Johnathan's strange proclivity toward eating brought enough attention to him that no one bothered looking up to watch the stars disappear overhead as they were slowly covered by clouds. Within minutes a thing drizzle had begun, and then the drizzle became rain. It wasn't a storm or downpour or anything like that; just a slow, steady, soaking rain that began to weigh down their hair and clothes and drench their mounts and equipment.
[Ooc I stroke out my last post due to in congruity in favor of FLAVOR]
Dreaming. All he sees are piercing red eyes. That awful smile. An imposing tall dark figure stand over young Ralik, holding his mother by the throat. A fire crackles from the rain kissing its embers. His mother screams but it's cut short with a splatter of warm red falling on the child's face. Rain.
Kerwyn tries to wake Ralik but the man is slow to rouse, seemingly locked in his stupor. Speaking with no real meaning in his dream state. Kerwyn asks a stream of questions but non of it registers.
In this dream he is locked in fear, anger, and torment, but is woken by the soft mist the begins to wet his face. "NOOOO!" he yells as he wakes, eyes popping open. He springs up in a flash and sees that he is alone. Reality mixes with his dream state, he's still that boy, but now he has power. Ralik swipes his hand through the air leaving a faint purple trail and catches his long sword from it. He swipes the sword in front of his body, "La-oh E-nuck" he says through gritted teeth. With the last syllable his body is coated in a barely visible purple iridescent sheen. He then pounds the sword against his chest and through those same gritted teeth he grunts "Zar na-wa". He feels his body invigorate and feel lighter.
It was all second nature to him, and he was barely conscious, only guided by instinct and rage. He looked to the distance and saw two red dots. The night. The rain. The fire fighting to survive. Everything went red. His only focus, those red eyes.
In a flash Ralik cuts through the air towards his hated enemy, feet just barely off the ground behind him as he flies. Swords in front and the light rain stinging his face. The one who is ruining his people was here! The one that took his mother was HERE! NOW! "GANONDOOOOOOORF!" He screams out in rage, blood rushing to his face despite being propelled forward at break neck speed. In an instant and almost faster than he himself can register, he is on the enemy. He does not fully register his allies and their body language as he flies by them. They are only a blur. Both swords cross as if a they were a giant pair of sheers aiming to cut a limb from a tree, but this was no tree limb he was aimed at, it was his blood covered enemy's neck. It was Johnathan's neck.
Johnathan. Ralik stops his attack just short, blades trained for Johnathan's neck, hands shaking ever so slightly. Ralik freezes in the moment. Even now, he is still not fully awake or understanding. He breaths steady and slow through gritted teeth and a rage filled scowl, never breaking eye contact. Those red eyes. They were not filled with the arrogant evil blood lust he was expecting. No. What was it? Shame? None of it made sense. Where were they? Ralik realizes he is awake then, fully awake, but he does not lower the swords.
His face softens a bit but is still dead serious. Johnathan looked different, more dangerous. Despite the visage, his face showed something else, something very normal. Ralik could almost feel the predator in John. Running Bird was there too now, as dead still and trained on Johnathan as Ralik was, waiting on the next move.
Only one word came from Ralik "Explain." It was more of a growl than anything. He was colder than usual, but the rage and blood lust was subsided. It was there, just under the surface though. Ready to be tapped into at a moment's notice.
Castings:
Mage Armor (Armor of Shadows Invocation) Expeditious Retreat (1spell-slot used)
“The past is the past; The mistake is seeing this as a burden. I need to know if you will use both what you believe to be the good AND the bad of this bargain you’re struck to change the world, to save the mare; to BE somebody, and to be part of the Dawn’s Guard. Because I don’t want to kill a child and just leave him here, but I will if I must… there can be no doubt where your loyalties lie: no doubt you may bite me or the others, no doubt you would bite the mare, no doubt that instead of tricking the dark lord, you might trick any of us instead in malice during the trials ahead.”
As Aoe says this, Kerwyn starts nodding, still holding his great sword up high for light and in a defensive manner. “How do we know that we will be safe from you? That you won’t decide to … feed… on one of us? How are we to sleep at night? How can you reassure us? Does anyone know of a cure for this condition, any way that you could be released from this state of being?”
The rain starts to pound down, adding emphasis to their words with a scattered lightening strike across the sky. “Do you still wish to help us find the mare? Or do you have other motives? I’m tired from our first day of travel, but how am I going to go to sleep now?” He keeps his stare locked on Johnathan.
Shavaris sees Johnathan's confusion with her reaction, or nonreaction would be a better term. If only he knew. If only he knew the horrors that she has come across, this was nothing. True, it was her bandmate that has changed into some creature, but she saw how he was. Broken. She knew there was no threat from this man. Curious is what she was, how he came to be what he is now and why he did this.
If this had happened but a year or so ago, she would have ran. She wouldn't have cared about the fate of the world, it would have been too much for her. The little wood elf from the Wandering Woods sure has grown up fast she muses. She wonders now how this band will grow as well. She hopes they grow together and not apart, she has lost her family and would love to find a new one - even in this motley crew. (OOC: ha, new band name if Dawn Guard fails)
As the others start realizing what is going on and faces Johnathan in their own regard, she slowly ushers them all back to camp. Figures it would be best since it is starting to rain and their stuff is getting wet. She then stands back a bit as the barrage of questions continue.
Johnathan sees the blade at his throat by Ralik, although he didn’t seemed too concerned at this point. He figured someone would react this way. You are wise not to trust me, I know how this all seems to you all. He seems to be more calm and serious than before even though his life is very much on the line. He looks over at Aoe at the mention of the mare. My mission is the same as it has always been, to protect the mare. I know it doesn’t seem right. A creature that is weakened by the sun wants to protect it. I could give you a lengthy and emotional speech about why I fight for the unicorn and all life as we know it. I could plea and beg you to believe the words I speak. But that will solve nothing. As I said, you shouldn’t trust me, yet. So instead I’ll give you a logical answer. What do you think will happen if the unicorn is killed? He gives a moment for people to consider their answers. The lord of darkness will blacken the sun for the rest of our days. The agents of darkness will rule this land and all those that have enjoyed this peace would be brutally killed. Including my family and friends from my village.Do you think they will be spared in the apocalypse? Johnathan starts to get angry as he mentions the lord of darkness and clenches his fist. The very thought of his family being attacked like this was reminding him why he started his journey in the first place. I don’t care how much the sun weakens and annoys me, I will never let my family suffer that fate. I will endure the suns gaze for the rest of my days and sacrifice more of myself if it means that the peace is maintained.I have given up too much already to let those creatures ruin the world now. He catches his breath after that long speech. This is a lot all at once, for both sides of the conversation.
This is when he realises that Kerwyn is talking about a cure and how they are all gonna be safe with him around. As for a cure Kerwyn, I don’t know if one exists. The curse is a bit more complicated than most, it had specific … circumstances that I don’t think can be undone easily. If a cure did exist, I would take it. But remember this is god magic, so I don’t think any ordinary mage can even attempt to remove it. Now to the main concern you all have, the blood lust. I have never drank from a humanoid before if that helps, I won’t let myself sink that low. I only drink animal blood. It’s not perfect, it never satisfies me but it does keep me from going feral and attacking anything with a pulse. As long as I go hunting for animals during rests you should be fine. I also store some in my flask in case I need a boost. He slowly lowers his hand into a pocket in his coat and displays a flask with a seal on it.
He looks at his party, still unsure what they plan to do with him. That’s when he notices the rain and sees Shavaris motioning towards the camp. Johnathan grabs a piece of scrap cloth from his pouch and wipes all the blood off his face. With his face now clean the band can see that his fangs are almost human shape now, though they are still a little sharper than most. Well, you have all been given a lot to think about. I recommend that we go back to camp and rest, we still have a long journey ahead. I understand that you all do not trust me, but I ask that you give me a chance. We still have a mission to do after all. I’m sure you have more questions, but I believe that you know enough to judge my character for tonight. He looks at Kerwyn. I understand why you would feel uncomfortable sleeping while I’m nearby, it’s one of many reasons why I didn’t want to scare all of you with this. The only thing I can suggest to do is restrain me with rope and keep someone on watch. It’s unnecessary but if it buys you some trust then I’ll do it. If you have another idea I am open to that as well. I’ll go in the camp, give you guys some space to discuss what you want to do. Johnathan slowly moves the blade away from his throat, making sure Ralik is ok with it, and will approach the camp. Well, that didn’t go how I expected it would. I REALLY need to be more quiet. Sloppy.
Lightning flashed in the distance, like an omen coming to fruition. There was a rumble of thunder a little while later, lazy and full and gently rolling.
The ostrich was riled up by Johnathan's presence and stamped and shrieked, obviously upset.
A return to camp revealed that the animals there were uneasy as well. The horses and other beasts of burden, and even Old Ironsides, were all on high alert, ears back or flails extended, eyes rolling in wet sockets as they looked at Johnathan, covered in crimson and smelling of copper.
Slowly, but cautiously, Ralik starts to revert to more of hid normal self. He lowers his blade as Johnathan touches them, then sheaths them. He looks around at the others and nods. HE wasn't so worried anymore, not about Johnathan. "I apologize brother Johnathan. I thought you were someone else for moment." he says before nodding and joining the others to the camp. His body ached from the ritual and the flurry of actions taken when he woke up. Whispers of the dream still lingered in the back of his mind though. He was uneasy. Would he truly be ready when the time came?
Running Bird walks beside Ralik as they make their way to camp. "Enemy?" it asks him. "No. I don't think so." he replies to his mount. It tilted its head in curiosity, but accepts his word.
Back at camp, Ralik sits at the entrance to his tent with running bird out enjoying the rain. Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, a painful reminer of the past flashes with it. He pulls his blanket in closer as he observes what happens next.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
Kerwyn uneasily walks back to the camp with Johnathan, frequently looking at him out of the corner of his eye. "So, ah... how long have you been dead? I mean in this state? I mean, whatever you are? Any idea?" They walk on and he listens to his reply. "What's the weirdest thing that you've eaten? Do you get worms? I guess you don't need to breathe, or sleep, right? Wow... this is going to take some processing. You mentioned we could tie you up tonight. Could we just at least put a rope around your leg or something? Do you think you can keep from drinking our blood?" Kerwyn subconsciously starts rubbing his neck.
After he takes a pit stop and empties his bladder, he suddenly feels thirsty before heading back to bed. "Hey, do you have any water on you?" Johnathan pulls the canteen with the mark on it around, realization hits Kerwyn. "Oh, right. Nevermind." Yikes!
After they make it back to camp he takes a swig from his water bottle. "So, who's going to stand on guard? Anyone have the rope?" Kerwyn checks in on Old Ironsides and sets up his tent so that he can keep out of the rain.
Aoe just watches, as the chaos returns to calm. for tonight at least, the forest seems to know that we are the scariest group of creatures in the vicinity…
…poor eagle, bet they didn’t think there were two bigger birds in town with this traveling freak show. Aoe looks over to running bird and chuckles. He observes Ralik and wonders if he is in control of himself, and can be trusted in front of powerful people not to be easily riled up, that favorite game of the educated and courtly… he listens to kerwyn ask his questions… he see shavaris stay to herself…
Aoe sees a group held together by a thin thread of hope, and hopes it might become a thick cord of mutual destiny. And so he pulls out his bandore and plays a thin song that grows. A single high to start, meandering and skipping along in the rain, accompanied perfectly by the raindrops hitting the wooden body of the instrument. An earthy vibration of low notes follow, grounding the melody into something akin to the drums of war and dance. He creates riffs that represent each band member, and even sparkles of plucks and taps of the body to include the mounts into the building sound wall. Finally a lightning strike from the actual sky hits a few miles off to the south; and he lets the song ends in the ringing of its reverberation, as song and nature are again indistinguishable. He hope the group can be that way too, and soon…
…
I know, I’ll let him use part of the chest, Aoe convinces himself, but thinks better of bringing it up right now. The young ones seem to really be blowing their loads early with their daddy issues and communicable diseases… and he can’t help but wonder what shavaris and kerwyn are also hiding, and how the other bands were doing… surely nothing as blow the doors of the barn as the two warlocks were let fester under the surface during the tower meeting.
A chuckle and smirk came across Aoe’s face as he realized everything was gonna be ok: he couldn’t imagine what kind of band could possible save the world, and now the world had together this impossible band to save the world. And perhaps Somehow, everything was just where it needed to be. Feeling found in accepting that he was lost, Aoe went into his tent and laid down to rest. He closed the tent, performed his hourly prayers, then pulled the covers over himself and allowed himself to wade into the realm of sleep.
Shavaris heads over to her elk to try her best to calm the beast. She then heads back up to her perch in the tree, even with the rain, covers herself with her blanket and quickly falls asleep. She has no trouble after knowing the rest of the gang is down there with the, whatever he is, and honestly, she doesn’t feel much of a threat from him. Travel will definitely be interesting.
In the morning, everyone is pretty quiet after the nightly activities. She smiles to herself as she gets everything packed up and ready to go, I wonder what is going to happen next? She thinks to herself as they get going. “Everyone up for a day worth of travel? We haven’t exactly had a full nights rest. Hopefully it’ll be uneventful.” Looking at Johnathan, she finally has to ask, “So how does the sun affect you? Since we’re riding in the forest now, I’m assuming it isn’t as bad? But what about when we hit the pass?”
She then turns to Ralik, looking a little worse for wear, “You ok? You had a wild night yourself. Did that, um, ritual, work for you? Pretty impressive.”
Johnathan gives a questioning look at Kerwyn when asking his many questions. It was kinda amusing seeing him wrap his head around his kind and what they need to survive. Don’t worry about that, I am still alive, sort of. I still need to breath and all that normal stuff. Johnathan offers his rope, here’s the rope. He lets them restrain him, complying with all their requests. As the night falls around the band Johnathan reflects on the events today. It was weird how remarkably well they all took the news, especially Shavaris. Ralik seemed a bit stressed out but I have a feeling it doesn’t involve me. I never heard of Gandooof, at least that what I think he shouted, was a bit distracted at the time. Johnathan stays awake a bit that night, clearly still thinking about the conversation that they just had with his band. Was it fate that they caught me the first night of our travels, was it the gods plan this whole time?
To say Johnathan wasn’t a morning person was an understatement. When the sun rays hit the camp it was immediately irritating his skin. Like an invisible rash that wouldn’t cease, that couldn’t be soothed or calmed. His eyes were blinded for a moment, like looking at the sky when you are recovering from a hangover. He looks over at Shavaris as she asks how it feels I don’t exactly enjoy it, it’s like being really warm and bothered all the time. Although the shade helps a little I guess. He then turns around and pulls up his hood up and extends his sleeves to cover most of his skin. Guess we should head off then. He follows the band along the trail, making sure that they could see him at all times.
For the next 3 days he remains mostly quiet to himself. It was still awkward being around the others, although he does try to make small talk to at least try to be friendly, with varying degrees of success. He wasn’t used to people knowing so much about him, made him feel very exposed. During the day times Johnathan would try to keep in shady areas of the trail and would try to zone out the bards singing. He also keeps a close eye on Shavaris. There was something about the way she looked at he, like she knew what I was. And her questions weren’t exactly… normal. And that Ralik. Before all the craziness happened he did that ritual. Whatever happened affected him in some way. The urge to get answers to these questions was strong, however Johnathan knew he was already mistrusted and needed to let the dust settle a little bit. He needed them to be more comfortable around him before they would open up.
As the night times come Johnathan’s mood drastically improves. It seemed that without the irritation of the sun he was more like his old human self. He would warn the others when he is going hunting and allows anyone to come along if they wanted to. Johnathan also takes this time to work on his acrobatics by jumping between trees, balancing on rocks and in general just doing a healthy workout. If the others still wish for Johnathan to be restrained during their rests he complies with them. He will also answer any more questions that they might have along the way about his condition.
Aoe took the next 3 days in stride, one meal in front of the next, one night following the other, easy does it. They had a long way to go, and this perhaps was the calm between two storms.
along the way, when he had a chance to pull Johnathan aside, he had something to show him:
”this is my chest of preservation… it keeps the things placed inside it at just the right temperature to not go bad too quickly. If you need to use this to stock up on blood, Perhaps it can help you… or is it a thirst for the hunt and the death of the being, beyond simply a need for blood?”
as he opens the locked chest on his draft side saddle, and you see a collection of strange objects within: a short sword in its sheath, fruits and vegetables that seems to be plucked off a nobleman’s table, a tankard presumably for drinking, and even a 6 pack of Ale hiding in one of the corners. He closes it before you see any more.
“there are slaughterhouses where they drain the animals so that the meat keeps for longer, perhaps we can investigate together for such a supplier next time we are among the civilized.”
Aoe loved the countryside of fantasia, the less visited of r the three main continents for himself. His days in eyebrow and hylia dominated his memories, and the court had its perks, but he secretly looked forward to the time ahead spent on the road.
Aoe spent most of the next few days doing the same old, playing his bandore and practicing inviting the music to couple with their journey and the weather. He also spent a lot of time with the mounts, his own two horses, the elk, ol’ ironhides, running bird; he used his daily speak with animals to better understand the beasts of the forests and plains, suspecting that the negotiations ahead were not only for the educated, but one born of deeper desires and pains.
(training performance and animal handling proficiencies)
Shavaris for the most part enjoys the time as they travel over the next 3 days. They all start to get into a rhythm and there are no surprises after the crazy first night that they had. She truly enjoys being in the forest and is thoroughly taking this one in. Making note of the different types of trees and other flora as well as the wildlife that inhabit the area. At one point during their ride, she heads over to Johnathan and asks, "Is there a certain wildlife you prefer? Or does all the blood taste the same?"
As he answers this question, she notices he is giving her that look again. One that makes him look like he doesn't trust her, he doesn't give the others that look, so she doesn't get it. Finally, she asks, "Why do you look at me like that? Have I given you reason not to trust me? I do not understand and feel I deserve an explanation."
While others are spending their evenings on their respective training, Shavaris spends it in the forest tracking animals, foreign and familiar and understanding the lay of the land. Since she only requires 4 hours of sleep a night, she does more than her fair share of keeping watch, but also trains for 4 hours a night.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Over the next three days, Kerwyn continues to work with Old Ironsides, learning every nook and cranny of his shell, scratching him on his eyestalk and enjoying the road, and the company. His uneasiness with Johnathan starts to slowly lessen (for good or bad) over their journey. Initially tying him at night rather tight, then looser and looser. Watching for any sign of uncontrollable blood lust, but not seeing any. "As long as he helps us with our goal, doesn't kill us or the mare. I guess...." It's a stretch for him and he continues to watch him.
On the second day, Kerwyn starts to sing as they travel along, belting out lyrics on the back of his snail.
Have sword, will travel reads the card of a man. A knight without armor in a savage land. His fast sword for hire heeds the calling wind. A soldier of fortune is the man called Paladin.
Paladin, Paladin Where do you roam? Paladin, Paladin, Far, far from home.
He travels on to wherever he must. A chess knight of silver is his badge of trust. There are campfire legends that the plainsmen spin. Of the man with the sword, of the man called Paladin.
Paladin, Paladin Where do you roam? Paladin, Paladin, Far, far from home.
Far from home, Far from home.
Performance : 1
Kerwyn is not known for his singing. But he wishes to pass the time as they are travelling. As they are riding along, he asks Johnathan, "Do you ever see others of your kind? Do you ever sleep, ever dream? What else has changed since you became this way? Do you hate garlic now?"
Kerwyn continues spending all of his time in animal handling, training and learning how to direct Old Ironsides.
It was a fun three day. The morning after the eventful first night showed Ralik back to his normal aloof self. He rode atop Running Bird with crossed legs and arms with a smile upon his face, basking in the sun. He sat in confidence on Running Bird's back, with acceptance of any mishap that would happen. He felt an instant bond with the large avian who was restless and hard to control. During down time Ralik and Running Bird "Play". At first the Ostrich was confused when Ralik walked away slowly to the wood line and said "Find me" then ran in. A few minutes later Ralik would return and try again. Eventually Running Bird caught on and would go searching for his alpha. The giant bird would get excited sometimes and chase him instead, and in turn Ralik would chase him back, hooting and hollering. After a bit of that he told Running Bird "Hide" which received a tiled head. "Hide." "I find" he said while gesturing with his hands in a searching motion. Running Bird perked up and spun in a circle en excitement, then ran off. Ralik knew how fast the bird was and didn't trust that it understood to stop at some point, so he magically enhanced his speed and flew after the bird just above the tree line. Once it stopped and started looking around, Ralik gave some space and lands to track the bird down. They would play for a few hours every day, tightening the bond between them. Once they got bored of that Ralik would sneak in some command sound. Simple sounds connected to simple commands. Like come, stay, and attack.
When at camp, Ralik would join in the merry making and song by accompanying some support luteklele. These were the nights he loved.
"Brother Kerwyn. Where are you from? I'm from the Gerudo Desert in Hylia. It is very warm."
"Sister Shavaris, I am curious, what kind of elf are you? My people are also elves, well the people who raised me are, but it seems there are many kinds."
Training:
3 hours x 3 days= 9 hours (3hr survival, 3hr animal handling, and 3hr stealth.) Note: I tried to combine them into one or two activities with running bird.
Aoe sits at the campfire. And puts his bandore down for a time. Spacing out a bit, his gaze enveloped within the embers of the fire, that pulsing of glow, womp womp womp… he thinks to their path.
taking out his map of the realm, he sees they will tomorrow leave the forest behind and enter the nockmaar pass. “Kerwyn. When you passed through these mountains last, what was it like? Do we have to watch out for bandits around boulders, are there any points of interest? And just how high in elevation will we go? Best to be prepared…” looking to Johnathan who having been tied up for some nights looks like he is ready for a more formal hunt, perhaps even permission to let out his vampiric side… “we might need to find some more blood pumping activities that just riding all day if we are to keep this one on the path towards the light, and not ever more deeper into the implied experience of being our hostage or prisoner. Surely if we don’t allow him to be him, we might as well leave him behind no?”
(Ooc: I Assume by context that someone else in the party has been hunting for his bloody meal each day so far)
Aoe walks up to Johnathan and holds him by the shoulders again… “I think it’s time to see you in action young boy, let’s actually see what your thirst looks like when pitted against something a bit more challenging… perhaps this bargain you stuck did in fact give you the powers needed to fight the enemies you requested… perhaps this is not a curse, but a blessing in disguise…”
Johnathan replies to Shavaris saying My favourite animal to eat. It all tastes similar really. I mostly eat small animals. It was at that point Shavaris realises that Johnathan has been staring her down. He didn’t realise he was being that obvious about it. I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, that wasn’t my intention. There’s just something that’s been biting away at he. He continues talking, not realising the terrible pun he made. He pulls her to the side to make sure no else is overhearing their conversation. It’s just when you discovered what I was you weren’t afraid of me. I thought that perhaps you were just in shock and didn’t know how to process it but I believe there is something else going on. I wanted to ask you why you are calm around me? Why didn’t you run and scream when you first found me? You don’t have to answer, I know I don’t have any right to ask these questions. I’m still proving myself. I apologise if I made you uncomfortable.
After this conversation Kerwyn approaches him and starts asking even more questions about this. He noticed that Kerwyn was very inquisitive about this as well, although most of his questions were more for his protection. Like trying to see if he had a weakness to garlic. I don’t know if any others of my kind exist. I know that there are some legends about us but I’m not sure how we are created naturally. My case is quite unique as gods don’t generally place curses on people. It was at this point Johnathan becomes very quiet, Are there others like me? Would I even know what to say to them. And how would I even know when I meet one, it’s not like we advertise it easily. We are meant to blend in crowds and hunt in shadows. Johnathan returns himself to the conversation. Do I dream? I suppose that hasn’t changed really. After all I still need to sleep. The garlic thing is a superstition, that doesn’t work on vampires. Besides the blood lust and sunlight sensitivity I suppose I am mostly the same, with just some visual differences. He points at his pale skin and his fangs.
Along the way Aoe shows Johnathan this container he has. That’s an interesting magic item. I don’t really know if it would work. I believe the blood needs to be fresh, otherwise it does nothing for me. I don’t particularly enjoy killing normally but if I’m hungry I enter a state I call a feral, where the monster takes over and hunts for prey. It’s like an animal instinct. A starving animal would do anything for a meal. Same concept.
As the night settles on day 3 of our journey the party seem to be relaxing themselves around Johnathan, especially Kerwyn. It was at this point Aoe approached talking about Johnathan showing him his monster side, unknowing of the dangers that come with it. I don’t mind showing you all what I can do, but I don’t want to scare any of you. It isn’t a pleasant sight, believe me. I would also ask that you keep my condition a secret, I don’t want to freak everyone on out. That being said I am up to hunt something, could see how we all fight as a team. It was then he heard Aoe speaking about the pact that he made, saying how he got what he wanted. This curse, although it wasn’t what I wanted for myself, does give me some powers. Whether it’ll be enough will be soon enough.
Shavaris finds the question about different types of elves interesting as she never thought about it. "Hmm.. I don't know? I'm from the woods, so a wood elf? What about the people who raised you? And how was it that you were raised by elves instead of your own kind?" she says this with complete curiousity.
As Johnathan takes her to the side, she looks up to him and into his eyes as she answers, "The way you looked when I found you. If you had looked at me the way you looked at the eagle, ha, that would have been a different story."she says this with a laugh, but there is no humor in her voice, "I have seen more than I have ever cared to, and I guess that makes me callous to situations such as this?" Shavaris pauses, considering what she wants to divulge as Johnathan gives her a look to continue. She eventually shakes her head, "I'm sure we will all know each other well as we continue this journey, and I only want to recall my recent, let's call it a trip, once." She pats him on the shoulder as she leads him back to the group.
Kerwyn reminds Ralik about his origins in Falcon Crest, near the Faron Woods. "The desert sounds hot! I've never been to an area llke that, but I would love to hear more about it. I learned how to hunt, how to use my sword and glaive, how to protect my village from goblins and orc raiders. Perhaps we could teach other some things while we travel.."
He turns to Aoe and says "The mountains must be about 6000 ft up, there are some portions that appear higher, but that is about as high as I went. There are plenty of narrow paths that could be used by bandits to waylay someone, but I saw nothing on my way here. Come to think of it, there was a cave that I saw in the distance after I crossed the ocean and came on land at the port. It looked ... strange. Like someone had been inside it or there was activity around it. Maybe we should go have a look before we board ship?"
Johnathan continues to remain interesting to Kerwyn. He looks at his skin, trying to look for a rash or reaction to the sun. When he shows him his fangs, he is impressed, and backs up a step or two. "Whoa. I think you could open up a jar or a bottle with those. I don't want to see those annnny closer, thank you."
When he is alone with Shavaris he says "Do you trust him? We've got to watch each others backs. I don't want to wake up with him chowing down on my neck. I'll watch your back if you will watch mine. I would like to hear all about you sometime. I'm sure there is an interesting story about your background. All in good time."
Redacted entry for previous 3 days training: (spoiler for DM & Ralik)
Aoe picks up his stage shield and staff, trying to finagle how to manage having his hands full and cast spells at the same time. He attempts to grab the compounds needed out of his pocket while throwing the staff in the air for a moment, and grabbing it again but the timing isn’t right. He tries touching the bandore strapped to his back as a spell focus but that doesn’t work either. Sometimes it almost feels like he can squeak a cantrip through; like a few words of a message or a minor illusion, but is sizzles out before it can keep form or be audible to others. Aoe sees if he can concentrate of his harder spells like bless while focusing on the melee, even asking Ralik to ‘come at him at half speed to test his ability’. That doesn’t go too well, but nothing an occasional healing word or rest wont heal.
(6 hours training for warcaster feat)
Aoe stands looking toward the pass, listening to Kerwyn’s description, replying thoughtfully: “Perhaps the darkness feeds upon all the evils across the land, no matter how small. If there is something to vanquish in these passes, perhaps it is our duty to face it… as well a great test to see if our little band is worth its name…”
he tries a go at training his ability to cast spells while having hands full this time with a staff and a short sword, though the shortword is kept sheathed. He tests his ability to cast message; thinking about how to touch the copper wire needed while holding the melee weapons… he stumbles often, and makes an embarrassing show of both being a caster and being a combatant, worrying the martials of Aoe’s ability to contribute in combat. His practice takes him through to sleep, imagining slaying goblins while concentrating on a bless spell to aid the party. Aoe isn’t of the combat world… yet. But he is determined to be become battle tested. (+2 hours warcaster training)
Johnathan's strange proclivity toward eating brought enough attention to him that no one bothered looking up to watch the stars disappear overhead as they were slowly covered by clouds. Within minutes a thing drizzle had begun, and then the drizzle became rain. It wasn't a storm or downpour or anything like that; just a slow, steady, soaking rain that began to weigh down their hair and clothes and drench their mounts and equipment.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
[Ooc I stroke out my last post due to in congruity in favor of FLAVOR ]
Dreaming. All he sees are piercing red eyes. That awful smile. An imposing tall dark figure stand over young Ralik, holding his mother by the throat. A fire crackles from the rain kissing its embers. His mother screams but it's cut short with a splatter of warm red falling on the child's face. Rain.
Kerwyn tries to wake Ralik but the man is slow to rouse, seemingly locked in his stupor. Speaking with no real meaning in his dream state. Kerwyn asks a stream of questions but non of it registers.
In this dream he is locked in fear, anger, and torment, but is woken by the soft mist the begins to wet his face. "NOOOO!" he yells as he wakes, eyes popping open. He springs up in a flash and sees that he is alone. Reality mixes with his dream state, he's still that boy, but now he has power. Ralik swipes his hand through the air leaving a faint purple trail and catches his long sword from it. He swipes the sword in front of his body, "La-oh E-nuck" he says through gritted teeth. With the last syllable his body is coated in a barely visible purple iridescent sheen. He then pounds the sword against his chest and through those same gritted teeth he grunts "Zar na-wa". He feels his body invigorate and feel lighter.
It was all second nature to him, and he was barely conscious, only guided by instinct and rage. He looked to the distance and saw two red dots. The night. The rain. The fire fighting to survive. Everything went red. His only focus, those red eyes.
In a flash Ralik cuts through the air towards his hated enemy, feet just barely off the ground behind him as he flies. Swords in front and the light rain stinging his face. The one who is ruining his people was here! The one that took his mother was HERE! NOW! "GANONDOOOOOOORF!" He screams out in rage, blood rushing to his face despite being propelled forward at break neck speed. In an instant and almost faster than he himself can register, he is on the enemy. He does not fully register his allies and their body language as he flies by them. They are only a blur. Both swords cross as if a they were a giant pair of sheers aiming to cut a limb from a tree, but this was no tree limb he was aimed at, it was his blood covered enemy's neck. It was Johnathan's neck.
Johnathan. Ralik stops his attack just short, blades trained for Johnathan's neck, hands shaking ever so slightly. Ralik freezes in the moment. Even now, he is still not fully awake or understanding. He breaths steady and slow through gritted teeth and a rage filled scowl, never breaking eye contact. Those red eyes. They were not filled with the arrogant evil blood lust he was expecting. No. What was it? Shame? None of it made sense. Where were they? Ralik realizes he is awake then, fully awake, but he does not lower the swords.
His face softens a bit but is still dead serious. Johnathan looked different, more dangerous. Despite the visage, his face showed something else, something very normal. Ralik could almost feel the predator in John. Running Bird was there too now, as dead still and trained on Johnathan as Ralik was, waiting on the next move.
Only one word came from Ralik "Explain." It was more of a growl than anything. He was colder than usual, but the rage and blood lust was subsided. It was there, just under the surface though. Ready to be tapped into at a moment's notice.
Castings:
Mage Armor (Armor of Shadows Invocation)
Expeditious Retreat (1spell-slot used)
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
“The past is the past; The mistake is seeing this as a burden. I need to know if you will use both what you believe to be the good AND the bad of this bargain you’re struck to change the world, to save the mare; to BE somebody, and to be part of the Dawn’s Guard. Because I don’t want to kill a child and just leave him here, but I will if I must… there can be no doubt where your loyalties lie: no doubt you may bite me or the others, no doubt you would bite the mare, no doubt that instead of tricking the dark lord, you might trick any of us instead in malice during the trials ahead.”
As Aoe says this, Kerwyn starts nodding, still holding his great sword up high for light and in a defensive manner. “How do we know that we will be safe from you? That you won’t decide to … feed… on one of us? How are we to sleep at night? How can you reassure us? Does anyone know of a cure for this condition, any way that you could be released from this state of being?”
The rain starts to pound down, adding emphasis to their words with a scattered lightening strike across the sky. “Do you still wish to help us find the mare? Or do you have other motives? I’m tired from our first day of travel, but how am I going to go to sleep now?” He keeps his stare locked on Johnathan.
Shavaris sees Johnathan's confusion with her reaction, or nonreaction would be a better term. If only he knew. If only he knew the horrors that she has come across, this was nothing. True, it was her bandmate that has changed into some creature, but she saw how he was. Broken. She knew there was no threat from this man. Curious is what she was, how he came to be what he is now and why he did this.
If this had happened but a year or so ago, she would have ran. She wouldn't have cared about the fate of the world, it would have been too much for her. The little wood elf from the Wandering Woods sure has grown up fast she muses. She wonders now how this band will grow as well. She hopes they grow together and not apart, she has lost her family and would love to find a new one - even in this motley crew. (OOC: ha, new band name if Dawn Guard fails)
As the others start realizing what is going on and faces Johnathan in their own regard, she slowly ushers them all back to camp. Figures it would be best since it is starting to rain and their stuff is getting wet. She then stands back a bit as the barrage of questions continue.
Johnathan sees the blade at his throat by Ralik, although he didn’t seemed too concerned at this point. He figured someone would react this way. You are wise not to trust me, I know how this all seems to you all. He seems to be more calm and serious than before even though his life is very much on the line. He looks over at Aoe at the mention of the mare. My mission is the same as it has always been, to protect the mare. I know it doesn’t seem right. A creature that is weakened by the sun wants to protect it. I could give you a lengthy and emotional speech about why I fight for the unicorn and all life as we know it. I could plea and beg you to believe the words I speak. But that will solve nothing. As I said, you shouldn’t trust me, yet. So instead I’ll give you a logical answer. What do you think will happen if the unicorn is killed? He gives a moment for people to consider their answers. The lord of darkness will blacken the sun for the rest of our days. The agents of darkness will rule this land and all those that have enjoyed this peace would be brutally killed. Including my family and friends from my village. Do you think they will be spared in the apocalypse? Johnathan starts to get angry as he mentions the lord of darkness and clenches his fist. The very thought of his family being attacked like this was reminding him why he started his journey in the first place. I don’t care how much the sun weakens and annoys me, I will never let my family suffer that fate. I will endure the suns gaze for the rest of my days and sacrifice more of myself if it means that the peace is maintained. I have given up too much already to let those creatures ruin the world now. He catches his breath after that long speech. This is a lot all at once, for both sides of the conversation.
This is when he realises that Kerwyn is talking about a cure and how they are all gonna be safe with him around. As for a cure Kerwyn, I don’t know if one exists. The curse is a bit more complicated than most, it had specific … circumstances that I don’t think can be undone easily. If a cure did exist, I would take it. But remember this is god magic, so I don’t think any ordinary mage can even attempt to remove it. Now to the main concern you all have, the blood lust. I have never drank from a humanoid before if that helps, I won’t let myself sink that low. I only drink animal blood. It’s not perfect, it never satisfies me but it does keep me from going feral and attacking anything with a pulse. As long as I go hunting for animals during rests you should be fine. I also store some in my flask in case I need a boost. He slowly lowers his hand into a pocket in his coat and displays a flask with a seal on it.
He looks at his party, still unsure what they plan to do with him. That’s when he notices the rain and sees Shavaris motioning towards the camp. Johnathan grabs a piece of scrap cloth from his pouch and wipes all the blood off his face. With his face now clean the band can see that his fangs are almost human shape now, though they are still a little sharper than most. Well, you have all been given a lot to think about. I recommend that we go back to camp and rest, we still have a long journey ahead. I understand that you all do not trust me, but I ask that you give me a chance. We still have a mission to do after all. I’m sure you have more questions, but I believe that you know enough to judge my character for tonight. He looks at Kerwyn. I understand why you would feel uncomfortable sleeping while I’m nearby, it’s one of many reasons why I didn’t want to scare all of you with this. The only thing I can suggest to do is restrain me with rope and keep someone on watch. It’s unnecessary but if it buys you some trust then I’ll do it. If you have another idea I am open to that as well. I’ll go in the camp, give you guys some space to discuss what you want to do. Johnathan slowly moves the blade away from his throat, making sure Ralik is ok with it, and will approach the camp. Well, that didn’t go how I expected it would. I REALLY need to be more quiet. Sloppy.
Lightning flashed in the distance, like an omen coming to fruition. There was a rumble of thunder a little while later, lazy and full and gently rolling.
The ostrich was riled up by Johnathan's presence and stamped and shrieked, obviously upset.
A return to camp revealed that the animals there were uneasy as well. The horses and other beasts of burden, and even Old Ironsides, were all on high alert, ears back or flails extended, eyes rolling in wet sockets as they looked at Johnathan, covered in crimson and smelling of copper.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
DM of Legacy of NIMH
Slowly, but cautiously, Ralik starts to revert to more of hid normal self. He lowers his blade as Johnathan touches them, then sheaths them. He looks around at the others and nods. HE wasn't so worried anymore, not about Johnathan. "I apologize brother Johnathan. I thought you were someone else for moment." he says before nodding and joining the others to the camp. His body ached from the ritual and the flurry of actions taken when he woke up. Whispers of the dream still lingered in the back of his mind though. He was uneasy. Would he truly be ready when the time came?
Running Bird walks beside Ralik as they make their way to camp. "Enemy?" it asks him. "No. I don't think so." he replies to his mount. It tilted its head in curiosity, but accepts his word.
Back at camp, Ralik sits at the entrance to his tent with running bird out enjoying the rain. Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, a painful reminer of the past flashes with it. He pulls his blanket in closer as he observes what happens next.
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Kerwyn uneasily walks back to the camp with Johnathan, frequently looking at him out of the corner of his eye. "So, ah... how long have you been dead? I mean in this state? I mean, whatever you are? Any idea?" They walk on and he listens to his reply. "What's the weirdest thing that you've eaten? Do you get worms? I guess you don't need to breathe, or sleep, right? Wow... this is going to take some processing. You mentioned we could tie you up tonight. Could we just at least put a rope around your leg or something? Do you think you can keep from drinking our blood?" Kerwyn subconsciously starts rubbing his neck.
After he takes a pit stop and empties his bladder, he suddenly feels thirsty before heading back to bed. "Hey, do you have any water on you?" Johnathan pulls the canteen with the mark on it around, realization hits Kerwyn. "Oh, right. Nevermind." Yikes!
After they make it back to camp he takes a swig from his water bottle. "So, who's going to stand on guard? Anyone have the rope?" Kerwyn checks in on Old Ironsides and sets up his tent so that he can keep out of the rain.
Aoe just watches, as the chaos returns to calm. for tonight at least, the forest seems to know that we are the scariest group of creatures in the vicinity…
…poor eagle, bet they didn’t think there were two bigger birds in town with this traveling freak show. Aoe looks over to running bird and chuckles. He observes Ralik and wonders if he is in control of himself, and can be trusted in front of powerful people not to be easily riled up, that favorite game of the educated and courtly… he listens to kerwyn ask his questions… he see shavaris stay to herself…
Aoe sees a group held together by a thin thread of hope, and hopes it might become a thick cord of mutual destiny. And so he pulls out his bandore and plays a thin song that grows. A single high to start, meandering and skipping along in the rain, accompanied perfectly by the raindrops hitting the wooden body of the instrument. An earthy vibration of low notes follow, grounding the melody into something akin to the drums of war and dance. He creates riffs that represent each band member, and even sparkles of plucks and taps of the body to include the mounts into the building sound wall. Finally a lightning strike from the actual sky hits a few miles off to the south; and he lets the song ends in the ringing of its reverberation, as song and nature are again indistinguishable. He hope the group can be that way too, and soon…
…
I know, I’ll let him use part of the chest, Aoe convinces himself, but thinks better of bringing it up right now. The young ones seem to really be blowing their loads early with their daddy issues and communicable diseases… and he can’t help but wonder what shavaris and kerwyn are also hiding, and how the other bands were doing… surely nothing as blow the doors of the barn as the two warlocks were let fester under the surface during the tower meeting.
A chuckle and smirk came across Aoe’s face as he realized everything was gonna be ok: he couldn’t imagine what kind of band could possible save the world, and now the world had together this impossible band to save the world. And perhaps Somehow, everything was just where it needed to be. Feeling found in accepting that he was lost, Aoe went into his tent and laid down to rest. He closed the tent, performed his hourly prayers, then pulled the covers over himself and allowed himself to wade into the realm of sleep.
Shavaris heads over to her elk to try her best to calm the beast. She then heads back up to her perch in the tree, even with the rain, covers herself with her blanket and quickly falls asleep. She has no trouble after knowing the rest of the gang is down there with the, whatever he is, and honestly, she doesn’t feel much of a threat from him. Travel will definitely be interesting.
In the morning, everyone is pretty quiet after the nightly activities. She smiles to herself as she gets everything packed up and ready to go, I wonder what is going to happen next? She thinks to herself as they get going. “Everyone up for a day worth of travel? We haven’t exactly had a full nights rest. Hopefully it’ll be uneventful.” Looking at Johnathan, she finally has to ask, “So how does the sun affect you? Since we’re riding in the forest now, I’m assuming it isn’t as bad? But what about when we hit the pass?”
She then turns to Ralik, looking a little worse for wear, “You ok? You had a wild night yourself. Did that, um, ritual, work for you? Pretty impressive.”
Johnathan gives a questioning look at Kerwyn when asking his many questions. It was kinda amusing seeing him wrap his head around his kind and what they need to survive. Don’t worry about that, I am still alive, sort of. I still need to breath and all that normal stuff. Johnathan offers his rope, here’s the rope. He lets them restrain him, complying with all their requests. As the night falls around the band Johnathan reflects on the events today. It was weird how remarkably well they all took the news, especially Shavaris. Ralik seemed a bit stressed out but I have a feeling it doesn’t involve me. I never heard of Gandooof, at least that what I think he shouted, was a bit distracted at the time. Johnathan stays awake a bit that night, clearly still thinking about the conversation that they just had with his band. Was it fate that they caught me the first night of our travels, was it the gods plan this whole time?
To say Johnathan wasn’t a morning person was an understatement. When the sun rays hit the camp it was immediately irritating his skin. Like an invisible rash that wouldn’t cease, that couldn’t be soothed or calmed. His eyes were blinded for a moment, like looking at the sky when you are recovering from a hangover. He looks over at Shavaris as she asks how it feels I don’t exactly enjoy it, it’s like being really warm and bothered all the time. Although the shade helps a little I guess. He then turns around and pulls up his hood up and extends his sleeves to cover most of his skin. Guess we should head off then. He follows the band along the trail, making sure that they could see him at all times.
For the next 3 days he remains mostly quiet to himself. It was still awkward being around the others, although he does try to make small talk to at least try to be friendly, with varying degrees of success. He wasn’t used to people knowing so much about him, made him feel very exposed. During the day times Johnathan would try to keep in shady areas of the trail and would try to zone out the bards singing. He also keeps a close eye on Shavaris. There was something about the way she looked at he, like she knew what I was. And her questions weren’t exactly… normal. And that Ralik. Before all the craziness happened he did that ritual. Whatever happened affected him in some way. The urge to get answers to these questions was strong, however Johnathan knew he was already mistrusted and needed to let the dust settle a little bit. He needed them to be more comfortable around him before they would open up.
As the night times come Johnathan’s mood drastically improves. It seemed that without the irritation of the sun he was more like his old human self. He would warn the others when he is going hunting and allows anyone to come along if they wanted to. Johnathan also takes this time to work on his acrobatics by jumping between trees, balancing on rocks and in general just doing a healthy workout. If the others still wish for Johnathan to be restrained during their rests he complies with them. He will also answer any more questions that they might have along the way about his condition.
Training: Acrobatics (2 hours per day)
Aoe took the next 3 days in stride, one meal in front of the next, one night following the other, easy does it. They had a long way to go, and this perhaps was the calm between two storms.
along the way, when he had a chance to pull Johnathan aside, he had something to show him:
”this is my chest of preservation… it keeps the things placed inside it at just the right temperature to not go bad too quickly. If you need to use this to stock up on blood, Perhaps it can help you… or is it a thirst for the hunt and the death of the being, beyond simply a need for blood?”
as he opens the locked chest on his draft side saddle, and you see a collection of strange objects within: a short sword in its sheath, fruits and vegetables that seems to be plucked off a nobleman’s table, a tankard presumably for drinking, and even a 6 pack of Ale hiding in one of the corners. He closes it before you see any more.
“there are slaughterhouses where they drain the animals so that the meat keeps for longer, perhaps we can investigate together for such a supplier next time we are among the civilized.”
Aoe loved the countryside of fantasia, the less visited of r the three main continents for himself. His days in eyebrow and hylia dominated his memories, and the court had its perks, but he secretly looked forward to the time ahead spent on the road.
Aoe spent most of the next few days doing the same old, playing his bandore and practicing inviting the music to couple with their journey and the weather. He also spent a lot of time with the mounts, his own two horses, the elk, ol’ ironhides, running bird; he used his daily speak with animals to better understand the beasts of the forests and plains, suspecting that the negotiations ahead were not only for the educated, but one born of deeper desires and pains.
(training performance and animal handling proficiencies)
Shavaris for the most part enjoys the time as they travel over the next 3 days. They all start to get into a rhythm and there are no surprises after the crazy first night that they had. She truly enjoys being in the forest and is thoroughly taking this one in. Making note of the different types of trees and other flora as well as the wildlife that inhabit the area. At one point during their ride, she heads over to Johnathan and asks, "Is there a certain wildlife you prefer? Or does all the blood taste the same?"
As he answers this question, she notices he is giving her that look again. One that makes him look like he doesn't trust her, he doesn't give the others that look, so she doesn't get it. Finally, she asks, "Why do you look at me like that? Have I given you reason not to trust me? I do not understand and feel I deserve an explanation."
While others are spending their evenings on their respective training, Shavaris spends it in the forest tracking animals, foreign and familiar and understanding the lay of the land. Since she only requires 4 hours of sleep a night, she does more than her fair share of keeping watch, but also trains for 4 hours a night.
These 3 nights - training on survival
Over the next three days, Kerwyn continues to work with Old Ironsides, learning every nook and cranny of his shell, scratching him on his eyestalk and enjoying the road, and the company. His uneasiness with Johnathan starts to slowly lessen (for good or bad) over their journey. Initially tying him at night rather tight, then looser and looser. Watching for any sign of uncontrollable blood lust, but not seeing any. "As long as he helps us with our goal, doesn't kill us or the mare. I guess...." It's a stretch for him and he continues to watch him.
On the second day, Kerwyn starts to sing as they travel along, belting out lyrics on the back of his snail.
Have sword, will travel reads the card of a man.
A knight without armor in a savage land.
His fast sword for hire heeds the calling wind.
A soldier of fortune is the man called Paladin.
Paladin, Paladin
Where do you roam?
Paladin, Paladin,
Far, far from home.
He travels on to wherever he must.
A chess knight of silver is his badge of trust.
There are campfire legends that the plainsmen spin.
Of the man with the sword, of the man called Paladin.
Paladin, Paladin
Where do you roam?
Paladin, Paladin,
Far, far from home.
Far from home,
Far from home.
Performance : 1
Kerwyn is not known for his singing. But he wishes to pass the time as they are travelling. As they are riding along, he asks Johnathan, "Do you ever see others of your kind? Do you ever sleep, ever dream? What else has changed since you became this way? Do you hate garlic now?"
Kerwyn continues spending all of his time in animal handling, training and learning how to direct Old Ironsides.
It was a fun three day. The morning after the eventful first night showed Ralik back to his normal aloof self. He rode atop Running Bird with crossed legs and arms with a smile upon his face, basking in the sun. He sat in confidence on Running Bird's back, with acceptance of any mishap that would happen. He felt an instant bond with the large avian who was restless and hard to control. During down time Ralik and Running Bird "Play". At first the Ostrich was confused when Ralik walked away slowly to the wood line and said "Find me" then ran in. A few minutes later Ralik would return and try again. Eventually Running Bird caught on and would go searching for his alpha. The giant bird would get excited sometimes and chase him instead, and in turn Ralik would chase him back, hooting and hollering. After a bit of that he told Running Bird "Hide" which received a tiled head. "Hide." "I find" he said while gesturing with his hands in a searching motion. Running Bird perked up and spun in a circle en excitement, then ran off. Ralik knew how fast the bird was and didn't trust that it understood to stop at some point, so he magically enhanced his speed and flew after the bird just above the tree line. Once it stopped and started looking around, Ralik gave some space and lands to track the bird down. They would play for a few hours every day, tightening the bond between them. Once they got bored of that Ralik would sneak in some command sound. Simple sounds connected to simple commands. Like come, stay, and attack.
When at camp, Ralik would join in the merry making and song by accompanying some support luteklele. These were the nights he loved.
"Brother Kerwyn. Where are you from? I'm from the Gerudo Desert in Hylia. It is very warm."
"Sister Shavaris, I am curious, what kind of elf are you? My people are also elves, well the people who raised me are, but it seems there are many kinds."
Training:
3 hours x 3 days= 9 hours (3hr survival, 3hr animal handling, and 3hr stealth.)Note: I tried to combine them into one or two activities with running bird.Skilled Feat (Animal Handling, Stealth, & Survival) - 9hrs
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Aoe sits at the campfire. And puts his bandore down for a time. Spacing out a bit, his gaze enveloped within the embers of the fire, that pulsing of glow, womp womp womp… he thinks to their path.
taking out his map of the realm, he sees they will tomorrow leave the forest behind and enter the nockmaar pass. “Kerwyn. When you passed through these mountains last, what was it like? Do we have to watch out for bandits around boulders, are there any points of interest? And just how high in elevation will we go? Best to be prepared…” looking to Johnathan who having been tied up for some nights looks like he is ready for a more formal hunt, perhaps even permission to let out his vampiric side… “we might need to find some more blood pumping activities that just riding all day if we are to keep this one on the path towards the light, and not ever more deeper into the implied experience of being our hostage or prisoner. Surely if we don’t allow him to be him, we might as well leave him behind no?”
(Ooc: I Assume by context that someone else in the party has been hunting for his bloody meal each day so far)
Aoe walks up to Johnathan and holds him by the shoulders again… “I think it’s time to see you in action young boy, let’s actually see what your thirst looks like when pitted against something a bit more challenging… perhaps this bargain you stuck did in fact give you the powers needed to fight the enemies you requested… perhaps this is not a curse, but a blessing in disguise…”
Aoe turns to the group to see if they concur…
Johnathan replies to Shavaris saying My favourite animal to eat. It all tastes similar really. I mostly eat small animals. It was at that point Shavaris realises that Johnathan has been staring her down. He didn’t realise he was being that obvious about it. I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, that wasn’t my intention. There’s just something that’s been biting away at he. He continues talking, not realising the terrible pun he made. He pulls her to the side to make sure no else is overhearing their conversation. It’s just when you discovered what I was you weren’t afraid of me. I thought that perhaps you were just in shock and didn’t know how to process it but I believe there is something else going on. I wanted to ask you why you are calm around me? Why didn’t you run and scream when you first found me? You don’t have to answer, I know I don’t have any right to ask these questions. I’m still proving myself. I apologise if I made you uncomfortable.
After this conversation Kerwyn approaches him and starts asking even more questions about this. He noticed that Kerwyn was very inquisitive about this as well, although most of his questions were more for his protection. Like trying to see if he had a weakness to garlic. I don’t know if any others of my kind exist. I know that there are some legends about us but I’m not sure how we are created naturally. My case is quite unique as gods don’t generally place curses on people. It was at this point Johnathan becomes very quiet, Are there others like me? Would I even know what to say to them. And how would I even know when I meet one, it’s not like we advertise it easily. We are meant to blend in crowds and hunt in shadows. Johnathan returns himself to the conversation. Do I dream? I suppose that hasn’t changed really. After all I still need to sleep. The garlic thing is a superstition, that doesn’t work on vampires. Besides the blood lust and sunlight sensitivity I suppose I am mostly the same, with just some visual differences. He points at his pale skin and his fangs.
Along the way Aoe shows Johnathan this container he has. That’s an interesting magic item. I don’t really know if it would work. I believe the blood needs to be fresh, otherwise it does nothing for me. I don’t particularly enjoy killing normally but if I’m hungry I enter a state I call a feral, where the monster takes over and hunts for prey. It’s like an animal instinct. A starving animal would do anything for a meal. Same concept.
As the night settles on day 3 of our journey the party seem to be relaxing themselves around Johnathan, especially Kerwyn. It was at this point Aoe approached talking about Johnathan showing him his monster side, unknowing of the dangers that come with it. I don’t mind showing you all what I can do, but I don’t want to scare any of you. It isn’t a pleasant sight, believe me. I would also ask that you keep my condition a secret, I don’t want to freak everyone on out. That being said I am up to hunt something, could see how we all fight as a team. It was then he heard Aoe speaking about the pact that he made, saying how he got what he wanted. This curse, although it wasn’t what I wanted for myself, does give me some powers. Whether it’ll be enough will be soon enough.
Shavaris finds the question about different types of elves interesting as she never thought about it. "Hmm.. I don't know? I'm from the woods, so a wood elf? What about the people who raised you? And how was it that you were raised by elves instead of your own kind?" she says this with complete curiousity.
As Johnathan takes her to the side, she looks up to him and into his eyes as she answers, "The way you looked when I found you. If you had looked at me the way you looked at the eagle, ha, that would have been a different story." she says this with a laugh, but there is no humor in her voice, "I have seen more than I have ever cared to, and I guess that makes me callous to situations such as this?" Shavaris pauses, considering what she wants to divulge as Johnathan gives her a look to continue. She eventually shakes her head, "I'm sure we will all know each other well as we continue this journey, and I only want to recall my recent, let's call it a trip, once." She pats him on the shoulder as she leads him back to the group.
Kerwyn reminds Ralik about his origins in Falcon Crest, near the Faron Woods. "The desert sounds hot! I've never been to an area llke that, but I would love to hear more about it. I learned how to hunt, how to use my sword and glaive, how to protect my village from goblins and orc raiders. Perhaps we could teach other some things while we travel.."
He turns to Aoe and says "The mountains must be about 6000 ft up, there are some portions that appear higher, but that is about as high as I went. There are plenty of narrow paths that could be used by bandits to waylay someone, but I saw nothing on my way here. Come to think of it, there was a cave that I saw in the distance after I crossed the ocean and came on land at the port. It looked ... strange. Like someone had been inside it or there was activity around it. Maybe we should go have a look before we board ship?"
Johnathan continues to remain interesting to Kerwyn. He looks at his skin, trying to look for a rash or reaction to the sun. When he shows him his fangs, he is impressed, and backs up a step or two. "Whoa. I think you could open up a jar or a bottle with those. I don't want to see those annnny closer, thank you."
When he is alone with Shavaris he says "Do you trust him? We've got to watch each others backs. I don't want to wake up with him chowing down on my neck. I'll watch your back if you will watch mine. I would like to hear all about you sometime. I'm sure there is an interesting story about your background. All in good time."
Redacted entry for previous 3 days training: (spoiler for DM & Ralik)
Aoe picks up his stage shield and staff, trying to finagle how to manage having his hands full and cast spells at the same time. He attempts to grab the compounds needed out of his pocket while throwing the staff in the air for a moment, and grabbing it again but the timing isn’t right. He tries touching the bandore strapped to his back as a spell focus but that doesn’t work either. Sometimes it almost feels like he can squeak a cantrip through; like a few words of a message or a minor illusion, but is sizzles out before it can keep form or be audible to others. Aoe sees if he can concentrate of his harder spells like bless while focusing on the melee, even asking Ralik to ‘come at him at half speed to test his ability’. That doesn’t go too well, but nothing an occasional healing word or rest wont heal.
(6 hours training for warcaster feat)
Aoe stands looking toward the pass, listening to Kerwyn’s description, replying thoughtfully: “Perhaps the darkness feeds upon all the evils across the land, no matter how small. If there is something to vanquish in these passes, perhaps it is our duty to face it… as well a great test to see if our little band is worth its name…”
he tries a go at training his ability to cast spells while having hands full this time with a staff and a short sword, though the shortword is kept sheathed. He tests his ability to cast message; thinking about how to touch the copper wire needed while holding the melee weapons… he stumbles often, and makes an embarrassing show of both being a caster and being a combatant, worrying the martials of Aoe’s ability to contribute in combat. His practice takes him through to sleep, imagining slaying goblins while concentrating on a bless spell to aid the party. Aoe isn’t of the combat world… yet. But he is determined to be become battle tested. (+2 hours warcaster training)