Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Phietadix]

Again? My companions seem to be masters of insulting then running. Did I Mention once, even one time, that I wished her to follow Tyr? I said multiple times that I thought she would follow Brynhild even after learning of other deitys. And arguments over trivial matters? What does Ankari think he does every time he speaks, he causes arguments, every time he speaks. Think of others? Why does he think I've sat out three battles? Fear? Ha! If I was acting selfishly I would have charged in and stolen the glory. But I've been forced not to fight making everyone, even myself doubt my actions. Just to keep others safe. A child at risk? Who does he think I was keeping back, to prevent her killing herself? He has become a burden to the group, but he will make false insults to any who say so.

 

[Nihal]

Fields

When finally unable to see or hear them I stop and thrust my spear into the snow.

I'm afraid. Of course I am, after everything passed in the last days. I should have brought my flask, a sip of wine would help to muster some courage. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, enjoying the cold caressing my skin, allowing it to soothe my spirit.

I was starting to forget what was like traveling alone. It's peaceful, not so bad at all, without all the arguing and free of the commotion, just the sound of the silence. For some minutes I allow myself to enjoy it.

((I am not sure if Ankari will keep - noisily? - running or will silently stalk her. In any case, I'm breaking my action and waiting a while to give he an opportunity to act out his part.

The allusion to the lyrics was completely unintentional. ;x))

 

[Ireth]

I nock the third arrow. "Cadell, another fine example of a knight. A knight leads forward. How can he do so when his eyes look back? A child is at risk, her past threatens her. She stands to lose more than a hand, or a broken heart. She has already lost more than any of us can fathom. You know where you come from, does she? You know who loves you, does she? You know the feeling of security and acceptance, does she? Focus on others, or revoke your claim of knighthood."

Ankari's words raise my hackles, though I keep my face deliberately impassive, my voice level. What right does he have to comment on the state of my heart, be it broken or otherwise? "I am a warrior, Ankari, one who is now without his dominant hand." My remaining one clenches on the bulb Hiljikki gave me. "How can I properly fight for the aid of others if I do not learn to use what remains to me? You call it selfish; I call it necessity for the greater good."

When Ankari runs after Mauve, I turn to the others, wondering at their reactions to his words.

 

[Ankari]

When pups are born, the weak die of hunger, or by mercy of the mother. How this frail, failing wizard survived to her maturity is a thing of mystery beyond my scope. Still, she revealed a bit of steel in her otherwise weak spine down below. Enough to hold my axe. But not my arrow.

"Coward! Where do you go?" I grab her by the arm and twist her about to stare into the face of a wolf. "You are not free to travel about, or have you forgotten who you are? It is a mercy we don't bind your arms and leave you in the fields of Srilkind for the superstition to burn you as they did Aslaug's mother." Words are as destructive as the bite of steel. Both can kill. Both cause injuries that heal, leaving ugly scars as a reminder of their intimate passing. As ugly as they are, scars also grow back thick and strong. We need to be a band of scars.

"Take another step and I will end your life. Snow will cover your discarded body and freeze until the spring, to feed the bellies of scavengers." I point to the goblins. "Like them."

So many wargs, so many arrows. The chasm calls to me, urges me to surrender and fall into it's welcoming oblivion. But the wargs need focus, or else they'll snap at each other before they reach their prey. "You will turn back to the temple and serve out your time with us until I deem you worthy enough to leave on your own. Your mind carries too much information that would jeopardize Burnbright. I will not see her suffer the fate of her grandmother."

Against the charge of wild beasts, instincts scream to run or fight. I place a hand on my axe and wait.

 

[Nihal]

I hear the steps. The owner of those steps isn't someone I would expect to follow me here, but the surprise doesn't last too long. My lips twist in a sly smile as he talks, becoming then a mischievous grin.

A vermin acting exactly like the vermin he is.

I could correct him, for I'm not fleeing. I could point how I would never betray a caster to those ignorant villagers. I could say I won't allow him to use and discard me. I don't. I utter a single word as answer.

"Pig."

The strange feeling in my chest grows as I see his hand going to one of his axes. The feeling is satisfaction, I was dying to do this.

I jump against him, closing in the remaining distance and attempting to hit him with my head.


((Nice miss! Hah!))

 

[Ankari]

The wild woman headbutts me. I shift to the side, avoid the attack and grab her by the throat.

((I'm using a DEX check. If it's wrong, let me know. Also, I forgot to add my level. The actual result is 12))

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=10268]Throat grab: [1d20+2] = 9+2 = 11[/URL]

"Have you grown feral?"

 

[Nihal]

((I don't know if the SIEGE will be used here or not. Her AC is exactly 12, might be lower if he kept holding her arm. In any case she would react almost in the same way, without shouting.))

My calculations were a little off. His odious claws close around my throat while I expected a kick, a punch or maybe an attempt to restrain my arms.

I look into his eyes, taking a deep breath. I hesitate a little, as if about to answer.

Got. You.

The spell is perfectly fresh in my mind. I shout it the faster I can, raising my arms while I do the required gestures and finish the movement by grabbing him.


((HAH! Shocking Grasp, lvl 1))


((Just in case, damage. :3))


((So, here we go. I don't know which situational modifiers may apply. She prepared this spell and is kinda inside his "defense area", but I don't know if she'll be fast enough to finish the enchantment. Not sure if the staff helps.

So, uhm, STR for a touch attack if needed. The one for casting speed would be what? DEX, CON?))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Matthew swears to his faith and knowledge, and even claims to know more about Brynhild than I do! Do you believe that, Nissa?

Of course! He's a guy, so he only believes what men say about us. I dare you to ask him if those scriptures include illustrations of us valkyries wearing nothing but chain mail bikinis.



Well, I'm not about to ask that, but I can't say anything now. Here's the Know-It-All Ranger from out of the blue, and he's advising us to ask Burnbright what she wills. I did! And of course he judges everyone in sight before he runs off to hunt down Mauve… and while I agree with his comments on Matthew's inaction, I know that such words are counterproductive whether spoken in anger or not.

Whether Ankari says them or I do.

…

I have no desire to quarrel with either of these men. I depend on them for survival, and they on me.

"I'm sorry if my comments were as harsh as his, Sir Matthew, but I'm serious about the soul-searching. I've been doing that myself. We almost got killed down there. Just one thing had to go differently, and you and I wouldn't be talking about faith. We'd be receiving our eternal rewards.

"You and I can stand here and question each other's judgment or be like Ankari and point out other people's flaws. No good comes out of it. We need to look at our own flaws. Mine was to give into anger. Speaking to allies in anger is divisive, which is why I vowed to stop that. Come to think of it, I need to choose my words more carefully. It doesn't matter how I say them if the words are no good.

"Do some soul-searching of your own, and when you find some answers, share them with Burnbright while you teach her the sword. You should also let her ride your horse. She'd like that.

"Just understand my concern about presenting alternatives that might undermine my teachings. I don't want her led astray from the path to becoming a valkyrie. It's what she wants for her eternal reward, and I'm more qualified than anyone here to show her that particular path. I know you've studied much, but at best: you learned how a woman can live to be chosen as a valkyrie. I learned how to live that life."

I hope this conversation is ending on a more congenial note. I hope what I still wish to say doesn't change that.

"I fear Burnbright may receive her eternal reward at a very early age. Should we fail to protect her, I want her to have lived Brynhild's path so that she may join the ranks of the valkyries. Please use your spear and shield to see that she'll be a fully grown valkyrie. She needs you in the next battle. So do I."

I lower my head… and stare at Ankari's tracks in the snow… which follow Mauve's.

"Mauve might need you, too. Any chance you'll mount your horse and go save her?"

 

[SeverinR]

To let my group know, I am doing something while they spoke to the queen, and am a little behind.

"Ankari! Ave found something ere. I might be needing some help caring it, or maybe it is just junk."

 

[Phietadix]

"I can understand your concern, but I wouln't worry, if what you believe of Burnbright is true than she will follow Brynhild no matter what else she learns. And yes, I will ride to see what has happened with Mauve."
I untie Amaroq and mount him. Following the tracks I shearch for Mauve and Ankari.

 

[Ireth]

I stand still and silent, lost to morbid musings. Maybe Ankari is right... maybe I am too selfish. But what can I do? I cannot advise Burnbright in the ways of the gods, and I am of little use in a fight as anything but a shield of flesh for my companions. Teaching Baldhart to ride, and exploring the tunnels with Darin, are the extent of my usefulness right now. Neither of which may happen at all if we continue to be hindered and divided by harsh words.

I steal a glance at Baldhart. Lucky woman, to have Nissa as an advisor at every step of the way. What do the rest of us have but each other?

 

[Ravana]

I steal a glance at Baldhart. Lucky woman, to have Nissa as an advisor at every step of the way. What do the rest of us have but each other?

A reindeer, a raven and a vihmakissa (whatever that is).

((Sorry: couldn't resist. ))

 

[Ankari]

Where I show mercy, she shows her true colors. Like a snake springing from fallen leaves, her hand whips out and strikes. Pain, like the march of a thousand ants with needled legs, spreads from the point of contact. My muscles seize, and my teeth click shut. The pain passes, taking with it the last of my restraint.

I move behind her and squeeze. My free hand grabs the dagger at my belt, I howl my need as I bury the dagger in her back.

((I caught Mauve's cooties.))

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=10276]Melee Attack: [1d20] = 2[/URL]

((Choking attempt))

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=10277]Choke her out: [1d20+1] = 3+1 = 4[/URL]

 

[Nihal]

When he's shocked I giggle.

The bastard is angry. As he tries to choke me I fight back and attempt to break free from his grasp.

 

[Ankari]

Through the rage, I slam my dagger against her back...

...and watch the poorly angled blade bounce off her shoulder. Giggles mock my failure. She struggles to wrench my fingers from her throat. The wild blood screams through my veins, calling for primal justice.

I squeeze harder.

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=10278]Choke her out: [1d20+1] = 20+1 = 21[/URL]

Her tendons strain against my fingers as her flailing arms beat against my arm like sparrows gathering seeds from a field. Gurgling gives way to plaintive sounds as life leaves the flesh. Her hands fall like drunk snakes from a tree limb. Then, it's over.

I let her fall to the ground, limp, but breathing. Something about that giggle hints at madness. I'll let the group decide on what to do with her.

First, I gag her with a rag, then I retrieve a rope from my backpack and tie her up like a dead boar. Finally, I tie a strip of cloth around her mouth and her eyes.

With a grimace, I grab a length of rope and pull her back to the temple.

 

[SeverinR]

Still back in time: (in case you missed it with the lovers quarrel going on, I was checking a room while Ankari was questioning the queen)
"Ankari! I have a chest with gold and silver, and a chest of gems. I will need help carrying this." I shout through the open door.
"When your done with the lizard, come in the room."

I start dragging the lighter chest to the door.
"The walk back to the temple might be long and tiresome but carrying riches might just add some energy to my step." I say out loud.

Just to specify where I am in current events:
I will be dividing the treasure into equal shares while the group bickers. I have my priorities.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

To Rydh (responding to an earlier post)

I respond to Rydh, "It may be better to seal the underground passage for now. I want to finish that fight, but not until we can learn to work as a team. I'll admit that I share the blame for our failure to unite..."

I tell Rydh of my vow to Brynhild to never again raise my voice in anger against an ally, and of the conversation Sir Matthew and I had...

"...and I believe we came to an understanding that he wishes to use other scriptures to help prepare Burnbright's soul. What I think he intends will futher enlighten her, so I'm fine with it. More than fine! That would serve to increase her chances of becoming a valkyrie, which I fear may happen sooner rather than later. As a cleric, perhaps you might also consider sharing the wisdom of your elven god with Burnbright. We can all learn from each other.

"So, no, I'm not upset because of that argument. It's Ankari. He still sees Mauve as a prisoner, and when she left, he followed. Ankari is angrier than usual. He just lashed out at everyone he passed then followed Mauve's tracks.

"I asked Sir Matthew to follow Ankari on horseback to make sure nothing would happen to her. Ankari had too great a head start to catch on foot, but I thought I'd tell you because... because of the way you look at her."



To Cadell (after seeing Rydh)

"Sir Cadell! Remember the vow I told you about? It's working! It's really working! Oh, I know Sir Matthew and I appeared to be arguing. And we were at first. He was like, who's idea was it for Burnbright to worship Brynhild? Then I was like, what's it to you? Then Ankari came along yelling at everyone: gods don't care about one little mortal! You're a coward! You're a burden! Then he ran over to you and Rydh: And I don't like you either! And went after Mauve. So I said to Sir Matthew, you know what? I don't wanna sound like that guy, and we worked out our differences. But the best part is that Sir Matthew sprang into action. He got on his horse and... huh. I wonder what he'll do when he finds Mauve."

Why would Sir Cadell care? Knights don't engage in gossip, Baldy.

"Oh. Never mind all that. So, did you and Darin figure out the best way to get you to Drimmen-delve? Unless anyone has a better idea, that should be our next move."



To Aliron (whenever)

"Ooh! Shiny! Ha, ha, ha! I've never seen a rock like this!"

Nissa, my fingers tingle when I touch it!

Really, Baldy? Do material possessions mean this much to you?

Well, I could purchase new armor with... oh! So pretty!

"How much is all this stuff worth, anyway?"

 

[Steerpike]

The Chests

After everything is finished with the lizard shaman, Ankari and Aliron drag a couple of chests out of the tunnels, and with help from others in the party they manage to get them up through the hole and into the temple. The first chest contains gold and silver coins, the second numerous colored gems. Both chests are old, the clasps and bands corroded from the damp atmosphere below, the wood warped. They don't appear to have much value in and of themselves, though at one point they were nicely made.

As the party empties out the chests to divide the loot, they count 530 silver coins and 180 gold coins. The chest full of gems contains 87 stones in all, many of which are of semi-precious stones, some only roughly cut. Darin's best guess is that most of the stones are worth between 5 and 10 gp each. The dwarf's eyes light up at the sight of the treasure.

Matthew, Ankari, and Mauve

Matthew rides out to find Ankari dragging a bound, gagged, and unconscious Mauve through the snow, back toward the temple. Ankari looks weathered and a bit haggard, as though he's taken some punishment himself ((Ankari is down 4 hp due to Shocking Grasp)).

The Temple

Having returned to the temple, the party is able to rest. The evening passes uneventfully, the only disturbance the far off howling of wolves. Darin is able to close the door to the tunnels, locking it with the key in much the same manner as he opened it. He assures you all he can open it once again, when the time comes.

The following morning, the party gathers around a warm fire to collect their thoughts and plan their next move, though Mauve has stomped off across the snowy field outside, followed by Ankari.

Listening to the story of what the lizard shaman said, Darin grunts. "They'll be ready for us, when we go back, then," he says. "When that Seltesh or whatever she was called doesn't come back, they'll send someone to check on her. They'll see signs of a fight and get ready for us." He runs a thumb along the haft of his hammer. "Still, the day a dwarf isn't a match for a bunch of scaley-hide scavengers is a day I don't want to see." He grins at the rest of the group.

Burnbright joins the group by the fire at some point, having been off talking to Baldhart. Her face is painted in the blue woad paint that Badlhart wears, and she looks fiercely proud of it. Darin says "I can't say I'm sorry to see the end of your crossbow training." He smiles as he says it, but Burnbright reddens just a bit. She opens her mouth to reply, but Darin raises a hand and says "Save it, lass. I've had worse. Remind me to tell you about the time I was training with my hammer. Couldn't have been much older than you, if you figure it in human years. Got my helm knocked sideways so I couldn't see who I was sparring with and wound up hitting my teacher right upside the head. Knocked him out cold. By the time he came to, I was long gone, of course. Found a good hidey-hole and decided I'd just sit there until the All-Father returns, if I had to. Of course, I got hungry and came out, and my father had a few words for me." Darin laughs as though he's told the world's finest joke.

Burnbright smiles and finds a place to sit near Baldhart. She seems pensive. She fishes in her pocket for the golden necklace that knocked her out, earlier, studying it in the fire light.

Darin looks to the group again. "I've heard the talk about what to do next. I have to admit, I'm not fond of the idea of leaving a dwarven temple in the hands of those creatures. Every new day that they spend down there is an insult. Who knows what they could be doing in those deeper halls? Or what dwarven handiwork they're defiling? Elven, too. As I told Cadell, this was a place where dwarves and elves worked together, long ago. Allowing those lizards to live is an insult to our people."

Darin spits once into the fire, which sizzles in response. "There's my vote. We go back down and clear the filth out of that place. With that done, I take Cadell back to the Drimmen-Delve to see about a new hand."

 

[Ireth]

As we rest for the evening, after making sure Llucheden's needs are met, I make use of the bulb Hiljikki gave me. Seated by the fire, I borrow a needle and thread to practise stitches on a scrap of cloth. I will myself not to get impatient with my clumsiness, and try to fall into a steady rhythm as I work.

When Darin speaks, I pause to listen, then speak my piece.

"I agree that something should be done about the lizards down in those tunnels. But I also fear for Burnbright's safety. With the death of their queen, the others may try to seize Burnbright for their own purposes. I think she should remain up here, guarded by a few of us, while the rest go down to face the threat."

I look to Burnbright. "I know you seek to follow in the ways of the warrior, but there is good sense in not putting yourself in the line of fire when you know you are a target. If the lizards want you, we should keep you far from them. There will be other battles to fight, where you may prove your worth with no greater danger to yourself than the rest of us." I smile, hoping my words will encourage her.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I listen to Darin.

"If we're to all go down there, we need to work together. Every single one of us! We need to keep the shield walls up. We need to trust each other. No one sits out. No one stays behind. No one charges ahead.

"Most importantly, we need to take ownership of our own errors. Mine was to let my anger get the better of me. I'm not sorry for how I fought down there, but I'm as much to blame as others for the division among us that almost got us killed. We need to be united if we're to win.

"If we can work together--and provided that Rydh feels the full power of his God flowing through him, so there's a good chance that those who fall will get up again--I'm with Darin."