William Quickly fires another blast of necrotic energy towards the fleeing were-raven from the tip of his wand before cursing under his breath and tucking his wand away. "Well that escalated quickly then..." He says as before adjusting his leather hat. "I suppose these folks will need to be buried... and I also suppose we should check out the chests I saw upstairs in that building over there." The mageborn says with a smile. 

While the rest of the party work to heal themselves and others, William would casually make his way around the battlefield, sizing up the corpses and looking them over as though he were trying to pick out a fine cut of steak. He would then casually loot the corpses before dragging them into a nearby ditch along the side of the road and start digging a hole.

ooc: when the others are ready to investigate the house, he nods and sends Herbert to go with the group but offers to stay and keep working on burying the corpses...

Kolette deals out 2 berries each to Sparkles and Syed.

 Shrugging off nearly dying as if it happens every day Zeren gets back up and looks down at his damaged armor.

"I'm going to need some time to fix this."

He motions at the dead bandits.

"Tossing them off the road's common courtesy, but I'm not going to bother digging a grave for bandits."

Noticing William looking over the corpses Zeren calls out to him.

"Find anything worth keeping? We're a team so share what you find."

William nods. "Like-wise in regards to whatever you find in the house!" The bandaged mage says with a toothy smile before continuing his work. 

OOC: Once William has a very shallow grave dug, he would check to see if anyone is looking before emptying out the rotted animal meat before exchanging it for fresh meat from the bandits. Instead of taking his time to carefully carve off chunks of meat, he would instead quickly lop off arms and feet before moving to cover bury the remains. he would also bite the fingers from the corpses when no one was looking and quickly chew them up while he completed his grim task.

Syed wipes the sweat from his brow, still catching his breath from the fight. As the others discuss looting the house, he glances over at the wagon. He’s never been one for pillaging or rummaging through the spoils of battle, especially not when there’s work to be done. The thought of the delicate experiments waiting for him in his backpack tugs at his mind.

Turning to Eren, who is inspecting the wagon for damage, Syed offers a small smile. "I’ll leave the treasure hunting to the rest of them. We’ve got our own tasks to handle here," he says, gesturing to the wagon. "Let me help you with those repairs. I’ve got a spell that can fix up most of the damage—nothing too big for a quick mending."

As Eren nods in agreement, Syed continues, "Besides, I’ve got some pressing work to get back to in my lab," he adds, patting the large backpack strapped securely to Mellow’s side. "Can’t afford to waste too much time, especially when there’s research to be done."

With that, Syed focuses on the wagon, channeling his magic through his tools as he begins to repair the cracks and tears. The familiar process of mending soothes him, grounding him amidst the chaos that has unfolded. While the others venture into the house, Syed stays near the wagon, ensuring that everything is in order and ready for the road ahead.

Quote from Wreckzors >>

William nods. "Like-wise in regards to whatever you find in the house!" The bandaged mage says with a toothy smile before continuing his work. 

OOC: Once William has a very shallow grave dug, he would check to see if anyone is looking before emptying out the rotted animal meat before exchanging it for fresh meat from the bandits. Instead of taking his time to carefully carve off chunks of meat, he would instead quickly lop off arms and feet before moving to cover bury the remains. he would also bite the fingers from the corpses when no one was looking and quickly chew them up while he completed his grim task.

 OOC: Oh so much better than just lopping off the heads and leaving on the side of the road. Watch out bandits!

OOC: Are we going to try to save the elk meat? 

Sparkles takes the goodberry from Kolette and thanks her, and feels the pain in the bruise on her side numb and fade away as she eats it. She then watches as the party get to work on sorting out the bodies of the bandits, seating herself on the edge of the wagon and stroking the elk whilst everyone sorts themselves out, unless she's called up to help. Speaking to the little elk, she says 'Hmm. You need a name. You have been seen, and now you have been used to stroke. I shall think.'

Shayara accepts the goodberries graciously. "thankyou my friend that was a close one, Ill have to be more careful in the future." She eats the berries quickly and with a quik cast of prestidigitation to clean her blood she is as good as new. Rejuvenated she looks to the others "well done everyone, I suppose we should check out this farm house and see what is what" she begins walking toward the farmhouse slowly leaning on her staff as always. without looking back she casually makes a gesture and her dice fly back to her open hand. 

"ACK CAW!" The wereraven shouts after being hit by William's magic missile. "Pesky things!" he struggles to shoo them off. Rather than flying in the direction of the farmhouse, he is off. He goes further up the road towards Drakkenheim before taking a left to disappear behind some dead trees.

"Wow," Eren says, packing up their crossbow back into their bag. "Last time I knew McCoy was back before the meteor hit when I was first traveling these roads. Let me stay in his farmhouse once. That was ages ago. Huh." They shrug, though they look softly at the dead body. "Times have sure changed." They pick up four sticks and start tying them together to make a kite shape: a symbol of the  Sacred Flame to represent the Torch. Eren solemnly hands it over to William. "Make sure so they don't go in vain."

William's search through their items find nothing other than their weapons and armor. They unfortunately came pretty empty-handed. You do, however, see that their three draft horses are left unmanned at the side of the road. 

Turning back over to the ratatosk, Eren lets the mastiff sniff their hand before they pat it on the muzzle. "Yes, true," Eren smiles. "Thank you so much." They duck down to inspect something on the wagon. "I think somehow the wheel got loose in the scuffle," they get back up again and look around. "some tears, but mostly not so bad. But definitely coulds use some help. Thank you very much!"

Eren helps Syed reach some of the places that would be a bit difficult for climbing or for the dog to reach. Sometimes Eren watches over their shoulder to see William with the bodies but doesn't comment on it if they see anything if at all.

The elk by Sparkles's side brays and backs away from her but doesn't leave. It refuses to go five feet near you but nonetheless follows you around. Going any closer to it makes it startle and jump back, but it obviously doesn't want to leave you. There's nothing very note-worthy about it no distinct coloration, just elk.

Equipment gained: 

• 4 scimitars, 4 crossbows 
• 4 leather armors
• 3 draft horses 
• 1 elk

 

Heading to the farmhouse you guys find the old paint-chipped two-story barn to be in otherwise good shape.There are outdoor stables to the rear. There are no windows on the first floor, but there are on the second expect for the fact they are all boarded up. There are two large doors in the front and another small one in the back. Those inside don't hear you as you walk towards it or at least nothing happened. It's quiet. 

Sparkles appreciates the elk's company; she would rather it follow her then get lost or trapped in the wilderness again. 'Huh.' she says, seeing as it doesn't like to come close. 'Looks like you prefer to watch but not interact, like I did. In that case, I shall name you Starry, because you have big, wide, starry eyes to look with, and because I like stars!' She grins at her clever new name for her friend, then heads out towards the rest of the party at the farmhouse.

William takes the makeshift symbol and nods. After quickly carving up the bodies and eating his fill of easy-to-eat body parts, he quickly buries the remains under a thin layer of dirt. Once the bodies are covered he places the symbol over the mound and tips his hat towards the freshly dug grave. He then turns to look back over his shoulder towards the others who are moving to investigate the building. He commands Herbert to keep an eye on his companions and to inform him if of any threats or danger that is found...

Herbert perception to see or smell any dangers inside the house or spot valuables! 23

William would also collect the weapons and armor of the bandits and dump them into a pile on the wagon near Syed's backpack lab before moving to secure the horses to the side of the wagon if no one else has done so.

Starry seems to appreciate the name, though you're not really sure since it just stares blankly at you and sort of just shakes a little like a dog.

@Herbert

This is what is mentally projected to you by Herbert. Nothing that valuable is laying about. The stables to the right smell like horses,which the vulture was able to peak inside another small hole in from the stables. It looks sort of like this barn was converted into a bit of a living space and with the broken down cottage nearby with a collapsed thatched roof you're guessing this is where McCoy must spent most of his time.

He doesn't see any of the ravens anywhere.

First/Ground Floor

Second Floor

Syed nods to Eren, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I’m glad to help. This wagon’s held up pretty well, considering everything. Just a few more touches, and it should be as good as new." His voice is calm and reassuring, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. As they work together, Syed occasionally glances toward William, observing his methodical process of dealing with the bodies.  

"He’s thorough, I’ll give him that," Syed comments quietly, admiration in his tone as he watches William finish the burial. "Not many would take the time to properly bury those who’ve fallen, especially not bandits. It’s... respectful, in its own way."

Once William returns, securing the horses and bringing the bandits' weapons and armor to the wagon, Syed looks up at him. "Thanks for bringing those over. I’ll keep an eye on everything here," he says, gesturing to the pile of equipment and the wagon. "Why don’t you check in with the others at the farmhouse? There might be more bandits hiding, and it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra pair of eyes—especially yours."

Syed’s voice carries a note of trust and confidence in William’s abilities. He settles himself near Eren, making it clear that he’s committed to staying by the wagon and ensuring everything is in order. "We’ll hold down the fort here," he adds, giving a reassuring nod to both William and Eren. "If anything happens, we’ll be ready."

William gives Syed a small nod and a tip of his leather hat. "Alright... sounds like a plan. I trust you can handle anything that my come your way while we're investigating the house." He says with a smile. "You know... I bet you could turn some of that leather armor I pulled off the bandits to make your dog there some nice barding... I bet it would probably be pretty easy for someone with your skills." The mageborn adds before pulling his wand form his pocket and quickly mending a large cut in the armor from the previous battle. "I like to fix things too.... I hate to see things go to waste." he adds before turning around and making his way towards the others. 

He is in no hurry since Herbert has given him no indication that there is a threat to his companions. As William walks away, Syed can see a few drops of crimson liquid drip from the stained leather pack draped across his back. 

Zeren motions to William then points at the damage to his armor where the arrow hit him and wereraven savaged him.

"Could you mend my armor as well? I could do it myself but if you've got magic to do it instantly you'll save us time and materials."

Checking over himself to see how bad the wounds the potion failed to heal are Zeren winces, then looks at the elk hanging around Sparkles.

"If you can get that thing to hold still long enough for me to get a hold of it I can make days worth of meals from that. Fresh meat will be a welcome addition to the menu."

Not wanting to spook the animal he doesn't move towards it just yet. Zeren plans to drain the elk's blood to heal his remaining injuries, but he's counting on the group wanting him not to slaughter the elk near them to avoid giving away his secret.

"No problem friend." William replies to Zeren before pulling the long bone-finger like wand from his pocket. He then mutters a few words under his breath before tapping the armor and quickly mending the hole. 

When The large armored figure mentions eating the baby elk, William let's out a laugh. "Didn't you hear? Sparkles named it... there's no eating an animal once you name it.. it isn't food anymore... it's a pet." The mageborn says before slapping Zeren's metal clad shoulder. "It does look tastey though.." William whispers with a wink before making his way into the building.

if Zeren follows behind William, he would also notice drops of crimson liquid dripping from his stained leather pack.

Koletter joins the others at the house and helps to investigate it for loot or useful items.

Investigation 20

@Syed

"Wow, my I'd say if you weren't going to be out in the dark city all this time I'ds hire ya as my own personal fixer-upper-er. Look at this fine work you've done did." Eren waves at the whole thing. "Mighty real fine." They look through a pocket in their traveler's cloak and pull out 2 gold coins.

Eren nods at Syed's assurance of the gravedigger. "Ah, true. I gotta say I didn't thinks that McCoy would ends up like this, but it's one way to go out, so... I'm glad you all gave him a burial." Eren stills looks a bit tense at the scene, but continues on. "My daddy and my daddy's daddy and all thems after that was now undertakers. Nots for me though. Wasn't cut out for it. I'ma bit too much of a wanderers." They click their tongue. "I get works like this though. Requires stomach that most peoples don'ts have. Bravery right there's on that fella."

Giving Syed a small thimble for a glass, they pour some wine (smells cheap) into it. "Could use a taste," they say, holding up their own glass. "'specially 'fter that."

"Say, why are you heading to the city anyways?" Eren smiles warmly with curious look. 

As Syed stays behind with Eren Marlowe the rest of you go towards the barn-converted-to-house. You find the doors to open with ease and the bar to smell of hay. There is a round table in the front with some various clutter on it like cards and even an ongoing chess game. One of the chairs is knocked over with a pillow to the ground. There is a stacked up pile of barrels in the corner next to what appears to be a rack of farm tools and other equipment. The barrels appear to be empty though expect for four which still hold mead. Three barrels stand upright.

A taxidermied deer head is displayed next to some hay and twigs that nearly resemble a nest but also a bed at the same time. Books lay scattered next to it. Also there is a wardrobe. More hay is to the side on the right. Then there is a crafts-table to the farthest corner of the room which holds some more various equipment like hammers and nails and also pebbles apparently. A sack of beans hangs out in the corner.

Closest to William is another round of equipment (all farming) and another table. This one has paper sketches of different animals but the carvings into the wood of the table all appear to be of the same woman and some hearts, all of which are scratched out now.

You have yet to explore the second floor.