As the others introduce themselves, Hadi stands up and says, "since we are doing introductions." He then looks to those around him, "T’bitha, Khessa, Tristan, and...?" gesturing to the slender human at his side. Then, placing a hand on his chest in a formal greeting appropriate to his station, says, "I am Hadi Benotto."Pausing slightly after saying his family name.
Dimitri glanced at the young elf. The fine clothes, the fur cloak, he raised his eyebrow as he caught sight of the ring on his finger. Almost as big as a robin's egg, and fine mineral, too, from the way the light glinted of it. He didn't let his gaze linger, but played the sight in his mind as he looked away, considering the family glyph. What was a nobleman's kid doing here? Risking his life for some meagre coins? The thought was preposterous, which means... there's something more. He just needed to figure out what.
"Kykevas." He supplied, with a slight nod. "Dimitri Kykevas."
"Thank you for what you felt like telling me for now," Khessa smiles back. "What you told me reassured me more than you can imagine. You know, even on the basis of some experiences I have had, I have no great love for vermins... even more for those vermins who try to be worshiped as a divinity and, for some obscure reason, they manage to convince a significant amount of drow to do it. I am very pleased that Eilistraee is different. I will not need to 'make you feel uncomfortable' again".
And with that, she follows.
He stopped as he noticed Khessa and T'bitha huddled together, conspiring. He heard some snatches and pieces, drow, Lolth, vermins. The last word said by the blonde warrior, with a particular hint of distaste, at odds with her general... cheeriness. Some history there, no doubt. He spent one second considering if he wanted to know, then he decided he didn't. He followed the others downstairs. With a deep breath, he let the transportation magic envelop him, felt drowning and weightlessness at the same time. When he opened his eyes, they were standing in front of the Veiled Forest.
"Regarding the urn. Perhaps those accounts are not as contradictory as they seem. Depending on the method, immortality itself could be seen as a curse." Hadi says, thinking it over as if it were a puzzle to be solved. "Do we know how it came to be placed in this crypt? Will there likely be guards? Or had it simply been lost to time?"
"It's a crypt." Dimitri said, turned his head so he could look at Hadi with his one good eye, dark blue like lost seas. "There are probably traps, wards, protection against graverobbers. Probably built like a labyrinthine, offshoots and convoluted paths designed to confuse people. There may be monsters. Who found their way in and settled down, or deliberately kept there, with summons or curses, guarding the tomb." His lips curled into a grin. "But first, we need to cross the forest."
"It's a crypt." Dimitri said, turned his head so he could look at Hadi with his one good eye, dark blue like lost seas. "There are probably traps, wards, protection against graverobbers. Probably built like a labyrinthine, offshoots and convoluted paths designed to confuse people. There may be monsters. Who found their way in and settled down, or deliberately kept there, with summons or curses, guarding the tomb." His lips curled into a grin. "But first, we need to cross the forest."
"Dimitri. A pleasure." Hadi nods in acknowledgement. Then listening to his explanation of the crypt says, "I must admit. You seem to have a good understanding of what we may find. How interesting. My family crypts, though there are some wards that allow only family members in, have little in the way of traps." Looking then to the woods around, and listening to the silence adds, "I fear you are correct here. The forest itself may be an even bigger obstacle."
He then looks to the owl on his shoulder, who immediately takes to the air, Hadi's eyes closing for a moment as he looks through Laza's to see if the owl can notice anything he does not. Staying close though, Hadi only allows Laza a quick look around, not wanting his friend to stray too far in these dangerous woods. ((perception from Laza 17))
"I must admit. You seem to have a good understanding of what we may find. How interesting. My family crypts, though there are some wards that allow only family members in, have little in the way of traps."
"Really." Dimitri raised a conspiratorial eyebrow. "And where is it?"
Hadi, you send Laza out towards the forest, and you take a moment to focus yourself through Laza's eyes, going deaf as you do. You're now hearing and seeing through Laza's eyes, and it's loud. Your owl can hear the sounds of field mice moving through the fields below, it can hear the wind as it blows past, then Laza pierces the veil of the forest and everything goes silent. The only thing you can hear is the sound of Laza's near silent wings as they flap, and you can hardly see ten feet in front of Laza, making it extremely difficult to fly without running into the trees or tree branches that appear in their sight right before nearly running into them.
to Dimitri Hadi replies, “ah. Back on my family land of course. Not far from the Keep.”
Once Laza disappears into the mist Hadi quickly brings him out and says to the group, “it seems the reports were not exaggerated. Once inside the mist all sight and sound is greatly muffled. We will need to tread very lightly.” And looking to the others adds, “we also will need a way to ensure we do not lose our way…”
((@dm - does being in the mist mean dim or dark light for mechanical purposes?))
Khessa stares at the noble elf and his owl, amazed and fascinated at the same time: "Hadi... but Laza is... your familiar? I don't know how long I've been trying to learn that spell... it always seems to me I'm on the verge of mastering it, but in the end I always lack something. It must be wonderful, to be able to explore the world with someone else's senses. The same world, seen with different eyes, is a completely different world, right? You know, I'm studying a bit of magic... even if I still have a lot to learn."
The blonde adventurer then seems to get lost in her own thoughts for a moment: "I wonder... if you had summoned Laza in the form of a bat instead of an owl, maybe its senses would have worked? Bats don't see only with their eyes... I'd be curious to find out if their senses are also limited by the Veiled Forest or not".
But then she returns to more practical considerations: "However, if with 'not lose our way' do you mean to be able to retrace our steps, we could mark the trunks as we pass by... A characteristic incision that is quick to make and immediate (for us) to recognize, oriented so that we understand where we came from. The only downside would be that the mysterious predators that roam the forest at night, if they were smart enough, might notice the signs themselves... and track us down more easily. But we don't know anything about them... if they live in this place where you can't see two steps away, it is possible that they have extraordinary or magical senses at their disposal to detect intruders anyway. Up to us if we want to try this or not".
"Ah. Have you studied the arcane much? The familiar is one of the first spells my family had us learn. Everyone has their own companion. Bats are actually quite friendly as well. And good for carrying messages."Hadi replies with a smile, clearly remembering something, and almost as an after thought adds, "Though the ritual part can be a bit much when you are first learning. It is not a quick spell."
Then, thinking of the forest and what his new friend said of predators, says, "Who is this we you mention? Are you of the opinion that this fog is here purposefully?"
If the team takes some time to talk, Hadi will reach into his pack and pull out his spell book, which is an ancient book with an order silver cover depicting a swirling blade of some kind, and begins rifling through the pages quietly whistling to himself to cast Detect Magic to see if the fog gives off any aura he might recognize.
"Regarding the urn. Perhaps those accounts are not as contradictory as they seem. Depending on the method, immortality itself could be seen as a curse." Hadi says, thinking it over as if it were a puzzle to be solved. "Do we know how it came to be placed in this crypt? Will there likely be guards? Or had it simply been lost to time?"
"It's a crypt." Dimitri said, turned his head so he could look at Hadi with his one good eye, dark blue like lost seas. "There are probably traps, wards, protection against graverobbers. Probably built like a labyrinthine, offshoots and convoluted paths designed to confuse people. There may be monsters. Who found their way in and settled down, or deliberately kept there, with summons or curses, guarding the tomb." His lips curled into a grin. "But first, we need to cross the forest."
T’bitha turns suddenly, slightly startled to learn that Dimitri was that close to them to overhear the conversation. “Y-yes, Dimitri. You’re probably correct about all those things you mentioned. Regarding how the urn was placed in the crypt, Hadi. I have read a supposed eye-witness account that the urn was stolen by Ambriel herself. There was also an excerpt from a historical account of Whiteridge. Supposedly a small cult of Elves from the Elven city A’yeth Taersi placed the urn in the crypt for protection. Again, all speculation.”
During this time as she answers Hadi, T’bitha continuously turns and looks behind her at Dimitri. A cold feeling sends chills up her spine as she is slightly mesmerized by his one good eye. He is so unnerving and a bit creepy she thinks to herself. “Dimitri, may I ask where you’re from and what brought you to Ozeman’s employ?”
Tristan walks with the others, amiable enough but just listening to the conversations and not joining in. When T'bitha mentions A'yeth Taersi however, he stops short as if he had just seen a ghost. Or a city of them.
"Sorry, T'bitha, did I hear you correctly? Did you say A'yeth Taersi? That city was in its prime through the first age, meaning if that was true then the crypt may be from a similar time...You see the elves from A'yeth Taersi are my, ah, ancestors of a sort. During my childhood I took an interest in their ancient history." That is close enough to the truth,Tristan thinksBut surely now the timing of my arrival cannot be a coincidence?
"As for travel in the Veiled forest, I was unlucky enough to find myself lost in there for a couple of weeks. It was a thouroughly unpleasant experience, and I was fortunate to find my way out. I don't suppose that the same is true for most who find themselves in this cursed place. I would suggest that we tie ourselves together using lengths of rope, short enough that we can see both the person ahead of us and behind us. Then, we can make sure the ropes are taught at all times, and we will know if we lose anyone."
"Ah. Have you studied the arcane much? The familiar is one of the first spells my family had us learn. Everyone has their own companion. Bats are actually quite friendly as well. And good for carrying messages."Hadi replies with a smile, clearly remembering something, and almost as an after thought adds, "Though the ritual part can be a bit much when you are first learning. It is not a quick spell."
...
"Oh, I haven't been studying it for long, unfortunately... I started..." Khessa hesitates a few moments, as if she is trying to find the right balance between saying too much and saying too little "...since I became an adventurer. But I've never had a proper teacher, so I'm progressing slowly... Maybe" her blue eyes light up with hope "we could study together some mornings. I think I could learn a lot from you over time... and maybe , although not much, you might learn something too. After all, the thing I like most about knowledge is that it is in its own way kind of magical in itself... when two people share it, rather than diminish, it increases!"
"Sorry, T'bitha, did I hear you correctly? Did you say A'yeth Taersi? That city was in its prime through the first age, meaning if that was true then the crypt may be from a similar time...You see the elves from A'yeth Taersi are my, ah, ancestors of a sort. During my childhood I took an interest in their ancient history." That is close enough to the truth,Tristan thinksBut surely now the timing of my arrival cannot be a coincidence?
"As for travel in the Veiled forest, I was unlucky enough to find myself lost in there for a couple of weeks. It was a thouroughly unpleasant experience, and I was fortunate to find my way out. I don't suppose that the same is true for most who find themselves in this cursed place. I would suggest that we tie ourselves together using lengths of rope, short enough that we can see both the person ahead of us and behind us. Then, we can make sure the ropes are taught at all times, and we will know if we lose anyone."
“I did say A’yueth Taersi. I read it in an old historical book. Interestingly, it was merely an excerpt and not much information otherwise. I was not aware that you have ancestral ties to A’yueth Taersi. I’d like to hear more if you’re willing to share. What happened to A’yueth Taersi that made the civilization disappear?”
T’bitha’s thin lips turn down at the mention of being tied up. “I know you mean well, Tristan; however, I’m not sure I like that idea. Surely there is another way? I like the markings that Khessa mentioned, but I also understand the inherent danger of leaving a trail.”
... I would suggest that we tie ourselves together using lengths of rope, short enough that we can see both the person ahead of us and behind us. Then, we can make sure the ropes are taught at all times, and we will know if we lose anyone."
"I understand the need not to be separated in the forest, Tristan, that's good" Khessa concedes. "But binding to each other would bring too many disvantages in case of danger. It would take away too much mobility. Can you imagine? If I am bound, for example, to you and Dimitri and I want to run to T'bitha who is suddenly being attacked... at that point, I can't reach her and help her unless you move too! Should I drag you with me? Shoud I even succed in this, I could drag you into awkward or dangerous positions! Should I wait for you to move together with me? But meanwhile T'bitha could be hurt... No, Tristan, the loss of mobility would be too much. We have to find a different solution. Better if we walk close enough and slowly enough not to get lose sight of each other. Or let's all hold on to the same rope with a hand while we walk - but so that we can let go the rope and act independently in case of an attack".
Looking at T'bitha, Tristan grimaces "I am afraid I don't know as much as I would like, but I do know more about their culture than most. My father had a book written by a captain in their army that detailed some of his day to day life, and had drawings of the city. When we have a chance, I will recount what I remember to you. As for their disappearance, no-one who I have talked to can tell me" More lies. I suppose I shall have to get used to them. Revealing who I really am would lead to too many questions for which I cannot answer.
Tristan looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods "I agree, it would be disadvantageous if we are attacked. Holding the rope will have to do. We should establish a marching order before we enter the forest."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
T’bitha pulls a small, dark green twig from a pouch hanging off her belted waist. She starts to bend it and a crack is heard, but the twig does not break; however, it does begin to glow. “Saltare luminous.” she speaks quietly and and makes a circular motion with the twig as four orbs are created and begin to lightly dance around in colorful arrays. She then moves them so they are up to a distance of 40 feet, but within 10 feet of each globe as if creating a lighted trail.
“Maybe this will assist us when we get into the forest…?”
Looking at T'bitha, Tristan grimaces "I am afraid I don't know as much as I would like, but I do know more about their culture than most. My father had a book written by a captain in their army that detailed some of his day to day life, and had drawings of the city. When we have a chance, I will recount what I remember to you. As for their disappearance, no-one who I have talked to can tell me" More lies. I suppose I shall have to get used to them. Revealing who I really am would lead to too many questions for which I cannot answer.
Tristan looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods "I agree, it would be disadvantageous if we are attacked. Holding the rope will have to do. We should establish a marching order before we enter the forest."
T’bitha nods understandingly, “I suppose I could have only hoped you’d know. I’d enjoy hearing more of what you can recount. Do you have the book or is it with your father? I’d love to see a drawing of the old city as it might have looked.”
The dimunitive drow priestess plays with the orbs, experimenting with their distance and positioning, her hand commanding them as she maintains concentration. “What kind of person is your father, Tristan? Was he interested in lore?”
During this time as she answers Hadi, T’bitha continuously turns and looks behind her at Dimitri. A cold feeling sends chills up her spine as she is slightly mesmerized by his one good eye. He is so unnerving and a bit creepy she thinks to herself. “Dimitri, may I ask where you’re from and what brought you to Ozeman’s employ?”
Dimitri moved his gaze on the petite drow, considered. He wondered if she thought he would bite. “I’m from the Quarter, priestess.” He found the words easy to say. The Quarter was the dirty, crowded slums in the darkest corner of Whiteridge. Place of filth, vice and violence, in most people’s eyes. For Dimitri, it was the place that destroyed him and made him, engraved in his soul, and always will be a part of him. “Mr. Ozemon needed someone for the job, and I was available. As for why,” he shrugged, “I assume he needed someone with my skill set. And I needed the money. ”
T’bitha nods understandingly, “I suppose I could have only hoped you’d know. I’d enjoy hearing more of what you can recount. Do you have the book or is it with your father? I’d love to see a drawing of the old city as it might have looked.”
The dimunitive drow priestess plays with the orbs, experimenting with their distance and positioning, her hand commanding them as she maintains concentration. “What kind of person is your father, Tristan? Was he interested in lore?”
Tristan smiles wistfully "My father was a quiet man. He was an architect, primarily, only interested in history when it pertained to buildings and our family. Unfortunately the book was destroyed in the same fire that killed him. I miss him a great dea-"
His sentence is cut off as he starts to cough violently, his whole body convulsing for a few seconds until the fit passes. After a moment he shivers as the phantom pain passes one more time through his limbs before disappearing. Glancing at T'bitha, he does his best to hide the blood that is splattered over his hand. Smiling without mirth he speaks again, his voice hoarse and weak "I was wondering how long fate would allow me reprieve. Pay no heed, I am fine now."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
Tristan looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods "I agree, it would be disadvantageous if we are attacked. Holding the rope will have to do. We should establish a marching order before we enter the forest."
“Yes, the rope. Let’s also hold hands.” Dimitri couldn’t help but rolled his eyes internally. Then he sighed, as if conceding.
“Khessa and I will lead, or Tristan, if he volunteers, since he’s travelled the forest before. The priestess will bring up the rear, she sees the best in the dark and can watch our back. And we have Hadi’s little bird to scout for us.” He looked at the four others in turn. “Fair?”
One of you pull out your rope and you all begin taking hold of it. As you push past the veil of the forest, the noise of the world begins to drown out. A few moments later, you're all walking in dead silence from the world, however, you can hear each of your companion's foot falls, as they push into the slightly soft ground, it's so quiet, you can even hear their breathing. It's even darker than you are use to, there is no night sky, and more importantly, no moons to provide moonlight; it's pitch black in this forest, and the silence is disturbing.
Tristan
You're actually feeling better than you have in the past four months. The moment you broke the veil, something changed. You're not entirely sure what's going on, but you feel an inner strength awaken.
(OOC: If Khessa and Dimitri are the two leading, go ahead and both give me a survival check. Otherwise, whoever is actually leading, give me a survival in their place. Since it seems T'bitha is keeping eyes in the back, go ahead and give me a perception check, T'bitha)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Khessa agrees to lead with Dimitri: "I'm with you". She then smiles reassuringly to all: "Let's start".
The tall arcane warrior intones a brief formula, quickly touching her greatsword with a rod she always keep available at her girdle. The weapon starts shedding light, allowing the woman to better see in her proximity (the cantrip last for one hour, but should it expire she will cast it again as needed).
She can provide a rope, if nobody else has one.
The blonde warrior-mage will keep a hand on the rope, holding her greatsword with the other one. Ready to let the rope fall and bring both hands on the greatsword's hilt should troubles arise.
Dimitri glanced at the young elf. The fine clothes, the fur cloak, he raised his eyebrow as he caught sight of the ring on his finger. Almost as big as a robin's egg, and fine mineral, too, from the way the light glinted of it. He didn't let his gaze linger, but played the sight in his mind as he looked away, considering the family glyph. What was a nobleman's kid doing here? Risking his life for some meagre coins? The thought was preposterous, which means... there's something more. He just needed to figure out what.
"Kykevas." He supplied, with a slight nod. "Dimitri Kykevas."
He stopped as he noticed Khessa and T'bitha huddled together, conspiring. He heard some snatches and pieces, drow, Lolth, vermins. The last word said by the blonde warrior, with a particular hint of distaste, at odds with her general... cheeriness. Some history there, no doubt. He spent one second considering if he wanted to know, then he decided he didn't. He followed the others downstairs. With a deep breath, he let the transportation magic envelop him, felt drowning and weightlessness at the same time. When he opened his eyes, they were standing in front of the Veiled Forest.
"It's a crypt." Dimitri said, turned his head so he could look at Hadi with his one good eye, dark blue like lost seas. "There are probably traps, wards, protection against graverobbers. Probably built like a labyrinthine, offshoots and convoluted paths designed to confuse people. There may be monsters. Who found their way in and settled down, or deliberately kept there, with summons or curses, guarding the tomb." His lips curled into a grin. "But first, we need to cross the forest."
"Dimitri. A pleasure." Hadi nods in acknowledgement. Then listening to his explanation of the crypt says, "I must admit. You seem to have a good understanding of what we may find. How interesting. My family crypts, though there are some wards that allow only family members in, have little in the way of traps." Looking then to the woods around, and listening to the silence adds, "I fear you are correct here. The forest itself may be an even bigger obstacle."
He then looks to the owl on his shoulder, who immediately takes to the air, Hadi's eyes closing for a moment as he looks through Laza's to see if the owl can notice anything he does not. Staying close though, Hadi only allows Laza a quick look around, not wanting his friend to stray too far in these dangerous woods. ((perception from Laza 17))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Really." Dimitri raised a conspiratorial eyebrow. "And where is it?"
Hadi, you send Laza out towards the forest, and you take a moment to focus yourself through Laza's eyes, going deaf as you do. You're now hearing and seeing through Laza's eyes, and it's loud. Your owl can hear the sounds of field mice moving through the fields below, it can hear the wind as it blows past, then Laza pierces the veil of the forest and everything goes silent. The only thing you can hear is the sound of Laza's near silent wings as they flap, and you can hardly see ten feet in front of Laza, making it extremely difficult to fly without running into the trees or tree branches that appear in their sight right before nearly running into them.
to Dimitri Hadi replies, “ah. Back on my family land of course. Not far from the Keep.”
Once Laza disappears into the mist Hadi quickly brings him out and says to the group, “it seems the reports were not exaggerated. Once inside the mist all sight and sound is greatly muffled. We will need to tread very lightly.” And looking to the others adds, “we also will need a way to ensure we do not lose our way…”
((@dm - does being in the mist mean dim or dark light for mechanical purposes?))
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Khessa stares at the noble elf and his owl, amazed and fascinated at the same time: "Hadi... but Laza is... your familiar? I don't know how long I've been trying to learn that spell... it always seems to me I'm on the verge of mastering it, but in the end I always lack something. It must be wonderful, to be able to explore the world with someone else's senses. The same world, seen with different eyes, is a completely different world, right? You know, I'm studying a bit of magic... even if I still have a lot to learn."
The blonde adventurer then seems to get lost in her own thoughts for a moment: "I wonder... if you had summoned Laza in the form of a bat instead of an owl, maybe its senses would have worked? Bats don't see only with their eyes... I'd be curious to find out if their senses are also limited by the Veiled Forest or not".
But then she returns to more practical considerations: "However, if with 'not lose our way' do you mean to be able to retrace our steps, we could mark the trunks as we pass by... A characteristic incision that is quick to make and immediate (for us) to recognize, oriented so that we understand where we came from. The only downside would be that the mysterious predators that roam the forest at night, if they were smart enough, might notice the signs themselves... and track us down more easily. But we don't know anything about them... if they live in this place where you can't see two steps away, it is possible that they have extraordinary or magical senses at their disposal to detect intruders anyway. Up to us if we want to try this or not".
"Ah. Have you studied the arcane much? The familiar is one of the first spells my family had us learn. Everyone has their own companion. Bats are actually quite friendly as well. And good for carrying messages." Hadi replies with a smile, clearly remembering something, and almost as an after thought adds, "Though the ritual part can be a bit much when you are first learning. It is not a quick spell."
Then, thinking of the forest and what his new friend said of predators, says, "Who is this we you mention? Are you of the opinion that this fog is here purposefully?"
If the team takes some time to talk, Hadi will reach into his pack and pull out his spell book, which is an ancient book with an order silver cover depicting a swirling blade of some kind, and begins rifling through the pages quietly whistling to himself to cast Detect Magic to see if the fog gives off any aura he might recognize.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
T’bitha turns suddenly, slightly startled to learn that Dimitri was that close to them to overhear the conversation. “Y-yes, Dimitri. You’re probably correct about all those things you mentioned. Regarding how the urn was placed in the crypt, Hadi. I have read a supposed eye-witness account that the urn was stolen by Ambriel herself. There was also an excerpt from a historical account of Whiteridge. Supposedly a small cult of Elves from the Elven city A’yeth Taersi placed the urn in the crypt for protection. Again, all speculation.”
During this time as she answers Hadi, T’bitha continuously turns and looks behind her at Dimitri. A cold feeling sends chills up her spine as she is slightly mesmerized by his one good eye. He is so unnerving and a bit creepy she thinks to herself. “Dimitri, may I ask where you’re from and what brought you to Ozeman’s employ?”
Tristan walks with the others, amiable enough but just listening to the conversations and not joining in. When T'bitha mentions A'yeth Taersi however, he stops short as if he had just seen a ghost. Or a city of them.
"Sorry, T'bitha, did I hear you correctly? Did you say A'yeth Taersi? That city was in its prime through the first age, meaning if that was true then the crypt may be from a similar time...You see the elves from A'yeth Taersi are my, ah, ancestors of a sort. During my childhood I took an interest in their ancient history." That is close enough to the truth, Tristan thinks But surely now the timing of my arrival cannot be a coincidence?
"As for travel in the Veiled forest, I was unlucky enough to find myself lost in there for a couple of weeks. It was a thouroughly unpleasant experience, and I was fortunate to find my way out. I don't suppose that the same is true for most who find themselves in this cursed place. I would suggest that we tie ourselves together using lengths of rope, short enough that we can see both the person ahead of us and behind us. Then, we can make sure the ropes are taught at all times, and we will know if we lose anyone."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
"Oh, I haven't been studying it for long, unfortunately... I started..." Khessa hesitates a few moments, as if she is trying to find the right balance between saying too much and saying too little "...since I became an adventurer. But I've never had a proper teacher, so I'm progressing slowly... Maybe" her blue eyes light up with hope "we could study together some mornings. I think I could learn a lot from you over time... and maybe , although not much, you might learn something too. After all, the thing I like most about knowledge is that it is in its own way kind of magical in itself... when two people share it, rather than diminish, it increases!"
“I did say A’yueth Taersi. I read it in an old historical book. Interestingly, it was merely an excerpt and not much information otherwise. I was not aware that you have ancestral ties to A’yueth Taersi. I’d like to hear more if you’re willing to share. What happened to A’yueth Taersi that made the civilization disappear?”
T’bitha’s thin lips turn down at the mention of being tied up. “I know you mean well, Tristan; however, I’m not sure I like that idea. Surely there is another way? I like the markings that Khessa mentioned, but I also understand the inherent danger of leaving a trail.”
"I understand the need not to be separated in the forest, Tristan, that's good" Khessa concedes. "But binding to each other would bring too many disvantages in case of danger. It would take away too much mobility. Can you imagine? If I am bound, for example, to you and Dimitri and I want to run to T'bitha who is suddenly being attacked... at that point, I can't reach her and help her unless you move too! Should I drag you with me? Shoud I even succed in this, I could drag you into awkward or dangerous positions! Should I wait for you to move together with me? But meanwhile T'bitha could be hurt... No, Tristan, the loss of mobility would be too much. We have to find a different solution. Better if we walk close enough and slowly enough not to get lose sight of each other. Or let's all hold on to the same rope with a hand while we walk - but so that we can let go the rope and act independently in case of an attack".
Looking at T'bitha, Tristan grimaces "I am afraid I don't know as much as I would like, but I do know more about their culture than most. My father had a book written by a captain in their army that detailed some of his day to day life, and had drawings of the city. When we have a chance, I will recount what I remember to you. As for their disappearance, no-one who I have talked to can tell me" More lies. I suppose I shall have to get used to them. Revealing who I really am would lead to too many questions for which I cannot answer.
Tristan looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods "I agree, it would be disadvantageous if we are attacked. Holding the rope will have to do. We should establish a marching order before we enter the forest."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
“I am curious to see what should happen…”
T’bitha pulls a small, dark green twig from a pouch hanging off her belted waist. She starts to bend it and a crack is heard, but the twig does not break; however, it does begin to glow. “Saltare luminous.” she speaks quietly and and makes a circular motion with the twig as four orbs are created and begin to lightly dance around in colorful arrays. She then moves them so they are up to a distance of 40 feet, but within 10 feet of each globe as if creating a lighted trail.
“Maybe this will assist us when we get into the forest…?”
T’bitha nods understandingly, “I suppose I could have only hoped you’d know. I’d enjoy hearing more of what you can recount. Do you have the book or is it with your father? I’d love to see a drawing of the old city as it might have looked.”
The dimunitive drow priestess plays with the orbs, experimenting with their distance and positioning, her hand commanding them as she maintains concentration. “What kind of person is your father, Tristan? Was he interested in lore?”
Dimitri moved his gaze on the petite drow, considered. He wondered if she thought he would bite. “I’m from the Quarter, priestess.” He found the words easy to say. The Quarter was the dirty, crowded slums in the darkest corner of Whiteridge. Place of filth, vice and violence, in most people’s eyes. For Dimitri, it was the place that destroyed him and made him, engraved in his soul, and always will be a part of him. “Mr. Ozemon needed someone for the job, and I was available. As for why,” he shrugged, “I assume he needed someone with my skill set. And I needed the money. ”
Tristan smiles wistfully "My father was a quiet man. He was an architect, primarily, only interested in history when it pertained to buildings and our family. Unfortunately the book was destroyed in the same fire that killed him. I miss him a great dea-"
His sentence is cut off as he starts to cough violently, his whole body convulsing for a few seconds until the fit passes. After a moment he shivers as the phantom pain passes one more time through his limbs before disappearing. Glancing at T'bitha, he does his best to hide the blood that is splattered over his hand. Smiling without mirth he speaks again, his voice hoarse and weak "I was wondering how long fate would allow me reprieve. Pay no heed, I am fine now."
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
“Yes, the rope. Let’s also hold hands.” Dimitri couldn’t help but rolled his eyes internally. Then he sighed, as if conceding.
“Khessa and I will lead, or Tristan, if he volunteers, since he’s travelled the forest before. The priestess will bring up the rear, she sees the best in the dark and can watch our back. And we have Hadi’s little bird to scout for us.” He looked at the four others in turn. “Fair?”
One of you pull out your rope and you all begin taking hold of it. As you push past the veil of the forest, the noise of the world begins to drown out. A few moments later, you're all walking in dead silence from the world, however, you can hear each of your companion's foot falls, as they push into the slightly soft ground, it's so quiet, you can even hear their breathing. It's even darker than you are use to, there is no night sky, and more importantly, no moons to provide moonlight; it's pitch black in this forest, and the silence is disturbing.
Tristan
You're actually feeling better than you have in the past four months. The moment you broke the veil, something changed. You're not entirely sure what's going on, but you feel an inner strength awaken.
(OOC: If Khessa and Dimitri are the two leading, go ahead and both give me a survival check. Otherwise, whoever is actually leading, give me a survival in their place. Since it seems T'bitha is keeping eyes in the back, go ahead and give me a perception check, T'bitha)
Khessa agrees to lead with Dimitri: "I'm with you". She then smiles reassuringly to all: "Let's start".
The tall arcane warrior intones a brief formula, quickly touching her greatsword with a rod she always keep available at her girdle. The weapon starts shedding light, allowing the woman to better see in her proximity (the cantrip last for one hour, but should it expire she will cast it again as needed).
She can provide a rope, if nobody else has one.
The blonde warrior-mage will keep a hand on the rope, holding her greatsword with the other one. Ready to let the rope fall and bring both hands on the greatsword's hilt should troubles arise.
Survival: 20