Ireth
Mythic Scribe
((Works for me. ^^))
-
Welcome to the Fantasy Writing Forums. Register Now to join us!
Dragon's Egg - Act II
- Thread starter Steerpike
- Start date
As we head down to meet the others, I answer Burnbright,
"I will tell you more about following the path of Brynhild. There are certain rules about bows and other things, but at the age of twelve, such things are not to be demanded from you."
Are they?
Don't worry about it.
"I can teach you what I know about the sword, and about survival. But Brynhild is a Goddess of Good and Good is not always aligned with man-made Law. The most important part of following Brynhild is not fighting a battle, but why you fight. If I didn't have a battle to fight now, I would have you pick up a sword this very moment.
"As for the voices, you are right to say it is not normal. But there is nothing wrong with you. If the feeling you have when you hear the voices is strange and scary, there may be something wrong with the one that speaks to you. I cannot claim to be certain of that. What I know is that there is nothing wrong with you. Never doubt that."
Downstairs
I move to the front of the line and do what I must.
"Rydh, next time you speak up to Ankari, I will either silence myself or take your side. You have my word and my apology."
I explain nothing. I failed at playing the role of peace-maker, and look what happened. Rydh led the group here and the bickering is at an end despite my failure. I was no different from Ankari, acting like my judgment was somehow superior because I try to play nice with everyone. In the end, everyone took a stand except for me.
There are different kinds of battles, Baldy. My boss expects you to take the side of justice in all of them.
I know... but only the battles that require a sword make sense!
Then take my advice. When you carry a sword, you lead the charge. In a battle of words, you back up the ones on your side.
Ankari is on our side, too! We are all on ONE side!
If there's a battle, there is always more than one side. That Ankari found himself alone on one is his problem.
Sparkie
Dark Lord
I want to say something to Baldhart, but what can I say? I have a feeling anything I'd say, well-intentioned as it would be, would come across as self-righteous. After the "discussion" in the cellar, I'd like to avoid that. So I just nod while avoiding her gaze.
Looking at the refuse pit, I'm reluctant to search it. Still, if I were to try hiding something down here, that would be as good a place as any. The smell of rot makes me suspicious, as if... No, I doubt such abominations would manifest here. Still, it wouldn't hurt to check.
I turn to the group and address them quietly.
"I know a spell that may reveal a certian type of unholy enemy. If it's alright with everyone, I'll cast it. But all of you will need to step back if the spell goes awry."
((The following assumes that the others agree and step back from Rydh as he stands in front of the refuse pit.))
I concentrate and cast a spell that I learned in the book that Captain Bior gave me.
((Rydh casts Detect Undead. Sorry, Steepike, for using Rolz. For some reason the Unseen Servant wasn't loading up the dice roller. I'm about to go to work, so I don't have much time. I'm guessing the results of the spell arrive via PM.
Also, I'm guessing Rydh has 3 Mana left. He should have woke up with 8 Mana, but since then he's cast lvl 1 spells three times. the extra 1 Mana assumes that the events of the morning have taken at least one hour.))
Looking at the refuse pit, I'm reluctant to search it. Still, if I were to try hiding something down here, that would be as good a place as any. The smell of rot makes me suspicious, as if... No, I doubt such abominations would manifest here. Still, it wouldn't hurt to check.
I turn to the group and address them quietly.
"I know a spell that may reveal a certian type of unholy enemy. If it's alright with everyone, I'll cast it. But all of you will need to step back if the spell goes awry."
((The following assumes that the others agree and step back from Rydh as he stands in front of the refuse pit.))
I concentrate and cast a spell that I learned in the book that Captain Bior gave me.
((Rydh casts Detect Undead. Sorry, Steepike, for using Rolz. For some reason the Unseen Servant wasn't loading up the dice roller. I'm about to go to work, so I don't have much time. I'm guessing the results of the spell arrive via PM.
Also, I'm guessing Rydh has 3 Mana left. He should have woke up with 8 Mana, but since then he's cast lvl 1 spells three times. the extra 1 Mana assumes that the events of the morning have taken at least one hour.))
Last edited:
SeverinR
Valar Lord
should I remind them of traps and pitfalls, or just wait and let them figure it out on their own?
I walk quietly behind, watching for secret/concealed doors, and checking for anyone sneaking up on us from behind. I have sword in hand, the corridor sounds alittle small to be using a long bow, and shooting past so many people would be dangerous.
The passage widens? Does it continue or end there? and does it stay wider? I might switch to bow if we have a 10x10 hallway.
"Maybe we should check for a trap before we get to the crapper of the current residents? Maybe they have a trap to defend this section of tunnel? Maybe have a listen for occupants? While I check for traps, Ankari could listen, see if he hears anything."
I suggest trying to only speak loud enough to be heard but not enough to alert someone down the halls.
If they agree: If not ignore
[Home computer in, should be able to check more often, instead of only checking at work.]
I walk quietly behind, watching for secret/concealed doors, and checking for anyone sneaking up on us from behind. I have sword in hand, the corridor sounds alittle small to be using a long bow, and shooting past so many people would be dangerous.
The passage widens? Does it continue or end there? and does it stay wider? I might switch to bow if we have a 10x10 hallway.
"Maybe we should check for a trap before we get to the crapper of the current residents? Maybe they have a trap to defend this section of tunnel? Maybe have a listen for occupants? While I check for traps, Ankari could listen, see if he hears anything."
I suggest trying to only speak loud enough to be heard but not enough to alert someone down the halls.
If they agree: If not ignore
[Home computer in, should be able to check more often, instead of only checking at work.]
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #665
((You guys can use Rolz or Unseen Servant, either one)).
Rydh closes his eyes to concentrate on his spell as the rest of the party quietens. Darin is staring at the refuse pile, and the broken bits of dwarven architecture, with undisguised disgust. After a moment, Rydh opens his eyes again.
While Rydh is casting, Aliron moves forward to the edge of the narrow tunnel, just to where it opens into the larger space. He diligently checks the walls and floor for traps, but finds none.
Burnbright says "This place is nasty."
Rydh closes his eyes to concentrate on his spell as the rest of the party quietens. Darin is staring at the refuse pile, and the broken bits of dwarven architecture, with undisguised disgust. After a moment, Rydh opens his eyes again.
While Rydh is casting, Aliron moves forward to the edge of the narrow tunnel, just to where it opens into the larger space. He diligently checks the walls and floor for traps, but finds none.
Burnbright says "This place is nasty."
(("This is my brother Cadell, and this is my other brother Cadell." —Sorry: couldn't resist.
))•
((Ignoring, for the moment, that no one has bothered telling Baldhart that the rest of the party just went dumpster-diving. Which is part of why Hiljikki's so seriously unimpressed with this "party."))
•••
► Hiljikki's actual activity, as opposed to Ravana's commentary:
Hiljikki doesn't even respond. Täplä, whose head is sticking out of the ball Hiljikki has curled into, looks up at Mauve, blinks, and rests his head once more on Hiljikki's body. Which you take to mean she's not going anywhere at the moment, or at least that you haven't conveyed sufficient urgency to persuade her otherwise.
•••
((Burnbright 1, Corruptive Powers of Greater Evil 0.
))
Without a second word, the entire group disappeared into the tunnel with the foresight of children. In less than one day, they've considered themselves sages capable of divining the best fate for Burnbright, even though they know little of the powers they wield. And in their delusional attempt to justify their choices in life, they defend an argument that was not made. Even the druid.
There is nothing to be done. Even words of honey failed to draw them onto the side of reason. Sometimes it's better to let the storm pass than to run headlong into the swirling winds.
"Druid, of all the people that voiced disagreement, I thought you wouldn't be among them. What compelled you? Why would you want to force upon her a choice that she can only make? All I wanted was to give her general training and allow her to choose what is best. Even magic. Her past will come to claim her, and we must be there as her strongest allies. We must give her everything in our power to overcome the realities of her blood."
I frown down at the tunnel. "Do you think we should join them?"
There is nothing to be done. Even words of honey failed to draw them onto the side of reason. Sometimes it's better to let the storm pass than to run headlong into the swirling winds.
"Druid, of all the people that voiced disagreement, I thought you wouldn't be among them. What compelled you? Why would you want to force upon her a choice that she can only make? All I wanted was to give her general training and allow her to choose what is best. Even magic. Her past will come to claim her, and we must be there as her strongest allies. We must give her everything in our power to overcome the realities of her blood."
I frown down at the tunnel. "Do you think we should join them?"
((Presumably, this happened before Hiljikki sacked out.))
"If such was your intent, then I apologize for misinterpreting your words. And yet you persist in saying that I would 'force' upon her a choice to use magic. I repeat: I would do nothing of the sort. I would arm her, as best I am able, to deal with the magic that, it appears, will find her whether or not she, or we, would have it so… has found her already. Just as you would arm her with a bow, or Baldhart with a sword. Both will help her against mundane opponents, which she will no doubt face more of during her lifetime: I carry bow and spear for the same reason.
"Neither will help her against the forces that seem to pursue her.
"If Burnbright chooses to learn how to wield magic, so be it. If she does not, perhaps all the better: but if she is not shown how to deal with those forces—even in choosing to reject them—then she will not have a choice: they will choose her."
Hiljikki pauses.
"You might wish to retrieve the amulet from her, at least until it can be investigated. If her mother was priestess here, the amulet probably belonged to her.
"You did find it along with her journal, after all."
She lets that sink in for a moment, watches the realization of what may have been unleashed on the girl appear on his face.
"Yes. That, too, has come from your reluctance to share information with those who might appreciate its full import. I do not blame you for your loyalty. I only point out what it may have cost. I do not blame you for giving the girl the amulet, for you didn't. What you did not do, so far as I am aware, was tell anyone—not even Rhyd, who at least you did already know—the connection with Burnbright's mother.
"Knowing now about Aslaug's intent, I can also hazard a guess as to the purpose of the lichen we found as well. It can be used to create healing elixirs; it is possible it was intended as part of whatever ritual Aslaug meant to use to restore her mother. If so, we have deprived her of a valuable resource. And if so, you may be certain she will attempt to recover it. A guess that must remain, until I can learn more, and it may well prove wrong… but it would explain the presence of the lichen alongside two other items connected with Aslaug, and which she likely valued, to hide them as she did.
"Next time, tell someone who has greater experience in such matters than you do. Or else your fear of what you do not understand may spread doom far beyond the narrow focus of who or what you believe you are protecting at that moment.
"I will leave it to your judgment whether or not I should be shown the full contents of the journal… after I have rested and cast the messenger spell for Darin. That should give you sufficient time to think it over, and consider whether or not I might notice anything else that escaped you."
((And now she sacks out.))
((Nope. She went upstairs as soon as Rhyd dove down the hole and took his light with him. She still has an obligation to fulfill, and exploring the tunnel has nothing to do with it.))
"If such was your intent, then I apologize for misinterpreting your words. And yet you persist in saying that I would 'force' upon her a choice to use magic. I repeat: I would do nothing of the sort. I would arm her, as best I am able, to deal with the magic that, it appears, will find her whether or not she, or we, would have it so… has found her already. Just as you would arm her with a bow, or Baldhart with a sword. Both will help her against mundane opponents, which she will no doubt face more of during her lifetime: I carry bow and spear for the same reason.
"Neither will help her against the forces that seem to pursue her.
"If Burnbright chooses to learn how to wield magic, so be it. If she does not, perhaps all the better: but if she is not shown how to deal with those forces—even in choosing to reject them—then she will not have a choice: they will choose her."
Hiljikki pauses.
"You might wish to retrieve the amulet from her, at least until it can be investigated. If her mother was priestess here, the amulet probably belonged to her.
"You did find it along with her journal, after all."
She lets that sink in for a moment, watches the realization of what may have been unleashed on the girl appear on his face.
"Yes. That, too, has come from your reluctance to share information with those who might appreciate its full import. I do not blame you for your loyalty. I only point out what it may have cost. I do not blame you for giving the girl the amulet, for you didn't. What you did not do, so far as I am aware, was tell anyone—not even Rhyd, who at least you did already know—the connection with Burnbright's mother.
"Knowing now about Aslaug's intent, I can also hazard a guess as to the purpose of the lichen we found as well. It can be used to create healing elixirs; it is possible it was intended as part of whatever ritual Aslaug meant to use to restore her mother. If so, we have deprived her of a valuable resource. And if so, you may be certain she will attempt to recover it. A guess that must remain, until I can learn more, and it may well prove wrong… but it would explain the presence of the lichen alongside two other items connected with Aslaug, and which she likely valued, to hide them as she did.
"Next time, tell someone who has greater experience in such matters than you do. Or else your fear of what you do not understand may spread doom far beyond the narrow focus of who or what you believe you are protecting at that moment.
"I will leave it to your judgment whether or not I should be shown the full contents of the journal… after I have rested and cast the messenger spell for Darin. That should give you sufficient time to think it over, and consider whether or not I might notice anything else that escaped you."
((And now she sacks out.))
((Nope. She went upstairs as soon as Rhyd dove down the hole and took his light with him. She still has an obligation to fulfill, and exploring the tunnel has nothing to do with it.))
Last edited:
As we make room for Rydh and Aliron to do their tricks I find myself close to the back of the line.
I look up at the entrance.
What?
Everyone's against him.
No. He went against everyone.
Almost everyone…
"Excuse me, Mauve. I just need to squeeze by a bit."
I whisper to Burnbright, "Do you think Ankari's still up there? Why not give him a yell and see if he's coming?"
Once again, I squeeze by Mauve, who easily heard my whisper I'm sure. I probably don't need to explain why I want Burnbright to call Ankari down, but I tell her anyway, "His lectures, we can live without. But I don't want to gamble we'll live without his arrows."
I look up at the entrance.
What?
Everyone's against him.
No. He went against everyone.
Almost everyone…
"Excuse me, Mauve. I just need to squeeze by a bit."
I whisper to Burnbright, "Do you think Ankari's still up there? Why not give him a yell and see if he's coming?"
Once again, I squeeze by Mauve, who easily heard my whisper I'm sure. I probably don't need to explain why I want Burnbright to call Ankari down, but I tell her anyway, "His lectures, we can live without. But I don't want to gamble we'll live without his arrows."
Nihal
Valar Lord
I let my backpack hang from one shoulder and press myself against the wall, so Baldhart has an easier access to the girl. Sometimes it can be troublesome, but right now I'm glad I am small, most of them don't have the same mobility I have in this narrow place.
"Yeah, yeah, I understand, but I don't think it's a good idea to yell, really. We're too far now, he can't hear us anymore, but whatever dwells down here surely can."
"Yeah, yeah, I understand, but I don't think it's a good idea to yell, really. We're too far now, he can't hear us anymore, but whatever dwells down here surely can."
((Oh… ten minutes of walking. I gotta pay more attention to detail!))
"Good point," I say to Mauve. To Burnbright I say, "Well… I'm sure Ankari is running to us, as he must know you're down here."
Eh… so what if he stays behind?
His arrows! That's what!
Do you want to be an old lady valkyrie?
"Good point," I say to Mauve. To Burnbright I say, "Well… I'm sure Ankari is running to us, as he must know you're down here."
Eh… so what if he stays behind?
His arrows! That's what!
Do you want to be an old lady valkyrie?
Nihal
Valar Lord
((Hehe. He's an elf and have good ears, he may be able to hear echos, if he's following us he may be able to make out the words, etc... But I don't want Mauve to become a monster's snack so soon.))
She's feeling guilty?
"Rest assured, he's coming to us. Sooner or later he'll show up, he wouldn't miss this and he's not going to let the girl go away so easily."
I cover my nose with my sleeve. This stink is awful. I remember something. "Oh, I still need to warn you about the knife. But, again, I don't think it's a good time."
She's feeling guilty?
"Rest assured, he's coming to us. Sooner or later he'll show up, he wouldn't miss this and he's not going to let the girl go away so easily."
I cover my nose with my sleeve. This stink is awful. I remember something. "Oh, I still need to warn you about the knife. But, again, I don't think it's a good time."
- Thread starter
- #673
((I'll be back to post in just a bit. Wanted to give you guys this map to look at showing where you are (or at least as much of it as you can see by current torchlight). Baldhart went near the back to see about Ankari. Burnbright is between her and Mauve. Darin moved into the corridor after Aliron checked for traps, to make room for people. Rydh is near the refuse pit that he was checking. Matthew is in the narrow corridor with Nodrick just behind him. Don't worry if this isn't exactly where you wanted to be, since there no attack or anything right now. Just use this to give you a general idea and you can base your actions on what you see here. Hiljikki and Ankari at at the temple, which is down past where Baldhart appears on the map - about a 10 minute walk away)).
I nod at the druid as she climbs the steps. These companions who would accuse me of splitting the group, mostly them against me, have rushed off uncaring of the people they leave behind. Their version of wisdom is peculiar.
"And I'm the fool."
I unsheath my hand axes and drop down. The druid has proven to be capable. If any trouble arrives, she'll know what to do.
I rush off to find the others. They couldn't have ventured too far.
"And I'm the fool."
I unsheath my hand axes and drop down. The druid has proven to be capable. If any trouble arrives, she'll know what to do.
I rush off to find the others. They couldn't have ventured too far.
((Dual wielding?))
Taevataat: perched outside the temple, doing a credible imitation of a drowsing raven.
Täplä: resting within the warm ball of a curled-up druid, doing a credible imitation of an alert vihmakissa… whatever that is.
Hirvi: out back with the horses, doing a credible imitation of a snoring reindeer.
Hiljikki: does not snore. Though she has no objection to others doing so, as it makes them easier to keep track of in the dark.
Blue.…
•
burning fields burning harvest burning forest burning
fields stubble harvest blood snow bright
storm harvest wind seed blood
harvest wind burning
blue burning
blue
•
Hiljikki also doesn't talk in her sleep. Which may be a mercy, all things considered.
Täplä does not, at present, look like a happy vihmakissa (whatever that looks like). But no one is there to notice. Besides, he's seen worse. He lets her sleep.
Täplä: resting within the warm ball of a curled-up druid, doing a credible imitation of an alert vihmakissa… whatever that is.
Hirvi: out back with the horses, doing a credible imitation of a snoring reindeer.
Hiljikki: does not snore. Though she has no objection to others doing so, as it makes them easier to keep track of in the dark.
Blue.…
•
burning fields burning harvest burning forest burning
fields stubble harvest blood snow bright
storm harvest wind seed blood
harvest wind burning
blue burning
blue
•
Hiljikki also doesn't talk in her sleep. Which may be a mercy, all things considered.
Täplä does not, at present, look like a happy vihmakissa (whatever that looks like). But no one is there to notice. Besides, he's seen worse. He lets her sleep.
Sparkie
Dark Lord
But when the dead rise
You are sworn to defy them
Invoke my name and see them destroyed.
Psalms of War - Codex 7:879 (The final verse of what is known to adherents of Betula as "The Dirge of the Dead." This particular stanza is often omitted at funeral rites.)
No abberations of life seem to be present. Good. Better safe than sorry.
"We're safe from the worst kind of evil. There still may be carrion eaters around, however."
I look to my right. Everyone but Ankari and Hiljikki are present, and at least some of them are looking to me. Alright then.
I turn to my left, to Darin. "We should push on, no?"
Without waiting for an answer, I turn back to the others and call softly to Baldhart. "Eisenberg? You like to be first into action. Would you take point, if you please?"
I then look to Mauve. "Mage, look after Burnbright, will you? Keep her to the back."
((Assuming the above dialogue doesn't rankle anyone, Rydh waits for everone to get into a loose marching order, turns back to Darin and says "Let's go."))
You are sworn to defy them
Invoke my name and see them destroyed.
Psalms of War - Codex 7:879 (The final verse of what is known to adherents of Betula as "The Dirge of the Dead." This particular stanza is often omitted at funeral rites.)
*****
No abberations of life seem to be present. Good. Better safe than sorry.
"We're safe from the worst kind of evil. There still may be carrion eaters around, however."
I look to my right. Everyone but Ankari and Hiljikki are present, and at least some of them are looking to me. Alright then.
I turn to my left, to Darin. "We should push on, no?"
Without waiting for an answer, I turn back to the others and call softly to Baldhart. "Eisenberg? You like to be first into action. Would you take point, if you please?"
I then look to Mauve. "Mage, look after Burnbright, will you? Keep her to the back."
((Assuming the above dialogue doesn't rankle anyone, Rydh waits for everone to get into a loose marching order, turns back to Darin and says "Let's go."))
"Yeah, Rydh! That sounds great!" I say, holding a dagger in my hands. Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I'm holding it, on the ready in case any danger springs up. "Oh, the songs I'll be able to sing after we're done here!"
Sparkie
Dark Lord
"Songs, Nod? That would be nice, but lets get this done first. After all, we want a good ending for the songs, right?"
I move to the front of the line, but first I give Burnbright my torch.
"There's plenty of light up front," I tell her, "and I want both hands on my sword while I lead the parade."
When I get to the wider section of the corridor, I draw my sword. Then to Darin and Rydh I say, "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I look back at Aliron and say, "Now that we have a bit more room here, you may get a chance to fire your new bow."
"There's plenty of light up front," I tell her, "and I want both hands on my sword while I lead the parade."
When I get to the wider section of the corridor, I draw my sword. Then to Darin and Rydh I say, "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." I look back at Aliron and say, "Now that we have a bit more room here, you may get a chance to fire your new bow."