Erbert says to the others after his eyes return to normal, “I have spotted him. He’s one of the judges. Let’s make our way down toward him.” He points out the goliath to his companions.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Surprised to see the old man fall, Herrena lifted a sword in the air to acknowledge her defeated foe and the crowd before turning to find only the other person in the arena still standing, the hulking man unconscious her feet. Grinning at the fact that there was still someone else to duel, Herrena gave another salute to the woman before beginning to approach her with slightly more caution than her last opponent had.
Action: Dodge action
Movement: Move 30 ft towards Sithissi
Heroism: 4/10
(OOC: has anyone else been having issues posting from a PC? For the past week+, I've only been able to post from my phone.)
Stretching to ease the ache of the day before's march in the early morning with a prayer to the gods of the sea, Malon eyes Gaz, not daring to ask what "fun things" would refer to. Also, he is not sure what a Razorback is but with such a name, he can only assume it's dangerous.
"I'd be keen for a hunt ... although ... would you tell me more of those "explorations" ? Is that a subdued word for "scavenging", or ... ?"
The young man prepares his bag, bow, and out of habit his fishing rod even as he's speaking.
Between fistfuls of food, Gaz speaks. "Hey! So, we really don't like people who sit around and don't do anything. There are a few exceptions," Gaz notes, glancing vaguely in the direction of Madam Bones, "But - yeah, you want to stay here, you better be prepared to work for it. It's usually boring - Tumor said there'd be some fun stuff coming up soon, but not in recent times." The elf rubs his hands together. "So - what is it today? Hunting? Logging? Explorations? There's usually a bunch of Razorbacks traveling this part of the woods this time of year. Up to you - what do you want to do?"
"Yeah," Alabaster grins, and nods at Malon. "I could use some hunting too. After what happened yesterday, some sports doesn't sound so bad. You know?" He pats Malon solidly on the back and laughs, his fur coat hanging open as always, revealing the healthy color of his bare chest.
"So," Alabaster says to Gaz, "Tumor assigned us to you, I gather? We'd hate to be a burden. Don't want to be left behind."
Thea perks up, reluctantly taking her eyes of Herrena's fight. "Great job, good to know he's actually here. Are you two sure we should be making a move right now though? I somewhat doubt our goliath would be very happy about us interrupting while the fights are still going on...or whats your take, Nico?"
"You're right. Aster takes his job seriously. He's not gonna be welcoming to some outsiders he's never met bothering him in the middle of a match. Sit down and be patient."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Erbert was lost in the excitement of finding his quarry. “Ok ok, you’re right.” You can tell by the tone of his voice that he hates to admit it. “But perhaps we can get our seat closer to him, keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t slip away after the match. Can we get closer?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The fight continues - and the crowd's roars become evenly divided between the rogue and the bard. Herrena approaches cautiously once more, but the hooded woman uses the opportunity to take a knee and attempt to fire true.
Over at the Outcasts, Gaz casts a wry glance towards Malon. "Oh, yeah. 'Explorations' range from raids, scavenging, anything you can think of. Or anything you feel like doing. It's a great thing, not being told what to do. You can do whatever you want!"
"Tumor's assuming you're with us, I guess. Never really know what he thinks. Never really know if he cares," Gaz shrugs, "But either way, we're hunting. Tracking, actually - the animals have been strange in the woods lately, and I want to know why. They've been, well - smart. Evading traps. Ambushing hunters, you know? That sort of thing, but really, we're after the big game. Razorbacks. Big, razor-toothed boars. They'll rip you a new one if you let them charge you, so - my advice? Don't." With his lopsided grin, Gaz gestures for Asha, Alabaster, and Malon to follow him into the sprawling, tangled woods clearly untouched by any in centuries, Wilderling or Imperial.
"One guy came back with his arm torn up. Said a bunch of Razorbacks charged him and his now-dead troop in a pretty organized fashion. Said there was intelligence in their eyes more than Tumor's most of the time...yeah, he got zapped, but we're out to find it. It's about an hour north's worth of travel, so we're splitting into groups and spreading out - don't wander too far, now. Need some help, give a yell."Gaz and Asha disperse into the woods, leaving the muttering and crackle of campfires behind. It seems they assume you'll follow.
(Any somewhat familiar with the Wilderness know Razorbacks to be tough boars spawned from experiments of ambitious Transmuters seeking to alter boars in attempts to create guardians by attaching enlarged mandibles of insects to their snouts. Needless to say, they couldn't control their creations, and Razorbacks have simply been added to the menagerie of strange beasts terrorizing the woods. Apparently, they're quite tasty despite their danger.)
(Feel free to roll a relevant check of your choice to either search for tracks or find hints of a scuffle - Survival, Perception, Investigation, or anything you feel could apply.)
Though she failed to parry the crossbow bolt with her blades, Herrena barely felt the attack hit her as bolstering magic continued to course through her. Dropping one of her two blades to the ground, Herrena grabbed and threw one of her daggers at the woman before charging her and attempting to catch her by surprise with a second strike.
Action: Throw Dagger at Sithissi (Hit 19/ Damage 6)
Erbert motions to the others to keep following him as he tries to move closer to the large bald Goliath man who is a judge of the arena sport, trying to find some unoccupied seats nearer to him and the action below.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Iver follows, trying to stay close. It's easier to walk between so many people when your body is small, but at the same time, much more difficult to see your destination. He hopes Erbert knows where he's going as he follows along.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The black-clothed woman lets out a sharp cry of pain as both the dagger and shortsword catch her in the side. Dropping her crossbow onto the sands below, Sithissi spits out a mouthful of blood and counterattacks with her dagger before Herrena can adequately prepare a defense from her charge.
Bonus Action: Steady Aim. Action: Dagger Attack: 23 Damage: 0. Sneak attack, if hit: 7 (Messed up the damage roll, though that should miss regardless.)
Crawling through the mass of cheering Torken proves challenging. Hoppy has a better time flying through the stands, but Erbert and Iver earn their fair share of wayward glances as they fight their way up and up through the rock-carved arena stands; the platform where Aster was seen seems to overlook the entire arena - fitting, for he seems to be a judge.
Regardless, after a few minutes of exertion, you finally reach Aster's platform - the Goliath easily towers over even the other tallest Torken, corded muscles plainly visible under his grayish, tanned skin. His expression seems curved in a constant frown. To his sides are who you assume to be the other reigning judges of the arena; a laurel-wreathed, wrinkled human and a surprisingly young, silver-haired man with a large glaive at his side. Notably few Torken dare approach while they watch.
(Still waiting on an update for Alabaster / Malon.)
Nimbly dodging out of the way of the woman's knife, Herrena responded with two more slashes of her own before tripping and shoving her away in one fluid motion (in what she hoped would get a positive rise out of the crowd). She then stood and waited for the woman to stand and continue the fight, taking what she also hoped was an impressive looking pose.
Using (1) Bardic Inspiration for Mobile Flourish (6 additional damage + moved 11 ft away)
You can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to cause the weapon to deal extra damage to the target you hit. The damage equals the number you roll on the Bardic Inspiration die. You can also push the target up to 5 feet away from you, plus a number of feet equal to the number you roll on that die. You can then immediately use your reaction to move up to your walking speed to an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the target.
Over at the Outcasts, Gaz casts a wry glance towards Malon. "Oh, yeah. 'Explorations' range from raids, scavenging, anything you can think of. Or anything you feel like doing. It's a great thing, not being told what to do. You can do whatever you want!"
"Tumor's assuming you're with us, I guess. Never really know what he thinks. Never really know if he cares," Gaz shrugs, "But either way, we're hunting. Tracking, actually - the animals have been strange in the woods lately, and I want to know why. They've been, well - smart. Evading traps. Ambushing hunters, you know? That sort of thing, but really, we're after the big game. Razorbacks. Big, razor-toothed boars. They'll rip you a new one if you let them charge you, so - my advice? Don't." With his lopsided grin, Gaz gestures for Asha, Alabaster, and Malon to follow him into the sprawling, tangled woods clearly untouched by any in centuries, Wilderling or Imperial.
"One guy came back with his arm torn up. Said a bunch of Razorbacks charged him and his now-dead troop in a pretty organized fashion. Said there was intelligence in their eyes more than Tumor's most of the time...yeah, he got zapped, but we're out to find it. It's about an hour north's worth of travel, so we're splitting into groups and spreading out - don't wander too far, now. Need some help, give a yell."Gaz and Asha disperse into the woods, leaving the muttering and crackle of campfires behind. It seems they assume you'll follow.
(Any somewhat familiar with the Wilderness know Razorbacks to be tough boars spawned from experiments of ambitious Transmuters seeking to alter boars in attempts to create guardians by attaching enlarged mandibles of insects to their snouts. Needless to say, they couldn't control their creations, and Razorbacks have simply been added to the menagerie of strange beasts terrorizing the woods. Apparently, they're quite tasty despite their danger.)
(Feel free to roll a relevant check of your choice to either search for tracks or find hints of a scuffle - Survival, Perception, Investigation, or anything you feel could apply.)
"Sounds like fun," Alabaster grins. He tosses a glance at Malon, "What do you think, Mal, Razorbacks for dinner? We could use your eyes." He has seen Malon hunt before, and recognizes his hunting skills. He does a little gesture with his finger around his temple, signalling Malon to do the telepathic link thing, in case either of them gets lost or gets in trouble. Then he gives him a small lift of the corner of his mouth, and follows Gaz and Asha into the words.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Malon takes in Gaz' description of what they're hunting with as much ease as he can manage. Animals ... ambushing hunters ? An unpleasant scenario if anything. As the little Outcast group steps away, he glances at Alabaster.
"The moment we meet them, would you pray for me ?"
He chuckles as an attempt to hide his nervosity, but it just does the very opposite.
"Alright, I'm as ready as I'll ever be I guess." he adds telepathically as he follows the feral man, definitely not willing to split up in that moment.
Not long ago: A gnome reclines in an appropriately-sized armchair. Judging by the make and fashion, the seat seems custom-designed; by the grandeur of the gnome's house, the man clearly made a living several times over. A bookshelf with plentiful accolades for alchemical research reflects the dancing of a warm fire - it's winter.
With a sigh, the gnome unseals one of several letters piled on a coffee table - an author was bound to receive many. Gifts, too; a few packages lied at the table's stool. Fans often sent gifts. Just another evening by the fire. In a voice practiced to sound educated, the gnome - as usual - reads his letters out loud, for he enjoyed the sound of his own educated tone.
"Zilwinkle Wobblecrest," the gnome enunciated, taking pride in his extravagant name. Of course, he changed his official name to his more artistic pseudonym. 'Wyrd Glotblight' wouldn't sell any books. "A reader of your works brings news. Your research is exceptional, and shed quite a large amount of light on an issue I have been studying." The gnome takes a sip of wine - that was usual; his research was genuine, even if inflated by his vanity. "And for that, I thank you. Fluidium is a fascinating substance - uncovered by Imperial drilling in the Wilderness, you say? Perhaps I will visit in the future to discuss." The gnome scoffs - another self-proclaimed scientist visiting and hoping to 'collaborate'. Idiots, for the most part. Compared to him, of course. "Though now is not the time. Fluidium heralds magic, fueling the arcane process - potentially with earth-shaking consequences. Or, if you share my sentiment, benefits." The gnome raises a brow and stokes the fire. Perhaps this person would be interesting to talk with.
"However, there is something else which drew my attention. Fluidium harbors power - and power, unfortunately for you, that I will take for myself."
The gnome didn't have time to read who authored the note before several high-powered explosives detonated directly below his expensive, oaken footstool.
With a magnificent parry and counterattack, Herrena emerges victorious as her rogueish opponent falls. Herrena's exotic maneuvers earned an especially grand cheer from the crowd. Medics are called from the stands and immediately swarm over the injured as the magically-enhanced voice of the announcer booms through the stands; "We have a victor! And now - for what everyone has been waiting for today!"
Herrena's wounds are minorly patched before the crowd parts - Herrena is led directly towards the cleared victor's stand. Conveniently, where Nico, Thea, Iver, and Erbert have found themselves. Amidst the congratulations, you nevertheless get the sense all these previous fights have simply been to impress the crowd before the actual fight; normally, the arena wouldn't be as full as it is, but the entire Torken city of several thousand have crammed directly into the stands to watch whatever is coming next.
Before you can speak - to each other or to Aster - the towering Goliath shifts in his seat, turning an elbow to rest on his willow chair. His cataracted eyes are unfocused and narrowed. Aster, evidently, is blind, though somehow, his attention focuses over the gathered group.
"You fight well," Aster comments towards Herrena."And the rest of you not at all. Why not? I have foreseen your arrival. I presume you obtained what I requested of the red-haired Zavas girl?"
Gaz seems comfortable slinking off through the woods, resembling a panther comfortable in his own terrain - Asha less so, but she eventually splits from Alabaster and Malon to search on her own.
Some time passes as you trek through the woods. Alabaster especially manages to find several, muddied-and-bloodied tracks on the forest floor which aren't too old - all seem to be leading back to camp, indicating the tracks of whoever returned to the Outcast camp alive.
After an hour or so of travel, Alabaster spots a small glade clearing next to a riverside stream. The stench of blood seems powerful here - and judging by the several bodies lying on the ground nearby, quite recent as well. The faint sound of something wetly crunching sounds as a large, boar-like creature - most definitely a Razorback - repeatedly stabbing a bloated corpse's abdomen with vaguely insect-like fangs sprouting where tusks should be. The front of its head is matted with blood. Around a half-dozen fallen Outcasts lie, killed in a surprising variety of methods.
More concerning, though, is a humanoid figure kneeling near the river, hands bringing cupped water to its lips. It is dressed in a dappled, dark red cloak - the exact shade brings to mind blood, as if it was used as the dye in the creation of this dirtied cowl. The murmuring of the stream seems to prevent either of the two from noticing Alabaster or Malon.
With a magnificent parry and counterattack, Herrena emerges victorious as her rogueish opponent falls. Herrena's exotic maneuvers earned an especially grand cheer from the crowd. Medics are called from the stands and immediately swarm over the injured as the magically-enhanced voice of the announcer booms through the stands; "We have a victor! And now - for what everyone has been waiting for today!"
Herrena's wounds are minorly patched before the crowd parts - Herrena is led directly towards the cleared victor's stand. Conveniently, where Nico, Thea, Iver, and Erbert have found themselves. Amidst the congratulations, you nevertheless get the sense all these previous fights have simply been to impress the crowd before the actual fight; normally, the arena wouldn't be as full as it is, but the entire Torken city of several thousand have crammed directly into the stands to watch whatever is coming next.
Before you can speak - to each other or to Aster - the towering Goliath shifts in his seat, turning an elbow to rest on his willow chair. His cataracted eyes are unfocused and narrowed. Aster, evidently, is blind, though somehow, his attention focuses over the gathered group.
Herrena waved, saluted and blew kisses out to the crowd as she was ushered off, overjoyed with the great success she had achieved in the ring. She wondered if the news would spread far enough to reach her master back in the Zavas lands? When she excitedly entered the winner's pavilion above, she was surprised to see the rest of their group had already made it over as well; though before she could go over to them, she was addressed by the massive goliath.
"You fight well," Aster comments towards Herrena. "And the rest of you not at all. Why not? I have foreseen your arrival. I presume you obtained what I requested of the red-haired Zavas girl?"
"Oh, thank you! It was nothing. I've fought tougher. Actually, we all have. Hopefully since I won, I'll be able to fight here again, maybe even against one of you." She added as she looked to the other champions in the Victor's Stand. "And yes you're correct, we were asked to deliver something to you. It's right her-... Umm..." she began before falling silent for a moment as her search intensified. "Oh found it! I knew I had it somewhere." she added before holding out the package to him.
Erbert says to the others after his eyes return to normal, “I have spotted him. He’s one of the judges. Let’s make our way down toward him.” He points out the goliath to his companions.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Iver nods, looks one last time at Herrena's match and hops off his seat. "Lead the way." He says plainly.
Varielky
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Stretching to ease the ache of the day before's march in the early morning with a prayer to the gods of the sea, Malon eyes Gaz, not daring to ask what "fun things" would refer to. Also, he is not sure what a Razorback is but with such a name, he can only assume it's dangerous.
"I'd be keen for a hunt ... although ... would you tell me more of those "explorations" ? Is that a subdued word for "scavenging", or ... ?"
The young man prepares his bag, bow, and out of habit his fishing rod even as he's speaking.
Malon : Kalashtar Ranger
Goramar : Half-Orc Ranger
"Yeah," Alabaster grins, and nods at Malon. "I could use some hunting too. After what happened yesterday, some sports doesn't sound so bad. You know?" He pats Malon solidly on the back and laughs, his fur coat hanging open as always, revealing the healthy color of his bare chest.
"So," Alabaster says to Gaz, "Tumor assigned us to you, I gather? We'd hate to be a burden. Don't want to be left behind."
Thea perks up, reluctantly taking her eyes of Herrena's fight. "Great job, good to know he's actually here. Are you two sure we should be making a move right now though? I somewhat doubt our goliath would be very happy about us interrupting while the fights are still going on...or whats your take, Nico?"
"You're right. Aster takes his job seriously. He's not gonna be welcoming to some outsiders he's never met bothering him in the middle of a match. Sit down and be patient."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Erbert was lost in the excitement of finding his quarry. “Ok ok, you’re right.” You can tell by the tone of his voice that he hates to admit it. “But perhaps we can get our seat closer to him, keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t slip away after the match. Can we get closer?”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The fight continues - and the crowd's roars become evenly divided between the rogue and the bard. Herrena approaches cautiously once more, but the hooded woman uses the opportunity to take a knee and attempt to fire true.
Sithissi Bonus Action: Steady Aim
Action: Light Crossbow Attack (Herrena): 14 Damage: 6
Over at the Outcasts, Gaz casts a wry glance towards Malon. "Oh, yeah. 'Explorations' range from raids, scavenging, anything you can think of. Or anything you feel like doing. It's a great thing, not being told what to do. You can do whatever you want!"
"Tumor's assuming you're with us, I guess. Never really know what he thinks. Never really know if he cares," Gaz shrugs, "But either way, we're hunting. Tracking, actually - the animals have been strange in the woods lately, and I want to know why. They've been, well - smart. Evading traps. Ambushing hunters, you know? That sort of thing, but really, we're after the big game. Razorbacks. Big, razor-toothed boars. They'll rip you a new one if you let them charge you, so - my advice? Don't." With his lopsided grin, Gaz gestures for Asha, Alabaster, and Malon to follow him into the sprawling, tangled woods clearly untouched by any in centuries, Wilderling or Imperial.
"One guy came back with his arm torn up. Said a bunch of Razorbacks charged him and his now-dead troop in a pretty organized fashion. Said there was intelligence in their eyes more than Tumor's most of the time...yeah, he got zapped, but we're out to find it. It's about an hour north's worth of travel, so we're splitting into groups and spreading out - don't wander too far, now. Need some help, give a yell." Gaz and Asha disperse into the woods, leaving the muttering and crackle of campfires behind. It seems they assume you'll follow.
(Any somewhat familiar with the Wilderness know Razorbacks to be tough boars spawned from experiments of ambitious Transmuters seeking to alter boars in attempts to create guardians by attaching enlarged mandibles of insects to their snouts. Needless to say, they couldn't control their creations, and Razorbacks have simply been added to the menagerie of strange beasts terrorizing the woods. Apparently, they're quite tasty despite their danger.)
(Feel free to roll a relevant check of your choice to either search for tracks or find hints of a scuffle - Survival, Perception, Investigation, or anything you feel could apply.)
Though she failed to parry the crossbow bolt with her blades, Herrena barely felt the attack hit her as bolstering magic continued to course through her. Dropping one of her two blades to the ground, Herrena grabbed and threw one of her daggers at the woman before charging her and attempting to catch her by surprise with a second strike.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Erbert motions to the others to keep following him as he tries to move closer to the large bald Goliath man who is a judge of the arena sport, trying to find some unoccupied seats nearer to him and the action below.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Iver follows, trying to stay close. It's easier to walk between so many people when your body is small, but at the same time, much more difficult to see your destination. He hopes Erbert knows where he's going as he follows along.
Varielky
The black-clothed woman lets out a sharp cry of pain as both the dagger and shortsword catch her in the side. Dropping her crossbow onto the sands below, Sithissi spits out a mouthful of blood and counterattacks with her dagger before Herrena can adequately prepare a defense from her charge.
Bonus Action: Steady Aim.
Action: Dagger Attack: 23 Damage: 0. Sneak attack, if hit: 7
(Messed up the damage roll, though that should miss regardless.)
Crawling through the mass of cheering Torken proves challenging. Hoppy has a better time flying through the stands, but Erbert and Iver earn their fair share of wayward glances as they fight their way up and up through the rock-carved arena stands; the platform where Aster was seen seems to overlook the entire arena - fitting, for he seems to be a judge.
Regardless, after a few minutes of exertion, you finally reach Aster's platform - the Goliath easily towers over even the other tallest Torken, corded muscles plainly visible under his grayish, tanned skin. His expression seems curved in a constant frown. To his sides are who you assume to be the other reigning judges of the arena; a laurel-wreathed, wrinkled human and a surprisingly young, silver-haired man with a large glaive at his side. Notably few Torken dare approach while they watch.
(Still waiting on an update for Alabaster / Malon.)
(Happy New Year Everyone!)
Nimbly dodging out of the way of the woman's knife, Herrena responded with two more slashes of her own before tripping and shoving her away in one fluid motion (in what she hoped would get a positive rise out of the crowd). She then stood and waited for the woman to stand and continue the fight, taking what she also hoped was an impressive looking pose.
You can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to cause the weapon to deal extra damage to the target you hit. The damage equals the number you roll on the Bardic Inspiration die. You can also push the target up to 5 feet away from you, plus a number of feet equal to the number you roll on that die. You can then immediately use your reaction to move up to your walking speed to an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the target.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Erbert awaits the end of the match before attempting to approach the goliath, biding his time.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Sounds like fun," Alabaster grins. He tosses a glance at Malon, "What do you think, Mal, Razorbacks for dinner? We could use your eyes." He has seen Malon hunt before, and recognizes his hunting skills. He does a little gesture with his finger around his temple, signalling Malon to do the telepathic link thing, in case either of them gets lost or gets in trouble. Then he gives him a small lift of the corner of his mouth, and follows Gaz and Asha into the words.
Nature: 8
Perception: 4
Survival: 15
Malon takes in Gaz' description of what they're hunting with as much ease as he can manage. Animals ... ambushing hunters ? An unpleasant scenario if anything. As the little Outcast group steps away, he glances at Alabaster.
"The moment we meet them, would you pray for me ?"
He chuckles as an attempt to hide his nervosity, but it just does the very opposite.
"Alright, I'm as ready as I'll ever be I guess." he adds telepathically as he follows the feral man, definitely not willing to split up in that moment.
Survival : 8
Malon : Kalashtar Ranger
Goramar : Half-Orc Ranger
Chapter 3: Fluidium
Not long ago:
A gnome reclines in an appropriately-sized armchair. Judging by the make and fashion, the seat seems custom-designed; by the grandeur of the gnome's house, the man clearly made a living several times over. A bookshelf with plentiful accolades for alchemical research reflects the dancing of a warm fire - it's winter.
With a sigh, the gnome unseals one of several letters piled on a coffee table - an author was bound to receive many. Gifts, too; a few packages lied at the table's stool. Fans often sent gifts. Just another evening by the fire. In a voice practiced to sound educated, the gnome - as usual - reads his letters out loud, for he enjoyed the sound of his own educated tone.
"Zilwinkle Wobblecrest," the gnome enunciated, taking pride in his extravagant name. Of course, he changed his official name to his more artistic pseudonym. 'Wyrd Glotblight' wouldn't sell any books. "A reader of your works brings news. Your research is exceptional, and shed quite a large amount of light on an issue I have been studying." The gnome takes a sip of wine - that was usual; his research was genuine, even if inflated by his vanity. "And for that, I thank you. Fluidium is a fascinating substance - uncovered by Imperial drilling in the Wilderness, you say? Perhaps I will visit in the future to discuss." The gnome scoffs - another self-proclaimed scientist visiting and hoping to 'collaborate'. Idiots, for the most part. Compared to him, of course. "Though now is not the time. Fluidium heralds magic, fueling the arcane process - potentially with earth-shaking consequences. Or, if you share my sentiment, benefits." The gnome raises a brow and stokes the fire. Perhaps this person would be interesting to talk with.
"However, there is something else which drew my attention. Fluidium harbors power - and power, unfortunately for you, that I will take for myself."
The gnome didn't have time to read who authored the note before several high-powered explosives detonated directly below his expensive, oaken footstool.
With a magnificent parry and counterattack, Herrena emerges victorious as her rogueish opponent falls. Herrena's exotic maneuvers earned an especially grand cheer from the crowd. Medics are called from the stands and immediately swarm over the injured as the magically-enhanced voice of the announcer booms through the stands; "We have a victor! And now - for what everyone has been waiting for today!"
Herrena's wounds are minorly patched before the crowd parts - Herrena is led directly towards the cleared victor's stand. Conveniently, where Nico, Thea, Iver, and Erbert have found themselves. Amidst the congratulations, you nevertheless get the sense all these previous fights have simply been to impress the crowd before the actual fight; normally, the arena wouldn't be as full as it is, but the entire Torken city of several thousand have crammed directly into the stands to watch whatever is coming next.
Before you can speak - to each other or to Aster - the towering Goliath shifts in his seat, turning an elbow to rest on his willow chair. His cataracted eyes are unfocused and narrowed. Aster, evidently, is blind, though somehow, his attention focuses over the gathered group.
"You fight well," Aster comments towards Herrena. "And the rest of you not at all. Why not? I have foreseen your arrival. I presume you obtained what I requested of the red-haired Zavas girl?"
Gaz seems comfortable slinking off through the woods, resembling a panther comfortable in his own terrain - Asha less so, but she eventually splits from Alabaster and Malon to search on her own.
Some time passes as you trek through the woods. Alabaster especially manages to find several, muddied-and-bloodied tracks on the forest floor which aren't too old - all seem to be leading back to camp, indicating the tracks of whoever returned to the Outcast camp alive.
After an hour or so of travel, Alabaster spots a small glade clearing next to a riverside stream. The stench of blood seems powerful here - and judging by the several bodies lying on the ground nearby, quite recent as well. The faint sound of something wetly crunching sounds as a large, boar-like creature - most definitely a Razorback - repeatedly stabbing a bloated corpse's abdomen with vaguely insect-like fangs sprouting where tusks should be. The front of its head is matted with blood. Around a half-dozen fallen Outcasts lie, killed in a surprising variety of methods.
More concerning, though, is a humanoid figure kneeling near the river, hands bringing cupped water to its lips. It is dressed in a dappled, dark red cloak - the exact shade brings to mind blood, as if it was used as the dye in the creation of this dirtied cowl. The murmuring of the stream seems to prevent either of the two from noticing Alabaster or Malon.
What do you do?
Herrena waved, saluted and blew kisses out to the crowd as she was ushered off, overjoyed with the great success she had achieved in the ring. She wondered if the news would spread far enough to reach her master back in the Zavas lands? When she excitedly entered the winner's pavilion above, she was surprised to see the rest of their group had already made it over as well; though before she could go over to them, she was addressed by the massive goliath.
"Oh, thank you! It was nothing. I've fought tougher. Actually, we all have. Hopefully since I won, I'll be able to fight here again, maybe even against one of you." She added as she looked to the other champions in the Victor's Stand. "And yes you're correct, we were asked to deliver something to you. It's right her-... Umm..." she began before falling silent for a moment as her search intensified. "Oh found it! I knew I had it somewhere." she added before holding out the package to him.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM