Sinak is frustrated that his sacred flame of light did not burn the monster down, so he pulls out his crossbow at this point, loading a bolt and takes a shot at Rikard. He stays put, not getting any closer to the fiendish thing, hoping that he can end its cursed, miserable life. “Drop, damn you!”
Crossbow : 18 to hit, for 5 points of piercing damage to Rikard.
The bolt careen's through the air with a loud whizzing. The wind howling with a cold bite as the sharp and cold metal plunges above his split mail square in his lower throat right below his chin. The creature frozen in time frozen in mid smile has the orbs of his pupils dilate and look to Sinak with an even wider grin. His voice less sporadic and cold with a hint however.. Of playful energy.
"Ahh, Sinak.. You want to walk in Drakkenheim too.. Don't you? Don't lie.. I know.. I know you want too."
With a maddening cackle the creatures seizes to move.. Stuck with it's feet planted Ludwig looks to the frozen stiff Rikard in shock and in horror... Rikard's eyes don't close but the eyes on his tentacles slowly close and the teeth laughter slowly dies out. Ludwig is able to break himself free as Endra comes over to him. Ludwig's eye's begin to shake at the scene before him as he walks forward as was once a man... A man he had known.
"Damn it... Rikard... You survived Westamar's pointless civil war.. For this? You told Endra you'd marry her! That you'd make me a real noble again! I'd be you're best man! You son of a ***** you bought it.. You bought it here.. In god damn.. Drakkeneheim.."
Ludwig falls to the ground looking to the starry sky as Endra rushes to his side laying her head on his shoulder. He lets out a deafening scream through the shrill and empty void of the night.
"Drakkenheim.. FUC KING DRAKKENHEIM! GODS DAMN IT ALL!!!"
His sobs our heard in the air as Eren slowly comes to the party placing a hand on Dabberts shoulder.
"It's a shame... That's why you always handle Delrium with care my friends. You should all be careful.. I've never seen anything like this before but.. I know more of those things reside in Drakkenheim. If one was that dangerous I can only imagine a pack... We should finish resting. In the morning we make break for Emberwood. I'm sure Endra and Ludwig will stay till morning."
As the crossbow bolt snuffs out the maddened life of Rikard, Thuribula steps back, her heart racing from the adrenaline and not a small amount of anger. Slowly she stows her shield and her hammer, and she turns to face Fazil as he approaches. Anger crosses her brow, but she bites back her words. If the Mageborn had not provoked him... perhaps we would not have had to kill him. But she knows it is difficult to judge these situations in the heat of the moment. Truly Rikard's transformation was horrifying, and though Thuribula had hoped that, perhaps, in his madness he could be restrained or redirected, the situation may have fallen to violence regardless. Such a possibility does not excuse a preemptive attack! But even the Flamekeeper has to admit to herself that her companions, never having seen such a monster before, probably thought the threat was immanent. And I... have not seen one before either... I just do not wish to assume... to leave anyone to such madness...
Thuribula feels the anger drain out of her as Fazil asks the mourning pair if they would wish him to bury Rikard. It is a charitable and generous gesture, and one she would likely have made herself, once she had calmed down. So she nods to the masked mage. "Thank you, Fazil. I will assist you in putting him to rest."
But, for the moment, having her head clear again, she walks over to Endra and Ludwig where they sit weeping and cursing, and kneels down next to them. "I am so sorry," she whispers. "That cursed place affects all it touches. It is a terrible tragedy. My companions acted in haste, seeing your danger. Perhaps the outcome was inevitable... but regardless, it is a terrible tragedy. What can I do to help you? We will be happy to bury him for you, and I will say prayers of unction for his soul."
The warrior skids to a halt as the crossbow bolt puts an end to Rikard. Dabbert curses, his chest heaving just from the sudden adrenaline of the moment and the dash across the camp. He steps a little closer, toeing the body with his boot, before stepping back, his eyes shifting from Rikard, to Endra and Ludwig. He just stands there for a moment, listening to the exchange, looking at the mental anguish, watching as Fazil and Thuribula offer to put the body to rest.
Finally, he looks at Maggwyn. He doesn't try to hide his feelings about the situation.
"This is why I uh....acted the way I did about letting anyone in. Not that...that we could have known. But..."
He doesn't complete this thought. He stands there, wrestling with what he wants to say, then shrugs. It's all he has left to add before he goes back to walking his post.
Maggwyn breathes a sigh of relief as the monster is brought down. She avoids looking at Ludwig and Endra, she knows their feelings all too well, and knows no words from her can make any difference.
She sees the anger in Thuribula and is confused. But the confusion changes to her own anger, "Haste? Are you kidding me? Once they turn... there is no going back." she says this with a finality, an emotion in her voice that makes it thicker than normal.
She turns to Dabbert, "I get it, they just seemed so... well, we didn't know." Maggwyn turns away from the rest as well, letting those who want to help the two strangers help but she wanted nothing to do with it. She heads back to the fire.
Sinak’s head falls down and he has a deep sigh as Rikard falls. His final words echoing in his ears, he is obviously shaken. His crossbow arm goes slack, he takes a moment, then stands. “Damnit. Damnit all to hell. What the hell was that?” He straightens up and walks over to the thing that was Rikard, examining it. He pulls his crossbow bolt out of the creature, examines it, then thinking twice about it, throws it into the fire. “Well, that’s the first… thing… I’ve seen like that. Indeed, we must be careful the closer that we get. For now, we all need to finish our rest.” Sinak goes over to his bedroll and sets his crossbow beside it, lying down and holding his hands together over this chest, his hand coming together in a diamond like configuration, his eyes close and flutter, he goes into meditation and a state of semi-consciousness, seemingly undeterred.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ludwig and Endra look to Fazil with blank expressions filled with loss.. Shock and horror. They are cut off in thought by the flame keepers words as Endra remains in silence Ludwig.. Badly hurt gives a nod as he holds his shoulder.
"Yeah.. I'd... I'd like that."
There is one thing to note... Rikard's armor.. Was in fine shape and splint mail no less superior to any simple chain mail. A terrible thing to note to be sure but something that would all the same be noticed. Endra finally reacts to Thuribula's words with a soft smile.
"Burn it.. Burn all of Drakkenheim.. All those nasty crystals... For Rikard.. That's all I can ask. I.. Understand why they rushed in..."
She states while giving Fazil a nod. Fazil himself notes nothing worthy to see in the woods save the odd animal or two. Endra and Ludwig give Fenton a turn and shake their heads no as he ask if they have the same affliction. Ludwig and Endra stare at Sinak as he takes the crossbolt and considers.. Burning Rikard but mostly how.. Unaffected he seems by it all.
Endra finally speaks looking to Fazil and Thuribula.
"We'll bury him.. But thank you.. For saving us.. Truly."
Fazil nods, waving his wand as he uses Mold Earth to bury Rikard 30ft deep underground just for the sake of comfort that he doesn't end up coming back to life somehow and won't crawl his way out of his underground grave.
Afterward, Fazil nodded at everyone and returned to the wagon to rest for the night. No doubt everyone desires to sleep, no matter how uncomfortable everyone feels. It's better to deal with everyone in the morning.
Endra and Ludwig had told Fazil in the others that they had wanted to bury him. So perhaps it was no small surprise that they held him away from the arcane magic that confused them.. Ludwig held Rikard in his arms.
"I am sorry friend.. But Rikard was.. Rather religious and being buried by.. Arcane power.. Isn't something he would have wanted. As I said before we.. We will bury him."
Ludwig and Endra do allow Thuribula to say any prayers, they take some time to mourn throughout the night. They do remove his armor and do the best they can to clean his clothes before putting him to rest further in the forest later in the evening.
Eren had come out seeing Fazil's cantrip as he shook his head looking to the rest of the party.
"Damn shame, that's part of why I'll never enter Drakkenheim myself."
And with that the party is able to successfully garner a long rest as the night seems rather peaceful.
Morning Comes
As the morning comes Endra and Ludwig make their best efforts to find Thuribula. In their arms is Rikard's armor... It isn't properly fitted for her size and is somewhat damaged but getting it fitted would be cheaper than buying a whole suit of mail. Endra looks to Thuribula with a tired and worn smile as Ludwig looks to the distance speaking first.
"Rikard.. He would have wanted you to have it. He always had a weakness for Flame Keepers.. Perhaps not always in proper ways but he was indeed.. A religious man. Plus.. you were kind to us. He won't need that armor... Sadly not anymore."
Endra boldly gives Thuribula a hug with a nod.
"We.. We we'll be off be careful."
Later in the morning Eren Marlowe gathers the party to the wagons before heading off again. It's only a few hours before.. They finally reach a settlement as they can see it in view he looks to the back of the wagon.
"It was an honor, and thank you. A pleasure to travel with you all... Well.. most of you truth be told."
He says looking to Fazil one last time.
A few miles south of Drakkenheim lies Emberwood Village, a humble crossroads along Champion’s Way surrounded by forsaken farmsteads and dark pine forests. Many residences are abandoned and slowly deteriorating with their windows and doors nailed shut. However, the village centre is alive with activity. Conversation, laughter, and music resound from several taverns along the main thoroughfare. Amidst a bustling market square, a small crowd of adventurers, merchants, and prospectors busily traffic all manner of weapons, equipment, coins, recovered treasures, and a few strange glimmering crystals. Even the light of the Sacred Flame still glows within the modest stone chapel at the heart of town. He stops the wagon before looking back.
"Might I recommend if you head into Drakkenheim heading to the Caravan court? You can see Armin Gainsbury for supplies you'll need trust me. You'll need heavy gloves to deal in Delirium.. Also if you need a drink or a place to rest the Bark and Buzzard is good for a bed and a warm ale. Tell Karin ya know good ol Eren. She'll give ya a room, tell her I consider everyone who shows their face here my friend. She'll trust you with a cottage room than you'll still have to pay though. Ahh.. You're rewards!"
He gives each and every person 25 gold pieces in a pouch. Except he stares to Fazil a long moment not due to disagreements but the fact.. He wasn't technically hired and he never did show his face. However.. He does he helped fight Rikard and stood to the bandits. So this merchant had instead chosen to be honorable paying Fazil 25 gold pieces as well.
"I warn ya hooded Mageborn. Not all merchants are as nice as ol Eren! So if you keep being sneaky with the magic.. People will screw ya over trust me. But I don't got in me sadly.. If I did I'd probably be rich! HAHA!"
OOC
Next post I'll involve a slight PC map but they have a few locations heard of above.
Also.. Everyone is LV 2 now! They can have honed their powers the night before or during the trip or reflecting on the fight with Rikard. Or something more.. Magical took place it's up to you how to flavor it or you can PM me a story idea if ya want! I know LV 2 can be exciting for Wizards for example!
Thuribula nods. "The delerium is a curse of chaos, drawing in so many to their destruction... be assured, Endra, that I will do everything I can to destroy it, and stop its power." She helps them lay out Rikard's body, gently closing his staring eyes, and, lighting one of her candles, chants several prayers until the candle burns low. She puts it out with her fingers just before it burns all the way down, and gives it to Endra as a remembrance of Rikard's soul. She leaves them in silence to mourn as she retires back to the party's camp at the wagon.
In the morning...
Thuribula wakes early for her prayers, and it isn't hard for Ludwig and Endra to find her. Surprised by their gift, she says, "Rikard... I think he must have been a noble man, before the terrible curse took him. I can see your love for him was very great. Thank you... I will accept your gift of his armor, and be assured that I will use it well to help me do the work of the Sacred Flame in restoring Divine Order to the lost souls in Drakkenheim." She returns Endra's hug, and whispers to her, "I will keep Rikard's soul in my prayers. You and Ludwig... be careful. Stay close to those you can trust. I am honored to have met you."
She packs quickly while the wagon heads out towards Emberwood village, carefully stowing Rikard's splint armor in her backpack. As she steps out to take her leave of Eren, she smiles warmly at the man. "Thank you for your hospitality on our journey, Eren. May the Sacred Flame warm you on your continued journey... oh." As Eren tries to give her a bag of 25 gold, Thuribula steps back, holding up her hands. "My vow of poverty forbids me to accept coins... but I thank you gratefully for the gesture. The work of a Flamekeeper is done for duty and love of truth and right, not for material gain." In explanation, as doubtless Eren saw her accept Endra's gift of Rikard's armor, she continues, "I am allowed to take as donation items that I have need of to do my work. For I must be a good steward of what is entrusted to me, as well, and no one can do his or her duty without food, clothing, tools, and supplies. Be assured, Eren, I do not have need of gold, for the Divine Order provides always. I will seek out your friends, and see if perhaps I can trade the chain mail I'm wearing to have the work done to fit Rikard's splint."
Thuribula smiles at Eren's joke to Fazil, and gives the hooded Mageborn a meaningful glance, but still refrains from saying anything. Eren's spoken warning to be careful with his powers is all she would have repeated to him herself, and he would not listen to her if he would not listen to Eren. But, she addresses Fazil and all the others of their little company. "Friends, thank you for your support and assistance on this journey. I am indeed indebted to each of you." She looks especially to the Light-blessed young man. "Fenton... have you given any more thought to your next step in your search for truth?"
As the night wears on, Maggwyn thinks about the fight with Rikard and how as they are moving towards the capital... there are just going to be more. She thinks about how she moves and how she wants to move and as she lays in her bedroll going over every minute detail... the focus in her starts the generation of ki... She smiles to herself as she falls asleep, feeling more at peace than she has in quite awhile.
In the morning, she watches the exchange between Thuribula and the two that sadly have lost their friend. She finds it interesting how Endra has taken to the paladin, really a stranger so quickly. the tiefling shakes her head, the woman shouldn't be so trusting. She helps pack up and head into the town.
She smiles as Eren starts in on recommendations in Drakkenheim, "This is an interesting way of steering us clear of the city, but I thank you. And for your payment, not everyone is so honest." She tucks it away and stares off into the drab existence of the capital, then turns back to Eren, "I do wish you luck on your journey home." Turning to Dab, "So, you want to head into the capital?"
Throughout the night, Fazil wonders if he should have talked it out with Rikard before turning into a monster. Maybe Rikard would've managed to hold on a bit longer as he found someone to treat him the next day. Nevertheless, he can only say that Rikard is no longer in pain or worrying about harming his companions while being driven insane upon becoming a monster. Either way, he has other problems to deal with. Rikard's death is just another problem added to the pile. He closes his eyes, resting until he falls asleep.
The first thing he did in the morning was pack everything, and he found himself surprised by how Eren paid him, even though he wasn't hired. Nonetheless, he took the 25gp and slightly bowed in thanks.
"Thanks for the advice. I will keep that in mind." He nods, forgetting that he wasn't among the students at the academy, nor was he among nobles. "Also, you would be surprised by how often most Mageborn I know of would fall for tricks due to lack of experience in life itself."
Dabbert rises in the morning after a short nap that he took after being relieved. He looks tired, like even that nap was fitful and without rest. He uses some of his water to clean his face and rinse his mouth as he watches Thuribula's exchange with their guests. Once on the road, he climbs into the back of the wagon, seeming to be off somewhere else in his thoughts until they reach Emberwood. He hops out, stretches, checks his gear to make sure he hasn't lost anything, that straps are still tight, that everything is in place as it should be.
"I think so, yeah." He says in answer to Maggwyn's question as he takes in the market and puts away his payment and offering Eren only a simple wave. "Well, do I want to? Not really. But we aren't going to be uh...fixing anything all the way out here."
He looks around, taking a moment, before leaning in close to Maggwyn to whisper something in her ear...
Endra of course would have set Maggwyn off before (my bad on this lol.)
Endra and Ludwig though haunted by the death of their comrade begin to understand Rikard's former fondness for Flamekeepers as they offer a smile leaving.
As Eren begins to make farewells he see's Thuribula does not take the gold. He offers a light chuckle.
"Hanna is just like you, even got her armor donated crazy woman. You'd like her, still.. I owe ya."
He looks around the party and hands it to Maggwyn and Dabbert.
"You two, look after Thuribula for me since she won't spend it. I mean.. I owe ya all one after all. Also Mag, be careful if you head to the capital.. It's a battleground full of riches.. But still."
"Ahh Thuribula, Tobias Crowe and Son's will be a great blacksmith to get that done.. Right that way of town. I'd say trading you're chainmail may be a good idea in fact."
Eren gives Fazil a nod for once looking to the others before heading off.
OOC You can keep that stealth roll but for whispering and not sneaking around I'll take deception in the future ^^
"We'll uh...get her something she'll need with it." Dabbert says as Eren offers up Thuribula's share to him and Maggwyn. He hefts the little pouch of coins so that Maggwyn can see it. "Maggs will keep me honest about it. Just don't let me forget, eh?"
He slips it into his belt next to his own payment and makes sure it's secure.
"Tobias Crowe he says?" Dabbert says as he watches Eren leave. "Do we uh...stick together from here? Split up? I intend to go into the Capital soon. I'm not sure how uh...much time I'll have today. Maybe tomorrow morning, so we have the full measure of the sun to do it. And before we forget, the brigands from the road could very easily ride into town, so I advise sticking in groups of two or three. They'll want uh...retribution for being slighted on the road, I imagine. In the meantime, Thuribula, I'd be interested in the Black Smith as well if you want the company."
Ludwig's own slash finds no purchase, Endra's arrow bounces off Rikard's large suit of armor.
OOC
Sinak and Fenton's turn to try and end this ^^
Sinak is frustrated that his sacred flame of light did not burn the monster down, so he pulls out his crossbow at this point, loading a bolt and takes a shot at Rikard. He stays put, not getting any closer to the fiendish thing, hoping that he can end its cursed, miserable life. “Drop, damn you!”
Crossbow : 18 to hit, for 5 points of piercing damage to Rikard.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The bolt careen's through the air with a loud whizzing. The wind howling with a cold bite as the sharp and cold metal plunges above his split mail square in his lower throat right below his chin. The creature frozen in time frozen in mid smile has the orbs of his pupils dilate and look to Sinak with an even wider grin. His voice less sporadic and cold with a hint however.. Of playful energy.
"Ahh, Sinak.. You want to walk in Drakkenheim too.. Don't you? Don't lie.. I know.. I know you want too."
With a maddening cackle the creatures seizes to move.. Stuck with it's feet planted Ludwig looks to the frozen stiff Rikard in shock and in horror... Rikard's eyes don't close but the eyes on his tentacles slowly close and the teeth laughter slowly dies out. Ludwig is able to break himself free as Endra comes over to him. Ludwig's eye's begin to shake at the scene before him as he walks forward as was once a man... A man he had known.
"Damn it... Rikard... You survived Westamar's pointless civil war.. For this? You told Endra you'd marry her! That you'd make me a real noble again! I'd be you're best man! You son of a ***** you bought it.. You bought it here.. In god damn.. Drakkeneheim.."
Ludwig falls to the ground looking to the starry sky as Endra rushes to his side laying her head on his shoulder. He lets out a deafening scream through the shrill and empty void of the night.
"Drakkenheim.. FUC KING DRAKKENHEIM! GODS DAMN IT ALL!!!"
His sobs our heard in the air as Eren slowly comes to the party placing a hand on Dabberts shoulder.
"It's a shame... That's why you always handle Delrium with care my friends. You should all be careful.. I've never seen anything like this before but.. I know more of those things reside in Drakkenheim. If one was that dangerous I can only imagine a pack... We should finish resting. In the morning we make break for Emberwood. I'm sure Endra and Ludwig will stay till morning."
Fazil slowly walks over and then looks at the man known as Rikard.
"Do you wish for me to bury him here?" He offered while eyeing the area due to how loud they were being.
Perception Check: 22
As the crossbow bolt snuffs out the maddened life of Rikard, Thuribula steps back, her heart racing from the adrenaline and not a small amount of anger. Slowly she stows her shield and her hammer, and she turns to face Fazil as he approaches. Anger crosses her brow, but she bites back her words. If the Mageborn had not provoked him... perhaps we would not have had to kill him. But she knows it is difficult to judge these situations in the heat of the moment. Truly Rikard's transformation was horrifying, and though Thuribula had hoped that, perhaps, in his madness he could be restrained or redirected, the situation may have fallen to violence regardless. Such a possibility does not excuse a preemptive attack! But even the Flamekeeper has to admit to herself that her companions, never having seen such a monster before, probably thought the threat was immanent. And I... have not seen one before either... I just do not wish to assume... to leave anyone to such madness...
Thuribula feels the anger drain out of her as Fazil asks the mourning pair if they would wish him to bury Rikard. It is a charitable and generous gesture, and one she would likely have made herself, once she had calmed down. So she nods to the masked mage. "Thank you, Fazil. I will assist you in putting him to rest."
But, for the moment, having her head clear again, she walks over to Endra and Ludwig where they sit weeping and cursing, and kneels down next to them. "I am so sorry," she whispers. "That cursed place affects all it touches. It is a terrible tragedy. My companions acted in haste, seeing your danger. Perhaps the outcome was inevitable... but regardless, it is a terrible tragedy. What can I do to help you? We will be happy to bury him for you, and I will say prayers of unction for his soul."
The warrior skids to a halt as the crossbow bolt puts an end to Rikard. Dabbert curses, his chest heaving just from the sudden adrenaline of the moment and the dash across the camp. He steps a little closer, toeing the body with his boot, before stepping back, his eyes shifting from Rikard, to Endra and Ludwig. He just stands there for a moment, listening to the exchange, looking at the mental anguish, watching as Fazil and Thuribula offer to put the body to rest.
Finally, he looks at Maggwyn. He doesn't try to hide his feelings about the situation.
"This is why I uh....acted the way I did about letting anyone in. Not that...that we could have known. But..."
He doesn't complete this thought. He stands there, wrestling with what he wants to say, then shrugs. It's all he has left to add before he goes back to walking his post.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Maggwyn breathes a sigh of relief as the monster is brought down. She avoids looking at Ludwig and Endra, she knows their feelings all too well, and knows no words from her can make any difference.
She sees the anger in Thuribula and is confused. But the confusion changes to her own anger, "Haste? Are you kidding me? Once they turn... there is no going back." she says this with a finality, an emotion in her voice that makes it thicker than normal.
She turns to Dabbert, "I get it, they just seemed so... well, we didn't know." Maggwyn turns away from the rest as well, letting those who want to help the two strangers help but she wanted nothing to do with it. She heads back to the fire.
Tired from the battle and lack of a restfull night Fenton slumps back against the cart shaken by the encounter.
"The light has him now. Are either if you affected by the same curse?"
Fazil look at Fenton, "No. Otherwise, I would have long by then turned into a monster like him."
He decides to wait before he buries Rikard.
Sinak’s head falls down and he has a deep sigh as Rikard falls. His final words echoing in his ears, he is obviously shaken. His crossbow arm goes slack, he takes a moment, then stands. “Damnit. Damnit all to hell. What the hell was that?” He straightens up and walks over to the thing that was Rikard, examining it. He pulls his crossbow bolt out of the creature, examines it, then thinking twice about it, throws it into the fire. “Well, that’s the first… thing… I’ve seen like that. Indeed, we must be careful the closer that we get. For now, we all need to finish our rest.” Sinak goes over to his bedroll and sets his crossbow beside it, lying down and holding his hands together over this chest, his hand coming together in a diamond like configuration, his eyes close and flutter, he goes into meditation and a state of semi-consciousness, seemingly undeterred.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Ludwig and Endra look to Fazil with blank expressions filled with loss.. Shock and horror. They are cut off in thought by the flame keepers words as Endra remains in silence Ludwig.. Badly hurt gives a nod as he holds his shoulder.
"Yeah.. I'd... I'd like that."
There is one thing to note... Rikard's armor.. Was in fine shape and splint mail no less superior to any simple chain mail. A terrible thing to note to be sure but something that would all the same be noticed. Endra finally reacts to Thuribula's words with a soft smile.
"Burn it.. Burn all of Drakkenheim.. All those nasty crystals... For Rikard.. That's all I can ask. I.. Understand why they rushed in..."
She states while giving Fazil a nod. Fazil himself notes nothing worthy to see in the woods save the odd animal or two. Endra and Ludwig give Fenton a turn and shake their heads no as he ask if they have the same affliction. Ludwig and Endra stare at Sinak as he takes the crossbolt and considers.. Burning Rikard but mostly how.. Unaffected he seems by it all.
Endra finally speaks looking to Fazil and Thuribula.
"We'll bury him.. But thank you.. For saving us.. Truly."
Fazil nods, waving his wand as he uses Mold Earth to bury Rikard 30ft deep underground just for the sake of comfort that he doesn't end up coming back to life somehow and won't crawl his way out of his underground grave.
Afterward, Fazil nodded at everyone and returned to the wagon to rest for the night. No doubt everyone desires to sleep, no matter how uncomfortable everyone feels. It's better to deal with everyone in the morning.
Endra and Ludwig had told Fazil in the others that they had wanted to bury him. So perhaps it was no small surprise that they held him away from the arcane magic that confused them.. Ludwig held Rikard in his arms.
"I am sorry friend.. But Rikard was.. Rather religious and being buried by.. Arcane power.. Isn't something he would have wanted. As I said before we.. We will bury him."
Ludwig and Endra do allow Thuribula to say any prayers, they take some time to mourn throughout the night. They do remove his armor and do the best they can to clean his clothes before putting him to rest further in the forest later in the evening.
Eren had come out seeing Fazil's cantrip as he shook his head looking to the rest of the party.
"Damn shame, that's part of why I'll never enter Drakkenheim myself."
And with that the party is able to successfully garner a long rest as the night seems rather peaceful.
Morning Comes
As the morning comes Endra and Ludwig make their best efforts to find Thuribula. In their arms is Rikard's armor... It isn't properly fitted for her size and is somewhat damaged but getting it fitted would be cheaper than buying a whole suit of mail. Endra looks to Thuribula with a tired and worn smile as Ludwig looks to the distance speaking first.
"Rikard.. He would have wanted you to have it. He always had a weakness for Flame Keepers.. Perhaps not always in proper ways but he was indeed.. A religious man. Plus.. you were kind to us. He won't need that armor... Sadly not anymore."
Endra boldly gives Thuribula a hug with a nod.
"We.. We we'll be off be careful."
Later in the morning Eren Marlowe gathers the party to the wagons before heading off again. It's only a few hours before.. They finally reach a settlement as they can see it in view he looks to the back of the wagon.
"It was an honor, and thank you. A pleasure to travel with you all... Well.. most of you truth be told."
He says looking to Fazil one last time.
A few miles south of Drakkenheim lies Emberwood Village, a humble crossroads along Champion’s Way surrounded by forsaken farmsteads and dark pine forests. Many residences are abandoned and slowly deteriorating with their windows and doors nailed shut. However, the village centre is alive with activity. Conversation, laughter, and music resound from several taverns along the main thoroughfare. Amidst a bustling market square, a small crowd of adventurers, merchants, and prospectors busily traffic all manner of weapons, equipment, coins, recovered treasures, and a few strange glimmering crystals. Even the light of the Sacred Flame still glows within the modest stone chapel at the heart of town. He stops the wagon before looking back.
"Might I recommend if you head into Drakkenheim heading to the Caravan court? You can see Armin Gainsbury for supplies you'll need trust me. You'll need heavy gloves to deal in Delirium.. Also if you need a drink or a place to rest the Bark and Buzzard is good for a bed and a warm ale. Tell Karin ya know good ol Eren. She'll give ya a room, tell her I consider everyone who shows their face here my friend. She'll trust you with a cottage room than you'll still have to pay though. Ahh.. You're rewards!"
He gives each and every person 25 gold pieces in a pouch. Except he stares to Fazil a long moment not due to disagreements but the fact.. He wasn't technically hired and he never did show his face. However.. He does he helped fight Rikard and stood to the bandits. So this merchant had instead chosen to be honorable paying Fazil 25 gold pieces as well.
"I warn ya hooded Mageborn. Not all merchants are as nice as ol Eren! So if you keep being sneaky with the magic.. People will screw ya over trust me. But I don't got in me sadly.. If I did I'd probably be rich! HAHA!"
OOC
Next post I'll involve a slight PC map but they have a few locations heard of above.
Also.. Everyone is LV 2 now! They can have honed their powers the night before or during the trip or reflecting on the fight with Rikard. Or something more.. Magical took place it's up to you how to flavor it or you can PM me a story idea if ya want! I know LV 2 can be exciting for Wizards for example!
OOC
https://www.worldanvil.com/w/fractum-shieldhero-/map/61a7b9de-f393-4c8b-b6aa-0c8c942b1025
Here is the map. The markers are what they know of. I added the church cause it's easy to see.
But you can head to any building/area they want to head to honestly.
Thuribula nods. "The delerium is a curse of chaos, drawing in so many to their destruction... be assured, Endra, that I will do everything I can to destroy it, and stop its power." She helps them lay out Rikard's body, gently closing his staring eyes, and, lighting one of her candles, chants several prayers until the candle burns low. She puts it out with her fingers just before it burns all the way down, and gives it to Endra as a remembrance of Rikard's soul. She leaves them in silence to mourn as she retires back to the party's camp at the wagon.
In the morning...
Thuribula wakes early for her prayers, and it isn't hard for Ludwig and Endra to find her. Surprised by their gift, she says, "Rikard... I think he must have been a noble man, before the terrible curse took him. I can see your love for him was very great. Thank you... I will accept your gift of his armor, and be assured that I will use it well to help me do the work of the Sacred Flame in restoring Divine Order to the lost souls in Drakkenheim." She returns Endra's hug, and whispers to her, "I will keep Rikard's soul in my prayers. You and Ludwig... be careful. Stay close to those you can trust. I am honored to have met you."
She packs quickly while the wagon heads out towards Emberwood village, carefully stowing Rikard's splint armor in her backpack. As she steps out to take her leave of Eren, she smiles warmly at the man. "Thank you for your hospitality on our journey, Eren. May the Sacred Flame warm you on your continued journey... oh." As Eren tries to give her a bag of 25 gold, Thuribula steps back, holding up her hands. "My vow of poverty forbids me to accept coins... but I thank you gratefully for the gesture. The work of a Flamekeeper is done for duty and love of truth and right, not for material gain." In explanation, as doubtless Eren saw her accept Endra's gift of Rikard's armor, she continues, "I am allowed to take as donation items that I have need of to do my work. For I must be a good steward of what is entrusted to me, as well, and no one can do his or her duty without food, clothing, tools, and supplies. Be assured, Eren, I do not have need of gold, for the Divine Order provides always. I will seek out your friends, and see if perhaps I can trade the chain mail I'm wearing to have the work done to fit Rikard's splint."
Thuribula smiles at Eren's joke to Fazil, and gives the hooded Mageborn a meaningful glance, but still refrains from saying anything. Eren's spoken warning to be careful with his powers is all she would have repeated to him herself, and he would not listen to her if he would not listen to Eren. But, she addresses Fazil and all the others of their little company. "Friends, thank you for your support and assistance on this journey. I am indeed indebted to each of you." She looks especially to the Light-blessed young man. "Fenton... have you given any more thought to your next step in your search for truth?"
As the night wears on, Maggwyn thinks about the fight with Rikard and how as they are moving towards the capital... there are just going to be more. She thinks about how she moves and how she wants to move and as she lays in her bedroll going over every minute detail... the focus in her starts the generation of ki... She smiles to herself as she falls asleep, feeling more at peace than she has in quite awhile.
In the morning, she watches the exchange between Thuribula and the two that sadly have lost their friend. She finds it interesting how Endra has taken to the paladin, really a stranger so quickly. the tiefling shakes her head, the woman shouldn't be so trusting. She helps pack up and head into the town.
She smiles as Eren starts in on recommendations in Drakkenheim, "This is an interesting way of steering us clear of the city, but I thank you. And for your payment, not everyone is so honest." She tucks it away and stares off into the drab existence of the capital, then turns back to Eren, "I do wish you luck on your journey home." Turning to Dab, "So, you want to head into the capital?"
Throughout the night, Fazil wonders if he should have talked it out with Rikard before turning into a monster. Maybe Rikard would've managed to hold on a bit longer as he found someone to treat him the next day. Nevertheless, he can only say that Rikard is no longer in pain or worrying about harming his companions while being driven insane upon becoming a monster. Either way, he has other problems to deal with. Rikard's death is just another problem added to the pile. He closes his eyes, resting until he falls asleep.
The first thing he did in the morning was pack everything, and he found himself surprised by how Eren paid him, even though he wasn't hired. Nonetheless, he took the 25gp and slightly bowed in thanks.
"Thanks for the advice. I will keep that in mind." He nods, forgetting that he wasn't among the students at the academy, nor was he among nobles. "Also, you would be surprised by how often most Mageborn I know of would fall for tricks due to lack of experience in life itself."
Dabbert rises in the morning after a short nap that he took after being relieved. He looks tired, like even that nap was fitful and without rest. He uses some of his water to clean his face and rinse his mouth as he watches Thuribula's exchange with their guests. Once on the road, he climbs into the back of the wagon, seeming to be off somewhere else in his thoughts until they reach Emberwood. He hops out, stretches, checks his gear to make sure he hasn't lost anything, that straps are still tight, that everything is in place as it should be.
"I think so, yeah." He says in answer to Maggwyn's question as he takes in the market and puts away his payment and offering Eren only a simple wave. "Well, do I want to? Not really. But we aren't going to be uh...fixing anything all the way out here."
He looks around, taking a moment, before leaning in close to Maggwyn to whisper something in her ear...
Stealth for the Whisper: 1
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Endra of course would have set Maggwyn off before (my bad on this lol.)
Endra and Ludwig though haunted by the death of their comrade begin to understand Rikard's former fondness for Flamekeepers as they offer a smile leaving.
As Eren begins to make farewells he see's Thuribula does not take the gold. He offers a light chuckle.
"Hanna is just like you, even got her armor donated crazy woman. You'd like her, still.. I owe ya."
He looks around the party and hands it to Maggwyn and Dabbert.
"You two, look after Thuribula for me since she won't spend it. I mean.. I owe ya all one after all. Also Mag, be careful if you head to the capital.. It's a battleground full of riches.. But still."
"Ahh Thuribula, Tobias Crowe and Son's will be a great blacksmith to get that done.. Right that way of town. I'd say trading you're chainmail may be a good idea in fact."
Eren gives Fazil a nod for once looking to the others before heading off.
OOC
You can keep that stealth roll but for whispering and not sneaking around I'll take deception in the future ^^
"We'll uh...get her something she'll need with it." Dabbert says as Eren offers up Thuribula's share to him and Maggwyn. He hefts the little pouch of coins so that Maggwyn can see it. "Maggs will keep me honest about it. Just don't let me forget, eh?"
He slips it into his belt next to his own payment and makes sure it's secure.
"Tobias Crowe he says?" Dabbert says as he watches Eren leave. "Do we uh...stick together from here? Split up? I intend to go into the Capital soon. I'm not sure how uh...much time I'll have today. Maybe tomorrow morning, so we have the full measure of the sun to do it. And before we forget, the brigands from the road could very easily ride into town, so I advise sticking in groups of two or three. They'll want uh...retribution for being slighted on the road, I imagine. In the meantime, Thuribula, I'd be interested in the Black Smith as well if you want the company."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York