." She switches out Elriel's cloak for her own, giving another flash of naked skin to the room. Hedda walks back and stops beside the half-elf. She hands his cloak back to him and then pauses, as if the next words were difficult to speak, "Thank you...for my freedom and the use of your cloak." tag ? "I'm ready to leave this place if it's ok with all of you."
Hedda gritted her teeth but she kept walking and didn't turn around. "My, aren't you the charmer. Look all you like if you must but anything more and you'll have a problem." tag ? Before gathering her stuff Hedda asks, "I'd prefer to wash off this blood before getting dressed. Do you all have a place I can do this or do I just do it here with my waterskin?" tag everyone
"What makes you think I trust you?" she mutters. Hedda hated being vulnerable and nothing made you more vulnerable that lying naked and chained. She searched for her inner rage just in case but she was dismayed to find that she was all tapped out. Her ordeal had drained her of all resources. She grudgingly takes his cloak and wraps it around herself. Now he's probably thinking I owe him something. "Whether you trust me or not, my stuff has to be around somewhere. It's not like I wandered in here naked and unarmed."
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