Trial by Fire - IC Thread

[jaydude]

The spirit looks over at Kuaidao and slowly nods. "I have seen more people in these mountains besides the regular bunch of trappers, most of them seem harmless enough. But there are a few that have a certain bit of steel to them, and I could tell that they were not just a handful of treasure hunters or fur traders. The pair I was watching were skilled enough in being able to survive in the wilderness, but it was not enough to save them. They tasted quite good."

Kuaidao tried not to wince when Rhabwar mentioned eating two such interlopers. "Is there anything more you can tell us about these people? Like, is there anything to suggest they were...employed by someone?" he asked, unsure about how informed the spirit was on the Realm.

 

[Sherwood]

Kuaidao tried not to wince when Rhabwar mentioned eating two such interlopers. "Is there anything more you can tell us about these people? Like, is there anything to suggest they were...employed by someone?" he asked, unsure about how informed the spirit was on the Realm.

Rhabwar shrugs. "They were soldiers of someone's army. That much I could tell. I did not pause to ask them questions, since they obviously did not belong here." He rumbles in his throat, then says, "If you speak of a large force coming this way, there are only a few passes that they can safely traverse. It would not be difficult to arrange avalanches to either block them to restrict their access to certain passes, or dump a load of snow and rock on top of their heads to thin their numbers out. I can show you where these passes are."

 

[jaydude]

Rhabwar shrugs. "They were soldiers of someone's army. That much I could tell. I did not pause to ask them questions, since they obviously did not belong here." He rumbles in his throat, then says, "If you speak of a large force coming this way, there are only a few passes that they can safely traverse. It would not be difficult to arrange avalanches to either block them to restrict their access to certain passes, or dump a load of snow and rock on top of their heads to thin their numbers out. I can show you where these passes are."

Kuaidao nodded approvingly at this piece of good news. "If you would show us, I would greatly appreciate it." he said.

 

[Sherwood]

Moving along the day, Bard hung out with the soldiers some. Getting to know them, and telling jokes and joining in on their complaining. Snow sucked. Hiking sucked. My feet hurt. My beard is growing icicles. Perfectly relatable. So many of the elites complained about whiners (ironic), but Bard had been around enough taverns and sailors to know that complaining was a prime way for the blue collar folk to blow off some steam. Great conversations starters and plenty of humorous stories to come from it.

The soldiers have the same general gripes that all soldiers do; too much hiking and work to do. They laugh off the whining as nothing serious, saying that House V'neef in general and Lady Mahina in specific treat them very well, keeping them quite loyal to not only the House but Mahina. As a whole, they all consider themselves to be lucky to be in her service.

"But I've rambled enough about me...." Bard concluded in a laugh, "So tell me of yourselves! Master Milo, Mistress Mahina. What's your stories?"

Mahina listens with interest to Bard's tales, asking questions as you go along. Bard also learns that she has a delightful laugh, one that seems to dance out of her as she smiles. Mahina says, "Oh, my tale is nothing special, not like my younger brother Milo here. He is a lieutenant in our Houses' Legions out on a sort leave to be my brave escort to keep me safe while I travel."

Milo, on the other hand, is less enthusiastic about Bard and Spider than his older sister is. He doesn't talk as much as Mahina, spending more time keeping watch out while his sister chats happily. He also fires off an occasional glower at Bard and Spider, obviously trying to get a read on the two of you, eyeing Spider especially for some reason. Milo is not overtly hostile, but he's got some sort of chip on his shoulder for the two of you.

 

[Sherwood]

Kuaidao nodded approvingly at this piece of good news. "If you would show us, I would greatly appreciate it." he said.

Rhabwar nods. "I will do so. Would you wish to see these passages in person, or do you wish to have their locations marked on a map? I can do either."

 

[D. Rex]

The soldiers have the same general gripes that all soldiers do; too much hiking and work to do. They laugh off the whining as nothing serious, saying that House V'neef in general and Lady Mahina in specific treat them very well, keeping them quite loyal to not only the House but Mahina. As a whole, they all consider themselves to be lucky to be in her service.

Mahina listens with interest to Bard's tales, asking questions as you go along. Bard also learns that she has a delightful laugh, one that seems to dance out of her as she smiles. Mahina says, "Oh, my tale is nothing special, not like my younger brother Milo here. He is a lieutenant in our Houses' Legions out on a sort leave to be my brave escort to keep me safe while I travel."

Milo, on the other hand, is less enthusiastic about Bard and Spider than his older sister is. He doesn't talk as much as Mahina, spending more time keeping watch out while his sister chats happily. He also fires off an occasional glower at Bard and Spider, obviously trying to get a read on the two of you, eyeing Spider especially for some reason. Milo is not overtly hostile, but he's got some sort of chip on his shoulder for the two of you.

"You are a humble soul," Bard complimented her as she spoke a bit about herself, "But your actions speak louder than words. Regardless of how you got here, I think you are quite special indeed. Your soldiers love you, and you bring a peaceful radiance to wherever you go. Trying as hard as you do to help the people. I think that is beyond admirable. I know that I, for one, will sing the tales of a virtuous woman who travels the world to make it a place. I'd sing too of your beauty and the angelic sound of her laugh, but I fear everyone would think I was just exaggerating. " he said to Mahina with a wink.

Bard looked over at Milo and smiled, "A dutiful man. I've heard of many a hero with such a beginning. I bet the legions miss him sorely, but in keeping you safe in your travels, I can't think of more invaluable work to the Realm than that."


Walking over to Milo as he gave Spider his looks, Bard reached down and scooped up a handful of snow, packing it into a Snowball. "Is something the matter, Master Milo?" Bard asked, turning his head to view at Spider as well. "You notice it too, don't you. That there is something different about her. Something you can't quite put your finger on. And you aren't wrong."

Bard winded his armed back, and through a full armed throw of the snowball at Spider ( Psychie ), playfully. Of course, but also to emphasize the point he was about to make. "She comes from a different world, than you or I. And the hardships she has endured has transformed her on a fundamental level. Not just her mind, but her body, soul, and very essence. Normally such trials would have broken a lesser man, but like an acorn that forces its way through the compact earth, she grew. Rather than dying in dry earth, her roots forced its way even deeper to find life giving essence, and anchored her even more strongly. And where everything around her suffered, she found a way to thrive."

Clapping the remaining snow from his hands, he continued,"You have heard the stories before. Of how a mortal surpasses the shackles of their limitations, and ascend to a higher strength of being. Tapping into essence itself, be it by incredible training, force of will, or by the miraculous overcoming of struggles a normal man could not handle. Spider is one such story. And never before have I had the honor of meeting such a loyal compatriot as she. While I may be bombastic and foolish at times, she has stuck with me through thick and thin. And goodness knows that sometimes I feel it is more than I deserve."


(I would like to do 2 things here.

1. Primarily, Instill a positive tie of respect towards Spider in Milo, to ease suspicions. Of which I will use the story as a stunt.

2. Read Intentions on Milo: How does he feel about Spider and Bard?


Instill:
Cha/Man+Socialize: 10
Excellency: 3
Stunt: 2
Sux: a pitiful 4

Ready Intentions:
Per+soc: 7
Sux: 4

)

 

[jaydude]

Rhabwar nods. "I will do so. Would you wish to see these passages in person, or do you wish to have their locations marked on a map? I can do either."

"If you could mark where they are on a map, we can visit them in our own time." Kuaidao answered, thinking that either Spider or Melinda could ferry him around quicker than if he walked. "Problem is, I don't exactly have a copy of a map with me."

 

[Random Word]

Maja's eyes light up with excitement, "I've never started an avalanche on purpose before. If you give me directions to the passes, or draw a simple map in the dirt, I'll be able to find them." She looks at Kuaidao, "If you tell me which passes you want blocked, I can fly there and do it now before they can march through."

 

[Sherwood]

1. Primarily, Instill a positive tie of respect towards Spider in Milo, to ease suspicions. Of which I will use the story as a stunt.

2. Read Intentions on Milo: How does he feel about Spider and Bard?

As far as the first, you are not sure how that came out, but at the very least you did not make things worse.

For the second, there is a bit of wary concern regarding Spider. Milo can tell that she is more than a mere amateur when it comes to using a blade by the way she walks and carries herself, keeping watch on the surroundings with a keen eye. You believe that he suspects that she has an awakened Essence of some kind, either as a god blooded or a Outcaste Dragon Blood that is keeping a low profile. It does not appear that the possibility that she is a Lunar has crossed his mind.

Regarding Bard, he is not too keen on how familiar you are with his sister, but he does not have any major gripe against you other than that. He probably thinks you are a rich noble, having hired Spider to be your bodyguard.

 

[jaydude]

Maja's eyes light up with excitement, "I've never started an avalanche on purpose before. If you give me directions to the passes, or draw a simple map in the dirt, I'll be able to find them." She looks at Kuaidao, "If you tell me which passes you want blocked, I can fly there and do it now before they can march through."

Kuaidao couldn't help but look mildly disturbed at Maja's eagerness to cause avalanches. He soon hid that feeling behind a smile though; there was something in the Lunar's attitude that the Dawn found endearing.

"I still don't know if I want to use the passes to just delay Lahor and his men, or thin out their numbers before they get to the fortress." he said. "You can go and have a look at them yourself if you want, though. And if you think you have an opportunity to bury Lahor, go ahead and try."

 

[Random Word]

Maja's eyes go wide, then she stares nervously at her feet. "Oh! Oh. On them. Right. Only I was kind of hoping you wanted... but no, that - that makes sense. It's just - well - I've never - I mean I have, once but..." she swallows hard, expression pained, "It wasn't... good?"

With a force of will she pulls her eyes up to meet Kuaidao's, overcoming her fear of what she'll find. "I'm not weak!" she declares with a ferocity borne of swelling panic at what he must think of her. "I could do it if I had to." She deflates visibly, "I think." She continues in a voice barely above a whisper, "I just didn't expect it to be... so soon," she finishes lamely. She blushes and looks on the verge of tears, painfully aware of what a foolish - childish adds a voice in the back of her mind - delusion she had been using to avoid confronting reality.

 

[jaydude]

"Hey, no, calm down." Kuaidao assured her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed that you'd be okay with killing. And no, I don't think any less of you for having reservations about it. Trust me, I know that the act of taking a life is not always an easy one."

He gently took hold of her hand. Were she to look at him, she'd see a warm smile assuring her that everything was ok.

 

[Random Word]

Maja looks relieved and squeezes his hand in return. "I'm sorry," she says with a sniffle, "If I were more like Spider you wouldn't have this problem. I know they would kill us if they could - only, well," A sudden fear grips her heart as images flash unbidden through her mind - a lifeless body on an opulent bed, her hands around its throat, its eyes staring, unblinking, frozen in wide-eyed terror; The overwhelming stench of blood and viscera as her claws rend a body limb from limb, the taste of human flesh as her fangs tear into it; an effigy of frozen corpses in an outlying village hit by Icewalkers; visions of what might happen to Kuaidao - and all of them - if she's too much of a coward when the time comes. They would imprison him forever in some dark hole - never - or kill him.

Fury at anyone who would even attempt such a thing wars valiantly with fear of killing and fear of being unable to kill, the battle playing out in her face, but ultimately fear wins out. She grips Kuaidao's hand uncomfortably tightly, heart racing, eyes pleading, and voice laden with desperation, "Why can't we just run?" The words just come tumbling out after that, "I know I said I was tired of running but I take it back. I'm scared I'm going to say I can do this and you're going to trust me and I'm going to fail and -" she takes a ragged breath shakes her head, unable to continue. "At least I know how to run, and maybe we can find somewhere they can't follow us."

 

[Sherwood]

Rhabwar looks over at Maja and says, "Unless you seek to run deep into the Wyld, there is nowhere in Creation that you can escape from the hunters that would have you killed for being what you are. Besides, you were chosen by Luna herself, were you not? Why would Luna pick you, if not for you to do something amazing in her name?" He shakes his head. "Your place is on the front lines of this war, not to run from it. But yes, you should choose your battles wisely, you and your Circle. But this is a fight you can win, and with every challenge, you learn and become stronger. Keep your faith, Moon Child, and look to Luna for guidance."

At this point, he reaches down and begins to draw lines in the snow with a claw. "These are the passes through the mountains, as best as I can draw them. This is the mountain right there, and this is a rocky outcrop that looks like a horse's head. Here is the first pass, the second one and the third." From his sketch in the snow, it should be possible for you to find the safe paths through the high mountains and either block them ahead of time or drop a ton of snow and rock on the heads of the men as they approach the fortress.

 

[jaydude]

Kuaidao gave an apologetic shrug. "He's right." he said to Maja. "The gifts we received from the Incarnae are not entirely unconditional. We have an important role in what is to come, me, you, Bard and Spider. But it's as Rhabwar says, this is a fight we can win. And I most certainly intend to win it, if it means keeping you safe."

After thanking Rhabwar for pointing out the locations of the passes, the Dawn turned back to Maja. "Do you want to check out the passes? Or perhaps we could return to the fortress and...have a bit of a rest?" he asked her, wanting to see if he could find a way of cheering her up and bolstering her confidence there. After all, it wasn't like she had no reason to be confident, in his eyes at least.

 

[Random Word]

Maja looks crestfallen, feeling the cold seep into her for the first time today, but still manages to flash Kuaidao a small but grateful smile when he says he intends to keep her safe.

So this is what the Great Spirit of the Moon saved me for? Burying Northern sellswords under a mountain of snow to suffocate in the dark and the cold in their name? It doesn't feel amazing. She grimaces, the dead don't get to be picky. Kuaidao and this spirit both agree the Moon put you here to fight a war against these foreign southlanders, and you don't disagree with a Great Spirit. Especially not one you owe your life. The Moon isn't here to ask, and until they are you're just going to have to trust that they're right.

"All I wanted to do was explore Creation," she whispers bitterly to herself. She walks in loose circles, shaking her hands and wrists as if to loosen them, taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly between pursed lips, breath misting in the cold air. She struggles to stay calm. All the frustration, fear, and feelings of helplessness threaten to awaken that thing inside her she's been so carefully ignoring and sublimate into rage at the slightest provocation - and in that moment the sickening realization dawns on her that the Moon doesn't need her. Kuaidao doesn't need her. They need this thing in her soul. It won't hesitate to kill - in fact, as she reaches out for it she's shocked to find it seething with murderous rage. It wants to hunt these southern foreigners with an intensity that frightens and nearly overwhelms her. It howls for revenge and bays for blood.

"...not entirely unconditional," she whispers, a pair of tears running down her cheeks before she can wipe them aside. She's alarmed at just how relaxing it is to let go, like she's been holding back the sea with protesting muscles for an eternity without ever noticing, and now she can finally rest. The rage and the euphoria sweep those thoughts aside in an instant and replace them with the almost overwhelming urge to destroy something. She throws her bodyweight behind her clawed fist, punching clean through a nearby tree with a thunderous crack, batting aside the falling trunk to crash into the snow beside her.

She turns and steps up to Kuaidao with a predatory grin full of entirely too many fangs, her eyes flashing with dangerously manic intensity, and caresses his cheek with her hand, "No, <Maja says a word she doesn't understand, but is clearly an affectionate name. It's an Old Realm word meaning Sun-of-my-Sky>, for you I will kill them all. I know you could do this alone, but I failed you once and you will never face them alone again." It was so strange to speak something with absolute certainty she hadn't known until the words passed her lips.

"Thank you for your aid, Spirit," she says with a small bow before turning back to Kuaidao with a bittersweet smile, "Race you." With a quicksilver flash she transforms into a snowy owl and sets out for the first pass.

 

[Psychie]

During their hike back towards the fortress, Spider keeps a watchful eye on Milo and Bard as he tries to schmooze the Dynasts, spending more of her time with the other 'grunts' of the party.

 

[jaydude]

Kuaidao gave another apologetic shrug, this time directed at Rhabwar, as if to convey the message that Maja was just a little eccentric. Then after giving the spirit a parting bow, he took off running after her.

As he followed the Lunar, he tried to think of the best way to help ease her troubled mind. But he knew that he was hardly an expert in such matters.

 

[D. Rex]

As far as the first, you are not sure how that came out, but at the very least you did not make things worse.

For the second, there is a bit of wary concern regarding Spider. Milo can tell that she is more than a mere amateur when it comes to using a blade by the way she walks and carries herself, keeping watch on the surroundings with a keen eye. You believe that he suspects that she has an awakened Essence of some kind, either as a god blooded or a Outcaste Dragon Blood that is keeping a low profile. It does not appear that the possibility that she is a Lunar has crossed his mind.

Regarding Bard, he is not too keen on how familiar you are with his sister, but he does not have any major gripe against you other than that. He probably thinks you are a rich noble, having hired Spider to be your bodyguard.

Sometimes people could not be swayed so easily, but at least Bard was confident that there wasn't really much animosity in the man. It was okay, Bard was sure he could win the man over eventually.

For the most part, Bard returned to Mahina's side. Buying himself on getting to know her better and amusing her with stories and a bit of song. And of course, laying down subtle flirting, being a bit more open with it the more receptive she seemed, as if gently encouraging her with it.

He would ask her about her childhood and her adventures, inquire about any silly stories she might have as he shared some of his own. He would ask her about her hopes and dreams, and the goals she wished to bring about, as well if she ever one day planned to find a man to spend her days with.

But just as he asked, he was quite open himself. Freely answering questions she might have (though of course avoiding any incrementing answers.) He was quite enjoying his time with Mahina, even as far as liking her, in that he really hoped he could solve this peacefully, as he might actually shed tears if the worst were to happen. Mahina, though misguided, did seem to be a good woman with good intentions. And it would be a shame if the world lost people like her. But his plan was building, and when the sun would set, and they would put up camp, would be the chance for Bard to make his move.

 

[Sherwood]

Bard and Spider

As everyone walks along, Bard continues to schmooze Mahina and Spider makes nice with the guards. The snow levels on the ground are easing up thanks to the thick canopy of trees above you, making the walk a bit easier on all of you. The time passes along quickly, and soon enough, it is getting dark once more and it is time to stop for the night or you risk injury trying to proceed in the night. The guards quickly begin to set up a trio of tents and set a fire blazing in the middle of the camp, providing everyone a bit of much needed warmth and some hot food.

D. Rex and Psychie Please make a Perception + Awareness roll for me.

 

[D. Rex]

Perception + Awareness: 6

 

[Sherwood]

"Thank you for your aid, Spirit," she says with a small bow before turning back to Kuaidao with a bittersweet smile, "Race you." With a quicksilver flash she transforms into a snowy owl and sets out for the first pass.

Kuaidao gave another apologetic shrug, this time directed at Rhabwar, as if to convey the message that Maja was just a little eccentric. Then after giving the spirit a parting bow, he took off running after her.

As he followed the Lunar, he tried to think of the best way to help ease her troubled mind. But he knew that he was hardly an expert in such matters.

Kuaidao can hear the sounds of Rhabwar laugh at the antics of the enthusiastic Lunar at your side, and he calls out, "I will make myself easy for you to find, and will do what I can to aid your cause. 'Till we meet again, Noble Exalt."

Racing through the snow and trees along the mountain ridge, it does not take the two of you long to find the first pass. Looking around, you can see that this is a definite choke point that can be capitalized upon, and with a little bit of work, the pass can either be simply blocked or turned into a cold tomb for many soldiers that have the misfortune to be caught in here when the place comes crashing down around their ears.

What do you do? Are you going to block the pass now or wait?

 

[Psychie]

Not knowing their routine, it is a little hard for Spider to be able to step in and help set up the tents, but she does her best to be useful. Once the tents are up and the fire is going, she roots around in her pack for some of her own supplies and offers them up to the party to make sure that everyone knows that she is pulling her own weight and not just being useless.

2 successes

 

[jaydude]

Racing through the snow and trees along the mountain ridge, it does not take the two of you long to find the first pass. Looking around, you can see that this is a definite choke point that can be capitalized upon, and with a little bit of work, the pass can either be simply blocked or turned into a cold tomb for many soldiers that have the misfortune to be caught in here when the place comes crashing down around their ears.

What do you do? Are you going to block the pass now or wait?

Kuaidao nodded at Maja. "Okay. We've found the first one, and we should be able to find it again later on." he said. "Let's head to the next one, shall we?"

 

[Sherwood]

D. Rex

It is now fully dark, and the soldiers are talking amongst themselves about setting up a series of overnight watches, setting up a schedule of who's going to be up at what time. Bard is making strides in getting close to Mahina, making her laugh at your stories, when you suddenly notice a flicker of movement in the shadows made by the large fire in the middle of the camp. Something is out there, and it is not alone, and it seems that only you have noticed it.