Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Ankari]

((I paid for the repurposed bow. We have it. We also have the repurposed crossbow.))

The gloom of the sky shrouding the temple saps the exhilaration from my soul. This cursed north denies me even the simple pleasures of my natural environments. Matthew's question grates against my ears like sand used to clean the rust from a blade. I need to be away from false egos seeking an advantage to appease some past fault.

I am irritated and I don't care. Whatever affliction scours this land will choke on the blood spilling back down its slit throat once we determine the perpetrator. I need to run against unsullied air and dig my hands in rich earth shaded from the sun.

"Wait here." I move forward, glad to be gone of the suffocating insecurities, but stop. 'Thief, come with me. We'll scout ahead." I gesture to the rise. "Make camp here. If you get in trouble, shout. I will not have us walking blindly into a trap."

 

[Sparkie]

"Now hang on!" I almost shout. "For all you know we could already be in a trap. Do you not think that any demonic creatures can see us here out on the road? I think we should all stay together for the time being. Once we get closer to the temple, then we can talk of scouting."

Obstinate to the end, this one. I make a suggestion and he has to contradict it. He'll be the death of me before the end...

 

[Phietadix]

((I paid for the repurposed bow. We have it. We also have the repurposed crossbow.))

((But my deal included cancelling yours, sorry if this wasn't made clear, and if Steerpike didn't know this, it is still possible that we have both. But that would mean more debate))

 

[Ankari]

((You can't cancel a deal when I drop 30 gold on his counter. The proposed cost was 27 gold. Why would he give up extra money for you to help with a ruined temple? The way your exchange read, you asked him to repurpose a crossbow in exchange for you to clear the ruins.))

The sound of a wolf's howl is said to be a forlorn thing. In the company of men such as these, it could be imagined to be a thing of frustration as well.

"Rydh, when Baldhart runs headlong into a wall of enemies, do you ask her to 'hold on'? The answer is no. That is what she does. I do not second guess your invoking forbidden magic to aid us, even though some may not want the touch of unpredictable magic against their flesh. Why do you second guess my natural skill?"

 

[Sparkie]

I shake my head. He doesn't get it.

"I do not second guess your skill, Ankari. I second guess your judgement. Just because you can scout ahead doesn't mean you should. I think that both yours and Aliron's skills are better suited to making sure we are not snuck up upon in this instance. I think, since we are already in sight of the temple and easily seen, that we should all head up there together. This is not one man's fight, nor two men's. This responsibility belongs to all of us. No one is excluded in this."

 

[Ankari]

The pendant clings to my skin like a deprived leech. I clutch it to free its reminder of ignorance from my body. Rydh has earned a measure of respect and he has cashed it in, whether he knows it or not.

I clear my throat to free it of any inflections. I don't want to give the impression of speaking to an imbecile. "If they have spotted us, they have spotted us." I open my arms to include the group. "That is why you will stay here because you will give the semblance of us still here. The thief and I, we're capable of using 'us' and the two horses as a screen. We can backtrack a bit, circle around and hide from any eyes that will be on 'us'. Since we are headed in that direction, we will know of any threats coming from that direction and run back to warn you of any approaching danger."

I hate talking. Besides, I think I've failed in disguising those inflections.

 

[Sparkie]

The stupid one seeks not the wisdom of others. He follows his own way, to his injury.

Engagements - Codex 1:585

*****​

This is a distinctly bad idea. He assumes too much in thinking he and Aliron will simply remain unseen. But what can I say? He won't pay any attention to anyone's counsel. Only his own.

"Run back, eh? Well, if you don't come running back because some dark beast has bitten your leg off, don't cry to me about it. Your insistence on following your own path will be your undoing, Ankari. If not this day, then another."

 

[Ireth]

I hate all of this. The cold, the curse on this land, being forced to go so far from everything I know and love. And the bickering is one more thing added to the list. I look back and forth between Rydh and Ankari, holding up my hand to silence them.

"Arguing will get us nowhere, you two. We can discuss what to do, by all means, but we cannot afford to fight and bicker at every moment if we all are to survive. In this place, on this journey, all we have is each other. If we cannot work together, our cause is lost." I meet Rydh's and Ankari's eyes in turn, then look at the others. "Now. Can we discuss this civilly or not?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

This is why we should not bring a child. When the adults act like children, how is a child to know the difference?

"Ankari, we can use your skill and Aliron's without thinning our herd unnecessarily. Aliron is 50 paces ahead of you. You observe him with your sharp eye so you can see him, though potential enemies cannot. We remain 50 paces behind you, and watch for your signal. You either signal us to remain motionless, wave your hand to let us know to move forward, or raise a finger or two if you wish only one or two of us to come over. I will be part of the small number if you ask for one or two. Under no circumstances do you leave our sight, nor does Aliron leave yours.

"Rydh is correct that we gain nothing by leaving too much distance between us. You are correct that you and Aliron have skills that will prevent us from entering a trap. My solution satisfies both principles.

"Are we in agreement? I hope we are. I hope my propsed solution satifies Cadell's principle most of all."

 

[SeverinR]

"I believe we could scout ahead, after ensuring the area the group is at, is fairly safe.
I should also suggest, from the stories of the battles the group has faced, each spell caster should avoid standing with anyone that isn't the stoutist of beings. Better not cast next to someone that might not be able to take the damage of a misfired spell. The young/inexperienced, mages if we had any, and thieves are not tough, and might not survive a magic mishap. I believe I could dive out of the way, but if distracted, I might not notice in time. Being third into a room is good, I might not be watched as closely as the first, so I could work around to a better vantage point or maybe get behind a talkitive encounter. But also would allow me to scan the room for obvious traps or problems, but keep me from being first to face a blade. I might discourage anyone from venturing to far into a room if a trap is possible, venture in only as far as needed if the way is not frequently travelled."
"That said, I will not scout ahead alone, so I wait for the groups decision."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Nor should anyone be alone in this evil place.

"Aliron, are you comfortable with being 50 paces ahead of Ankari's watchful eye? The scout takes the greatest risk, but I imagine you would know when to turn back toward the group. I don't know if stealth is necessary at this point, but I assure you that I would not make a proposal that leaves you in a needlessly vulnerable position.

"As for your words on casting, I hope that Rydh's healing magic is the only magic that comes from one of our party. The corruption here is so thick it is visible to my eye. A misfired spell could mean death.

"And you make a good point about our current position. Is there anyone here whose keen eye can determine whether we are being watched? We appear to be alone...?"

I check the area from where I stand...

[COMBAT SENSE]

((if the skill can be used in that way - maybe it's just an anti-back-stabber bonus))

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart senses no watchers from her current vantage point.

Burnbright is rubbing at her own arms and moving her legs up and down in a rhythm. "No one told me adventuring was so cold."

 

[Sparkie]

"That sounds well enough to me," I say to Baldhart. "As long as we stay together somewhat."

It isn't fair to Cadell or Baldhart to play mediator in this. It would have been different if Ankari had even paid just a little heed to my suggestion before directly contradicting it with his actions. Instead, he just ignores it as if the rest of us are nothing but sheep to follow him. Well, if Ankari were a shepherd, I wouldn't trust him with a half-dead nanny-goat. And I'm not here with the rest of our little group simply to follow the orders of some egotistical self-appointed leader. We're here to end whatever curse afflicts the land. If Ankari refuses to see that other people can reason, there's not much use in associating with him.

 

[SeverinR]

"Ankari, please call me Alin(allen) or Aliron, it does not bode well for others to know my darker abilities, bad for business also."
"I am fine within a bow shot, 50 paces would be close to the limit. As long as he can cover my retreat with the bow, I would move silently and hide to keep me safe. But then again Ankari might not see me, not sure at what distance he could see me. I would ask if he doesn't see me, to wait until I am running away to shoot, then he will see me. If fleeing I will probably let out a good scream to alert the others also, strictly for alerting the others, nothing else."
"I do not know the childs camping experience, so alert her not to venture outside of camp alone. Did I ear something about her saying something about an arrow bouncing off her new armor? Maybe someone should point out arrows can penetrate even the best of armor, and ducking is always the first choice."

"Baldhart, in my business, stealth is always the safest bet. Didnt someone say there might be dwarts here? Thats reason enough to keep my presence secret."

"Ankari might check for animal trails, looking for possible meat eaters in the area?"

"If attacked by arrows and injured, I might play dead, so do not let up the attack if I fall."

When everyone is in agreement I will move forward using silent movement and hide to conceal myself.
"I will wait for everyone to agree, I do not want to be in danger while the group is still bickering."
I will ensure my shiny necklace is tucked under my cloak, and will move with sword in hand.
Not sure if each requires a roll first will be silent move:
[1d20+3] = 13+3 = 16
second for concealed movment:
[1d20+3] = 8+3 = 11

While moving I will listen for anything animal or human sounds, watch for traps-trip wires, covered pits,concealed or trap doors in the ground, people in the trees, signs of many people leaving the road in the same spot(ambush). I will be moving slow going out, I love suprising the enemy, I hate being suprised.
[1d20] = 16 listen
My listen skill is my weakest ability.

 

[Ankari]

A summer storm will expel a force capable of uprooting trees. Those foolish enough to deny shelter, to challenge the rage of the black clouds, will find themselves cast against the rocks, broken. A fog of aggravation disorients their decision making, but I let it pass with a shrug.

"Do as you see fit. Th-Alin, lead on."

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=9013]Track: [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20[/URL]

 

[Nihal]

It's cold! I sigh. It would be wonderful if this one was mine, not a stranger's one.

I approach the campfire remains with caution, keeping close to the wall. Even if I see no tracks on the snow I'm well aware that I stick out in the white landscape. You can never be too cautious. I kneel beside the campfire, casting another nervous glance around before moving the scorched remains with my spear's tip. It smells of the cold, not of burning. Must be days old. Travelers?

I raise and look around for more clues. There is also a pile of wood. How convenient. Maybe I should take some for the nig— uh? Something is wrong about the pile.

Frowning, I walk to it and move the logs so I can see what sparkled. Dagger? I pick it up and turn on my hands, inspecting. I'm sure I've seen this kind of design before, however, I still take some time to recognize it from an old book's illustration. I bit my lip to contain an excited chuckle, hardly believing in my eyes. Dwarven! Yes, yes, I'm damn sure! I take a deep breath to keep the joy of the discovery to reasonable levels and slide the dagger to my belt. I must keep the focus and do what I've came to do. Also, I may not be alone. The dagger can wait.

After searching for more clues around the campfire I decide to take a look at the temple's surroundings. I think the dagger's owners left days ago, but I've not looked for tracks on the other side yet. I move on wary feet to an opening on the wall and squint my eyes against the snow-covered landscape.

Dread stirs inside me when I notice dark shapes against the snow. I quickly hide behind the wall, my heart racing. The dwarves?! I carefully risk another peek. Horses, I think. Do dwarves ride horses? They look big!

Unless... Bandits. I'm dead! I recall the villagers words about bandits coming here to scavenge. They also haven't dealt with dwarves for a long time. Those outlaws must be returning, maybe they noticed the dagger was missing.

I look at the temple, unsure. They'll spot me easily if I try to flee on open fields and I don't dare to imagine what they're going to do with me if they manage to get me. They got horses... I've never ridden one, but people say they're fast. I wonder if I have enough time to search for a hiding place inside the temple before they arrive. I look at my feet, knowing I'm going to leave tracks. I decide I'm going to drag my feet in such way I won't leave clear marks of which direction they're facing.

I move to the temple, as close to the wall and the stones as possible, almost crouching. "Please, please, please, don't look over there!" I pray mentally, I'm not sure to whom. I know my cloak or my hair won't help at all, but the fur is of a dirty white color and they're still one, maybe two miles away. I'm in advantage here, high and surrounded by walls. Maybe, just maybe I may be able to avoid them. I marshal my courage and cross over the remaining distance, entering the temple.


((Not by the entrance facing them, by the side or back if possible.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Looks like your plan worked, Baldy.

Did it? There is tension among the men.

You're just nervous because of that weird dream, aren't you?

I must face my fears rather than deny them. But where were you? You should show up in my dreams and help me kill the monsters there. I would love to fight at your side. Maybe in my dream, I can.

We'd be unstoppable!


Oh... Burnbright is shivering, the poor girl. Why did grown men talk her into this?

Why are you asking me? I work for Brynhild, a deity who has nothing to do with men. If I didn't figure out men in life, I certainly won't now. But girls I get.

Then advise me.

Burnbright is cold. Go to her.

I could've figured that ou--

Just move it, you big dope!


"Burnbright," I whisper, "my cloak."

I wrap my bearskin cloak around her. She leans close, pressing herself against my wool dress.

"I hope that dress is as warm on the outside as it is on the inside."

She looks up at me. "It is."

She is uncharacteristically quiet. I didn't think she could say two words not accompanied by ninety-eight more. She is mindful of our need for silence.


Wise beyond her years. Like you, Baldy.

I'm a damn fool, Nissa. Don't pretend to think otherwise.

You're smarter than most fools.

Most fools are smart enough to avoid a place like this.

Most fools know how to accept a compliment, too.

What's your point?

You're not 'most fools,' Baldhart Eisenberg.

Why, thank you, Nissa van Do... wait. Was that a compliment?

 

[Steerpike]

Mauve

The stone walls enclose the courtyard around you, though they are crumbling in places and offer you a view of the surroundings. You keep to the walls, having spotted the small group on the road, and then make your way into the temple itself. Moving into a side door nearest the walls you find yourself in a large, open room - what was once the central worship area of those who observed their faith here. A stone statue of Gefjon rises from the center of the floor, as though carved from the very rock that makes up the floor. Hooks line the walls, probably once bearing tapestries that are now lost to time. At the back of this room, to your right, a cracked mantle is affixed to the wall, bearing only a flagstone carved with the symbol of Gejon. Stone stairs rise at either side of the room, leading to the upper levels of the temple. Set in the side of one set of stairs, also near the back of the room, is a wooden door, splintered and hanging at an angle, the lower hinge having been broken.

Aliron

You move away from the group, using what little cover there is to approach the temple. There is no sign of habitation, human or otherwise. A cold wind sweeps across the open area, and you quickly realize that the shifting snow would obscure any passage, even if only a day old. Snow drifts pile against the stone walls of the temple, giving the impression that the harsh landscape seeks to pull the structure back into the earth, or that it has vomited it to the surface. All is quiet here, except for the wind. You neither see nor hear any signs of animals in this cold place.

The Rest of the Group

You watch as Aliron makes his way toward the temple, keeping to your position on the road, the small rise giving a good view of the land before you. Behind you, the forest spreads out and obscures your view.

Burnbright gratefully accepts Baldhart's and the warmth of her body as she huddles in. "What are we looking for? I don't see anyone." She shivers a bit, then lift her head straight. "I'm OK. Not like I haven't been cold before."

The Taint beyond the temple seems to ebb and flow, much like a liquid sea. The sight is unsettling, for the mists do not move with the rise and fall of the wind.

 

[Nihal]

I stop moving after a few steps. Barely daring to breath, I try to hear anything unusual, my eyes darting from a place to another, scanning the whole room.

[1d20] = 13 #listening and looking around

After a minute or so I take a deep breath and make my way over the back of the room. Nothing speaks of magic here, not of the one I know. I should try my luck only after they're gone. Unless... I shrug my shoulders as I get past the statue and only stop when I reach the flagstone. They only left these things because they can't move them. I cast a glance to the door, deciding to not touch it for now. It would be disastrous if it fell off.

All right, no more than 5min, then I'm going to take one of those stairs and hide. I inspect the flagstone, retracing the foreign symbol with my fingers.



((If I take some time to answer it's because you guys usually get more active at... 4 a.m. =P
I don't know which attribute I should consider when rolling to perceive anything, if it's WIS it's +0.))

 

[Sparkie]

I'm starting to pace. Slowly I walk from one side of the road to another, clenching and unclenching my hands in the cold. I keep shifting my gaze from the ground in front of me to the ruined temple and back again. It isn't until I catch Cadell's stern look that I make a conscious effort to stop figeting.

"When is he coming back?" I ask to no one in particular. "It shouldn't take too long to get an idea of what's up there."