Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Nihal]

I cross my arms in obvious mock annoyance.

"I don't need to be punched hard for the test to work."

"Hey, we will not know how effective it is if we do not punch you properly!" I grin.

I glance at Mauve, then at the hollow bone. "I think you may have use for these other spells as well. One is an attack spell, and the other seems to guard against magic. Sound like anything you're interested in learning?"

I look around at the others. Perhaps even a non-caster could make use of these spells during combat.

"Other spells? Oh, I love to learn! No matter what kind of knowledge it is, it can always be useful. Are you interested in other enchantments? Hmmm..." I scratch my chin, thinking.

"The offensives I know are too dangerous for a untrained person. They all make use of arcane magic, I do not think even you are prepared to deal with harder spells of this nature. But if you are interested, I can show you how to detect magic... oh, and use the one I have used to... do my rope trick. They are still arcane magic, but, well... if you wish, why not?" I smile.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I'll need to cast First Aid on everyone…

"Uh…!" How many did she cast? Two already? "Keitsumah, I realize that you have a lot more magic in you than I do, but… shouldn't you save your magic so we can turn berries into Goodberries? I think I may know where our last druid friend found them."

((What I know that Baldy doesn't: by the time we pick 'em, you'll have the 2 MP back. But traveling and gathering time might not be much more than two hours.))

I look up at the daylight creeping in. Hmm… I may not have to go skinny dipping. Nissa, I have an idea!

…

I'm pretty sure I can do my part, but Baldy… do you remember what happened last time you climbed a rope that high?

Ha, ha! You were watching me that day?

((Awaiting reply from GM to see if barbarian scale ability covers a rope without a wall. I know it covers a rope with an unclimbable wall.))

 

[Nihal]

"I agree with her, you are wasting your magic." I stare at the elf woman, studying her and hiding my annoyance.

Didn't she have anyone to teach her? Hah, I doubt, those pretty things have everything so easy, probably she didn't bother to pay any attention to her mentor. Silly noisy elf.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Can I study this first?

"Oh… if you want to study that parchment, why not let me wear the necklace and take a couple punches? I can shake 'em off after an hour or so."

((See PM))

After she's ready, I hope we can all agree to go to the surface for Goodberries. The majority wants that, but… that brief moment when I thought the entire group was in complete agreement was nice, despite what followed.

 

[Nihal]

Water Room

((I'm breaking my post in two, due the image limit!))

"Do you really want me to punch you doesn't you?" I ask in a joking tone. "Oh, fine!"

I get up and crack my knuckles, glancing at Branwen when Baldhart suggests to move to the other room. "Oh, not in front of her, right?" I turn to the other room. "Okay, there then. If anyone hears a shout of pain, it's me, hurting my hands." I chuckle, remove my cloak and move to the other room.

"Ready?" I ask her when we're both here, closing my fists. She nods, and I lurch forward, singing, "Nothing better than some exercise by the morning!" and delivering a blow.


((What the...? Whyunotruecombatroll?!
Oh, FYI, I don't know why the links to individual rolls aren't working right, so I'm linking the room instead. D: ))



"Oh my...! I'm sorry!"

((Baldhart's reaction, as per PM. Pretty accurate xD))

(Oh… big wimp!) *whimper* "Sorry… I was just thinking that Rydh might have enjoyed this." *wipes tear* "Please hit me again."

I take a deep breath, grinning. "Well... That's unexpected. Maybe I should just punch our enemies, hah!" I nod, getting ready for another attack. I try one low-to-high on her side.

 

[Nihal]

Water Room

"Ah, thanks. I needed that."

"So... let's do this one the last one." I smile awkwardly. It's really weird to punch someone who just stands here, waiting. I shake my hands, closing them again, and attempt a softer blow this time.

"Good hit. Who said she has tiny fists?"

((Was a 17, img limit again))

"Ouch. E-enough for today, uh? Oh, I know, I can try the new enchantment on you later." I'm terrible at holding myself! My face is getting warm, awesome...

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Just when it was getting fun… oh, okay. Go read for a while."

I rest while Mauve studies, contemplating whether there were signs that the necklace protected me from physical attacks or damage.

((A long shot, but… Steerpike? ^

Not sure how long Mauve needs to study. If 1 hour, Baldy's up to 24 HP—if more than one, she's at her full 25.))

I feel better after an hour, good as new after two. I look up, but… better focus on the task at hand. I grab a torch and some white stones. The fire is for Nissa. We can see without it, and Branwen will prefer the stones.

"Ladies, gentlemen… we've got a boat to catch. Does everyone agree it's a good idea to have some Goodberries prepared before we finish our job here? We still have a couple wounded, so in any case, we as a whole aren't in prime condition." I look at Darin, remembering our conversation. I give a reassuring smile. "I figure we can make good use of the time and have some Goodberries with us, and Keit, after a rest you can make more, or maybe it's better to save your magic for the new healing spell."

I look at Alin and Mauve. "Would you mind bringing your ropes—and maybe tying them together? I'm curious to know how far Nissa can get in ten minutes! If she can't make the round trip and tow the boat all the way to us, I'll know how far to swim. And I'll wear the ring." Can they see me blushing with the blue woad on my cheeks? "Just the ring. Heh… I guess either way a naked woman will deliver the boat."

I look at Branwen. "I know. Nissa's not embarrassed either. Maybe when I get my wings, I'll fly around in the nude and feel perfectly normal."

 

[Ankari]

The voices fade until I am left with the pleasant sound of my own footsteps and breathing as company. They can carry on like children marveling over the inane comments of fools. In the folds of the rocks, I find the cumbersome wisdom of silence.

Loosening an axe from it's loop, I move with deliberate speed and care. The troglodytes are sure to be around, eager to pounce on us if we survived our meeting with the harpies. This is something the group does not consider. They live in a world of berries and pixies, of egos and self-importance. Better to leave them behind and scout for any dangers ahead. I wouldn't want their world to come crashing down.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Ankari bolts out the door while I'm talking. Is it because I mentioned I'd have to disrobe in order to swim? Did picturing me naked prompt him to run off? Darn… just when I was finally feeling good about my body, too.

I breathe. Breathe. Keep my composure. "Okay." Breathe. Calm. Breathe. "Is it really so bad to suggest we get berries for healing? If anyone disagrees with my idea, please say so. I think communication is very important if we're to work as a team, and it's okay to respectfully disagree. If we can't have a consensus, I'll follow the majority. I really wanna know what everyone's thinking and… and… ummmmm… I gotta admit, I'm a little scared to speak now because it seems like I say the wrong thing and somebody runs out that damn door! Communication is important… right? If we all keep silent and have to guess what the other is thinking, it hurts us in the long run."

I stare at the stone door. Somebody say something. I'm not a bad person, am I?

 

[Keitsumah]

"I agree with her, you are wasting your magic." I stare at the elf woman, studying her and hiding my annoyance.

I flinch and look down abashedly, but Batos stands up and growls, hackles rising.

"Down, Batos." i say quietly, and the wolf lies down again, but keeps one ice-blue eye on Mauve. If we had been outsdie, he would have belnded in perfectly with the snow, and I know he would have done much more than just growl.

Maybe she's right, but I just wanted to help . . . I thought, and my hands clenched slightly. This is why i hate being near others. It's others that caused the fire that killed my family. mY own anger flares and for a second the necklace i wear pulses and glows, its light changing to blood-red, but then it fades just as quickly. I can't blame them for something they didn't do.

Batos looks at me, and i try to give him a smile but it comes out as more of a grimace, and the wolf growls again before heaving himself up and pacing adgitatedly around.

We need to get out soon, or even I won't be able to control him. I realize.

 

[SeverinR]

I offer my rope.
Smile at Branwen and eat some while watching Mauve punching Baldhart.

 

[Steerpike]

As the group makes preparation in the round room, Cadell attempts the life magic spell printed on the parchment. It doesn't take him long to follow the instructions, reciting the incantation and drawing on the life magic that all elves possess to one degree or another. His hand is suffused with a blue glow that starts dim, then grows in intensity. Suddenly, the force of the life magic he is tapping gets away from him. The air around Cadell crackles and the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Then the magic force is gone as quickly as it appeared. The first portion of the spell - accessing the necessary energy - was successful, but ultimately he was unable to control it to achieve the desired effect.

Meanwhile, Baldhart and Mauve experiment with the necklace. Baldhart dons the jewelry and Mauve then takes three swings at her. All three swings connect, and as far you either Baldhart or Mauve can tell, the force of the blow was not lessened. The necklace remains a mystery, though Mauve is convinced that it has some protective effect for the wearer.

Branwen huddles near Aliron, though if any member of the party drinks from their waterskin, she edges in their direction, eyeing the waterskin thirstily. Her doll remains clutched to her side at all times, and when she's sitting still her wings wrap around her narrow shoulder and cover her back like a cloak.

Darin gets his gear ready as well, though he appears somewhat distracted. He nods at the talk of goodberries. "With the priest gone, we will need a source of healing. At least, we will if our journey into this temple so far has been any indication."

As the above takes place, Ankari leaves the room, disappearing into the main corridor.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I nod to Darin, then approach Mauve with the necklace. "Well, I looked pretty while taking that beating. Mind if I trade it for the ring? I may need to swim for that boat." I look up toward the hole. "Or...!

"Don't suppose there's a berry bush up there? Or something worth investigating? I could make the climb easily--by which I mean without killing myself as long as the rope's dry... and nothing's waiting to push me down the hole. Nissa could see if it's safe and secure the rope as well! If we're all in agreement that we should get a healing source, and we trust Ankari didn't desert us or go off to die, my question to you is:

"Up or out?"

 

[SeverinR]

I offer a drink to Branwen from my waterskin.

"Baldhart, Maybe the jewelry will help with swimming? Did you feel anything in the way of healing after Mauve pummeled you?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"All I felt were Mauve's fists! The ring will keep me from getting cold, so that'll help. If you want me wear all the jewelry when I swim, I'm fine with that. Maybe I'll feel something. I know when I swam with the knife, that's how I knew water was connected to its magic. The knife tingled and absorbed water. Hmm... Mauve? After I swim, can I use the knife to dry my hair?"

I look up. Aw, Nissa, I want to but... not without the party's consent.

"Look, if I'm the only one who wants to see what's above us," I sigh, "I'll respect that. I know Nissa and I can minimize the risk." As I speak I check the ropes to make sure they're dry--not slick. If they are, a climb is suicide. "But I won't call Nissa or attempt a climb without the consent of more than one of you. Our number's grown smaller, and I really think it's important that we make decisions as a group... especially in these quiet moments when we have time to think.

"We know if we head to the boat we find berries--there may be enough on the plants within the temple walls!--while going up leads to the unknown. Snow and daylight means outdoors so maybe there's berries and I can pick plenty within the hour. Who knows? Maybe there's something else up there that'll help us. Or maybe trouble, and going up there draws the wrong kind of attention. Maybe Nissa can find out without being spotted by anything hostile. I don't imagine there are monsters who just sit and perpetually stare at a hole in the ground, while at the same time, never bother to peer down it!"

 

[Keitsumah]

I shrug and glance up at the hole. "It will be dangerous . . . but why not? Just so long as everything is checked very carefully." I leave out the fact that I wish i was the one going up, but Baldart would do much better in a fight. If there had been any animals, i may have been able to calm them and figure out f there were any berries nearby by checking their muzzles, claws, or fur.

 

[SeverinR]

"If there is something watching this hole, they were watching for the song bird buzzards to come and go. I think any reasonable animal would have avoided this hole."Then another thought strikes me,
"I wonder if the occasional traveler got to close and looking for the beautiful voice fell into this cess pool of death?"

"I would like to see if maybe Keit or Mauve can comfort Branwen, possibly hold her. Because when we move, I need to be able to react, check things, and possibly fight without her clinging to me. With the group getting smaller, I think we will all need to fight, so we might need to try to find a corner for her to hide, but we should get her use to as many people as possible so if one or two of us need to work, she won't be abandoned or in harms way."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Well, I'm hoping that aside from the height, it's not dangerous. We need a healing source right now, so if the rest of you can agree to this... I'll have Nissa fly up with a torch and take a peek. If it's safe to fly up, she can scout the area." I hold up one of the ropes I'm checking. "If she doesn't sense anything hostile after circling the place, we tie the ropes together and..."

Don't forget your training days, Baldy. You made it easily, but your little friend almost got herself killed following you. Be the first one up so you can lend your strength.

"...trust me: I'm trained for this kind of climb. If anyone else wants up, just secure yourself while I pull."

It looks like two agree. But I look to Cadell, Mauve, Matthew, Darin.

"Shall I call up Nissa, then?"

 

[SeverinR]

"Have the ropes ready and send her with it, if there is danger, she drops it, no harm. But saves time, I know she has limited amount she can maintain the form. If we want to use her for the cannoe also, we need to use as little of her time as possible."

 

[Nihal]

Studying Baldhart's expression, I finally talk. "I hate to be the one disagreeing, but the boat might be a better option. We already know the region near the temple, and know that there are some bushes around, but what about what lies above us? It's the dark lands, a place where even a dwarf's sense of direction gets confused, and no guarantee of any berry bush waiting for us.

"I know you are curious, Baldhart. We could take a peek, but not go berry hunting. If we get lost we will be truly lost, don't you remember what happened to Darin?

"And... Not everyone should go." I frown.

"Where is the ranger? Did he say anything? Is he abandoning us too or just went out for one of his walks?

"If he did not abandon us, he might need help or return all beaten up. He might get confused if he finds no one here.

"Right, what do you all think of this: Aliron tracks him down him, in case he advanced further in the tunnels and needs backup. I will not complain if you deem appropriate to give him some nice slaps and drag him back, hah. Otherwise you can go with Baldhart, the girl and Darin to pick berries, we will need those. Maybe Sir Cadell or Sir Matthew too, you would be useful in both places; here to take care of Branwen and give support or with them as an extra shield and support.

"I can stay here in case any of the groups need me, and to keep an eye on the little harpy. Now I might be able mend some wounds too, not that I am better than anyone in doing this, but I can give more tries, heh. You know, possibly I will not hurt anyone in my attempts. This plan presents the extra benefit of—in case you find the temperamental cleric—he will not be angered by my sight. You could attempt to talk some sense into him now he will be calmer." I look away from them. "You can always hope...

"What do you think?"