Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Sparkie]

Greive, but know that greif will not win your battles. Combat sorrow, for when discouragement takes hold all power to fight is lost.

Soldiery - Codex 3:521

*****​

I have to stay busy. I need to do something.

"Is anyone in good enough shape to accompany me back into the hall we passed? We should check out those rooms before we assume we are safe."

((In case you want a quick link to the larger-area map, here it is:

http://mythicscribes.com/forums/dragons-egg-rpg/7263-dragons-egg-act-ii-82.html#post99222 ))

Without waiting for an answer, I pull out my lantern and light it up once more. I then look around to see if my offer has any takers...

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((I'd like Steerpike to give a GM call as to whether Hiljikki arrives before we get a chance to explore, just so Ravana isn't left out again. It's not like we can enter a room without a GM anyway, so we should probably limit this RP to gathering a group and stating out intentions.))

Rydh looks restless.

He is restless, and in need of rest!

I suppose, but… if there is still a threat down here, it won't help us to take a nap.



I smile at Rydh. His wounds are worse than mine, yet he's already looking for trouble.

"I'm willing to explore with you, but… let's see who else wants to come. Maybe Aliron's way into a door is more subtle than mine?"



Maybe? Anybody's anything is more subtle than yours!

 

[Ireth]

I look over at Rydh when he speaks, and decide I am not badly injured enough to sit out another fight, if it comes to that. I am of no use as a healer for the others, in any case. I limp in his and Baldhart's direction, easing my weight onto my injured leg and keeping as little weight on it as possible. "I will go with you."

 

[Sparkie]

Cadell comes limping over, and Baldhart seems supportive. Her suggestion to have Aliron scout ahead seems logical.

I grin. I've been too hasty, perhaps.

"I'm not saying we all need to go right now. But we should at least remain vigilant, no?"

I hope my desperation doesn't shine through in the lamplight as I speak. I've already led these people into one near-disaster, and now I ask again so soon? They must think I'm mad!

"If you think it would be better if we headed back to the temple to recouperate, I understand. Still, I think we should maintain a presence here for the time being, at least until we know nothing will come out of these tunnels after us and attack."

 

[Nihal]

Baldhart isn't in the room anymore.

Did she even heard me? Was she still here?

It's better this way. I sink my face in the fur of my cloak. I believe I'm finally alone.

Why is it failing? What is wrong with me? I can't understand! Why?! Warm tears. Instead of running down my cheeks, they drip from the bridge of my nose and run uncomfortably into my scalp. At this rate I'll never make it. What am I going to do?

My head is pounding. It doesn't matter how hard I think and rethink in the possible causes, even if I guess it right I can do nothing about it. I let the drowsiness overrun me, it's better than this anguish. I could stand the corruption if it happened as it should. But I can't stand to be left in the dark, without my magic nor the knowledge of what is happening. It's breaking me.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Blessed sleep.

 

[Ravana]

((I'd like Steerpike to give a GM call as to whether Hiljikki arrives before we get a chance to explore))

((And on the assumption that nothing's gonna descend upon the party in the interval, and the hope that the scouts don't stir anything new up, I'm going to assume she does.))

•

There's very little warning: one ratchety coughing sound—and then there's a raven banking around the corner. It lets out another of the same as it pulls up and lands about halfway between there and the group, turns, and launches itself back the way it came… arriving at the druid's shoulder about the same time that shoulder comes into view.

Hiljikki walks up to the intersection where the battle took place, locates Darin, tells him "The message has been sent," then surveys the scene, the group, and their fallen foes.

In an impossibly deadpan, perfectly serious-sounding tone, she inquires of no one in particular: "Did I miss anything interesting?"

And then she gets to work performing triage. She's quite capable of listening while she sews.

Should anyone say the first word about continuing, she clips out "Wrong. You're going back to the temple. Half of you are barely fit to walk as it is; a couple might need carrying. And this is no place to rest."

•

((Everyone who's wounded in any way gets a Goodberry: +1 HP and you feel like you've eaten an actual meal. If for some unguessable reason and contrary to all expectation the trog queen is still among the living when Hiljikki arrives, she's included in the berry distribution, though she'll probably have to wait until last in the triage line unless it looks like she's going to die and something can be done about that. Any other surviving trogs are likewise included: Hiljikki will check them all herself, no matter what anyone tells her or how bad they look—barring possibly any who've had their heads detached. When Hiljikki figures out how many berries that leaves her, she'll apportion the remainder. She also casts First Aid on the two with the worst visible wounds; everyone else will have to wait until she recovers some mana.))

((When she gets to Ankari, she says something to him softly enough that no one else can hear. It's clear right away he doesn't like it, and intends to argue. Then she says something even shorter… and it's clear that he likes that even less.))

 

[Sparkie]

I nod in appreciation to Hiljikki as she hands me yet another berry. I gobble it up, just like the last one. Strange thing, these Goodberries. I feel really good after eating one. Once again, my wounds begin to heal.

Hiljikki's assertion that we need to go back to the temple is probably the right one. I hope the rest of us get the treatment they need. I'll be of little use in that regard for some time, however. I won't argue with Hiljikki. What good would it do?

I motion to Darin that I'm leaving, in case he wants to follow. I walk west down the corridor and stand at the corner where the tunnel heads north. There's another set of doors there, though I dare not go in alone. I'll not bring the deaths of all of on our heads by way of rash action. I'll just stand guard for awhile until we're in better shape to explore. I say nothing to anyone. I doubt anyone really wants to talk to me right about now anyway.

Why am I giving in? Why do I feel so empty inside? I just honored Betula, did I not? Why is that not enough?

 

[SeverinR]

Greive, but know that greif will not win your battles. Combat sorrow, for when discouragement takes hold all power to fight is lost.

Soldiery - Codex 3:521

*****​

I have to stay busy. I need to do something.

"Is anyone in good enough shape to accompany me back into the hall we passed? We should check out those rooms before we assume we are safe."

((In case you want a quick link to the larger-area map, here it is:

http://mythicscribes.com/forums/dragons-egg-rpg/7263-dragons-egg-act-ii-82.html#post99222 ))

Without waiting for an answer, I pull out my lantern and light it up once more. I then look around to see if my offer has any takers...

"I will go with you, I believe stealth would be best, I don't think we could handle another large battle."
Looking over the battle injuries. "Dwarf, the wound in your back, I want it known the elves were in front of you when you recieved that wound. It was not an elf that injured you. Just making sure all know the truce is still in tact."
"It would be best if we stay here only long enough to stop the bleeding and ensure all wounds are cared for. It is a long trip back to the temple. We are not looking for a fight, just looking to make sure we are safe for the moment and maybe find other items that might help find the answer we seek. Better to give aid and find the small piece of the puzzle then to flee without looking. Maybe the queen had some other items that might be useful or valuble. Just the immediate area, nothing further."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Thank you, Hiljikki. And as much as I would like to enter those doors, I find myself in full agreement with you. Let us head to the temple. I will carry Mauve and... if it's alright with you, I will save my berry for after nap. I am not badly wounded and suspect I may be good as new after a rest. If that is the case, I will offer my share to one who is still in need."

((Note: I realize characters don't do math to figure out how badly they need healing, but Baldhart gains 5 HP in her sleep. I figure she knows that pain will fade quickly for her, so I won't waste the healing point.))

"Oh... but will you hold onto it, Hiljikki. It's such a tiny thing, I fear I'll squish it while I carry Mauve.

"Come, Burnbright." I gather the ladies, holding Mauve ever so carefully so I don't wake her, and approach Darin.

"Darin, I want to thank you for assisting us, and please. I beg you to rest with us. I know little about dwarves, but I know much about strong men. Like many of my people, you can take a pounding in a fight, then feel good as new after rest. I'll bet you don't fear death at all, either. That said, please rest with us. We'll be in much better shape to kick down doors and impale lizards after everyone's healed up!"



I look as feminine as I possibly can.

Hmm... maybe if you wipe the tainted blood off your cheek--don't smudge the warpaint! Okay, now you look...

...cute!

Nissa, what would I do without you?

You'd use a mirror like everybody else.



"Please. We need you as much as you need us... so come with us for a rest and a bite, unless you know of a better way to heal so many wounded at once."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Aliron, is there a chance you can listen through the doors? If there's no enemy and dry ground there, there's a possibility we could rest there behind a locked door. At least if it's a dead end like the other rooms."

I don't know how the others feel, but...

"If we're behind closed doors, I can't possibly know for certain but, it might be even safer than the temple. And we don't have to wake Mauve to get her up the rope! That said," I gesture toward Mauve with my head--oh! Did I wake her?--"Mauve here wishes for us to act with consensus from now on, and call me an idealist, but I wish that as well. So whatever the group thinks is best: if Aliron can listen at the doors and perceive no threat, should he take a peek inside to see if we have a safe room?"

 

[Ankari]

Her words sets flight to ravens. I look away to watch my companions amble back to the temple. Beneath the sheer veil of exhaustion, they wear their wounds with pride, content with thwarting another challenge with muscle and steel. I ride with a pack of wolves with the scent of blood on the wind.

The troglodyte shaman bleeds like a weak spring atop a muddy hill. Her only crime, and those of her allies, being a foreign race. An other, made evil by the similarities they share with the stories told to them as children from frustrated mothers meaning to scare them into compliancy.

Baldhart, for all her modest denials, leads this group. They follow in the wake of her mindless charge. When pressed with a choice of dialogue or battle, she hacked all other reasons from the perceived threat to Burnbright and thrust it to the fore. With such a bright beacon, the pack unified in their bloodlust.

Fear. Fear of Burnbright's safety, of the other, and of failure. And what of the troglodytes' fears? Did we not descend into their domain, no matter what Darin claims, with brandished steel and biting arrows? If the troglodytes reacted on the same basis in which the group justifies their actions, then were they not right as well?

There is nothing left for me to do but wait and watch.

When most of the party passes out of earshot, I turn back to the druid. "Very well. See to the shaman first. We stumble in the darkness, jumping at every scratch of stone. A little light is needed."

I resort back to my mother tongue, and speak low.

 

[SeverinR]

"My ears are ringing from that magic burst, I do not feel confident with my hearing."


"But I will tell you if it is trapped." Doing a quick check while listening."

 

[Ireth]

I move to Aliron's side, leaning against the door. "Perhaps my ears will avail more than yours."

"...Apparently not. Damned explosions."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Flashback: Ladies' Room Conversation

((Baldhart and Burnbright sat together at the NW (top-left... I realize the top may not be North) corner of the room as Mauve was falling asleep. Mauve may have heard this. I'm not sure who else was close enough.))


Burnbright tugs on my skirt and questions what interest a valkyrie would have in the lizard queen.

Um... Nissa?

It's complicated...

"Valkyries watch over those who die in battle, but you are correct that this creature is not under Brynhild's domain. The mysteries of life after death cannot be fully revealed to me, but what is important is that you gave your enemy the gift of forgiveness. That is a sacrifice. You must always make a scarifice to Brynhild before entering battle. You sacrificed your fear, which prepared you for the last battle, and now you gave your defeated enemy the gift of forgiveness to prepare for the next. Don't become one of those people who beheads a goat or something. Make sacrifices that are meaningful, and make you more worthy a warrior-woman.

"And I am happy to know that ridding yourself of bows is your choice, and not something I had to tell you to do. It is taboo for you to worship Brynhild and use any kind of projectile weapon. I'd rather you not be in a hurry to use a sword either, but I will do my best to help you prepare. Perhaps a two-handed grip on that sword of yours would steady your hands."

((I realize it won't, or else no one would bother using shields!))

"And you are correct that the lizards were clearly after you. The queen made a hasty retreat from my blade to pounce on you before I cut her down. You are my Sister now, so know this: there are no secrets between us. Rest first, you have much to ask and I have much to tell."

 

[Sparkie]

It's probably best to retreat to the temple for now. I'm weary of spirit, and of little use as a sentry. Still, I stand with Aliron and Cadell. I won't leave them until I know it's safe.

Cadell seems to have lost some hearing. This bold knight has given more and lost more than any of the rest of us. I look at him, and take some small comfort and encouragement. If he can soldier on without the blessing of Betula, I should have little trouble. I'll just keep doing what I know is right, and honor my Lord in the best way I know how.

 

[Ireth]

Rydh catches my eye for a moment, and I smile at him. He fought as bravely as any of us, and honored his god in the process. I admire his devotion, void of any bitterness; I wish I had behaved the same in the face of my queen's command to come here in spite of my inexperience at sea, or indeed anywhere so far from home. Still, I am here now, and while I am able, I will do all I can to protect those in my vicinity, and if possible, put an end to this Taint.

I shift my weight unthinkingly, and pain shoots up my injured leg, making me hiss. Now that the rush of battle has worn off, it has really started to hurt. At least the bleeding seems to have slowed.

I sigh and look back to Rydh. "Shall I keep your shield until we go back up to the temple, just in case?"

 

[Sparkie]

"Keep it as long as you have use for it," I reply quietly. "I can get another if I need it later."

I pay rapt attention to Aliron's actions as he sets himself to action. It's a facinating thing to watch, really. He moves with the grace and silence of a cat on the prowl. I'm suddenly glad he's with us.

 

[Ravana]

Her words sets flight to ravens.

((Interestingly, that's exactly how she feels about it, too.))

When most of the party passes out of earshot, I turn back to the druid. "Very well. See to the shaman first. We stumble in the darkness, jumping at every scratch of stone. A little light is needed."

I resort back to my mother tongue, and speak low.

Hiljikki acknowledges Ankari's words with a nod.

•••

@GM question—just to make sure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle of other actions: is the trog queen alive or dead at this point? Aliron and Ankari were going to try questioning her, I believe, if she didn't die on them… and were going to try to prevent that. So we probably need a ruling on what happens there before anything can/should move along. As mentioned, if she is still alive, Hiljikki will be contributing to efforts to keep her that way.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((I asked Steerpike to make a GM call about resting at the temple so we can move forward with RP'ing, and he said we can do that.

Unless Steerpike says otherwise, we should gain HP: 1 + level + CON mod from a rest.))


Ankari is focused on bandaging the queen. This probably takes concentration, which means he won't lash out at me… until later.

Then why say it at all, Baldy?



I tell Ankari, "I hope you have it in you to finish her when you get whatever information you think she'll offer. When I stood before her with four weapons aimed at my chest, she only told me she wanted us to leave and give Burnbright to her. She dodged my other questions, and while you were shouting about the lizards I killed, she didn't care. She didn't care when I asked someone to bandage your precious prisoner either. I can't imagine that you'll get more information than I did, unless you intend to torture her, or let her bleed all over you like you did with her underling. What reason does she have to give truthful information? You normally keep a clear head as it matters in battle, Ankari. I'm surprised you haven't asked this yourself!

"But if you do manage to revive her, you better kill her when you're done, because all she has to do is look at you and you'll freeze like I did. She'll claw you to shreds while you're helpless then come after Burnbright. And if you haven't figured it out yet, her blood is black like the creatures from the temple. Blackened by the Taint, which I am certain means she was sent by the same person that sent those other things. The same person who wants Burnbright!

"Why don't you talk to the living who care about you instead of a dying enemy who has no interest in helping you? First you engage in a loud argument while I stand in the line of fire, and now you revive an enemy that wasn't easy for me to take down and stopped me with her magic while I was charging to help you, you ingrate! Honestly! You have no appreciation for the sacrifices I make! How can someone so wise in battle be so stupid when it comes to little things like… saying 'thank you.' 'Good job.' Or maybe start with, 'it is somewhat convenient that you're not dead you big barbarian idiot.' And it IS convenient, because your failure to recognize the enemy is the reason I have to tell you: kill the queen when you're done listening to her lies. And I AM an idiot for not dropping Mauve so I can put my sword through these bandages and make certain this lizard lady doesn't come after us with a bigger army!"

I check Mauve, cradled in my arms… and somehow still sleeping?

"You see what I'm carrying here? It's called a lady! Learn to talk to one, or don't speak at all!"

I turn my back and hope he'll rant and rave while the queen bleeds to death. But before he gets a chance, I raise my voice once more:

"And another thing! I'm going back to the temple! I'm heating up some bread! I'll save you a slice, so don't be long or it'll get cold!"

 

[Nihal]

Baldhart's voice. She sounds angry and too close. I don't want to open my eyes, I don't want more fights. I try to block her voice for some time, but it's hard. I'm a bit uncomfortable too, in an awkward position in which I didn't fell asleep.

She's carrying me.

"... carrying here? It's called a lady! Learn to talk to one, or don't speak at all!"

I open my eyes. When she starts to walk again I talk in a low voice. "I'm okay. Don't..."

... don't what? Her fight with someone from the group is not a good thing. I don't know why, being too drowsy to formulate thoughts.

I just sigh.