Fantasy Rifts [IC][Closed]

[Chaos Gallant]

Though he hadn’t aimed to destroy the poor man, Terrence’s ax split through him like a knife through butter. Without any time to even pity the poor bloke however, Terrence felt the sting of a blade drawing across his back. He let out a roar in pain, pulling his ax from the footman’s corpse and swinging wildly at the one behind him. Just in time it seemed too, as he felt the whoosh of one of the archer’s arrows fly by him, if he’d stood there just a moment longer he had no doubt it would have found its mark on him. "Vidyut!" Terrence shouted as he continued to swing his weapon at his new foe. He felt the electricity course through the air into him, then into his ax, electrifying it for his next attack.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera felt grim satisfaction as she struck down a foot soldier. Thwack. An arrow embedded itself in the gaps of her armor. Thonk. Another footman had struck her with his mace. Vera hissed in a mix of pain and rage. She wheeled on her mace wielding attacker and thrusted her sword at the footman.

 

[Beann]

For a moment, Aelestra glanced back to where the arrows had landed, providing her the opportunity to witness Terrence completely cleave into a poor footman. Her expression offered the slightest hint of surprise before turning back to the archer who was still gasping for air. Rushing forward, she dropped low to the ground and attempted to kick the legs out from underneath the injured target.

 

[Arnalia]

Lucina Lux
​

Lucina eyes widened as she hear the soldier voice and snapped her head toward him. A young man who should never have look so desperate and world-weary at his age. And yet he had the eyes of someone who don't look at you but through you. At his questions the priestess blurted out,"I'm not ! I- her eyes darted around and knowing the way was clear she approached a little, listen I cannot tell you anything. But we are trying to help everyone. This I swear by Alandra !" Lucina put her hand on her heart and continued. "We have to pass and knowing what your commander made you do, she lowered her head, we weren't sure you would let us pass unharmed," she said tightly. Lucina raised her hand and healing the young man with her magic she said. "Run. Please I beg you, convince as many people to run away with you if you can. She rose her head back up and looked deep into the young man eyes. "I don't want to hurt anyone. Really. But our mission.....could doom us all if we fail." Taking back her hand Lucina said. "Thus we cannot. And I would rather you kill me then the opposite. But my comrades, she glanced at them, they are ready to do what they must to see it succeed," she said grim and shook her head.

"So I beg you, please. Run," she said to him and then spoke the Alandran prayer for protection, begging her goddess to watch over the young man and his own. "Now."

 

[joshuadim]

Battle of the King's Trail - Turn 2


​

---

ALLY ROLLS
Arnas - 6; Arnas deals 4 damage to Captain Hansur. Damage blocked by Fire shield. Fire Shield HP = 6. Captain Hansur HP = 20. Arnas takes 4 damage from Fire Blade scorching. Arnas HP = 20.
Faralt - 10; Crit Roll 1d6 = 2. Faralt deals (4+2) 6 damage to Captain Hansur. Fire Shield is destroyed! Captain Hansur HP = 20.
Fraskia - 8; Fraskia deals 4 damage to Merishian Footman #7. Merishian Footman takes 2 damage from gusted embers. Merishian Footman #7 HP = 2.
Edoardo - 4; Miss.
Terrence - 6 (5+1; [Lightning Rod]); Terrence deals 4 damage to Merishian Footman #6. Merishian Footman takes 2 damage from gusted embers. Merishian Footman #6 HP = 2.
Vera - 7; Vera deals 4 damage to Merishian Footman #2. Merishian Footman #2 HP = 6.
Aelestra - 8; Aelestra deals 4 damage to Merishian Archer #1. Merishian Archer #1 is dead!
Lucina attempts to persuade Merishian Footman #5 to flee. Roll 1d10+2 = 7. Merishian Footman #4 flees!

Panic Roll #1: 1d6 = 4; Merishian Archer #8 has fled!

ENEMY ROLLS
Captain Hansur - 4; Misses Faralt.
Merishian Footman #2 - 3; Misses Vera.
Merishian Footman #5 - 1; Critical Failure! Terrence Counterattack Roll 1d4 = 3. Terrence deals 3 damage to Merishian Footman #5. Merishian Footman #5 takes 2 damage from gusted embers. Merishian Footman #5 HP = 3.
Merishian Footman #6 - 9; Terrence takes 3 damage. Terrence HP = 22.
Merishian Footman #7 - 6; Fraskia takes 3 damage. Fraskia HP = 24.
Merishian Footman #8 - 10; Crit Roll 1d6 = 2. Edoardo takes (3+2-1 [Hardened Hide]) 4 damage. Edoardo HP = 17.
Merishian Footman #9 - 1; Critical Failure! Edoardo Counterattack Roll 1d4 = 4. Edoardo deals 4 damage to Merishian Footman #9. Merishian Footman #9 HP = 6.
Merishian Archer #2 - 10; Crit Roll 1d6 = 3. Edoardo takes (3+3-1 [Hardened Hide]) 5 damage. Edoardo HP = 12.
Merishian Archer #3 - 10; Crit Roll 1d6 = 6. Vera takes (3+6) 9 damage. Precision Block Roll 1d4 = 4. Vera blocks the damage!
Merishian Archer #4 - 3; Misses Fraskia.
Merishian Archer #5 - 3; Misses Arnas. Counterattack Roll 1d5 = 3. No counterattack.
Merishian Archer #6 - 8; Ser Faralt takes 4 damage. Ser Faralt HP = 15.
Merishian Archer #7 - 3 [4-1 [Monk Evasion]; Misses Aelestra.
​

---

The Captain roared out angrily at the burnt knight's taunt, swinging at the Undying with a sweeping strike. However, he was deft enough to scramble underneath of the arcing steel and in turn strike at the man's exposed flank with Arnas. Both their weapons collided with his side, causing his fire shield to dissipate and collapse in on itself which in turn left him exposed to real damage at last. The Captain stumbled a bit from this force, before reorienting himself to face his attackers; under his helm, there was a snarl and gritting teeth as anger overtook him. Other attacks came towards the duo as Archers aimed and fired at them. Arnas was able to quickly leap back and avoid an arrow hitting him, while Faralt tanked another one that jutted into his side. For any mortal man, the amount of wounds he had taken would have taken him out of commission - but he was not mortal in the normal sense any longer. While painful, he remained standing through it.

Fraskia continued her duel with the footman that had struck her earlier, as she returned a strike of her own that cut into the man's side and leg and drew a lot of blood. Combined with the continued burning from the embers he had been hit with earlier, he was severely wounded and looked to be on his last legs as he stumbled and slouched. However, this didn't stop him from getting a hit in of his own; his mace swung in a hook, which Fraskia used the plating on her arm to block. Although it dented the metal, it also rattled her elbow and forearm significantly as a wave of pain shot out. An archer also took aim at the rune-knight, but she quickly dodged the projectile with ease as the arrow hit the ground nearby harmlessly.

Edoardo in the meantime was being swarmed in an attack, given his thick hide protecting him from most damage. One footman jutted his spear into the Sobekan's side, piercing deep in between his natural protection as he let out a battle cry. An arrow also struck Edoardo at his collarbone, jutting itself between his bones there and drawing more blood. The footman's other comrade quickly joined the attack, but was taken aback by Edoardo's still nimble nature despite the damage he was taking. The swing missed as Edoardo sidestepped and removed the spear from himself, using his own weapon to cut into the man's back with a harsh attack that sent him flailing and yelling out in pain.

Terrence, calling upon the might of the storm, found his attack travelling easier to its mark as a result as he cleaved a nasty gash into his new target's side. Combining this with the embers that he had been gusted before with continuing to burn him, the man stumbled back and looked to be on death's door from such a nasty wound. He did have the spark of life still as he struck back at Terrence and cut him on the leg with his sword, but that was likely all he had left in the tank at this point.

Vera's battle in the meantime involved the footman that had struck her earlier as well as an archer that took aim. With her skills she was able to parry the footman's attack and punching him back to create some space between the two of them. And in a split second, an arrow flew her way that was trailing towards her neck. In the heat of the moment, she swung her blade in an arcing fan and managed to deflect the arrow in the nick of time - a manuever that was impressive as it was intimidating as the footman looked on in awe.

Aelestra continued her offensive on her original target, this time going for his legs to take him down to the ground as she spun down and swept at him, kicking up dirt and dust in the process. Her legs collided with his, causing him to lose balance entirely and contact the ground neck first with an audible crunch - killing him. One of his comrades shouted in anger and fired, but thanks to the in-the-moment smokescreen, Aelestra nimbly dodged the projectile. Another archer had taken aim, but on seeing his comrades dead corpse, he looked at Aelestra with terrified eyes before breaking rank and fleeing into the forest nearby.

Lucina's words fell onto the footman that had approached her, as he stared on with blank eyes for but a moment. "We were starving... we were so hungry..." he muttered, before dropping his weapon. "Why couldn't they just stop." He turned about and began to run, but not in the direction his comrades went, but rather to the fields and disappeared into the tall grasses beyond.

"Ser, go for those damn archers." Arnas spoke to Faralt as he gritted his teeth and brought his sword up to prepare another attack on the Captain. Faralt was hesitant for a moment, but saw that the archers continued to release their volleys unabated, and so gave a wordless nod to the young mercenary and instead charged at the closest archer. Arnas in the meantime pointed his blade at the Captain and snarled. "You're going to pay for what you did."

"For what? Doing my *duty* in ensuring my men don't starve?" Captain Hansur replied angrily, "Those damn peasants... all they had to do was let us go. Instead, they attacked. They *attacked*! Treason against the crown's soldiers!"

"I don't care." Arnas replied bluntly, before yelling and charging at the foe.

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[Breadman]

Fraskia grunted from the hit and proceeded to dodge the arrow coming her way. Someone she'd have to deal with later. She raised her blade and aimed to shove it deep into the footman's neck to finish him off.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Delighted by his deflection of the enemy's attack. This deadly devastator dashed directly to a soldier nearby. He raised his khopesh, resembling an overhead strike but it was a farce. A feint as a clawed hand slashed at a face.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera exhaled an irritated breath as she battered the arrow aside. The archer was becoming an annoyance, but for now her focus snapped back to the awestruck footman. She lunged at the gawking man, her sword held low before driving up and towards the soldier's chest.

 

[Chaos Gallant]

Terrence let out a grunt of discomfort as he felt the nearly dead soldier’s blade nick his leg. The orc delivered a swift kick to the fallen soldier’s hand to knock the blade from his grasp, watching with a pitiful gaze as the light faded from his eyes. He directed his attention back to the remaining enemies, and as luck would have it just in time.

Another footman charged at him with reckless abandon. Terrence sidestepped to his right, kicking a leg out to trip the man sending him flailing forwards as he hit the ground. He brought his ax down on the footman like a guillotine.

 

[Arnalia]

Lucina Lux
​

Lucina let out a relieved breath as her stiff shoulders relaxed slightly. At least she managed to save one. Not much, but better then nothing. She hoped the others would continue to flee. Remarking that Arnas was now fighting the captain alone, Lucina aimed her healing magic at him.

 

[Beann]

For a brief moment, Aelestra made eye contact with one of the archers. The panicked look in their eyes made it no surprise that they would turn tail and run from the encounter. Instead of chasing after them, she turned her attention to the other archer who failed to aim. She pressed onward, a quick advancement to close the gap between them as she directed a closed fist to their chest.

 

[joshuadim]

Battle of the King's Trail - Turn 3


​

---

ALLY ROLLS
Arnas - 8; Arnas deals 4 damage to Captain Hansur. Captain Hansur HP = 16.
Ser Faralt - 2; Miss.
Fraskia - 6; Fraskia deals 4 damage to Merishian Footman #7. Merishian Footman #7 is dead!
Edoardo - 10; Crit roll 1d6 = 3. Edoardo deals (4+3) 7 damage to Merishian Footman #9. Merishian Footman #9 is dead!
Vera - 8; Vera deals 4 damage to Merishian Footman #2. Merishian Footman #2 HP = 2.
Terrence - 11 [10+1; Lightning Rod]; Crit Roll 1d6 = 4. Overkill bonus = 1. Terrence deals (4+4+1) 9 damage to Merishian Footman #5. Merishian Footman #5 is very dead!
Lucina - 7; Lucina heals Arnas for 3 health. Arnas HP = 23.
Aelestra - 2; Miss.

Panic Roll #1: 1d6 =5; Merishian Archer #5 has fled!
Panic Roll #2: 1d6 = 3; No effect.
Panic Roll #3: 1d6 = 6; Merishian Archer #6 has fled!

ENEMY ROLLS
Captain Hansur - 10; Crit roll 1d6 = 4. Arnas takes (5+4) 9 damage. Fire blade scorches Arnas! Arnas takes an additional 4 damage for the next turn. Arnas HP = 14.
Merishian Footman #2 - 4; Misses Vera.
Merishian Footman #6 - 6; Terrence takes 3 damage. Terrence HP = 19.
Merishian Footman #8 - 3; Misses Edoardo.
Merishian Archer #2 - 8; Edoardo takes 2 [4-2; Hardened Hide] damage. Edoardo HP = 10.
Merishian Archer #4 - 1; Critical Failure! Vera Counterattack Roll 1d4 = 4. Merishian Archer #4 takes 4 damage. Merishian Archer #4 HP = 4.
Merishian Archer #7 - 4 [3-1; Monk Evasion]; Misses Aelestra.
​

---

Now alone against the Merishian Captain, Arnas became locked in a duel with the man where both men matched their ferocity from different headspaces. Their swords collided to ring in the air several times, sending embers and sparks flying from the flaming blade upon every impact. The mercenary felt a surge of renewed vigor briefly enter his body as Lucina conducted her work from afar, blessing him to heal some of the wounds he had accumulated thus far in this battle. It was enough for Arnas to match the more experienced veteran in single combat, and the two exchanged heavy blows. Arnas score a his onto the man's shoulder, jutting his blade between the gaps in his armor, while the captain retaliated by slicing his blade across Arnas' side - burning through the leather padding and searing into his flesh underneath. Both men staggered back, though Arnas was worse for wear as the flesh around his new wound continued to burn and seemingly melt despite being no longer in contact.

Fraskia assaulted the footman she had been engaged with prior, who was now too weak to fight back as the rune knight deftly dodged his half-hearted swing and struck out. Her blade pierced his neck, spurting warm blood across her steel and arm as he gripped onto her for a moment before collapsing entirely to the ground. He let out a gurgle as he choked on his own blood before finally expiring. As Faralt attacked the archer he set himself upon, he would miss because of the man's panic to his fallen comrade as he scrambled backwards onto the ground before getting back onto his feet and running away in fear, leaving his bow and equipment behind in his haste.

Edoardo in the meantime would retaliate for all the punishment he had been receiving, and with brute force he clawed at one of the footmen that had been assailing him. His natural weapons carved into the man's face and neck, tearing off chunks of his face and cutting open his neck to a deluge of blood. The man, letting out choking spurts as he choked on his blood like his other comrade had as well, desperately tried to stem the blood loss from such egrigious wounds, but shock would overtake him as he collapsed and died shortly thereafter. The other footman he had been engaged with swung at the Sobekan to try to avenge his comrade, but missed as Edoardo sidestepped it with ease. But the archer that had been plaguing him struck true once more by lodging an arrow into his back, though his hide took most of the damage.

Vera would also retaliate to the footman that she had been locked in combat with; though she did not manage to gut him, she still managed to drive her steel across the man's side and send him reeling back, leaving him staggered and bloodied and unable to hit his strike as he missed wildly. An archer also attempted to strike at Vera as he drew his bow and prepared to fire, but he severely miscalculated his own positioning as Vera closed the distance and used the hilt of her blade to hit the man in the face. The man clutched at his nose as it bled and staggered back to try to build some distance between himself and his opponent.

Terrence dispatched one of the footmen that he had been fighting against, as he sidestepped and brought his axe down like an executioner in terms of its accuracy and strength. It cleaved through the man's neck with ease, relieving him of his head as his body staggered a few feet before collapsing to the ground lifelessly. In turn, this led to another archer to drop his weapon and flee the field of battle, screaming in panic as he had witnessed such a brutal end to someone he once knew and thinning the ranks of the enemy. One of the remaining footmen did score a hit on Terrence again as he struck at him and cut a gash on his leg with his steel.

Aelestra targetted the archer that had tried to fire at her prior, using her speed to her advantage as she kept her posture lower to the ground and advanced with haste. However, in the chaos of the battle she would miss her strike as the man stumbled back to try to reposition himself away from her, missing his own attack once again against the monk as his arrow sailed passed her to harmlessly hit the dirt nearby.

---

By now, the situation appeared hopeless for the Merishians as they were thinned out completely from before from both deaths and desertions. Many those that remained were in bad shape, and as Captain Hansur looked about he saw just exactly how futile a hope for victory was. Rather than fight to the bitter end, and waste their lives in this meaningless struggle, Hansur barked towards his remaining subordinates: "RETREAT! FALL BACK!"

He drove his blade into the ground before swinging in a narc to bring up a surge of flames in a line that separated the now fleeing Merishians and the group that had attacked them. This drove Arnas, and the others back from the sheer heat from such a desperate move and bought enough space for Captain Hansur and his remaining men to flee with only what they had on them and disappear into the woods. The flames that had been summoned dissipated and returned the space to its original self afterwards. The battle had been won rather decisively, but Arnas felt no joy nor comfort in this feeling as he collapsed to one knee and gripped at his side, the flesh having warped and become charred from the searing it had received from the Captain's blade.

"Damn it... damn it all..." the young mercenary spat out through gritted teeth.

Faralt was somewhat satisfied as many of those responsible for the massacre at the village now lay dead. A fitting end to such criminals in his mind as he approached Arnas, hoisting him up to his feet as he took the man's arm and draped it over his armoured shoulders. "Sister, I suppose we could all use some healing." the burnt knight then spoke to Lucina, seemingly unfazed by his own wounds and stood tall through it all.

"...I should've had him."

"Don't beat yourself up over it boy. You fought well, and sent the vile wretch scampering into the wilderness with his ilk!" Faralt quickly retorted, trying to bring up Arnas' mood. But the young man was visibly dour still, having lost his chance at avenging the horrors he had witnessed earlier in the day.

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[Arnalia]

Lucina Lux​

Lucina watched the merishian army retreat emotionless to it all. One that looked closely would find her gaze tired and weary. Deep in them a touch of relief could be found, because they won or didn't slaughter everyone. That, even she could not say. Not right now, not for a long time. When the captain flames vanished Lucina immediately ran to Arnas and Sir Faralt. She nodded at the knight words, "Put him over there," she pointed at a not too dirty patch of grass near. Once Arnas settled, Lucina concentrated and delicately shone her healing magic on her companion most pressing wounds. After she was sure Arnas was stable she took out her bag and organized her bandages, pastes, potions and water on the ground. "I took care of the most important one. Even if it was fire, I prefer to make sure the rest don't infects," she said to Arnas and started to clean and bandaged his wounds. Her fingers practiced and experienced, the healer made quick work of it. Finally, Lucina took out a water gourd and a wooden goblet, poured the liquid in it and added some soothing herbs. "Drink this Arnas, it help prevent fever," she said gently as she passed it to him. Lucina turned her head around and gestured for the others to approach.


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[Beann]

Just as Aelestra was about to go in for another kick, the words of retreat forced her to halt. A wall of flames then separated her and the archer who she let slip away, a brief wave of relief passing over her knowing she wouldn’t have to kill another. Looking back towards the group, she watched Lucina tend to Arnas who took the brunt of the fight against the captain. Her attention shifted to her merchant friend who appeared to have seen more of the battle compared to her untouched state. She walked towards him and offered him a thumbs up, followed by a quick question, ‘Need help?’

Chaos Gallant

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

With the priest's claws slaked with bloodied, human gore, he beat his bare chest in a taunting manner. Staining the softer, paler scales of his chest and abdomen. Despite the injuries he suffered, his body alone promised that it'll take a lot more punishment to down him. He wheeled in place with his tail flattening grass blades in its wake. He sized up the remaining foes, each eager to end this enduring ecclesiastic. But their leader's words prevailed their bloodlust as he howled orders of retreat. Sweet retreat to save them from this vicious creature. His tense stance loosened. Relaxing his muscles, but blood still pumped adrenals through the channels dulling him to the pain that awaited him.

His eyes watched the footmen had him entertain the idea of giving chase, only to be squashed by the row of flames separating them. Edoardo moves away from the flame then falls to his knees. Partly because of his injury, partly to commune glories. He throws his head back then stretched his arms wide and accepting. His khopesh slips out of his clawed fingers. Eyes stared at the sky with dignity. Reverence. He asks now if his Gods see him; their warrior-priest, acknowledge him. Their holiest of holymen who delivered death to the murderers of women and children, who slaughtered the abettors too. His jaw parts to elicit their answer. "O' Gods of mine lend an ear. I thank you for the strength given, these deaths do I devote to you. Lord of Justice, be swift and fair on their souls as you be swift and fair to ours. Let their journey be short, ferryman. May it be so."

His words uttered, eyes closed with hands locked. Quietude fell on Edoardo. Alas the pain has returned and the warrior-priest raised up slowly. His tutelage on religion came with the ability to mend wounds. The minor cuts would heal into scaled scar tissue but with a little application of a herbal salve, debris and bacteriums won't infect them.

He grabbed the broken shaft of the arrow and tried to twist. The crocodile nodded in approval, this arrow did not impact his bone. Pain began to seep into his mind, nerves aflame with neural fire. He lubricated the arrow shaft with the same antibacterial salve then with two fingers pushed it through. The arrowhead protruded beneath the flesh. One finger created a slit through which he pushed sharpened chevron out. Another round of antiseptic and patching it up was done. Now came the difficult part, rather only the prelude. He meandered over to the priestess Lucina, he'll need her assistance for the lodged arrow. "Sister Lux, your aid would be appreciated here." He spoke with great pain, but gestured to the remaining arrows in his body.

The priest suffered four arrow penetrations. He removed one, the one in his back fell off, now only two remained. One lodged in his collarbone, the other in his abdomen. His vocal chords plagued by pain, strained themselves. "Take your time... This one.. in a sensitive spot. Might have to pull instead of push." The crocadilian advised on the collarbone. "This one as well..." Pointing to the punctured abdomen. "I would like for my feces to not poison me." Yes, pushing through intestines is not ideal.

Arnalia joshuadim

 

[Chaos Gallant]

Another slash at his leg from the soldier that Terrence thought dead, brought his attention and ax alike to the dying man. With a pitying gaze he swung the ax down once more, executing the soldier like he had the last. He looked up to see the end of the battle, the enemy captain retreating behind a wall of flames. ‘At least it is over.’ He thought to himself, a slight wave of relief easing over him.

The relief was short-lived however. Pain began to slowly ebb its way up his leg and throughout his back as the adrenaline stopped pumping through his system. He pulled his ax free and standing up, a groan of pain escaped his lips as he felt the still fresh wounds on him throb. Doing his best to ignore his pain for a moment, his eyes scoured the camp for signs that his allies were still alive, his eyes locking with Aelestra as she approached him. He smirked, returning the thumbs up, “I will be fine with a few stitches, or whatever Sister Lucina has in store for us. To be frank with you, the fact I need to mend my coat and pants bothers me far more than the cuts. Had I known this was the course my route would take me, I would have packed some mail.”

Terrence let out a laugh, wincing slightly as pain shot through his back from the movement. He noticed the rest of the party forming around Lucina to deal with their own wounds. “Well, let us hope I have the worst of it.” He gave a nod then began heading over to the priestess as she beckoned them over. He fastened his ax to his belt, undoing his coat, hoping to prevent any more blood from spilling onto it than already had.

 

[Arnalia]

Lucina Lux
​

Lucina looked up as Edoardo approached. Nodding she immediately fetched a little bag tightened with ropes and opened it. A sort of hard clay-like material inside of it. Mixing it with a bit of water she took the paste in one hand and put her other hand on the arrow in Edoardo's collarbone. "Are you ready ? I be quick," she said softly, and when her companion nodded Lucina gripped the arrows tightly and pulled it out. Before any blood spilt out she put the paste on the wound and applied pressure on it with both of her hands. The healings magic flowing from her fingers sealing the hole away. After pouring a touch more of it then usual, Edoardo wound been in a very sensitive spot, Lucina kept one hand on the paste. With the other, she took a large bandage from her belt and wrapped it around it. She repeated this procedure with the other arrow and once finished rummaged her bags for a moment. Taking out a small and round sweet she gave it to Edoardo. "This is usually for sore throat but it should also work to ease the pain, enough so my magic and the paste have the time to settle," she said and motioned for him to sit with Arnas and Sir Faralt.

Seeing Terrence, and Aelestra who she remarked looked fine, approach. Lucina said. "Let me help you Terrence. Where's the most pressing wound ?"

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Vera began to raise her blade once more, prepared to press the attack, only to halt when she found herself staring at the backs of her opponents who had turned tail to flee. The wall of fire that arose soon afterword dashed any thoughts of pursuit before she could decide to act on them or not. She clicked her tongue as she watched the soldiers escape, not quite displeased, but not quite satisfied either. "Bunch o' cowardly curs..."

The knightess sheathed her blade and quickly assessed herself. She was relatively unscathed compared to the others, though the arrow that jutted from her shoulder was becoming a nuisance now that the adrenaline was starting to fade. Gritting her teeth, she gripped the thing tightly by the shaft and yanked hard. She grunted when the arrow popped free of her flesh. Thank the gods for healers. She thought as regrouped with others.

 

[Chaos Gallant]

“Oh- my back has been killing me as of late, though I am sure it is just a flesh wound.” Terrence chuckled into a cough as he exposed his back towards Lucina. “I am sure a prayer or two will suffice.” He tried to wink back at the priestess, wincing in pain as his wounds laid bare to her.

 

[joshuadim]

Arnas didn't question Lucina as he took the herbal remedy and forced it down his own gullet, wincing at the strong and bitter flavour that came from the herbs before finishing and letting out a series of coughs. Her healing did most of the work, but this was just extra in case as he breathed in heavily. The others were also getting treated one by one for their wounds; the expertise of an Alandran Healer became fully well known as everyone's various scars and wounds dissipated entirely, leaving them renewed as much as they had been prior to the fighting. Though Ser Faralt was the only one to refuse healing politely, as he pointed to his own wounds. It seemed as though being Undying had its own perks in that he didn't bleed - or feel pain in the same manner - as well as his wounds gradually sticking together.

By now the fires on the camp had dissipated entirely, leaving smouldering ruins of the soldiers' former rest areas and goods that they had pillaged from the village. Arnas stood up as he gave a nod to the others. "If everyone is good to travel, then we should press onward. We can reach Leskau by nightfall if we keep our previous pace." the young mercenary then announced as he waved everyone to follow back. The carriage was still where it remained where they had left it - Chowder and Abdula chewing on some grasses with blissful ignorance - as everyone clambered aboard. Terrence beckoned the horses to advance, leading the carriage to rumble along the dirt road. The group passed by the Merishian campgrounds once again before venturing into the nearby woods.

Under the canopy of the trees giving ample shade, the group found their venture through the woodlands to be rather uneventful as the midday turned into the afternoon hours. Rather than endure the sun's heat, they had plenty of room to relax and recuperate physically and mentally. The birds chirped from above, giving a sense of ease to many with this change of pace. Though at one moment there was a distant howl of a basilisk, probably celebrating a fresh hunt; "We needn't worry. That sounded a fair ways away." Ser Faralt commented as he looked off into the thick underbrush. It was hard to make out further than the near distance in the forest from the amount of foliage there was, but there was no signs of any danger.

The sky took on a darker orange hue as the sun arrived closer to the evening hours which gave a golden aura to the forest itself from the sun rays that poked through the tree leaves. But their journey would not remain uneventful for long as Terrence brought the carriage to a halt. Everyone could see up ahead that a scene was unfolding. Three man stood atop wood pedestals with nooses around their necks, while an armoured figure and what appeared to be several squires surrounded the area. Those condemned to die were easily seen to be a few of those that had fled the battle earlier in the day.

One of the squires saw the group's carriage and quickly alerted the others, which brought all eyes upon them. The armoured man turned about and looked at the group with tired eyes; he was an older man, far beyond his years for what one could consider to be a gallant knight, but he certainly was dressed like one.

"That's a Paladin! From the Order of Ragul!" Ser Faralt whispered to his companions.

It was reassuring news, given the situation at hand, as Arnas stepped off the carriage and raised a hand. "We come in peace."

"If you hadn't I would've known." the man spoke rather bluntly, though not out of any hostility. Rather, it was professionalism that was on display. Arnas looked towards the men waiting to be hanged, their faces filled with fear, tears and snot as they had begged for their lives earlier. The Paladin noticed Arnas' look towards them and shrugged. "Dereliction of honour and duty." he then stated, "It is my duty to uphold these laws."

"That's not all they're guilty of. They helped murder and pillage a village a half day's venture from where we are now. We scattered the rest of their unit."

The Paladin looked back towards the men, whose snivelling only intensified as their crimes were retold. The figure remained silent himself for a moment before kicked their stools, leaving them to choke on the rope around their necks as they struggled in vain. "Murder and banditry as well. May the Father have mercy on your souls." he spat out as the men died from the rope, before turning to the group. His squires also showed satisfaction at these criminals getting their just dues as they looked on with the faintest of smirks.

"I am Ser Leos Broz, of the Order of Ragul. What brings you lot on this road?"

Arnalia Beann Breadman Chaos Gallant Oreo Cookie Worthlessplebian

 

[Chaos Gallant]

“A Paladin, hm.” With the cart now stopped, Terrence watched as Arnas detailed the exploits of the three men that were about to be executed by the paladin. ‘This journey just becomes grimmer and grimmer with each passing hour.’ He signed to Aelestra as the paladin kicked the stools that held the men’s lives.

“I am Terrence of the Family Halforth, Ser Leos Broz,” Terrence gestured with one arm to the rest of the party, “And these are my compatriots, we were originally doing some business down in the Free Territories, but after a chance occurrence with a very persuasive customer, we’re on our way to Leskau for a delivery. I might add, it has been quite the journey thus far.”

 

[Beann]

As the paladin kicked the stools of the three criminals, Aelestra simply turned her head away from the scene. She did not grimace or wince, merely looking away as if something else had stolen her attention away. Her head tilted as Terrence signed to her, thinking for a moment of what they had experienced so far. ‘Public execution is common, a rift tearing through a town is not. This journey has been grim from the start.’ Aelestra turned her attention back to the paladin, offering a slight nod of her head as Terrence introduced the group.

 

[joshuadim]

The Paladin remained vigilant and attentive as he listened to Terrence's recounting, the men behind him choking until they stilled to hang on the tree. When they died, Leos' squires moved forward to hang signs around their necks that detailed their crimes through painted text. A foreboding warning to anyone who would dare break their honour or the laws of Merish - as was usual per the practices that Lucina was familiar with - lest they suffer the same fate. His brow furrowed when the orc merchant mentioned their destination and he let out an audible scoff. "Why would you need to venture to that accursed place? Tis a dead town." he spoke with visible skepticism.

Arnas then stepped forward and pulled out the talisman that the Guardian had given him, which immediately changed the mood of the Paladin as his face dropped and became rather serious. "This is why. We were sent by-"

"Him. I know." Leos spoke, interrupting the young mercenary. "I cannot fathom why he would send you there... or have need of you. But it must be important." He then turned towards his squires and gave a nod. "Head south. Search for survivors of the village." he commanded, which was met with with silent approval from his underlings as they all gathered their equipment and marched dutifully the way the group had come from. One even gave a quick salute to the group to honour them before turning around the bend of the road and disappearing into the woods. Ser Broz in the meantime gathered his horse, a strong and still youthful pinto, and pulled it along until they were both alongside the group.

Chowder and Abdula both moved to sniff the newcomer equine while Leos continued to mingle with the group. "The roads aren't what they used to be in the realm. I'll escort you along to your destination."

Arnas was surprised by this sudden show of generosity as he blinked twice before clearing his throat: "Ser, you needn't-"

"I insist. Besides, It's time I at least exchanged a few words with the man. Its been a while."

"We would be honoured to have you along with us!" Ser Faralt then quickly interjected, which caught Ser Broz's attention. He observed the burnt knight with silence for a moment before scratching his head. "I recognize your accent. Lithurnian. Why are you all the way here? And why are you as though you were in a fireplace?"

The question caught Ser Faralt off guard as he let out a nervous chuckle and stammered on his words for a moment. He quickly looked towards the others out of fright under his helmet, seeking their aid in concocting an explanation!

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[Breadman]

"He's with me, ser." Fraskia spoke up behind Ser Faralt. The rune knight calmly walked up next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Fraskia Mountcrasher of castle Vrana." She looked to the burnt knight. Her gaze managing to line up with his eyes through the slit "Grandmaster Duncan send us both for research. Our noble knight had the misfortune to suffer a curse of inflammation. It causes the air around the victim to combust at random intervals while keeping them unharmed, but their life suffers as a result.." She motioned with her hand "I would stay my distance if I was you. My runes can protect me, but not you." She was silent for a second and took her arm off the knight's shoulder. "The source could be from a wicked crone to a mischievous goblinid. So I'm escorting him to a place that may cleanse him according to rumors as we are unsure where we need to strike to lift the curse."

"As for the others." She looked behind her for a moment. Hopefully the others would be quick with a story of their own to back them up. "Ser Terrance was kind enough to offer aid for us in exchange to help him with his business."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Edoardo Vargas Melcher​

The scaled warrior-priest nodded to his healer's words. Snaggle-toothed maw clenched as tight as a horse's saddle belt. Priestess Lux's steady hand melted into a blur to his quaking eyes when she yanked the projectile clean out. Then applied the salve to coagulate the wounding. With the arrows wretched free from their infernal pits in his body, Edoardo popped his jaw in vocal relief. Akin to the ache of a impacted tooth finally free from fighting his jaw away. "My highest gratitude, Sister. And blessings for your service." He expressed in a low tone. Divested from the ammunition of war, Edoardo sat down to recuperate momentarily. He had fought like a mad dog this entire time and he shan't lie that his body is more than just beaten, bruised, and bloodied. It was tired as well.

Although the appearance of another cart quickened the Sobekon's blood, puffed his lungs, and stiffened his tail. Except the arrival of this man did not harbour ill omen. Indeed, this man is the bringer of good will. If only he had arrived sooner to assist in their partial extermination of these detestable murderers. Edoardo laxened his sword arm. The warrior-priest had a partial worry that his vestments had been trashed, tarnished from cuts and his blood or theirs.

Edoardo observed the man's actions, along with his coterie of squires who slinked like rats in the woods. Disappearing from sight. All seemed well for now. Until the paladin inquired into Ser Feralt's uncanny disposition to a burnt piece of pig meat. Fraskia had been first to respond in concocting an elaborate story. Too elaborate. The holy man frowned about lying to this peer of religion. Even steadied against his planted sword, the crocodilian still managed to tower over some of them. I'm a missionary. A priest from the..." The crocodilian paused. Eyes spanning for the right noun in the common tongue. "Marshlands, an essential path to my preferment into the higher ecclesiastical layers of my Church required pilgrimage outside the lands, a duty of my own choosing. I, by the chaos of chance, ran into him." Alluding to their mutual acquaintance. "I now share my duties with Ser Arnas. The rest as well." Flapping a hand to the good fellows. "I've also been researching Ser Faralt's affliction, though so far my work has been... Less than fruitful."

Breadman joshuadim Arnalia and the rest.