Se'air falls back with a surprised yelp upon opening his eyes, not prepared to be met with the sight of a floating goblin head. Heart beating faster than it was only seconds before, he scoffs as Cit'rine's hand wraps around the jaw of the head he holds, opening and closing it's mouth as he speaks;
"2 gold, pay up"
"How long have you been sitting here?" He asks once his heart rate slows to its normal pace. Pushing the head to the side, Se'air begins to rise, dusting off his backside from where he fell.
" And technically, I did assist in killing one. In fact, he would've died at my hands if Aramila hadn't torched him at the last second for entertainment. Let's call it even? Plus..."
His eyes flick over to the decapitated head still held in Cit'rine's hands before he looks back at his friends wild grin,
"...Was it really necessary to hack it's head off?" And thats a rhetorical question, please don't answer it"
Tone light, he smirks down at his friend before looking towards the rest of the party. He watches as Aramila makes her way towards him, hair ablaze as if doused with gasoline. He silently begins rubbing his hands together, knowing he would need to calm her before he could reveal what he knew. Mind clear, he feels the dirt particles begin to form within his hands as he waits for her to reach him, subconsciously nodding to himself slightly, a silent confirmation to himself as he reruns over the list of events that had occurred within his mind palace.
OOC - me and abes discussed our interaction before :)
As she makes her way over to Se'air, Aramila unravels her braid, allowing the crackling flames to spread. When she reaches him, he extends a fist to her; to which she holds out her open palm as the dirt falls onto her skin. Spreading the dirt over both of her hands, she runs them through her hair and down the length of it; the fire extinguishing as she goes. "Once to ashes, the flames have been turned", he says to her in his quiet and soothing voice, "and delivering safety, the earth has secured it's home", she responds as the coals replacing her eyes diminish and her piercing iris' return to their normal state. Now calm and back to her normal self, "what did you find?", she asks out of routine, anticipating the information she knew he would have to deliver; just like every other battle.
OOC - I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way hahah. There is nothing romantic between Se'air and Mila, if you would like to know what just happened between them, I suggest asking one of them. Also idk where everyone is standing but I'm not too sure who would've heard the exchange anyway.
ps. discussed what would be said/done with hasna :)
estelle twirls the dagger as she returns, occasionally rubbing the back of her neck. She made a mental list of all the things she wanted to check, from the wagon to her members. Speaking of them, there they were. Since they were all huddled it meant it was discussion time and what’s discussion time without a report back from estelle? She chuckles to herself, making her way towards her friends.
“The goblins had a clear entrance” nearing the group she informs them, “Their footprints led to a path in the brush, continuing deep into the forest. I’m assuming they all came from that way” she pauses, “and fled from that way” she glances at mila and citrine before her mismatched eyes settle on Se’air, awaiting his findings and thoughts.
No necessary? how is it not necessary, her heads on fire! Sariya looks up to argue and for the first time looks at Aramilas face. Realizing that Aramila must be controlling the flames herself Sariyas guilt quickly becomes curiosity but the seriousness of Aramila makes the million questions about to leave her mouth all at once come to a halt. Deciding it wasnt wise to hassle her any further Sariya rumages through her little side bag pulling out a few small seads she begins thumbing them into the hole she had made. Cinaqur circling her as he yells at her for putting herself in danger once again.
Elizar watches as all this chitchat and Ciitrine's nonsense unfolds....although the blaze in her eyes has gone, they remain a light steady purple.
As she traces the sheath of Gundren's short sword with her fingers, her brow creases into a frown. 'For those that did not realise, those bastard goblins had items belonging to Gundren on them. There is a half eaten damn horse which belonged to Gundren further into the woods. The cart belonging to him, with his items, was nearly lost'.
She looks at each member slowly. A wise person would notice the look in her eyes, the tone in her voice and stubbornness overtaking her features.
'If we are done with this shite, we have a job to do'. And she turns to walk once more to the cart.
Se'air stares down at the ground, listening intently to Elizar's words. Once she has finished speaking he raises his head slowly, meeting Aramila's eyes.
"She's right. This attack is too organised, carried out with precision and thought that goblins do not possess. It is safe to assume they were hired for the job, pawns on a chessboard in someone else game. Expendable."
He sniffs, breaking eye contact and looking at Estelle and Cit'rine both in turn,
"This may have been a personal attack on Gundren, of that I am uncertain. Although, I am certain of one thing and that is if we intend to find out who is behind this, we need to play the board with equal calculation in order to checkmate the king and not be swept with distractions such as this."
He sweeps his hand through the air motioning to the aftermath of their battle before raising it to run his fingers through his already tousled hair.
"Ultimately however..." He adds as an after thought, "...the attack was not targeting us. Technically we have no involvement. Let us ensure this cart arrives safely so we can get our gold and move on."
Sariya pats the soil back into place then gets up and walks over to the cart. She nods at Elizar "Im ready" before she turns her attention to the oxen, stroking the side of their face as she whispers to them trying to keep them calm. An angry Cinnique pees on the newly planted seeds as he glares at Sariya.
Although a possible clear path to the goblins lair is discovered, everyone comes to the realisation that despite how they may feel upon the matter - completing the task ahead is the main priority.... at least for now. Sariya turns from the oxen and notices everyone's eyes on her, nervously she smiles and nods. With that everyone gathers themselves to continue down the trail towards Phandalin.
Aramilla takes a point of exhaustion unless someone heals her or she rests in the cart.
You travel at a reasonable pace for the remainder of the day all slightly more alert after the goblin attack and yet night comes and no other trouble has befallen you. At this pace you will not make it to Phandalin until the morning but travelling through the night will give everyone exhaustion points and greatly increase risk of danger. Your other option is to camp for another night and if you leave in the morning you should arrive in Phandalin by midday.
As the day begins to give way to night Aramilla sends Cit'rine to scout out a safe place to stop. Before long he returns and leads the party a short way off the road to a clearing that seems to have been used as camping ground by many a traveler before.
You may set up your camp and complete any actions you may wish. This is a long rest so make sure you mark that off on your sheet. There will need to be 3 separate watches throughout the night in order to ensure safety and make sure everyone has enough rest to continue the next day. Also there are only 2 tents that The Branded have supplied - 1 for girls and 1 for boys.
post what your characters are doing before they retire for the night (could be cooking, eating, reading spells, sharpening weapons etc - anything you want.)
decide who will take 1st, 2nd and 3rd watch - may be done in pairs and am happy if you wish to role play this - Peception rolls required for the watch.
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DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
Elizar gathers some wood for the fire and as she places the load down, notices Aramila.
Aramila winces as the pain from her wound shoots up her arm. She looks down at it with clenched teeth 'bloody hell' she mutters under her breath in frustration. Elizar notices this also directing her gaze at the wound'Looks like you lost alot of blood. Need a hand?'
At the word directed at her, Aramila looks up at Elizar. 'Im fine' she replies with a nod biting the inside of her cheek due to pain. She knew she needed help, but she didn't feel comfortable accepting it from an unfamiliar person. She turns to make her way to the tent, feeling light headed due to blood loss. After a few steps she pauses briefly to regain her composure as her head spins, she continues.
Elizar had little patience but understood pride, even though she could see Aramila in struggle, her pride was respected by her. For this reason she asks again 'Look,you need help. Swallow your pride'. She looks at her closely, 'I will offer one more time. Would you like a hand?'
Aramila doesn't respond but goes to take another step with a deep breath and stumbles due to the nausea. She swallows her stubbornness and turns to Elizar, 'Your right, if im to get my group through this, I will need my strength' she sighs ' And its not pride, I just have no reason to trust you' before motioning to her arm.
'Pride I understnd, and trust i understand even more...Stay still'. Elizar places her hand on the wound and closes her eyes. A purple shimmer appears under her hand for a moment before she removes it again. 'Get some rest' she nods as she turns away.
Elizar remembered the conversation between the group about taking watch earlier. 'I will take the last watch' she says loud enough to be heard by all, and makes her way to the tent to call it a night.
OOC- Dm, this post is quite long as it includes both my own post as well as Aramila's (in purple). We discussed this interaction between us. Using Lay on Hands Pool to heal- she will heal 5xp with her rest (if that much is needed).
Once healed, Aramila collects her pack from the cart and makes her way over to the water channel she had seen earlier. Heading over to the largest tree she can see, she places her pack against it and begins taking off her breast, torso and arm pieces. Next she takes of the bloodied shirt and begins washing it in the water. When she is done, she washes her arm to get rid of any dried blood and then hangs the shirt on one of the tree's branches, retrieves an identical white shirt from her pack and puts it on. She then takes her daggers back down to the stream and begins to rinse them of any blood and lays them next to her pack to dry when she is finished. She sits against the tree and takes out a small journal out of her breast piece and writes in it briefly before putting it back. Finally, Aramila pulls out another small book and begins to read until her equipment are dry and then collects them all and makes her way over to the tent; retiring for the night.
occ- i couldnt figure out what to call them hahah so i just called it a breast, torso and arm things but if someone knows what they're called, please tell me so I can change it but its the gear in photos i sent in the gc so you guys understand what I mean. Also, she still has a singlet thing under her white shirt.
Sariya picks one of the trees close by and begins to climb. she scouts from a few differnet branchs, looking in all directions before choosing to rest on one of the lower branches. With her back against the tree she stokes her foxs soft fur as she prepares to doze off.
Sariya picks one of the trees close by and begins to climb. she scouts from a few differnet branchs, looking in all directions before choosing to rest on one of the lower branches. With her back against the tree she stokes her foxs soft fur as she prepares to doze off.
Perception - 7
Sariya - at this height you have a view over the rolling hills. You see mountains to the south and in the distance what you have come to recognise to be torchlight of a town or city. You shiver slightly, the thought of being squeezed into tight, noisy and dirty streets full of people with building to either side makes you a little excited and fearful at the same time.
is this how it feels to be on an adventure? you think to yourself. Cinniquar scoffs in response as he burrows he face into your chest.
Turning to the west you see the sparkling night sky stretched out before you both in land and sky. you stare bewildered for a few moment before remembering a conversation you overheard the one called Cit'rine speak. One thing in particular had caught your interest and you gasp once you realise "The Sea!" you say aloud. You quickly look away eyes closed and heart beating fast - it was one thing to enter the gates of a city but the thought of being completely surrounded by water from all sides terrified you. You open one eye slowly to see Cinniquar's face close to yours as he studies you with his golden beady eyes.
"rest now girl" he says not unkindly "you have had a long day and i have a feeling the worst is yet to come"he adjusts himself on your lap and yawns "look to the north if it helps"
You do as he says looking past the hills, your eyes resting on the familiar canopy of a forest. You smile to yourself and breath in deep, you can almost smell the pine, dirt, sap and all the other smells that remind you of home. you close your eyes once more remembering how you would race through the trees the wind in your face.
Memories eventually turn to dreams.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Se’air offers to take first watch, looking to Estelle as he does, a silent question. She nods, understanding before stating “i’ll join him”
Excellent. He knew his friend would keep an eye while he studied, the events of the previous day had prevented him from getting in some reading.
They make their way to a secure area, where the pair feel like they can watch, without being watched. Se’air already holds an open book in one hand, as he pulls a shiny red apple from his pocket and takes a bite. Estelle stretches for a moment, breathing in deeply before crouching down. she pulls out a dagger, tracing her finger along its hilt. Speaking suddenly,
“what if we’re part of something bigger. If this was a planned attack then maybe there was a traitor on the dwarf’s side... maybe this was a set up, someone wanting us gone?...i’m over thinking this” Estelle sighs, rubbing the back of her neck and grimacing slightly.
He sits beside her “You’re right, you are over thinking this” Se’air responds around the soft crunching of his apple. Finishing the page he closes his book, sighing before turning to Estelle. “But, you’re also right that this was a planned attack. It wasn’t against us however, and i don’t think we need to get involved.”
He offers Estelle the bitten apple while he continues, “with that being said, im afraid we’ve become involved involuntarily, just by being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Estelle exchanges the apple for her dagger, “let’s stay out of it as much as possible” she takes a bite before positioning her hair out of the way; exposing her neck.
“This ones gonna hurt” is the only warning he gives before digging in the knife.
Many first watches you have both stood together that it has almost become tradition. You enjoy the early hours of the night in conversation whilst keeping semi alert on your surroundings. Your watch ends with no interruption and you both return to the tents to wake Aramilla for the second watch.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aramila stirs moments before Estelle enters the tent to wake her. She sighs and rubs her eyes to wake herself up; she was used to taking the second watch and therefore found she would wake up in time. Due to the amount of blood she’d lost from the wound, she was drained and had fallen into a refreshing sleep and now felt like she needed a little more of a ‘push’ to be awake. Because of this, she doesn’t tell Estelle she is awake but waits for her to shake her. This happens seconds later as Estelle’s voice drifts above Aramila like a calm wind, “Mila.” She opens her eyes; and they appear glossier than normal, with a faint and soft glow illuminating off them. “I’m up,” she says with a soft grunt; giving Estelle a small pat on the back as she slowly stands to put on her cloak and grab her bow from beside her bedroll. Aramila always slept with her daggers on but she wasn’t paranoid; just cautious. She also retrieves the two little booklets from underneath her pillow and then makes her way out. With her quiver and bow on her back, she looks around for the tree that would allow her the best sight of their campsite and the area around them. She climbs the tree and sits against the trunk, wrapping her cloak around her and placing her bow with a strung arrow on her lap, she blends into the darkness. She smiles sadly, this was her favourite time of the night; complete solitude and tranquility, the darkest part of the night when the sky was a complete veil of void. This was the time she was able to drop all masks, all barriers and all acts. This was the time when the darkness engulfed all of her sins, her mistakes, her fears; all of her demons and hid them along with the gloom she carried inside. The only thing the night could not conceal was the guilt staining her sight. She scoffed, she knew she was born like this; but why does it feel like seeing the world in a shade of red was a reminder of the blood she had spilt? The lives she had stolen; cheating others of their time. And deep down, why did she feel like perhaps it was a scream that unlike the fire in her… maybe she wasn’t so alive; because who could possibly say they were if their soul was tarnished in the way hers was; if their heart went up in flames and only remained as ashes. She clears her throat and shakes her head slightly to still her mind of such distracting thoughts and examines the area for any danger. Taking out one of the small books, she flicks through it slowly, reading each name carefully. This was her favourite part of the night because this was the time she felt as though she could be who she was without a past; this was the only time she would allow herself to feel such things. Midnight was when she dropped her code to survival; the only time she allowed herself the brief moments to be the human in humanity. She traces a finger over one name in particular and then closes the book and takes out the other and begins to jot down her thoughts.
occ - idk if i need all these checks but just in case I do, here they are.
Aramilla - You glance up suddenly at the sound of snapping twigs, your fiery eyes searching for the source. With your darkvision you make out the shape of rabbit braving the wilderness in search of food. it stops and sniffs the air, ears twitching and freezes as it locks eyes with you, not sure what to make of two smoldering embers floating in the tree. You flinch as a sudden flash of feathers is all the warning you or the rabbit have before it is swept up in a Horned Owls claws carrying its bloody corpse through the branches above your head splattering blood and eventually disapearing into the night.
A pang of guilt fills you as you stare at the spot where the rabbit had been. i could have acted, i could have saved hima moment passes before you snap out of it and shake yourself rid of your own foolishness. am i to be responsible for the natural order now? you brush your hand through your hair and breath in deep holding back the tears, the rabbit being the furthest thing from your mind.i could have saved him....
Clearing your throat you return your attention to your notes. The page you were working on was covered in a dark substance, smudging the words. Confused you dip the end of your writing quill, wetting the tufts of the feather and hold it up high to reach a vein of light through the tree branches. The edge of the feather shone a crimson red in the moonlight. "blood"you confirm strangely calm as you watch the rabbits blood drip from the end of the quill landing in the palm of your hand. Upon touching your skin the drop of blood explodes with a small flash of fire. You frown irritated and a snarl appears upon your lips "only in fire shall thou be cleansed" Flames envelop the quill burning it to a crisp, you rip the stained page from your journal in a fit of sudden anger and light it up as well, watching until only ashes remain.
This upsets you more but you hold onto your anger, anger held the memories at bay, anger helped fight back the tears, anger was far better than guilt. You make a mental note that you will need to pick up a replacement quill once you reach town and then spend your remaining watch in silent fury, hair dancing brightly in the night.
Elizar - you are startled awake as you are poked with a blunt object through your bedroll. You reach out to defend yourself only to find Aramilla standing over and nudging you with the end of her bow "Your watch is up" she says simply before turning away.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elizar glares at Aramilla's back through sleepy eyes and groans. During her sleep, aches and bruises had been born upon her body that she couldn't quite recall how they happened. Never the less, she gets up, quickly wraps her hair into a messy bundle on her head, picks up her armour, and walks out the tent.
As the cool night breeze caresses her face, her mood is changed and a smile spreads over her full sleep swollen lips. She makes her way to the water they had collected earlier, splashes her face and takes a long drink, as the elixir of life cools her veins and refreshes her blood, leaving her alert and ready for her watch.
She walks a little away from the group, eyeing off a strong tall tree that would be her watch tower. She picks up a small stone and puts it into her pouch as she climbs her way up. Nestling high enough to have a good all round view, she removes a javelin and with one hard blow, pierces it into the trunk beside her. From this she hangs her weapons bag and swords and sits back against the trunk. As her eyes adjust to the darkness around her,she removes her weapons one by one, sharpening them with the stone she had collected, and as her hand movements became a steady rhythm, she lets her thoughts free...
This part of the night, was her heartless friend. A friend that had sat with her many a times while she let the dark inside her heart wander outside the walls that she had put up around them. A friend that replayed her mothers face over and over as the bastard devil took her away from a young lost Elizar. A friend that hated people, that hated man, that hated the cruel world and all the unfairness in it. A friend that never ceased to remind her that trust was Satan's hell hole, that emotions were safe only deep within her.....A friend that now took this dark hour to remind her of Gundren. She clentched her jaw as she realised she had been sharpening his small sword. 'Dont you leave me also my friend' she whispered into it.
Sighing she sat back and closed her eyes, awaiting her favourite part, her second friend. She did not have to wait long for the burning sunrise to awaken and as its first rays warmed her heart, she smiled. For this last part of the night, was her mercy friend. A friend that, like the suns rays warmed and awoke the world, it awoke the love and heart inside of her. A friend, that meant more to her than the entire world, because He WAS the world...As she did every morning without a miss, she raised her hands to her friend and spoke...'My Lord, My Master, My King.... Give me the strength to stay steadfast upon my path. Light my way with your wisdom. Give me the courage to always do what is right...Almighty, with your Mercy, I beg you, please forgive me my sins, the sins I have blackened my heart with, and the sins I am yet to blacken further....My Lord, let my purpose outweigh them'.
As a single tear made its way down her cheek, and the sun was now lighting up the world, she smiles, for no matter what was to become of today, her Lord, like everyday, had listened to her, and that was enough.
As the sun begins to break through the darkness Sariyas peaceful sleep comes to a halt as she awakes suddenly remembers shes was ment to be on watch with Elizar. She scatters down the tree quickly and rans over to Elizar triping over everything in her path as she trys to wipe the sleep from her eyes. She climbs the trunk "Im so sorry Elizar. I slept to much!" reaching Elizar she plucks a small flower of her dress and hands it to Elizar "A peace offering." She goes to sit down on the branch but instead loses her balance and falls out of the tree. She lays on her back for a few seconds looking up at Elizar "Ill be back up in a minute" she says as she slowly closes her eyes, silently praying they wouldnt have to fight anymore goblins today.
Its a chilly early morning with a thick fog surrounding the hills. Sariya you feel the back of your clothes begin to draw in the cool wetness of the grass you are laying upon.
Elizar despite having your peaceful morning interrupted you cannot help but chuckle softly at your friend. She was like ray of sunrise herself and always seemed to be able to warm and soften your heart with her silly yet innocent antics. You were grateful for her companionship especially now being surrounded by untrusted strangers.
And they were strange indeed - you felt something was different about them ever since you first lay eyes upon them. They all had slightly odd traits and at times acted strangely. Despite their looks you are confident they weren't human especially after witnessing Aramilla's hair and eyes of fire. You close your eyes picturing it again - a terrifying figure of fire & fury she had made, making even you double take momentarily. You felt a sort of kinship with Aramilla - her eyes seemed to carry a heavy weight that you were curious about, this along with the fiery ability made you want to ask a thousand questions but showing interest mean't dropping a wall and you weren't sure that was something you were ready for.
"Genasi" that was it - it had been bugging you all afternoon after the battle with the goblins. Numar had spoken of them in one his lengthy lectures of the races inhabiting The Fallen Realms. You scratch your head wishing you had payed more attention as try to recall his words
"Each Genasi is linked to a particular element - earth, water, wind and fire. Some say they are the very embodiment of the element taking on its characteristics, for instance a water Genasi may be as unpredictable as the sea, never to be tamed or a fire Genasi may be volatile and impatient, moving quickly on the constant hunt for fuel. They are not to be confused with Elementals however which are the animated energy of the elements - Genasi are instead born as any other mortal with a mortal mother, the father they say is a Genie descended from the Elemental Planes. Now Genies oho yes, they are very intere..... Elly are you even listening!" You smile deeply to yourself remembering how you weren't really listening at all but rather playing with the knife you stole from Vectra's belt.
You pull out that same knife from your belt now, turning it over as you reminisce. You freeze suddenly listening, you could have swore you heard.. there again, muffled footsteps approaching through the fog. You strain to see through the thick vapour around you and quickly spot the tall silhouette of a humanoid figure not far from you, seemingly making its way through the fog towards the camp...
Se'air falls back with a surprised yelp upon opening his eyes, not prepared to be met with the sight of a floating goblin head. Heart beating faster than it was only seconds before, he scoffs as Cit'rine's hand wraps around the jaw of the head he holds, opening and closing it's mouth as he speaks;
"2 gold, pay up"
"How long have you been sitting here?" He asks once his heart rate slows to its normal pace. Pushing the head to the side, Se'air begins to rise, dusting off his backside from where he fell.
" And technically, I did assist in killing one. In fact, he would've died at my hands if Aramila hadn't torched him at the last second for entertainment. Let's call it even? Plus..."
His eyes flick over to the decapitated head still held in Cit'rine's hands before he looks back at his friends wild grin,
"...Was it really necessary to hack it's head off?" And thats a rhetorical question, please don't answer it"
Tone light, he smirks down at his friend before looking towards the rest of the party. He watches as Aramila makes her way towards him, hair ablaze as if doused with gasoline. He silently begins rubbing his hands together, knowing he would need to calm her before he could reveal what he knew. Mind clear, he feels the dirt particles begin to form within his hands as he waits for her to reach him, subconsciously nodding to himself slightly, a silent confirmation to himself as he reruns over the list of events that had occurred within his mind palace.
OOC - me and abes discussed our interaction before :)
se'air
As she makes her way over to Se'air, Aramila unravels her braid, allowing the crackling flames to spread. When she reaches him, he extends a fist to her; to which she holds out her open palm as the dirt falls onto her skin. Spreading the dirt over both of her hands, she runs them through her hair and down the length of it; the fire extinguishing as she goes. "Once to ashes, the flames have been turned", he says to her in his quiet and soothing voice, "and delivering safety, the earth has secured it's home", she responds as the coals replacing her eyes diminish and her piercing iris' return to their normal state. Now calm and back to her normal self, "what did you find?", she asks out of routine, anticipating the information she knew he would have to deliver; just like every other battle.
OOC - I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way hahah. There is nothing romantic between Se'air and Mila, if you would like to know what just happened between them, I suggest asking one of them. Also idk where everyone is standing but I'm not too sure who would've heard the exchange anyway.
ps. discussed what would be said/done with hasna :)
Princess Freja
estelle twirls the dagger as she returns, occasionally rubbing the back of her neck. She made a mental list of all the things she wanted to check, from the wagon to her members. Speaking of them, there they were. Since they were all huddled it meant it was discussion time and what’s discussion time without a report back from estelle? She chuckles to herself, making her way towards her friends.
“The goblins had a clear entrance” nearing the group she informs them, “Their footprints led to a path in the brush, continuing deep into the forest. I’m assuming they all came from that way” she pauses, “and fled from that way” she glances at mila and citrine before her mismatched eyes settle on Se’air, awaiting his findings and thoughts.
mera- haunted one
No necessary? how is it not necessary, her heads on fire! Sariya looks up to argue and for the first time looks at Aramilas face. Realizing that Aramila must be controlling the flames herself Sariyas guilt quickly becomes curiosity but the seriousness of Aramila makes the million questions about to leave her mouth all at once come to a halt. Deciding it wasnt wise to hassle her any further Sariya rumages through her little side bag pulling out a few small seads she begins thumbing them into the hole she had made. Cinaqur circling her as he yells at her for putting herself in danger once again.
Elizar watches as all this chitchat and Ciitrine's nonsense unfolds....although the blaze in her eyes has gone, they remain a light steady purple.
As she traces the sheath of Gundren's short sword with her fingers, her brow creases into a frown. 'For those that did not realise, those bastard goblins had items belonging to Gundren on them. There is a half eaten damn horse which belonged to Gundren further into the woods. The cart belonging to him, with his items, was nearly lost'.
She looks at each member slowly. A wise person would notice the look in her eyes, the tone in her voice and stubbornness overtaking her features.
'If we are done with this shite, we have a job to do'. And she turns to walk once more to the cart.
Cosima
Se'air stares down at the ground, listening intently to Elizar's words. Once she has finished speaking he raises his head slowly, meeting Aramila's eyes.
"She's right. This attack is too organised, carried out with precision and thought that goblins do not possess. It is safe to assume they were hired for the job, pawns on a chessboard in someone else game. Expendable."
He sniffs, breaking eye contact and looking at Estelle and Cit'rine both in turn,
"This may have been a personal attack on Gundren, of that I am uncertain. Although, I am certain of one thing and that is if we intend to find out who is behind this, we need to play the board with equal calculation in order to checkmate the king and not be swept with distractions such as this."
He sweeps his hand through the air motioning to the aftermath of their battle before raising it to run his fingers through his already tousled hair.
"Ultimately however..." He adds as an after thought, "...the attack was not targeting us. Technically we have no involvement. Let us ensure this cart arrives safely so we can get our gold and move on."
se'air
Sariya pats the soil back into place then gets up and walks over to the cart. She nods at Elizar "Im ready" before she turns her attention to the oxen, stroking the side of their face as she whispers to them trying to keep them calm. An angry Cinnique pees on the newly planted seeds as he glares at Sariya.
Although a possible clear path to the goblins lair is discovered, everyone comes to the realisation that despite how they may feel upon the matter - completing the task ahead is the main priority.... at least for now. Sariya turns from the oxen and notices everyone's eyes on her, nervously she smiles and nods. With that everyone gathers themselves to continue down the trail towards Phandalin.
You travel at a reasonable pace for the remainder of the day all slightly more alert after the goblin attack and yet night comes and no other trouble has befallen you. At this pace you will not make it to Phandalin until the morning but travelling through the night will give everyone exhaustion points and greatly increase risk of danger. Your other option is to camp for another night and if you leave in the morning you should arrive in Phandalin by midday.
Please decide your course of action in messenger.
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
As the day begins to give way to night Aramilla sends Cit'rine to scout out a safe place to stop. Before long he returns and leads the party a short way off the road to a clearing that seems to have been used as camping ground by many a traveler before.
You may set up your camp and complete any actions you may wish. This is a long rest so make sure you mark that off on your sheet. There will need to be 3 separate watches throughout the night in order to ensure safety and make sure everyone has enough rest to continue the next day. Also there are only 2 tents that The Branded have supplied - 1 for girls and 1 for boys.
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
Elizar gathers some wood for the fire and as she places the load down, notices Aramila.
Aramila winces as the pain from her wound shoots up her arm. She looks down at it with clenched teeth 'bloody hell' she mutters under her breath in frustration. Elizar notices this also directing her gaze at the wound 'Looks like you lost alot of blood. Need a hand?'
At the word directed at her, Aramila looks up at Elizar. 'Im fine' she replies with a nod biting the inside of her cheek due to pain. She knew she needed help, but she didn't feel comfortable accepting it from an unfamiliar person. She turns to make her way to the tent, feeling light headed due to blood loss. After a few steps she pauses briefly to regain her composure as her head spins, she continues.
Elizar had little patience but understood pride, even though she could see Aramila in struggle, her pride was respected by her. For this reason she asks again 'Look,you need help. Swallow your pride'. She looks at her closely, 'I will offer one more time. Would you like a hand?'
Aramila doesn't respond but goes to take another step with a deep breath and stumbles due to the nausea. She swallows her stubbornness and turns to Elizar, 'Your right, if im to get my group through this, I will need my strength' she sighs ' And its not pride, I just have no reason to trust you' before motioning to her arm.
'Pride I understnd, and trust i understand even more...Stay still'. Elizar places her hand on the wound and closes her eyes. A purple shimmer appears under her hand for a moment before she removes it again. 'Get some rest' she nods as she turns away.
Elizar remembered the conversation between the group about taking watch earlier. 'I will take the last watch' she says loud enough to be heard by all, and makes her way to the tent to call it a night.
OOC- Dm, this post is quite long as it includes both my own post as well as Aramila's (in purple). We discussed this interaction between us. Using Lay on Hands Pool to heal- she will heal 5xp with her rest (if that much is needed).
Cosima
Once healed, Aramila collects her pack from the cart and makes her way over to the water channel she had seen earlier. Heading over to the largest tree she can see, she places her pack against it and begins taking off her breast, torso and arm pieces. Next she takes of the bloodied shirt and begins washing it in the water. When she is done, she washes her arm to get rid of any dried blood and then hangs the shirt on one of the tree's branches, retrieves an identical white shirt from her pack and puts it on. She then takes her daggers back down to the stream and begins to rinse them of any blood and lays them next to her pack to dry when she is finished. She sits against the tree and takes out a small journal out of her breast piece and writes in it briefly before putting it back. Finally, Aramila pulls out another small book and begins to read until her equipment are dry and then collects them all and makes her way over to the tent; retiring for the night.
occ- i couldnt figure out what to call them hahah so i just called it a breast, torso and arm things but if someone knows what they're called, please tell me so I can change it but its the gear in photos i sent in the gc so you guys understand what I mean. Also, she still has a singlet thing under her white shirt.
ps. sorry this sucks, I rushed haha
Princess Freja
Sariya picks one of the trees close by and begins to climb. she scouts from a few differnet branchs, looking in all directions before choosing to rest on one of the lower branches. With her back against the tree she stokes her foxs soft fur as she prepares to doze off.
Perception - 7
Sariya - at this height you have a view over the rolling hills. You see mountains to the south and in the distance what you have come to recognise to be torchlight of a town or city. You shiver slightly, the thought of being squeezed into tight, noisy and dirty streets full of people with building to either side makes you a little excited and fearful at the same time.
is this how it feels to be on an adventure? you think to yourself. Cinniquar scoffs in response as he burrows he face into your chest.
Turning to the west you see the sparkling night sky stretched out before you both in land and sky. you stare bewildered for a few moment before remembering a conversation you overheard the one called Cit'rine speak. One thing in particular had caught your interest and you gasp once you realise "The Sea!" you say aloud. You quickly look away eyes closed and heart beating fast - it was one thing to enter the gates of a city but the thought of being completely surrounded by water from all sides terrified you. You open one eye slowly to see Cinniquar's face close to yours as he studies you with his golden beady eyes.
"rest now girl" he says not unkindly "you have had a long day and i have a feeling the worst is yet to come" he adjusts himself on your lap and yawns "look to the north if it helps"
You do as he says looking past the hills, your eyes resting on the familiar canopy of a forest. You smile to yourself and breath in deep, you can almost smell the pine, dirt, sap and all the other smells that remind you of home. you close your eyes once more remembering how you would race through the trees the wind in your face.
Memories eventually turn to dreams.
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
Se’air offers to take first watch, looking to Estelle as he does, a silent question. She nods, understanding before stating “i’ll join him”
Excellent. He knew his friend would keep an eye while he studied, the events of the previous day had prevented him from getting in some reading.
They make their way to a secure area, where the pair feel like they can watch, without being watched. Se’air already holds an open book in one hand, as he pulls a shiny red apple from his pocket and takes a bite. Estelle stretches for a moment, breathing in deeply before crouching down. she pulls out a dagger, tracing her finger along its hilt. Speaking suddenly,
“what if we’re part of something bigger. If this was a planned attack then maybe there was a traitor on the dwarf’s side... maybe this was a set up, someone wanting us gone?...i’m over thinking this” Estelle sighs, rubbing the back of her neck and grimacing slightly.
He sits beside her “You’re right, you are over thinking this” Se’air responds around the soft crunching of his apple. Finishing the page he closes his book, sighing before turning to Estelle. “But, you’re also right that this was a planned attack. It wasn’t against us however, and i don’t think we need to get involved.”
He offers Estelle the bitten apple while he continues, “with that being said, im afraid we’ve become involved involuntarily, just by being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Estelle exchanges the apple for her dagger, “let’s stay out of it as much as possible” she takes a bite before positioning her hair out of the way; exposing her neck.
“This ones gonna hurt” is the only warning he gives before digging in the knife.
Estelle perception- 24
Se’air (perception - 14)
se'air
Many first watches you have both stood together that it has almost become tradition. You enjoy the early hours of the night in conversation whilst keeping semi alert on your surroundings. Your watch ends with no interruption and you both return to the tents to wake Aramilla for the second watch.
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
Aramila stirs moments before Estelle enters the tent to wake her. She sighs and rubs her eyes to wake herself up; she was used to taking the second watch and therefore found she would wake up in time. Due to the amount of blood she’d lost from the wound, she was drained and had fallen into a refreshing sleep and now felt like she needed a little more of a ‘push’ to be awake. Because of this, she doesn’t tell Estelle she is awake but waits for her to shake her. This happens seconds later as Estelle’s voice drifts above Aramila like a calm wind, “Mila.” She opens her eyes; and they appear glossier than normal, with a faint and soft glow illuminating off them. “I’m up,” she says with a soft grunt; giving Estelle a small pat on the back as she slowly stands to put on her cloak and grab her bow from beside her bedroll. Aramila always slept with her daggers on but she wasn’t paranoid; just cautious. She also retrieves the two little booklets from underneath her pillow and then makes her way out. With her quiver and bow on her back, she looks around for the tree that would allow her the best sight of their campsite and the area around them. She climbs the tree and sits against the trunk, wrapping her cloak around her and placing her bow with a strung arrow on her lap, she blends into the darkness. She smiles sadly, this was her favourite time of the night; complete solitude and tranquility, the darkest part of the night when the sky was a complete veil of void. This was the time she was able to drop all masks, all barriers and all acts. This was the time when the darkness engulfed all of her sins, her mistakes, her fears; all of her demons and hid them along with the gloom she carried inside. The only thing the night could not conceal was the guilt staining her sight. She scoffed, she knew she was born like this; but why does it feel like seeing the world in a shade of red was a reminder of the blood she had spilt? The lives she had stolen; cheating others of their time. And deep down, why did she feel like perhaps it was a scream that unlike the fire in her… maybe she wasn’t so alive; because who could possibly say they were if their soul was tarnished in the way hers was; if their heart went up in flames and only remained as ashes. She clears her throat and shakes her head slightly to still her mind of such distracting thoughts and examines the area for any danger. Taking out one of the small books, she flicks through it slowly, reading each name carefully. This was her favourite part of the night because this was the time she felt as though she could be who she was without a past; this was the only time she would allow herself to feel such things. Midnight was when she dropped her code to survival; the only time she allowed herself the brief moments to be the human in humanity. She traces a finger over one name in particular and then closes the book and takes out the other and begins to jot down her thoughts.
occ - idk if i need all these checks but just in case I do, here they are.
athletics (for climbing the tree?) - 12
stealth (for trying to conceal herself?) - 20
perception - 13
Darkvision 60 ft.
Princess Freja
Aramilla - You glance up suddenly at the sound of snapping twigs, your fiery eyes searching for the source. With your darkvision you make out the shape of rabbit braving the wilderness in search of food. it stops and sniffs the air, ears twitching and freezes as it locks eyes with you, not sure what to make of two smoldering embers floating in the tree. You flinch as a sudden flash of feathers is all the warning you or the rabbit have before it is swept up in a Horned Owls claws carrying its bloody corpse through the branches above your head splattering blood and eventually disapearing into the night.
A pang of guilt fills you as you stare at the spot where the rabbit had been. i could have acted, i could have saved him a moment passes before you snap out of it and shake yourself rid of your own foolishness. am i to be responsible for the natural order now? you brush your hand through your hair and breath in deep holding back the tears, the rabbit being the furthest thing from your mind. i could have saved him....
Clearing your throat you return your attention to your notes. The page you were working on was covered in a dark substance, smudging the words. Confused you dip the end of your writing quill, wetting the tufts of the feather and hold it up high to reach a vein of light through the tree branches. The edge of the feather shone a crimson red in the moonlight. "blood" you confirm strangely calm as you watch the rabbits blood drip from the end of the quill landing in the palm of your hand. Upon touching your skin the drop of blood explodes with a small flash of fire. You frown irritated and a snarl appears upon your lips "only in fire shall thou be cleansed" Flames envelop the quill burning it to a crisp, you rip the stained page from your journal in a fit of sudden anger and light it up as well, watching until only ashes remain.
This upsets you more but you hold onto your anger, anger held the memories at bay, anger helped fight back the tears, anger was far better than guilt. You make a mental note that you will need to pick up a replacement quill once you reach town and then spend your remaining watch in silent fury, hair dancing brightly in the night.
Elizar - you are startled awake as you are poked with a blunt object through your bedroll. You reach out to defend yourself only to find Aramilla standing over and nudging you with the end of her bow "Your watch is up" she says simply before turning away.
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate
Elizar glares at Aramilla's back through sleepy eyes and groans. During her sleep, aches and bruises had been born upon her body that she couldn't quite recall how they happened. Never the less, she gets up, quickly wraps her hair into a messy bundle on her head, picks up her armour, and walks out the tent.
As the cool night breeze caresses her face, her mood is changed and a smile spreads over her full sleep swollen lips. She makes her way to the water they had collected earlier, splashes her face and takes a long drink, as the elixir of life cools her veins and refreshes her blood, leaving her alert and ready for her watch.
She walks a little away from the group, eyeing off a strong tall tree that would be her watch tower. She picks up a small stone and puts it into her pouch as she climbs her way up. Nestling high enough to have a good all round view, she removes a javelin and with one hard blow, pierces it into the trunk beside her. From this she hangs her weapons bag and swords and sits back against the trunk. As her eyes adjust to the darkness around her,she removes her weapons one by one, sharpening them with the stone she had collected, and as her hand movements became a steady rhythm, she lets her thoughts free...
This part of the night, was her heartless friend. A friend that had sat with her many a times while she let the dark inside her heart wander outside the walls that she had put up around them. A friend that replayed her mothers face over and over as the bastard devil took her away from a young lost Elizar. A friend that hated people, that hated man, that hated the cruel world and all the unfairness in it. A friend that never ceased to remind her that trust was Satan's hell hole, that emotions were safe only deep within her.....A friend that now took this dark hour to remind her of Gundren. She clentched her jaw as she realised she had been sharpening his small sword. 'Dont you leave me also my friend' she whispered into it.
Sighing she sat back and closed her eyes, awaiting her favourite part, her second friend. She did not have to wait long for the burning sunrise to awaken and as its first rays warmed her heart, she smiled. For this last part of the night, was her mercy friend. A friend that, like the suns rays warmed and awoke the world, it awoke the love and heart inside of her. A friend, that meant more to her than the entire world, because He WAS the world...As she did every morning without a miss, she raised her hands to her friend and spoke...'My Lord, My Master, My King.... Give me the strength to stay steadfast upon my path. Light my way with your wisdom. Give me the courage to always do what is right...Almighty, with your Mercy, I beg you, please forgive me my sins, the sins I have blackened my heart with, and the sins I am yet to blacken further....My Lord, let my purpose outweigh them'.
As a single tear made its way down her cheek, and the sun was now lighting up the world, she smiles, for no matter what was to become of today, her Lord, like everyday, had listened to her, and that was enough.
Perception 13
Cosima
As the sun begins to break through the darkness Sariyas peaceful sleep comes to a halt as she awakes suddenly remembers shes was ment to be on watch with Elizar. She scatters down the tree quickly and rans over to Elizar triping over everything in her path as she trys to wipe the sleep from her eyes. She climbs the trunk "Im so sorry Elizar. I slept to much!" reaching Elizar she plucks a small flower of her dress and hands it to Elizar "A peace offering." She goes to sit down on the branch but instead loses her balance and falls out of the tree. She lays on her back for a few seconds looking up at Elizar "Ill be back up in a minute" she says as she slowly closes her eyes, silently praying they wouldnt have to fight anymore goblins today.
Its a chilly early morning with a thick fog surrounding the hills. Sariya you feel the back of your clothes begin to draw in the cool wetness of the grass you are laying upon.
Elizar despite having your peaceful morning interrupted you cannot help but chuckle softly at your friend. She was like ray of sunrise herself and always seemed to be able to warm and soften your heart with her silly yet innocent antics. You were grateful for her companionship especially now being surrounded by untrusted strangers.
And they were strange indeed - you felt something was different about them ever since you first lay eyes upon them. They all had slightly odd traits and at times acted strangely. Despite their looks you are confident they weren't human especially after witnessing Aramilla's hair and eyes of fire. You close your eyes picturing it again - a terrifying figure of fire & fury she had made, making even you double take momentarily. You felt a sort of kinship with Aramilla - her eyes seemed to carry a heavy weight that you were curious about, this along with the fiery ability made you want to ask a thousand questions but showing interest mean't dropping a wall and you weren't sure that was something you were ready for.
"Genasi" that was it - it had been bugging you all afternoon after the battle with the goblins. Numar had spoken of them in one his lengthy lectures of the races inhabiting The Fallen Realms. You scratch your head wishing you had payed more attention as try to recall his words
"Each Genasi is linked to a particular element - earth, water, wind and fire. Some say they are the very embodiment of the element taking on its characteristics, for instance a water Genasi may be as unpredictable as the sea, never to be tamed or a fire Genasi may be volatile and impatient, moving quickly on the constant hunt for fuel. They are not to be confused with Elementals however which are the animated energy of the elements - Genasi are instead born as any other mortal with a mortal mother, the father they say is a Genie descended from the Elemental Planes. Now Genies oho yes, they are very intere..... Elly are you even listening!" You smile deeply to yourself remembering how you weren't really listening at all but rather playing with the knife you stole from Vectra's belt.
You pull out that same knife from your belt now, turning it over as you reminisce. You freeze suddenly listening, you could have swore you heard.. there again, muffled footsteps approaching through the fog. You strain to see through the thick vapour around you and quickly spot the tall silhouette of a humanoid figure not far from you, seemingly making its way through the fog towards the camp...
DM - the Twilight of an Age | Vulgrim - Bard - Shackles of Silver | DM - the Call of Fate