Serena smiles slightly at the sight of the loot. She nods to Marc and casts Detect Magic on the loot.
I agree Marc. Traveling lightly would definitely help us at least a little in making good time."
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Serena shakes her head. "We wouldn't be able to claim our reward from the mayor yet, Athel. We still haven't confronted the Black Fox. And I'm with Marc: if we went back to town now, the Black Fox would no doubt either reinforce his protections or move on to another location. From what Bors told me, it seems as if they're moving closer and closer to Maraz, and that's quite a ways from here. We don't want to lose him. As for Bors... I also don't like the thought of killing him. He does seem like a good man, despite everything that's happened."
Serena manages a small, compassionate smile for Bors as he finishes speaking. "I understand. I, for one, would be willing to listen to Gregor should he wish to share. Thank you again for sharing your story, Bors. You're a good man, despite your situation." With that, Serena returns to her companions, her smile diminished and a look of worry on her face. "I must admit, I hadn't expected anything like that. It's clear that something for sinister is afoot, and I wonder if the stranger who defeated the Black Fox-- Gregor-- was not in league with more sinister forces, perhaps connected to the situation back in Maraz. It's a lot more probable than my initial fear of the involvement of devils, but that doesn't make me feel any better. I'm sure Marc and I have made it clear before, but the capitol's political situation is simply horrible, particularly with the ascension of Lucian Dread." She sighs rather sadly, given her normally upbeat nature. "I had really hoped I was free of the politics of Maraz...So, what should be our course of action?"
Changed up the profile avatar for Serena. It's not quite perfect, but it looks a lot better than the first one I had. What do you guys think? (Hang on, I might change it again...)
Serena's smile leaves her face, replaced by a look of compassion and sorrow. She keeps her voice to respect Bors' privacy.
Serena's Reaction to Bors' Story:
"I had not expected to hear this, and I do empathize with both you and Gregor. I myself grew sick of the political situation in Maraz and left as well. Still, while I don't doubt your story, I begin to wonder of Gregor's situation after that night with the stranger. You say the stranger wielded only a dagger, murdered all in his path, then vanished in Gregor's tent. And that Gregor's demeanor changed following this, having been spared to serve the stranger's master following his defeat. It's enough to make me wonder if there isn't something more sinister involved-- though I shudder to think what it might be. "I do thank you for sharing this with me, Bors. I don't know what will happen should we meet the Black Fox, but I will remember your respect for him at the very least." If Bors has anything else to tell her, Serena listens patiently. Otherwise, she stands up and returns to her companions to confer with them privately.
Serena walks over to the interrogation, then pauses after she hears what Bors must have said in a very low voice. Smiling slightly at something she might be able to press to their advantage, she walks to stand to the side of Marc. "Kill you now, Bors Gloran? But why? You seem to have some desire to live... Who is this Gregor? You seem to think highly of him. And something about a world he always talked about that you would've liked to see... Tell us about the Black Fox and his compound beyond what you've already told us, and maybe-- just maybe-- you'll live to see this world Gregor envisioned." Her smile then drops she bends over, and she casts Ghost Sound, using her spell to convey her words. "And mind your words, sir. You're without your lackeys, you're tied up, and you've insulted a good friend of mine, calling him a beast when he is more man than you. I don't take kindly to those who insult my friends, and you've felt first hand the power I have at my disposal. Don't be stupid." With that, Serena sits down next to the scene, glances back at Athel and Xlarion to make sure they're okay, then opens her spellbook and begins to write something.
Serena, sighing in relief at the bandits' retreat, heads over to Arjhann and Marc. After a quick glance at Bors and being amused at the fact that he hadn't managed to break free of his bonds, her smile returns. "It's good to see you in better health Arjhann. I was worried after I saw you fall, and, to be quite honest, I half expected myself to join you on the ground. I'm not usually one who fares well in physical combat. I'm still surprised their leader fell to my Color Spray; I expected to taste his blade. But luck does work in mysterious ways." ^_^ With that, she gestures towards Bors. "I managed to tie him up while he was unconscious. Without his minions, I think he would be in the right mood for a little questioning, perhaps for information on the Black Fox. If we're going to do that, though, we should hurry. The ropes I used won't hold him for long, I fear. Marc, perhaps you could see to Xlarion? I saw him fall in battle, and I'm sure Athel would be devastated to lose his companion."
Serena, dismayed at seeing the roc go down, turns to another bandit and attempts to blind him with Blinding Ray!! ^_^ Okay, attack roll for Blinding ray...
Serena, horrified to see Arjhann lying unconscious on the ground, runs to help her comrades fend off the rest of the bandits. Move Action: move towards Marc and Xlarion
DEX Check #1
Clearly, Serena has never really tried to tie someone up before, and her inexperience shows. Giving up, she joins her comrades in dealing with the rest of the bandits.
Serena blinks in surprise, then says, "Wow. I wasn't expecting that to work THAT well." Her smile ever wider, she looks around for rope to tie Bors up, hoping to interrogate him for information on the Black Fox. ^_^ So, perception check:
Serena glances towards Bors, sighs, then says, "Well, why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained." With that, she runs towards Bors until she's within 15 ft of him and casts her fave spell-- COLOR SPRAY!!! ^_^ for the attack roll...
Serena turns to Marc after casting the magic missile. "We might want to advance a bit. I want to get a little closer for my next spell, and I've got a bad feeling he might've seen where the first one came from... even if he didn't, better safe than sorry." ^_^()
Serena, realizing Bors looking around for the source of the magic missile, attempts to duck into the underbrush to avoid detection.
Serena cringes at the sound of the boulder crushing the tent, then she notices the leader coming out of the tent, damaged but alive. "Uh-oh. A good hit, but the boulder didn't finish him off. Can't have that, now, can we?" With that, Serena concentrates for a moment. A quick incantation later, she casts magic missile at Bors.
Serena then turns to Marc. "We should get moving. They might be able to find where the spell came from."
Serena, her smile returning, curtsies to Marc, giggles, then draws her own rapier and follows Marc. ^_^
Serena contemplates the situation, and her ever-present smile drops slightly. "I don't know. Hopefully it won't come down to Arjhann facing the entire camp. I for one wouldn't want to put you in that much danger unless you were willing to take it on. Marc, Athel and I could definitely stay behind for a bit and help you and Xlarion deal with the camp, and in dropping the boulder on the main camp we do have a shot at taking out their commander. Still, we'd have to get down there in order to make sure he's dead, which would mean leaving you and Xlarion alone to face however many still stand." After some more contemplation, Serena shakes her head. "At the same time, this seems like the best plan we have. And, personally, I feel like we shouldn't spend too much more time planning this assault out, or at least no longer than we need. We still have the Black Fox to contend with, and he's still a ways off. And we have no idea if he plans to move anytime soon or knows we're coming after him. Either way, time is of the essence, though I wish this were not the case."
After glancing around the base and listening to Marc and Arjhann's talk, Serena nods. "I doubt I'd be a good wizard if I didn't know any useful magicks. I've got one spell that can find hidden doors, another that will hit him hard and never miss, and yet another that could stun him at worst and knock him out at best. Along with that, I've got a few other useful cantrips and abilities that could easily cause some distract them. Maybe blind them with a ray of super-bright light or use sounds to make them think their comrades are in trouble? I tell you, illusion magic is some of the best!" ^_^ She smiles, giggles, then stops to reconsider something. "Of course, as far as my blinding ray of light is concerned, I can only use it about seven times before it starts to exhaust me too much. So, for those of us sneaking into the base, we should try our best not to be discovered. Of course, there is always the danger that they see right through the illusions, but that's half of why I carry a rapier." With that, she turns to Athel. "Would Xlarion be opposed to posing as another distraction, if only briefly? Perhaps he could harrass some of the guards on the other side of the camp from where Arjhann draws them off, cutting down the number Arjhann would have to deal with. It's just a suggestion, so it's okay if Xlarion doesn't want to."
Serena leans in with a curious smile. "Yes, Athel. Why have you come to Stagholt? If you don't mind sharing, of course." ^_^
"There's no need to be sorry for expressing one's emotions. It helps us to be honest with ourselves and further grow and develop as people. Besides, I doubt I could tell the same story and not have the same tears roll down my cheeks." Serena gives mark a compassionate smile, then she glances around at her other companions. "As for myself... well, part of it you heard earlier. There's so much political pandemonium happening in Maraz these days, and you can't get away from it even at the High Colleges. No matter how hard I tried to pour myself into my studies or how many nights I spent gallavanting with friends long after I should've been asleep, politics were everywhere. And to be quite honest, I didn't want much of anything to do with it. I have no skill with making law, despite my years of learning, nor would I trust myself to rule over so many people, to have their livelihoods resting in my hands... and with Lucian Dread's recent ascension to the throne, things have only gotten worse. "But this is only one of the main reasons I left Maraz, and it's something I don't like to dwell on. So when you ask me why I left Maraz and came here... my preferred answer is because I wanted to. I've been a follower of Desna for many years now, ever since I first felt the twinge of wanderlust way back when I was a young girl. And after so many years cooped up in the High Colleges, memorizing long arcane tomes and boring myself almost to death with my studies, I felt that same twinge yet again. I couldn't just stay in Maraz forever. Sure, I may return someday, but for now, I'm quite content to wander down whatever path Desna wants me to tread. And having found good friends in all of you, I feel myself truly blessed." ^_^ Serena gazes up at the starry sky, giggles, then adds, "But, looking back on it all again now, I still don't know how I even got to Stagholt without getting myself killed." ^_^()
Serena nods at Marc's mention of too much walking, then takes a loot around. (Perception=)
Serena rolls her eyes. "Trust me, Athel. You don't want to get involved in politics. Everything becomes so complex and convoluted, and corruption abounds. It's enough to make anyone depressed."
At Marc's mention of politics, Serena's face wrinkles in disgust. "Oh, don't get me started. I don't mean to be rude or anything, but politics was half the reason I left Maraz. Everything kept getting so depressing, and I just couldn't take it anymore. And I never was one for fashion, to be honest. I just enjoy helping others and seeking new experiences. "And no, I'm not married. Haven't found the right man yet, and I have no desire to settle down just yet. My feet have plenty of energy and longing to keep journeying on." ^_^ At this point, her smile returns. After a moment of consideration, Serena glances around and says, "Hope we find that patrol soon."
Serena giggles at Marc and Athel's conversation, then interjects, "But, if the balance weren't kept, which would be the better merchant: he who talks more about women or he who talks more about wealth?"
After a few moments consideration, Serena nods. "I agree. Going after the patrol sounds like the better option at this point. Also, perhaps if we interrogate a member of the patrol, they will know of a shortcut to reach the encampment faster. Still, whatever we plan to do, we should move soon, I think. If Black Fox has any intentions of moving, we don't want to lose him." ^_^
Serena looks on pensively, pondering the bandit's words. "Babes in comparison to Black Fox's strength, eh? I agree. We're definitely gonna need to exercise caution. Perhaps under cover of darkness? Just a suggestion. What do you guys think?"
Serena stands up from inspecting the loot for enchantment, then turns back to the others. "I didn't find any enchantments on their equipment. Did you guys manage to find out anything more about the bandits?"
Still slightly disturbed from Marc's comment about putting the arrogant duelist's head on a pike, Serena smiles and shakes her head. "That's very kind of you, but I doubt I could make use of the sword. I had the option to train with the longsword back at the High Colleges, but I much prefer the rapier. And I doubt I'd be much help to you if I accidentally chopped my own hand off while trying to wield it. Still, let me check if anything here is enchanted." ^_^ With that, Serena casts Detect Magic and examines the loot.
Serena rolls her eyes slightly at this new and rather arrogant man. "Well sir, if it should come to that, let's hope you handle your other sword with even more skill and grace." ^_^
All right. Time for those perception checks! ^_^
Whispering thanks to Desna that she was lucky not to be hit by arrows, Serena peers around to find the source of the attack. Perception to spot where the arrows came from: I don't think that'll be enough to spot the bandits, so Serena will enter total defense for this turn.
Serena takes a step back and lets out a small, high-pitched gasp. After a few moments, she's soon back to her smiling self. "Wow! I've never seen a Roc in person before! He's beautiful... intimidating and powerful, to be sure, but he's beautiful! Nice to meet you, Xlarion. The name's Serena! Oh, and this is Lyrica." Assuming Lyrica's still with the party (doubt she'd be anywhere else), Serena strokes the thrush and brings her around so Xlarion can see her. ^_^
At Arjhann's mention of going south, Serena nods."I agree with you, Arjhann. We're bound to find something if we head south, and we're not going to accomplish much if we just stand around here. And I'd like to meet Xlarion too. Maybe he'll have some information for us?" Serena smiles at Marc's joke about the priest and the barmaid and follows the others.
Okay, first the knowledge check. Whoa! Wasn't expecting that! ^_^ Anyways, Serena listens carefully to the mayor's words and Marc's questions, her smile slightly diminished. After a while, she answers, "Well, if any of you guys are up for it, I'm willing to help. This is such a nice town with nice people. You don't get that much back in Maraz. I'd hate to see it fall to bandits or worse. Mr. Mayor, is there any other information you might be able to give us?"
"Hm. I wouldn't mind helping out." With that, Serena puts her flute away, pays for her meal, then follows Athel towards the mayor's office, accepting Arjhann's offer of an arm. ^_^
"Well, I can carry a tune, but not quite as well as either Athel or Lyrica. I do enjoy playing the flute, though." With that, Serena retrieve a wooden flute from her pack, puts it to her lips, and begin to play. (14 roll + 3 skill bonus to play)
Serena giggles again, then turns to Marc. "I'm not sure Athel understood the joke about the beans, but for my part, I thought it quite clever. And yes, the open road and the open sky is definitely one of the best experiences. Particularly the night sky, what with the moon and stars... You can't get the same view from a stereotypical wizard's tower." ^_^ After a few moments petting the thrush perched on her shoulder, Serena lets out a small groan. "Ah crap, I totally forgot to introduce you, didn't I? Sorry dear. Everyone, while we're on the subject of birds, I'd like to introduce Lyrica, my familiar." ^_^
Serena listens to Athel's song, applauds him at the end, then turns back to Marc with a few giggles. Her smile seems to have returned to where it was before Maraz was mentioned. ^_^ "Well, I did do a little drinking and partying while at school. Kinda hard not to, really. I mean, studying magic is amazing, but it does get old sometimes, you know?" She winks back. "Apart from that, I liked studying at the High Colleges. It was definitely a good experience, but I'm kinda glad to have graduated and be able to travel. Really can't see myself cooped up in a tower pouring over endless tomes like some wizards, you know?" ^_^ "But, as Athel was saying, he's not my guide; we only just met. Here, in fact. Kinda funny how life works that way. Same with Arjhann and yourself. Still, I hope I'll be able to get to know you all better. You seem like such nice people." ^_^
To Marc's first question: "I specialized in illusion magic. I love it. It really forces you to get creative with how you use it." ^_^ To Marc's second queston: "I actually just arrived to Stagholt this morning. And, to be quite honest... I kinda wanted to get away from Maraz. What with everything that's going on there and all the rumors and scandals... let's just say it wasn't my cup of tea. So I packed up and headed out. To be quite honest, I wasn't headed anywhere in particular, so it's really by chance and luck that I managed to end up here. In one piece. You've heard all those rumors about orcs, bandits and dragons, I trust?" In mentioning Maraz and why she left, Serena's smile drops a little. In between responses, Serena continues to make progress on her meal. At some points, she strokes the thrush now perched on her shoulder.
Serena smiles. "Arjhann, eh? I like it. Mysterious yet bold and courageous, or so it seems to me. Nice to meet you Arjhann." ^_^ As the young man approaches and introduces himself, Serena pauses. "You're from Maraz too, huh? Sorry, I just don't remember seeing you around. Granted, I just recently graduated from the High Colleges, and before that I was pretty preoccupied with my studies. Oh, by Desna, where are my manners? Name's Serena Eventide. But please, just call me Serena. Everyone does." ^_^
Serena giggles at the feathery man, cheered by his curiosity, while making some progress on her food and drink. She answers some of his questions, telling him she's from Maraz, that yes, she likes animals, and that she hadn't seen many orcs (though she's pretty sure she was lucky her travels turned out that way; there's gotta be more orcs out there). At some point, she turns to the half-dragon and says, "So Goldie, if you don't mind, what's you name? I'm pretty sure I'd end up annoying you if I just kept calling you Goldie." ^_^
probably should've posted this earlier, but here goes Ah, so good to be back among people again. ^_^ On her way to the King's Cloak, Serena's happy to talk with some of the village women about Maraz, though she keeps her descriptions fairly brief and general. She makes note of the rumors, but she pushes them to the back of her mind- she doesn't want anything to ruin her day.^_^ Once she arrives at the King's Cloak, Serena smiles at the proprietor's sons, obligingly hangs up her rapier and gladly lets the waitress show her to a table (she doesn't mind whether it's by herself or with others) and orders food and drink. At some point, she probably spots the man with the feathers and the golden half-dragon (11 roll + 2 WIS bonus perception to notice them if she needs it), but she reacts with more warmth than most everyone else in the King's Cloak; she smiles at him too. ^_^ Once Athel sits down next to her, her smile widens. "Ooh, aren't you a charmer! Anyways, it's nice to meet you. Name's Serena Eventide. But please, just call me Serena. Everyone does." ^_^ If the half-dragon doesn't sit down with them right away, she beckons him over. "Come on over, big guy-- the more the merrier!"
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