Arty Fox

Pokétopian Dreams: Uncharted Waters

Well hey there! Hope you dont mind, I know the apply status says but I was wondering if you might be willing to squeeze in one more player?

Concept wise I am thinking another investigator rather than a battler BUT being more of a Miss Marple inspired character; little old lady who goes around solving murders, reporting on news events, and generally well known for her articles in one of the big pokemon news organisations. Happy to draw up a proper CS but wanted t odouble check first if you were open to the idea :)

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: N/A Action: Animal Handling: 8 Bonus Action: Singing a tune (performance) 15 Ki: x/5

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BlackBerry felt a rising sense of pride as everyone rallied behind his words and dashed off to their assigned tasks quick as they could. A smile spread across his lips and he gave a self satisfied nod. Lady Kathryn had dashed off towards the store house, Victoria set off back towards the Coach House, and Kosara...in not so many words, brightened up the place.

While Victoria was away still retrieving Old Boy and Morty BlackBerry joined Lady Kathryn in her efforts to move equipment into the nearby fields under Cecily's direction. It was here, after placing a brazier for Madame L'Rose to light, that he was reminded of the reality of the situation the L'Roses now found themselves. He followed Madame L'Rose's gaze to the empty darkness and empathised her frantic impatience. He let out an sigh which promptly turned to fog in the freezing chill. Even with the whole crew lending a hand they were still running low on hands and if they didn't work quickly and efficiently it could all still be for nothing. BlackBerry bit his lip and began tap, tap, tapping his thumb on each of his fingers in worried thought.

As brother Rorvil would say; don't count your chickens before they hatch,

"Do try not to worry, Madame L'Rose." He tried to reassure her with a pat on the arm. "We shall have this all sorted by morning just you wait and see. Kosara and Victoria are excellent spell casters, with the pair of them working this whole field will be warm as anything. Just you see."

He set back to work until he spotted Victoria arriving with the animals and rushed over to meet her. "Marvellously done, Victoria." He said through chattering teeth as he took the reigns "I do hope Old Boy did not slow you down all too much. Come along, be a good chap. We have work to do."

BlackBerry took a few steps forward before the reigns pulled taught and he nearly ended up on his ass. He turned around to glare at Old Boy, and the Ass simply glared back. The mule had his ears flicked backwards in clear disgust after being woken up and dragged out into the bleak, cold night.

"Now, Now, Old Boy. Be a Good mule." BlackBerry tugged and pulled the disgruntled mule one begrudging step after begrudging step towards the storage shed. By the time they had arrived the pair were steaming simply from the effort of fighting each other. Thankfully some of the time lost dragging the damn mule was clawed back when BlackBerry spotted a Brazier politely into the wagon, followed by a few buckets, a shovel, and even a decent amount of fuel as well. BlackBerry gave a thumbs up and a cheerful, "Much Obliged Kosara!" towards the shining tiefling. Unfortunately, much to BlackBerry's annoyance, Old Boy wasn't any happier heading back. Those working near to the path along the field would a series of unrepeatable insults from the monk, that could turn the air almost as blue as he was.

"Fine. There." BlackBerry snapped at Old Boy, and looped the reigns around a fence post with added force for good measure. "I dare say it may have been quicker to simply carry everything here myself. Madame L'Rose has done you the great service of a dry hay and oats. And this is how you repay her in her time of need? Disgraceful." Blackberry sneered at Old Boy who simply snorted dismissively.

BlackBerry then set to work, after slinging one more insult towards the creature, dragging one of the braziers he had claimed out of the wagon and then down the small slope toward the field. His path only somewhat illuminated by the gathering frost reflecting the ever increasing number of fires sitting in neat rows throughout the field, and following the pattern he found the next spot. Lighting the fire with a stray tinderbox he had found in the shed was a bit of a hassle with only one arm but he made do. Back and forth he scurried, setting down braziers, buckets or digging pits for fires, and while he worked he sang a song.

It had started as just a small hum with a few words but it soon grew as BlackBerry remembered the tune;

For winter comes, aye winter rides
She comes to us 'pon frosty tides
So batter down the the hatches
And clear away the fields

His song rose above him in little frosty clouds as he got to work in the frigid night air. His fingers quickly began to sting with chill despite his efforts hiding then under his poncho, and then under his arm pit trying to cling onto any semblance of warmth. Taking him completely by surprise was another voice joining his own, and then another would jump n from another part of the field, only for another to then lend its strength for a few words.

To the cold and the dark
By fire light we still laugh
For nights will be clearer
Our loved ones draw nearer
all under the harvest moon

It was going to be a long and busy night; even if they got all the braziers out in time to save the crops, BlackBerry could easily see them all still out to the early hours just keeping the fires fed. He took another breath and added his voice back to the song. They were all in this together.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Rose River Vineyard (Fields Near Estate House) Action: Perception 17 (seeing where Lizbeth went), Perception 22 (seeing where braziers are being setup to go) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: x/5

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BlackBerry charged down the path after Lizbeth. in the fields on either side he saw he pools of fire raging wildly. It was easy enough to see her her silhouette scrambling ahead of him, even through the falling fat flakes of snow whisking past his face. He was thankful that she didn't suddenly veer off into the fields on either side but instead continued straight on towards the Estate House, then came to a stumbling stop in front of an equally flustered looking Madame L'Rose.

Now this is curious. BlackBerry thought when came to a stop as well before Madame L'Rose. He had expected her to be in a panic, worryingly asking what was the matter in horrified shrieks. While there was still some panic in her voice it was more like that of someone with an arrow pointed to them rather than someone with an arrow in them.

Listening to Madame L'Rose and Lizbeth explain the situation he took another look at the fields around them to see the same pools of fire which he had thought were raging, were actually in fact very controlled atop braziers or in small buckets with the occasional silhouette of a farm hand blocking them from view. If he focussed hard enough he could just make out some of the farm hands scurrying in the fields, some made easier by torches they carried, as they all frantically worked away.

Then came Lizbeths plea for help, for them to do something, to use some fabulous skill or spell or what have you to make the whole situation fix itself. Neither of them may have said those words but the meaning was clear and Lizbeth was undoubtedly at an age, of good natured naivety to think such magic was possible. BlackBerry restrained a nervous grimace.

When Victoria spoke BlackBerry nearly jumped in surprise, so consumed by his own thoughts of pre-emptive guilt he hadn't heard her or Lady Kathryn approach, but it had the wonderful effect of clearing space in his mind for an idea to take root. He clicked his tongue a few times with a shake of his head in mock-disappointment at Victoria.

"Nonsense Victoria. There are still plenty of skills you have we can draw upon. And the same goes for the rest of us. We are The Ones Who Answered, and we never let a cry for help go unanswered even if it means simply putting in some 'hard graft' or a 'bit of elbow grease'." The idea was starting to grow into a plan, and with each word his voice took on another level of bravado. And volume even if the sentence did leave him towards the end.

"You heard Young Lizbeth everyone. Time is off the essence so here is an idea, but we must decide quickly if it is worth the effort." He drew all present company closer, the L'Rose's included. Addressing Victoria first he began to explain his plan. "Victoria, let us get Morty and Old Boy fitted to their wagons quickly to help equipment and supplies out onto the field. Morty's should fit between the trellises, if I am not mistaken, while Old Boy and myself can circle the perimeter. However I will admittedly need an extra pair of hands if possible. But I do already see a few spots the staff has started work on, where some more fire would prove most useful." Added with a quick look towards Kosara, in his mind the pair of them were likely speedy enough to get anything done in record time.

"Lady Kathryn." He snapped his fingers at the very well insulated knight. "We could use your impressive strength getting all the supplies up onto the wagons. Afterwards we should do well to handle setting everything up ourselves or otherwise helped by the farm staff already on the fields. However, between it all anything else you can do to aid the staff closest I dare say wouldn't go amiss." There wasn't time to waste any...well...time.

He paused for a moment to finalise the last of his thoughts and to gauge the reaction of the others. Would they think this was a good idea? Perhaps with a bit of luck either Lady Kathryn or Kosara might have some imaginative, genius solution hidden up their sleeves. The time it would take them to get Morty and Old Boy setup was the flaw in his current plan where perhaps only one of the two animals would be enough for the work, but he hoped the benefit of having the two animals working would offset this flaw. As it was he couldn't see any of the workhorses out, either they were out of sight in the darkness or the hands simply couldn't be spared to lead them.

Hands. He poked his head up from the huddle to cast another long look over the fields. The fires he could see didn't extend anywhere close to the estates edges. Even with Victoria and Himself leading the charge setting up equipment...how could they hope to keep everything going with so few staff.

"Madame L'Rose, Lizbeth. Are there any others of whom you could call upon to help? I fear even with us helping you are still several hands short"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House -> L'Rose Estate Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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Several days had passed since Jon had given Blackberry some...friendly advice to giving Old Boy some exercise. Thankfully it had only taken one early morning visit from Jon, banging on the coach house door before dawn to find BlackBerry already half dressed for another days work, to make sure the dragonborn was following his advice. The sight of BlackBerry taking Old Boy for meandering walks around the L'Rose Estate or even walking with the other stable hands and their charges through the empty fields to put Old Boy through his paces. Towards the end of the week, pair could even be seen heading out of the estate, though who lead who could easily be up for debate. BlackBerry of course followed Victoria's advice to keep away from Southmoor itself, but once she had given the all clear he had gone to run a few errands; namely buying yet another set of clothes and sending off letters. The price for sending it all had not been cheap, and anyone other than BlackBerry would have balked at the price.

But right now the warm and comfortable evening in the coach house had take a sudden turn with Victoria's outburst and retreat from the group. Even from Blackberry's spot by the fire, wrapped up in a poncho and his feet up to on another seat to enjoy the heat, felt the temperate in the room figuratively drop. He watched Kosara take point at the window to see how Lady Kathryn would go and reassure their friend. He waited, watching Kosara leaning out of the open window to something he couldn't quite hear himself. He let go of a breathe he didn't know he had been holding when Kosara hopped off the window with a smile.

"They will be quite alright. It would appear victoria has had a...ah, a bit of stressful time in Southmoor given the recent events." He turned to face Lizbeth. He put down his own mug of wine to try and wave away the girls worries. "Lady Kathryn will be able to turn Victorias frown upside down. Just you see." Blackberry pulling the sides of his mouth down and up for emphasis. "Best we do not crowd the poor thing in any case. Sometimes a kind word from one is better than from many. Oh do go on Kosara, we may as well, If you will teach me. But close that blasted window first before we catch a cold." With his worries now somewhat put to rest he felt ready to relax a bit more. "Though I will be the first to admit I am unsure of any dances. I am quite the novice."

He would follow Kosaras lead in whatever dance she could think of. But he kept his own several layers of clothing on. As they moved back and forth around the tables and chairs, a question burned in BlackBerry's mind demanding to be spoken. A few times he opened his mouth, the question clawing at his throat, but the question was for Lady Kathryn and Victoria as well, and best done without anyone else present. Banishing the question he instead asked things like "Am I doing this right?", "Which way do I move my foot?", "I put my hand here? Correct?", sometimes even humming a little tune and clapping his hand on his chest to an unheard beat. It was a fun little distraction while it lasted.

Then there was a noise under their own sounds of laughter and traipsing around the room. BlackBerry paused and, tilting his head towards the window, listened intently for it. It was a bell. It took BlackBerry a few moments listening to the bell ringing madly to understand what it was. Years of life experience took hold and in an instant wound every muscle and nerve tight. He was right on Lizbeths heels when the girl pulled the door open. His feet skidded through the snow in the courtyard when he came to a stop, snapping head this way and that, then spotting the distant flames.

"A fire?" He blinked several times several times and shielded his eyes from the fat, fluffy snowflakes trailing past. "In this weather? surely no-" Lizbeth then sped past him and out onto the path towards the fire with her winter cloak bellowing behind her. BlackBerry swore. "Lizbeth, hold on!" BlackBerry swore again. He dashed back to the coach house door and called in. "Kosara hurry. Several fires have broken out on the fields. Lizbeth has gone charging off on her own."

With that he turned again and sprinted across the courtyard and onto the path, haring after Lizbeth without even checking to see if Kosara had followed after him. He tore down the path towards the Estate House after the Lizbeth hoping to spot her either ahead of him or of the path already in the fields. With any luck he would run into either her or Lady Kathryn and Victoria. He could only hope the other two weren't in any danger.

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The first letter is wrapped in a separate envelope addressed to Brother Rorvil, with the date of writing in the top right.

"letter to Brother Rorvil"

Dear Brother Rorvil

I hope this letter finds you in as good health and fortune as it leaves me.

My apologies as well for how long it has been since my last letter but I must admit since then there has not been much of note until recently, and it is only just now I have found myself in one place for long enough to sit down and put thoughts to paper. While I long to hear back from you I must admit I doubt this will reach you in good time and I will have moved on before this letter reaches you, and I have yet to plan out my next destination.

I find myself now for the season upon the L'Rose Vineyard estate which if I believe you had mentioned some years ago for some reason I no longer recall, though likely in regard to their marvellous wines gifted from a traveller. I now find myself as part of another Adventuring group, to whom our most gracious host Madame L'Rose has offered accommodation for the season, after our work clearing up a spot of bother in the Avonshire Township concerning an errant pack of were-rats lead by none other than the townships own sheriff! The ruffian had been partaking in various acts which I shall not sully paper to describe but will simply say the world is much better without. You may be surprised to hear I am taking the opportunity to learn from the resident Senior Stable Master, a most knowledgeable man named Jon, all that I may in such a time as to horse care. You see we have acquired a mule and I have grown somewhat fond of Old Boy, for that is his name.

As for Madame L'Rose she is as already mentioned very generous and a most wonderful host even after the number of hardships she has endured recently so I only hope we are been as courteous to her as guests. As luck would have it she has a daughter, just a few years older than Melody though very much like her but perhaps a tad more daring being more for for going out having adventures than to simply sit inside reading about them.

The adventurers and myself have been dubbed; *The Ones Who Answered* by the locals. I bit of a mouthful but apparently it refers to letters the others had received calling them to arms against the situation in Avonshire. The adventurers themselves are three who I shall describe to you in turn thusly.

Firstly, there is Lady Kathryn, a knight of stupendous skill with all manner of weaponry and one I can say from experience could hold her own against any foe brave enough to face her. Despite her intimidating size and strength she is as sweet as a lamb, really a most agreeable sort all round. She hails from the county of Arcanapple and more than happy to bend anyone's ear to all manner of tales of the place, or even of her own adventures before receiving her letter.

Secondly, there is Kosara who is either a wizard, or a warlock, or simply magically inclined. I forget the difference so must remember to ask at some point. Regardless, she is a most chaotic individual though I must stress she is not of a malicious nature, more so she appears to act upon nearly any impulse. But even such moments are interspersed with moments of equal insight and care for all others around her. Overall I am often left unsure what to think of the woman but she does keep things interesting.

Last but by no means least is Victoria Belmont. I would describe Victoria to possess as much shrewd cunning as she does musical talent, which is to say I would not wish to cross her in either sense. She is a bard but moreso of the magical sort such as we would have stop by the monastery on occasion. While I admit we two do not see eye-to-eye on certain subjects I would trust her to take all things into account before making a decision.

As to progress for my journey. I ask you keep this to yourself, are at the very least out of Melody's thoughts at all costs. I have made come to an impasse for you see the aforementioned Sheriff was working under instruction of another, one I suspect to be demonic or otherwise supernatural. Upon the sheriffs defeat myself and the others were offered power and knowledge by this being if we would only work for it. Before you worry yourself, no I have no accepted its offer, in fact the creature has made no further attempts to make contact since then. But it knew about my past, said it knew about the creature and that it was still out there just as I know in my bones it is! The being also seemed to know things about the others, for whom I shall respect their privacy and not put anything to paper but would wager all ring true. I'm uncertain of the others decision, if even they have paid it any further thought, or even if or how to broach the subject. Admittedly I am uncertain of my own decision. Uncertain if this is a test from the Gods or the saving grace I am so desperate for.

Please give my best to everyone and wishing you all good health, I will write to you again when I can.

Yours faithfully,
BlackBerry.

The second letter is addressed to Melody, also with the date of writing in the top right corner.

"letter to Melody

Dearest Melody

Hello there my child, I do hope you are well; eating all your food, doing you chores and all that sort of thing while I am away. I am sorry it has been some time since my last letter but until very recently I have not been able to find time to put quil to paper.

My journey has taken me ever further from you over hills, through valleys and townships filed with all manner of people. While I do long to be home soon it has been a rather exciting adventure being able to see new places and meet new people. Upon one road I came across a travelling book shop manned by a very interesting gnome, and in another I swear to you was a troll demanding I pay a pleasantly reasonable toll to cross his bridge, and then some excitement in a small hamlet I aided in fighting off rats the size of Scruffy if not larger!

Right now I'm staying at a wonderful place called the L'Rose Estate in Avonshire well off far to the eat of our little home, you should ask one of the Brothers to find a map to show you where it is, and it is a very charming and beautiful place. I have even managed to make a few new friends on my travels, and we are all staying for the season at the estate. I think you'd really like them; there's Lady Kathryn, who is a most marvellous knight and could throw even a horse, but she is much to kind a soul to even dream of such a thing. Then, there's Kosara who I feel you would enjoy the most for your shared love of adventure and excitement. She could spin you a tale such that you would scarcely believe and with cook up such wonderful treats from her home in the desert which is a very far away place where this is no snow and rarely ever rains. Can you imagine such a place? And Finally, Victoria, a most ingenious bard, a very refined and proper woman, so very different from most of the adventurers you will have seen. Not only a bard, but also possessing a talent for magic as well! She is able to summon a horse, and even a bird she can see through the eyes of. How marvellous is that?

Our little group has already made a name for ourselves as The Ones Who Answered. Perhaps news of our exploits will have reached you before this letter? In any case you need not worry as I am quite well, and the terrors of evil have been vanquished! For you see there had been a spot of bother in the Avonshire Township where the local Sheriff and Constabulary had turned against the people, causing fear and mayhem throughout what should have been an enjoyable Harvest Festival. But of course, their wicked ways were no match for us and were promptly dispatched of and peace returned to the Township.

How I wish you could have been there to see the festivities for I am certain you would have enjoyed them all greatly. There was such wonderful music and delicious food which we do not have back home, they eat a lot less fish away from the shore and some I have spoken with have never eaten oyster before let alone know what it is. There is also a lot more snow even so early in the season as it is and I of course neglected to pack proper warm clothing. I have even had to buy shoes! Not the wrappings I normally end up wearing on occasion but proper shoes with soles and laces. While the shoemaker has done his best I must confess they are surprisingly uncomfortable. You must write sometime to tell me how you go about wearing these things day in and day out.

I really must go now though before I fill up another page with my ramblings. I must admit not much else has happened on my journey other than above but as soon as anything else happens I shall write to you as fast as I may and hopefully, with a bit of luck, I shall be able to hear from you as well.

Missing you with all my heart,
Blackberry.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House -> A little walk Action: Animal Handling (17) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry had always known to some degree that there was a lot that went into Animal Husbandry and his first week at the L'Rose estate had confirmed this. But what he hadn't fully appreciated was that there was A LOT to animal husbandry. In the first week BlackBerry's task had simply been kept to the care of Old Boy in his single stable at the coach house under Jons supervision. As previously mentioned he had mostly done the thankless tasks such as cleaning down Old Boys stable, replacing his feed and water each day. Now however Jon had decided BlackBerry was ready for the more rigorous tasks of horse-care.

When checking over Old Boys teeth, in the age old way of the universe's sense of comedy, Jon had barely uttered the words "Careful with that file not to stab the poor thing." before BlackBerry did just that. When it came to then trimming old boys hooves, "Should he not have shoes?" BlackBerry had asked, and Jon informed him that not all horses need or even should wear shoes, BlackBerry found it hard to get enough force or even the right angle with the file to wear down Old Boys hooves enough. Jon thankfully took over and with one of Old Boys hooves held between his thighs set to work with a hand at each end of the file to wear down the hoof to a healthy length.

Despite the setbacks and having to be reminded repeatedly on various aspect of care, Jon had invited BlackBerry to also lend a hand up at the workman stables, either out of respect for Blackberry's efforts or hate depending on how you looked at the situation. The horses at the work stable were a very different breed of beasts from either Old Boy, they were large creatures with muscle pulling their skin tight and almost steamed in the cold air when they were taken out of their stables. But for all their stoic grandeur they would give a little start when BlackBerry arrived either from his bright(er) colouration or from being such a novelty. Likely it was a bit of both.

Even with the few beasts the L'Rose had on the property, every day he finished with a feeling that the Stable Master had shown him all there was to do, he would turn up the next day to find there was yet another thing he had to learn, or even relearn a few times before the facts stuck in his head. The amount of work he now had to do was immense; cleaning the stables now took hours and more than a few times the wheelbarrow would tip over in his rush to get everything done which only made more mess for him to clean up. He struggled to keep track of all the different tools needed and often had to get one of the other stable hand to begrudgingly show him where things were. And all of this on top of trying to take care of Old Boy back at the Coach House.

Needless to say the novelty of it all had worn off ad likely died in a ditch. The bath tub at the coach house saw a lot of use as each day BlackBerry would return smelling of sweat and....shit. He unfortunately found that he would need to buy some new robes after a few new stains refused to budge despite vigorous cleaning.

One morning however was different from the others. And in the darkness of winter, lit only by the few brave lights in windows and torches found BlackBerry and Jon standing in the Coach hHuse courtyard facing the stable.

"I tell you Jon, I have nary a clue what has possessed the fellow. I came out this morning to feed him and he tried to bite me." BlackBerry gestured towards Old Boy, who was now licking the lower stable door.

"Are ye sure he weren't just going for the feed?" Asked Jon, a man who was nearly as wide as he was tall even without the thick coat he was wrapped in.

"Very much so. The fiend would have taken my nose if I had been any slower."

Jon made a non-committal noise and replaced the pipe in his mouth. The two men stood side by side several paces away from Old Boys stable, watching the horse licking the door for another minute before he was apparently satisfied with his work. Old Boy then gave a harsh snort, twin jets of steam bursting from his nostrils, and took a few laps around his small enclosure, and then resumed licking the stable door.

Jon removed the pipe from his mouth. "He's stressed, when did you last take him out?"

"The other day when I was cleaning out the stable. The fellow was reluctant to go back in afterwards until I led him around the courtyard a few times but otherwise seemed fine in himself."

Jon went to put back the pipe but then halted midway as a thought occurred to him. "And where else?"

"Where else?" BlackBerry echoed.

"Where else, where else have you taken him while you've been staying here?" Jon ad now turned to face BlackBerry. And in the following silence, gnawed angrily upon the end of his pipe. "No wonder the poor things in a state; you've gone and left him locked in there all this time with nought to do, and not even giving him the relief of somewhere to be. Horses are like any other animal, they need to be taken care of proper. That means proper sleeping, proper eating, proper care of their feet, teeth, and coats." Jon was stomping towards the small storehouse to the east of the Coach house grounds as he continued berating BlackBerry over his shoulder. The mans voice muffled for a moment when he went into the storeroom to return with a bridle in hand. "And exercise." Jon slapped the bridle into BlackBerry's obediently waiting hand. "If you're really wanting to keep the beast then you need to keep better care of him; you wont be having us there to remind yer when to fed him, brush him, or water him and all."

"I would remember a darn sight better." BlackBerry snapped, growled out the complaint between grounded teeth. "If I were not being worked to the bone every day doing all the tasks no one else either wishes to do or can not be bothered to."

Jon simply moved the pipe from one side of his mouth to the other and let a single puff of smoke rise from it. "Worked to the bone? Boy, you aint worked nothing." There was an almost malicious glint in Jons eye now. "'Worked to the bone', you're only here till the end of the season, rest of us is here all year round. You're going to be out there on the road and if something happens to him." Jon took out the pipe and jabbed its end towards Old Boy. "Out there you'll need to know how to take care of him cause no one else will be around to help you. So you'd best wise up and listen to us proper or you'll regret it. And now more of that cheek."

BlackBerry took a breath and while trying not to grind out his words or roll his eyes, said. "Yes, yes. I see your point, and I do apologise for my outburst." Part of BlackBerry felt like he should explain a bit more or add on to his apology. But his arm was still aching from yesterday, it was far earlier than he ever wanted to be awake, and he was generally in a foul mood with it all.

"It's not me you need to apologise to mate, it's him." Jon pointed his pipe at Old Boy, who had now fixed his attention on BlackBerry and snorted. Jon upended his pipe and knocking it against his boot asked. "You remember how to fit the bridle? Good, I'll leave you to it then. A stroll to the village and back should do the trick. Best of luck to ya."

"Wait, hold on. Are you not going to help?" BlackBerry snapped his head between Old Boy and Jon now walking away.

"Consider it another lesson lad; how to deal with your horse when he's stressed."

"Did you not listen? He tried to bite me."

"Better learn quick."

After the figure of Jon had disappeared into the darkness BlackBerry stepped towards Old Boy with the bridle in hand. "Alright Old Boy. Shall we go for a wander then? I shall just need to put on your bridle first before we do so...please, I kindly ask you do not try to bite me again." When Old Boy made no furhter movements other than flicking his ears, BlackBerry undid the letch on the stable door and entered. To his surprise old Boy remained politely still though did still let off several distinctly frustrated snorts, but let BlackBerry fit the bridle without any fuss. "Well then. Thank you good fellow. Shall we be off then?"

The walk itself had initially started with BlackBerry being almost dragged out of the Coach House drive by Old Boy as mule had heard loud and clear it would be taken on a proper walk as exercise, and was damn instant it was going to get it. The pair managed to find the main road, their journey lit in equal parts the moon setting in the distance and the sun clawing its way from the other side of the horizon.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: grape field Action: Nature (10) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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It would have been a lovely walk towards the grape fields if it werent for the cold. Where the others walked, lead by Kosara leaping and bounding her way playfully along the snowy edges of the paths, BlackBerry meanwhile trudged behind, trying to stomp some feeling back into his feet. Even with his new shoes he could feel his toes starting to go numb after huddling away in the tunnels entrance for so long. He had half a mind to wonder if Kosaras idea to keep busy and therefor moving by making a snowman had been the better idea of the pair.

When they arrived, watching Lady Kathryn had been a sight an a half. BlackBerry stared in wide eyes horror when the knight had plopped the offensive grape into her mouth. What in the name of all the Gods had possessed the woman to try one of the grapes would be a question he would have for the rest of his days. The audible ‘pop’ from within Lady Kathryns mouth and her following reaction simply confirmed that the idea had been a very bad one.

“Might I suggest not eating or drinking everything in sight, please.” BlackBerry pinched the bridge of his nose. But what Lady Kathryn said about definitely being the L’rose brand did make his tilt his head in confusion. “Well I certainly would not doubt that, Lady Kathryn but I must say they do seem a tad off given the situation. Kosara, these are the same grapes as the ones you brought us at breakfast. Are they not? Were you able to ask Madame L’Rose about them when you spoke earlier?”

He took the moment to look across the field they had been lead to and it struck him as incredibly odd that, of all the dead or otherwise dormant bushes around them it was only these two which were bearing fruit. BlackBerry peered over Kosara shoulder at the strange plants before kneeling down beside her to get a better look. The plant didn’t seem normal, even to BlackBerry’s untrained eye. The plant looked dormant as any other would be at this time of year; brown, dry, and bare but for the most stubborn leaves which rattled when he flicked the hardy stem. Other than the strange fruit he would have supposed the plants were dead for the winter.

The rest of the field had been marked, likely for clearing if BlackBerry’s meagre knowledge of farming served him right. There couldn't be that much difference between growing fruit and growing any other vegetable. Was it simply the case that the odd occurrence was contained to just these bushes? Or were they otherwise a foretelling of what was to come?

“Personally, I do not think these belong here.” He stated matter of factly whilst giving one another tap. Its leaves rustled with indignation. “Out of this whole field there are only the pair of them. I remember Madame L’Rose mentioning something about a late crop still needing to bring in but I would be very surprised if these were them. I believe we should take some to Madame L’Rose and get her opinion on this matter, and our other findings before we proceed with anything else.”
BlackBerry gripped the plant where a small branch split from the main stem and gave it a tug. The branch stubbornly refused to move, even and he twisted it this way and that trying to remove the damn thing. Lady Kathryn kindly lent a hand to rip and tug at the poor plant until it spitefully let go. BlackBerry held up the small branch he had been given with the mangled end and few remaining leaves. The parent plant was barely doing any better,, if only for the fact it was clinging to the ground for dear life.
“Ah…yes…thank you lady kathryn.”

He gave the shredded ends of the twig a curious sniff. It smelled like dry grass, almost like straw as he expected, but with sharper undertones of something else. The twig cracked quietly when he squeezed it between his thumb and finger. To him it was nothing more than a very dead twig from what should be an equally dead plant but couldn’t tell figure out anything else about the plant.

“Well, I unfortunately have no idea what sort of plant this may be but hopefully Madame L’Rose or someone else will know.” A somewhat unorthodox idea struck him then. “Victoria, perhaps you could even take some to your teacher in town? Perhaps she may have some inkling as to what is happening here.”

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Outside secret distillery Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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“By the gods, say it not so.” With a voice as flat as a pancake, had been the only response BlackBerry gave to Victoria revealing Morty’s true nature. The rest of Victoria’s musing though left more of an impact. The idea that maybe someone was controlling those creatures below in the distillery was quite distressing even if right now they were being commanded to lie low.

“It may be conjecture but it seems as plausible as anything else though I would argue fairly unlikely. This hardly seems like the sort of place for such a thing after all.” BlackBerry didn’t sound convinced and his eyes kept slipping back towards the direction of the manor.

After waving Lady Kathryn and Victoria off on their most dangerous quest, taking the liberated/rescued alcohol back to the manor, he was left to watch Kosara’s escapes trying to make a snowman. He chose to watch such things from the relative protection of the tunnels entrance. While BlackBerry would decline any invitation to join in making the snowman, “No thank you. I shall happily keep watch just to be on the safe side.”, he would off the occasional bit of advice or suggestion as the pair waited for the other half of their group to return.

“Master Urmdurus, marvellous to see you again.” BlackBerry moved out of his refuge to greet the master dwarf and the with a mock reverent bow he continued. “I do apologise for us taking you awake from your work but we have rather urgent need of your skills. I am not sue how much my friends have explained of the situation but, see there the hole in the wall? We need it sealing up as best you may please.”

“If you have any need of an extra hand at all I am certain Lady Kathryn here will be more than happy to oblige. If that is agreeable with you Lady Kathryn?” The question was directed towards Lady Kathryn. But without waiting for her to respond he then turned on his heel and strode towards Kosara and her snowman. “Shall we be off then Kosara? I believe we have some more work to do before the day is through.”

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Outside Hidden Distilery Action: Nature on Sycamore (8) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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Blackberry blinked down at the now burning bodies waiting to see if it would convince…whatever they were to finally act and reveal themselves. It didn’t. The corpses remained lying exactly as they were without any care in the world. Meanwhile, the flames continued to happily eat away the dry, crumbling, rancid flesh and fabric of the corpses.

[color=00aeef]“Yes, well.” Blackberry stepped away from the fire, making sure to pull his trailing robes up away from the fading flames as he started back towards the door. “I suppose that settles that then. If you all do not mind I shall wait outside until all is done. I can barely see past the end of my nose, even before all this rancid smoke.”

Stepping past the others he then made his way back up the short tunnel back into the outside world. Grey skies and refreshingly cold air welcomed him with a well timed breeze to blow away the cobwebs, both metaphorically and literately. For a few moments he simply pulled his robes close trying to stop the wind from snatching them and what little warmth he had gathered down in the hidden distillery away.
Finally back out in daylight, even as overcast by the darkening clouds above, he could see his own transformation; his blue scales had taken on a luxurious sheen. Blackberry turned his hand this way and that to marvel at how the sun danced across them, certainly not as shiny as a jewel but enough to say he looked a bit ‘shinier’. He even dared a moment of chill to lift up his shirt and confirm the transformation on his stomach. Curiosity demanded a more thorough investigation later in private and possibly with a mirror.

While waiting for the others (or more likely, just Lady Kathryn) to finish getting the barrels out of the Distillery, his attention was caught by the Sycamore tree standing naked and proud atop the hill. Following an idea he strode towards the tree and then, when he was right next to it, looked back towards where he had come from the entrance leading into the distillery. With a nod BlackBerry guess-timated that he was probably now directly above the Distillery and so the roots he had seen, or felt below belonged to this tree. Continuing to follow the stray thought, he then circled the tree examining its trunk and branches above from all angles looking for anything that seemed off or un-tree-ish. After a few laps he gave the tree a few affirmative knocks and then affectionate pat before returning back to the others once they had all exited the Distillery.

“Good news. It would appear that whatever magic there is below seems to be politely staying there. The tree just there appears unaffected by anything.” He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder to said tree. Turning his attention to Victoria and Lady Kathryn he then said. “If you two are taking some of the barrels down to Madame L’Rose perhaps you might ask for Master Urmdus to accompany you back and put together a more permanent solution to keeping this place locked up? Kosara and myself could wait here until then before investigating the strange grapes nearby.”

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Old Distillery Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry glared down at the corpse. The corpse…didn’t move. It remained resolutely still even when BlackBerry quickly withdrew his finger from its socket. Unceremoniously, he wiped his hand across the dirty, dusty floor trying to get the worst of the skin and sinew stuck to his finger. His nose curled at the stench that had arisen from the corpses now much-emptier-eye socket.

“Yes, yes I am fine thank you Lady Kathryn. It is just all this dust and filth wreaking havoc is all.” He sniffed and felt a familiar warning tingle at the back of his nose. “But yes if there is nothing else here perhaps I may head outside for some fresh air, and to get a better look at whatever change has become of me and investigate those grapes as well.”

But even saying this BlackBerry didn’t move from his spot where his eyes kept jumping between the two corpses. A warning sense of dread had made itself comfortable in his stomach. Similar to their situation in the Township they were left with more questions than answers and likely not anyone around with the answers they needed.

“Bashed his head in?” He repeated Kosaras findings of the other corpse. “Possibly we have stumbled into an old crime scene? But if so it would seem a lot of effort to lock and bury this place if it were after the fact.”

BlackBerry took a breathe and stood back up with a stretch.“Well, I feel that blocking this place up again might be a wise idea actually, Kosara. We would not wish for anyone else to stumble in here in case whatever has affected us may return and affect someone else. There is no telling what harm could befall someone. On that note, I am sorry to say Victoria but perhaps our changes may not just be physical but magical as well?”

He grimaced as he spoke the thought. It was a worrying idea that they had all been so changed so easily.

“I must admit, I am likely mistaken about this corpse.” He gestured down to it, it grinned up at him still having not moved. “They are likely nothing more than simple corpses and I am simply jumping at shadows.”

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Old Distillery Action: Perception on Corpse (4) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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“Well.” BlackBerry sighed at Victoria and Lady Kathryn, and dragged his hand over his face.

Lady Kathryn, yes he could see her doing this but Victoria, choice of arcane study not withstanding, he had expected at least some level of common sense or even self preservation. The withering stare from the Dragonborn lingered upon the pair of them in way that directly translated to I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.

“I suppose as adventurers such actions are par for course. I shall take glad solace that neither of you appear worse for wear currently.” His mind played catch up and recalled the snippets of conversation he had overheard from the other side of the casks and barrels. And was just about to offer a suggestion, but Victoria beat him to it. Nodding, he then added in agreement, “You took the words right of my mouth, Victoria. No doubt it could be classed as quite a vintage by now.”
Kosaras squeal of delight bounced around the confined space.

“Well, I can see one of us may choose to keep this new change.” He smiled after Kosaras delighted squeal had finished bouncing around them. Her comparison of him to a True Dragon did draw out a small but loud chuckle. “Why thank you Kosara. Perhaps I shall should the opportunity arises.”

Stepping forwards to follow Kosaras investigation of the corpses he was thankful that enough time had passed that they no longer stank. He curled his nose up at the sight of their bodies; withered skin, eyeless sockets, twisted limbs, and rotten clothing. They were human, or at least very human-ish as far as could be figured given the state of the bodies and how time had removed many features.

“With any luck one of them might have a journal or something of the like on them, Preferably one that could answer all our questions with this whole situation. It is unfortunate that we are unable to simply ask…” His eyes settled on the furthest Corpse. “…them.”

He squinted at the corpse with suspicion as he tried to match what was seeing now with what he remembered. The problem was he hadn’t been paying the corpses a huge amount of attention but he was certain that the one at the furthest wall had not been facing them. BlackBerry grabbed Kosaras shoulder before she could get closer. He did allow Victoria to pass after her cryptic statement and he watched with a rising sense of unease in his stomach a her construct her spell, the whispers of her voice somehow refusing to echo as all their other words had done. And then…nothing happened.

“That spell you used Victoria, I can assume safely it allows you to communicate with the dead?” BlackBerry twisted moved passed Kosara and then Victoria, stepping towards the corpse in question. BlackBerry gently nudged the corpses head with his toe. It didn’t move.

He the squatted down by the corpse and eyed it as closely as he dared. His eyes narrowed as he visually inspected the corpse for anything unusual but found, in the dank darkness, nothing. But there was something very odd about this corpse, and possibly even the other one. He momentarily eyed the other corpse as well before returning his attention to the one before him. It was still dead and hadn’t moved.

BlackBerry held his chin as horrifying thought was promptly followed by a very stupid one. Victoria would see him bounce in his squat and wrestle his head side to side. Finally, after a few seconds of the odd looking dance, he then took a deep breath as if bracing himself against against a painful strike.

“You.” Jabbing a finger into an eye socket and noticably shivering in disgust when something squelched. “Were facing the other way but a few moments a go. Victoria here, is a very skilled magic user so I know her spell would have worked had you actually been…well…dead. As you have yet to attack us let us assume the best of each other shall we?”