Nadaars kick to the door strikes with a loud Crack of wood splintering. The door is still shut and locked but another good kick or two would likely take it down.
Zack, after you call out to anyone who might be inside the home you wait a minute to see if someone replies Unfortunately no answer comes your way and you hear no sounds that would indicate someone is inside.
"Oh don't give me that. I intend to pay for the door once we find out why its barred. And if I'm being impetuous, they only have themselves to blame for not answering your request."Nadaar scoffs and tries to put on an indignant air, but eventually loses the resolve to hold back sheepish grin. "And a one... and a two... and a--" Together with Zack, the duo give the door another hard kick!
One more kick is all the door ends up needing. With another loud snap the frame gives way sending splinters of wood inside the cottage as the door swings wide open granting you full access to the home. The home itself is modest, two straw beds sit in opposite corners. Theres a very small kitchen area with dining table and a small section of the home seems to have been set up as a shrine of sorts. The shrine room contains several candles that have seen long use, a wood chest tucked away in one corner, and a golden holy symbol rests on a small makeshift alter. More of the same runic script can be seen burned into the wall behind the alter and on the alter itself.
Zack would examine the altar/shrine.. tryign to determine if it was of a patron he knew... and whether they were likely 'good' or 'evil' or somewhere in between.. If only to discern what this person might have been praying to... (Relig: 12) and once satisfied that he was either stumped or knowledgeable he would press closer... touching the box with the tip of his sword, an attempting to pry it open and see what was inside.. from a relatively safe distance thanks to his weapon.
The rest of the house was overall uninteresting and unlikely to hold any pertinent information. Regardless... Unless otherwise .... Zack would not 'loot' anything from the house lest he become no better than the goblins were... But he would still take stock of what was there if he had been successful and determine if taking anything would be called for or not. Noticing Nadia had not came in yet... he would call out to her Should probably come inside with us... Just in case.
Zack, as you approach the shrine to examine it your attention is drawn to the golden holy symbol on the alter. The Symbol is made up of three triangles, one on top which has a hollow center and two solid longer triangles below it. You feel like you know the symbol though you're not sure how. Suddenly you're arm starts to glow blue once more and you start to suffer from a crippling migrane. You do know the symbol. Suddenly everything goes black.
As you come to you realize you must have fallen asleep for a moment. It's been a long couple of days on patrol, you've barely had time to rest. That last mission had been hard, not particularly challenging but rather upsetting and it still doesn't feel right. You try to think back on the details but right now it all seems fuzzy, likely from the lack of sleep you think. Angeal had a pretty heated arguement with one of higher ranking officers, you remember that much. Now your both in a room, frantically packing things. Why? You don't remember, it's all too blurry amd jumbled. You stare at the mess of clothing, weapons and other gear layed out before you. You hear Angeal call out to you. "Come on Zack, you need to hurry up. We don't have time. We need to leave the city. We have to find her, we need to show people they've been lied to." Angeal is worked up like you've never seen him before. You feel equally worked up, a combination of anger and panick resting in your gut though you don't know why. You obey the order and start packing as fast as you can before you hear a knock on the door.
"Captain Hewley, Private Fair, come out with your hands in the air! Your under arrest for treason! Submit yourselves now or we'll be forced to take you by force!"
Treason? You surely don't remember committing amy treason. You can't imagine Angeal would either, it would be completely out of character for him. You try to remember what happened, how you got here. Once again you're greet with blurry visions that mean little. Shadowy figures, whispers you can't hear but reveal a secret you shouldn't know, a strange symbol and eyes staring at you in the dark. You grab your head amd grunt in pain, Angeal looks to you holds up a hand, urging you to be silent.
"Captain Fowler, is that you?"
"Aye Hewley it is. I don't want to do this but I have my orders. Don't know what you two did, but it's caused a whole lot of trouble. Just come quiet, I'll try to put in a good word for you."
"You can't trust them! It's lies, it's always been lies!"
"You're a madman Hewley! You men, take down the door we want them alive."
Then theres banging on the door. BANG! BANG! BANG! Wth each hit the door gets visibly weaker. You see Angeal draw his sword. The Buster sword, an uunusually large weapon that Hewley had been somewhat famous for. As he had told you in the past, the weapon was custom made by one of his ancestors, passed down the family line all the way to him. One day he would pass it on to a son of his own, but today it would defend it's owners life. You grab your own weapon and rush to his side, ready to fight to the death along side your friend. The door come down, thendark room fills with a blinding light. You hear shouts amd the clanging of metal against metal as combat erupts but you can't see anything through the white light. You no longer feel your body, the weapon in your hand or the stone beneath your feet. You feel like your floating away, as if in a dream.
You open your eyes to see the thatch roof of the cottage, and possibly Nadaar and/or Nadia standing over you. You feel the dirt floor beneath you, and in your hand, clutched tightly, is a golden holy symbol to The Lord of Lies, The Prince of Evil and the Supreme Ruler of the Nine Hells, Asmodeus. You know the symbol, indeed you have seen it before. Though the particulars are lost on you, the memory that came so suddenly, fades almost as fast. But you remember the symbol.
Nadia, Nadaar, all you see is that when Zack inspects the Holy symbol, his arm glows blue and the fighter loses consciousness, hitting the ground hard. He is out for only a few seconds, before the glow dissipates and he starts to come to again.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nadia has been hitching the horses to avoid them wandering off too far while the men had enter the home. The elf gave a pat on the neck to the horse she shared with Zack, joining up with the others just as she sees the fighters arm glow again then fall to the ground. With wide eyes she rushed over to kneel by his side, mainly checking to see if his head got hurt in anyway. The fall was a hard one, but it didn’t seem like he got hurt bad, just his arm again... Her eyes glanced over to the shrine, briefly trying to see if she knew what God was being worshipped (Religion: 9), then to Nadaar. “Do you know what happened?”
She stays by Zack’s side til he rises again, the elf visibly relaxing seeing he was okay. “Juro que tendré que comenzar a tomar medicamentos la cantidad de veces que casi me has dado un ataque cardíaco.”
"Knock, Knock. Open up the door its -- *ahem* Wait, no, that's the wrong sort of phrase for this situation."Nadaar chuckles as he looked about the house. While the shrine drew some attention, the Dragonborn had wandered over to the beds again to search both under and beneath them. Because at this point, either the former residents had enough time lock up before fleeing for their lives, left long ago, or really enjoyed hide and seek. "Zack?"He calls upon hearing a thud. Seeing him fallen and glowing again, he frowns but approached the soldier. "No. I saw him start to head closer to the shrine. But other things pulled my attention elsewhere."He admits to Nadia, but kept his eyes on Zack.
"Is this going to be a thing with you from now on, or...?" Nadaar asked jokingly as soon as he saw Zack begin to come to. Wondering afterwards about the holy symbol clutched in hand, he calls Wonder over to try and pick up the symbol, prying it from Zack's hand. Well, try to, but no doubt fail. Succeed or fail, he holds up a hand of caution should Zack panic and start readying to strike the unseen servant. "Easy there, friend. You were out for only a moment this time. Do you feel able to stand?"He requests, but only if asked for aid will he offer to help the man to his feet. "You know, if it weren't for the fact you have this whole other... thing going on, I would suspect we angered some deity of this realm."His grin soon turns into a frown as he notices the chest off in the corner.
Hard to say whether it was curiosity or greed that won out in the end; but, ultimately the Dragonborn does wonder over it to examine to see if its locked or trapped in any way; and if either, try to have at least a peek inside.
Zack, as your coming to you see Nadia and Nadaar standing over you. You feel the holy symbol in your hand start to move on it's own, like someone or something is trying to take it from you. As Nadaar tells you not to worry you realize it's his doing and no devil or demon. It's up to you if you let go or not.
Nadia, you think you recognize the symbol to belong to an evil deity, but you don't know which one specifically. At the very least your certain it's not of any good aligned Diety you're familiar with.
Nadaar, your brief check under the beds yield nothing of interest. As you check the chest you find it is unlocked and find no signs of any traps. You open it to peek inside and find a Healers Kit packed into one corner, as well as a Potion of Healing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zacks eyes shot open and he sat up as if waking from a nightmare, eyes wide but settling slowly back to normal as he realized he was in no immediate threat. His body tensed and his head wobbled as if feeling nauseous before exhaling The sudden dawning of who's symbol that was causing his brow to furrow. Yeahhhh yea... he says with a drawl of shock, waiving a gloved hand just before the item in his hand is taken away by the imaginary friend. He willingly lets the item go as he takes a few moments to think back on the cloudy visions he had just experienced.
If that's the symbol of the lord of lies.... Was that really a memory from my past? Or.... he thought to himself, doubting now the validity of what he had seen in his... dream? Vision? Memory? Whatever it was... And what does that have to do with... my past? Or does it at all? Enough thinking.... I'll bring this up to the others when we have a real chance to rest.... three heads are better than one... he says, before knocking his knuckles 3 times against the floorboard, a family superstition to help keep away the 'Chimaeras.' Finally looking up, First to Nadia and second to Nadaar who had spoken to him, having not understood a word Nadia had just said. I certainly hope not buddy... Last thing I need is to be stabbed to death while fainting for no reason. Ugh. And yeah, I'm fine... But I'll take the hand up anyway. Might as well save some energy at the expense of yours! capping it off with a chuckle as he takes Nadaars offered hand and is pulled up easily enough. This time the glow didn't hurt him.. atleast not that he could remember aside from the flashpain in his head... so perhaps that wake up call was a one time thing.. hopefully. Him in turn helping Nadia up if she needed or wanted it. Nodding his thanks and apologies to her.
Zack took one look at the shrine and asked the others to stand back. Sorry, but I gotta destroy this thing... It's evil. And I ain't gonna let some *****-ass devil think he can do things to me with impunity... I'll explain... later. He would say before taking the shrine in his arms, and trying to bear-hug it in such a fashion as to at-least break parts, if not the entire thing. (Althetics for destruction: 9) And whether failed or not he would spit on it, acting slightly out of his usual character. Once either or all were done, He'd watch as Nadaar found some admittedly useful items though it was odd for someone to be worshiping him yet possessing items of restoration... Something to ponder.
Zack would then wait for Nadaar to finish pocketing the items... better him (Nadaar) have them than he... Taking a moment to head just outside, where he saw Nadia had finished tying the horses for him and he would say Thanks Nadia. Lets hope I don't continue fainting today... We've already used up a chunk... he says, then looking up to get a rough gauge on the time-of-day, and noting it.
Suddenly an idea strikes him.... He heads back inside, asking Do either of you happen to have any parchment, and something to write with? And if they do, he gladly takes it, if not... he seeks both in the obvious potential locations, such as drawers, a desk... etc. If by some luck he finds some, assuming N & N don't have any, he will then in the corner mark down the 'holy symbol's image, followed by any unique 'markings' on the walls... if they're a jumbled, random mess... he'll simply copy them down as he see's one he didn't see before. If they seem to be some form of writing, normal, or otherwise, he'll mark them down in whatever order seems to be from beginning to end. Rolling the parchment up, and placing it in his bags. If he is unable to find any or neither of the other two have any.. he will do his best to commit every image to memory that he can....
(Performance if drawing them: 17 - ??? if by memory 17 +?)
Regardless of anything else.. if he found some ink/quill, he'd pack them after obviously closing them properly, if not, he'd say Either way this place was... less an more interesting than I expected... What did you two think? And.. perhaps we should gte a move on... I can't see much else being here, and even if this guy was a hell worshiping *****, I'm still not going to loot the place. if only to spite him...
Ultimately waiting until the other two were done with their desired tasks, as he unties his and Nadaars horses, if Nadaars allows it.. and waiting for them on the saddle. Looking towards the next couple places... One obviously being where the cat had came from, and just before it.. when the party decides to move seeming of little point to inspect. While he would follow if the others wished, he himself was ready to check the keep itself, and would say when the time came.. Looks like the only place left is the keep itself...
Your first attempt to destroy the shrine is moderately successful. You do a good amount of damage to it but it's not completely in splinters. You choose to you can completely destroy it (no need to role) or leave it as is. Regardless when you finish you head outside, trying to gauge the time of say. Looking up you would have to say it's just a little past noon. There's still plenty of day left ahead of you, but taking time to bury the dead did take up a decent amount of time. While you're outside, the Tressym Rillex comes outside and rubs up against your legs. It stays near you a while before you head in and it flys back to Nadaar.
Assuming you are lent paper and ink, you're able to copy down as much of the writing you can. It looks similar to the runes you saw on the door you notice. If you aren't loaned paper/ink you find none inside the cottage, but commit what you can to memory.
Nadaar scoffed, but nevertheless still aided Zack in getting to his feet. After some hesitation he also confiscates the healer's kit and potion too, murmuring something along the lines of 'hope I need not ever use these' after securing the last item. "Some devil? H-" But it was too late to stop or even question Zack further by that point. While the shrine had not been completely destroyed in the initial effort, the damage being done, Nadaar's shoulder sag in defeat. "I was going to inquiry further by what you meant by evil... But instead, I will offer to finish the job while you make use of these."
From his pack, the black scaled Dragonborn produces a small lockbox, and with draws some ink, ink pen, and parchment, as per Zack's request. "Whatever you do not use, I will want back, just so you know. Ink is not cheap, to say the least."With a final good nature grin, he turns to examine the shrine through a sort of picture frame made by his fingers. Once Zack has finished copying down any runes laid closest to the altar, Wonder is bade to set the holy symbol upon it, then to wait outside on his horse. "You may wish to find safety as well, my friend, for their may be some splash back." He said to the Tressym while giving him a few scritches about the ears.
Once the flying cat made its move, one deep breathe is followed by a torrent of acid unleashed upon both altar and symbol, destroying, if not distorting to the point of both being left irreparable. As soon as the job's done Nadaar joins the others by the horses and readies to go without much of a word initially. "Oh I have no doubt there would be more to find. But at this point, we have gained /exactly/ what I had hoped for a potential rescue ahead."He confesses. "And I wouldn't call it looting, so much as... re-purposing for a good cause. Something that fellow or fellows, as the case may be, failed to do. BUT, I will not force the use of either upon you. As for the keep, we can make our way there now, least we need search it in the dark."
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Rillex purrs before flying outside to wait with Wonder. You give Zack enough time to copy as much of the script as he can before giving the alter and holy symbol a nice Acid bath, destroying the alter entirely and severely damaging and scarring the gold symbol, the acid leaving large blacken Mark's all over it where the acid didn't corrode all the way through.
Once you are all finished with what you want to do you make you're way towards the keep. (If anyone wants to do anything else before the keep let me know). You end up standing at a bridge that leads from the village bailey to the Motte. The bridge is 70ft long 10ft wide amd climbs up at am angle. About halfway up the bridge, a 15ft section has is missing, presumably destroyed during the Giant bombardment, and is cutting off the Keep from the rest of the village.
Nadia dusts herself off after accepting the hand to get back to her feet. She watched with worried eyes as Zack destroyed the shrine, but decided against saying anything. It was the right thing to do anyways. She may not have known what evil deity it stood for, however if it effected him that much, to a point where he blanked out yet again in the same day, it was fine. She had left the house soon after, letting them finish looking through the house while she readied the horses again for travel.
"Kella's horse was over in that direction..." She points towards the area she remembered seeing the mare. "After the keep, do you mind dropping me off? I wanna try and tame her. It'd be a shame to see such a beautiful horse go to waste."
((Sorry for the weak post. Been dealing with lots of stress lately and my creativity is getting shot because of it. Hopefully this funk will clear up in a few days ;;))
Nadaar continues on a fair ways up the bridge on horse before stopping and dismounting at least 15ft from the gap. Of the conversation going on ahead or behind him, he pays almost no mind to, as the gap appeared to consume most of his attention. "With a decent running start and a bit of stretching, we could make it... There are the horses as well... hm... Could also just summon Wonder to the other side and go from there -- E-Say! What do you two think?"He finally turns and calls over to the others.
"It may be a little difficult, and requiring some coaxing but we could certainly use the horses. Although I imagine it is riskier. On the other hand, I can summon my Wonder over to the otherside. May take some time, but eventually we can pass her the rope, and see if she might tie it to some part of the bridge..." He trails off as he wanders close enough to the edge to at least try to examine the broken side of the other bridge for potential tie off points. "If I had kept a hold of Krul's blade, it may have made for one decent anchor."
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Zack would thank Nadaar for his utility... this may come in handy or relevant later. Thanks man. And Don't worry i'll return it as soon as I'm done... then going about and copying as much 'unique' script as he could notice, before carefully returning the supplies, just as Nadaar melts the shrine, and nearly destroys the symbol before he would head outside to find the day was half gone already - though to be expected. As he's doing so, the catlike creature acts a bit more catty than he expected it to, so he kneeled down, and unless prevented in some way, would scritch behind its ears and along the top of it's skull gently Heh, whats up big guy? Surprised you're so friendly with me, but its not like i have a problem with it. And whether because of a whim, or what he had said, the cat made its way back inside.
When Nadia joined him outside, he had just gotten done unhitching the steeds, though he held Nadaars nearby until the dragonborn was ready to go. Yeah, sure. Unless thees a hole somewhere we didn't see I think the horse is stuck in here with us anyway. Sorry we can't just go get her now... but definitely before we leave! And we'll leave the gate open and let the rest of the horses out so they're not stuck here. he says with an assuring nod just as Nadaar makes hi way out and they all mount up. Also Nadia, not that i mind in the slightest... but, aren't you pressing a little close? he said hiding the playfulness in his voice of his teasing, seeing how she would react.
As they approached the bridge .. seeing the gap made him sigh a bit. of course it wasn't gonna be that easy he looked at the situation appraisingly. Well I don't like the idea of risking the horses... let alone needing to do it twice since we'll also need to get them 'back' over here.. And heh who needs Kruls blade when I got this? he says patting the hilt of his sword as he dismounts carefully.
Why don't we try a good old alley-oop? A bit of teamwork. But I can put my sword into the bridge.. bluntside facing the gap.... and that could create an anchor on this side.... Then... We tie off one end to the handle tightly.
I hold the other end, you get on your knees and propose to me he stopped thee, intentionally letting it hang as he was trying to lighten the mood from earlier. and after just long enough for Nadaar to either feel uncomfortable, or respond with his own quip or even Nadia... But no, you see, you lace your fingers together.... I get a running start.... use your hands as a board... you toss up as I jump... and I should b able to make it where I otherwise wouldn't. Then I just anchor myself, and you two come across that way, or i tie it off on something if there is anything to tie it off on and then I'll tug hard, and pull my sword free to get it back. Worst case, my sword falls and .. well I get to go swimming.
If you don't like that i suppose we can do yours, but I wouldn't want these guys to die right after we found them. OH shit, also... Here... he says, pulling out the bag with the stones, and giving one to each of them. And the other three we'll sell and split the difference, Fair?
"The difference between your blade and Krul's blade is that I would feel less about about disrespecting it as using it as a glorified ankor point."Nadaar grins crookedly, choosing to sidestep Zack's jest altogether. "And if you are suggesting what I think you are suggesting, and I'm fairly certain I understand what your suggesting...."He trailed off tugging at his whiskers in thought and looking up at the clouds. For all his apparent lack of attentiveness at the moment, he still nods as Zack explained the manuever. "This... 'alley-oop' carries its own other risks. Namely to the one offering aid, as one slip up might result in their tumbling back into the water. That is, its a risk to gain the most out of this maneuver. All while the more fortunate one gets to fly across to safet -- I am sorry, what now?"
Nadaar lofts a brow ridge at the offered stone before both eyes go wide at the value. "I... Hm... I suppose its fair. Though I fell, I /did/ fight to what should have very well been my end. Still..." He lets the word hang there and just pockets the stone least dragonborn pride gets the better of him. "In ANY case. Let's try this maneuver of yours, Sir Soldier. Even if the worst should happen, I am a fairly good swimmer."As Zack went about getting his blade set up as an ankor point, Nadaar gets in position to help in the crossing.
(Sorry for the delays. I thought I tossed this post out when I did all the others. x_x)
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zack put his hands on his hips, letting his head fall a bit as he shook it in the 'no' fashion. I don't think you understand. This sword was meant to help people. If that's what it's doing, there's no disrespect at all. he said, smirking a bit, as he found a good spot that would be 'solid enough' to last the initial trip, but not so strong that he couldn't tug it with enough force. Tying the rope in a semi-cross-X using about 5-10 feet of it to anchor.
I am indeed suggesting just that. And it only poses that risk if you mess up. So all you gotta do is not do that! he says, continuing to verbally rib the dragonman. He walks to the edge, trying to get a visual gauge of just how far he's gonna have to shove-off to not embarrassingly gut check himself and fall into the water. And dude... Maybe this is some racial thing, or cultural thing. But if you almost died, but didn't, for any reason. Then it wasn't meant to be your end. Besides... Would you really force us to bury someone else today and make the lady, and maybe myself cry more? he pulls away from the edge, giving Nadaar a hard pat on the shoulder. Giving Nadaar a nod, and looking back to the silent Nadia.. assuming what had happened to Gran was still effecting her. Before picking up the 'other' end of the rope, and gettign a strong grip. If I make it, post the horses and then come on over.
Finally, Zack would get into position leaning into a runners start position. Waiting for Nadaar to be ready, and making sure the rope was clear of horses/bodies and anythign else that wasn't Nadaaar it could catch on.
Zack would Dash after doing a 3.... 2..... 1..... countdown, running from 20 feet away after having timed his steps so that he would be less likely to 'step-hitch' and assuming nothing went horribly wrong... Would do his damnedest to jump.... (Athletics: 24)
With Nadaars assistance Zack leaps from the lower side of the bridge. He crosses the gap with ease and manages to land safely on the other side without issue. Zack, you find that about about 10ft away from the edge the railings of the bridge are sturdy enough to act as anchor. A few quick test pulls of the rope confirm that the anchor seems to be sturdy on both sides.
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Attack: 22 Damage: 3
Nadaars kick to the door strikes with a loud Crack of wood splintering. The door is still shut and locked but another good kick or two would likely take it down.
Zack, after you call out to anyone who might be inside the home you wait a minute to see if someone replies Unfortunately no answer comes your way and you hear no sounds that would indicate someone is inside.
Zack sighs and looks to Nadaar... Might as well finish what you started then... He might as well 'help' him
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"Oh don't give me that. I intend to pay for the door once we find out why its barred. And if I'm being impetuous, they only have themselves to blame for not answering your request." Nadaar scoffs and tries to put on an indignant air, but eventually loses the resolve to hold back sheepish grin. "And a one... and a two... and a--" Together with Zack, the duo give the door another hard kick!
Action: (Kick)Unarmed Strike - Attack: 19 Damage: 3 bludgeoning.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
One more kick is all the door ends up needing. With another loud snap the frame gives way sending splinters of wood inside the cottage as the door swings wide open granting you full access to the home. The home itself is modest, two straw beds sit in opposite corners. Theres a very small kitchen area with dining table and a small section of the home seems to have been set up as a shrine of sorts. The shrine room contains several candles that have seen long use, a wood chest tucked away in one corner, and a golden holy symbol rests on a small makeshift alter. More of the same runic script can be seen burned into the wall behind the alter and on the alter itself.
Zack would examine the altar/shrine.. tryign to determine if it was of a patron he knew... and whether they were likely 'good' or 'evil' or somewhere in between.. If only to discern what this person might have been praying to... (Relig: 12) and once satisfied that he was either stumped or knowledgeable he would press closer... touching the box with the tip of his sword, an attempting to pry it open and see what was inside.. from a relatively safe distance thanks to his weapon.
The rest of the house was overall uninteresting and unlikely to hold any pertinent information. Regardless... Unless otherwise .... Zack would not 'loot' anything from the house lest he become no better than the goblins were... But he would still take stock of what was there if he had been successful and determine if taking anything would be called for or not. Noticing Nadia had not came in yet... he would call out to her Should probably come inside with us... Just in case.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Zack, as you approach the shrine to examine it your attention is drawn to the golden holy symbol on the alter. The Symbol is made up of three triangles, one on top which has a hollow center and two solid longer triangles below it. You feel like you know the symbol though you're not sure how. Suddenly you're arm starts to glow blue once more and you start to suffer from a crippling migrane. You do know the symbol. Suddenly everything goes black.
As you come to you realize you must have fallen asleep for a moment. It's been a long couple of days on patrol, you've barely had time to rest. That last mission had been hard, not particularly challenging but rather upsetting and it still doesn't feel right. You try to think back on the details but right now it all seems fuzzy, likely from the lack of sleep you think. Angeal had a pretty heated arguement with one of higher ranking officers, you remember that much. Now your both in a room, frantically packing things. Why? You don't remember, it's all too blurry amd jumbled. You stare at the mess of clothing, weapons and other gear layed out before you. You hear Angeal call out to you. "Come on Zack, you need to hurry up. We don't have time. We need to leave the city. We have to find her, we need to show people they've been lied to." Angeal is worked up like you've never seen him before. You feel equally worked up, a combination of anger and panick resting in your gut though you don't know why. You obey the order and start packing as fast as you can before you hear a knock on the door.
"Captain Hewley, Private Fair, come out with your hands in the air! Your under arrest for treason! Submit yourselves now or we'll be forced to take you by force!"
Treason? You surely don't remember committing amy treason. You can't imagine Angeal would either, it would be completely out of character for him. You try to remember what happened, how you got here. Once again you're greet with blurry visions that mean little. Shadowy figures, whispers you can't hear but reveal a secret you shouldn't know, a strange symbol and eyes staring at you in the dark. You grab your head amd grunt in pain, Angeal looks to you holds up a hand, urging you to be silent.
"Captain Fowler, is that you?"
"Aye Hewley it is. I don't want to do this but I have my orders. Don't know what you two did, but it's caused a whole lot of trouble. Just come quiet, I'll try to put in a good word for you."
"You can't trust them! It's lies, it's always been lies!"
"You're a madman Hewley! You men, take down the door we want them alive."
Then theres banging on the door. BANG! BANG! BANG! Wth each hit the door gets visibly weaker. You see Angeal draw his sword. The Buster sword, an uunusually large weapon that Hewley had been somewhat famous for. As he had told you in the past, the weapon was custom made by one of his ancestors, passed down the family line all the way to him. One day he would pass it on to a son of his own, but today it would defend it's owners life. You grab your own weapon and rush to his side, ready to fight to the death along side your friend. The door come down, thendark room fills with a blinding light. You hear shouts amd the clanging of metal against metal as combat erupts but you can't see anything through the white light. You no longer feel your body, the weapon in your hand or the stone beneath your feet. You feel like your floating away, as if in a dream.
You open your eyes to see the thatch roof of the cottage, and possibly Nadaar and/or Nadia standing over you. You feel the dirt floor beneath you, and in your hand, clutched tightly, is a golden holy symbol to The Lord of Lies, The Prince of Evil and the Supreme Ruler of the Nine Hells, Asmodeus. You know the symbol, indeed you have seen it before. Though the particulars are lost on you, the memory that came so suddenly, fades almost as fast. But you remember the symbol.
Nadia, Nadaar, all you see is that when Zack inspects the Holy symbol, his arm glows blue and the fighter loses consciousness, hitting the ground hard. He is out for only a few seconds, before the glow dissipates and he starts to come to again.
Nadia has been hitching the horses to avoid them wandering off too far while the men had enter the home. The elf gave a pat on the neck to the horse she shared with Zack, joining up with the others just as she sees the fighters arm glow again then fall to the ground. With wide eyes she rushed over to kneel by his side, mainly checking to see if his head got hurt in anyway. The fall was a hard one, but it didn’t seem like he got hurt bad, just his arm again... Her eyes glanced over to the shrine, briefly trying to see if she knew what God was being worshipped (Religion: 9), then to Nadaar. “Do you know what happened?”
She stays by Zack’s side til he rises again, the elf visibly relaxing seeing he was okay. “Juro que tendré que comenzar a tomar medicamentos la cantidad de veces que casi me has dado un ataque cardíaco.”
"Knock, Knock. Open up the door its -- *ahem* Wait, no, that's the wrong sort of phrase for this situation." Nadaar chuckles as he looked about the house. While the shrine drew some attention, the Dragonborn had wandered over to the beds again to search both under and beneath them. Because at this point, either the former residents had enough time lock up before fleeing for their lives, left long ago, or really enjoyed hide and seek. "Zack?" He calls upon hearing a thud. Seeing him fallen and glowing again, he frowns but approached the soldier. "No. I saw him start to head closer to the shrine. But other things pulled my attention elsewhere." He admits to Nadia, but kept his eyes on Zack.
"Is this going to be a thing with you from now on, or...?" Nadaar asked jokingly as soon as he saw Zack begin to come to. Wondering afterwards about the holy symbol clutched in hand, he calls Wonder over to try and pick up the symbol, prying it from Zack's hand. Well, try to, but no doubt fail. Succeed or fail, he holds up a hand of caution should Zack panic and start readying to strike the unseen servant. "Easy there, friend. You were out for only a moment this time. Do you feel able to stand?" He requests, but only if asked for aid will he offer to help the man to his feet. "You know, if it weren't for the fact you have this whole other... thing going on, I would suspect we angered some deity of this realm." His grin soon turns into a frown as he notices the chest off in the corner.
Hard to say whether it was curiosity or greed that won out in the end; but, ultimately the Dragonborn does wonder over it to examine to see if its locked or trapped in any way; and if either, try to have at least a peek inside.
Investigation: 21.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Zack, as your coming to you see Nadia and Nadaar standing over you. You feel the holy symbol in your hand start to move on it's own, like someone or something is trying to take it from you. As Nadaar tells you not to worry you realize it's his doing and no devil or demon. It's up to you if you let go or not.
Nadia, you think you recognize the symbol to belong to an evil deity, but you don't know which one specifically. At the very least your certain it's not of any good aligned Diety you're familiar with.
Nadaar, your brief check under the beds yield nothing of interest. As you check the chest you find it is unlocked and find no signs of any traps. You open it to peek inside and find a Healers Kit packed into one corner, as well as a Potion of Healing.
Zacks eyes shot open and he sat up as if waking from a nightmare, eyes wide but settling slowly back to normal as he realized he was in no immediate threat. His body tensed and his head wobbled as if feeling nauseous before exhaling The sudden dawning of who's symbol that was causing his brow to furrow. Yeahhhh yea... he says with a drawl of shock, waiving a gloved hand just before the item in his hand is taken away by the imaginary friend. He willingly lets the item go as he takes a few moments to think back on the cloudy visions he had just experienced.
If that's the symbol of the lord of lies.... Was that really a memory from my past? Or.... he thought to himself, doubting now the validity of what he had seen in his... dream? Vision? Memory? Whatever it was... And what does that have to do with... my past? Or does it at all? Enough thinking.... I'll bring this up to the others when we have a real chance to rest.... three heads are better than one... he says, before knocking his knuckles 3 times against the floorboard, a family superstition to help keep away the 'Chimaeras.' Finally looking up, First to Nadia and second to Nadaar who had spoken to him, having not understood a word Nadia had just said. I certainly hope not buddy... Last thing I need is to be stabbed to death while fainting for no reason. Ugh. And yeah, I'm fine... But I'll take the hand up anyway. Might as well save some energy at the expense of yours! capping it off with a chuckle as he takes Nadaars offered hand and is pulled up easily enough. This time the glow didn't hurt him.. atleast not that he could remember aside from the flashpain in his head... so perhaps that wake up call was a one time thing.. hopefully. Him in turn helping Nadia up if she needed or wanted it. Nodding his thanks and apologies to her.
Zack took one look at the shrine and asked the others to stand back. Sorry, but I gotta destroy this thing... It's evil. And I ain't gonna let some *****-ass devil think he can do things to me with impunity... I'll explain... later. He would say before taking the shrine in his arms, and trying to bear-hug it in such a fashion as to at-least break parts, if not the entire thing. (Althetics for destruction: 9) And whether failed or not he would spit on it, acting slightly out of his usual character. Once either or all were done, He'd watch as Nadaar found some admittedly useful items though it was odd for someone to be worshiping him yet possessing items of restoration... Something to ponder.
Zack would then wait for Nadaar to finish pocketing the items... better him (Nadaar) have them than he... Taking a moment to head just outside, where he saw Nadia had finished tying the horses for him and he would say Thanks Nadia. Lets hope I don't continue fainting today... We've already used up a chunk... he says, then looking up to get a rough gauge on the time-of-day, and noting it.
Suddenly an idea strikes him.... He heads back inside, asking Do either of you happen to have any parchment, and something to write with? And if they do, he gladly takes it, if not... he seeks both in the obvious potential locations, such as drawers, a desk... etc. If by some luck he finds some, assuming N & N don't have any, he will then in the corner mark down the 'holy symbol's image, followed by any unique 'markings' on the walls... if they're a jumbled, random mess... he'll simply copy them down as he see's one he didn't see before. If they seem to be some form of writing, normal, or otherwise, he'll mark them down in whatever order seems to be from beginning to end. Rolling the parchment up, and placing it in his bags. If he is unable to find any or neither of the other two have any.. he will do his best to commit every image to memory that he can....
(Performance if drawing them: 17 - ??? if by memory 17 +?)
Regardless of anything else.. if he found some ink/quill, he'd pack them after obviously closing them properly, if not, he'd say Either way this place was... less an more interesting than I expected... What did you two think? And.. perhaps we should gte a move on... I can't see much else being here, and even if this guy was a hell worshiping *****, I'm still not going to loot the place. if only to spite him...
Ultimately waiting until the other two were done with their desired tasks, as he unties his and Nadaars horses, if Nadaars allows it.. and waiting for them on the saddle. Looking towards the next couple places... One obviously being where the cat had came from, and just before it.. when the party decides to move seeming of little point to inspect. While he would follow if the others wished, he himself was ready to check the keep itself, and would say when the time came.. Looks like the only place left is the keep itself...
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Your first attempt to destroy the shrine is moderately successful. You do a good amount of damage to it but it's not completely in splinters. You choose to you can completely destroy it (no need to role) or leave it as is. Regardless when you finish you head outside, trying to gauge the time of say. Looking up you would have to say it's just a little past noon. There's still plenty of day left ahead of you, but taking time to bury the dead did take up a decent amount of time. While you're outside, the Tressym Rillex comes outside and rubs up against your legs. It stays near you a while before you head in and it flys back to Nadaar.
Assuming you are lent paper and ink, you're able to copy down as much of the writing you can. It looks similar to the runes you saw on the door you notice. If you aren't loaned paper/ink you find none inside the cottage, but commit what you can to memory.
Nadaar scoffed, but nevertheless still aided Zack in getting to his feet. After some hesitation he also confiscates the healer's kit and potion too, murmuring something along the lines of 'hope I need not ever use these' after securing the last item. "Some devil? H-" But it was too late to stop or even question Zack further by that point. While the shrine had not been completely destroyed in the initial effort, the damage being done, Nadaar's shoulder sag in defeat. "I was going to inquiry further by what you meant by evil... But instead, I will offer to finish the job while you make use of these."
From his pack, the black scaled Dragonborn produces a small lockbox, and with draws some ink, ink pen, and parchment, as per Zack's request. "Whatever you do not use, I will want back, just so you know. Ink is not cheap, to say the least." With a final good nature grin, he turns to examine the shrine through a sort of picture frame made by his fingers. Once Zack has finished copying down any runes laid closest to the altar, Wonder is bade to set the holy symbol upon it, then to wait outside on his horse. "You may wish to find safety as well, my friend, for their may be some splash back." He said to the Tressym while giving him a few scritches about the ears.
Once the flying cat made its move, one deep breathe is followed by a torrent of acid unleashed upon both altar and symbol, destroying, if not distorting to the point of both being left irreparable. As soon as the job's done Nadaar joins the others by the horses and readies to go without much of a word initially. "Oh I have no doubt there would be more to find. But at this point, we have gained /exactly/ what I had hoped for a potential rescue ahead." He confesses. "And I wouldn't call it looting, so much as... re-purposing for a good cause. Something that fellow or fellows, as the case may be, failed to do. BUT, I will not force the use of either upon you. As for the keep, we can make our way there now, least we need search it in the dark."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Rillex purrs before flying outside to wait with Wonder. You give Zack enough time to copy as much of the script as he can before giving the alter and holy symbol a nice Acid bath, destroying the alter entirely and severely damaging and scarring the gold symbol, the acid leaving large blacken Mark's all over it where the acid didn't corrode all the way through.
Once you are all finished with what you want to do you make you're way towards the keep. (If anyone wants to do anything else before the keep let me know). You end up standing at a bridge that leads from the village bailey to the Motte. The bridge is 70ft long 10ft wide amd climbs up at am angle. About halfway up the bridge, a 15ft section has is missing, presumably destroyed during the Giant bombardment, and is cutting off the Keep from the rest of the village.
Nadia dusts herself off after accepting the hand to get back to her feet. She watched with worried eyes as Zack destroyed the shrine, but decided against saying anything. It was the right thing to do anyways. She may not have known what evil deity it stood for, however if it effected him that much, to a point where he blanked out yet again in the same day, it was fine. She had left the house soon after, letting them finish looking through the house while she readied the horses again for travel.
"Kella's horse was over in that direction..." She points towards the area she remembered seeing the mare. "After the keep, do you mind dropping me off? I wanna try and tame her. It'd be a shame to see such a beautiful horse go to waste."
((Sorry for the weak post. Been dealing with lots of stress lately and my creativity is getting shot because of it. Hopefully this funk will clear up in a few days ;;))
Nadaar continues on a fair ways up the bridge on horse before stopping and dismounting at least 15ft from the gap. Of the conversation going on ahead or behind him, he pays almost no mind to, as the gap appeared to consume most of his attention. "With a decent running start and a bit of stretching, we could make it... There are the horses as well... hm... Could also just summon Wonder to the other side and go from there -- E-Say! What do you two think?" He finally turns and calls over to the others.
"It may be a little difficult, and requiring some coaxing but we could certainly use the horses. Although I imagine it is riskier. On the other hand, I can summon my Wonder over to the otherside. May take some time, but eventually we can pass her the rope, and see if she might tie it to some part of the bridge..." He trails off as he wanders close enough to the edge to at least try to examine the broken side of the other bridge for potential tie off points. "If I had kept a hold of Krul's blade, it may have made for one decent anchor."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Zack would thank Nadaar for his utility... this may come in handy or relevant later. Thanks man. And Don't worry i'll return it as soon as I'm done... then going about and copying as much 'unique' script as he could notice, before carefully returning the supplies, just as Nadaar melts the shrine, and nearly destroys the symbol before he would head outside to find the day was half gone already - though to be expected. As he's doing so, the catlike creature acts a bit more catty than he expected it to, so he kneeled down, and unless prevented in some way, would scritch behind its ears and along the top of it's skull gently Heh, whats up big guy? Surprised you're so friendly with me, but its not like i have a problem with it. And whether because of a whim, or what he had said, the cat made its way back inside.
When Nadia joined him outside, he had just gotten done unhitching the steeds, though he held Nadaars nearby until the dragonborn was ready to go. Yeah, sure. Unless thees a hole somewhere we didn't see I think the horse is stuck in here with us anyway. Sorry we can't just go get her now... but definitely before we leave! And we'll leave the gate open and let the rest of the horses out so they're not stuck here. he says with an assuring nod just as Nadaar makes hi way out and they all mount up. Also Nadia, not that i mind in the slightest... but, aren't you pressing a little close? he said hiding the playfulness in his voice of his teasing, seeing how she would react.
As they approached the bridge .. seeing the gap made him sigh a bit. of course it wasn't gonna be that easy he looked at the situation appraisingly. Well I don't like the idea of risking the horses... let alone needing to do it twice since we'll also need to get them 'back' over here.. And heh who needs Kruls blade when I got this? he says patting the hilt of his sword as he dismounts carefully.
Why don't we try a good old alley-oop? A bit of teamwork. But I can put my sword into the bridge.. bluntside facing the gap.... and that could create an anchor on this side.... Then... We tie off one end to the handle tightly.
I hold the other end, you get on your knees and propose to me he stopped thee, intentionally letting it hang as he was trying to lighten the mood from earlier. and after just long enough for Nadaar to either feel uncomfortable, or respond with his own quip or even Nadia... But no, you see, you lace your fingers together.... I get a running start.... use your hands as a board... you toss up as I jump... and I should b able to make it where I otherwise wouldn't. Then I just anchor myself, and you two come across that way, or i tie it off on something if there is anything to tie it off on and then I'll tug hard, and pull my sword free to get it back. Worst case, my sword falls and .. well I get to go swimming.
If you don't like that i suppose we can do yours, but I wouldn't want these guys to die right after we found them. OH shit, also... Here... he says, pulling out the bag with the stones, and giving one to each of them. And the other three we'll sell and split the difference, Fair?
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"The difference between your blade and Krul's blade is that I would feel less about about disrespecting it as using it as a glorified ankor point." Nadaar grins crookedly, choosing to sidestep Zack's jest altogether. "And if you are suggesting what I think you are suggesting, and I'm fairly certain I understand what your suggesting...." He trailed off tugging at his whiskers in thought and looking up at the clouds. For all his apparent lack of attentiveness at the moment, he still nods as Zack explained the manuever. "This... 'alley-oop' carries its own other risks. Namely to the one offering aid, as one slip up might result in their tumbling back into the water. That is, its a risk to gain the most out of this maneuver. All while the more fortunate one gets to fly across to safet -- I am sorry, what now?"
Nadaar lofts a brow ridge at the offered stone before both eyes go wide at the value. "I... Hm... I suppose its fair. Though I fell, I /did/ fight to what should have very well been my end. Still..." He lets the word hang there and just pockets the stone least dragonborn pride gets the better of him. "In ANY case. Let's try this maneuver of yours, Sir Soldier. Even if the worst should happen, I am a fairly good swimmer." As Zack went about getting his blade set up as an ankor point, Nadaar gets in position to help in the crossing.
(Sorry for the delays. I thought I tossed this post out when I did all the others. x_x)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
(No worries. Will wait till Rai follow through with the plan and try to post sometime tomorrow afternoon when I wake up before work.)
Zack put his hands on his hips, letting his head fall a bit as he shook it in the 'no' fashion. I don't think you understand. This sword was meant to help people. If that's what it's doing, there's no disrespect at all.
he said, smirking a bit, as he found a good spot that would be 'solid enough' to last the initial trip, but not so strong that he couldn't tug it with enough force. Tying the rope in a semi-cross-X using about 5-10 feet of it to anchor.
I am indeed suggesting just that. And it only poses that risk if you mess up. So all you gotta do is not do that! he says, continuing to verbally rib the dragonman. He walks to the edge, trying to get a visual gauge of just how far he's gonna have to shove-off to not embarrassingly gut check himself and fall into the water. And dude... Maybe this is some racial thing, or cultural thing. But if you almost died, but didn't, for any reason. Then it wasn't meant to be your end. Besides... Would you really force us to bury someone else today and make the lady, and maybe myself cry more? he pulls away from the edge, giving Nadaar a hard pat on the shoulder. Giving Nadaar a nod, and looking back to the silent Nadia.. assuming what had happened to Gran was still effecting her. Before picking up the 'other' end of the rope, and gettign a strong grip. If I make it, post the horses and then come on over.
Finally, Zack would get into position leaning into a runners start position. Waiting for Nadaar to be ready, and making sure the rope was clear of horses/bodies and anythign else that wasn't Nadaaar it could catch on.
Zack would Dash after doing a 3.... 2..... 1..... countdown, running from 20 feet away after having timed his steps so that he would be less likely to 'step-hitch' and assuming nothing went horribly wrong... Would do his damnedest to jump.... (Athletics: 24)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
With Nadaars assistance Zack leaps from the lower side of the bridge. He crosses the gap with ease and manages to land safely on the other side without issue. Zack, you find that about about 10ft away from the edge the railings of the bridge are sturdy enough to act as anchor. A few quick test pulls of the rope confirm that the anchor seems to be sturdy on both sides.