Darkwater has become a much quieter place recently. Its citizens have begun to fall ill with a mysterious new illness that seems to be spreading at an alarming rate. Some of the more severely ill townsfolk have simply disappeared from their homes in the middle of the night.. leaving their loved ones concerned and heartbroken. A light fog rolls in from Skull Stone Swamp as the sun sets on the small town. A set of kobolds work together to light the few lamp hanging along the mostly empty streets as everyone else heads indoors. The faint light cast from homes and inn work with the lamps to fight back against the suffocating darkness that comes at night. The heavy tree cover and thick fog seemingly twists the light and uses it to cast strange shadows through the town. Recently some townsfolk have reported missing livestock and strange coming from the woods and swamp.
The Muck and Maggots Inn is full tonight with the news that Mayor Wrenchawitz was going to buy all those in attendance a free drink in the hope of raising the moral of the town. Having Posted a reward for information on the source of the sickness, the mayor plans to make an announcement with the goal of easing the nerves of the scared and concerned citizens. Laughter and music can be heard echoing through town as it over flows from the inn and out into the streets.
The two kobolds finish lighting their lamps and tip their small black hats towards the odd group of individuals walking through the street. They duck into the inn and disappear into its noisy glow as the five friends stand in the otherwise empty street. It will still be a couple hours before the mayor plans to arrive at the inn and the group continues to move down dark street as the hanging moss from the large trees lining the road brush across their heads and shoulders. A few moments later, the sounds from the inn are only a faint whisper and the lights of town are merely a faint yellow blob in the mist as they meet in a large clearing near the old bait shop on the edge of the swamp. The sounds of frogs and other swamp dwelling creatures seem to be a little quieter tonight as though muted by the fog. Oscar the Grung finishes collecting the last of his catch from the day and heads inside the small and rundown shack, moments before a dim light is seen shining from between the old wooden planks.
The group knows that they are now alone and that no one should bother them, especially since anyone that might be inclined to roam the streets at this time of day would likely be getting a seat at the inn in preparation of the mayors visit.
The younger-looking of the two half-elf females walks with her blue eyes to the ground. She doesn't like to feel hemmed in, so she's chosen a route along the left edge so everyone else is to her right. She's dressed in her usual nondescript clothes: a slightly dingy white blouse which is slowly turning see-through from the humidity, a plain brown skirt that is muddy at the hem, a brown vest buttoned up to her neck, and a blue cloak wrapped around her against the cool of the fog. On her back is a sword — she has called it Naïlo, but refuses to answer any questions about it. The weapon is wrapped in strips of cloth in place of a scabbard. Though hidden now, on one hip is a tiny pouch containing a few seemingly random items like a bell and a strip of leather. On the other is a dagger. Her dark blond hair is damp and clings to her, strands of it even snaking across her cheeks. Aside from her eyes, her only interesting facial feature is the dusting of freckles across her fair cheeks and nose. The nails on her irritated fingertips are short and ragged due to chewing. "Jorge didn't come for supper tonight," she comments quietly — the first thing she's said during their march toward the swamp. "Heard he's caught the sickness." Jorge is big and strong, and the news that even he can succumb is a bit worrying. He's been eating supper every night at the Muck and Maggots since Zalle, his wife, died a year ago. This pixie of a girl — Tiriana — pulls on the edges of her cloak with her crossed arms and rounds her shoulders a little more against the chill settling into her bones. Though downright reclusive and awkward around strangers, Tiriana is friendly and open enough with the four she walks with now. But tonight, she is solemn even with them as if the news about Jorge or something else is weighing on her mind.
Azure walked slowly down the path alongside his friends playing with a small globule of water in his hand. His pale green hair with lavender and violet highlights blended in with the darkness appearing darker than they actually were. He was a tall stout water gensai with light blue skin and simple but desirable facial features. A smooth pointed chin and athletic build from aiding his father in the blacksmith shop did nothing to conceal his friendly nature. With each step his shield, strapped on his back, would slide slightly against his chain mail making a muffled clinking noise beneath his clothes. His purple eyes flickered in the errant beams of moonlight that managed to poke through the fog as he focused on the water in his hand.
Using Shape Water, Azure would cause the water to twist and change into different shapes as his mind flowed through ideas. Settling on a mace with long protruding spikes he’d pull out his mace with his other hand and slowly pour the water on the ball end of his mace. The water would coalesce and freeze into four pointy icicles. Pleased with his work, Azure would hold up his new creation and ask excitedly, “What do you think? Think it pierce the skull of a bear?”
"Well if it doesn't, the bear will be the first to let you know!" Norge let out a hearty guffaw as he teased his friend. For a human Norge was a pretty average height but like Azure, had an athletic build from days spent working alongside blacksmiths. He had long, messy hair and a surprisingly well groomed beard. His chain mail armor was simple, but well made and he casually flipped his flanged mace as he walked. "Seriously though, that's a nice trick. I might have you beef up my mace with some icicley magic some time."
As the four ice shards rise up and stretch from the end of the mace, small snow flakes seem to form and drift to the ground around the tip of the weapon as the cold radiating from the weapon freezes the moisture lingering within the thick fog.
Azure chuckled halfheartedly at the joke but perked up quickly as Norge admired his work. "I think I can accomplish that." Azure says with a proud smile that fades as he leans forward to look over at Tiriana. "Maybe he'll pull through... he's pretty strong. We could get some food and leave it outside his door for him after we're done... if you like..." his voice trailed off as he offered his idea but gave a hopeful smile smile and nod to Tiriana before returning to his normal posture seeing that she was deep in thought. He'd hold out his mace to Norge and say, "Hold this for a bit." then pull out his water skin and pour a small amount of water in his hand using Shape Water to make it swirl around his hand until he puts back his water skin and reaches out his now empty hand motioning for Norge's mace. "Would you like something similar or something different?" and while they continue to walk Azure would run through a variety of shapes for the mace until he settles on one Norge approves of.
Taking Azure's lead, Norge tries to comfort Tiriana as well. "Jorge is a tough fellow. I bet he's just feeling a bit under the weather or had an errand to run in a neighboring town. He'll be back at the tavern before you know it."
Turning his attention back to Azure, Norge does his best to decide which ice shape he wants Azure to apply to his mace. "Hmmm... Spikes are good for impaling but I'm a fan of good ol' fashion blunt trauma. Maybe hook me up with some smaller, triangular type spikes. Something kind of like tiny pyramids attached to the flanges. That'll be good for smashing something!" Norge nods to Azure confident that he's made a sound decision.
Azure does his best to mimic Norge's words into a physical design and begins the same process on Norge's weapon making 10-11 small pyramidal spikes of ice form on the ball of the mace. "These will last an hour or until you break them off by hitting something hard." Azure says exchanging weapons with Norge and continuing towards the swamp silently.
Mith moves quickly alongside the others, quiet for the moment, just listening to the banter of his friends. His dark green skin melted into the darkness around them and his bright yellow eyes darted back and forth, always wary and watchful.
He was impressive looking, strong dragon features that he was proud of. It was his height that gave away that he was no dragon, or even a dragonborn. Barely two and half feet tall these others towered over him. But what he didn't have in height he had in courage and boldness.
He enjoyed these nights, swordplay in the darkness, where he was most comfortable. While the others found the fog and darkness perhaps disconcerting, Mith was not bothered.
After Azure and Norg try to cheer her up, Tiriana looks over and gives them a small smile. "That would be nice," she says, nodding. "I'll take something over to Jorge later." She shrugs. "Maybe he is traveling." She frowns again, tucking hair behind an ear. "So many people are getting sick. And now livestock has gone missing. What do you think it is?"
"My theory is its just a patch of bad mushrooms growing nearby. The swamp is full of them and eating the wrong one can definitely knock you flat or even kill you. Any livestock that passed out would've easily been taken by a croc or bear." Azure proposed before sharing. "Many of the farmers say they hear moans or cries of pain but never see proof of a fight. Just missing livestock. Some I think may have just left the gate open and the animals wander away."
Azure, being a member of the town guard would definitely know that recently there have been reports of livestock missing from a few of the small farms around the swamp and on the edges of town. The owners all reported hearing strange moans.. or maybe they were screams... or like growling? They were not sure.. but when they went to look for the animals, they were gone and there was no sign of a struggle... in almost every case there was a gate swinging in the breeze when the owners came to investigate.
Everyone else would probably just know second hand stories and rumors around town of a few animals wondering off or disappearing in the night.
Dressed in leather armor and a black cloak with a strip of burgundy trim at the edge, and wearing a longbow on her back snd a short bladed elvish sword and a pair of daggers on her waist, Beyanna brushes a stray lock of dark brown hair from her eyes, eyes that do little to hide the terrors they’ve seen.
Walking slightly behind the others, the older half elven woman listens to them converse with each other about ice covered weapons, mushrooms and sick livestock, while mostly keeping quiet and just observing.
The most recent addition to this group, Bey as she calls herself, still hasn’t quite gotten to know the other four people she’s accompanying very well yet. It’s been awhile since she’d traveled with other people, but the promise of some coin for her part in finding out what was behind the mysterious disease seemed like a good opportunity.
That said, she’d found the company to be rather welcome, especially after spending a few months on the road by herself. They seemed like a friendly, capable bunch, if not a little bit different... but then so was she. Maybe that’s why she felt more comfortable with these four than she usually felt with sone of the other groups she’d traveled with in the past few years. And Tiriana... how could she not feel a little bit of kinship with the young half elf girl, even if it did open up some painful memories?
She watches, intrigued at how Azure magically manipulates the water into frost, and laughs at the interplay between he and the powerful Norge.
”Knowing Norge, I’ll give him 5 minutes before he bashes those ice spikes off, I’ve seen how hard he swings that mace. What do you think, Mith? Shall we wager on it?”
Azure chuckled at Bey's comment. He liked Beyanna. She scared him the first time they met, she still does slightly, but despite her intimidating personality she just seemed to fit in with the rest of them. She was a bit of a loaner but they all were in some sense. That's what brought them together. He was glad to have friends, especially if there really was something more than an illness going on. Azure didn't enjoy the constant bad news of Darkwater and looked forward to these meetings as a reprieve from the world. Though he may be in the swamp, when he was training or play fighting with his friends he could've been anywhere. Sometimes he'd imagine himself being a gladiator in a huge arena, at other times in a dark spooky cave or a dragon's lair. Whatever or wherever it was he knew his friends would be there with him... at least he hoped they would be.
(OOC: Feel free to continue your banter. We are having a birthday party today so I maybe not get to post again so I am going to post now.)
As the group of friends begin their sparring with one another, time passes as a cool breeze blows from the swamp. Ice shards litter the ground as the clanking of weapons echo off of the nearby trees and buildings. Soon more muffled sounds can be heard coming from town and you get the idea that Muck and Maggots is probably at full capacity. There is another sound that catches the attention of the group. A dull ringing can be heard coming from down the road. The fog obscured road that follows along the swamp and heads north into the Moon Glow forest is hardly used and and in dire need of repairs. It is littered with deep ruts and pot holes in the dirt and stone that make up the road and have claimed a great deal of wagon wheels over the years. The group continues to spar as the dull clunking and ringing gets closer. Soon a foul stench accompanies the slight breeze.. a musty earthy rotting smell as the sound grows louder.
OOC: Roll perception. Anyone with a Passive Perception of 15 or more sees the following.
Down the northern road. I shrouded figure stands next to a pair of other large figures that look to resemble horses or maybe cows? It is hard to tell in the heavy fog and darkness since they are so far away.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Unwrapped, Tiriana's sword is very clumsy in her hand tonight. Mith, her partner, is patient with her, but a bit frustrated that she seems to have regressed since Beyanna joined the group. He notices the younger woman's eyes darting toward the older shyly on occasion.
"I'm sorry," she says meekly in response to an exhalation of breath by the kobold. "I guess I'm just distracted tonight." When someone asks what the approaching dull clunking and ringing is, she steps toward the road to look in that direction.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mith laughs out loud. "5 minutes! That's a lifetime when fighting. I'd give him 5 seconds."
Mith smiled through out the sparring. What he didn't have in strength he made up easily with speed and his size that gave him an advantage. Thrown in that they did this at night and he was in his element.
Azure would spar with both Norge and Beyanna propping up his shield up as it deflected an arrow from Bey and clanging his mace against Norge's. Ice shards fly through the air as the handles impact one another showering the two shielded warriors. Azure was trying to work on his footwork and combat awareness that night. He continued slowly moving towards Beyanna while trying to fend off Norge's attacks. When he heard the clunking he pinpointed the sound, his body used to hearing completely submerged in water and looked in the direction of the shrouded figure.
Azure's body would become stiff and he'd mumble for a second before saying, "Hold up. Do y'all see that?" and point in the direction of the figures.
OOC: At DM's Discretion- Yay for passive perception
Azure would attempt to use Shape Water to part the fog slightly between the group and the figures to get a better look at them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“You are probably right, little friend! That is a bet I would have indeed lost!” She laughs as she responds to Mith’s comment.
Bey always liked their sparring sessions, which had become a regular downtime activity for this group. She needed to stay sharp, and besides, they reminded her of the practice sessions she had with her father back when she was a young tween. He had taught her a range of elvish weapon and combat techniques, some of which had already saved her life as an adult.
Although she was proficient with both bow and blade, Bey had a special affinity for archery. She liked the singular focused concentration required to hit a target from afar. In addition, she found ranged combat to be much less harrowing than battling a foe up close, when you had to think about attacking and defending at the same time. Also, she found that attacking from afar added a level of fear to your opponent, and Bey has learned long ago that fear can be a powerful ally in any kind of tense interaction.
After giving the others some practice dodging and deflecting arrows, she switched to her blade and moved in for some melee training. Norge was a good sparring partner. Being a powerful and skillful fighter, he would press hard and keep her on her toes, but he would also give her good tips and show her how to exploit certain moves and press the attack when the opportunity presented itself. He also gave her no quarter when she make reckless moves, as she was known to do sometimes
Like Mith, Bey wasn’t exceptionally strong, but she was pretty fast, so her fighting style revolved around saying light on her feet, making nimble feints and the lunging in to make quick stabs with the sharp point of her finely crafted elvish sword.
She continues the practice, while also presenting encouraging words to Tiriana, who seems to be having a bit of trouble tonight.
Her ears and nose perk up the strange sound and odor that have suddenly caught the attention of the group.
As soon as the sparring begins Norge takes a swing at Azure who swings around just in time to block the mace with his shield. All of the ice immediately shatters into a hundred pieces. "Well crud. One swing. I guess Mith wins that wager. Shield wins vs. ice I suppose. Lesson learned." Norge shrugs off his mistake and continues sparring with the others.
Noticing Azure's change in posture Norge takes pause himself. "See what? Looks like fog and darkness to me."
Perception: 4
OOC: Is it a bad omen that my first dice roll ever in a DnD game was a 1? I have a +3 to perception. haha.
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Darkwater has become a much quieter place recently. Its citizens have begun to fall ill with a mysterious new illness that seems to be spreading at an alarming rate. Some of the more severely ill townsfolk have simply disappeared from their homes in the middle of the night.. leaving their loved ones concerned and heartbroken. A light fog rolls in from Skull Stone Swamp as the sun sets on the small town. A set of kobolds work together to light the few lamp hanging along the mostly empty streets as everyone else heads indoors. The faint light cast from homes and inn work with the lamps to fight back against the suffocating darkness that comes at night. The heavy tree cover and thick fog seemingly twists the light and uses it to cast strange shadows through the town. Recently some townsfolk have reported missing livestock and strange coming from the woods and swamp.
The Muck and Maggots Inn is full tonight with the news that Mayor Wrenchawitz was going to buy all those in attendance a free drink in the hope of raising the moral of the town. Having Posted a reward for information on the source of the sickness, the mayor plans to make an announcement with the goal of easing the nerves of the scared and concerned citizens. Laughter and music can be heard echoing through town as it over flows from the inn and out into the streets.
The two kobolds finish lighting their lamps and tip their small black hats towards the odd group of individuals walking through the street. They duck into the inn and disappear into its noisy glow as the five friends stand in the otherwise empty street. It will still be a couple hours before the mayor plans to arrive at the inn and the group continues to move down dark street as the hanging moss from the large trees lining the road brush across their heads and shoulders. A few moments later, the sounds from the inn are only a faint whisper and the lights of town are merely a faint yellow blob in the mist as they meet in a large clearing near the old bait shop on the edge of the swamp. The sounds of frogs and other swamp dwelling creatures seem to be a little quieter tonight as though muted by the fog. Oscar the Grung finishes collecting the last of his catch from the day and heads inside the small and rundown shack, moments before a dim light is seen shining from between the old wooden planks.
The group knows that they are now alone and that no one should bother them, especially since anyone that might be inclined to roam the streets at this time of day would likely be getting a seat at the inn in preparation of the mayors visit.
Oscar the Grung's Boat and Bait shop / home...
The younger-looking of the two half-elf females walks with her blue eyes to the ground. She doesn't like to feel hemmed in, so she's chosen a route along the left edge so everyone else is to her right. She's dressed in her usual nondescript clothes: a slightly dingy white blouse which is slowly turning see-through from the humidity, a plain brown skirt that is muddy at the hem, a brown vest buttoned up to her neck, and a blue cloak wrapped around her against the cool of the fog. On her back is a sword — she has called it Naïlo, but refuses to answer any questions about it. The weapon is wrapped in strips of cloth in place of a scabbard. Though hidden now, on one hip is a tiny pouch containing a few seemingly random items like a bell and a strip of leather. On the other is a dagger. Her dark blond hair is damp and clings to her, strands of it even snaking across her cheeks. Aside from her eyes, her only interesting facial feature is the dusting of freckles across her fair cheeks and nose. The nails on her irritated fingertips are short and ragged due to chewing. "Jorge didn't come for supper tonight," she comments quietly — the first thing she's said during their march toward the swamp. "Heard he's caught the sickness." Jorge is big and strong, and the news that even he can succumb is a bit worrying. He's been eating supper every night at the Muck and Maggots since Zalle, his wife, died a year ago. This pixie of a girl — Tiriana — pulls on the edges of her cloak with her crossed arms and rounds her shoulders a little more against the chill settling into her bones. Though downright reclusive and awkward around strangers, Tiriana is friendly and open enough with the four she walks with now. But tonight, she is solemn even with them as if the news about Jorge or something else is weighing on her mind.
Azure walked slowly down the path alongside his friends playing with a small globule of water in his hand. His pale green hair with lavender and violet highlights blended in with the darkness appearing darker than they actually were. He was a tall stout water gensai with light blue skin and simple but desirable facial features. A smooth pointed chin and athletic build from aiding his father in the blacksmith shop did nothing to conceal his friendly nature. With each step his shield, strapped on his back, would slide slightly against his chain mail making a muffled clinking noise beneath his clothes. His purple eyes flickered in the errant beams of moonlight that managed to poke through the fog as he focused on the water in his hand.
Using Shape Water, Azure would cause the water to twist and change into different shapes as his mind flowed through ideas. Settling on a mace with long protruding spikes he’d pull out his mace with his other hand and slowly pour the water on the ball end of his mace. The water would coalesce and freeze into four pointy icicles. Pleased with his work, Azure would hold up his new creation and ask excitedly, “What do you think? Think it pierce the skull of a bear?”
"Well if it doesn't, the bear will be the first to let you know!" Norge let out a hearty guffaw as he teased his friend. For a human Norge was a pretty average height but like Azure, had an athletic build from days spent working alongside blacksmiths. He had long, messy hair and a surprisingly well groomed beard. His chain mail armor was simple, but well made and he casually flipped his flanged mace as he walked. "Seriously though, that's a nice trick. I might have you beef up my mace with some icicley magic some time."
As the four ice shards rise up and stretch from the end of the mace, small snow flakes seem to form and drift to the ground around the tip of the weapon as the cold radiating from the weapon freezes the moisture lingering within the thick fog.
Azure chuckled halfheartedly at the joke but perked up quickly as Norge admired his work. "I think I can accomplish that." Azure says with a proud smile that fades as he leans forward to look over at Tiriana. "Maybe he'll pull through... he's pretty strong. We could get some food and leave it outside his door for him after we're done... if you like..." his voice trailed off as he offered his idea but gave a hopeful smile smile and nod to Tiriana before returning to his normal posture seeing that she was deep in thought. He'd hold out his mace to Norge and say, "Hold this for a bit." then pull out his water skin and pour a small amount of water in his hand using Shape Water to make it swirl around his hand until he puts back his water skin and reaches out his now empty hand motioning for Norge's mace. "Would you like something similar or something different?" and while they continue to walk Azure would run through a variety of shapes for the mace until he settles on one Norge approves of.
Taking Azure's lead, Norge tries to comfort Tiriana as well. "Jorge is a tough fellow. I bet he's just feeling a bit under the weather or had an errand to run in a neighboring town. He'll be back at the tavern before you know it."
Turning his attention back to Azure, Norge does his best to decide which ice shape he wants Azure to apply to his mace. "Hmmm... Spikes are good for impaling but I'm a fan of good ol' fashion blunt trauma. Maybe hook me up with some smaller, triangular type spikes. Something kind of like tiny pyramids attached to the flanges. That'll be good for smashing something!" Norge nods to Azure confident that he's made a sound decision.
Azure does his best to mimic Norge's words into a physical design and begins the same process on Norge's weapon making 10-11 small pyramidal spikes of ice form on the ball of the mace. "These will last an hour or until you break them off by hitting something hard." Azure says exchanging weapons with Norge and continuing towards the swamp silently.
Mith moves quickly alongside the others, quiet for the moment, just listening to the banter of his friends. His dark green skin melted into the darkness around them and his bright yellow eyes darted back and forth, always wary and watchful.
He was impressive looking, strong dragon features that he was proud of. It was his height that gave away that he was no dragon, or even a dragonborn. Barely two and half feet tall these others towered over him. But what he didn't have in height he had in courage and boldness.
He enjoyed these nights, swordplay in the darkness, where he was most comfortable. While the others found the fog and darkness perhaps disconcerting, Mith was not bothered.
After Azure and Norg try to cheer her up, Tiriana looks over and gives them a small smile. "That would be nice," she says, nodding. "I'll take something over to Jorge later." She shrugs. "Maybe he is traveling." She frowns again, tucking hair behind an ear. "So many people are getting sick. And now livestock has gone missing. What do you think it is?"
"My theory is its just a patch of bad mushrooms growing nearby. The swamp is full of them and eating the wrong one can definitely knock you flat or even kill you. Any livestock that passed out would've easily been taken by a croc or bear." Azure proposed before sharing. "Many of the farmers say they hear moans or cries of pain but never see proof of a fight. Just missing livestock. Some I think may have just left the gate open and the animals wander away."
Azure, being a member of the town guard would definitely know that recently there have been reports of livestock missing from a few of the small farms around the swamp and on the edges of town. The owners all reported hearing strange moans.. or maybe they were screams... or like growling? They were not sure.. but when they went to look for the animals, they were gone and there was no sign of a struggle... in almost every case there was a gate swinging in the breeze when the owners came to investigate.
Everyone else would probably just know second hand stories and rumors around town of a few animals wondering off or disappearing in the night.
Dressed in leather armor and a black cloak with a strip of burgundy trim at the edge, and wearing a longbow on her back snd a short bladed elvish sword and a pair of daggers on her waist, Beyanna brushes a stray lock of dark brown hair from her eyes, eyes that do little to hide the terrors they’ve seen.
Walking slightly behind the others, the older half elven woman listens to them converse with each other about ice covered weapons, mushrooms and sick livestock, while mostly keeping quiet and just observing.
The most recent addition to this group, Bey as she calls herself, still hasn’t quite gotten to know the other four people she’s accompanying very well yet. It’s been awhile since she’d traveled with other people, but the promise of some coin for her part in finding out what was behind the mysterious disease seemed like a good opportunity.
That said, she’d found the company to be rather welcome, especially after spending a few months on the road by herself. They seemed like a friendly, capable bunch, if not a little bit different... but then so was she. Maybe that’s why she felt more comfortable with these four than she usually felt with sone of the other groups she’d traveled with in the past few years. And Tiriana... how could she not feel a little bit of kinship with the young half elf girl, even if it did open up some painful memories?
She watches, intrigued at how Azure magically manipulates the water into frost, and laughs at the interplay between he and the powerful Norge.
”Knowing Norge, I’ll give him 5 minutes before he bashes those ice spikes off, I’ve seen how hard he swings that mace. What do you think, Mith? Shall we wager on it?”
Azure chuckled at Bey's comment. He liked Beyanna. She scared him the first time they met, she still does slightly, but despite her intimidating personality she just seemed to fit in with the rest of them. She was a bit of a loaner but they all were in some sense. That's what brought them together. He was glad to have friends, especially if there really was something more than an illness going on. Azure didn't enjoy the constant bad news of Darkwater and looked forward to these meetings as a reprieve from the world. Though he may be in the swamp, when he was training or play fighting with his friends he could've been anywhere. Sometimes he'd imagine himself being a gladiator in a huge arena, at other times in a dark spooky cave or a dragon's lair. Whatever or wherever it was he knew his friends would be there with him... at least he hoped they would be.
(OOC: Feel free to continue your banter. We are having a birthday party today so I maybe not get to post again so I am going to post now.)
As the group of friends begin their sparring with one another, time passes as a cool breeze blows from the swamp. Ice shards litter the ground as the clanking of weapons echo off of the nearby trees and buildings. Soon more muffled sounds can be heard coming from town and you get the idea that Muck and Maggots is probably at full capacity. There is another sound that catches the attention of the group. A dull ringing can be heard coming from down the road. The fog obscured road that follows along the swamp and heads north into the Moon Glow forest is hardly used and and in dire need of repairs. It is littered with deep ruts and pot holes in the dirt and stone that make up the road and have claimed a great deal of wagon wheels over the years. The group continues to spar as the dull clunking and ringing gets closer. Soon a foul stench accompanies the slight breeze.. a musty earthy rotting smell as the sound grows louder.
OOC: Roll perception. Anyone with a Passive Perception of 15 or more sees the following.
Down the northern road. I shrouded figure stands next to a pair of other large figures that look to resemble horses or maybe cows? It is hard to tell in the heavy fog and darkness since they are so far away.
Unwrapped, Tiriana's sword is very clumsy in her hand tonight. Mith, her partner, is patient with her, but a bit frustrated that she seems to have regressed since Beyanna joined the group. He notices the younger woman's eyes darting toward the older shyly on occasion.
"I'm sorry," she says meekly in response to an exhalation of breath by the kobold. "I guess I'm just distracted tonight." When someone asks what the approaching dull clunking and ringing is, she steps toward the road to look in that direction.
Perception: 14
Mith laughs out loud. "5 minutes! That's a lifetime when fighting. I'd give him 5 seconds."
Mith smiled through out the sparring. What he didn't have in strength he made up easily with speed and his size that gave him an advantage. Thrown in that they did this at night and he was in his element.
At the strange sounds he quickly looks around.
Perception 6
Azure would spar with both Norge and Beyanna propping up his shield up as it deflected an arrow from Bey and clanging his mace against Norge's. Ice shards fly through the air as the handles impact one another showering the two shielded warriors. Azure was trying to work on his footwork and combat awareness that night. He continued slowly moving towards Beyanna while trying to fend off Norge's attacks. When he heard the clunking he pinpointed the sound, his body used to hearing completely submerged in water and looked in the direction of the shrouded figure.
Azure's body would become stiff and he'd mumble for a second before saying, "Hold up. Do y'all see that?" and point in the direction of the figures.
OOC: At DM's Discretion- Yay for passive perception
Azure would attempt to use Shape Water to part the fog slightly between the group and the figures to get a better look at them.
“You are probably right, little friend! That is a bet I would have indeed lost!” She laughs as she responds to Mith’s comment.
Bey always liked their sparring sessions, which had become a regular downtime activity for this group. She needed to stay sharp, and besides, they reminded her of the practice sessions she had with her father back when she was a young tween. He had taught her a range of elvish weapon and combat techniques, some of which had already saved her life as an adult.
Although she was proficient with both bow and blade, Bey had a special affinity for archery. She liked the singular focused concentration required to hit a target from afar. In addition, she found ranged combat to be much less harrowing than battling a foe up close, when you had to think about attacking and defending at the same time. Also, she found that attacking from afar added a level of fear to your opponent, and Bey has learned long ago that fear can be a powerful ally in any kind of tense interaction.
After giving the others some practice dodging and deflecting arrows, she switched to her blade and moved in for some melee training. Norge was a good sparring partner. Being a powerful and skillful fighter, he would press hard and keep her on her toes, but he would also give her good tips and show her how to exploit certain moves and press the attack when the opportunity presented itself. He also gave her no quarter when she make reckless moves, as she was known to do sometimes
Like Mith, Bey wasn’t exceptionally strong, but she was pretty fast, so her fighting style revolved around saying light on her feet, making nimble feints and the lunging in to make quick stabs with the sharp point of her finely crafted elvish sword.
She continues the practice, while also presenting encouraging words to Tiriana, who seems to be having a bit of trouble tonight.
Her ears and nose perk up the strange sound and odor that have suddenly caught the attention of the group.
Perception check: 15
As soon as the sparring begins Norge takes a swing at Azure who swings around just in time to block the mace with his shield. All of the ice immediately shatters into a hundred pieces. "Well crud. One swing. I guess Mith wins that wager. Shield wins vs. ice I suppose. Lesson learned." Norge shrugs off his mistake and continues sparring with the others.
Noticing Azure's change in posture Norge takes pause himself. "See what? Looks like fog and darkness to me."
Perception: 4
OOC: Is it a bad omen that my first dice roll ever in a DnD game was a 1? I have a +3 to perception. haha.