The heroes gather together for one last time at the base of the Ivory Tower.
They are amazed to see that they have been atop the tower all night. The sun is rising, a sure sign that at the mare still lives, for now at least. The nearby stables are rife with activity as stablehands go about their business of feeding the mounts, oiling saddles, shoveling stalls, brushing manes, and the general maintenance and upkeep of such an establishment. The stables are huge. There are dozens of barns, each with tens of stalls, most stalls housing something inside.
A Kokiri who previously announced himself as to them as Peegbert is dragging a couple of chests of provisions to them. Each chest is identical. They have inside (3) potions of healing, a small bag of (100 gp) gold, and roughly two extra weeks of rations for each member of the parties. There are a couple of tents, a hatchet, a few simple hunting knives, and materials for fixing bows and making arrows.
"We've got you a couple of donkeys, too, with pack saddles. You can carry extra stuff there." Peegbert says as other Kokiris leads up the mentioned donkeys. "We have a couple of mounts, too, that Cairon wanted me to mention. There's a giant bat, for anyone that wants that stupid thing, and a warhorse named Hobble...which...has a hobble. There's a couple of regular horses, a racing snail...oh by the goddesses, and that accursed Flail Snail someone left behind as an abandoned war mount. Old Ironsides they call that bas...bad boy. There's an ostrich too. I'd be glad to have someone take them off my hands. If you had been here just a few days before someone had abandoned a monoclonius, but it broke down the door and ran off into the country side just...whoosh! It was so fast! And ooh ooh! There was that owlbear that halfling was riding but he never returned for either but then...well there was this curiouswizard..."
He trailed off, obviously forgetting what he was saying, before propping his chin on his hand and then scuttling off toward one of the barns.
Kerwyn walks up to Peegbert and says “Exactly what we will need. Thank you.” He walks over to the flail snail and starts to look him over. “Hmm, what’s your name? What an unusual fellow you are.”
The flail snail rears, its flails taking elevated, threatening positions. It is clearly not happy to see you.
"Be careful! He'll wallop you if you're notcareful!" Peegbert says. "There were twelve of us stable hands here just last month. But now, there are only ten."
Johnathan looks over the bat with Shavaris. What were the chances that this could be a reliable mount? I think the bat would be a fine addition to the team as well, but if not I’ll take a donkey.
Utterly intrigued by the fascinating animal, Ralik speaks to it as if it were another person and not just a mount.
"Ha-Oh Brother Bird. I am Ralik Two Knives, OAH OAH OAH! We are to be traveling with each other. I am very deadly and will protect you with my life. What is your name Brother? What do you like to eat?" He says with a slap to his chest during introduction and a pat to the large bird's neck waiting for a response.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
Peegbert looks over at Greko as he makes friends with the bat.
"I think that stupid bat has a new friend." He mutters to Shavaris.
Old Ironsides retracts its flail stalks and leans forward at the smell of the mushrooms and the leaves. It's mouth opens, then its barbed radula begins to work in and out like its hungry. It takes the mushroom and the leaves and...well it still looks very murdery. But at least it's not rearing up and getting mean with its flails. Then it leans forward and nuzzles Kerwyn's hand like it trusts him.
"Well. Didn't see that coming." Peegbert says. "See that boys!? You don't have to wonder if you'll live to see the sunset!"
As Ralik hoops out his enthusiastic words, the ostrich, big and bold, leans back and sticks its head high into the air, and then caws out a similiar sound "AUH! AUH!"to match its would-be riders.
Peegbert looks up at the shadow of the bat as it flies away...
"Oh boy...Atreyu used to ride that stupid bat to see Morla all the time. He's going to be pissed."
Aoe watches the chaos, calmly retrieving his riding and Draft horses from the stables. The draft horse has a harness that helps it carry a load on each side, a locked chest on the left and a leather pack on the right. He looks toward Shavaris and dents a private message, “ifyou want to know what’s inside I will show you at a later time, please don’t break my lock, i’ll not find one like it easily.”
mounting his riding horse, and the two tethered together, he looks to the group, “a new day and a new adventure. Are we to seek passage to Eternia? Kerwyn, what port did you arrive into fantasia from? I presume it is the closest port to this tower? How many day’s ride?”
turning to notice the Ralik the ostrich rider, Aoe smiles, “Truly a match made in some heaven yet manifest, and yet, here we are as witness, in all all of your mutual glory.”
“What final preparations hold us from travel? A meal or a need for equipment? If not, Let us be off with the good tidings of sunrise.”
Johnathan returns to see Aoe on a mount. Progress into the right direction. He walks up towards Aoe and says I’m ready to head out. Got the essentials. He gives a look at the mount he is on, noticing how it is already geared up. I suppose this is your horse then. I’m guessing you travel a lot. He then pauses, thinking about how to get to Eternia. He looks to see the mountains in the distance and the river nearby. As to how to get to Eternia quickly I’m not too sure. As I see it we have two options. Either we go through the mountains or travel the river to the sea and sail around the island until we reach it. I prefer going through the mountains as it is the shorter route. What do you think?
As he is talking, he is keeping a eye out for the other bands, eager to get to work.
Shavaris watches as Ralik and Kerwyn figure out their new mounts, Aoe retrieves, not one but two mounts. She has to stop herself from gaping at that sight. She takes her elk from the stable hand, bowing her thanks. As they get ready to head out, they discuss the path to take towards Eternia.
“If we’re heading through the mountains, we might be close to the Mountain of Power. Would it be worth trying to seek an audience with Thulsa Doom? He’s the leader of the Cult of the Serpent. Now that I say that out loud, we might want to avoid him.”
Aoe listens to the discourse, happy everyone is level headed and focused on the tasks at hand. “Unless you think there is a reason to visit this cult perhaps we have other priorities.”
Aoe ponders the route through the mountains, “if you have taken the mountain pass to arrive here Kerwyn, then I trust it as a safe return route by your suggestion. Although we have our differences, we are now a singular band, intertwined in mission and fate.”
”if we need lodgings or respite perhaps we should make way directly to Eternia, where even the gossip on the streets may be closer in kind to our goals. To Castle Eternia, and if there is no information there, perhaps the Labyrinth is thr place we can find these secrets we seek…”
Sitting cross legged upon the giant Dire Ostrich's back, they approach the the rest of the group. "Nah oh, neh ha. My friends, listen as I speak. Information is key. We posses a symbol greatly respected by those who hide what we seek. Though we must hide it from our enemies, our true allies will guide us. Eternia is a good option in my opinion Brother Orator." He motions with an upraised hand palm out and nod of agreement to Aoe. "However we go about this, we must remember that the enemy will start to keep track of us once they know our motives. We must stay vigilant. I have spoken."
His words hang in the air ominously, but he breaks the silence by standing up and doing a backflip off of The Dire Ostrich's back (Athletics rolled in Discord under #dice-rolls = 1d20(1)+5=6 ) landing on his head. After a moment the dust settles, he recovers stretching his back and rubbing his neck. "I am fine. Brother Running Bird is a bit higher, than I judged." Ralik works out the last kink "Well, I will be back, I must gather a few more items for this journey. I will leave Brother Running Bird with you. Please be kind to him. "
He then turns and departs to gather a shield and longsword with an extra belt sheath from the armory. He straps them to both sides of his hip under is garb, one with a sword in it and one without. Shortly after, Ralik returns. He finds a pretty clear area by the group and draws the longsword. With shield in one hand, and longsword in the other, Ralik slowly goes through a few sequences of attacks and positioning. Despite the well practiced movements, it is immediately obvious that the blade seems too heavy for him to wield efficiently or for a long period of time. After a few seconds he looks to the blade in admiration. "This sword is fine and deadly. It will serve us well. The smith had a good heart, and a steady hammer. I cannot wait to truly wield you brother." He says to the blade, lowering it, holding it to his chest, then sheathing it.
"Nah oh, neh ha. My friends, listen as I speak. I know time is of importance, but I must prepare properly for this journey. I must spend time to pray to My Goddess and commune with my ancestors for support under the moon light of Aunt Selune. It is a tradition I must uphold, in order to be as blessed and deadly as possible for those we must protect. I have spoken." Despite his rather lacking displays, the intensity in his face did not betray his confidence, dedication and passion. He stood regal and proud with an aura of calm determination, ready for the next task before the time came for his duty that night.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
Johnathan looks at Ralik as he is playing with his ostrich. It’s strange to see someone back flip off their mount, especially an ostrich which was taller than most. He remains silent as he talks about getting supplies, and decides to wait under a nice shady tree until he returns. While he has this peaceful moment to himself, Johnathan looks to the rest of the parties. He figures it might be good to get a good description in his mind as well as learning their voices. You never know when acting as one of them would be useful. While Ralik is away and the rest of the party waits, Johnathan figures it’s time to let his little friend stretch his wings. He reaches into his inside pocket of his coat and summons his bat familiar so that it appears as if he was in the pocket this whole time. Johnathan’s cold exterior seems to melt in that moment and a little smile rests on his face. He seems to be muttering something to the bat, and the bat just rests on his shoulder.
When Ralik talks about praising his gods for an extended time, Johnathan’s face returns to his usual gloom self. Do we really need to waste time on this? He sighs as he sees the determination in Ralik. There was no way he would be talked down. Fine. Just make it quick, we have a job to do. How long do you need? He turns to the others in his band with a disappointed look on his face, Looks like we are gonna be here a while, anyone have suggestions to make the most of this time?
Aoe rests his staff against a tree nearby and takes his Bandore off his back, beginning to play some music while they wait.
The notes glide in and out, not so much being played but fluttering between his fingertips. He speaks as he plays, and his fingers and tongue fall into rhythm with each other.
“well my friends, is this the end, or start or something grand?”
“A two foot steed, and elk and snail, before me I see stand,”
“but ‘tween the bodies holding bold, the sky and fated sands,”
“The dawn guard marches! With prayer the mare doth join our band.”
Aoe is playing about with words and thoughts, letting them come and go, not a perfect song, but something just enough to pass the time and Ralik performs his prayers. When he finishes the song he places his hand on his own chest and casts guidance with words of reminder to himself, “May the divine entwined here guide.” His own prayer of a type.
”shall we? And who is leading the way?” Aoe holds out his hand toward whoever takes the lead, hoping to guide the process along (guidance is a touch spell fyi).
Shavaris watches as Ralik heads off to acquire what he needs. Odd, wouldn't we all be ready to set off as soon as we received the information needed. She heads near Jonathan, sits down beside another shade tree and gets out her blades. She uses this time to sharpen them and think about what they are trying to accomplish. How are they to find one single mare in all of Eternia? And what if the mare could leave the continent by some means they are not thinking about?
As each of her band members talk she stays quiet listening and trying to understand each of them. This is going to be quite the quest. Too bad Eloise isn't here with me, she'd get a kick out of the situation I have found myself in.
Once everyone appears to be ready, she gets on her elk and says, "I'll happily go wherever you'd like me to be. I just want to get a move on."
Kerwyn walks over to Old Ironsides and pats his shell in an affectionate manner. He hops on the back of it and says to Shavaris “I agree. I’m glad we have this cart of supplies. How should we divide up the healing potions? Hopefully we won’t need them, but if one of you is injured, I’d like to be able to help.”
He looks at the gathered odd menagerie and urges the flail snail on, saying “I know the way. I came this way to get to the Ivory Tower. We will reverse course, head back over through the mountains over the pass and then towards the sea. Anything else we need before we go? If not, let’s roll! Or slither. Or whatever.”
Seeing everyone eager and ready to be on, Ralik grabs a few standing torches on the way out.
"Seeing Brother Kerwyn guide us gives me hope. I do not know these lands well. May your ancestors guide you brother. Do you see Brother Running Bird, "he says with a pat to his mount's neck, "we are in good hands."
While traveling Ralik sits cross legged atop Running Bird playing his lutekele and singing, completely trusting and comfortable with the mount. ( Song ) He carries on with a few other ancestral songs and sight seeing as they make their way to a suitable camp, his mount ever vigilant as they ride.
The road leading away from the Ivory Tower was well kept and well used, with the passage of many hooves and many wheels prominent in the unimproved path. Trees were common in the landscape, as well as stretches of grass and boulder fields left over from a millennia of falling from the nearby Dragontail Mountains.
Kerwyn remembered the path easily enough, and although they didn't make it all the way to Nockmaar Pass before nightfall, they did make good progress.
The sun began to set...
(OOC: You guys can travel as far as you want for a little bit, making sure you account for time. So, if you take two days to travel, for example, just notate it when you post. Make sure the band is agreed on time spent traveling. Don't forget to track any sort of self improvement activity your character took along the way. I'll be posting a map for this region tomorrow.)
Aoe and the newly minted Dawn Guard mount their beasts of burden and ride west, towards the Nockmaar Pass.
The first day of travel is gentle on the band, as these are well worn trade routes, and somehow when danger is not near, even the snail makes good pace. Aoe enjoys the countryside, as mountains turn to hills then hills to plains, camping before they arrive at the Vale Grove that first evening.
as they make camp around a fire, Aoe spends much time introducing himself to all the mounts in the group. Such beasts he had not seen before rest before him. And his inner curious and animal loving nature takes over.
He greets the ostrich slowly, seeing the massive feet and strong legs, as well the large beak and, to be honest, small bit thick looking skull. He uses speak with animals to discourse with them, making friends of a sort: they are sure to share the battlefield or rush away from, or into danger in the coming months together, and Aoe would hope they develop a trust.
before the spell ends Aoe then turns to the Elk of shavaris’ forest he presumes. Approaching slowly he gives it great respect and listens to its simple speech, mostly related to food types and distances traveled, and perhaps lack of other elk in the area. Aoe find joy in the elk, and likes their viewpoint on life. Not in a rush, take encounters as they come.
His spell spent for the day, he returns to the fire and practices his bandore, using the other spells hidden magically within its twanging strings to give the group some entertainment while he plays:
During a song with rain like droplet notes Aoe sings of a lost love now gone; within the words he weaves the invisibility spell, and casts it on shavaris for an hour. As shavaris is busy with her daily routine; she suddenly notices her hands have gone and then her whole body. Aoe keeps playing; a bard is only as strong as their companions, a well of knowledge and guile but rarely the tip of the spear, though the bond of band to bard is one of mutual trust built over time.
During a song with windy flows like leaves among the autumn waves of ‘where do summers go’, Aoe string together lyrics of a comedic effect related to giants and mice, if weight and lightness, while casting levitate on the snail. The spectacle quite strange: floating 15 ft above the ground. Aoe moving them about Back and forth a few feet as if the snail was an Indecisive shoe not knowing where to step, the proverbial giants foot which lands and may perhaps snap the swigs and crush the grass and stomp the ants in that particular spot unaware of the plight of the little folk. After a few minutes the snail resigns to the display, and the fun and song over, Aoe places them back down in their resting spot.
Thinking it was enough entertainment for night #1, he plucked away at the bandore some more, practicing before bed. Tomorrow would start a 2-3 day treck though forest country, and though the road be worn, a closer tree line meant less time to be prepared if road blocks or thieves lay in wait.
(Aoe spent the night exercising to become more proficient in his animal handling and performance abilities)
AURYN: The Hunt for the Last Unicorn
I would enter your sleep if I could…
…and guard you there…
…and slay the thing that hounds you.
The heroes gather together for one last time at the base of the Ivory Tower.
They are amazed to see that they have been atop the tower all night. The sun is rising, a sure sign that at the mare still lives, for now at least. The nearby stables are rife with activity as stablehands go about their business of feeding the mounts, oiling saddles, shoveling stalls, brushing manes, and the general maintenance and upkeep of such an establishment. The stables are huge. There are dozens of barns, each with tens of stalls, most stalls housing something inside.
A Kokiri who previously announced himself as to them as Peegbert is dragging a couple of chests of provisions to them. Each chest is identical. They have inside (3) potions of healing, a small bag of (100 gp) gold, and roughly two extra weeks of rations for each member of the parties. There are a couple of tents, a hatchet, a few simple hunting knives, and materials for fixing bows and making arrows.
"We've got you a couple of donkeys, too, with pack saddles. You can carry extra stuff there." Peegbert says as other Kokiris leads up the mentioned donkeys. "We have a couple of mounts, too, that Cairon wanted me to mention. There's a giant bat, for anyone that wants that stupid thing, and a warhorse named Hobble...which...has a hobble. There's a couple of regular horses, a racing snail...oh by the goddesses, and that accursed Flail Snail someone left behind as an abandoned war mount. Old Ironsides they call that bas...bad boy. There's an ostrich too. I'd be glad to have someone take them off my hands. If you had been here just a few days before someone had abandoned a monoclonius, but it broke down the door and ran off into the country side just...whoosh! It was so fast! And ooh ooh! There was that owlbear that halfling was riding but he never returned for either but then...well there was this curious wizard..."
He trailed off, obviously forgetting what he was saying, before propping his chin on his hand and then scuttling off toward one of the barns.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Kerwyn walks up to Peegbert and says “Exactly what we will need. Thank you.” He walks over to the flail snail and starts to look him over. “Hmm, what’s your name? What an unusual fellow you are.”
The flail snail rears, its flails taking elevated, threatening positions. It is clearly not happy to see you.
"Be careful! He'll wallop you if you're not careful!" Peegbert says. "There were twelve of us stable hands here just last month. But now, there are only ten."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
While Kerwyn asks about the snail, Shavaris walks up and quietly asks, “What about the bat? Is he Still available?”
Johnathan looks over the bat with Shavaris. What were the chances that this could be a reliable mount? I think the bat would be a fine addition to the team as well, but if not I’ll take a donkey.
Utterly intrigued by the fascinating animal, Ralik speaks to it as if it were another person and not just a mount.
"Ha-Oh Brother Bird. I am Ralik Two Knives, OAH OAH OAH! We are to be traveling with each other. I am very deadly and will protect you with my life. What is your name Brother? What do you like to eat?" He says with a slap to his chest during introduction and a pat to the large bird's neck waiting for a response.
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Peegbert looks over at Greko as he makes friends with the bat.
"I think that stupid bat has a new friend." He mutters to Shavaris.
Old Ironsides retracts its flail stalks and leans forward at the smell of the mushrooms and the leaves. It's mouth opens, then its barbed radula begins to work in and out like its hungry. It takes the mushroom and the leaves and...well it still looks very murdery. But at least it's not rearing up and getting mean with its flails. Then it leans forward and nuzzles Kerwyn's hand like it trusts him.
"Well. Didn't see that coming." Peegbert says. "See that boys!? You don't have to wonder if you'll live to see the sunset!"
As Ralik hoops out his enthusiastic words, the ostrich, big and bold, leans back and sticks its head high into the air, and then caws out a similiar sound "AUH! AUH!" to match its would-be riders.
Peegbert looks up at the shadow of the bat as it flies away...
"Oh boy...Atreyu used to ride that stupid bat to see Morla all the time. He's going to be pissed."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Aoe watches the chaos, calmly retrieving his riding and Draft horses from the stables. The draft horse has a harness that helps it carry a load on each side, a locked chest on the left and a leather pack on the right. He looks toward Shavaris and dents a private message, “if you want to know what’s inside I will show you at a later time, please don’t break my lock, i’ll not find one like it easily.”
mounting his riding horse, and the two tethered together, he looks to the group, “a new day and a new adventure. Are we to seek passage to Eternia? Kerwyn, what port did you arrive into fantasia from? I presume it is the closest port to this tower? How many day’s ride?”
turning to notice the Ralik the ostrich rider, Aoe smiles, “Truly a match made in some heaven yet manifest, and yet, here we are as witness, in all all of your mutual glory.”
“What final preparations hold us from travel? A meal or a need for equipment? If not, Let us be off with the good tidings of sunrise.”
Johnathan returns to see Aoe on a mount. Progress into the right direction. He walks up towards Aoe and says I’m ready to head out. Got the essentials. He gives a look at the mount he is on, noticing how it is already geared up. I suppose this is your horse then. I’m guessing you travel a lot. He then pauses, thinking about how to get to Eternia. He looks to see the mountains in the distance and the river nearby. As to how to get to Eternia quickly I’m not too sure. As I see it we have two options. Either we go through the mountains or travel the river to the sea and sail around the island until we reach it. I prefer going through the mountains as it is the shorter route. What do you think?
As he is talking, he is keeping a eye out for the other bands, eager to get to work.
Shavaris watches as Ralik and Kerwyn figure out their new mounts, Aoe retrieves, not one but two mounts. She has to stop herself from gaping at that sight. She takes her elk from the stable hand, bowing her thanks. As they get ready to head out, they discuss the path to take towards Eternia.
“If we’re heading through the mountains, we might be close to the Mountain of Power. Would it be worth trying to seek an audience with Thulsa Doom? He’s the leader of the Cult of the Serpent. Now that I say that out loud, we might want to avoid him.”
Aoe listens to the discourse, happy everyone is level headed and focused on the tasks at hand. “Unless you think there is a reason to visit this cult perhaps we have other priorities.”
Aoe ponders the route through the mountains, “if you have taken the mountain pass to arrive here Kerwyn, then I trust it as a safe return route by your suggestion. Although we have our differences, we are now a singular band, intertwined in mission and fate.”
”if we need lodgings or respite perhaps we should make way directly to Eternia, where even the gossip on the streets may be closer in kind to our goals. To Castle Eternia, and if there is no information there, perhaps the Labyrinth is thr place we can find these secrets we seek…”
Sitting cross legged upon the giant Dire Ostrich's back, they approach the the rest of the group. "Nah oh, neh ha. My friends, listen as I speak. Information is key. We posses a symbol greatly respected by those who hide what we seek. Though we must hide it from our enemies, our true allies will guide us. Eternia is a good option in my opinion Brother Orator." He motions with an upraised hand palm out and nod of agreement to Aoe. "However we go about this, we must remember that the enemy will start to keep track of us once they know our motives. We must stay vigilant. I have spoken."
His words hang in the air ominously, but he breaks the silence by standing up and doing a backflip off of The Dire Ostrich's back (Athletics rolled in Discord under #dice-rolls = 1d20(1)+5=6 ) landing on his head. After a moment the dust settles, he recovers stretching his back and rubbing his neck. "I am fine. Brother Running Bird is a bit higher, than I judged." Ralik works out the last kink "Well, I will be back, I must gather a few more items for this journey. I will leave Brother Running Bird with you. Please be kind to him. "
He then turns and departs to gather a shield and longsword with an extra belt sheath from the armory. He straps them to both sides of his hip under is garb, one with a sword in it and one without. Shortly after, Ralik returns. He finds a pretty clear area by the group and draws the longsword. With shield in one hand, and longsword in the other, Ralik slowly goes through a few sequences of attacks and positioning. Despite the well practiced movements, it is immediately obvious that the blade seems too heavy for him to wield efficiently or for a long period of time. After a few seconds he looks to the blade in admiration. "This sword is fine and deadly. It will serve us well. The smith had a good heart, and a steady hammer. I cannot wait to truly wield you brother." He says to the blade, lowering it, holding it to his chest, then sheathing it.
"Nah oh, neh ha. My friends, listen as I speak. I know time is of importance, but I must prepare properly for this journey. I must spend time to pray to My Goddess and commune with my ancestors for support under the moon light of Aunt Selune. It is a tradition I must uphold, in order to be as blessed and deadly as possible for those we must protect. I have spoken." Despite his rather lacking displays, the intensity in his face did not betray his confidence, dedication and passion. He stood regal and proud with an aura of calm determination, ready for the next task before the time came for his duty that night.
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Johnathan looks at Ralik as he is playing with his ostrich. It’s strange to see someone back flip off their mount, especially an ostrich which was taller than most. He remains silent as he talks about getting supplies, and decides to wait under a nice shady tree until he returns. While he has this peaceful moment to himself, Johnathan looks to the rest of the parties. He figures it might be good to get a good description in his mind as well as learning their voices. You never know when acting as one of them would be useful. While Ralik is away and the rest of the party waits, Johnathan figures it’s time to let his little friend stretch his wings. He reaches into his inside pocket of his coat and summons his bat familiar so that it appears as if he was in the pocket this whole time. Johnathan’s cold exterior seems to melt in that moment and a little smile rests on his face. He seems to be muttering something to the bat, and the bat just rests on his shoulder.
When Ralik talks about praising his gods for an extended time, Johnathan’s face returns to his usual gloom self. Do we really need to waste time on this? He sighs as he sees the determination in Ralik. There was no way he would be talked down. Fine. Just make it quick, we have a job to do. How long do you need? He turns to the others in his band with a disappointed look on his face, Looks like we are gonna be here a while, anyone have suggestions to make the most of this time?
Aoe rests his staff against a tree nearby and takes his Bandore off his back, beginning to play some music while they wait.
The notes glide in and out, not so much being played but fluttering between his fingertips. He speaks as he plays, and his fingers and tongue fall into rhythm with each other.
“well my friends, is this the end, or start or something grand?”
“A two foot steed, and elk and snail, before me I see stand,”
“but ‘tween the bodies holding bold, the sky and fated sands,”
“The dawn guard marches! With prayer the mare doth join our band.”
Aoe is playing about with words and thoughts, letting them come and go, not a perfect song, but something just enough to pass the time and Ralik performs his prayers. When he finishes the song he places his hand on his own chest and casts guidance with words of reminder to himself, “May the divine entwined here guide.” His own prayer of a type.
”shall we? And who is leading the way?” Aoe holds out his hand toward whoever takes the lead, hoping to guide the process along (guidance is a touch spell fyi).
Shavaris watches as Ralik heads off to acquire what he needs. Odd, wouldn't we all be ready to set off as soon as we received the information needed. She heads near Jonathan, sits down beside another shade tree and gets out her blades. She uses this time to sharpen them and think about what they are trying to accomplish. How are they to find one single mare in all of Eternia? And what if the mare could leave the continent by some means they are not thinking about?
As each of her band members talk she stays quiet listening and trying to understand each of them. This is going to be quite the quest. Too bad Eloise isn't here with me, she'd get a kick out of the situation I have found myself in.
Once everyone appears to be ready, she gets on her elk and says, "I'll happily go wherever you'd like me to be. I just want to get a move on."
Kerwyn walks over to Old Ironsides and pats his shell in an affectionate manner. He hops on the back of it and says to Shavaris “I agree. I’m glad we have this cart of supplies. How should we divide up the healing potions? Hopefully we won’t need them, but if one of you is injured, I’d like to be able to help.”
He looks at the gathered odd menagerie and urges the flail snail on, saying “I know the way. I came this way to get to the Ivory Tower. We will reverse course, head back over through the mountains over the pass and then towards the sea. Anything else we need before we go? If not, let’s roll! Or slither. Or whatever.”
(Deleted post, will repost once we have set off)
Seeing everyone eager and ready to be on, Ralik grabs a few standing torches on the way out.
"Seeing Brother Kerwyn guide us gives me hope. I do not know these lands well. May your ancestors guide you brother. Do you see Brother Running Bird, "he says with a pat to his mount's neck, "we are in good hands."
While traveling Ralik sits cross legged atop Running Bird playing his lutekele and singing, completely trusting and comfortable with the mount. ( Song )
He carries on with a few other ancestral songs and sight seeing as they make their way to a suitable camp, his mount ever vigilant as they ride.
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
The road leading away from the Ivory Tower was well kept and well used, with the passage of many hooves and many wheels prominent in the unimproved path. Trees were common in the landscape, as well as stretches of grass and boulder fields left over from a millennia of falling from the nearby Dragontail Mountains.
Kerwyn remembered the path easily enough, and although they didn't make it all the way to Nockmaar Pass before nightfall, they did make good progress.
The sun began to set...
(OOC: You guys can travel as far as you want for a little bit, making sure you account for time. So, if you take two days to travel, for example, just notate it when you post. Make sure the band is agreed on time spent traveling. Don't forget to track any sort of self improvement activity your character took along the way. I'll be posting a map for this region tomorrow.)
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Aoe and the newly minted Dawn Guard mount their beasts of burden and ride west, towards the Nockmaar Pass.
The first day of travel is gentle on the band, as these are well worn trade routes, and somehow when danger is not near, even the snail makes good pace. Aoe enjoys the countryside, as mountains turn to hills then hills to plains, camping before they arrive at the Vale Grove that first evening.
as they make camp around a fire, Aoe spends much time introducing himself to all the mounts in the group. Such beasts he had not seen before rest before him. And his inner curious and animal loving nature takes over.
He greets the ostrich slowly, seeing the massive feet and strong legs, as well the large beak and, to be honest, small bit thick looking skull. He uses speak with animals to discourse with them, making friends of a sort: they are sure to share the battlefield or rush away from, or into danger in the coming months together, and Aoe would hope they develop a trust.
before the spell ends Aoe then turns to the Elk of shavaris’ forest he presumes. Approaching slowly he gives it great respect and listens to its simple speech, mostly related to food types and distances traveled, and perhaps lack of other elk in the area. Aoe find joy in the elk, and likes their viewpoint on life. Not in a rush, take encounters as they come.
His spell spent for the day, he returns to the fire and practices his bandore, using the other spells hidden magically within its twanging strings to give the group some entertainment while he plays:
During a song with rain like droplet notes Aoe sings of a lost love now gone; within the words he weaves the invisibility spell, and casts it on shavaris for an hour. As shavaris is busy with her daily routine; she suddenly notices her hands have gone and then her whole body. Aoe keeps playing; a bard is only as strong as their companions, a well of knowledge and guile but rarely the tip of the spear, though the bond of band to bard is one of mutual trust built over time.
During a song with windy flows like leaves among the autumn waves of ‘where do summers go’, Aoe string together lyrics of a comedic effect related to giants and mice, if weight and lightness, while casting levitate on the snail. The spectacle quite strange: floating 15 ft above the ground. Aoe moving them about Back and forth a few feet as if the snail was an Indecisive shoe not knowing where to step, the proverbial giants foot which lands and may perhaps snap the swigs and crush the grass and stomp the ants in that particular spot unaware of the plight of the little folk. After a few minutes the snail resigns to the display, and the fun and song over, Aoe places them back down in their resting spot.
Thinking it was enough entertainment for night #1, he plucked away at the bandore some more, practicing before bed. Tomorrow would start a 2-3 day treck though forest country, and though the road be worn, a closer tree line meant less time to be prepared if road blocks or thieves lay in wait.
(Aoe spent the night exercising to become more proficient in his animal handling and performance abilities)