'Tace'does indeed speak to Emma of the bow and its magical nature, but explaining he doesn't know exactly how the magic manifested. He will sheepishly ask if she minds him taking the two pieces in case he can find a way to restore it. He will need to explain it to the Sergeant somehow of course.
Whilst the Sergeant is away, he also puts his mind towards creating a fake scar. Perhaps flour and some oil used for cooking could make the structure of the fake scar. He would then need something to stick it to his face. Maybe tree sap? But then he needs to colour match it somewhat. It won't need to match the skin exactly, and he assumes if his skin tone were an issue, the Sergeant, Lieutenant and Commandant would have mentioned it by now. But what could he use as a colouring? Could Emma help here, as some spices were quite colourful. He decides to bring her in on his scheme, after all she already knew is secret anyway.
He is more than aware he is putting a lot on Emma, and will make it quite clear if she doesn't any part of his deception he will drop it.
If Emma at any point turns whilst they are alone together, he will try to communicate with her by means of the whisper technique.
Arrentakes the recipe book from Emma's hands and stands to tuck it securely into his pack, the motion giving her a privacy in her grief. His expression may not reflect it fully, but his chest feels heavier for seeing her like this. Once again, his thoughts turn to the man responsible — and the frustration that they may not be able to keep investigating for lack of evidence. This new discovery only deepens the sense that Hector and Emma's lives would have been entirely different had they never crossed paths with Breithe Staidear.
The Sergeant chooses to keep the book in his pack, not picking it up again while in Emma's presence. In the future days to come, however, he may take it out, work through the jargon, and perhaps even try a few of the simpler simple recipes — the ones requiring fewer ingredients, which they might actually have on hand while travelling.
When Tacesecures the padded manacles on Emma, Arren gives him a small, approving nod. At least she'll be more comfortable now.
The next morning, once he's cleaned up and washed his bloodstained uniform from days before, Arren sits down with Commandant Nattensbarn and Lieutenant Tireur. He listens to the Commandant's reasoning and gives a brief nod of understanding — noting silently that she's carrying the responsibility for closing the case in the eyes of the town. Not that is suprising since they've witnessed her taking the responsibility that comes with her role before.
Same as the Commandant, Arren makes sure no one else is listening before replying quietly, "Understood, Ma'am. And I agree, the whole truth wouldn't help much here. But... if I may—" He pauses. "The cobbler and the smith saw Hector's body. Wyler did too. I'm not entirely sure the townsfolk will simply accept that Emma did this on her own." Arren leans forward slightly. "Perhaps we could add something more to the official statement? Not the whole truth, but close enough. For example, that Emma was in league with someone else who committed the murder, and that the actual murderer has been dealt with. That might give them some closure, and put an end to the talk of the monster."
He leaves the suggestion there, not pressing the point if the Commandant decides to keep her original idea. Truth be told, the thought of accusing Emma of intentional murder sits poorly with him, but right now he's thinking of the townsfolk and their more than probable need for quiet and peace after everything that has happened.
Arren doesn't need really to do anything else in particular until the day the convoy arrives. He does, though, ask the Commandand for permission to buy a dagger. He wants a simple backup weapon in case he can't use his longsword, or javelins aren't the most practical choice.
Emma once more explains that she doesn't expect to need anything in the house anymore and that, for that reason, he can take anything in it—her father's broken bow included. Since the bow is broken at the moment, Bryn thinks he could hide it in his backpack, and as long as it stays there, it is unlikely anyone would notice.
Emma says she doesn't know much about using cooking ingredients for disguises - nor anything about disguises in general - but can suggest that, since Bryn himself is alraedy quite paler than the real Tace and that the rest of the crew must have seen his skin tone on any parts of him that aren't covered, he'd be best off matching his own tone, since a sudden change could raise suspicion. Since most spices are quite colourful, she thinks it'd be best to leave as flour - if it works - and claim that the scar is a little paler because it's a scar. If Bryn doesn't seem convinced, she'd suggest the use of paprika - preferably the non-spicy kind - to mix in and make it seem closer to pink, as some scars appear on Humans.
Arren can roll an Intelligence or Wisdom check (his choice) with the Cook's Utensils (add proficiency if you have it in those tools). If he asks Emma for help, he can roll with an advantage.
"No." The Commandant rules out Arren's idea after hearing it through. "I don't want to paint her as a malicious person. The townsfolk won't accept that. But acting in self-defence after bearing such cruelty for a while, that's something they can sympathise with. They'll claim she's innocent, or at least that she shouldn't be punished, but I believe they'll also accept that the military cannot just overlook something like this. At least some of them might. Regarding the monster, I'd rather not mention it at all. Once the attacks stop, most people will reason that there was never any real danger, or that it passed all the same. I could be wrong about this, but we don't know if the other options are better."
Commandant Nattensbarn says Arren may buy any weapon he wishes at the smith's, but since Arren is already well armed and since their carry-on expenses are running low due to the unexpected delay in Ersta, she cannot pay for it at the military's expense.
The third day passes quietly, Emma staying as Emma for her relief. During the night, however, during Bryn's watch and after Arren had fallen into a deep slumber, she turns into the beast Emma again. She seems to turn in her sleep, but awakens as she does. For that reason, she is unable to provide Bryn with any warning, and yet once the process of growing the tail had finished, which to Bryn looked less painful than it did before, she flees out of the tent and climbs one of the nearest trees. Emma stays on the tree and observes the soldiers' reactions - does Bryn wake Arren up?
If they do not approach her, Emma stays in the tree this time, on a branch a few metres high. If Bryn tries to whisper to her, she'll reply in her fragmented message: "Stay... and... will... here..." As long as the soldiers keep their distance, she'll eventually climb down from the tree but keep a safe distance from the tent, and not long before sunrise, turn back to her Human self. Having missed almost the entire night's sleep, Emma will be exhausted for the entire following day.
'Tace' will make plans to retrieve the broken bow and perhaps take a cloth large enough to wrap it in. If he can't find one, he will look to purchase one. He will then stow it in his belongings the next chance he gets.
He will also take note of Emma's advice around his fake scar, and look to collect the things necessary next time he has the opportunity.
During the night, when Emma changes unexpectedly, 'Tace' freezes in place ready to reach for his weapons and call for the Sergeant but not doing so unless absolutely necessary. Relaxing as she immediately leaves. After she replies to him, he will whisper again.
"We will stay away, don't worry. You are gaining more control, it is encouraging. Perhaps you could test the bounds of that control?".
Once the conversation is over, he will wake the Sergeant gently, to let him know she has changed but isn't a threat. He will explain she left immediately and he thought it better to give her a moment before waking him.
The Corporal doesn't need to insist much for Arrento stir. Even from deep sleep, his eyes open almost immediately. But, for a few seconds, he just blinks at Tace, as if shaking off something that clung to him during his rest. He rubs his temple before focusing on the Elf's words. "What? She turned? In her sleep?”
He sits up, already focused. "That's new. She never said anything about turning in her sleep." His brow furrows. "Could it be the recipe book— Hector's gift? I can see how something like that might get under her skin."Or it could be something else entirely, he thinks, shrugging."We can ask her when she returns, if she feels like talking."
Arren falls quiet after that. There's still time before dawn, but it's clear he won't be sleeping again. He gets to his feet and starts readying his gear. For a long while, the only sounds are the faint clink of metal and his measured steps across the forest floor.
Then, without looking up, he says, "It's happened again. That feeling of being watched. I haven't felt that since the night at the inn after leaving Tus."
The discomfort is evident in the Sergeant's voice, as though he isn't entirely at ease speaking of this, yet feels the need to do so anyway. "I can't explain, but I'm certain it's not you. Or Emma. It's… something else."
He pauses. "I've also been having nightmares since we started sleeping in the forest. I can't remember anything when I wake up. Now, an occasional nightmare? That I can understand. But one each night?" The Sergeant shakes his head, "Something isn't right."
At this point, Arren looks towards Tace. "Tonight, could you keep an eye on me while I sleep? Maybe you'll notice if something's amiss."
Later, changing topics, Arren makes sure to relay to Tace what the Commandant intends to tell the townsfolk, so he stays informed.
(ooc: Added a dagger to Arren's inventory and removed 2 gold. He doesn't ask Emma for help with the recipe book. WIS check: 9+1+7 from Tactical Mind = 17)
Since Bryn only needs to buy a bit of everything, it doesn't cost too much. A small bag of flour costs five copper pieces, and a flask of oil costs one silver piece. Sweet paprika, if Bryn buys any, would cost him another five copper pieces, for a quantity that should suffice for a long time. There are plenty of clothes he can borrow from Emma's closet, or use Tace's spare clothes/uniforms, but if he wishes to buy, a large enough piece of cloth would cost four copper pieces.
To Bryn's second whisper, Emma answers simply: "No." The message is short enough that Bryn hears it entirely, though it's still clouded by 'noise'. Regardless, she stays where she is, about ten metres away from the tent, as long as neither Arren nor Bryn approach her.
Should they ask her later as Arren intended, Emma will once again say that it just happens sometimes without a clear trigger. If there were a trigger, she would not have been in control and the rest of the night would have been completely different.
That night, Arren slept for about four hours total, and so he'll need to make a DC constitution save or suffer one level of Exhaustion. Note that the condition in the 2024 version is very different from the 2014 one. However, contrary to what we said in the OOC thread, I've reread the rules about Long Rest and it appears that Arren can complete a Short Rest instead, with the four hours he tried to sleep.
((I'll post the convoy's arrival sometime tomorrow, so you have until then to post about anything you wish to do and haven't done yet or respond to anything that happened. In case you're busy and don't find the time, either tell me ahead and I'll wait or just add the part you want to your next post.))
While Arren doesn't know what all of those words mean, he can mostly decipher the general intention when needed. At least the simpler ones. If he tries following some of those recipes, he'll manage to follow them and produce satisfying meals, better than his first attempt with the potatoes. And even if things don't turn out too well with one recipe, Emma notices and tries to help, as well as remind him that practise makes perfect. At the end of those few days, Arren will have found a few that he believes he can cook reasonably well even without Emma watching over him.
'Tace' doesn't reply, he simply nods to Emma his understanding, and touches his ear to remind her that she can always ask to communicate.
He makes sure to buy everything mentioned for the disguise and for wrapping the bow at his earliest opportunity, hopefully before the arrival of the convoy. He will also look for something to disguise the bow when fixed, such as leather strapping or cord that could perhaps cover the most ornate bits.
Beyond that he has nothing else to do really.
When told of the Sergeant having the feeling of being watched and nightmares, he looks at him concerned. "I wouldn't have worried much about either of those things until recently, thinking it is nothing to worry about. But now, with everything we have seen with Emma. There are strange things going on here it seems. When exactly did you get the feeling of being watched? Was it before you slept or when you awoke? have felt no such sensation myself. I will certainly keep an eye on you as you sleep, and an ear too. Perhaps you might speak in your sleep and that could give us a clue. You know, Emma seems quite perceptive. Possibly due to the changes happening to her, possibly she was always so. Maybe she has felt the sensation of being watched as well?".
When the Sergeant mentions the plans the Commandant has for explaining what happens to Emma, he will nod. "As good a story as any. I wonder what will happen to her mother. I guess she is already living in the past and thinks Emma is away. I wonder if anyone else from town will look to visit her. Zaba perhaps, although they don't seem that close really", he says and shakes his head. Sad that there isn't anyone who might care enough and is in possession of all their faculties.
(OOC: I will add the items mentioned above and remove the coin)
Arren shakes his head to Tace's first question. "No, it doesn't happen before I get to sleep. It's something I only realize once I wake up. I wouldn't want to give it more importance than it deserves, but as you say, with everything we've seen so far, I can't help wondering if there's more to it. If it's nothing, all the better, of course."
He gives the Elf an appreciative nod. "Thanks for watching. Or listening. Whatever applies in this case,"Arren adds with a faint smile. "And yes, it wouldn't hurt to ask Emma."
Regarding Veda Pesa, Arren sighs, remembering how the poor woman reacted when she saw them again after they finished investigating her daughter's room.
"It's probably better if Veda keeps living in the past rather than learning what's happened with her daughter. I almost wish she didn't even learn from the Tus convoy. But I imagine it'll be hard to miss, and everyone will be there. It's going to be tough for Emma to see all friends and neighbors there to see her taken into custody."
"Interesting, Sir. Are you certain the feeling of being watched relates to physical world? Perhaps someone is using your dreams to spy on you", 'Tace'suggests thoughtfully.
Regarding Emma being taken away by the convoy, he answers, "Do we have to make it so public, Sir? Perhaps the convoy could wait outside of Ersta? It should be due any time now, right? Perhaps we move Emma to that side of town where we can watch the road.".
(OOC: What would I roll to determine if that is possible / what Bryn knows about intruding on someones dreams?)
Arren looks a bit perplexed at the question about the feeling of being watched. Spying on dreams? Is that even possible? Then again, would he ever have believed it possible for someone like Emma to transform into the killing machine she becomes? Or for there to be an Elf capable of erasing someone's memories?
"I honestly thought it would be something of the physical world. I don't tend to consider such other possibilities. Though… well, I suppose we can't rule anything out now, can we?"He pauses. "Still, why would anyone want to spy on me, of all people? Surely there's a long list of others more worth the trouble."
Even so, the feeling had been there. He tries to shrug the thought away, though—it's not worth dwelling on right now. With the Corporal committed to the watch, that's all they can do. And if nothing comes of it and the feeling fades on its own, all the better.
"I haven't really spoken to the Commandant about this. I imagine she'll inform us later today. Same as you, I'd prefer it not become public knowledge. Still, the convoy will be hard to miss, and I doubt we can stop the townsfolk from prying if they want to." He pauses again. "The idea of moving Emma somewhere more isolated is a good one, though."
Arren looks up at the sky. "It'll dawn soon. And we still have to report back. Do you want to handle that today? I can get things ready here in the meantime."
(ooc: Figured we still have to do one more check with the Commandant. And since Bryn wants to pick up the bow, perhaps you want to do that, @Volcano? You could ask the Commandant about the plan to deliver Emma, if you want. If you'd rather I do that, I'm fine as well. Otherwise, Arren won't really do much else other than watch Emma, prepare the tent and so forth)
'Tace' is happy to go and report to the Commandant, and will certainly respectfully ask whether she wants Emma moved to a more discreet location, for when the convoy arrives.
(OOC: Will wait for the answer to "What would I roll to determine if that is possible / what Bryn knows about intruding on someone's dreams?" before posting any more)
16>10, therefore Arren succeeds and does not take a level of exhaustion. ((Now I see that I forgot to add the DC in my message, sorry. *facepalm*))
The bow, which Bryn estimates was a little under one metre in length before it broke (a typical length for a shortbow), is made of a wood that is dark orange-brown in hue (for an illustration, search for 'pacific yew wood' and of the images you find, consider those that tend closer to orange than to brown). It seems it was a recurve bow, though now this just results in two curved pieces of wood. The entire wood is covered with ornamental carvings, as well as a few glyphs which Bryn does not recognise. It is a rather unique-looking bow, at least from up close, and therefore, Bryn doubts he could disguise it as any other bow unless he covers the entire bow with something. The bow doesn't have a string attached, but that is no surprise given that it's broken and hasn't seen use in many years.
Bryn knows the topic of magic affecting the mind, especially the unconscious mind, has interested many in Levicka, but has never heard of anyone able to put it into effect to that degree. Those types of spells, which most commonly fall under the school of Enchantment magic, to his knowledge, are hard and dangerous to use. The most studied mages in the field can, from close proximity, affect one's thoughts temporarily, even force them to act against their will for a brief moment. It is said some can force non-Elves to sleep for a brief period. Theoretically, spells of this type could affect the unconscious mind as well, but Bryn had never heard of this in effect. Hearing of Emma's memories being presumably erased by this BS person is the greatest effect of this type Bryn had heard of outside legends and bedtime stories. ((Consider Bryn to have seen, at most and only rarely, 2nd-levelled spells from any school. Of the Enchantment school in particular, 1st or lower and even those, extremely rarely. Arren had seen only cantrips and perhaps 1st level spells of the Abjuration and Evocation schools of magic, and almost none at all.))
Should they ask Emma, she says she did not feel like she was being watched, except for when she's being watched by Arren and Bryn.
When Bryn asks Commandant Nattensbarn about moving Emma, she replies: "Even with the security of the convoy, I'd rather Emma stay out of Ersta," she states in a low voice, again making sure she's not heard by anyone else. "But since I don't know when the convoy will arrive, there is no escaping that they'll reach town, and people will ask questions as people always do. While I do intend Emma to be taken from outside Ersta, I imagine at least a few curious eyes will follow to see what the commotion is about. Besides that, they do deserve to know at least some of the truth about what happened with Emma."
(OOC: I had a busier day than expected, so I'll leave the convoy for tomorrow.)
'Tace' does indeed speak to Emma of the bow and its magical nature, but explaining he doesn't know exactly how the magic manifested. He will sheepishly ask if she minds him taking the two pieces in case he can find a way to restore it. He will need to explain it to the Sergeant somehow of course.
Whilst the Sergeant is away, he also puts his mind towards creating a fake scar. Perhaps flour and some oil used for cooking could make the structure of the fake scar. He would then need something to stick it to his face. Maybe tree sap? But then he needs to colour match it somewhat. It won't need to match the skin exactly, and he assumes if his skin tone were an issue, the Sergeant, Lieutenant and Commandant would have mentioned it by now. But what could he use as a colouring? Could Emma help here, as some spices were quite colourful. He decides to bring her in on his scheme, after all she already knew is secret anyway.
He is more than aware he is putting a lot on Emma, and will make it quite clear if she doesn't any part of his deception he will drop it.
If Emma at any point turns whilst they are alone together, he will try to communicate with her by means of the whisper technique.
Arren takes the recipe book from Emma's hands and stands to tuck it securely into his pack, the motion giving her a privacy in her grief. His expression may not reflect it fully, but his chest feels heavier for seeing her like this. Once again, his thoughts turn to the man responsible — and the frustration that they may not be able to keep investigating for lack of evidence. This new discovery only deepens the sense that Hector and Emma's lives would have been entirely different had they never crossed paths with Breithe Staidear.
The Sergeant chooses to keep the book in his pack, not picking it up again while in Emma's presence. In the future days to come, however, he may take it out, work through the jargon, and perhaps even try a few of the simpler simple recipes — the ones requiring fewer ingredients, which they might actually have on hand while travelling.
When Tace secures the padded manacles on Emma, Arren gives him a small, approving nod. At least she'll be more comfortable now.
The next morning, once he's cleaned up and washed his bloodstained uniform from days before, Arren sits down with Commandant Nattensbarn and Lieutenant Tireur. He listens to the Commandant's reasoning and gives a brief nod of understanding — noting silently that she's carrying the responsibility for closing the case in the eyes of the town. Not that is suprising since they've witnessed her taking the responsibility that comes with her role before.
Same as the Commandant, Arren makes sure no one else is listening before replying quietly, "Understood, Ma'am. And I agree, the whole truth wouldn't help much here. But... if I may—" He pauses. "The cobbler and the smith saw Hector's body. Wyler did too. I'm not entirely sure the townsfolk will simply accept that Emma did this on her own." Arren leans forward slightly. "Perhaps we could add something more to the official statement? Not the whole truth, but close enough. For example, that Emma was in league with someone else who committed the murder, and that the actual murderer has been dealt with. That might give them some closure, and put an end to the talk of the monster."
He leaves the suggestion there, not pressing the point if the Commandant decides to keep her original idea. Truth be told, the thought of accusing Emma of intentional murder sits poorly with him, but right now he's thinking of the townsfolk and their more than probable need for quiet and peace after everything that has happened.
Arren doesn't need really to do anything else in particular until the day the convoy arrives. He does, though, ask the Commandand for permission to buy a dagger. He wants a simple backup weapon in case he can't use his longsword, or javelins aren't the most practical choice.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Emma once more explains that she doesn't expect to need anything in the house anymore and that, for that reason, he can take anything in it—her father's broken bow included. Since the bow is broken at the moment, Bryn thinks he could hide it in his backpack, and as long as it stays there, it is unlikely anyone would notice.
Emma says she doesn't know much about using cooking ingredients for disguises - nor anything about disguises in general - but can suggest that, since Bryn himself is alraedy quite paler than the real Tace and that the rest of the crew must have seen his skin tone on any parts of him that aren't covered, he'd be best off matching his own tone, since a sudden change could raise suspicion. Since most spices are quite colourful, she thinks it'd be best to leave as flour - if it works - and claim that the scar is a little paler because it's a scar. If Bryn doesn't seem convinced, she'd suggest the use of paprika - preferably the non-spicy kind - to mix in and make it seem closer to pink, as some scars appear on Humans.
Arren can roll an Intelligence or Wisdom check (his choice) with the Cook's Utensils (add proficiency if you have it in those tools). If he asks Emma for help, he can roll with an advantage.
"No." The Commandant rules out Arren's idea after hearing it through. "I don't want to paint her as a malicious person. The townsfolk won't accept that. But acting in self-defence after bearing such cruelty for a while, that's something they can sympathise with. They'll claim she's innocent, or at least that she shouldn't be punished, but I believe they'll also accept that the military cannot just overlook something like this. At least some of them might. Regarding the monster, I'd rather not mention it at all. Once the attacks stop, most people will reason that there was never any real danger, or that it passed all the same. I could be wrong about this, but we don't know if the other options are better."
Commandant Nattensbarn says Arren may buy any weapon he wishes at the smith's, but since Arren is already well armed and since their carry-on expenses are running low due to the unexpected delay in Ersta, she cannot pay for it at the military's expense.
The third day passes quietly, Emma staying as Emma for her relief. During the night, however, during Bryn's watch and after Arren had fallen into a deep slumber, she turns into the beast Emma again. She seems to turn in her sleep, but awakens as she does. For that reason, she is unable to provide Bryn with any warning, and yet once the process of growing the tail had finished, which to Bryn looked less painful than it did before, she flees out of the tent and climbs one of the nearest trees. Emma stays on the tree and observes the soldiers' reactions - does Bryn wake Arren up?
If they do not approach her, Emma stays in the tree this time, on a branch a few metres high. If Bryn tries to whisper to her, she'll reply in her fragmented message: "Stay... and... will... here..." As long as the soldiers keep their distance, she'll eventually climb down from the tree but keep a safe distance from the tent, and not long before sunrise, turn back to her Human self. Having missed almost the entire night's sleep, Emma will be exhausted for the entire following day.
Varielky
'Tace' will make plans to retrieve the broken bow and perhaps take a cloth large enough to wrap it in. If he can't find one, he will look to purchase one. He will then stow it in his belongings the next chance he gets.
He will also take note of Emma's advice around his fake scar, and look to collect the things necessary next time he has the opportunity.
During the night, when Emma changes unexpectedly, 'Tace' freezes in place ready to reach for his weapons and call for the Sergeant but not doing so unless absolutely necessary. Relaxing as she immediately leaves. After she replies to him, he will whisper again.
"We will stay away, don't worry. You are gaining more control, it is encouraging. Perhaps you could test the bounds of that control?".
Once the conversation is over, he will wake the Sergeant gently, to let him know she has changed but isn't a threat. He will explain she left immediately and he thought it better to give her a moment before waking him.
The Corporal doesn't need to insist much for Arren to stir. Even from deep sleep, his eyes open almost immediately. But, for a few seconds, he just blinks at Tace, as if shaking off something that clung to him during his rest. He rubs his temple before focusing on the Elf's words. "What? She turned? In her sleep?”
He sits up, already focused. "That's new. She never said anything about turning in her sleep." His brow furrows. "Could it be the recipe book— Hector's gift? I can see how something like that might get under her skin." Or it could be something else entirely, he thinks, shrugging. "We can ask her when she returns, if she feels like talking."
Arren falls quiet after that. There's still time before dawn, but it's clear he won't be sleeping again. He gets to his feet and starts readying his gear. For a long while, the only sounds are the faint clink of metal and his measured steps across the forest floor.
Then, without looking up, he says, "It's happened again. That feeling of being watched. I haven't felt that since the night at the inn after leaving Tus."
The discomfort is evident in the Sergeant's voice, as though he isn't entirely at ease speaking of this, yet feels the need to do so anyway. "I can't explain, but I'm certain it's not you. Or Emma. It's… something else."
He pauses. "I've also been having nightmares since we started sleeping in the forest. I can't remember anything when I wake up. Now, an occasional nightmare? That I can understand. But one each night?" The Sergeant shakes his head, "Something isn't right."
At this point, Arren looks towards Tace. "Tonight, could you keep an eye on me while I sleep? Maybe you'll notice if something's amiss."
Later, changing topics, Arren makes sure to relay to Tace what the Commandant intends to tell the townsfolk, so he stays informed.
(ooc: Added a dagger to Arren's inventory and removed 2 gold.
He doesn't ask Emma for help with the recipe book. WIS check: 9+1+7 from Tactical Mind = 17)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Since Bryn only needs to buy a bit of everything, it doesn't cost too much. A small bag of flour costs five copper pieces, and a flask of oil costs one silver piece. Sweet paprika, if Bryn buys any, would cost him another five copper pieces, for a quantity that should suffice for a long time. There are plenty of clothes he can borrow from Emma's closet, or use Tace's spare clothes/uniforms, but if he wishes to buy, a large enough piece of cloth would cost four copper pieces.
To Bryn's second whisper, Emma answers simply: "No." The message is short enough that Bryn hears it entirely, though it's still clouded by 'noise'. Regardless, she stays where she is, about ten metres away from the tent, as long as neither Arren nor Bryn approach her.
Should they ask her later as Arren intended, Emma will once again say that it just happens sometimes without a clear trigger. If there were a trigger, she would not have been in control and the rest of the night would have been completely different.
That night, Arren slept for about four hours total, and so he'll need to make a DC constitution save or suffer one level of Exhaustion. Note that the condition in the 2024 version is very different from the 2014 one. However, contrary to what we said in the OOC thread, I've reread the rules about Long Rest and it appears that Arren can complete a Short Rest instead, with the four hours he tried to sleep.
((I'll post the convoy's arrival sometime tomorrow, so you have until then to post about anything you wish to do and haven't done yet or respond to anything that happened. In case you're busy and don't find the time, either tell me ahead and I'll wait or just add the part you want to your next post.))
While Arren doesn't know what all of those words mean, he can mostly decipher the general intention when needed. At least the simpler ones. If he tries following some of those recipes, he'll manage to follow them and produce satisfying meals, better than his first attempt with the potatoes. And even if things don't turn out too well with one recipe, Emma notices and tries to help, as well as remind him that practise makes perfect. At the end of those few days, Arren will have found a few that he believes he can cook reasonably well even without Emma watching over him.
Varielky
(Arren's CON ST: 11+5 = 16. Doest that succeed? Took a short rest.)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
'Tace' doesn't reply, he simply nods to Emma his understanding, and touches his ear to remind her that she can always ask to communicate.
He makes sure to buy everything mentioned for the disguise and for wrapping the bow at his earliest opportunity, hopefully before the arrival of the convoy. He will also look for something to disguise the bow when fixed, such as leather strapping or cord that could perhaps cover the most ornate bits.
Beyond that he has nothing else to do really.
When told of the Sergeant having the feeling of being watched and nightmares, he looks at him concerned. "I wouldn't have worried much about either of those things until recently, thinking it is nothing to worry about. But now, with everything we have seen with Emma. There are strange things going on here it seems. When exactly did you get the feeling of being watched? Was it before you slept or when you awoke? have felt no such sensation myself. I will certainly keep an eye on you as you sleep, and an ear too. Perhaps you might speak in your sleep and that could give us a clue. You know, Emma seems quite perceptive. Possibly due to the changes happening to her, possibly she was always so. Maybe she has felt the sensation of being watched as well?".
When the Sergeant mentions the plans the Commandant has for explaining what happens to Emma, he will nod. "As good a story as any. I wonder what will happen to her mother. I guess she is already living in the past and thinks Emma is away. I wonder if anyone else from town will look to visit her. Zaba perhaps, although they don't seem that close really", he says and shakes his head. Sad that there isn't anyone who might care enough and is in possession of all their faculties.
(OOC: I will add the items mentioned above and remove the coin)
Arren shakes his head to Tace's first question. "No, it doesn't happen before I get to sleep. It's something I only realize once I wake up. I wouldn't want to give it more importance than it deserves, but as you say, with everything we've seen so far, I can't help wondering if there's more to it. If it's nothing, all the better, of course."
He gives the Elf an appreciative nod. "Thanks for watching. Or listening. Whatever applies in this case," Arren adds with a faint smile. "And yes, it wouldn't hurt to ask Emma."
Regarding Veda Pesa, Arren sighs, remembering how the poor woman reacted when she saw them again after they finished investigating her daughter's room.
"It's probably better if Veda keeps living in the past rather than learning what's happened with her daughter. I almost wish she didn't even learn from the Tus convoy. But I imagine it'll be hard to miss, and everyone will be there. It's going to be tough for Emma to see all friends and neighbors there to see her taken into custody."
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"Interesting, Sir. Are you certain the feeling of being watched relates to physical world? Perhaps someone is using your dreams to spy on you", 'Tace' suggests thoughtfully.
Regarding Emma being taken away by the convoy, he answers, "Do we have to make it so public, Sir? Perhaps the convoy could wait outside of Ersta? It should be due any time now, right? Perhaps we move Emma to that side of town where we can watch the road.".
(OOC: What would I roll to determine if that is possible / what Bryn knows about intruding on someones dreams?)
Arren looks a bit perplexed at the question about the feeling of being watched. Spying on dreams? Is that even possible? Then again, would he ever have believed it possible for someone like Emma to transform into the killing machine she becomes? Or for there to be an Elf capable of erasing someone's memories?
"I honestly thought it would be something of the physical world. I don't tend to consider such other possibilities. Though… well, I suppose we can't rule anything out now, can we?" He pauses. "Still, why would anyone want to spy on me, of all people? Surely there's a long list of others more worth the trouble."
Even so, the feeling had been there. He tries to shrug the thought away, though—it's not worth dwelling on right now. With the Corporal committed to the watch, that's all they can do. And if nothing comes of it and the feeling fades on its own, all the better.
"I haven't really spoken to the Commandant about this. I imagine she'll inform us later today. Same as you, I'd prefer it not become public knowledge. Still, the convoy will be hard to miss, and I doubt we can stop the townsfolk from prying if they want to." He pauses again. "The idea of moving Emma somewhere more isolated is a good one, though."
Arren looks up at the sky. "It'll dawn soon. And we still have to report back. Do you want to handle that today? I can get things ready here in the meantime."
(ooc: Figured we still have to do one more check with the Commandant. And since Bryn wants to pick up the bow, perhaps you want to do that, @Volcano? You could ask the Commandant about the plan to deliver Emma, if you want. If you'd rather I do that, I'm fine as well. Otherwise, Arren won't really do much else other than watch Emma, prepare the tent and so forth)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
'Tace' is happy to go and report to the Commandant, and will certainly respectfully ask whether she wants Emma moved to a more discreet location, for when the convoy arrives.
(OOC: Will wait for the answer to "What would I roll to determine if that is possible / what Bryn knows about intruding on someone's dreams?" before posting any more)
16>10, therefore Arren succeeds and does not take a level of exhaustion. ((Now I see that I forgot to add the DC in my message, sorry. *facepalm*))
The bow, which Bryn estimates was a little under one metre in length before it broke (a typical length for a shortbow), is made of a wood that is dark orange-brown in hue (for an illustration, search for 'pacific yew wood' and of the images you find, consider those that tend closer to orange than to brown). It seems it was a recurve bow, though now this just results in two curved pieces of wood. The entire wood is covered with ornamental carvings, as well as a few glyphs which Bryn does not recognise. It is a rather unique-looking bow, at least from up close, and therefore, Bryn doubts he could disguise it as any other bow unless he covers the entire bow with something. The bow doesn't have a string attached, but that is no surprise given that it's broken and hasn't seen use in many years.
Bryn knows the topic of magic affecting the mind, especially the unconscious mind, has interested many in Levicka, but has never heard of anyone able to put it into effect to that degree. Those types of spells, which most commonly fall under the school of Enchantment magic, to his knowledge, are hard and dangerous to use. The most studied mages in the field can, from close proximity, affect one's thoughts temporarily, even force them to act against their will for a brief moment. It is said some can force non-Elves to sleep for a brief period. Theoretically, spells of this type could affect the unconscious mind as well, but Bryn had never heard of this in effect. Hearing of Emma's memories being presumably erased by this BS person is the greatest effect of this type Bryn had heard of outside legends and bedtime stories. ((Consider Bryn to have seen, at most and only rarely, 2nd-levelled spells from any school. Of the Enchantment school in particular, 1st or lower and even those, extremely rarely. Arren had seen only cantrips and perhaps 1st level spells of the Abjuration and Evocation schools of magic, and almost none at all.))
Should they ask Emma, she says she did not feel like she was being watched, except for when she's being watched by Arren and Bryn.
When Bryn asks Commandant Nattensbarn about moving Emma, she replies: "Even with the security of the convoy, I'd rather Emma stay out of Ersta," she states in a low voice, again making sure she's not heard by anyone else. "But since I don't know when the convoy will arrive, there is no escaping that they'll reach town, and people will ask questions as people always do. While I do intend Emma to be taken from outside Ersta, I imagine at least a few curious eyes will follow to see what the commotion is about. Besides that, they do deserve to know at least some of the truth about what happened with Emma."
(OOC: I had a busier day than expected, so I'll leave the convoy for tomorrow.)
Varielky