"I didn't... um..." Naivara looks around, "I just wanted everyone to get along... the more of us that work together the easier it might be to figure out what happened..."
"And it did not work out, now we are leaving and she is staying. What are you, Kierro and Latrius are planning to do after your adventure in Conyberry?" Vilana was still looking at Naivara curiously.
"We were hoping to catch up with you," Naivara says. "That's why I came to see if you'd wait for us in Phandalin... but if you want to go to Neverwinter I suppose we could meet you there. Still," she looks up at they sky, "it's going to be dark before you can make it back to Phandalin. I guess you could keep walking in the dark... but we'll probably make camp for the night in Conyberry if you want to join us... I've already said that... sorry... that's all I had to say I think..."
"Well I don't mind either way,"Honor says. "We could go meet with the others, at least -- I don't know if Latrius will want all of us clomping along after him, but Vilana's skills at least would be useful to him, so to Conyberry at least sounds fine to me."
Mylene insight on Tessa / bugbears. You would have noticed Tessa looking a bit surprised by the bugbears coming towards her, clearly preparing to have to fight them. It was not the actions of someone who was working with the bugbears.
Walter to Mylene...
"If you order me into the woods after her I will go." Walter says with a nervous glance in that direction. "If you are willing to let them go, then I am good with that, and we can pay the little ***** back when we see her again..." He clearly is not one bit ready to forgive and forget, but is also quite clearly scared of the bugbears. (Montru had a 22 intimidate against him.)
Mylene - Walter
”No, Walter, it’s fine. We’ve made our strength clear enough,” Mylene says. “Let the halfling lick her wounds with the beasts who’ve taken a shine to her, for now. You’ll have a chance to take your vengeance another day. For now, let us return to Glasstaff. I have some interesting theories I would like to test and other matters to discuss. Let us take a circuitous route when we re-enter, avoid being seen by the townsfolk and make direct for Glasstaff’s manor, likely under cover of night.”
As she awakens, Tessa smiles at the three large bugbears. She releases a chuckle that empties into a deep bellied guffaw at the turn of events. She pauses to tilt her head to see if she senses any other pull in various directions like she felt before. She then turns to the gathered bugbears. She asks "What are your names, friends? I am Tessa and I am going to kill Walter and that *****, Mylene" She awaits introductions from the bugbears while she ponders their question. She observes their gear and any distinguishing features. <OOC: I believe there are two males and one female.> Finally she says, "While I do love killing and sticking my blades in to various life forms, orcs included. What I really, really enjoy is bringing chaos and true terror to those who believe they are too tough to scare. That is until they discover true terror and are whimpering in the dark like a scared child. I have someone in mind too. Walter. Brun. Mylene. And any of those others that believe they are to tough to know true terror. And they're just the beginning. We will strike from the shadows leaving death, despair, destruction, and most of all terror all around us. I care nothing about rules or laws. They are for the weak and for sheep, I care about the power of breaking someone till they are a crying ball of terror and are soiling themselves in fear. Then after I have enjoyed all of the emotional terror can be drawn from them, slaying them before moving on to the next play toy who has witnessed their protectors beg for death." Tessa smiles at the large, though stealthy goblinoids. The mania in her eyes and the passion in her speech hopefully convincing the bugbears to assist her in hunting down the group to play with. "But if you prefer gutting orcs, the others can wait. I know our paths will cross again."
"Leto, in the brief time you've been conscious you've been bombarded with information, and rolled with it admirably. I don't know what happened with you and Vilana back there, but we can sort that another time. I have to deal with the betrayal, the collusion between Tessa and the Bugbears. My offer extends to you, if you'll follow us, as I do feel we are the best opportunity to regain what was lost and take vengeance. Otherwise, you've seen how the other Erased operate. Try your luck with them and one of their many disparate factions if you prefer. I... I would prefer you come with me. We were close, before all this. But, we live in the here and now."
”No, Walter, it’s fine. We’ve made our strength clear enough,” Mylene says. “Let the halfling lick her wounds with the beasts who’ve taken a shine to her, for now. You’ll have a chance to take your vengeance another day. For now, let us return to Glasstaff. I have some interesting theories I would like to test and other matters to discuss. Let us take a circuitous route when we re-enter, avoid being seen by the townsfolk and make direct for Glasstaff’s manor, likely under cover of night.”
Leto -> Mylene and group
After watching most of the group disperse Leto replies "It is a lot to take in... Until very recently I was alone, and now there is a group of us. And most of them seem determined to run around with no plan for their lives at all. At least you have shown respect and been honest with your intentions. I shall accompany you for now. Though... when we find time, I must talk with you in private." He says the last looking towards the Redbrand group.
As they travel Leto finds time to walk alone with Mylene in order to speak with her, saying "Since we are going back to this Glasstaff and the Redbrand fortress, I feel there is something you should know, as it may complicate things." He pauses for a second to ensure no one is listening and continues. "Though I am not sure how I awoke in the broken town back there with all everyone's equipment... it... was not my first awaking. I have already encountered Glasstaff and the Redbrands. And... they may not take kindly to my return." Sighing, as this was not something he wanted to share, he feels his current situation requires this honesty to ensure his safety re-joining this group "When I first awoke I was in a room with this Glasstaff, and felt a strong pull towards one of his guards wearing this ring." He fiddles with the ring on his left hand pointer finger "When given the opportunity I attempted to take the ring from the guard, both to retrieve what is mine, and to prove my worth to Glasstaff by eliminating some of his weaker guards. Instead I was killed, and re-awoke wearing the ring back there." He concludes by saying "So... I fear how I may be received back at the keep; and, as you want information about our condition, something that now only you and I know, is that it appears we Erased, as it were, may have some other magic protecting us..."
(How come the way to the west is twice as long as the way to the east? We left Phandalin late morning, it's 3 pm but we only can cover half the distance back before night?)
Vilana was listening intently in honest attempt to understand what Naivar was trying to say. "So... you went your way, then suddenly decided you want to go with us, no matter where, yet, since one of you has some business around you want us to join you, but totally ok if we just wait for you somewhere, again, no matter where?" She raised a brow and looked at Naivara questioningly. "That ... sounds complicated."
Honor's translation, though, seemed about right. "We do not have any particular business in Neverwinter, true, that is just a big - or bigger - town, meaning, opportunities and possibilities. However, since the moment I awoke, I have that nagging feeling that something - I can not put a name to it - might come for me, or for us, since we are the same. And the bigger the distance between me and the place of awakening, the better. Latrius does not look like a man that needs or wants any kind of help. And what if his business will not end there? I would rather keep going, than loose another day in walking back and forth just for the sake of spending that day in a bigger company for no other reason than "keeping together"".
As she awakens, Tessa smiles at the three large bugbears. She releases a chuckle that empties into a deep bellied guffaw at the turn of events. She pauses to tilt her head to see if she senses any other pull in various directions like she felt before. She then turns to the gathered bugbears. She asks "What are your names, friends? I am Tessa and I am going to kill Walter and that *****, Mylene" She awaits introductions from the bugbears while she ponders their question. She observes their gear and any distinguishing features. <OOC: I believe there are two males and one female.> Finally she says, "While I do love killing and sticking my blades in to various life forms, orcs included. What I really, really enjoy is bringing chaos and true terror to those who believe they are too tough to scare. That is until they discover true terror and are whimpering in the dark like a scared child. I have someone in mind too. Walter. Brun. Mylene. And any of those others that believe they are to tough to know true terror. And they're just the beginning. We will strike from the shadows leaving death, despair, destruction, and most of all terror all around us. I care nothing about rules or laws. They are for the weak and for sheep, I care about the power of breaking someone till they are a crying ball of terror and are soiling themselves in fear. Then after I have enjoyed all of the emotional terror can be drawn from them, slaying them before moving on to the next play toy who has witnessed their protectors beg for death." Tessa smiles at the large, though stealthy goblinoids. The mania in her eyes and the passion in her speech hopefully convincing the bugbears to assist her in hunting down the group to play with. "But if you prefer gutting orcs, the others can wait. I know our paths will cross again."
Vlune continues to do the speaking.
"I am Vlune, that is Montru, and he is Vlar." Vlune says, pointing to Montru and then to Vlar. Vlune is the largest of the three, nearly eight feet tall, just under 300 pounds (without his gear,) and with ebony fur under his armor and clothes. He wears chain mail and has a glaive in his hand, with a maul strapped across his back. handaxes are sheathed at his chest. He wears an amulet around his neck, the symbol of some bugbear god on it. Vlar is the next in size, nearly as big as Vlune, but just a little bit smaller. he too has ebony fur, but wears no armor, just tunic and britches. He has a rapier he keeps tugging a few inches out of its sheath, then slamming it back in again as he paces. A shield is in his other hand still. Montru wears studded leather armor over a tunic, with her fur a dark brown in color. She wears two short swords sheathed at her hips.
"What you say sounds fun and interesting." Vlune agrees, a glint in his eyes. Vlar growls his agreement and Montru nods with clear excitement. "But we do need gear, money, and a place to sleep this night." Vlune continues." He nods to the area around them. "There are other dangers in these trees than us. The orcs have to have a hideout around here, and that would easily be the best place for us to rest." He glances to Vlar. "And give us some playthings to enjoy prior to our rest." Vlar grins a savage fanged grin at this and nods in agreement.
Vlune turns back to Tessa. "They cannot travel far today, and will need to watch for other dangers, while we could sleep in the safety of an existing shelter." He grins as well, clearly amused that they would probably have the better place to stay, while the humans were forced to camp in the woods.
Tessa pulls her tunic off her small form and motions to Montru. She pulls a dagger from her belt and holds it out hilt first to the feminine bugbear. She flashes a shy smile at the hulking bugbear, "Montru, be a dear and cut this arrow out of me. Once we have dealt with that, I would agree on securing a base that we can operate out of." Tessa motions at the arrow still piercing her side. As she passes the blade to Montru, she smiles at the Vlune and says, "Good idea, Vlune! Food, fun, shelter, and then revenge. Once my wound is addressed, I will be ready to travel my large friends. Truly life a is a wonder every day!"
Montru takes the dagger and, with what looks like some experience with this sort of thing, cuts the arrow free. Vlune lays his hand on Tessa's head and healing power flows into her, lay on hands for 10 HP.
When you are ready the bugbears turn East and move through the forest to where the orcs trail crosses your path. They then start following that trail away from the road, up towards the single mountain peak looming ahead. More mountains loom behind that one, but it is a lone peak closer to the road here.
Tessa turns an appraising eye on Vlune. "My you are just full of surprises my large friend. Thank you!" Tessa redresses, reclaims her dagger from Montru, and follows after the bugbears. She enjoys their nearly silent movement and lack of speaking. A welcome change from her previous companions. And this lot will probably know how to have a better time to. She thinks to herself, "What an interesting day it's been!"
"Oh, Leto," Mylene sighs, sounding only mildly vexed by the news. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm formulating a theory on all of this, and it may well be that these actions were out of your control to some degree. I'll go more into that in a bit. We'll have to make this right with Glasstaff and the Redbrands. I reacted similarly when I first woke, and saw Walter wearing what I knew in my heart to be 'my bracers.' I was also ready to kill him to take back what he had stolen from me. Apparently the bracers had changed owners at least one before, and had been in circulation for some years. The time in which we originally operated, when we possessed these items that now contain our memories, was many years in the past"
"I understand your desire to take back your belongings, but really, 'proving your worth' by killing someone's guards, unprovoked, isn't rational. Those guards are his property in essence. It's like proving your worth by smashing his tea set. I don't blame you for this entirely, Leto. But when we return we will explain the misunderstanding and reaffirm our alliance with the Redbrands. Although we were close in the 'time before,' the same goes for you as any of them. When I give an order I will need you to follow it. I don't plan to micro-manage you, you're clearly a competent man, or we never would have been... close, in our shared past. But when we kill it must be calculated. To achieve our goals."
Mylene rearranges her belongings as they talk and move, shifting the bulk her possessions other than weapons, ammo and spell components into the Bag of Holding, and examines herself in her mirror to ensure her makeup is still flawless and that her dress did not get any blood on it - she took care to slay her foes from a distance to avoid that. "I've had to revise my theories about the 'condition' we find ourselves under. It seems there are 9 of us in total. It also seems most, if not all of us, knew one another in the 'time before.' I've noticed an additional odd phenomenon that others may be blind to. Many of us seem entirely incapable of reason."
"When I approached people from 'this time' with perfectly logical and reasonable proposals such as Walter or Glasstaff, they were cooperative, exhibiting reason in their decision making like one would expect of thinking beings. Our interests aligned, so they cooperated accordingly. Many of the Erased are incapable of acting on reason, incapable of acting in their own self interests. There are deeper compulsions pulling them, twisting their thoughts and emotions, and causing them to act irrationally. From a logical perspective, there is no reason why so many of the others would reject the proposal I put forward. I came with forces, resources, a plan and a structure to achieve a common goal we all share - to regain our memories and take our revenge. Yet most reacted not logically, but instinctively. Yes, a degree of posturing a bickering while people work out the pecking order in any social power group is normal, but these people, as you've noted, simply cannot help themselves. They cannot act on logic or even self interest. The other erased are not rational beings."
"The simple explanation is that they are acting based on old instinct and intuition. Even if now we all have a common cause, I suspect we were not all allied in the time before. You and I were, clearly, hence our ability to interact normally. Others, I suspect, had more antagonistic relationships. Even if, in the here and now, there is no logical reason they would have rejected my proposal, they have no choice. They cannot reason, they cannot think, they can only act on these instincts and then rationalize it, and poorly, I might add, as a 'choice' based on a philosophy without origin. They're dogs trying to rationalize that they salivate at the sound of a bell for a perfectly good reason, not because they have been conditioned to do so."
Listening intently to the conversation going on between the other members of the group and this girl who had ran to catch up with them, Sylcan shrugged in response to Vilana's question. "I'm following you for now, so it doesn't matter to me." Turning his attention to the girl who had ran, Sylcan asks, "I don't even remember your name - if you gave me it, that is. What's the point of chasing after us to ask if we would like to go with you, but saying it would be fine if we meet up somewhere else?" Glancing over the girl, he realizes she is also an elf - or, rather, partly elf. Without really waiting for an answer, Sylcan sighs, then lifts his head and grins a cocky smile. "Well, at least now I can say I've had a cute girl chasing after me. That alone makes up for any delay we might have had, in my opinion."
"Right... right," Naivara nods, "Ya it was kind of stupid to ask huh... um... I think I was asking because I don't know what kind of experience camping you had and was offering help... if you want to keep going that's fine... Latrius said what he was doing wouldn't take long. I'm Naivara," she says, face turning red at Sylcan's comment. She quickly turns to Honor, "I was also... um... I remember you now... I wanted to talk to you about it... but if you all want to head straight for Neverwinter I guess we could meet you there... sorry for bothering you..."
To the "locals" Mylene asks, "Brun, Walter, I'd like to know more about the Redbrands. I have a nebulous concept of the group's capabilities and function, but it seems I need a bit more information in order to plan our next step. I gather the Redbrands are, ahem, a local 'private militia' not tied to a specific regional ruler, is that essentially correct? What is the public face of the group? In essence - are they openly criminal, or is there a legitimate business front? You can speak candidly. It's an easy enough matter to establish a legitimate front. A bit of Red-Brand - Re-Branding could be in order. Is the group local specific to the Phandalin region, or are there more remote branches? Also, what of The Spider? Speak freely, you'll face no judgment from me."
"Hon, people like Mylene are going to walk all over you if you keep apologizing for things that aren't your fault. No one did actually make any plans about meeting up again or sharing information without being beholden to a power hungry bandit queen, so if we want to make some plans for at least where people might go next or the possibility of a meetup or messages down the line, doing that as a group tomorrow after some food and a rest to clear our heads sounds like a good option."She shrugs. "Or not, and we can just take things as they come. I get the feeling that if it's important enough, we'll find that out." Honor starts to make a sign of some sort, possibly a prayer or a good luck sign, muscle memory starting the motion before she realizes she's not sure what it is and puts her hand down, resting on the hilt of her new sword.
"Ya..." Naivara agrees, "I think we were friends..." she explains, "you're well... Honorable..." she kind of laughs, "I'm gonna go back with Kierro and Latrius, I'll try and get them to meet with you tomorrow if you want to wait for us... um," she looks around. "It was nice to meet you all... hope I get to meet you again..." she turns and goes to return to Latrius and Kierro if no one else speaks up.
OOC: It's worth noting, Leto may have a somewhat more objective perspective on all this than Mylene, and make the reverse inference - not that the "locals" are behaving rationally and the Erased irrationally, but the reverse, that the locals might be "too agreeable" and the Erased reflecting more autonomy and rational skepticism in their decision making. As noted in the OOC chat, this is a "blind spot" for Mylene, as it is her default assumption that others will listen to her and obey her, due to her grandiose sense of self importance and inherent narcissism.
"You are quite popular," chuckled Vilana to Sylcan's notion, waited for Naivara and Honor to finish their conversation and waved the girl good bye: "Very kind of you to care about our well being. But I think we will be fine - should be at least. If four of us would not be able so much as to set a camp, we are probably not worth caring about".
She looked at Honor: "Let's walk as much as we can today, set a camp and clear our heads. My only hope we would not be suddenly "pulled" by yet another call back to that bloody ruins."
Naivara:
"I didn't... um..." Naivara looks around, "I just wanted everyone to get along... the more of us that work together the easier it might be to figure out what happened..."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"And it did not work out, now we are leaving and she is staying. What are you, Kierro and Latrius are planning to do after your adventure in Conyberry?" Vilana was still looking at Naivara curiously.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Naivara:
"We were hoping to catch up with you," Naivara says. "That's why I came to see if you'd wait for us in Phandalin... but if you want to go to Neverwinter I suppose we could meet you there. Still," she looks up at they sky, "it's going to be dark before you can make it back to Phandalin. I guess you could keep walking in the dark... but we'll probably make camp for the night in Conyberry if you want to join us... I've already said that... sorry... that's all I had to say I think..."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Honor
"Well I don't mind either way," Honor says. "We could go meet with the others, at least -- I don't know if Latrius will want all of us clomping along after him, but Vilana's skills at least would be useful to him, so to Conyberry at least sounds fine to me."
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Mylene - Walter
”No, Walter, it’s fine. We’ve made our strength clear enough,” Mylene says. “Let the halfling lick her wounds with the beasts who’ve taken a shine to her, for now. You’ll have a chance to take your vengeance another day. For now, let us return to Glasstaff. I have some interesting theories I would like to test and other matters to discuss. Let us take a circuitous route when we re-enter, avoid being seen by the townsfolk and make direct for Glasstaff’s manor, likely under cover of night.”
Tessa
As she awakens, Tessa smiles at the three large bugbears. She releases a chuckle that empties into a deep bellied guffaw at the turn of events. She pauses to tilt her head to see if she senses any other pull in various directions like she felt before. She then turns to the gathered bugbears. She asks "What are your names, friends? I am Tessa and I am going to kill Walter and that *****, Mylene" She awaits introductions from the bugbears while she ponders their question. She observes their gear and any distinguishing features. <OOC: I believe there are two males and one female.> Finally she says, "While I do love killing and sticking my blades in to various life forms, orcs included. What I really, really enjoy is bringing chaos and true terror to those who believe they are too tough to scare. That is until they discover true terror and are whimpering in the dark like a scared child. I have someone in mind too. Walter. Brun. Mylene. And any of those others that believe they are to tough to know true terror. And they're just the beginning. We will strike from the shadows leaving death, despair, destruction, and most of all terror all around us. I care nothing about rules or laws. They are for the weak and for sheep, I care about the power of breaking someone till they are a crying ball of terror and are soiling themselves in fear. Then after I have enjoyed all of the emotional terror can be drawn from them, slaying them before moving on to the next play toy who has witnessed their protectors beg for death." Tessa smiles at the large, though stealthy goblinoids. The mania in her eyes and the passion in her speech hopefully convincing the bugbears to assist her in hunting down the group to play with. "But if you prefer gutting orcs, the others can wait. I know our paths will cross again."
Leto -> Mylene and group
After watching most of the group disperse Leto replies "It is a lot to take in... Until very recently I was alone, and now there is a group of us. And most of them seem determined to run around with no plan for their lives at all. At least you have shown respect and been honest with your intentions. I shall accompany you for now. Though... when we find time, I must talk with you in private." He says the last looking towards the Redbrand group.
As they travel Leto finds time to walk alone with Mylene in order to speak with her, saying "Since we are going back to this Glasstaff and the Redbrand fortress, I feel there is something you should know, as it may complicate things." He pauses for a second to ensure no one is listening and continues. "Though I am not sure how I awoke in the broken town back there with all everyone's equipment... it... was not my first awaking. I have already encountered Glasstaff and the Redbrands. And... they may not take kindly to my return." Sighing, as this was not something he wanted to share, he feels his current situation requires this honesty to ensure his safety re-joining this group "When I first awoke I was in a room with this Glasstaff, and felt a strong pull towards one of his guards wearing this ring." He fiddles with the ring on his left hand pointer finger "When given the opportunity I attempted to take the ring from the guard, both to retrieve what is mine, and to prove my worth to Glasstaff by eliminating some of his weaker guards. Instead I was killed, and re-awoke wearing the ring back there." He concludes by saying "So... I fear how I may be received back at the keep; and, as you want information about our condition, something that now only you and I know, is that it appears we Erased, as it were, may have some other magic protecting us..."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Vilana - Honor - Sylcan - Naivara
(How come the way to the west is twice as long as the way to the east? We left Phandalin late morning, it's 3 pm but we only can cover half the distance back before night?)
Vilana was listening intently in honest attempt to understand what Naivar was trying to say. "So... you went your way, then suddenly decided you want to go with us, no matter where, yet, since one of you has some business around you want us to join you, but totally ok if we just wait for you somewhere, again, no matter where?" She raised a brow and looked at Naivara questioningly. "That ... sounds complicated."
Honor's translation, though, seemed about right. "We do not have any particular business in Neverwinter, true, that is just a big - or bigger - town, meaning, opportunities and possibilities. However, since the moment I awoke, I have that nagging feeling that something - I can not put a name to it - might come for me, or for us, since we are the same. And the bigger the distance between me and the place of awakening, the better. Latrius does not look like a man that needs or wants any kind of help. And what if his business will not end there? I would rather keep going, than loose another day in walking back and forth just for the sake of spending that day in a bigger company for no other reason than "keeping together"".
"Sylcan? Any wish one way or another?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Vlune continues to do the speaking.
"I am Vlune, that is Montru, and he is Vlar." Vlune says, pointing to Montru and then to Vlar. Vlune is the largest of the three, nearly eight feet tall, just under 300 pounds (without his gear,) and with ebony fur under his armor and clothes. He wears chain mail and has a glaive in his hand, with a maul strapped across his back. handaxes are sheathed at his chest. He wears an amulet around his neck, the symbol of some bugbear god on it. Vlar is the next in size, nearly as big as Vlune, but just a little bit smaller. he too has ebony fur, but wears no armor, just tunic and britches. He has a rapier he keeps tugging a few inches out of its sheath, then slamming it back in again as he paces. A shield is in his other hand still. Montru wears studded leather armor over a tunic, with her fur a dark brown in color. She wears two short swords sheathed at her hips.
"What you say sounds fun and interesting." Vlune agrees, a glint in his eyes. Vlar growls his agreement and Montru nods with clear excitement. "But we do need gear, money, and a place to sleep this night." Vlune continues." He nods to the area around them. "There are other dangers in these trees than us. The orcs have to have a hideout around here, and that would easily be the best place for us to rest." He glances to Vlar. "And give us some playthings to enjoy prior to our rest." Vlar grins a savage fanged grin at this and nods in agreement.
Vlune turns back to Tessa. "They cannot travel far today, and will need to watch for other dangers, while we could sleep in the safety of an existing shelter." He grins as well, clearly amused that they would probably have the better place to stay, while the humans were forced to camp in the woods.
Tessa
Tessa pulls her tunic off her small form and motions to Montru. She pulls a dagger from her belt and holds it out hilt first to the feminine bugbear. She flashes a shy smile at the hulking bugbear, "Montru, be a dear and cut this arrow out of me. Once we have dealt with that, I would agree on securing a base that we can operate out of." Tessa motions at the arrow still piercing her side. As she passes the blade to Montru, she smiles at the Vlune and says, "Good idea, Vlune! Food, fun, shelter, and then revenge. Once my wound is addressed, I will be ready to travel my large friends. Truly life a is a wonder every day!"
Tessa and bugbears.
Montru takes the dagger and, with what looks like some experience with this sort of thing, cuts the arrow free. Vlune lays his hand on Tessa's head and healing power flows into her, lay on hands for 10 HP.
When you are ready the bugbears turn East and move through the forest to where the orcs trail crosses your path. They then start following that trail away from the road, up towards the single mountain peak looming ahead. More mountains loom behind that one, but it is a lone peak closer to the road here.
Tessa
Tessa turns an appraising eye on Vlune. "My you are just full of surprises my large friend. Thank you!" Tessa redresses, reclaims her dagger from Montru, and follows after the bugbears. She enjoys their nearly silent movement and lack of speaking. A welcome change from her previous companions. And this lot will probably know how to have a better time to. She thinks to herself, "What an interesting day it's been!"
Mylene - Leto
"Oh, Leto," Mylene sighs, sounding only mildly vexed by the news. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'm formulating a theory on all of this, and it may well be that these actions were out of your control to some degree. I'll go more into that in a bit. We'll have to make this right with Glasstaff and the Redbrands. I reacted similarly when I first woke, and saw Walter wearing what I knew in my heart to be 'my bracers.' I was also ready to kill him to take back what he had stolen from me. Apparently the bracers had changed owners at least one before, and had been in circulation for some years. The time in which we originally operated, when we possessed these items that now contain our memories, was many years in the past"
"I understand your desire to take back your belongings, but really, 'proving your worth' by killing someone's guards, unprovoked, isn't rational. Those guards are his property in essence. It's like proving your worth by smashing his tea set. I don't blame you for this entirely, Leto. But when we return we will explain the misunderstanding and reaffirm our alliance with the Redbrands. Although we were close in the 'time before,' the same goes for you as any of them. When I give an order I will need you to follow it. I don't plan to micro-manage you, you're clearly a competent man, or we never would have been... close, in our shared past. But when we kill it must be calculated. To achieve our goals."
Mylene rearranges her belongings as they talk and move, shifting the bulk her possessions other than weapons, ammo and spell components into the Bag of Holding, and examines herself in her mirror to ensure her makeup is still flawless and that her dress did not get any blood on it - she took care to slay her foes from a distance to avoid that. "I've had to revise my theories about the 'condition' we find ourselves under. It seems there are 9 of us in total. It also seems most, if not all of us, knew one another in the 'time before.' I've noticed an additional odd phenomenon that others may be blind to. Many of us seem entirely incapable of reason."
"When I approached people from 'this time' with perfectly logical and reasonable proposals such as Walter or Glasstaff, they were cooperative, exhibiting reason in their decision making like one would expect of thinking beings. Our interests aligned, so they cooperated accordingly. Many of the Erased are incapable of acting on reason, incapable of acting in their own self interests. There are deeper compulsions pulling them, twisting their thoughts and emotions, and causing them to act irrationally. From a logical perspective, there is no reason why so many of the others would reject the proposal I put forward. I came with forces, resources, a plan and a structure to achieve a common goal we all share - to regain our memories and take our revenge. Yet most reacted not logically, but instinctively. Yes, a degree of posturing a bickering while people work out the pecking order in any social power group is normal, but these people, as you've noted, simply cannot help themselves. They cannot act on logic or even self interest. The other erased are not rational beings."
"The simple explanation is that they are acting based on old instinct and intuition. Even if now we all have a common cause, I suspect we were not all allied in the time before. You and I were, clearly, hence our ability to interact normally. Others, I suspect, had more antagonistic relationships. Even if, in the here and now, there is no logical reason they would have rejected my proposal, they have no choice. They cannot reason, they cannot think, they can only act on these instincts and then rationalize it, and poorly, I might add, as a 'choice' based on a philosophy without origin. They're dogs trying to rationalize that they salivate at the sound of a bell for a perfectly good reason, not because they have been conditioned to do so."
Sylcan Naïlo: (To Vilana, Honor, and Naivara)
Listening intently to the conversation going on between the other members of the group and this girl who had ran to catch up with them, Sylcan shrugged in response to Vilana's question. "I'm following you for now, so it doesn't matter to me." Turning his attention to the girl who had ran, Sylcan asks, "I don't even remember your name - if you gave me it, that is. What's the point of chasing after us to ask if we would like to go with you, but saying it would be fine if we meet up somewhere else?" Glancing over the girl, he realizes she is also an elf - or, rather, partly elf. Without really waiting for an answer, Sylcan sighs, then lifts his head and grins a cocky smile. "Well, at least now I can say I've had a cute girl chasing after me. That alone makes up for any delay we might have had, in my opinion."
Sylcan Naïlo - Eladrin Blood Hunter - DragonDenn's Dragonlords | Althaea Sylvaranth - Wood Elf Druid - JorvikDave's Storm King's Thunder | Ekane - Half-orc Warlock - Murk Over Gladerown | Aoth Meliamne - Aasimar Sorcerer - WoobyDoobyDoo's Vraleon
I also DM RemCultist's Frozen Sick
Niavara, To Sylcan - Honor - Vilana:
"Right... right," Naivara nods, "Ya it was kind of stupid to ask huh... um... I think I was asking because I don't know what kind of experience camping you had and was offering help... if you want to keep going that's fine... Latrius said what he was doing wouldn't take long. I'm Naivara," she says, face turning red at Sylcan's comment. She quickly turns to Honor, "I was also... um... I remember you now... I wanted to talk to you about it... but if you all want to head straight for Neverwinter I guess we could meet you there... sorry for bothering you..."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Mylene - Brun - Walter
To the "locals" Mylene asks, "Brun, Walter, I'd like to know more about the Redbrands. I have a nebulous concept of the group's capabilities and function, but it seems I need a bit more information in order to plan our next step. I gather the Redbrands are, ahem, a local 'private militia' not tied to a specific regional ruler, is that essentially correct? What is the public face of the group? In essence - are they openly criminal, or is there a legitimate business front? You can speak candidly. It's an easy enough matter to establish a legitimate front. A bit of Red-Brand - Re-Branding could be in order. Is the group local specific to the Phandalin region, or are there more remote branches? Also, what of The Spider? Speak freely, you'll face no judgment from me."
Honor
"Hon, people like Mylene are going to walk all over you if you keep apologizing for things that aren't your fault. No one did actually make any plans about meeting up again or sharing information without being beholden to a power hungry bandit queen, so if we want to make some plans for at least where people might go next or the possibility of a meetup or messages down the line, doing that as a group tomorrow after some food and a rest to clear our heads sounds like a good option." She shrugs. "Or not, and we can just take things as they come. I get the feeling that if it's important enough, we'll find that out." Honor starts to make a sign of some sort, possibly a prayer or a good luck sign, muscle memory starting the motion before she realizes she's not sure what it is and puts her hand down, resting on the hilt of her new sword.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Naivara:
"Ya..." Naivara agrees, "I think we were friends..." she explains, "you're well... Honorable..." she kind of laughs, "I'm gonna go back with Kierro and Latrius, I'll try and get them to meet with you tomorrow if you want to wait for us... um," she looks around. "It was nice to meet you all... hope I get to meet you again..." she turns and goes to return to Latrius and Kierro if no one else speaks up.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Mylene - Leto
OOC: It's worth noting, Leto may have a somewhat more objective perspective on all this than Mylene, and make the reverse inference - not that the "locals" are behaving rationally and the Erased irrationally, but the reverse, that the locals might be "too agreeable" and the Erased reflecting more autonomy and rational skepticism in their decision making. As noted in the OOC chat, this is a "blind spot" for Mylene, as it is her default assumption that others will listen to her and obey her, due to her grandiose sense of self importance and inherent narcissism.
"You are quite popular," chuckled Vilana to Sylcan's notion, waited for Naivara and Honor to finish their conversation and waved the girl good bye: "Very kind of you to care about our well being. But I think we will be fine - should be at least. If four of us would not be able so much as to set a camp, we are probably not worth caring about".
She looked at Honor: "Let's walk as much as we can today, set a camp and clear our heads. My only hope we would not be suddenly "pulled" by yet another call back to that bloody ruins."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice