Thurston raises his head after hearing Dorno's news. He doesn't fear to lose count, that's why he uses the breaninan military system to count so much coins.
"What news from her and the elves Dorno?" he asks a little bit concerned, fearing the worst.
Dorno presents the letter to Thurston, and the Norscan begins to read.
Dearest Dorno,
thank you for your kind warning. Please show this letter to your friends.
Lelfaer
Below, follows a more extensive reply.
Dear 'Acharnost', as our subjects have come to know you for the courage and fortitude you have shown in the defence of our home,
I hope this letter finds you all in good health.
Yesterday evening an emergency council was convened, and agreed to send Captain Gadron and a cohort of outriders up the pass towards Sheercleft. They were instructed to act to screen our own borders and investigate the threat posed by the hobgoblin army you reported.
This morning, a messenger returned from Gadron's unit, with news that they had indeed engaged and defeated a mixed patrol of approximately twenty goblinoids on the forest's edge. Since then, Gadron has held position, in order to ensure that no further invaders could enter Eldren.
The messenger was sent back to his unit with orders to cautiously advance up the pass and determine the situation in Sheercleft. If all goes well, they should arrive sometime this evening.
Jex sits on his own in the darkened house. Nobody seemed to have disturbed his claimed resting place, but still he did not feel satisfied. As he sat counting the coins he certainly enjoyed the feel and and gentle clinking of the metal as he dropped it on the piles. The blades and silks looked valuable too. It was a tidy haul indeed. So why then did he feel so unsatisfied. A part of him realised he had wanted to share this with his companions. He wanted to teach them the error of their ways, the value of patience and moderation, but they had not bitten. He pouts as the confusing feelings leave a bad taste in his mouth. He should be glad, he was rich.
He looks around the house. Nothing. Looking over the town from the window though he sees some potential. I need somewhere here to operate from, I found this job by chance, but an assassin needs a place people can contact him. All these dead people will ahve opened up business opportunities to exploit too. The trade vacuum will bring merchants, miners have a thirst, plenty of orphans will need homes. The last part brings up more bad feelings. Anger, spite and jealousy whirl around in his head and he spikes his dagger into the ground. He hides his treasure more carefully this time, wrapping everything in some blankets to further disguise it and moving some furniture over the floorboard. He would need to collect his wagon, but first, back to the others.
He heads back to Ringrut's to see his companions.
"Have you finished counting yet Thurston? I would like to collect my share. I would like to bring the wagon back too, perhaps somebody would accompany me in case there are goblins remaining outside of the town? We would do well to keep our belongings safe inside with Hshimi..."
He stops as he sees Dorno looking excited, ears waggling and looking over Thurston's shoulder at the paper.
"That's great!" Vark exclaims as Thurston finishes reading. Then with a curious expression he turns to Seid, who he would be sitting right next to. "Uhm... what does 'Acharnost' mean?" Obviously the wizard was the most intelligent of the group and the most equipped to answer this, or any question for that matter.
Valaith sat near Thurston, drinking mead and enjoying the revelries around them. Seid spent much of the time looking over the items they have recovered, pondering what was inside the book. He doesn't engage much with the conversation until Vark suddenly turns toward him, he glances up from the book he'd been examining. He clears his throat as he ponders the word. "Well... it's not so much a word as a nickname. It's a compound noun; 'acharn' is the first noun and that means 'the act of taking vengeance'. The second part, Nost, is like a group of people? No, that doesn't quite do it justice. A tribe or a clan is probably a better way to describe 'Nost'. So in this case I would say it would be the equivalent of 'Those Who Take Vengeance'." He smiles as he looks around at this motley crew. "I would say that's a fairly accurate assessment too. The elves are known to be quite poignant."
He turns back to the book with a frown and plops it onto the tabletop. "This tome vexes me. These bastards cast a potent spell upon it that masks its true nature. I do not know if it is a temporary version of the enchantment or if permanent. And I have not yet quite mastered the ability to dispel magical effects yet." He stops and turns suddenly to Vark. "Back the town hall! You dispelled that magical trap! Are you able to do so again? Perhaps you would be willing to give it another go?"
As Jex arrives, Val sits up with a nod to the elven assassin. "Coming to join us then, aye? Bored sitting all alone?" she watches him intently for a little while. When he mentions having someone escort him to the wagon she lets out a clipped laugh. "There it is! I knew you would want something from us. Ironic you speak of payment, yet I recall a large, jingling chest being carried out of Kung's tent by you. One that is strangely missing from this table." She stares at Jex from across the table. "Tell you what, I'll escort you. For gold. Since we're just a bunch of mercenaries. Am I right?" She sneers, fog forming in the air as she snorts at the concept.
Jex bristles as Vark asks somebody else about the language of his heritage. "A little explicit if you ask me. The elves are more poetic and distant in most cases, and this stinks of sarcasm and condescension." He sniffs.
He laughs at Val's chastisement. "Mercenary, me? You misjudge." He casually strolls around the back of the room where he can view everyone plainly. "Some here tried to burn it, others would have stood by as it burned. I was the one who acted to save it." He turns the direction of his pacing, pointing animatedly at himself. "Then, whilst I sat with it saved, you all saw the battle was won, but rather than help me to hold it, you left it forgotten, free to be stolen by the victorious army." He waves around at them all. "Like simple bloodlusting fools you ran head first to get your taste of a beaten enemy, unable to take stock and control yourselves. You have all seen how a battle ends, the criminal base animal instincts of men taking over. Yet you all run to join and fulfill that need in yourselves, mindless, cruel, violent. I alone remained restrained. So yes I took it and kept it safe, and watched over the safety of the property and people around me lest they fall foul to the fickle needs of victorious soldiers. Without me there would be no treasure and so I have it." He hisses the end part but fixes Val with a judgemental stare, holding the barbarians accusing gaze with his own righteous one.
"Acharnost..." he repeats softly, feeling out how it sounds and ignoring Jex's opinion of the title. When the book comes out his eyes go wide. "Ahh... uhm.. y-y-yeah I can.. try." he says, immediately flustered at being put on the spot like this. Having never really been praised for his abilities before, especially not by someone he admired, this sense of pressure was brand new to the boy. He raises a trembling hand over the book as the other slips into his pocket and squeezes the blood stone in desperation. Matthew?he pleads, hoping his invisible friend was watching and listening somewhere in the back of his skull.
"The count is done!" says Thurston and finish his mead. Strangely to all, the only one he had drank that night.
"I like the name the elves gave us "he chuckles and tries to say it correctly a couple of times. Then he listen to Jex's words.
"I will go with you my friend. Still complaining about that loot? By Thor's beard you sound like an old woman complaining about his even old husband. I told you then and I repeat it now. The battle was won, yes, but the enemy didn't know. They must know that their leader was gone so they didn't fight anymore, causing more deaths and pain to this people. And I told you all to take out the valuables while I was getting ready to burn it down, I am a Norscan, not an idiot. Thing is... I value more the life of others than money, that's all.And I don't care if you keep it all or share it with those that helped you obtained it. I understand that in the heat of the battle things can be chaotic and you could misunderstood me, but after I've explained myself... please... don't carry that too much time. And for your last statements " here it seems that Thurston is sad " I can't believe what I just heard. I thought you know me, you know us, better. You accuse us of jumping into battle to loathe on an already fallen enemy? You couldn't be more wrong. I went back to the fray to help these people. Every spear, every jagged blade directed at me, is a weapon that doesn't threaten these people or you my friends. Do you think I take pleasure on running into battle naked? No I don't, but I rather jump into the battle naked and offer an easy target that see any of you sttabed like she was " he says pointing at Val " That's why I ran back into the battle. Do I find pride and menaning in fighting? Of course I do! I am a Norscan! We think that dying in battle is a good death, worthy of the attention of Odin to take us to Valhalla. But that fight is only worthy if it helps to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and to aid your comrades, your brothers in battle. Those, and no others, are my reasons to fight, and to ran into the fight again. "he looks to his companions " And I would fight for any of you naked and against the Morrigan, the Magibaldi, or whatever hellish name they call themselves, dragons or giants any time!" He puts a hand on Dorno and Bründir's shoulders.
"Let's go to get your cart! " he says to Jex " I need some fresh air!!"he takes his hammer, and not looking to see if anyone follows he goes out while saying to one of the dwarves that they could expect a small elven group from down the mountains before going towards the place the cart was hidden.
Jex laughs. Loudly and a little too hard. "Do not worry my friend. I hold nothing against you. You made a choice and stuck by it which I can only respect. But I will not be judged by those trying to have it both ways. Any of you want a share of that money then ask me for it, else hold your tongue and spare me the assumptions and accusations of dishonesty." He claps Thurston on the back and makes to leave with him. " I do think you like to battle naked though. At least a little." He gives a wink and chuckles again.
The frozen mists come more regularly with each heavy breath as Val growls at Jex during his speech, but before she could say a reply Thurston steps in. Her seething slows, but the rage still simmers beneath and she cannot hold her tongue. "I do not know what honor looks like to your people, Sarameain, but to mine hiding with a chest of coins while others are fighting and dying around is cowardice. You say I'm judging you for doing what you did." She suddenly sits up and slams her fist into the table. "You're gods damned right I am! It's bullshit, Jex! Do not pretend to act so righteous. Who saved your lives in that mountain pass? I held those goblins back while you flitted about in the shadows. If not for me and my 'bloodlust' you would have died in your sleep. I held that line alone and nearly died for you! I didn't ask anything for it, because that it what you do. You fight for those who are with you. You share in victory and defeat. And yet... when I was near death and needed help. Where were you? Skulking off again. Because you. Are. A. Coward!"
For once, Matthew is a little less forthcoming, and Vark can feel a degree of reluctance towards opening the book. There's a pointed silence in the space he occupies in the half-orc's mind that begs the question: what's in it for him?
Hurrig looks at Seid, “Stop fretting over being with the wrong crowd.”
Hurrig takes a second to look at his friends, Acharnost, has a nice ring to it. He looks back at Seid but is talking to everyone else as well. “It’s in the past now Seid, and we’re going to finish the job here. You’re with the right crew now. But speaking of the past, now that we have come to a pause in our journey once we finish dealing with Sheercleft. I should let you all in on my past... I am from Khaz a Grungon to the north, a miner and smith by trade. I traveled to Shamley to sell some wears and learn other styles of smithing. I got caught up with the Spietati, a prominent gang in the city. I was the muscle and an enforcer, mostly extortion, for the gang. Until one job had me placed as a body guard for a business. Turns out it was a front for a trafficking ring. I lost it, with a few close friends inside the gang, I was able to get out. The Spietati weren’t happy about the deserters so they hunted us down. I was able to get away, but the others weren’t lucky. I could only assume they ratted me out...”
Hurrig pauses for a second. “Our journey may take us east, I am sharing this with you now, because I fear we may be in danger if seen together. And I care for you all. Also Seid, things get better, and easier to handle the truths about the things we’ve done.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Jex is forcing a chuckle on his way through the door, shrugging off the words as though it was all silly fun when Val's word leaves her mouth. He stops in his tracks, there is a flexing of his fingers and a twitch in his left eye. He wheels around taking an arced route towards Val around the table. He feels the cold radiating from her but against the heat of his rage it condenses on his skin. The frost in his eyes is the equal to that formed on her lips though as he half spits the words from his mouth.
"How. Dare. You." He steps closer again, the coolness of her rage helping to cool the burning in his ears. "I am sorry I lack the frame to take five javelins and keep walking through it. But where I come from, if somebody like me does that, we don't call it bravery we call it their death. Whilst you were busy taking hits and looking strong and brave, I was busy killing them all as fast as I could to save your life. Perhaps if you all fought like me nobody would need to get hit and the goblins would be dead in the pass before they drew their bows." His fingers twitch again but they remain at hi side as he continues to advance. "I didn't hear you calling me a coward when I approached the gate here alone and killed the guards. Alone." He takes another step, barely an arms length from her now "When you were invisible and I killed six bugbears alone did you feel a coward and come out to help me? No. You were happy to let me protect you then as a coward." Another step and his face is practically against hers. Her icey breath falls straight on his face as he postures straight against her. "Just because I don't rush to my death..." He leaves the sentence unfinished for a second, "Sometimes we can do more alive than dead, and that is the decision you have to make. Easier though it may be to rush in and get yourself hurt like a fool."
Seid warily watches the argument between Val and Jex, his eyes darting back and forth between them and the rest of the group.... especially as the rest of them carry on like this was a routine occurrence. 'Although, I suppose it's no different than the way mother and father used to carry on toward each other. We never really batted an eye at it either.' He keeps an eye on them from his peripheral vision just in case as Hurrig addresses him. He nods his appreciation for not holding his allegiance against him and understand on that feeling of despair when you realize what you had gotten yourself into. "Thank you, Hurrig. And all you for---" He stops when Jex strolls up to Val's face. "Umm... is this normal? Are they going to kill each other?" When everyone seems to just shrug it off Seid appears dubious, but continues. "As I was... saying... Thank you all for the change to make things right. It is not often someone gets a chance such as this. And Hurrig, worry not about us. I highly doubt some thugs will be able to stand up against the Acharnost should they be ignorant enough to attempt to come for you. I may journey with you all for sometime if that is alright? I definitely wish to see this to the end in Sheercleft and my path my be along the same lines as yours. I would relish the opportunity to travel with such stalwart and honorable companions."
Val watches Jex carefully as he approaches. His words stung her pride more than she could stand. She had not liked remaining hidden while he did all the fighting alone while she carried the weapons. "Someone had to carry the weapons, you little flea!" She jabs a massive finger toward Jex's slender arms as she stands to her full height. "You were only able to do that because of you little mask. If I were ask weak as you, I would need to use magic and 'cunning' to do battle. That mask of yours makes you weak. Without it, you couldn't have done the things you did. Then I would have been forced to save you once again, little Jex." She prods his chest. "Show me, then, little Jex! Prove to me you're not a coward, because all I see is a scared little boy who is too frightened of his own shadow to stand and fight in the light!" She didn't want to fight with Jex, he was right, but the rage was taking control and there was nothing left to do but ride it... She leans down and offers her chin to him. "Go on then. Do it. Coward." She sneers at him, the air was frigid around them as the frost spirits of the storm begin to flit about...
Vark goes pale. He’d been hesitant to give in to Matthew down in the mines, but the idea of ‘letting him in’ was vague enough to go along with. This however, was concrete. It came with a sense of dread that coiled round Vark’s spine like a serpent. Matthew had been so helpful today, but now he was asking for so much- too much. There was no guarantee that if Vark gave in, that Matthew would give his body back. What would it feel like to be stuck inside his own mind, helpless and watching through a window? “Ah- uhm I- uh- it’s b-been a long day... I don’t... I don’t think I can do it right... r-right now.” He wipes cold sweat from his brow and gives a pitiful look to Seid next to him. “I’m sorry.” It’s only now that Vark notices the escalating scene at the other end of the table, and his mouth hangs open as he watches.
"You think I am afraid?" Jex scoffs. He reaches up to his shoulder and pulls off his quiver throwing it aside. "You are wrong." His other hand pulls aside the mask. His first reaches up to release the clasp on his armour, letting it fall aside. "I fear nothing." He drops his belt and the swords clang on the floor. "And certainly..." He steps back close to her face. "I do not fear you Valaith." Quick as a flash, both of his hands fly up and grab the side of her face, before she knows what is happening he plants a huge kiss on her forehead. "Never call me coward again."
Seid shakes his head at Vark. "That is no concern, Vark. You have already proven yourself to be a master of the arcane. Worry not. Those two, however, are beginning to concern me quite a bit..."
Val grins, ready for a fist fight, but the grin falters and a look of confusion begins to cross her face as Jex begins to strip off his armor and weapons. "What... what are you..." She raises her fists up slightly looking very confused as the frost spirits begin to flit around in strange, confused patterns as the rage begins to slip away. Before she could think, say, or even do anything... Jex grabs Val's head and just as she clenches her fists to drive into his torso he does the absolute strangest thing and Valaith freezes as his lips touch her forehead. All the rage vanishes like a rock dropped down a well. Whereas before she felt the comforting, frigid embrace of her rage now she felt a burning embarrassment, but she was frozen in place. She couldn't think. Her mind was spinning and reeling for what seemed like an hour before she finally recovers and with a bestial roar she tosses Jex back several feet from her. Her face a bright, rosy-quartz color around her cheek bones as she pants in confused fury; she had never felt such emotions before and did not know how to handle them. "Never do that again!"
Vark finds nothing magical in the library, although the variety of books is extensive. Surely not all of these belonged to the miners?
Later that evening, while Thurston counts the gold, Dorno comes bounding into Ringrut's tavern with excitement.
"Pretty lady wrote words for Dorno!" The big firbolg exclaims happily, brandishing a piece of parchment with pride.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Thurston raises his head after hearing Dorno's news. He doesn't fear to lose count, that's why he uses the breaninan military system to count so much coins.
"What news from her and the elves Dorno?" he asks a little bit concerned, fearing the worst.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Dorno presents the letter to Thurston, and the Norscan begins to read.
Below, follows a more extensive reply.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Jex sits on his own in the darkened house. Nobody seemed to have disturbed his claimed resting place, but still he did not feel satisfied. As he sat counting the coins he certainly enjoyed the feel and and gentle clinking of the metal as he dropped it on the piles. The blades and silks looked valuable too. It was a tidy haul indeed. So why then did he feel so unsatisfied. A part of him realised he had wanted to share this with his companions. He wanted to teach them the error of their ways, the value of patience and moderation, but they had not bitten. He pouts as the confusing feelings leave a bad taste in his mouth. He should be glad, he was rich.
He looks around the house. Nothing. Looking over the town from the window though he sees some potential. I need somewhere here to operate from, I found this job by chance, but an assassin needs a place people can contact him. All these dead people will ahve opened up business opportunities to exploit too. The trade vacuum will bring merchants, miners have a thirst, plenty of orphans will need homes. The last part brings up more bad feelings. Anger, spite and jealousy whirl around in his head and he spikes his dagger into the ground. He hides his treasure more carefully this time, wrapping everything in some blankets to further disguise it and moving some furniture over the floorboard. He would need to collect his wagon, but first, back to the others.
He heads back to Ringrut's to see his companions.
"Have you finished counting yet Thurston? I would like to collect my share. I would like to bring the wagon back too, perhaps somebody would accompany me in case there are goblins remaining outside of the town? We would do well to keep our belongings safe inside with Hshimi..."
He stops as he sees Dorno looking excited, ears waggling and looking over Thurston's shoulder at the paper.
"Dorno, good to see you. What news?"
"That's great!" Vark exclaims as Thurston finishes reading. Then with a curious expression he turns to Seid, who he would be sitting right next to. "Uhm... what does 'Acharnost' mean?" Obviously the wizard was the most intelligent of the group and the most equipped to answer this, or any question for that matter.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Valaith sat near Thurston, drinking mead and enjoying the revelries around them. Seid spent much of the time looking over the items they have recovered, pondering what was inside the book. He doesn't engage much with the conversation until Vark suddenly turns toward him, he glances up from the book he'd been examining. He clears his throat as he ponders the word. "Well... it's not so much a word as a nickname. It's a compound noun; 'acharn' is the first noun and that means 'the act of taking vengeance'. The second part, Nost, is like a group of people? No, that doesn't quite do it justice. A tribe or a clan is probably a better way to describe 'Nost'. So in this case I would say it would be the equivalent of 'Those Who Take Vengeance'." He smiles as he looks around at this motley crew. "I would say that's a fairly accurate assessment too. The elves are known to be quite poignant."
He turns back to the book with a frown and plops it onto the tabletop. "This tome vexes me. These bastards cast a potent spell upon it that masks its true nature. I do not know if it is a temporary version of the enchantment or if permanent. And I have not yet quite mastered the ability to dispel magical effects yet." He stops and turns suddenly to Vark. "Back the town hall! You dispelled that magical trap! Are you able to do so again? Perhaps you would be willing to give it another go?"
As Jex arrives, Val sits up with a nod to the elven assassin. "Coming to join us then, aye? Bored sitting all alone?" she watches him intently for a little while. When he mentions having someone escort him to the wagon she lets out a clipped laugh. "There it is! I knew you would want something from us. Ironic you speak of payment, yet I recall a large, jingling chest being carried out of Kung's tent by you. One that is strangely missing from this table." She stares at Jex from across the table. "Tell you what, I'll escort you. For gold. Since we're just a bunch of mercenaries. Am I right?" She sneers, fog forming in the air as she snorts at the concept.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Jex bristles as Vark asks somebody else about the language of his heritage. "A little explicit if you ask me. The elves are more poetic and distant in most cases, and this stinks of sarcasm and condescension." He sniffs.
He laughs at Val's chastisement. "Mercenary, me? You misjudge." He casually strolls around the back of the room where he can view everyone plainly. "Some here tried to burn it, others would have stood by as it burned. I was the one who acted to save it." He turns the direction of his pacing, pointing animatedly at himself. "Then, whilst I sat with it saved, you all saw the battle was won, but rather than help me to hold it, you left it forgotten, free to be stolen by the victorious army." He waves around at them all. "Like simple bloodlusting fools you ran head first to get your taste of a beaten enemy, unable to take stock and control yourselves. You have all seen how a battle ends, the criminal base animal instincts of men taking over. Yet you all run to join and fulfill that need in yourselves, mindless, cruel, violent. I alone remained restrained. So yes I took it and kept it safe, and watched over the safety of the property and people around me lest they fall foul to the fickle needs of victorious soldiers. Without me there would be no treasure and so I have it." He hisses the end part but fixes Val with a judgemental stare, holding the barbarians accusing gaze with his own righteous one.
"Acharnost..." he repeats softly, feeling out how it sounds and ignoring Jex's opinion of the title. When the book comes out his eyes go wide. "Ahh... uhm.. y-y-yeah I can.. try." he says, immediately flustered at being put on the spot like this. Having never really been praised for his abilities before, especially not by someone he admired, this sense of pressure was brand new to the boy. He raises a trembling hand over the book as the other slips into his pocket and squeezes the blood stone in desperation. Matthew? he pleads, hoping his invisible friend was watching and listening somewhere in the back of his skull.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"The count is done!" says Thurston and finish his mead. Strangely to all, the only one he had drank that night.
"I like the name the elves gave us " he chuckles and tries to say it correctly a couple of times. Then he listen to Jex's words.
"I will go with you my friend. Still complaining about that loot? By Thor's beard you sound like an old woman complaining about his even old husband. I told you then and I repeat it now. The battle was won, yes, but the enemy didn't know. They must know that their leader was gone so they didn't fight anymore, causing more deaths and pain to this people. And I told you all to take out the valuables while I was getting ready to burn it down, I am a Norscan, not an idiot. Thing is... I value more the life of others than money, that's all.And I don't care if you keep it all or share it with those that helped you obtained it. I understand that in the heat of the battle things can be chaotic and you could misunderstood me, but after I've explained myself... please... don't carry that too much time. And for your last statements " here it seems that Thurston is sad " I can't believe what I just heard. I thought you know me, you know us, better. You accuse us of jumping into battle to loathe on an already fallen enemy? You couldn't be more wrong. I went back to the fray to help these people. Every spear, every jagged blade directed at me, is a weapon that doesn't threaten these people or you my friends. Do you think I take pleasure on running into battle naked? No I don't, but I rather jump into the battle naked and offer an easy target that see any of you sttabed like she was " he says pointing at Val " That's why I ran back into the battle. Do I find pride and menaning in fighting? Of course I do! I am a Norscan! We think that dying in battle is a good death, worthy of the attention of Odin to take us to Valhalla. But that fight is only worthy if it helps to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and to aid your comrades, your brothers in battle. Those, and no others, are my reasons to fight, and to ran into the fight again. " he looks to his companions " And I would fight for any of you naked and against the Morrigan, the Magibaldi, or whatever hellish name they call themselves, dragons or giants any time!" He puts a hand on Dorno and Bründir's shoulders.
"Let's go to get your cart! " he says to Jex " I need some fresh air!!" he takes his hammer, and not looking to see if anyone follows he goes out while saying to one of the dwarves that they could expect a small elven group from down the mountains before going towards the place the cart was hidden.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Jex laughs. Loudly and a little too hard. "Do not worry my friend. I hold nothing against you. You made a choice and stuck by it which I can only respect. But I will not be judged by those trying to have it both ways. Any of you want a share of that money then ask me for it, else hold your tongue and spare me the assumptions and accusations of dishonesty." He claps Thurston on the back and makes to leave with him. " I do think you like to battle naked though. At least a little." He gives a wink and chuckles again.
The frozen mists come more regularly with each heavy breath as Val growls at Jex during his speech, but before she could say a reply Thurston steps in. Her seething slows, but the rage still simmers beneath and she cannot hold her tongue. "I do not know what honor looks like to your people, Sarameain, but to mine hiding with a chest of coins while others are fighting and dying around is cowardice. You say I'm judging you for doing what you did." She suddenly sits up and slams her fist into the table. "You're gods damned right I am! It's bullshit, Jex! Do not pretend to act so righteous. Who saved your lives in that mountain pass? I held those goblins back while you flitted about in the shadows. If not for me and my 'bloodlust' you would have died in your sleep. I held that line alone and nearly died for you! I didn't ask anything for it, because that it what you do. You fight for those who are with you. You share in victory and defeat. And yet... when I was near death and needed help. Where were you? Skulking off again. Because you. Are. A. Coward!"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
For once, Matthew is a little less forthcoming, and Vark can feel a degree of reluctance towards opening the book. There's a pointed silence in the space he occupies in the half-orc's mind that begs the question: what's in it for him?
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Vark shrugs in response. What do you want? He keeps his hand hovering over the tome and tries his best to feign being deep in focus.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Hurrig looks at Seid, “Stop fretting over being with the wrong crowd.”
Hurrig takes a second to look at his friends, Acharnost, has a nice ring to it. He looks back at Seid but is talking to everyone else as well. “It’s in the past now Seid, and we’re going to finish the job here. You’re with the right crew now. But speaking of the past, now that we have come to a pause in our journey once we finish dealing with Sheercleft. I should let you all in on my past... I am from Khaz a Grungon to the north, a miner and smith by trade. I traveled to Shamley to sell some wears and learn other styles of smithing. I got caught up with the Spietati, a prominent gang in the city. I was the muscle and an enforcer, mostly extortion, for the gang. Until one job had me placed as a body guard for a business. Turns out it was a front for a trafficking ring. I lost it, with a few close friends inside the gang, I was able to get out. The Spietati weren’t happy about the deserters so they hunted us down. I was able to get away, but the others weren’t lucky. I could only assume they ratted me out...”
Hurrig pauses for a second. “Our journey may take us east, I am sharing this with you now, because I fear we may be in danger if seen together. And I care for you all. Also Seid, things get better, and easier to handle the truths about the things we’ve done.
Mavi Göz Mal - Half Orc Monk Level 1 Not Another Lost Mine of Phandelver
Drita - Aasimar Hexblade Warlock Lvl 3 Tomb of Annhilation
Iznik Sylnithas - Half Drow Blood Hunter Level 2 Precipice of Voids
To stretch your legs, Vark hears Matthew reply, once more speaking inside the boy's head.
Some time in control, given of your own free will, when you can spare it.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Jex is forcing a chuckle on his way through the door, shrugging off the words as though it was all silly fun when Val's word leaves her mouth. He stops in his tracks, there is a flexing of his fingers and a twitch in his left eye. He wheels around taking an arced route towards Val around the table. He feels the cold radiating from her but against the heat of his rage it condenses on his skin. The frost in his eyes is the equal to that formed on her lips though as he half spits the words from his mouth.
"How. Dare. You." He steps closer again, the coolness of her rage helping to cool the burning in his ears. "I am sorry I lack the frame to take five javelins and keep walking through it. But where I come from, if somebody like me does that, we don't call it bravery we call it their death. Whilst you were busy taking hits and looking strong and brave, I was busy killing them all as fast as I could to save your life. Perhaps if you all fought like me nobody would need to get hit and the goblins would be dead in the pass before they drew their bows." His fingers twitch again but they remain at hi side as he continues to advance. "I didn't hear you calling me a coward when I approached the gate here alone and killed the guards. Alone." He takes another step, barely an arms length from her now "When you were invisible and I killed six bugbears alone did you feel a coward and come out to help me? No. You were happy to let me protect you then as a coward." Another step and his face is practically against hers. Her icey breath falls straight on his face as he postures straight against her. "Just because I don't rush to my death..." He leaves the sentence unfinished for a second, "Sometimes we can do more alive than dead, and that is the decision you have to make. Easier though it may be to rush in and get yourself hurt like a fool."
Seid warily watches the argument between Val and Jex, his eyes darting back and forth between them and the rest of the group.... especially as the rest of them carry on like this was a routine occurrence. 'Although, I suppose it's no different than the way mother and father used to carry on toward each other. We never really batted an eye at it either.' He keeps an eye on them from his peripheral vision just in case as Hurrig addresses him. He nods his appreciation for not holding his allegiance against him and understand on that feeling of despair when you realize what you had gotten yourself into. "Thank you, Hurrig. And all you for---" He stops when Jex strolls up to Val's face. "Umm... is this normal? Are they going to kill each other?" When everyone seems to just shrug it off Seid appears dubious, but continues. "As I was... saying... Thank you all for the change to make things right. It is not often someone gets a chance such as this. And Hurrig, worry not about us. I highly doubt some thugs will be able to stand up against the Acharnost should they be ignorant enough to attempt to come for you. I may journey with you all for sometime if that is alright? I definitely wish to see this to the end in Sheercleft and my path my be along the same lines as yours. I would relish the opportunity to travel with such stalwart and honorable companions."
Val watches Jex carefully as he approaches. His words stung her pride more than she could stand. She had not liked remaining hidden while he did all the fighting alone while she carried the weapons. "Someone had to carry the weapons, you little flea!" She jabs a massive finger toward Jex's slender arms as she stands to her full height. "You were only able to do that because of you little mask. If I were ask weak as you, I would need to use magic and 'cunning' to do battle. That mask of yours makes you weak. Without it, you couldn't have done the things you did. Then I would have been forced to save you once again, little Jex." She prods his chest. "Show me, then, little Jex! Prove to me you're not a coward, because all I see is a scared little boy who is too frightened of his own shadow to stand and fight in the light!" She didn't want to fight with Jex, he was right, but the rage was taking control and there was nothing left to do but ride it... She leans down and offers her chin to him. "Go on then. Do it. Coward." She sneers at him, the air was frigid around them as the frost spirits of the storm begin to flit about...
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Vark goes pale. He’d been hesitant to give in to Matthew down in the mines, but the idea of ‘letting him in’ was vague enough to go along with. This however, was concrete. It came with a sense of dread that coiled round Vark’s spine like a serpent. Matthew had been so helpful today, but now he was asking for so much- too much. There was no guarantee that if Vark gave in, that Matthew would give his body back. What would it feel like to be stuck inside his own mind, helpless and watching through a window? “Ah- uhm I- uh- it’s b-been a long day... I don’t... I don’t think I can do it right... r-right now.” He wipes cold sweat from his brow and gives a pitiful look to Seid next to him. “I’m sorry.” It’s only now that Vark notices the escalating scene at the other end of the table, and his mouth hangs open as he watches.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"You think I am afraid?" Jex scoffs. He reaches up to his shoulder and pulls off his quiver throwing it aside. "You are wrong." His other hand pulls aside the mask. His first reaches up to release the clasp on his armour, letting it fall aside. "I fear nothing." He drops his belt and the swords clang on the floor. "And certainly..." He steps back close to her face. "I do not fear you Valaith." Quick as a flash, both of his hands fly up and grab the side of her face, before she knows what is happening he plants a huge kiss on her forehead. "Never call me coward again."
Seid shakes his head at Vark. "That is no concern, Vark. You have already proven yourself to be a master of the arcane. Worry not. Those two, however, are beginning to concern me quite a bit..."
Val grins, ready for a fist fight, but the grin falters and a look of confusion begins to cross her face as Jex begins to strip off his armor and weapons. "What... what are you..." She raises her fists up slightly looking very confused as the frost spirits begin to flit around in strange, confused patterns as the rage begins to slip away. Before she could think, say, or even do anything... Jex grabs Val's head and just as she clenches her fists to drive into his torso he does the absolute strangest thing and Valaith freezes as his lips touch her forehead. All the rage vanishes like a rock dropped down a well. Whereas before she felt the comforting, frigid embrace of her rage now she felt a burning embarrassment, but she was frozen in place. She couldn't think. Her mind was spinning and reeling for what seemed like an hour before she finally recovers and with a bestial roar she tosses Jex back several feet from her. Her face a bright, rosy-quartz color around her cheek bones as she pants in confused fury; she had never felt such emotions before and did not know how to handle them. "Never do that again!"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden