Arty Fox

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: The Inn Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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BlackBerry guided the wagon ambling along behind the L’Rose wagon, accompanied by the comforting noise of the river babbling to itself. It was a rather fine afternoon and thankfully uneventful rest of the journey which suited BlackBerry who had only just begun to figure out the basics of wagon-driving and had no desire to see if he could drive it at speed or during any excitement. Once cresting the hill and entering the Vineyard grounds proper he had given a long, low whistle not just at the size but at the quality of the grounds as well; Madame L’Rose clearly knew how to run things, and he gave his own small words of approval alongside everyone else.

Similarly, once arriving at The Inn, the particulars of wine production as explained by Madame L’Rose sailed clear over his head as he happily hopped down from the wagon and handed the reigns to the waiting Hands to care care of The Old Boy.

“I assume that is not normal then?” He had asked when Lady Kathryn exclaimed in shock at the high rate of harvest, but he didn’t listen for any answer if given in favour for looking over the walls of their new abode at the vineyard and the structures scattered throughout. The discussion of tasting said wine however was absolutely caught with a polite smile in silent hopefulness.

He simply waved away Madame L’Roses’ apologies. “There is simply no need for such apologies, Madame L’Rose you are a most gracious host to even offer food let alone such a generous abode.” His voice hand gotten louder with excitement towards the end of the sentence as he gestured in a spin at The Inn building. Returning to usual loud speaking volume he then continued, after Lady Kathryn had offered her own piece, “That same goes for me also. I should not want to you to think of any of as anything less than grateful and willing to lend a hand as best we may.”

He had truly meant it and very much hoped that Madame L’Rose would call upon them soon to make good the promise. Following the rest of the party into the Inn only further strengthened this feeling as he came to find everything had been swept, cleaned, polished and set up just as Madame L’Rose had said. After he had taken some time to at least pop his head into all the room downstairs, and the cellar, he ascended the stairs to check out the bedrooms.

BlackBerry laid claim, at least for now, to one of the smaller bedroom to the north of the building. He would move easy enough and frankly he didn’t need a double bed but he did need somewhere for a moment to change and to splash some water on his face. Returning downstairs he had changed out of the faded shirt and back into his red tunic which peak out below the grey sleeveless vest he still wore. The swords and the rest of the robed fabric that had been tied around his waist had been left upstairs with the rest of his belongings, exposing the simple trousers he wore beneath. Of course he still wore his scarf around his neck, so the necklace Kosara had generously bought him had instead found a home tied around his left horn and where the little fish occasionally clinked against the horn happy to see the world. BlackBerry had spend a minute or two trying to figure out what they were meant to be, something between a Mackerel and a Haddock was his best guess but their weren't enough details to be sure. Carried under his arm was a roll of crimson fabric.

He arrived into the taproom just in time to hear Kosaras talk of Camels, wrestling, and bedrooms. He had no idea what a Camel was but the other two subjects he knew about and could guess as to the current topic of conversation. He did do a double take seeing Lady Kathryn downing an entire bottle of wine while wrapped up in a sleeping bag, which he could only mean she was feeling the cold a lot more than he was.

“Well, Kosra,” Trying to calm his astonished laughter as he placed the roll of fabric on the seat next to Kosara. “I think maybe discussing the particular of Camels and their bedroom habits is not suitable.” He pushed the words out through gritted teeth and a small tilt of the head towards Lizbeth. “For the dinner table.” Nor is it one, he figured, Madame L’Rose would appreciate to hear about from her niece after staying in their care for the evening. He certainly wouldn’t.

The table had been set and laid out with enough places for everyone, including Lizbeth was busying herself with the fire and generally setting about handling the dinner arrangements for them. While BlackBerry had no doubts the young girl could handle things, and probably knew where everything would be stored, he still offered to lend a hand plating any remaining food, getting glasses, or tending the fire. Once all had been taken care of he then gently steered Lizbeth by the shoulder to sit down at the table.

“Do sit down a moment Young Lizbeth. I doubt your Aunt would approve of us working you to the bone this evening.”
After grabbing his own serving of pheasant and pumpkin soup he sat down next to Kosara, offering the roll of fabric he had placed minutes before on the chair. “Here you are Kosara, you might find more use of this than myself. Think of it as thanks for the marvellous necklace.” He turned his head so she might see the little fish swinging happily from his horn. The fabric would unravel to the marvellous crimson scarf the halfling woman had given him last week.

The conversation continued to move around him as he tucked into his meal, but as Lady Kathryn continued to talk the meal less and less important until he set down his spoon to listen better. He instead focused on her words, focused on her eyes no longer seeing the world around her, focused on her shoulders tensing and making the patchwork fabric of her sleeping bag rise and fall like the swells of a large waves out at sea. BlackBerry had noticed that stories of her past and her home, Arcanaple, were never far from Lady Kathryns lips, and now taking the time to listen the hushed tones of loss in her voice were almost palpable.

The words from The Voice crashed into his mind. ‘The sizeable warrior fled responsibility of clan and community for the illusion of safety, leaving nefarious things to fill the vacuum left behind.’ Had she ran from home for Love? Or ran from it? Or maybe something completely different altogether?

“Indeed. One must look upon the silver lining of even the worst situations. ” He smiled as Lady Kathryn made to pull herself away from her memories. “Perhaps such travels could even tell us what a ‘Camel’ is?”

The arrival of the wine Lady Kathryn had found prompted him to pack away the thoughts, and the questions, and the worries for another day, and instead focus on the offered wine in front of him and raising it in a toast with the others. He copied the motions he had seen Victoria do before he drank; swirling the liquid, holding the glass to his eye, giving it a quick sniff and then swallowing a small sip.

“I would agree with you Lady Kathryn on that assessment. It is wine, it is white, it is sweet.” He smacked his lips and took another appreciative sip of the drink. “No doubt our expert though could give a more detailed discussion of it. Might I ask how you even do so Victoria? How did you learn such a skill? All that you can say from a sip, if I did not know any better I may have said you were having us all for a laugh.”

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: SouthMoor Action: Questioning the Locals Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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While waiting for the others to return from their various own shopping trips BlackBerry stayed with the wagons, and kept the Old Boy company. Occasionally he gave a polite wave or small greeting to the crowd that had formed around them, drawn in by both curiosity and the aforementioned bards display of musical prowess. With the idea they would be staying with Madame L’Rose at her Vineyard for a while, to BlackBerry’s mind, the least they could do would be to get to the bottom of the Ankheg business. Thankfully while the crowd had dispersed after the novelty of their arrival had worn off there were still plenty milling around either trying to look into the wagon from a distance, or simply minding their own business in the late afternoon.

This was the perfect time for him to start asking a few questions and given the willingness they had answered Victoria on where to fin soap he assumed they would be fairly helpful. Leaning against the wagon he looked about for someone who looked like they might know something, preferably someone who looked like a farmer or another farmhand. But just as BlackBerry had spotted his prey Lady Kathryn returned from her shopping and alighted upon the Wagon seat. From the ground he waved away her dismissal of his own theories.

“Mark my words, Lady Kathryn. Such a sort as those ruffians are liken to bad pennies if they are not dealt with one way or another.” He grimaced at the grim thought, he then added. “However, we may hope that when they do they have seen the error of their ways. But if you would excuse me for a moment.”

With Lady Kathryn back the wagon and the Old Boy were in safe hands for BlackBerry to do his own little wanderings. His targets, three in all, were directly opposite to where the wagons were parked and while all three appeared to be minding their own business chatting to one another, BlackBerry had seen their curious glances and gestures to the group. Time to politely pester the locals. BlackBerry just hoped this time would go better than it had in Avonshire.

Several minutes later BlackBerry returned to the wagon chewing his thumb-claw and his eyes jumping around in thought. Leaning on the Wagon seat with his elbow he then gave a deep sight before he spoke up at Lady Kathryn again.

“All right perhaps best to leave my words unmarked at this point and leave any bets off for now. I asked the gentlemen back there a few questions as to the current situation. As luck would have it they are local so were fairly helpful. Firstly, It seems that, other than ourselves, there have been no new comers of note lately, nor even any monsters moving into the area.” He gave a dissatisfied click of the tongue and he began tapping the wooden seat as he continued. “And secondly, it is as Mister Barbal and yourself explained earlier that being Ankhegs are not uncommon to this area are fairly docile during these months. Even Mister Tarace mentioned that they normally eat dirt.”

“But.” He held up a finger for emphasis. “Those beasts attacked us, which the gentlemen were quite surprised to hear I might add. It does appear that only Mister Laurent has been having the unfortunate stroke of luck recently with the beasts. Though I wonder if that would change in the coming weeks if something is not done.”

He resumed tapping upon the wooden seat again in thought and noted his thoughts tended to be on the grim side rather a lot as of late.

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: Southmoor Action: Drive the Wagon (21) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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Despite Madame L’Rose’s reassurances that Barbal was probably just ‘being himself’ it didn’t work well to eliviate BlackBerry’s concerns. The idea of the Ankhegs having Queens and Soldiers, as MAdame L’Rose had explained, put some very strange images in BlackBerry’s head. Perhaps the creatures had decided to expand their borders? Or perhaps even they had been banished? An amusing image of one such Ankheg stealing the crown of another stubbornly refused to leave his mind for some time.

Once again, seated at the front of the wagon Blackberry was giving driving a go with much better success than his first attempt and had even surprised himself being able to turn the wagon around smoothly with minimal issue after the cargo had been loaded. A simple click of the tongue and a gentle flick of the reigns had been all that was needed for the Old Boy to move on at a steady pace, now after calming down thankfully quickly from the earlier excitement, and even didn't seem the least bit concerned about the cargo he was pulling. The wagon continued its way down the track as it trundled after the L'Roses' with the wind occasionally biting at BlackBerry as if reminding him that colder days were soon approaching despite the calm afternoon sun still relaxing above them.

BlackBerry's thoughts kept returning to the Ankhegs. His eyes kept snapping across the road ahead and the fields on either side, looking but not actually seeing, while his leg bounced with enough vigour that anyone sitting next to him would struggle to tell if it was the road or Blackberry making the wagon shake.

He had commented with approval once Victoria had returned from handing Lizbeth a sword. “A very handsome gift indeed. Let us hope your story, Kosara, has not left a sour taste of it for Madame L'Rose.”

Otherwise though the rest of the journey was uneventful (thankfully) save for towards the end where Victoria summoned her steed back into the world as the travellers drew closer to Southmoor. BlackBerry couldn’t help but let out a small whistle of appreciation at both the theatrics Victoria employed in the summoning and the state of the steed as well. The bard certainly knew how to put on a show.

BlackBerry politely slowed the wagon a little to allow Victoria her moment in the spotlight, announcing their arrival through song as the party drew into the boundary of the little town, and the road beneath the wagons wheels transitioned slowly from compacted earth to gravel and cobbles. He directed Old Boy to follow after the L’Rose wagon into the town with its charming little houses lining what must have been the only large street it had, though more houses up on the hill above did tease at more. BlackBerry pulled back on the reigns as he saw the L’Rose wagon come to a stop, and he hopped down to lead Old boy next to them as Victoria brought her tune to an end. BlackBerry of course gave a polite applause by clapping his hand upon his shoulder.

“If you are all looking to make some purchases I would be happy to stay here with wagons. Apart from some rations I have no need of anything currently so I can make some enquiries whilst we wait.”

"But if there is time, I should like to accompany Masters Barbal and Tarrace in a day or two.” He said, finally voicing his concerns that had been plaguing him throughout the journey. “You, Victoria, say you did not see any sign of nests and while I do not doubt your skills or perhaps even the advantage of a 'Birds eye view' I still worry that there is something we may have missed. Neither folk appear to be the combative sort either should the worst come to pass."

“So who wishes to place bets on what the cause is then? Another unsavoury fellow in power? Or simply some strange goings on in the animal kingdom? Perhaps even one of the ruffians once part Cavendish's troupe are responsible. I shudder to think.”

"However, perhaps we could sell off some of our uuuh..." His nose scrunched. "Some of the cargo. I can only assume it will not keep well for long."

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: Edge of the field Action: Checking on the Mule (10) Bonus Action: pet the horsey Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry watched Lady Kathryn with a careful eye when she suddenly began to wobble where she stood and then curiously shrank back down to her more familiar, though no less substantial and imposing height. He stood at the ready to dash over and help her stay upright but thankfully he wouldn't have to in the end, as Lady Kathryn gave a few whoops of joy from not throwing up. Given what she had said about her last attempt with her runic magic he couldn't blame her.

His own stomach however was still threading a revolt which only grew stronger when Barbel added onto Lady Kathryn's explanation of the creature, Ankhegs, with fun instructions to Kosara about how best to capture, prepare, and cook the beasts. For the most part he simply help his hand over his snout in an attempt to politely cover his grimace of disgust. It seemed like everyone was on board with the idea of collecting a good amount and bringing it with them, likely intending to fill the wagon as much as they could with whatever survived the gathering process.

“Weren’t the big ones.” BlackBerry parroted Barbal with an incredulous tone as he gestured towards the Ankhegs. “Begging your pardon, but are you suggesting these Ankhegs get bigger? Actually, no I do not wish to know.”
A horrible thought popped into his mind; he remembered not long ago taking shelter in a friendly homestead where he had been kindly offered a simple meal in return for tales and news from afar, the meal including a nice slice of meat the host had called 'Fields Fiend'. Blackberry chose in that moment to believe it had just been a fun name and in no way related to the current topic, likely it had been too far away from where these creatures roamed so there was no chance it could have been the same. It was simply a coinciden. Just a Coincidence.

Lizbeth arriving with a small bottle of drink pulled him back to the present and out of his horrors. Graciously accepting the bottle he returned to the conversation but kept his gaze away from the impromptu lesson Kosara was being given.

"It would seem there is a mystery then; Why are they here?" Following Lizbeths kind advice, he took a small sip of the drink and found it cool, refreshing, and did in fact calm his stomach. "Were the creatures brought here or came of their own volition? It does hardly seem that Mr Laurent is moving on from sheep to Ankhegs." Taking another small sip, he then continued the previous thought. "I would suggest it wise to check for any sign of a nest nearby. It would not do for us to go through all this trouble only for more Ankhegs to appear then again later on. However, if I may leave that to the rest of you, I shall attend our dear mule."

He hopped back over the fence with slightly less spring in his step than before the talk of eating bugs, and headed towards to the party’s wagon where their mule waited almost exactly where he had left it.

He gently patted the creature on the nose and looked into its big black eyes. “There you are Old Boy. I trust you are doing well?”

BlackBerry fussed over the creature as he tried his best to figure out any tell-tale signs of stress, but otherwise glad to see the creature hadn’t bolted from its spot during the short skirmish. Overall the animal seemed, as far as BlackBerry could tell, but its ears kept snapping back and forth to any noise while fidgeting on the spot, and mouthing around its bit. It seemed to him that their poor Mule was at least bit put out by the whole ordeal, and perhaps trying to put brave face for everyone.

“Ah, easy now Old Boy. there is nought to worry about now.” He stroked down the beasts neck making hushing and relaxing noises, hoping to calm it down. He snapped his fingers remembering something. “One moment, I have just the thing for you.”

In the back of the wagon he found a small bag containing a few brushes and other tools someone back in the Township had said was a grooming kit, along with a small bag of what he had been assured was some very nice oats. BlackBerry returned to the Mule and spent some time feeding it the very nice oats before moving on to using the big brush from the bag, one of the few tools he recognised and he decided to later ask someone what the rest of the tools were for.

Not long after and with the parties spoils packed and ready to go he took the time to relax a little to simply enjoy the scenery, as well as removing some of the strains from his new clothing, and hopefully take advantage of Victoria's prestidigitation abilities if she allowed. It seemed that Lady Kathryn was still taking the time to walk Lizbeth through her own impromptu training; showing the motions of swinging the hefty weapon before handing it over to the young girl, and then patiently correcting her mistakes while praising her accomplishments.

Let them have their fun for a little longer, he thought, there is still time after all before dark.

He lent upon the fence while nearby Victoria and Madame L'Rose discussed matters around how to use the bug Carapace that had been gathered. The thought of all they were carrying still disgusted him but BlackBerry saw no need to argue against it now. Instead, he watched the lesson in front of him making sure that firstly, Lizbeth didn't come to any harm, and secondly, that no more Ankhegs decided to make another appearance. Placing his chin in his hand, the whole scene in front of him put him in mind of home, far, far away from where he was now, and to the thought of another young girl he knew. A heavy weight settling across his chest and heart, an oppressive weight which pulled his brows together in a sad furrow, while he tried to look far beyond all he could see at that moment. BlackBerry lifted his chin and began to play with the cloth wrapped around his neck. The poor girl had been through a lot but he wondered if this was really the best idea.

"Very well done young Lizbeth, no doubt you will make a marvellous fighter soon enough He called to the pair. "Especially soon with Lady Kathryn as your mentor."

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: Field Action: Perception (8) Bonus Action: General Disgust. Reaction: Holding down his lunch. Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry shook his head vigorously, Lady Kathryns final blow to the creature had sent its skull sailing over his head and trailing a marvellous arc of viscera and sinew across the sky and all over him. With the immediate threat removed he could take a moment to try and wipe as much of the creature guts off his face as his could before the stinging sensation became any worse. The fiery limbs unravelled from around him and lowered but still remained. Through watery eyes he gave the area a quick survey around but thankfully couldn’t see any more of the creatures and nothing seemed to be rising up from the ground in search of vengeance.

“I agree, Lady Kathryn. A further investigation may be in order.” He gave his sword a sharp flick to remove the worst of the blood(?) from it, but he would have to clean it properly before putting it back into its sheathe. “But perhaps we can safely assume the beasts present have been dispatched most efficiently.”

In a moment annoyance he clicked his teeth at the groups audience at that they had decided to wait around gawking instead of moving at least a little bit away from the fight. Well it does no harm after all, he reasoned, the battle was over within a few moments and no one was hurt. He indulged their onlookers with a final flourish of the sword and a low bow, the ethereal limbs rising behind him like plumes of fire.

Coming back up he called over to the wagons. “One hopes the show was to your liking, good fellows, but I must ask your forgiveness if an encore is what you des-” BlackBerry heard Kosara talking between the sounds of wet thudding. “what are you doing?”

There was an almost audible crack in the air from the speed of BlackBerry’s head turning to see Kosarra happily chopping away at one of the creatures, gleefully wondering how they were to cook their latest kill. BlackBerry grimaced and stuck out his tongue at the very thought of eating the creatures, and Kosara home suddenly seemed a little bit less desireable to visit. Then to his horror, but not surprise, Victoria also approached the corpse and began taking her own samples.

“No, no. I am quite unharmed. Thank you.” He replied weakly to Victoria's offer.

His stomach did a small somersault at the sight of the creature being expertly carved apart beneath the gentle touch of Victorias blade, snipping and slicing away at the stringy connective tissues between its armour plates as if cutting away the fat from a slice bacon. Broken bones, viscous dog attacks, gaping wounds, patchwork goliaths, and blood soaked torture rooms, all absurdly sat well below his apparent limit of giant bugs being cut apart for food. BlackBerry turned and walked a few steps away from the sight of it all while silently fighting his lunch from making a reappearance.

“You did keep it well occupied, Kosara. If I were it, I would have attempted to flee as well.” BlackBerry did not turn around but spoke over his shoulder. His eyes resolutely fixed in the direction of the wagons and tried hard not to listen to the sounds of flesh being torn. “Had there been another threat to the creatures it is not there now.” He sheathed the blade once more, it was clean enough to his mind, and briskly made his escape to the edge of the field flanked by his fiery limbs like a pair of blinders.

“Gracious me, I believe we may have answered the question as to where your sheep had wandered off to.” Leaning upon the fence as he addressed the two Farmers with a nod of the head to the scene behind him while his stomach warned him against actually looking back. “The next question is of course, what manner of creature they are?”

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: G9 -> N11 Action: Attack X3 (hit 26, dmg 5), (hit 11, dmg N/A) Bonus Action: Flurry of blows (hit 18, dmg 4), (hit 16, dmg 6) Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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The bugs last moments were apparently of great pain and suffering if its flailing limbs and shuddering mandibles were anything to go by. BlackBerry ducked beneath one such limb in its final moments of screeching, horrid death throws. Watching the black ichor pour out from around its eyes he had a very good idea as to who had landed the final blow to the disgusting creature.

He paused for a moment to let his lip curl at the twitching form of the now, thankfully, dead giant bug. He was averse to most bugs even at their usual size, so this was absolutely beyond disgusting, and in his opinion they had no right to be this big. It was simply impolite for everyone else. Already hoping from foot to foot ready to sprint, he gave the bulbous skull a quick tap with his sword to make sure the damn thing was dead. Satisfied it wasn't playing dead he spun on the balls of his feet towards a startling scene of Kosara having turned the tables on her assailant, now victim scrambling to remove the screaming Tiefling from its back. He gave a quick glance towards Lady Kathryn to see she had managed to single handedly dispatch her bug.

BlackBerry wasted not a moment more and surged towards the pair. fiery limbs trailing behind him from the shoulder.

“I stand corrected. It is the beast who needs assistance.” He called to Victoria as he sped past.

He held the blades point directly ahead of him as he ran, speeding towards the creature, throwing up wheat and dirt behind him. He collided with the bug. The blade slipped between the chitinous plates and sunk into the beasts soft innards, drawing out anguish screams alongside Kosaras maddened bellows, but it had only managed to pierce about a third of the blades length. BlackBerry pulled himself away from the bugs hide, trying hard not to gag at the smell of its blood, and pushed hard upon the blade forcing it deeper into the wound. Then, BlackBerry did gag at the stench of its blood gushing over his hand as he snatched the blade away, and struggled to see past his tears for his next strike to even hit the creature.

“Bugs are far too small to have blood or veins like us.” Anothers helpful voice in a memory spoke, he tried to shake the it away but the memory persisted. “Their organs sit in a liquid inside their bodies. I’m not sure what its called but I’ll find out.”

His right limb fired out a delicate jab, a gentle caress, a little love tap against its (for lack of a better word) chest to confirm the creature was within striking distance.

“Brace.”

The left fiery limb, BlackBerry threw his whole body into the lunge with a twist at the hip, came in like a battering ram. The fiery fist came into focus upon the world as it slipped under the creatures fore-claws and struck the bugs torso with a satisfyingly audible crunch.

@Shoe Thief nicely done! Lets get the last beasty

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: G9 Action: Attack X2 (10, dmg: N/A. 16, dmg:8) Bonus Action: Unarmed Strike (19, dmg: . 13, dmg: N/A) Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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A satisfied grin split BlackBerry’s scaly face seeing the creature apparently far too stunned to even react to the sudden onslaught both physical and magical. The latter he asumed to be from the talented Victoria, bringing up the rear with her marvellous voice tuned perfectly to ease ones worries or evident ally sharpen them to a razor edge.

A surge of fire to his right caught his attention to see Lady Kathryn nearly double her original size, his thoughts scurried to bring back what she had said just some hours ago about her antics with magic.

“Sizing up the enemy I see, Lady Kathryn. Marvellous ide-ah!”

Mandibles filled his vision, the giant creature suddenly lunged at him. BlackBerry hopped backwards a step and the vertical teeth snapped shut in front of his nose, giving him full sight and smell of its last grisly meal. Then two monstrous claws came snatching at him from either side, the beast pressing forward upon him, forcing him to jump again to avoid the attack. Coming back down on the outside of its arm he aimed the sword at the creature only for the strike to go wide and miss completely.

Blackberry grimaced, grunting as he re-found his footing then drove the sword forward again and this time slipping in between the gaps of its armour plating. He then gave the sword a sharp twist to the right, its edge locking against the sides of the plates it had slipped between. Then he pulled on the sword as hard as he could, with mighty grunt of effort pulling the creature towards him, his fiery left arm shot like an arrow up at the creatures face. The blow landed with a satisfying grunt, and with enough force to rip the sword out of the wound.

In the space that emerged between the creature and himself, BlackBerry could see the situation emerging to his right; the giant bug with its claws sinking into Kosara’s flesh and its back limbs furiously scratching at the ground. It was trying to dig! It was going to take her away!

Desperately, he looked around the battlefield trying to take in the situation, trying to think of the next move he could make. Fiery chains had emerged from the ground and restrained Lady Kathryns target, While Victoria to his right with Morty ready for battle. Kathryn could go an help Kosara but there was no guarantee the creature wouldn't escape or be able to land a thrashing blow regardless. He threw his other arm towards his own opponent but the distance between them meant the blow didn’t land with enough force to be of much use and the firey limb simply bounced off its scales. Despite Victoria being a magic user she did have Morty and the beast looked as if it could do some decent amount of damage if it threw its weight around.

“Victoria. Kosara requires Assistance!” He called, pulling back into his fighting stance with fiery limbs around his head. “Lady Kathryn, finish your opponent. Fast.”

@Shoe Thief get smacking!!

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: K8 -> G9 Action: Attack with Viscious Sword X2 (26 x2, dmg 7 x2) Bonus Action: Arms of Astral Self Reaction: N/A Ki: 4/5

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The answer to BlackBerry’s question came a lot sooner, and a lot louder than he had expected. Creatures bursting out of the field like maggots from a corpse, shrieking and flailing their grotesque forms about in apparent maddened frenzy, and throwing earth and a half eaten meal in all directions. He watched the half eaten sheep arc, almost majestically through the air with a grim fascination before it returned to the ground with a wet ‘smack’.

One more question answered.

BlackBerry pulled his gaze to the three horrifying, giant, horse sized, insects screeching in fury after being disturbed from their sleep. One had emerged not too far from Kosara, another was baring down upon Kathryn leaving her like a silhouette of silver against its green carapace. The third one however had turned its horrible gaze to beyond the the field, Blackberry followed its gaze, to the screaming non-combatants frozen in fear.

“Get out of here!”S He shouted over to the wagons, his feet already pounding across the dirt towards the creature. “Move! Now!”

Power churned, surging up from his core and out from his shoulders as powerful bursts of glorious righteous flames pounded brutally at the air infront of the insect creature, BlackBerry skidding to a stop between it and it’s quarry.

The creature however appeared to be completely unphazed, even somewhat unimpressed.

BlackBerry snarled up at the twitching mandibles, the hooked serated forelimbs, the mud and blood dried upon its grotesque carapice. While BlackBerry was against judging by a book these creatures did not make for pleasant reading. His hand wrapped around the hilt of the Viscious Shortsword, it sang almost gleefully being pulled from its sheethe and shone with menacing delight in the sun. Putting Lady Kathryns traing to use he took a step forward and thrust the sword forwards at the same time with the speed of lightning, the sword dived through the insects armour and into it’s tender flesh. The creature squealed in pain while BlackBerry struck it again with another piercing stab.

@Shoe Thief you're up!

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: Farmland, next to Victoria Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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Lady Kathryn putting on her helmet made BlackBerry concerned. The concern then bloomed to worry when Victoria beside him sharply called out for Lady Kathryn to not do whatever it was she was trying to do.

Barbel Mosswater was absolutely certain that this was the right field, though BlackBerry remained a little unconvinced personally, but who was he to argue with the man who had grown up here? BlackBerry simply shrugged in an attempt to dismiss the anxiety that permeated the air around them all.

When Kosara’s report of her, or rather Chauncys findings, he turned to see Madame L’rose already moving her wagon ready to go should the situation descend into something dangerous. “Perhaps you should follow suit, Mr Barb…” The rest of the sentence died in his throat.

Right on cue, Kosara gave a giddy cackle from the field as she made to pull the situation kicking and screaming into possible danger. “A ‘Heads up’ would have been appreciated greatly, Kosara!” Hopping down from the wagon, and following on Victorias heels, he vowed to have words with the mad woman.

“Best get ready to run, Sirs.” BlackBerry spun around mid step, slowing his run to a jog, to call over to Barbal and Terace with a cheery grin. “It would appear danger is afoot. If you would attend to our mule as well? Please and thank you.” His concerns of Barbels trustworthiness forgotten, for now.

With that request sorted he twisted around again and hurried after Victoria, hopping over the boundary fence to meet her in the field. He arrived just in time to hear Lady Kathryn calling out something he couldn’t understand. His gaze snapped between Lady Kathryn ready but hesitant, and Kosara all but frothing at the mouth with a knife in hand.

“Might I suggest a deep breath and a moments pause before we act, hm?” BlackBerry was already rolling his shoulders, himself preparing for an oncoming fight. His knees bent and feet treading lightly across the soil. “Kosara, Victoria. If I may, it would seem you two have at least some idea of what could have caused this.” He gestured to the mounds he could now see Lady Kathryn standing beside that continued into the fields of wheat. “Care to explain to the rest of us? Did Chauncy…uh, say what it might be 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: N/A Action: Insight (10) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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“If you are certain, Lady Kathryn. Quite a wise thought if I may say so.” He nodded in appreciation to Lady Kathryns thinking. Form the sounds of it the rest of the party had had much more exciting times on the road than himself.

The journey to Southmoor was overall very uneventful and would have been enjoyable if not for the bracing gusts of wind trying to strip every once of warmth from BlackBerry’s body. He continued to lead the Mule, following behind the L’Rose’s caravan, with only the occasional input from Victoria pulling on the reigns to keep the wagon clear of the rocks and potholes of the road.

I must be doing well. He thought as Victoria began to play her violin, and gliding between tunes as easy as the raven glided upon the winds above them. BlackBerry of course showed his appreciation to the music by trying to tap his feet in time to the rhythm the Bard set.

Thankfully Madame L’Roses was right on the money in regards to how far away the farm was and soon enough BlackBerry was turning the wagon and following after. His attention had started to flag however, and the poor Mule found itself having to pull the wagon at a sharper than usual angle to make the turn. Despite this he did manage to bring the Mule to a gentle stop just behind the other two wagons, but not before Kosara shot like a hound chasing a rabbit out the side and into the field, just as Mr Barbal cried out that the sheep had disappeared.

“Are you quite certain this is the right field, Mr Barbal?” BlackBerry cast his gaze from atop the wagon seat struggled to see any sign of them either. For a moment he wondered if this had been a trap of some kind, but Madame L’Rose trusted Barbal, and he sounded genuinely confused.

BlackBerry had never been too sure how farmers could tell whos field was whos, especially when so many of them often grew the same crop or housed the same animals. The shuffling of movement drew his attention snapping towards the back of the wagon, where he could see through the gabs in the fabric the form of Morty getting ready for…something.

He raised an eyebrow to Victoria to silently ask, ‘Why?’. But taking her lead he placed a hand upon the hilt of his sword. Perhaps Mr Barbal wasn't as trustworthy as he first seemed.

“Any sign of a struggle, Kosara?" BlackBerry called over, trying to see Kosara amongst the piles of harvested wheat.