Chandor sighs, worried at the cluster of the situation. “Not again. I can’t lose another party,” he says hoarsely. Refocusing, he slashes with his blades.
Attack: 10 Damage: 4
Attack: 7 Damage: 8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd) Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist) Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
The last skeleton fell. Misha, as an Acheronian, was proud of Erriviel, for he died bravely in battle, fighting to the last - and they had won. But glory and honor was not given to everyone, and the cost was great. Those not Acheronian would not understand, they did their best, but it was not good enough. She was leading this away team and one of her comrades had fallen. This would be on her. The Suel Imperium claimed another victim. No, she thought to herself. Not today. She thought for a fast moment, came up with a plan. Looking at Chandor, she motioned for him to force a healing potion down keetee's throat, and they retreated. Lifting up Erriviel carefully, they made haste and left the house. They returned to the Belle as soon as they could.
AWAY TEAM TWO SALTMARSH BELLE OF THE SEA
Misha carried Erriviel with Sloop and Chandor close in tow behind her. "Inform Kapitan of the situation." she told them both. "I will save Erriviel." She said nothing more. She went to the ship's cargo hold and carefully laid his body on the ground. She set her shield and armor aside and pushed a few arcane symbols on the top of her armor's forearm. An Acheronian rune appeared on the floor and a communications panel opened after a few moments. She kneeled and bowed her head low.
(The following is translated from Acheronian to Common for ease of communication)
"Legion Commander." Misha spoke softly. "I implore you to hear my plea. Your humble servant requests your aid. Your assistance. You know I would not ask for something if it was not important." "Praskovia."Legion Commander Taetanicus acknowledged. "Speak." "I have failed in combat, and one of my comrades has fallen." she reported, presenting Erriviel. "His soul is on it's way to Acheron as we speak, but I beg you. A mighty request. Allow him another chance. He fought bravely, with honor - and he died bravely, with honor. I have seen it. He even saved me. Spare his soul." "To deny Bane a soul is much to ask, Praskovia."Taetanicus said. "The Lord General will ask much in return, if such a request is even granted." Misha held her head down low. "Yes, My Lord. It is much to ask. In return, I beg you to take my soul instead." "Why would you do such a thing?"The Legion Commander said, a bit surprised. "You have much work to do." "Because, it is my wish. Please, Almighty Legion Commander." she implored, carefully. "He fought bravely. The odds were against us. It was a glorious battle, but I failed. You were correct. The Suel Imperium is here." Taetanicus nodded slowly. "As I suspected." "My Lord, if you will not take my soul in exchange, then tell me what I can give to you, to Acheron, to The Lord General." Misha said, barely a whisper. Taetanicus was in thought for a moment, then spoke. "I will grant your request, but know from this moment on, you will have the mark of Beschestiye." Misha nodded. "I understand, Legion Commander. You are wise, and just. May you always be filled with honor, and glory. I serve you now, and will serve even beyond death."
The screen went blank, the runes on the floor grew brightly red, and air rushed back into Erriviel's lungs as he woke up. Misha sighed deeply, relieved, and thankful for Bane, his wisdom, and his understanding.
Carrhae had been pacing nervously on the deck of the Belle. The night had already grown late when she returned back from her dalliance with Trish, but the night kept going and she had suspected that it had gone past midnight without the second team returning. She was contemplating tossing on her armor, waking the rest of the crew, and going on a rescue mission when she saw Sloop and Chandor walking with Misha, who carried the lifeless body of Erriviel in her hands. Chandor explained the situation to Carrhae, with the Suel Imperium and Tharizdun, but she mainly focused on Misha carrying her fallen comrade. Carrhae didn't say a word to Misha, but through a moment of eye contact she was able to simultaneously convey a feeling of guilt and desperation. I should've gone with them. They fought and Erriviel died while I thought only of my own pleasures. Carrhae respects Misha's wishes and stays outside while she pleads for Erriviel's life. Once again, she paces nervously as she is helpless to do anything in this situation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
When the group returns, carrying the dead Errivel, Sana literally goes pale, reverting to her white-skinned natural form. As Misha takes Errivel's body belowdecks, Sana paces back and forth, face set in a worried expression while occasionally anxiously inquiring if the other Team Two members are okay.
Sloop is strangely energized after the fateful fight, and after returning back to the Belle excitedly recounts the tale of their mission to the team 1 crew. Of course, he inflated his part in the mission about 1000%, but gives honorable credit to the rest of the team. Especially recounting Erriviel’s bravery. “It was the awesomest thing I ever saw!”
Chandor watches the scene unfold, a blank look on his face. When the others retreat to their places, he moves to a back part of the boat, unseen...and throws his guts up. “Not again. Never again.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd) Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist) Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
When Kali decided to step out of her quarters after failing to train Scabbers again, her emerged just as team two came back-- with the lifeless body of their quartermaster in Misha's arms. Her face steeled itself despite a sinking feeling in her stomach and it stayed that way when they had been caught up in what they found and when the red-head brought Erriviel down below. Death was nothing new to her and with every death of a comrade she had lived through, grief was easy to hide. I should've gone, I should've disobeyed her, this wouldn't have happened.Those thoughts repeated in the back of her mind as they waited, Kali patting Sloop's head as a way of distraction until Syltra returned to the ship.
"Erriviel fell in combat," She says to the point. "Misha is... Trying to bring him back." Her eye looks past the firblog her tone heavy. "I hope it works."
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Erriviel woke up on a small dirt path, a humble cottage a dozen feet in front of him. He promptly turns on his heel, and sighs as the same cottage comes into his field of view, this time mere inches from his face. "I should've known that it wouldn't be this easy. Mistress, may I approach?"
The door opens in front of him, giving a view of an inviting home, the smell of freshly baked bread in the air. He steps inside, and the door slams shut, the interior transforming into what one would expect a dungeon to look like, and an ugly old woman appears in a nearby rocking chair. Ethereal bands of force reach out and pull him down to a couch, gently, encasing his entire body in a mummylike cocoon.
"Hello, my dear Erriviel. It seems your time has come, and as you have not fulfilled your side of the bargain, your soul is forfeit."
She cackles before continuing.
"Be thankful! Your pitiful existence will have more use than that old Corellon would have given it. He thinks the Drow are trash to be discarded when their hours are up, but, as they say, one god's trash is another hag's treasure. Dear me, it's been so long since I've had guests that I almost forgot my manners. Come here."
As she reaches out towards Erriviel, he feels his skin fragmenting and hardening into scales, thin slices appear on his neck then transform into gills, and he flops around on the floor for a moment before he hovers back towards the hag. She conjures a large fish tank, full of fish of various species, and drops in the goldfish that was Erriviel.
Suddenly, his world seems to lurch and the hag goes fuzzy, first growing long, red hair and then quickly becoming more muscular and youthful. She speaks in the same grating voice as before,
"Lucky you. You've been given a second chance. Retrieve the song, and I will free you from your burden. Otherwise... well, now you know what awaits you."
She transforms briefly into the horrific visage of a hag before giving him a warm smile and waving.
Erriviel opened his eyes on the floor of the ship, trying to flex his fingers, but unable to move anything. He feels a kick in the chest, and suddenly is able to breath again. He draws in ragged breath after ragged breath, feeling the burn of the wounds he received as blood begins to flow out of them once more, and sits upright, grunting as the pain of forcing his stiff muscles to move courses through him. He sees Misha's concerned face looking down at him, and groans as the pain flares again. He speaks between rough breaths,
"I seem... to have taken a brief... hiatus. You got... the skeletons?"
A very drunk Wolf takes this opportunity to stumble onto the boat and upon seeing everyone joyfully says, “Everbodyz here. Huzzahs. *Hic* Youz beatz up more in the hoouuuse? Youz go pow pow? *Hic*” Barely able to stand up Wolf stumbles forward a little bit and then leans against Sana for support as he says, “Captainz stop movingz the boat in circles *Hic*”
"We deed." Misha tells Erriviel, solemnly. "We won. I bring you back to boat and you have been raised. You rest now. Wounds weel heal."
She put a hand on his shoulder, and smiled weakly, then got up and nodded to everyone that was either waiting outside, or whom she passed by.
She didn't talk to anyone.
She headed to her room, locked the door, and stepped into her cabinet and her armor unlatched and she stepped out of it. An Acheronian algorithm kicked in and her armor magically began to repair. She closed the cabinet as the magic did it's work. She looked at herself in the mirror and looked over her wounds, which were healing nicely. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't smiling. She stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself for a long time, and her breath began to quicken slowly. Her neutral expression twisted down to..frustration. Annoyance. Maybe..anger? Her fists balled up and the muscles in her arms tightened as steel-like cords of fibers and she had the urge to destroy something. Remember your discipline. Remember your mission.
She thought about the mission. She thought about how they fought bravely. How the odds seemed against them and one of their own had fallen. Even she had fallen. The Suel Imperium and Tharizdun's influence were here, and she couldn't even lead an away mission successfully. Yes, we won. But I have let the Captain down. But most of all, she was glad her request was granted and Erriviel was alive again.
Instead, she kneeled in her room and held her head down low, praying to the symbol of Bane on her cabinet and remained there, silent, and tried not to think of the price she had to pay for the return of the Drow, even as a small tear rolled down her cheek.
She remained there for the rest of the night until morning.
Erriviel climbs to his feet, slowly, and begins to shuffle past Misha and down to Grishkar's room. As he passes everyone and their somber faces—Wolf excluded—he calls out, "Why... so glum? You're all acting like... someone died..."
Once he arrives at Grishkar's door, he knocks once before speaking, "Doctor... I require... some patching up."
Misha stood from kneeling, and wore something light and went to the cargo hold and began her exercise routine. This time, she did it longer. She pulled heavier, lifted harder. She took out her hammer and practiced swing after swing after swing until she could swing no more. Breathing hard, and covered with a sheen of sweat, the frustrations of yesterday's mission was like a heavy weight on her shoulders, so she trained long, practiced more, swung harder.
After she was satisfied and her body was thankful for the hard exercise it had received, she returned to her quarters, bathed, dressed up in her casual military outfit, and went to go see the captain to accept the consequences of her actions.
She knocked on the Captain's door. Ready for the worst. "Kapitan?" she called out. "Eet ees Misha."
Carrhae apologizes to Erriviel. "I'm sorry. I should've been there with you or sent someone else along with you." And to punctuate the apology, Carrhae touches him and gives him all five points of Lay on Hands. "Now you should get some rest. Dying is an ordeal. I'm sure that the doctor would recommend the same." From Carrhae's tone of voice, Erriviel can tell that she somehow knows what she's talking about when it comes to dying and coming back to life. He also picks up that her healing him might be as much out of guilt as it is her trying to make it so that he doesn't need to see the good doctor. "I heard from Sloop that you fought valiantly. Thank you for that and for saving Misha. You've done more than I've asked of you."
She heads over to Misha's room, but departs when she sees that the door is locked. Instead, she goes to her room and sleeps. The next morning she wakes up and welcomes Misha into her room. Her heart sinks when she sees that her friend is looking uncharacteristically somber. "Thank you for saving Erriviel. Both he and I are fortunate to have someone like you on the Belle."
Misha kneeled in front of Carrhae as she spoke, and lowered her head. She was not smiling.
"Thank you, Kapitan." Misha said. "The team fought bravely, and we won. But, at much cost. I am here to accept consequences for my actions. We were not able to proceed further into house, and we hef found terrible evidence that the Suel Imperium, weeth the influence of Tharizdun, is indeed abound, and een the caves further een. They have a signalling lantern they are using to call in a ship. I fear that this can be nothing but trouble."
She was quiet for a moment.
"Saving Erriviel was the right theeng to do. He was my responsibility. Even I almost died eef not for heem. I do not feel like I was veectorious, and was not geeven honor or glory. Een fact, I had to geev eet all away to save heem. I am Beschestiye."
"Acheron is the plane of War, led by the Might and Command of The Lord General, The God of Tyranny, Bane. Since the beginning of creation Acheron is the place most souls go to when someone dies in battle - souls of the dead that fight in a war that never ends. Acheron is also home to a militaristic, structured society of warriors - currently locked in an endless battle with The Nine Hells. It was only through the repurposing of the acquired knowledge obtained from The Genesis Chambers that The Acheronian War Machine was able to hold the Hellish forces at bay.
Acheron and it's society has claimed and conquered many worlds, but nothing is more important to an Acheronian than honor and glory. Because of Bane's Will, their training, their lifestyle - their whole purpose and reason for being is the improvement and expansion of their Empire, conquering the weak, and remaining strong through fear, hatred, and tyranny. This is the Will of the Lord General. All actions must lead to this focus, and much of their success since time began has been through actions honorable, and glorious.
All actions attempted and executed successfully that further Bane's Will bestow a spiritual strength that all Acheronians can sense and recognize - like an aura detected among peers. All Acheronians blessed with honor and glory shine inwardly with the spiritual Strength and Grace given from The Black Hand, Our Lord and Master, Bane. There is nothing more disgraceful than an Acheronian who loses Honor or Glory because of his or her actions, and once lost, must repent, beg for forgiveness, and strive to acquire it once again. There is no greater punishment than to defy Our Master's Will. There is nothing Bane dislikes more than one of his own people honorless, and inglorious."
Chandor sighs, worried at the cluster of the situation. “Not again. I can’t lose another party,” he says hoarsely. Refocusing, he slashes with his blades.
Attack: 10 Damage: 4
Attack: 7 Damage: 8
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Erriviel22, Sloop18, Misha17, Chandor14, Skeleton4
Chandor misses!
Erriviel22, Sloop18, Misha17, Chandor14, Skeleton4
Skeleton4 attacks him again.
Shortsword Attack: 24 Damage: 11
Misha uses her Sentinel feat as the skeleton strikes:
Warhammer Attack: 21 Damage: 8
Erriviel22, Sloop18, Misha17, Chandor14, Skeleton4
Misha swings again, getting a little tired of MISSING.
Warhammer Attack: 7 Damage: 8
Erriviel22, Sloop18, Misha17, Chandor14, Skeleton4
Chandor hacks and slashes.
Attack: 12 Damage: 8
Attack: 19 Damage: 8
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Final Death Save (Lord have mercy): 8
Sloop poop save: 3
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
AWAY TEAM TWO
THE CELLAR
The last skeleton fell. Misha, as an Acheronian, was proud of Erriviel, for he died bravely in battle, fighting to the last - and they had won. But glory and honor was not given to everyone, and the cost was great. Those not Acheronian would not understand, they did their best, but it was not good enough. She was leading this away team and one of her comrades had fallen. This would be on her. The Suel Imperium claimed another victim. No, she thought to herself. Not today. She thought for a fast moment, came up with a plan. Looking at Chandor, she motioned for him to force a healing potion down keetee's throat, and they retreated. Lifting up Erriviel carefully, they made haste and left the house. They returned to the Belle as soon as they could.
AWAY TEAM TWO
SALTMARSH
BELLE OF THE SEA
Misha carried Erriviel with Sloop and Chandor close in tow behind her. "Inform Kapitan of the situation." she told them both. "I will save Erriviel." She said nothing more. She went to the ship's cargo hold and carefully laid his body on the ground. She set her shield and armor aside and pushed a few arcane symbols on the top of her armor's forearm. An Acheronian rune appeared on the floor and a communications panel opened after a few moments. She kneeled and bowed her head low.
(The following is translated from Acheronian to Common for ease of communication)
"Legion Commander." Misha spoke softly. "I implore you to hear my plea. Your humble servant requests your aid. Your assistance. You know I would not ask for something if it was not important."
"Praskovia." Legion Commander Taetanicus acknowledged. "Speak."
"I have failed in combat, and one of my comrades has fallen." she reported, presenting Erriviel. "His soul is on it's way to Acheron as we speak, but I beg you. A mighty request. Allow him another chance. He fought bravely, with honor - and he died bravely, with honor. I have seen it. He even saved me. Spare his soul."
"To deny Bane a soul is much to ask, Praskovia." Taetanicus said. "The Lord General will ask much in return, if such a request is even granted."
Misha held her head down low. "Yes, My Lord. It is much to ask. In return, I beg you to take my soul instead."
"Why would you do such a thing?" The Legion Commander said, a bit surprised. "You have much work to do."
"Because, it is my wish. Please, Almighty Legion Commander." she implored, carefully. "He fought bravely. The odds were against us. It was a glorious battle, but I failed. You were correct. The Suel Imperium is here."
Taetanicus nodded slowly. "As I suspected."
"My Lord, if you will not take my soul in exchange, then tell me what I can give to you, to Acheron, to The Lord General." Misha said, barely a whisper.
Taetanicus was in thought for a moment, then spoke. "I will grant your request, but know from this moment on, you will have the mark of Beschestiye."
Misha nodded. "I understand, Legion Commander. You are wise, and just. May you always be filled with honor, and glory. I serve you now, and will serve even beyond death."
The screen went blank, the runes on the floor grew brightly red, and air rushed back into Erriviel's lungs as he woke up. Misha sighed deeply, relieved, and thankful for Bane, his wisdom, and his understanding.
Carrhae had been pacing nervously on the deck of the Belle. The night had already grown late when she returned back from her dalliance with Trish, but the night kept going and she had suspected that it had gone past midnight without the second team returning. She was contemplating tossing on her armor, waking the rest of the crew, and going on a rescue mission when she saw Sloop and Chandor walking with Misha, who carried the lifeless body of Erriviel in her hands. Chandor explained the situation to Carrhae, with the Suel Imperium and Tharizdun, but she mainly focused on Misha carrying her fallen comrade. Carrhae didn't say a word to Misha, but through a moment of eye contact she was able to simultaneously convey a feeling of guilt and desperation. I should've gone with them. They fought and Erriviel died while I thought only of my own pleasures. Carrhae respects Misha's wishes and stays outside while she pleads for Erriviel's life. Once again, she paces nervously as she is helpless to do anything in this situation.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
When the group returns, carrying the dead Errivel, Sana literally goes pale, reverting to her white-skinned natural form. As Misha takes Errivel's body belowdecks, Sana paces back and forth, face set in a worried expression while occasionally anxiously inquiring if the other Team Two members are okay.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Sloop is strangely energized after the fateful fight, and after returning back to the Belle excitedly recounts the tale of their mission to the team 1 crew. Of course, he inflated his part in the mission about 1000%, but gives honorable credit to the rest of the team. Especially recounting Erriviel’s bravery. “It was the awesomest thing I ever saw!”
He is clearly in awe of Erriviel.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Chandor watches the scene unfold, a blank look on his face. When the others retreat to their places, he moves to a back part of the boat, unseen...and throws his guts up. “Not again. Never again.”
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
“What in Toril happened?” Syltra comes late to the Belle after having spent the day loading at the docks. “Did someone see a ghost?”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
When Kali decided to step out of her quarters after failing to train Scabbers again, her emerged just as team two came back-- with the lifeless body of their quartermaster in Misha's arms. Her face steeled itself despite a sinking feeling in her stomach and it stayed that way when they had been caught up in what they found and when the red-head brought Erriviel down below. Death was nothing new to her and with every death of a comrade she had lived through, grief was easy to hide. I should've gone, I should've disobeyed her, this wouldn't have happened. Those thoughts repeated in the back of her mind as they waited, Kali patting Sloop's head as a way of distraction until Syltra returned to the ship.
"Erriviel fell in combat," She says to the point. "Misha is... Trying to bring him back." Her eye looks past the firblog her tone heavy. "I hope it works."
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Erriviel woke up on a small dirt path, a humble cottage a dozen feet in front of him. He promptly turns on his heel, and sighs as the same cottage comes into his field of view, this time mere inches from his face. "I should've known that it wouldn't be this easy. Mistress, may I approach?"
The door opens in front of him, giving a view of an inviting home, the smell of freshly baked bread in the air. He steps inside, and the door slams shut, the interior transforming into what one would expect a dungeon to look like, and an ugly old woman appears in a nearby rocking chair. Ethereal bands of force reach out and pull him down to a couch, gently, encasing his entire body in a mummylike cocoon.
"Hello, my dear Erriviel. It seems your time has come, and as you have not fulfilled your side of the bargain, your soul is forfeit."
She cackles before continuing.
"Be thankful! Your pitiful existence will have more use than that old Corellon would have given it. He thinks the Drow are trash to be discarded when their hours are up, but, as they say, one god's trash is another hag's treasure. Dear me, it's been so long since I've had guests that I almost forgot my manners. Come here."
As she reaches out towards Erriviel, he feels his skin fragmenting and hardening into scales, thin slices appear on his neck then transform into gills, and he flops around on the floor for a moment before he hovers back towards the hag. She conjures a large fish tank, full of fish of various species, and drops in the goldfish that was Erriviel.
Suddenly, his world seems to lurch and the hag goes fuzzy, first growing long, red hair and then quickly becoming more muscular and youthful. She speaks in the same grating voice as before,
"Lucky you. You've been given a second chance. Retrieve the song, and I will free you from your burden. Otherwise... well, now you know what awaits you."
She transforms briefly into the horrific visage of a hag before giving him a warm smile and waving.
Erriviel opened his eyes on the floor of the ship, trying to flex his fingers, but unable to move anything. He feels a kick in the chest, and suddenly is able to breath again. He draws in ragged breath after ragged breath, feeling the burn of the wounds he received as blood begins to flow out of them once more, and sits upright, grunting as the pain of forcing his stiff muscles to move courses through him. He sees Misha's concerned face looking down at him, and groans as the pain flares again. He speaks between rough breaths,
"I seem... to have taken a brief... hiatus. You got... the skeletons?"
A very drunk Wolf takes this opportunity to stumble onto the boat and upon seeing everyone joyfully says, “Everbodyz here. Huzzahs. *Hic* Youz beatz up more in the hoouuuse? Youz go pow pow? *Hic*” Barely able to stand up Wolf stumbles forward a little bit and then leans against Sana for support as he says, “Captainz stop movingz the boat in circles *Hic*”
"We deed." Misha tells Erriviel, solemnly. "We won. I bring you back to boat and you have been raised. You rest now. Wounds weel heal."
She put a hand on his shoulder, and smiled weakly, then got up and nodded to everyone that was either waiting outside, or whom she passed by.
She didn't talk to anyone.
She headed to her room, locked the door, and stepped into her cabinet and her armor unlatched and she stepped out of it. An Acheronian algorithm kicked in and her armor magically began to repair. She closed the cabinet as the magic did it's work. She looked at herself in the mirror and looked over her wounds, which were healing nicely. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't smiling. She stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself for a long time, and her breath began to quicken slowly. Her neutral expression twisted down to..frustration. Annoyance. Maybe..anger? Her fists balled up and the muscles in her arms tightened as steel-like cords of fibers and she had the urge to destroy something. Remember your discipline. Remember your mission.
She thought about the mission. She thought about how they fought bravely. How the odds seemed against them and one of their own had fallen. Even she had fallen. The Suel Imperium and Tharizdun's influence were here, and she couldn't even lead an away mission successfully. Yes, we won. But I have let the Captain down. But most of all, she was glad her request was granted and Erriviel was alive again.
Instead, she kneeled in her room and held her head down low, praying to the symbol of Bane on her cabinet and remained there, silent, and tried not to think of the price she had to pay for the return of the Drow, even as a small tear rolled down her cheek.
She remained there for the rest of the night until morning.
"Ah... then I'll... just be on... my way..."
Erriviel climbs to his feet, slowly, and begins to shuffle past Misha and down to Grishkar's room. As he passes everyone and their somber faces—Wolf excluded—he calls out, "Why... so glum? You're all acting like... someone died..."
Once he arrives at Grishkar's door, he knocks once before speaking, "Doctor... I require... some patching up."
THE NEXT MORNING
THE BELL OF THE SEA
Misha stood from kneeling, and wore something light and went to the cargo hold and began her exercise routine. This time, she did it longer. She pulled heavier, lifted harder. She took out her hammer and practiced swing after swing after swing until she could swing no more. Breathing hard, and covered with a sheen of sweat, the frustrations of yesterday's mission was like a heavy weight on her shoulders, so she trained long, practiced more, swung harder.
After she was satisfied and her body was thankful for the hard exercise it had received, she returned to her quarters, bathed, dressed up in her casual military outfit, and went to go see the captain to accept the consequences of her actions.
She knocked on the Captain's door. Ready for the worst. "Kapitan?" she called out. "Eet ees Misha."
Carrhae apologizes to Erriviel. "I'm sorry. I should've been there with you or sent someone else along with you." And to punctuate the apology, Carrhae touches him and gives him all five points of Lay on Hands. "Now you should get some rest. Dying is an ordeal. I'm sure that the doctor would recommend the same." From Carrhae's tone of voice, Erriviel can tell that she somehow knows what she's talking about when it comes to dying and coming back to life. He also picks up that her healing him might be as much out of guilt as it is her trying to make it so that he doesn't need to see the good doctor. "I heard from Sloop that you fought valiantly. Thank you for that and for saving Misha. You've done more than I've asked of you."
She heads over to Misha's room, but departs when she sees that the door is locked. Instead, she goes to her room and sleeps. The next morning she wakes up and welcomes Misha into her room. Her heart sinks when she sees that her friend is looking uncharacteristically somber. "Thank you for saving Erriviel. Both he and I are fortunate to have someone like you on the Belle."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Misha kneeled in front of Carrhae as she spoke, and lowered her head. She was not smiling.
"Thank you, Kapitan." Misha said. "The team fought bravely, and we won. But, at much cost. I am here to accept consequences for my actions. We were not able to proceed further into house, and we hef found terrible evidence that the Suel Imperium, weeth the influence of Tharizdun, is indeed abound, and een the caves further een. They have a signalling lantern they are using to call in a ship. I fear that this can be nothing but trouble."
She was quiet for a moment.
"Saving Erriviel was the right theeng to do. He was my responsibility. Even I almost died eef not for heem. I do not feel like I was veectorious, and was not geeven honor or glory. Een fact, I had to geev eet all away to save heem. I am Beschestiye."
AN EXCERPT FROM THE ACHERONIAN CODEX
"Acheron is the plane of War, led by the Might and Command of The Lord General, The God of Tyranny, Bane. Since the beginning of creation Acheron is the place most souls go to when someone dies in battle - souls of the dead that fight in a war that never ends. Acheron is also home to a militaristic, structured society of warriors - currently locked in an endless battle with The Nine Hells. It was only through the repurposing of the acquired knowledge obtained from The Genesis Chambers that The Acheronian War Machine was able to hold the Hellish forces at bay.
Acheron and it's society has claimed and conquered many worlds, but nothing is more important to an Acheronian than honor and glory. Because of Bane's Will, their training, their lifestyle - their whole purpose and reason for being is the improvement and expansion of their Empire, conquering the weak, and remaining strong through fear, hatred, and tyranny. This is the Will of the Lord General. All actions must lead to this focus, and much of their success since time began has been through actions honorable, and glorious.
All actions attempted and executed successfully that further Bane's Will bestow a spiritual strength that all Acheronians can sense and recognize - like an aura detected among peers. All Acheronians blessed with honor and glory shine inwardly with the spiritual Strength and Grace given from The Black Hand, Our Lord and Master, Bane. There is nothing more disgraceful than an Acheronian who loses Honor or Glory because of his or her actions, and once lost, must repent, beg for forgiveness, and strive to acquire it once again. There is no greater punishment than to defy Our Master's Will. There is nothing Bane dislikes more than one of his own people honorless, and inglorious."