Chapter Eleven: The Troubled Temple of Tapio - Preparation

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 104+1d10
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spell: none memorized
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren couldn't help grinning for pure joy when Mielikki's laughter rang through the clearing. It was such a cheerful sound, after such an emotional discussion before, that he chuckled a little himself.

He looked up when Glider stood, and listened to the older monk explain his plans. Nodding, he replied, "If you see my sister, in the city or the mountain, please pass on my love to her. And, if you're passing Summerset, either going or coming, I'm sure my father would enjoy a visit." He smiled and rose, following Luna to make his farewells. He wasn't sure whether to also hug (it seemed a little awkward with Glider, somehow) but he was open to it if that's what Glider wanted.

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

Nivirea didn't seem to mind learning of Glider's departure. She brushed her already-brushed-to-perfection hair with her fingers, reclining comfortably in her seat, and kept quiet. Only the quick movements of her eyes betrayed that she was still paying attention.

 

[Purr]

She gives the older man a tight squeeze before releasing him. "Just remember you are a good man, no matter what was forced upon you in the past, and I think that I speak for all of us when I say you will always find a welcome home with the Wayward Wanderers. Be safe, my friend."

He wasn't sure whether to also hug (it seemed a little awkward with Glider, somehow) but he was open to it if that's what Glider wanted.

Glider, completely comfortable in his own skin despite his spiritual troubles, hugged anyone who wanted a hug. This was just the way the Ko were. Anyone hugging Glider also might have felt as if they were hugging a living, breathing, statue of pure muscle and manliness such was Glider's hard-earned constitution. This, too, seemed to be just the way the Ko were.

"If you see my sister, in the city or the mountain, please pass on my love to her. And, if you're passing Summerset, either going or coming, I'm sure my father would enjoy a visit."

Glider stretched his arms and nodded. "You can count on it. And speaking of that wonderful father of yours, just wait until I tell ol' Killane what a speechmaker you've become! Boy, turn a fellow into a Paladin and just watch him go!" He chuckled. "Really, though. Unless you've told him yourself, I'll be happy to tell Killane and everyone of your..." Glider put his hand to his chin, "...ascension!"

Powerpaw padded up. He looked down on the Master Ko, but only because he was taller. "Lissen, face. I ain't evar gonna forgets how you trashed me, maul an' all, in alla six heartbeats. Even my own dad nevar got me dat fast!"

Glider just smiled, remembering his own youth. "Just stay on the road, Kitty-face," he said. "At one time I was a kitten. Now I'm not. It's all because I didn't stray off my lifepath."

Powerpaw nodded. "'Just stay on da road...'"

Mamapaw smiled. "It has been awfully nice adventuring with you, Glider - at least we get to show these younger kits that those of us with a little gray hair and fur know a few tricks that they have yet to learn!"

Glider could only laugh at that.

Then Bria wrapped up Glider in one of her heartfelt hugs. Glider could do no less but return the favor. Like an uncle, he pushed her brown locks out of her face with affection. When she spoke, it was with a softness from deep within her heart. "Master Glider, I am really going to miss you!"

"Oh, Bria-honey, you know where I'll be!"

"Well, we'll be in a completely different place. The Wayward Wanderers first-ever dungeon together." Bria just held Glider for a long moment. Then she looked up into his face. "Would you help me up a step to enlightenment?"

Glider seemed to know precisely what the peaceful healer was asking. "Yes," he decided. "When you're down there in the dark and the unknown... remember wisdom." He touched her chin. "Meditate on that?"

She hopped out of his arms and stood in attention-stance with a smile. "Yes, master!"

Then master and pupil stood watching each other. Their roads had been so very different. Their approaches to conflict were equally different. When Bria looked at Master Glider, she saw someone she wanted to be like as she became older. When Glider gazed upon Bria, he saw that cute and dear little infant he watched become born into the world.

Glider repeated. "When all is dark and doubtful, remember wisdom." He turned to Nivirea with that damned charming grin of his as if recalling a past conversation of theirs. "And remember to keep learning about yourself. Many can spend their lives mastering a vocation, but so very few try to master themselves!"

Then Glider sat back with Bria and waited for the next person to have a say. He did not have to wait overlong.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 104+1d10
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spell: none memorized
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren blushed a little at Glider's words, but nodded. "Aye, please do. I hadn't told them when I left, because I hadn't quite decided myself. They will definitely want to know, though!" He listened to the advice Glider gave to the others in their group as well. Stay on the road... remember wisdom... learn about yourself. Those were all things he should remember too, Bren thought.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Within the ancient temple, Otiorin's usual gregarious and outgoing self was quelled by the majestic reverence of the place. His mind was instantly cast back to the solemn but awe-inspiring temple his mother had retired from adventuring to officiate in. He remembered walking the ancient stone chambers, amongst carved stone pillars broader across than one of the wheels of the Grand Wagon that were yet carved with such consumate skill and delicacy one could not be mistaken in thinking them entirely natural formations. The floors had been intricately decorated with a hundred billion colored mosaic tiles of the most fantastical colors, depicting the lives of great heroes of the gods and the acts they performed in service to Waterwind. Benches of exotic woods expertly carved awaited the behinds of the faithful as they filed in for private contemplation or to attend a ceremony and over all, the sweet smoke of incense and rich oils rose and drifted from ornate censors to wreath the entire temple with a sweet aroma that directed the mind to prayer. But, as a child, Otiorin had been less interested in the magnificence of the temple and more interested in sneaking away some of the sweetcakes that were often left as offertory on the high altar. That and the gentle chiding and cuddles of his mother when she caught him hiding behind the pillars or under the benches.

Now, here in Earthhome, Otiorin's mind was not so much overwhelmed with awe at the surroundings, but a longing for home and hearth. He trailed along behind the others, nodding distractedly when spoken to and picking disinterestedly at the fine fare placed before him. Even the presence of the divinity was not enough to dispel his loow mood and it was only the presence of Bria close by his side that prevented him from simply walking out and staring longingly back in the direction of distant Waterwind. When the subject of the impending expedition to the fallen temple of Tapio came around and the need to prepare came up, Otiorin forced himself to pay attention. It would not do to be uninformed of the dangers they faced, to do so would be to spell disaster for his allies, for Bria, and he could not allow himself to fall into that trap. As Bren, now a mighty Paladin, spoke of a merchant who catered for adventurers, the Half-elf wondered what he might need. As he cast his mind over the items and gear in his possession, he found he had little need to alter it. His weapons were... comfortable, he realised as he gently ran a finger across Moonlit Edge's scabbard. Equally so his other accoutrements.
"I have little need to change or add to my trappings. Though,", he paused, "I would see the greater part of my proportion of spoils liquidated and forwarded to the Wild Elves. Though they shunned my offer to lighten their burdens with my gold, I will hold to my oath. Let them do what they will with the gold once it is before them, either keep it and use it or toss it aside. I will uphold my side, regardless."

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

The young sorceress held herself aloof despite Glider's cordial approach, appearing more ready to dismiss his words than she was to accept them as good advice. 'As if I need to be told that', her expression read. Yet by the time he sat back and looked away, so did she; frowning a little at nothing in particular. So perhaps some part of her did resonate with Glider's wisdom after all - the question was only if she herself was aware of it.

She seemed interested in what Otiorin said after, looking him over much the same way she did when they met earlier that day. If a little... less hostile.

 

[Purr]

Instrumental Mood Music

Spoiler

"Tom Bombadil (cover)" by the Lonely Mountain Band "Far Apart, Never Alone!" =)

"I have little need to change or add to my trappings. Though,", he paused, "I would see the greater part of my proportion of spoils liquidated and forwarded to the Wild Elves. Though they shunned my offer to lighten their burdens with my gold, I will hold to my oath. Let them do what they will with the gold once it is before them, either keep it and use it or toss it aside. I will uphold my side, regardless."

The Silent Sorcerer gazed at Otiorin and raised his hand in caution. He signed, "The Grugach have no use for gold nor gems nor sparkling jewelry. Better you tossed your earnings far from Highwind's mountaintop and deep into River Gambi before you lay it at the Wild Elves' feet, for their currency lies not in shining hoards but ever in deeds, both creative and natural and pleasing to their god."

"If you will consider the advice of one cursed elf about many," he tapped his fingers indicating himself, causing small blue-white sparks to flicker, "there is another way your earnings might aid them... The Grugach have lost their sacred home and with it their most ancient of temples wholly dedicated to the only Elven god they swear fealty to - Corellon Larethian, the taker of the orc-god's eye." He nodded. "Were you to find a crafter, preferably an elven crafter, you might provide for them the beginnings of a temple of their own. Preferably something portable that they might take it with them to some new home if one can be found."

"By doing this, you might restore to them more than gold ever can; with your oath, you might provide them faith."

With that, Shalin's crackling fingertips fell silent.

*​

Stewart appeared embarrassed. Here he was still in the company of divinity - divinity! - and he was not even in his finest attire. He had not the opportunity to change. Since the Wayward Wanderers had soared up from Shandra's Evergreen and across Sharseya to the fabled city of Highwind, there had been one thing after another to take his time and attention. Now here they all were, talking about temples and gods and magical items and planning on things so very far behind him... and when he closed his eyes, all he could see was a lovely woman with gray hairs and gentle eyes and a very loving touch. Beatrice.

Stewart was very happy for Otiorin and Bria. Young love was a treasure that could not be plucked from any dungeon and yet it had the power to brighten many lives with its joys and togetherness, providing light in dark times and warm sunshine even on ordinary days. Love simply made life brighter. Yet too long had he been away from the light of his own life.

The proud henchman had kept this all to himself, not wanting to complain or bother anyone, but now times were ripe for declarations and Stewart found he had one of his own.

He stood, doffed his purple plumed hat, and took a deep breath. "I... I have something I wish to say." He waited until it was clear he was not interrupting anyone, then continued. "I have no desire to abandon you, my new lords and ladies, especially after your daring rescues from the detestable clutches of Bilal the Rich. I owe you much."

"No one knows the Adventurers' Wagon like I do. All eight wagons were custom-made and modeled after designs Bilal had desired, but I was ever in charge of their maintenance, repair, provisioning, and the like. But here we are in Highwind! Finally!" His eyes glowed with hope. "There is a solid chance that my beloved Beatrice is here and not in our home in our northerly town of Wyldfeather!" He rubbed his hands together. "I desperately need to see her again, if I can find this address we agreed for her to stay in. Highwind being such a rather large city..."

"But worry not!" Stewart shook and seemed to be the only one in the room worried. "I will have the Adventurers' Wagon in tip-top shape as soon as I have had the opportunity to wander the local markets and carpentry-houses. Then I will see to my own beloved Beatrice's needs. You see, the only reason I ever worked for Bilal the Rich is because he had done me a kindness. Not long after I learned of the opportunity to work for the cold-blooded merchant, news came that my dear Beatrice was going blind, you see. Bilal, with his fantastical means, provided me with the income to ensure Beatrice had the medicine needed to help her not lose more of her senses." He reached onto his coin purse and jingled it merrily. "And with this, she will have medicine for a good long time!"

"But..." he looked sheepishly at Brendoran. "All this is, of course, with my lord's permission?"

Hearing this, Bonny and Whittle jumped to their feet and ran over to Stewart. Looking up at him, they tugged on his clothes like children. Bonny swore, "By Yondalla's fine frying pan, of course Mister Bren will let you go and see her! I bet he'd rather you do that first!"

Whittle nodded. "Aye, love! And we'll be escortin' ye all over! Can't have you windin' up in some dark place like Dave's, can we? We know Highwind like we know our Seven Little Stars!" She twirled, her pretty green eyes twinkling. "Speakin' of our loveable little brats, Bonny and I are off to see them in Hobbitcrest! Waaay up top!" She pointed. "No better view in the whole kingdom if you don't mind bringin' a coat to ward off the wind and cold! The only thing taller is Twilight Peaks!"

"Aye!" Bonny grinned. "And don't any of you worry none! We've done and left Miss Bria a whole journal of hobbit-recipes and the know-how to be serving them! Iff'n you're not careful, you'll all be so big and round as any of us hole-dwellers, you'll need all that adventuring to work the pounds off! Ha haaaa!" Whittle laughed too and Stewart cracked a grin.

"The three of us will be off by morning!" said Whittle. "You'll have to come and visit us - just ask anyone in Hobbitcrest! Everyone knows who we are - or if they don't, after the stories we've to tell, they soon will!" Whittle and Bonny cheered.

Still Stewart's sense of duty took hold of him. Hat in his hands, he turned to all of you, Bren lastly, and quivered. "Is... is this all right, my lords and ladies?"

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 104+1d10
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spell: none memorized
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren grinned at Stewart. "The hobbits have the right of it as far as I'm concerned. Of course go see your lady first! You even have the perfect escorts ready and willing." He nodded at the Meadowsweets with another smile. "Sometime when we have the time, I'd love to visit you and your children as well."

 

[Purr]

(Dungeon Master note for all)

Spoiler

It's been since last Monday since anyone else has posted so in the interests of time and story, I am moving the game along to tomorrow morning.

This post is also an opportunity to "talk shop" or strategy if you will in-game. Nivirea, for one, is new to the group and you've yet to have a single battle with her at your side. So, I write this post as an opportunity to explore that side of your adventuring party. It's also one step closer to getting Psychie's character in-game. =)

Enjoy the post! =)

Spoiler: Location, Date, Time

Location: Highwind, in EarthHome.
Travel time to Highwind: Zero! =)
Monday, September 22nd, 1118. Time: 5:30 a.m.
Weather: Dawn is just beginning to rise, slightly breezy, slightly cool.

The evening moved on and darkness descended to its fullest. There in the single, great tree that made up Mielikki's strongest temple in all of Shandra's Evergreen, the Wayward Wanderers took shelter in EarthHome as so very many other creatures, great and small, had done so before. Retiring to the Adventurers' Wagon, fatigue from the long day smoothed into deep sleeps for each of you, restful and without undue trouble. For come the rise of the sun in the early morning, the scene in Highwind changed.

EarthHome was not only a sanctuary but a training ground for Mielikkians, for this was a time of war. Mielikkians made for strong, level-headed clerics, fighters, and rangers, though furry Melshaef was the only druidess to be found. One of these training grounds, a lush, naturally-fenced in grove with tall leafy ceiling and a wide grassy hill that provided much in the way of privacy and room for fighting. Even the Felane with their great size and reach had no trouble practicing to their fullest - which is what Oscar of Highwind provided.

While no leader by any stretch of the imagination, the now-diminutive sage provided new direction and training in the form of advice and proper form. Somehow, someway, the little furry red panda knew many of your skills almost as well as you knew them. He corrected spellcasting, knowing that the slightest shove or cough or wrong placement of material components would bring an end to the complex weaving of magic. He altered form in fighting stances and swings, especially concerning Powerpaw's savage techniques where even non-melee fighters like Luna and Nivirea could see that he was often too eager to get the kill, a vulnerability Oscar was quick to point out.

If anything, Oscar of Highwind was helpful in his guidance for just that - helping each of your characters with their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths. As the morning practice wore on, Oscar had each of the Wayward Wanderers - Luna, Nivirea, Bren, Otiorin, Powerpaw, Melshaef, and Bria - divided into four groups of two with Oscar making up the eighth. Each of these groups of two would spar with each other for a short while.

Luna and Otiorin squared off. Beside them, Powerpaw and Nivirea. To their right, Bren and Oscar. And at the end of the line, Melshaef and Bria. Then when Oscar called out, "Switch!" the lines would move and each of the Wayward Wanderers and Oscar would find themselves with a different sparring partner and a new set of circumstances.

Then it was Luna and Oscar, Powerpaw and Bria, Otiorin and Nivirea, and Bren and Melshaef. On it went until all of the Wayward Wanderers had a chance to spar each of the the others.

During these encounters, Oscar corrected technique, offered tips on strategy, new ways of thinking, and always he challenged each of you to a mastery of the basics in combat - do not cast in melee unless you are casting defensively, know how to take initiative and keep it, put your opponent on the defensive and give him or her something to worry about besides trying to kill you.

And as always, each of the Wayward Wanderers had their own methods of training...

Powerpaw's method.

Spoiler

Warning: This is in no way safe for work. From Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Crixus (the long-haired, new gladiator) goes up against Octus (the veteran whose spear is said to be undefeatable). This gets messy! To which Powerpaw, of course, roars, "MOOOOOAR!" =)

Bria's method.

Spoiler

So safe for work you could show it to a bunch of pre-schoolers. Are you surprised? =)
"Until" by A Touch of Class. Because this chorus is so very Bria! =)


Partial lyrics (chorus, italics mine):
"Until the world has stopped revolving
until the birds have left the trees,
until the winds have stopped from blowing
You'll be loved by me.
Until the rainbows stop from shining
until the fish don't swim the seas
until the stars have stopped colliding
You'll be loved by me."

Mamapaw/Melshaef's method.

Spoiler

It depended! If it's Mamapaw/Sabrefang doing the sparring, unwilling to smack, attack, or even move at her fellow Wanderer, she looked like this:

(Image credit: Know Your Meme)

It was only until Oscar pointed out that she must fight like her friends' lives are at stake did she truly begin to fight like a Felane Druidess.
(I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't fuck with that! Would you?)
Melshaef sez, "GRRRAAAAH!!"

(Image credit: Pinterest)

(Dungeon Master note for all)

Spoiler

Feel free to put your own method for your character in your next post if the feeling hits you. =)

After this training session was done, the Wayward Wanderers would have a full day ahead of themselves starting with cleaning up, having breakfast, memorizing/meditating for the day's spells, and then visiting Ben & Misha's magic shop. What the day held for them after that, even Mielikki could not guess.

But until then, Oscar continued his guidance and the Wayward Wanderers continued their sweating. =)

 

[Sherwood]

It was an exciting learning experience, right up to the point where Luna was directed to spar against Powerpaw. That was downright terrifying. Even though he was a person that she considered to be a dear friend, and that she has never (to her recollection, at least) treated him badly for his speech or his intellect, her mind is filled with memories of the brutal fighter he was and was very hesitant to face off against him. It quickly became clear to her that, if they were to truly fight, she would want to be as far from him as possible. With his great speed and tremendous physical power, the big feline could close the distance between them very rapidly and make mincemeat of her. If Luna were to stand any kind of chance against him, it would only happen at range.

Sparring with the others was a bit more fun, even if she didn't come up as the winner in some of the practice matches, and despite being a cute and fuzzy little creature, Oscar was a strict teacher that demanded MOOOAAAAARRR from her, as Powerpaw would say. Even facing off against Nivirea was of interest, seeing how other spellcasters ply their magic as compared to the Evokers that were in Luna's school with her.

The truth that came to Luna was that as each of them have their strengths, so do they also have weaknesses. But, by working together, they can show their foes the strongest sides and bolster their flaws to be better than the sum of the parts.

 

[Purr]

With his great speed and tremendous physical power, the big feline could close the distance between them very rapidly and make mincemeat of her. If Luna were to stand any kind of chance against him, it would only happen at range.

This Oscar of Highwind addressed immediately.

He paused Powerpaw and Luna's sparring match. "Luna of Summerset! Do not move!"

The little red panda shambled over to Luna where she could easily see him. With his now-small black eyes, the sage looked back and forth from human to Felane. "Powerpaw of..."

"Shamballah," the gladiator grinned.

"...'Shamballah,'" Oscar repeated. Then his tone became firm, but not commanding. In fact, Oscar's tone was never commanding. Every hint, every piece of advice, every recommendation to a change of form, magically spoken word, or twist in technique came as just those - recommendations. Oscar was no leader. That was Lord Brendoran's duty. Oscar was instead a tutor and an exacting one at that. If he was firm, it was only when firmness was required. And never, never did he get angry. Instead, he grew thoughtful. He seemed willing to go after solutions as long, or longer, as the student in question was willing to work towards them. He only "gave up" when the student did. And if the student in question didn't give up, it seemed neither did the newly-reborn Oscar of Highwind.

"Powerpaw of Shamballah," he pointed at the warrior's hammer and then at Luna. "Swing as hard as you like at her, as fast as you like, and as savagely as you can - but do not make contact. Do you possess that kind of control?"

"You want me ta scare her? I kin do dat!"

"Do not hit her. Understood?"

"Gotcha, red panda-face!"

The diminutive tutor turned to the Wizardess. "Luna, cast cantrips upon yourself. Your simplest magic only. Powerpaw will not harm you." He coughed. "He may, however, break your concentration and that is the reason behind my instruction here. You are afraid of his power in melee. You want to use range to decide your safety, yes? However, have you considered? The Wayward Wanderers are traveling to a temple. A likely large and enclosed building. Distance between you and mighty muscled opponents like your Felane comrade may not be available to you. So instead, I want you to practice casting defensively with Powerpaw swinging near you."

Oscar then hustled as quickly as a red panda could to get out of the way. Once clear, he said. "Begin."

"GRAAAAAAAH!!"

His sharp teeth snapping, Powerpaw came on with all of the hissing, spitting, and noisy growls he was known for and with it - his maul. That bone-crushing weapon whooshed past Luna's face and once it did, any chance at casting even a Detect Magic cantrip went out the window. Sparkle, faithfully perched on Luna, could only duck and shiver for all she was worth. Luna was not the only creature in the Wayward Wanderers who feared Powerpaw's skill at killing.

Oscar shouted over the ruckus. "Focus, Luna! Cast Detect Magic upon Powerpaw and study him!"

"MOOOOOAAAAARRRR!""

WHAM!!

The earth beside Luna's nearly-bare feet shuddered as Powerpaw's deadly maul came crashing down and into it. Tufts of earth the size of a human's head came back up with it. Luna had studied casting defensively since before she was a mage - but never under circumstances like these! Her city-bred instructors might have poked her with a knife a time or two as they went from novice to novice, but being within melee with a towering, muscled, and armed natural born killer was quite likely enough to make those very instructors' jaws drop in bone-chilling fear.

"AAAARRRRAAAAWWWWRR!!"

WHOOSH!

Again and again, Powerpaw's maul came swinging. Just the amount of wind he was able to pull around every time he swung was enough to set any Wizard's nerves to shivering. And yet... Oscar was right. Powerpaw was careful. Not once did he make contact with the young Wizardess or her scaly familiar.

"Do you see?" Oscar said from nearby. "If you have to cast under these circumstances, is it not best to get the fear of your situation out of you here instead of on the battlefield?"

Then the furry little educationist spoke to a third party. "Nivirea of... Summerset, I believe? Pay attention! For you are next!"

Nivirea's sparring partner at the time, Bria, simply smiled and shrugged at the sorceress. Of all people in your party, Bria knew Powerpaw best and had sparred with him more times than any of the rest of you had. If there were words of encouragement in Bria's mind, they were not uttered. For what could a peaceful monk say to someone like Nivirea? "Good luck?" "I'll heal you if he fumbles?" None of these were good for the spirit, so Bria of the Ko just smiled and carried on.

(Dungeon Master note to all)

Spoiler

Sherwood's post is just the kind of thing I was looking for, but not altogether expecting. You don't have to post a reply to this if you don't want to, but I would be remiss as a Dungeon Master to not give some color, some depth, to your training and growing together as a party and, better, as a team. =)

* * *​

Meanwhile, not far away, Brendoran and Otiorin squared off. But not without instructions. Oscar's tutelage was no less demanding for them. Oscar walked over and wagged his new, furry tail. Then he sat back and spoke to the paladin and sorcerer-rogue.

"Brendoran of Summerset, your shield is only as good as your awareness. You will have a very hard time defending against opponents you are not facing."

"Otiorin of..." Oscar was unsure, so he did not complete the sentence but instead left it for Otiorin to fill in if the half-elf wanted to. "Your sword is sharp and your mind is keen, but what use is either if you cannot put either edge to best use? Your goal is to Sneak Attack Brendoran." From a small nearby case in the grass, Oscar produced a long quill wet with red ink. He approached Otiorin with it and handed it up to him. "Put away the Moonlit Edge. This will be your weapon - it is one that will provide results that cannot be debated." And this was true - if Otiorin were to put a red mark in any of Brendoran's vital spots, the ink would be telling. Yet, if those marks showed up only on Bren's sword, shield, and best-protected parts of his armor, that too would be telling.

Oscar turned and looked up to Bren. "Count Sarabina? You are to avoid being the victim of this attack. Sneak Attacks are both deadly and sudden. But how is Otiorin supposed to provide you with one?"

Oscar turned to his left and with one little paw, he waved over the only unoccupied member of your team - Mamapaw. "Melshaef of the Many Faces?"

"I was born Sabrefang of Shamballah," she frowned.

"Sabrefang of Shamballah, aid Otiorin. Your goal is to keep Brendoran facing you at all times. The more distracted he gets from Otiorin, the harder you strike. Understood?"

"But... But..." she gulped.

"What is it?"

"What if I accidentally harm Brendoran? He is only human after all! I might hurt him!"

Overhearing this, Bria smiled and shook her head. She had been there enough times when Bren had been hurt. She knew Bren had faced greater and deadlier threats then an over-worried mother with a big greatclub in her paws.

Oscar considered. "Sabrefang, is it not better that Count Sarabina be harmed here where he is safe than by the many enemies you will undoubtedly encounter on your journeys together? The lessons you learn here will help you carry the day."

Mamapaw sighed. Brendoran and all of the Wayward Wanderers save Nivirea were like little cubs to her. The last thing she wanted was to bloody one of them with her unchecked strength. She knew she lacked the precision her warrior son had long worked for.

"Ohhh, I suppose you are right... Oh, Brendoran and Otiorin! Do forgive me if I accidentally smack you! Like my youngest kit over there, I hit... very hard when I mean to!"

Oscar moved out of the way. "And now is a good time to mean to. Otiorin - Sneak Attack! Brendoran - defend! Sabrefang - attack! Begin!"

And so it went... =)

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

Nivirea approached the training in her predictably self-assured style, not quite careless but still impossibly casual in the way she strolled up to meet her sparring partners. The weight of the dangers and concerns discussed the night before had clearly been washed out by dawn. This was the very icon of a twenty-one year old girl without a care in the world, as highlighted by her constant checking of her nails and fixing of her hair - which despite being bound in a neat ponytail using a red ribbon that she pilfered Mielikki-knew-where, was obviously still never neat enough for her. If this warranted rebukes from Oscar, it warranted as many as he had to spare.

The sparring itself placed her in a more alert state, though it was still a far cry from her tutor's expectations. After all, trained professionals probably didn't pause to gloat or inspect their nails in battle. Left to her own devices, she relied heavily on trickery and deceit; instinctively reaching for spells like Silent Image and Invisibility to confuse her partner or as means of quick escape. Her brief duel with Otiorin skirted the border between a duel and a round of flirting - ending when she called on her Fey bloodline to perform Laughing Touch with a quick prod of her palm against his chest. When confronted about this, whether by Otiorin himself, Oscar, Bren (or even Bria), Nivirea's main defence would be 'playfulness to lighten the mood'.

Though the girl took care not to directly disrespect anyone and ultimately yielded to instructions from Oscar (and Bren if it came to it), she was otherwise being a handful. And despite everything that may have been done or said, her own mood did not turn sour until Oscar's declaration that she would be next to pair up with Powerpaw. Being locked in a fight with Bria at the moment, her complaints were duly limited to an accusatory glance towards the little panda.

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren approached his training with the same sincerity he brought to everything, and an appreciation for anything Oscar and the others thought worth teaching him. He pulled his strikes so as not to cause actual harm, but otherwise held nothing back. Going easy on the training ground would do no one any favors when they got into a real fight; actually, it would do a kind of harm in itself, because they wouldn't be as prepared as they thought they would be. Which he explained, if it became necessary to pull Nivirea back into the spirit of things.

Upon Mamapaw's being assigned to distract him from Otiorin, and her reaction to that, Bren smiled reassuringly. "Two points, Lady Saberfang. Firstly, we are in a temple, to say nothing of Bria's and my own newly-acquired healing abilities, so any harm you may do can quickly be remedied. Secondly, I am to learn defense this round, and the more I learn, the less you will hit!" He raised his shield and dropped into a defensive stance as Oscar called for them to begin, focusing all his awareness on his two opponents.

 

[Purr]

Being locked in a fight with Bria at the moment, her complaints were duly limited to an accusatory glance towards the little panda.

Upon turning to glance at the little red panda, Nivirea found Oscar of Highwind analyzing her - almost as if he had expected some sort of reaction and was curious as to what it was. With a curt nod to no one in particular, Oscar resumed his duties and walked along the soft grass and under the lofty branches inside EarthHome.

After a few moments, he yelled the last thing Nivirea probably wanted to hear. "Bria, Nivirea, Powerpaw. Switch!"

Immediately, each of the Wayward Wanderers paused for breath. Bria ceased her attempts to stop Nivirea from casting. It had been Nivirea's turn on Bria just before - neither of them were exceptionally good at it, but then again, that may have been why they had been chosen to spar one another. With a sweaty grin, Bria bowed to Nivirea and walked toward Oscar. What the little red panda was going to do with the peaceful healer was anyone's guess, but Nivirea did not have much time to ponder.

For Powerpaw replaced Bria.

The killer looked down on the fey-blooded magic-user with a combination of curiosity and bloodthirsty readiness. His whiskered face and blood-red eyes watched Nivirea's torso, not her face, as if looking for the best places to bite her. He crouched down, maul in both hands, and smacked his lips with an unconscious murmur that somehow sounded quite like the low and horrible growl an excited hunting cat might give before he pounced.

"Nivirea," Oscar said. "You may cast two spells upon yourself to defend yourself. Your duty is to not let Powerpaw catch you." Then he turned to the Felane. "Powerpaw?"

"Yah?"

"Catch her."

High and low, Powerpaw's eager roar made EarthHome Mielikkians leap and shake in fear. "GRRRRRRAWWWWR!!"

* * *​

Meanwhile, Bren and Otiorin were having a good time circling one another, but it was clear to both men that Mamapaw's heart was not in this. She tapped Bren's shield with her greatclub and feigned a claw-slash here and there. But those big worried eyes still worried.

"Two points, Lady Saberfang. Firstly, we are in a temple, to say nothing of Bria's and my own newly-acquired healing abilities, so any harm you may do can quickly be remedied. Secondly, I am to learn defense this round, and the more I learn, the less you will hit!"

"Yes, but how can I swing on a cub? You are so small and furless! Healing or no, I cannot imagine harming one of the very people who fought so bravely to free me from Gerran and his nasty ogres!" She gulped and almost cringed. "How do I fight... any of you?"

 

[Kaerri]

Bren Sarabina

Spoiler

Standard AC: 23
Fort save: +13
Ref save: +8
Will save: +11
Current action points: 10
Current HP: 112
Status effects: none
Powerpaw's tower shield +1 (-2 to attack rolls)
Spells: 1st - Bless, Bless Weapon, Divine Favor, Lesser Restoration; 2nd - Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Resist Energy; 3rd - Daylight, Prayer.
Speech color, for reference: #3399ff

Bren shook his head. "Holding back in training will do more harm in the long run than a full-power hit now. On the training ground, the training master -- and that's Oscar today --" he nodded at the red panda "-- is in charge. He knows how we can best learn the lessons we'll need in real combat. You've had to tell your children to do things they didn't want, for their own good, right? It's the same here. The harder you hit me, the better I'll learn what I need to."

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

The young sorceress somehow succeeded in looking equal parts afraid and outraged. Her eyes said: 'If you touch me, I'll set your tail on fire', though what she said out loud was: "As if he could." She signalled that she was ready, and ready she appeared; also cool and unworried, but the latter was a veneer whose edges were being eaten away by nervousness. This was because she suddenly realized that Oscar had specified that she had to cast the spells upon herself, rather than upon Powerpaw or the terrain.

She was acutely aware of how limiting that was. The only two spells in her arsenal that she could think of were her usual fallbacks: Silent Image and Invisibility. But this oversized cat could probably tell me apart from an illusion that lacks smell and temperature, it occurred to her. So she resolved to start with Invisibility as soon as Powerpaw moved towards her, and then keep her distance.

 

[Purr]

"He knows how we can best learn the lessons we'll need in real combat. You've had to tell your children to do things they didn't want, for their own good, right? It's the same here. The harder you hit me, the better I'll learn what I need to."

"Ohh...." she mewled and sighed in resignation. "Lord Brendoran, you are right, of course..." She swung her greatclub.

Bam.

Mamapaw gulped, then gave Bren's shield another testing whack, this one slightly harder.

Bam!

Then, using her height, she peered behind the shield and saw that she had not hurt the paladin. So she swung again, a little harder.

Bam!!

Then checked again. This did little to tear Bren's attention away from the nimble and cunning Otiorin.

Tossing her long brown hair behind her, Bria spoke up. "Sock him like you mean it, Mamapaw!"

"How do I mean it without meaning it?"

"Um, just pretend he's one of those snake-thingies you and Powerpaw don't like? What do you call them again?"

Melshaef suddenly gave off such a loud and hateful hiss as to widen the eyes and freeze the blood. "Whaaaat?! Do you mean those detestable, vile, venomous, black-hearted YUAN-TI?!" Filled with new resolve, she reared back with her greatclub...

...ferociously.

WHAAAM!!

Brendoran, for all his armor, shield, experience, and solid stance, skidded back about a foot through the dirt from the force of her savage blow. Then a moment of quiet descended upon the training grounds.

"Umm, yes?" Bria answered her with a satisfied grin.

* * *​

Oscar was distracted. As the smallest non-familiar present, he looked back and forth from each training battle but his focus was deeply fixated on Nivirea and Powerpaw. Only paying half-attention, he pointed to two of the other Wanderers.

"Luna. Bria. Face each other in melee distance."

Respectfully, the two friendly casters approached each other closely. Bria looked Luna in the eye and with her kind smile, she bowed in greeting.

Oscar said. "Your duty is to stop her from casting."

The young woman from Summerset and her dragon looked to the young woman from the Ko. Bria of the Ko glanced back with an expression of confusion. So distracted was Oscar of Highwind with Powerpaw and Nivirea that he had not designated who was to cast and who was to interrupt.

Without turning around, Oscar shouted. "Begin!"

Now it was Bria's turn to gulp. "Um, Luna, does he mean..." Her Force Shield and her fighting stick came up as she looked to Oscar.

Seeing Bria's guard rise, Sparkle flapped her wings menacingly. The old pseudo-dragoness threatened with tooth and claw but not her deadly stinger-tail. Confuzzled, Sparkle sent. I have no idea!

Bria gaze returned back to Sparkle. She flinched, startled at Sparkle's sudden wide-winged and pointy-clawed stance.

"Eep!"

Instantly, the Ko monk jumped inside Luna's guard and attempted to interrupt anything Luna might have been doing even if it were nothing.

A "melee" quickly ensued. Besides Nivirea, Luna and Bria were physically the least-strong members of the Wayward Wanderers. This became immediately obvious to anyone watching as the wizard and healer speedily got their limbs crazily-tangled in what immediately became one ridiculous attempt after another to interrupt each other with neither caster sure of who was supposed to be doing the casting and who was supposed to be doing the interrupting while Sparkle's wings batted about wildly like an agitated chicken. The result was a cute and silly "wrestling match" complete with girlish sounds of effort.

In short, it was a lot like this....

Spoiler: Luna vs. Bria, Round 1

Oblivious, Oscar of Highwind kept watching Nivirea and Powerpaw...

* * *​

Her eyes said: 'If you touch me, I'll set your tail on fire', though what she said out loud was: "As if he could."

Powerpaw gazed at her as if she were a snack. One living, meaty snack on two little legs. As her eyes spoke to him, his own crimson orbs reflected only a wordless and unmistakable lust. It was death-lust.

"GRRRRRRAWWWWR!!"

His hammer stowed upon his back, his claws and fangs and blood-red eyes wide, Powerpaw charged at Nivirea like only a young and naturally-savage animal can. With a mighty leap from his powerful hind legs, the killer soared through the air, snapping and yowling. The Felane sounded a lot like this.

Spoiler

Dare you to listen to this turned up or on headphones. Or both... =)

With expert precision and focus despite the threat, Nivirea cast her Invisibility spell perfectly. The magic took effet; the beautiful Summerset woman completely vanished from the eye.

Powerpaw landed in the light grass with a heavy thump and jingle of metal armor. He had landed near where she was. He stalked about on all fours. Nose near the ground he sniffed and looked and sniffed again but could not immediately find her.

Soon, Nivirea realized that she had the clear advantage - as eager as he was, Powerpaw was confused and unsure. He reached for his maul...

..and from her own "battle," his mother spotted the move. Mamapaw snarled a sound of clear disappointment. "Oh, come on, son! You trust your eyes too much! You know better!"

Powerpaw muttered an, "Uhhh," but kept looking around. It seemed as if he were about to use his maul to swing about for her when Oscar chose that exact moment to yell that one word that some of you had learned to dread.

"Switch!"

Oscar eyed the Felane. "Melshaef. Powerpaw." He pointed in a way that told them to switch places - and roles.

This, the disciplined Bast-born cats did unhesitatingly.

A moment later, two very drastic changes occured for Brendoran and Nivirea as Powerpaw, maul in paws, raced at Brendoran with none of his mother's unwillingness to harm. His eyes fixed on the paladin as he roared, jumped, and swung full-force.

"MmmmmmmOOOOOOOAAAARR!!"

Now Brendoran had a real challenge on his hands as Otiorin's chances to sneak attack had leaped as high as the Felane-become-Gladiator. Powerpaw knew to go easy on the lady casters in the party; he had no such shackles holding him back from swinging on the mighty paladin. Against the horse-lord, Powerpaw's maul swung quite freely. This, of course, opened more than one door of opportunity for Otiorin to roguishly perform a dastardly deed if he wished.

Nivirea too watched her entire situation change as one willful and confident Melshaef entered her area, quick and sure on all fours, sniffing and snuffling, ears perked and whiskers raised - a big cat on the prowl.

With the expert ease of a Druidess with a nose for hunting, she was coming right at Nivirea...

* * *​

Meanwhile, the epic battle between Luna and Bria continued to rock all of Sharseya to its ancient, cosmic foundations. Gods and demigods, kings and dragons, from realms near and far, just trembled at their fury...

Spoiler: Luna vs. Bria, Round 2

Ding, ding... =)

Some even laid bets. =)

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

Dismayed, Nivirea struggled to distance herself from Melshaef as quietly as possible. She decided to experiment with Mirror Image while at it, hoping that an illusion would be effective at distracting the druidess, at least until Melshaef came too close to it. At best, it could buy the sorceress some time to relocate while she pondered other options.

 

[Purr]

While invisible, Nivirea cast Mirror Image with the practiced finesse of a sorcerer-born. How many times had she performed the motions, both verbal and somatic, and through her arcanic skill caused a small group of extra lovely Nivireas to appear?

Except upon her casting, nothing apparent happened! She had used up that bit of magic... with absolutely no result to show for it!

Mamapaw's slitted red eyes were mostly closed as she quickly prowled in on all fours, sniffing and searching as if for a lost kitten. The motherly Felane's cat-ears perked turned to her left. She had heard Nivirea perform the verbal parts of the incantation, however quietly. She trusted in her nose and instincts to do the rest.

Before Nivirea could cast again, Mamapaw pounced!

"Aha!! Got you, little mouse!"

Nivirea felt furry fingers grasp her torso. Suddenly, she was lifted off of the ground and held aloft in Mamapaw's paw. Only the little bits of grass falling from her feet visually betrayed her invisible presence in the air.

Mamapaw held the sorceress up proudly. She had found what she had been hunting for!

* * *​

Meanwhile, Otiorin and Powerpaw dashed and turned in an effort to keep their experienced paladin between them. It was turning out to be a challenge. All three males were sweating and laboring in their efforts; Otiorin with his quick hands and feet, Brendoran with his mighty body and superb balance, Powerpaw with his ferocity and warrior-strength. The two were just about to get a real advantage upon Bren when suddenly, that voice, getting more well-known by the Wanderers by the moment, shouted again!

"Switch! Brendoran and Otiorin!" Oscar called.

Powerpaw gawked at Otoirin as all three adventurers paused, but only for a moment. Then his maul was a'hunting for the half-elf's flesh.

"Hey Oti! Guess wat?! You gonna get it innnn daaaa FAAAAAAAACE!!" To Bren, he shouted, "Bren! Flanks him!"

 

[Sherwood]

Luna does her best to keep from falling into a helpless pile of giggles as she tries to wrestle Bria. This is just so not the way I was trained to fight! After she is pinned by the monk, she signals her surrender by tapping on the arm of her captor. Brushing her hair back out of her face, the young wizard lets out a laugh. "I guess that one is a win for you, dear friend. I'm just glad that we are all on the same team, so we don't have to face each other in deadly combat."

 

[Purr]

Bria gasped for breath. She was smiling but she was fatigued. "But.... but, Luna, I was about to surrender!" Bria collapsed in a heap, first on top of the wizard, then she rolled off and lay beside her friend, recovering as her soft brown eyes again took in the breathtaking beauty of the unique Mielikkian forest temple.

You surrender? That means, Sparkle grinned draconically and sent, I win! And if I win, Pyri wins!! Sparkle crooned. "Wooooooo!"

Oscar turned to the dragoness. "Switch!"

Fine, but whom this time?

"Sparkle and Nivirea."

Sparkle spun about, stunned. Whaaaaaaat?!

Oscar put one black paw up to his whiskered chin and smirked at her. "Only teasing."

This caused Sparkle to growl and sway in a way only serpents can. She had been had and she knew it. It was not every day this happened, but she could not keep the grin from her face as she sent at the famed scholar. You! Why you.... Luna, assist me if you please! This Oscar of Highwind has gone too far! Fool me, will you? The small dragoness mock-scrambled and scratched as if about to burst dangerously at the red panda.

But Oscar just sat and quietly chuckled.

 

[Sherwood]

Luna laughs. "At least it wasn't Sparkle versus Powerpaw! Now that would have been a real funny joke! There is no way that the big kitty could take on my Sparkle! Isn't that right, dear one?"

 

[Purr]

Agitated at the very thought, Sparkle flapped her wings energetically. That big beast would have to catch me - that is for certain!!

Her gaze then fell to the invisible Nivirea and the triumphant Mamapaw. Sparkle mused. However... after this display of hunting prowess, I find myself suitably impressed not with the young, brash gladiator but his dam. How cunning of her not to trust her eyes against such illusions...

 

[Wolf Rawrrr]

.:| Nivirea - The Sorceress |:.

Held up in the air by Mamapaw, the girl puffed and squirmed on instinct, choosing to end her invisibility with a futile, demonstrative kick before finally resolving to give up.

"Unfair," she argued, taking turns glaring at Mamapaw and Oscar. "What was I supposed to do?"

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Otiorin had been enjoying the challenge of remaining in Bren's shadow as he fended off Powerpaw's attacks. The half-elf had even tapped the newly-minted Paladin on the back with Moonlit Edge's pommel. But then, the stakes changed. Bren had turned from attacked to attacker and he and Powerpaw were both coming for Otiorin. Bren had instantly responded to Powerpaw's request to flank and had moved with a speed that defied the amount of armor he wore, while Powerpaw came on like an engine of destruction. For a person like Otiorin, this situation was not an optimal one. His armor was not proof to the continued attentions of two frontline warriors like Bren and Powerpaw, and his agility and stamina would only protect him for so long. He could not afford to be reactive, he had to take the initiative and keep it.

He tossed Moonlit Edge up into the air, the edge of the shortsword whistling as it flipped over and over. With his hand now free, it flashed to his belt and tugged a throwing knife out, tossing it at Bren's face. Almost a heartbeat later, he caught the tumbling shortsword, then darted at Powerpaw. He waitied til the last moment then perforned a tuck-roll between the Felane's legs, tapping the back of Powerpaw's left ankle with Moonlit Edge's pommel.