The Stranger continues to lob shadowy javelins at Ekleios the second one popping in a burst of distracting motes followed closely by the third. He draws one final weapon as the spark of his weaponry fades.
Transcendence — Liar’s Hidden Blade◆
Requirements: Your previous action was an unsuccessful Strike with the weapon from the shadow sheath
Effect The shadow weapon you threw fades, the distraction covering your true intention all along—a second strike in hidden in the blind spot of the first! Interact to draw another weapon from the shadow sheath, then Strike with it at the same multiple attack penalty as the unsuccessful attack. The opponent is off-guard to this attack. This Strike counts toward your multiple attack penalty as normal. After the Strike resolves, you can Interact to draw another weapon from the shadow sheath.
The stranger quickly pulls two shadowy javelins from his pack and launch them both at Ekleios. "You betrayed a noble soul, there is only one escape for you. Your eternal end!"
He then tries to identify any weaknesses that the skeletons may have.
The Stranger stepped forward, not really understanding the magic well, but there was something about his almost innocent animal nature that allowed him to interact with it.
"Mmm I agree, Let us redouble our efforts tomorrow and search as much of the land as we can to see if we can at the very least prevent further disputes between the crew."
The stranger pretends to be a 'totally normal elk' who just happens to be bi-pedal and wearing clothes and weapons and is not at all inching closer to steal away the Goat's prize.
The flight and fight ended as quickly as it began and the Stranger looks wild-eyed at his companions. "Well that was.. incredibly efficient. Next time we see crabs it needs to go like that."
He laughs uneasily for a moment rubbing his midsection as the scar throbs a little worse.
Since Kalistratos said to spread out, we'll start with spark in my thousand league sandals, then immediately Transcend with Marathon dash free stride, and everyone that was within 10ft of Stranger may make a stride as a reaction. Arfi and Oinos will get their reactions back since their turns in initiative come after mine if that changes anyone's thoughts
The Stranger needs barely a moment to reactively dart away from the group the second the serpent begins to move. As he strides an impressive 40 feet away, trying to flank around the creature he draws forth a Javelin from his quiver and throws it at the beast.
Stranger nods, "We should inform the camp and scout the area around Ekleios first. Insight on what the corruptive influence does may help us with preparing to face him."
"A tragedy for certain, one that I understand some of the pain of. Though at least to my own knowledge there was a distinct lack of betrayal to my own hero-goddess."
He ponders things silently for a moment, "I do not know which we should pursue first, and we may not be able to wake Merosyne until Ekleios is disrupted first."
Bowing to the noble Iokoris he asks, "Could you point us to either location, we have little knowledge of this island?"
Coming up short in talking about his own deeds as his own being the Stranger shuffles uncomfortably.
"Were it that I could show you my past, and simply perform actions to show the merit of my character. But I am still finding my own way with these new companions."
"The meteor that passed over the festival drove the spirits into a frenzy. We coaxed them away from harming others and plan to make sure it has not affected the wildlife here adversely."
"Not quite so simple no. Ibldyos works her magics in strange ways. It is a dreary tale, but if you'd listen I will tell."
He settles in for a bit as they camp before the next expedition.
"I once carried a hero-goddess across the lands. Kleoniki was her name and mine Eshkal, and together we were unstoppable. Titanic creatures, beings cursed by the gods, dangers preying on the innocent, our quarry was always dangerous she liked it that way. It fed her spirit and the look in her eye when she could put her life on the line... it somehow spurred me through my own fears."
Shifting in his spot a bit he wondered what would be best to say or if he should just get straight to the point. "Not long ago, a few years we finally bit off more than we could chew. I believe that is an expression people tend to use. I was wounded and she tumbled fron the saddle, I don't know the details, but I remember her bloodied and battered craddling me in both of our last moments. Then sleep or perhaps death took me, when I awoke I was as I am now and she was no more. A stranger to myself and alone."
The strangers ears cocked downward and he nervously rubbed at his forearms. "Her divine essence intertwined with my own mortality and gave me this form, and the strength of arms and artifact that I hold... or at least that is my theory. I saw her at the festival... one last talk with an old friend departed. It was nice though bittersweet. "
With a long breath he falls silent for a time to let everything settle in, and because he did not often speak so much.
Kal glances at The Stranger with complete incredulity. "None of it? The sea's bounties are nearly unending, but you would forswear them all? Is it some pact?"
The Stranger shakes his head, "Well... you must understand before, the change." He holds up his hand.
"I ate grass and grains exclusively. And now... while I may partake in meats it still."
Pulling back his lips to reveal carnivorous fangs that most certainly would not fit on an equine creature he speaks again. "They make me uneasy. With myself."
Standing from the hellish crab claw, clearly perpetuated by a beast infused with mythical energies. The stranger backs off slowly from the beast and shifts his spark into the wreath around his neck empowering those around him.
stand, step, shift spark(Wreath)
Wreath:
Aura Emotion Mental
You inspire your allies to greater glory. You and all your allies in a 15-foot emanation gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls.
Drawing forth a javelin from his satchel which is wreathed in a divine shadow. He steps and lobs the Javelin at the crab which is a glancing blow at best. He pulls seemingly the same one from his satchel again, noted by the previous one being missing from the creature or the sand behind it. The second sails past harmlessly between the stalks much like Kali's but a second seemed to materialize directly behind the first hidden in the pin-point path and might strike true as the crab tries to follow the deadly projectile.
Finally he draws the same now fourth version of the same javelin from the bag of seemingly endless javelins. Though the bag no longer shines with divinity.
free shift(initiative) into Shadow sheath, allows drawing as a free action and deals 2 spirit(or sonic damage) per die increased to 3 if the target is off-guard.
Two strikes
Third action for Liar's hidden blade transcendence which requires the previous action to be a missed strike and makes the target off-guard against the follow up strike at the same map as the previous. Spark is then ejected.
Nature:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 I helped finally for one round XD
Regaining his composure finally, the Stranger manages to belt out a low series of notes, to help soothe or deter the beast. A skill he learned from his departed partner long ago when she traveled the seas.
Staggering from the collision the Stranger does little to aid the crew or his sudden headache. He struggled to remember that in another life he was much better at taking such blows to the head and neck.
one day I'll not roll like s#&* for a skill challenge.
The stranger who had been paralyzed at the ship's center makes an attempt to move to throw the serpent's attention off. But his hoof-like feet skitter on the deck and he slides violently with the rocking vessel, losing his balance completely on the return rock and slamming headfirst into a barrel of supplies causing them to spill over the side and draw the serpent's ire.
Never having been comfortable on the tides Stranger finds himself as close to the center of the boat as possible without being in anyone's way, focusing on just remaining stable, even though they haven't gotten moving yet even.
Although the Stranger didn't do much to help ease the oddly aggressive spirits, he was not absent that night. He followed them all down to the water's edge, where he placed his torch down and drew forth his bow and the belt that his predecessor wore during her travels. A slight glowing spirit lingering within them still, the energy emerged appearing as a tall sea foam-green half-elven ghost. Floating over the elk who's head was bowed saying prayers to the items. She reached down, placed her hand around his antlers and leaned down to kiss him on the forehead.
"My tale is over Eshkal."
He slowly looked up at her and the pair shared a silent exchange. With a heavy sigh the elk placed her equipment upon the lapping waves, they floated with no issue and were slowly whisked out to sea, the ghostly patron of them following along.
The stranger stays for a while standing eventually and heading back to the shared lodgings of Terpsime.
Later
The next couple days see the Stranger, meandering about the outside of the house looking far more at peace than he had been since joining the group.
Lagging behind the stranger charges in and attempts to put the raging Akki down peacefully, showing that even the most humble of armaments can be terribly effective in the right hands.
Scene:1d10 ⇒ 10Called out Grand Melee Clash(strike dc 18):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11Fail, 0vp, flat 10 Avoid Wounds(dc 9):1d20 ⇒ 31 = 1wound
Totals
3vp, 2 wounds
The Stranger feels odd given fake weapons and paltry armor. But he participates in the grand melee event nonetheless. Within the grand struggle many seem to take him as a simple creature who will be easily fooled and outsmarted by underhanded tactics.
Showing his mental fortitude from many long years as a trusty battle companion, he expels the notion that he is anything but a well trained warrior. Calm collected counter strikes allow him to avoid and riposte against his foes managing to remain unscathed through the combat.
The second clash sees him nicked slightly as he attempts to deftly avoid his opponents' padded blade.
The final clash sees the titanic cyclops call him out from across the field, not one to upstand a honorable call out he moves to meet her in one on one combat amidst the fray. Unable to get past her guard and putting up a good fight until eventually she overpowers him with her sheer strength.
He bares the 'scars' of failure and presents himself after the combat is called to a close, knowing that he fought far better than he did during the eating contest.
Spark will start in bow as my intro into initiative for free fortitude:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Unfailing Longbow:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 piercing; spirit:1d8 ⇒ 71 = 1 much would have rathered the 20 on the attack lmao. Recall knowledge, hopefully for a weakness
The stranger shrugs off the sickening spiritual assault, draws his shining bow and draws back the string, only to fumble the actual shot into the wall.
The Stranger thinks he has the correct ghost warding accouterments. Insisting that he wear the various bells and such as antler decorations so as to not raise suspicions as to their true nature.
The Stranger grumbles ever so slightly, feeling like this may simply be a trap to try and oust the competition that's actually keeping up.
But then he felt an old memory, the reassuring touch behind the ear and down his neck to remind and an old voice telling him he shouldn't worry so much. For a moment he wonders if he could have done better for her, maybe he worried enough and it was her that did not worry enough.
"We may assist. But." He looks to his companions, some swollen with the feast's partakings even feeling quite plump himself.
"We need some time to recover our stamina. It may also look odd for others to see you approach us during the competition as you have. So if anything comes to contention promise on your honor that you will speak the truth of the matter that you requested our aid for a matter not concerning the festivities."
It may come as genuinely odd to hear so much at once from the usually reserved and quiet elk. But the entire time he speaks softly and with his face slightly downturned towards Ataiosiphon, to see him better.
The Stranger recalls many times where his old friend had retold tales of other hero gods wishing that one day she'd be able to accomplish such feats. The tale of Ptrieem and Shoalrender was one such feat she often retold or heard along the islets. They varried greatly in how extravagant things were retold but one point always remained the same.
Taking the three, three-horned prawns in his hands, one at a time. He flexed the cooked creatures to lightly separate their armored backside. Using the fork meant to pull the crab meat from it's shell he instead used it to lance into the backside causing a squirt of harmful vibrant blue to spray onto the ground next to him. After which he cleaned the fork and repeated the process upon the others in silence.
Happy with his approach he quietly ate at the platter at pace wishing to taste the meal well. As it is said one cannot truly win without first savoring the challenge.
Seeing both arrows fly wide, he shifts that faint divine spark into the bow causing an ethereal female human to appear next to him and guide his hands. Towards the creature attacking Arfi.
Shift spark to bow
A small sonic boom echoes out as the arrow leaves the string, streaking through the air and cutting through a wave. Appearing for a moment like a winged silver fish through the other side before burying itself deep in the Reefclaw's eye.
Unearing bow(empowered):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 piercing+sonic:2d8 + 1d10 + 1d4 ⇒ (6, 7) + (5) + (3) = 21
"You always were the hunter, not I."
The second shot aiming for the other Reefclaw fumbles out of the bow string and splashes harmlessly into the water near the Stranger's bowed knees.
Unearing bow(empowered):1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 piercing+sonic:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Roll initiative free shift spark into my Thousand-League Sandals, immediately Trancendence for Marathon dash allowing everyone within 10 feet of me(at the start of my movement) to stride as a reaction. This'll eject the spark but since shift is 1/round i can't put it back into anything else
The Stranger calls upon the latent power embedded within him and the items from his old companion and surges around the battlefield to the side of the group still making only a bit of headway(40ft/20ft due to difficult terrain). He moves towards the edge of the group thinking if they spread out then the creatures won't be able to attack them as effectively.
He then draws the string on the aged longbow with his overly calloused fingers and lets a pair of arrows loose at the nearest Reefclaw.
The Stranger attempts the coal walk, but his sensitive hooves prove too little to aid him in this task. So he sits to the side while Kallistratos manages the challenge.
Once they're onto the next segment he tries to redeem himself by driving and throwing the javelins. He always thought his partner had the better aim, but he had seen the form of a rider throwing the sharpened sticks enough that he believed he had it down. The horses took some extra coaxing the second go around but he managed to nail his second target pn the second pass.
Pushing the group onto the final series of challenges.
Stranger steps up alongside Kallistratos doffing his armor and leaving it with his teammates, however the stag seems reluctant to part with his bow and simply keeps the small thing slung over one shoulder as they pick their craft.
He'd never seen dolphins despite his many years among the pathways of Iblydos so he was quite at awe with them when they joined alongside the pair in their hunt for sardines. He felt a strange connection with them however, like a distant memory from when he was more like them. He waved and clicked ushering the dolphins to play and splash flicking heaps of salty sardines into their small skiff even as he skimmed the waters for the rest of their haul.
After the return to shore and the second outing, having worked for his entire life with a companion he trusted Kallistratos with his entire being. Using his dexterous bulk to swoop low into the water to quickly snatch the massive brilliant tuna from the waters. Even when Kallistratos was blinded he subtly leaned in the direction the swarm of fish were thickest before setting himself back in position to catch them. Just enough to engage the driver of where they needed to go when they were soaked with spray. With Tuna in the haul and the net burdened near to bursting, they returned triumphantly to the shore.
He bowed his crowned head to Kallistratos with a affirming grunt after their ordeal.
While everyone moves to mingle or comment on the competition they'll be facing The Stranger simply looks to Yphani and gives a nod. Not saying anything, but showing his respect to one who takes care of flocks.
Growing quiet at his end of the table and slowly nods. "A dying breed indeed." He says solemnly, "But now is not the time for remorse, we should instead celebrate the full life Dintolneon lived hmm?"
The stranger as many of the Iblydans had come to call the otherwise nameless Elk-headed man typically did not entreat others with eating in their presence. It often upset him, as well as those around so he carefully took bites of the food when no one was looking as to avoid such topics.
In the sweltering heat of these lands the Stranger took to robing himself with the simplest of vestments, at least when not adorned in armor. A plain chalmys wrapped around his waist, folded and tucked on itself so it resembled a shorter skirt and made for easier sitting.
"Agreed, it is never easy to lose a long time companion." Comes the deep rumbling voice seldom used. "We are ever in your debt for your hospitality and patronage Madame Terpsime."
He raised his own kylix upwards in toast, being careful to not scratch the outside with the glossy rough hoof-like 'pads' of his digits. Unlike most humanoid bodies where the underside of their fingers were flesh, his were made of a strange malleable hoof which made grasping certain objects a pain. But he would endure to appease his host.
