STATUS:
Cleaning day! Made a ton of progress and even found my long lost DS and my missing laundry card that still has a lot of credits on it. Found it in my winter coat of all places go figure.
4 yrs ago
Current
Cleaning day! Made a ton of progress and even found my long lost DS and my missing laundry card that still has a lot of credits on it. Found it in my winter coat of all places go figure.
2
likes
4 yrs ago
Finally got into D&D. Now I feel trapped and I am in love. Should I ask for help or ask where I can get more dice?
2
likes
4 yrs ago
Breaks ups are weird. Not sure how to feel about the other person, or about yourself. It hurts for sure, but it's weird and uncomfortable just how different things seem now.
2
likes
4 yrs ago
I get that dude. Could be one of those days, in the smae boat myself. Hope you're doing better soon though!
1
like
4 yrs ago
It's an ass kick ass world out there. And all we can do about it is keep kicking ass .
Bio
Welcome to my profile! I decided I needed to update this, and I don't have much for updating... Only in a single role-play right now, so far it's going really well!
Ser Arthur Codswealth was having a rather spectacular day all things considering. The youngest of three brothers his father mostly only took note of him when he fucked up. Couldn't beat the dueling instructor? Ass got reamed out. Seduced one of his friend's daughters, reamed out. Call your older brother a silver spoon fed twat? Reamed out, and the master of arms got permission to have his way with him. But tonight? He had been tasked with several very important jobs for his father, and he had gotten all but two of them done. Being the youngest, and the least noted by most lords his father visited, no one had noticed when he had crept away from dinner. Well, except the guards who had gotten in his way as he opened the gate. First job, done. Open the gate. Next, section off the fortress so that the guards within couldn't coordinate together and retake the keep. Also check. He had failed to take out the dying old man his father feared so much, but after meeting "The Titan of the Northern mountains" he was unimpressed. Sure, the man was huge by any human standards, well over 7 foot. But he also walked with a gimp leg, was slower then a cripple, and was always coughing and running out of breath. Sure in his prime he may have been a formidable threat, but now he was little more then a dying old man, so huge he would be that much easier to strike once he was found. He had also killed a large percentage of the guards himself while the fighting continued in the dining hall, and had let in enough reinforcements that those who were left stood no chance at retaking anything of note. It was mostly a mop up now to make sure that no credible witnesses got away. But with the fortress's household staff dead, the few knights who were within the walls butchered, and by now those not worth keeping alive of the local family dead, who would believe the few scattered maidens, footmen, and cooks who still remained. Assuming any of them made it out. He had also failed to find the eldest daughter. Though at this stage, she was only useful to be married off to one of his brother's to grant them legitimacy once they wrapped up. But something could be figured out if she didn't last the night. His father had said as much when he was given his tasks.
He had also assembled a group of mostly archers and crossbow men to hold the gate to prevent reinforcements from getting in, and to prevent those who wanted to escape from getting out. After tonight, his father would be proud of him. He may even grant this run down fortress to Arthur himself should his older brother William fuck up. And he hoped he did. His job was considerably harder. Help father and his oldest brother Icarus deal with the knights and guards in the feasting hall. Hell, if he died even Arthur would be a shoe in for this keep. Which though a rather ugly thing, possessed a lot of land, and an army attacking from the outside would have a bloody hell of a time trying to take it. And it was more then he was destined to get otherwise. Arthur Codswealth then yanked his long sword out of the back of the poor twat who had tried to get the gate open again. Some peasant lad clad in mail armed with a rather cheap quality sword felt rather confident in his ability to fight his way to the gate. Not that they were expecting any real trouble from outside. At most a local militia may be raised to help retake the fort before the defenses could be manned. But even then, they had scouts own the road to slow them own and give fair warning.
He soon saw his father and his brother William walking up to the gatehouse to check up on his progress. William looked like a bloody mess, and his father being the old hack he was didn't have but a mark on him. Likely leaving the fighting to his brothers and his other footmen. Stepping down the stairs to meet them he put away his bloody sword and gave a huge smile arms out. "So you made it! As you can see, I've done my duty. The gate is secure, the remaining guards scattered and trapped, and my men are cleaning up the pockets as we speak. Sent some lads after the girl and the Lambert Boy. We'll have them soon enough dead or alive." Arthur spoke in a rather confident tone. His father though waited expectantly leaning in on his cane. Arthur stood silent for a moment. He had hoped not bringing up the old man would mean his father would too forget about him. Clearly, he was wrong. "And Lord John?" His father asked in a sharp already annoyed tone. Knowing full well the answer. "Wasn't in his chambers. But we have the fort locked down, and the gate sealed. He'll come up dead or alive soon enough just like the kids." His father already looked ready to rip him a new one. Turning red with anger clearly not seeing all the great work he had already done! He had single handedly taking out the gate house! Opened the gates for reinforcements to join! Killed a knight of the keep, and held the gate preventing anyone from retaking it! But the crazy old man held a grudge far stronger then his love for his sons. "Can you not do anything right Boy. You let the most dangerous man of the keep escape, and I'll be damned if he gets the chance to kill me first. Come on William, we need to finish what your incompetent younger brother failed to do. If we're lucky the old man is already dead." He said before spitting in Arthur's direction.
Arthur about raised his voice to protest. Only to be stopped by one of his men shouting "RIDER! One of ours!" Fine. His father felt so confident, maybe he could hold the gatehouse himself. When he turned to see the rider he was shocked to see one of his best men riding nearly dead on his horse as the gate closed behind him. His armor had been mangled like cheap bronze against a hammer, his arm held on by nothing but the bone, and more then enough blood on him for two full men. He had no idea how much of the blood was his man's, or how much belonged to someone else. Arthur's father and William must have had a similar expression as they had stopped to investigate the rider as well. William had walked up to the rider, and the rider had lived long enough to utter a single word. "...titan..." He spoke in a hushed tone before blood poured from his mouth, and he collapsed off his mount. "Fucking Hell!" His father shouted before he began to storm off, his face going from red to white. The old man was scared of another old man. Aye, the man he feared still had some bite to him, but all men could die. It was the one thing all men were good at. "Recall all them back here. Right Fuuucking now." His father barked at everyone in earshot. "We're not letting that bastard inside these fuuucking walls. You fucking hear me? He's not getting back in these fuuucking walls!" His father had began to become irrational. Arthur had more then two dozen man at this gate, most of them expert bowman and crossbow men. Sure, maybe he was good with his weapon of choice, but he'd like to see how well the old man would stand up to nearly fifty bolts and arrows in his body.
"Father, you over react to old myths, and old fears. If this dying old man scares you so much, I'll deal with him myself and show you who you should really have been focusing your love on." Arthur spoke in a frustrated yet confident tone. Spiteful for the years of being a second rate son. Spiteful for having no prospects in life other then to be his brother's lackey. After tonight, that will change. "Give me the fortress, and you'll have the head of this titan mounted on the gate by morning." He spoke confidently. William, who was supposed to receive the castle was visibly pissed that his younger brother dare had the audacity to declare for something he had no rights too. He began to speak up, only to be cut off by their father, who's tone had gone from righteous anger and fear, towards a cold expressionless face. Though his face was still white, the fear and anger appeared to have left. "Fine. Kill the titan. Should you survive by our return Stonehold is yours." William opened his mouth to protest, stopping when their father raised his hand in a fist. "We'll gather the rest of the troops. Do not, disappoint me." And his father turned. Arthur had gotten his big break, and was now going to get what he was rightfully owed. A seat of power, and his father's respect. Unknowing to him though, his father expected to not see his youngest son alive upon his return.
"TO THE GATE! THEY'RE HERE!" One of his men shouted from the walls. most of his men ran for the top of the walls, firing down outside, taking some bolts and arrows back. So he had some fighters of his own, no matter. They'd be dead soon enough. He began to walk his way up to the wall, to be stopped when the gate that had been splintered open mere hours ago, then boarded shut, had jerked. BOOM! the hastily repaired gate screamed. So they had a ram. Fucking hell how many men did he round up? And how did they get a ram so fast? BOOM! The gate screamed again. "Bring him down! Bring him down!" He heard one of his sergeants command. That would at least be one problem dealt with. The titan would be dead, then he'd just have to deal with the hastily put together forces he mustered. BOOM! CRACK! The gate wouldn't hold long. He may have been a little too aggressive in shattering the hinges. But who could have predicted they'd have a ram? Looking back, he could see his father and brother were already gone from the courtyard. Looking back to the gate a couple of his men were beginning to break. He drew his longbow and stepped in their path. "You'll be dead before you see the sun rise if you run. Draw your weapons and prepare for them to breach or I'll have you run through like the cowards you are!" He screamed, and even with the arrow pointed at the head of the first man who ran, he looked back and still debated if he would rather face Arthur or the army on the other side. Before he could protest, he sent the glowing beam from his bow into the man's head before lowering the bow. "HOLD THE GATE!" Those who had tried to run figured they'd then have a better chance at holding the gate, then disappointing their lord. BOOM! the gate flexed inward this time, not bouncing back. One or two more good hits and it would be down. He then heard the deep, guttural grown of a massive creature catching it's breath. Then he saw something that horrified him.
A steel clad hand, the size of a human torso burst through a newly created hole in the gate. It reached down grabbing the wooden crossbar holding the broken gate closed and began to try to remove it. The Titan he could take, an armored ogre or troll? He had too few men for that and for any other troops that may have been collected. It could not be allowed to enter. Drawing back another bolt of radiant energy, he took aim and fired at the steel clad hand. It flinched, and withdrew. Then immediately slammed downwards against the cross board cracking it nearly in half. Arthur fired another bolt of radiant energy at the hand, but in his panic missed hitting the ever weakening gate. The steel clad hand then retreated into the hole it had made. He prepared to fire again, and prepared to stop his remaining men from running and bolts and arrows passed over the wall, when a voice called out to him. "SER ARTHUR OF HOUSE CODSWEALTH." He paused, his panic and fear lost to confusion. He turned to see a young girl, maybe 14, or 15. in her hands, a sword that was comically large in her hands. And looked like it should be an antique decorative piece more then a weapon of war. He then frowned, recognizing the girl as the daughter. She was bigger then he thought she would be. BOOM! Crunch! the breaking gate snapped him out of it. The girl was little more then an annoying distraction. But something about her... it held his attention. "You and your kinsmen have committed the heinous, monsters act of Regicide! And broke the bond of Guest Right! In the name of King Bizmark, the kingdom of Arcanaple, and as the sole surviving heir of house VanEmbar, I sentence you and your kinsmen to death!" She spoke with a lot of rehearsed confidence. As if much of what she was saying was little more then repeating what she had already heard, changing it to fit the current situation. Had things not been so pressing, he would have laughed out loud. He almost did as he drew his bow to meet her gaze. She froze, fear gripping her as she saw death about to meet her. "Kathryn, that was the name!" He said in remembrance as he prepared to fire on the young girl. Despite the situation, he still spoke with his booming confident tone. "You don't look Nine years old if it's any reassurance. I'm sure you would have made a great wife to William. But alas, I think you're more trouble then it's wor-" was all he was able to get out before the gate was struck again, this time one of the doors crashing off it's hinges, and the other splintering to pieces as it struck against the stone walls of the castle.
Ser Arthur Codswealth turned to see a beast standing at a height of nearly 30 feet, clad in castle forged steel, and with a face of rage that he had seen once before. The face his father had tried to warn him about, and was now punishing him for his defiance, his ignorance. As Lord John, Titan of the Northern Mountains stepped through, and brought his gaze of violence and revenge down upon Ser Arthur Codswealth. Though his resolve was shaken, beaten, and close to breaking, The Titan was still a man. A big one, but a man non the less. Men bled, men died. It was the one thing all men were good at. He released the bolt of radiant energy towards the Titan's head and cut through his massive shield. The giant stumbled briefly as the remaining archers unloaded into him from all angles. The top of the wall behind him, the ground in front of him, and javelins and throwing weapons from anyone else who could muster the courage to still fight. He hadn't noticed the horde of warriors who ran in past The Titan until they were already butchering his men. He turned his bow to fire on the new threat, only stopping once he saw the titan steady himself again and see where the bolt had impacted his target. Little more then a scuff against his helmet. No blood, no injuries, The arrows fired having little effect, and most of his men laid dead or fled while they still had the chance. He turned to do the same only to be met by the big girl, her comically large sword blocking his path as he tried to flee, forcing him to stop long enough for her uncle's massive blunt weapon to send him flying against the stone walls.
Kathryn was glad to see that the party, Blackberry included with in were ready to finish this. People were in danger, and without the help of local law it left few who may be able to solve this. Solve and fix it. Blackberry joining along would be more help for their party as she worried that no matter how much she tried, they would be facing a rather difficult conflict of force. To what extent, she was unsure. But the help was appreciated. It seemed the others were also in favor of following up with the Municipal building. Should their rather antagonistic men in uniform be connected to everything going on, they needed to know for sure before anything could be done. That being sharing those details, or dealing with it themselves. Kathryn gave Blackberry a reassuring smile as he spoke up about how far it may be. "It's not far at all, don't ya worry. And the supplies are safe." She wasn't sure how the rest of the party would feel about taking the dragonborn to the hideout, but she hoped they wouldn't mind. Kathryn did find Victoria's urge for exciting danger rather intriguing. She implied great dangers, and they were legitimate concerns. But they seemed not to worry her. She smiled as Victoria met up at the door with her and gave her nod at her wink. "I'm sure it'll serve us very well. A weapon's only a tool in the right hands." She heard of stories of things bards could do with their abilities and magical tools. She had no idea how many were true, or how many of the other stories about bards were true, but she was glad to have the bard by her side. "I'll make sure you don't get shot this time." Kathryn said in a tone mixed between teasing, and apologetic.
To also protect herself from the rain, Kathryn brought her helmet back on, though this time when she put the buckle together it wasn't fully latched. If she expected a fight she could buckle it back up to make sure it stayed in place to be fully effective. Stepping outside though the battered bucket she called a helm made it difficult to look about, the rain making it worse. She hoped that they weren't followed, and that no one was waiting for them. Despite Kosara being prepared with all she needed, she was first out the door to return to camp. The tiefling woman did mention shopping, which anything that didn't involve the tension of everything with this quest sounded wonderful. A good meal without the concern of being jumped, a nice shopping spree, a chance to properly work out would also be nice if she had the gear for that. A chance to get to know her new partners without the pressure that every stop they took risked more people missing. But they were getting close, she could feel it! She just hoped it was for the better.
She noticed Kosara looking about, and if she saw something she didn't say anything. Kathryn debated going around the block to throw off anyone waiting for them. But it was just as likely for someone who was looking for them to spot them if they left the area. "Let's get going. We will wanna be fast, and be out even faster." Kathryn walked for a bit, stopping a little ways past the barn but not entering. Stopping to look around again as if trying to spot something. But was instead keeping watch with intentions of being the last to enter, to make sure that everyone else got in safely before she decided to follow in.
As the meal wrapped up, the party gathered information, and the basic structure of a plan. The party as a whole was still a little disorganize, but were rapidly making progress. Victoria's comment on the "goblin Incident" drew up Kathryn's concern with the coincidence. She needed to know what was on that note, she needed to put her thoughts and concerns at ease before she jumped to conclusions. But it was still too perfect, set up almost perfectly. Kathryn was pulled from this train of thought by Victoria's motion of... Wait was she taking the coins? Kathryn gave a confused, almost but not quite disappointed face to Victoria. Yes, getting paid was nice and all. But these were desperate people, and desperate times. Kathryn held her tongue despite her face, maybe Victoria really needed the money? She reserved judgement deciding she herself was far from perfect, and she had nowhere near enough context to Victoria's life to judge her.
Returning from the Distraction Victoria made with her attempt to take the coinage, Kathryn's gaze returned to Blackberry. "With how quickly things are escalating, we should figure out where their hideout is. But splitting up again is too risky. There are too many factors at play here, and many that we know of are against us." And many they still just didn't know. With the reassurance that Robert had as little intention as possible to share the conversations they were having as he could, Kathryn felt a little more comfortable talking their game plans. At least to a vague degree. "Let's get this business with Mr. Mallard done and out of the way, and with any information we get from that we'll figure things out as best as we can. But knowing where to go ahead of time will be a huge help. I just don't want to risk accidentally jumping the balista and it going off on us." With the note on the table, Kathryn figured she'd let either Victoria or Marita grab it. She figured herself and Kosara were off the table in that regard since they already spooked the man. Kathryn took heed of Robert's warning though. Though he would do his best to keep their information safe, the less he knew the better. Including their home. She had people she wanted to ask about still. Those who may have cursed him, those who may be behind this. She had a couple suspects mentally. But she didn't want to push Robert so much. She had no idea the degree of the Geas.
Marita's comment on the Municipal building got Kathryn's attention. She remembered Kosara commenting how tight security seemed to be there, and the Constable was also up to something less then pretty himself. If this whole mess was somehow tied together, things were indeed worse then she had hoped. "I'd like to get moving then. While we still have some cover from the rain, and it's calm enough to still see about. I'll stop by the..." She paused, reminding herself to not speak the place aloud. At least not in a way it could be identified. "...Camp. Grab some gear, and other supplies we may need. If anyone else needs something, they should come with me now so we can get sorted out fast. If anyone wants to wait out here, we'll be back before we leave. And we can make our way out." Kathryn grabbed the silver ring off the table and prepared to put it back on her finger, stopping a moment to realize she hadn't done the test yet for the others like she said she would. So she held up the ring for all to see, opened her mouth, plopped it on her tongue, and held it there for a couple seconds before sliding it back on and putting her gauntlet back on that totally had never once belonged to a corpse.
Kathryn hoped she wasn't the only one planning on getting supplies from the barn. But she needed that note, she needed to find someone who could read it and answer those questions. Robert helped a bit, letting her know to ask around some of the older halfings who may have experience with it. But she still needed the note incase she found someone who could read it. She placed two silvers on the table as a tip for Daisy and Lea for their hard work and for the amazing food. On the way to the door she grabbed a couple fruits and another loaf of bread to snack on while she grabbed the supplies. She would then wait by the door for anyone else who wanted to join her on this short trip.
As the party began sorting what details they had, and consumed the food on the table like it was their first meal in days, Kathryn contemplated the issue of those turned. Kosara brought up a good point as well, what if they don't want to be cured? The mixed ideas were decent, though they were missing so much key information still. "I think finding them without a way to deal with them if things turn into conflict isn't idea. Though we should look into where they are housed or operating from, we're not equipped in either supply, or in knowledge to take them on." As Ser Lucas told her, knowing is half the battle. The other half is having the ability to beat the head of the other bastard in before they could beat your head in. She chalked that line up to Ser Lucas being drunk for most of their first few years of travel together, but maybe he had a point on that first half. Robert had some sort of reactiong to Kathryn's idea of curing those effected. Though she couldn't get a read. Did he know some of those effected? Or maybe he didn't want that idea to go forward? Kathryn wished she could ask him, but he was risking a ton already doing what he was doing. Kathryn didn't want to put him in any more danger. Ironic, as soon as they find someone who can give them answers, the most he can do is not respond. No, not the most. The most, is sending them to another who may have answers. Kathryn took note of Marita's refusal of payment, and how much things have changed since they were first offered the job. "I'm perfectly happy with the meal, we'll get this job done and get back to you with it asap." The note may also help. The man was on edge, and that was partially involved with Kathryn and Kosara's intervention with the man.
Robert seemed to relax a bit when asked a question that seemed unrelated to their mission. She listened closely as the tale of adventurer's past was told to them. It was a neat story, though it mostly just helped to pass the time in a non stressful way as the rain continued, slowing down as the conversation went on. Still not stopping yet. It may be worth going out now though to avoid anyone following them? But if they were ambushed they wouldn't be able to see it coming until it was too late. Kathryn then looked back at Robert, she wanted to know if Constable Cavendish was involved, and a lack of an answer would give that enough to her. Or maybe he was told he had to lie about it if asked, but maybe not. But Robert had risked a lot to answer what he could, and have given them another lead to follow. They had another potential lead, and as things ramped up she wasn't so sure they'd get any more chances to follow along with it. "I think we need to get going. We're under equipped, so let's get any of our gear we may need while we still have some coverage with the weather. Then let's get this job done and follow up on any leads we can." That note specifically. The more Kathryn thought about it, the more she wanted to know what it said. She had concerns about its origin and until that was dealt with it would be a distraction. Plus, the party was in no shape to face a proper confrontation at the moment. Marita didn't have much of her combat able gear should things kick off, and without someone to help fill out the heavy martial role they were susceptible to an ambush. Either from the potential wererats who were for sure onto them, or from Constable Cavendish and his guards. Or any other third party with their hands in the pot.
Kathryn also wanted an excuse to look outside to see if they were being watched or followed. A chance to grab their supplies was a nice bonus. "Robert, Lea or Daisy, any chance any of you can read goblin tongue? Or someone that does?" "That can be trusted." She wanted to add. Another concern did cross Kathryn's mind, with Robert under the influence of the Geas, did that mean whoever put him under that spell, curse, or whatever it was, would they now know that the party for sure was not only on the trail, but still didn't know where the trail was going. But there was no going back now. She looked at Robert, and though she hated to ask more of him, she had to know one last thing. "Are you going to have to share any of this conversation with anyone later?" She asked, not in an accusatory tone, but one that also asked if they should hurry before that point came.
Kathryn listened as Robert spoke in what almost seemed like riddles. To Kathryn it seemed pretty clear there were hidden messages, but she had taken way too long to figure out what they were. Once she noticed she attempted to spell out the words in her head, pick out the first letter of each, then when that failed she paused to rethink her plan. Every other word maybe? But even that didn't make sense when she plotted that in her head. He used Elvish? So maybe a double coded? Elvish and another step? But she wondered how he would tie in Elvish. She noticed the fear growing in his eyes as Kosara bombarded him with question after question, and the rest of the party joining in she realized they were only increasing his chances of something going wrong. "Let's give the man a break." Then in the middle of her 8th attempt to figure out the messages, she realized she had totally over thought it. The face of embarrassment sat on the woman for a solid moment as things slowed down. He appeared to be going for Kosara's last plan, and just not answering question that could put him at risk. But answering the ones he could. Thankfully she didn't share her many failed ideas out loud. Her question about silver had been answered though, and to her surprise, it was Robert. Would he arm them now? After how things went this morning she wasn't so sure, but they didn't have a ton of options. And before nightfall. Nightfall... She looked like she wanted to ask more, but he was already risking a lot by doing what he was doing. "We'll get this done for you. Don't worry." She figured someone other than herself or Kosara would have to take the note.
Who could be sorted out later. The problem with the test was also pointed out to Kathryn. It required willing participants to use the ring that Kathryn had accidentally stolen. The one she is realizing hadn't been cleaned by her since she accidentally stole it. It was still raining like crazy, but they had a bit of time to make it to the silver smith and back before long. She worried about something extreme happening while they waited for the weather to clear. The Constable wouldn't confront them here, at least not as likely. Granted she didn't think he would do what he has done already if asked last night. While Kathryn contemplated the next steps to take she grabbed the loaf of bred she took an end from and dipped it in her second soup and started taking bites from it. Go to silver smith, get order, maybe weapons, come back, figure out how to deal with.... were rats... A growing population of were rats... Which Robert did not deny. Though he did the werewolves, and she wasn't sure what to think on that. Sure, maybe a pack of wolves would have been worse, but rats? Then again, wolves... Wolves of any kind aren't fun. If they couldn't get the weapons what then? She figured at least she had nets, and she supposed if it came to a fight she could stomp on them? Though if they were people sized that may be harder.
The people part stuck to her head for a moment though. "Do we know if it can be cured? Can those who have gone missing still be cured or saved or... helped in any way? Do those turned still have full control or... less so..." She heard stories of werewolves, people who changed and turned into violent unreasonable monsters who could only be stopped by death on it's own. She had grown up with stories of knights fighting off beasts like these with a sword in one hand, and a torch in the other. Those tales sounded heroic then, but now that she was living a version of it, they were terrifying in a way.
With the mixed reactions to the writing on the table Kathryn found herself at a loss. Sure, she recognized the word, knew it was elvish. But shy of those she was totally lost. Kathryn also found her attention cut short with the smell of delicious food. She knew she should focus on the concerns that are present, but she felt like she was starving. Victoria thankfully helped bring things back on track with the explanation of Geas. A magical contract. It did sound vaguely familiar, but she couldn't pull a lot. Stories of how horrible some of the contracts got. But she had no idea how they worked, or what the consequences were of breaking them. But she knew it was bad news. From what Victoria explained, that seemed pretty accurate. So was Robert under one of these? And who held him bound to this contract? She wondered what it was but found herself struggling to ask. Since it was written in elvish maybe that meant that they were elvish? Or maybe it was written like that since whoever bound him didn't know elvish? "Can you tell us who or... not." She worried that it may be another piece tied into this rather confusing knot of a puzzle, and if it was how it related. But if Robert could tell and it was related, they would have another path to follow. If not, they would just have to see how they could offer help to the man.
On a calmer note, Kosara offered to have her grandfather help Victoria with her quest. So another excuse to visit Kosara's home and see what that was like. Granted Kathryn knew little of the desert lands. Of any kind. Her uncle told her some stories from the kingdom's last major declaration of war, but those details were older then she was. And she had no idea how accurate any of them were. But at least Kosara also seemed up for helping Blackberry. Overall it seemed the party were already here to help one another! If that wasn't good progress for them she wasn't sure what was. Kosara listed off a couple of her potential abilities that may be able to help Robert, and she wondered what kinds of tricks she had up her sleeves. Or lack there of as it seemed the only thing with sleeves the tiefling owned was her new coat she got from Victoria. She was definitely impressed with how Kosara was trying to handle the situation, offering solutions that may be flexible enough to work around Robert's situation. "If it's not something you want to chance we get, but we want to help if at all possible." He hadn't sold them out to the constable this morning, she wasn't sure if it was a more true neutral stance or if he was being helpful. But knowing what she knows now maybe it was an attempt to help. She wanted to say thanks for that, but she she also didn't want to chance giving away the location of their hideout. She wondered if the Constable was behind this too though, or if it was one of the other suspects she had in mind. She had a growing paranoia about this town, and it wasn't going to get better until she was able to get some answers that didn't just open up more questions.
Kathryn wondered if it would be rude if she went to eat some of the food now? The free food was the best news she had gotten all day with how tense things were getting. Her skills were not well suited to this, so she served as little more than a body guard for the group as they did their things. One who apparently robbed silver smiths, scared the locals, and visited places like the Honey Barn while on duty. All while pissing off the local law and drinking enough alcohol to make most people black out. But she had the ring, she discovered the constable has ill intentions towards the party. She was doing her best to carry her own weight, but she was out of her element. She'll need to work on that. She decided that since the food was already here, enjoying some of it would be just fine. Someone had to help out with the two bowls of soup and the long list of fruits and breads she ordered.
Kathryn walked back to her seat and grabbed the bowl without sitting and drank from it as if she was finishing off the little bit on the bottom too shallow to get with a spoon, downing the bowl in what felt like record time before moving onto one of the loaves of bread biting off the end before grabbing any remaining soup with the now exposed inner bread. Kathryn didn't care what Kosara said, the bread is one of the most important parts to any meals. "So, with the context we have now, I think it's fine if we take the job. Assuming it's not something that's gonna be a problem for any of the parties involved?" She asked Robert hoping that he could give an answer to that. Kathryn found herself snacking on this free meal between sentences. "Last I knew, our man was also closed for the time being. But if we can just pick up an order, then I don't see why we can't grab it."
Blackberry had declined Kathryn's offer to have the party help once things were cleared up. Maybe he would change his mind should that time come, maybe not. But as long as he knew it was there that was a start for Kathryn. As usual though, it was a lot of questions for Robert. Marita then opened up, having taken the situation she had revealed the whole truth of their mission, and definitely felt it was the case that the party was way under-qualified for and under equipped for this sort of mission. But that seemed to hold no real deterrent on any of the party, herself included. Kathryn was glad to see the cleric return once she realized how extreme things may be, and how the man who had just given them free food may be in need of their help. But... Lycanthropy? Wererats? Kathryn was totally baffled as she tried to quietly go through her food. Marita seemed to be a far greater expert on things then Kathryn was. But, if what she said was true, the situation could still be salvageable. "You said the silver hurts them, does that mean we need silvered weapons if things get into a confrontation?" Kathryn knew she was physically able to go toe to toe with most creatures her size, and especially smaller. But the heaviest hitting thing she had ever faced was an Orc in a pub. This was a whole new ballpark to her.
Kathryn listened with excitement as her fellow party members listed off their reasons for wanting to go on this adventure. Kosara wanting to go out and see the world, and go on... well adventures! A want to help others, and a chance to see what she could offer the world and vice versa. A sweet and humble enough reasoning! Overall she was glad that her really good tiefling friend was able to go on this adventure. "I'd love a chance to see your journal if you don't mind. Before you send it off! I think it would be really cool what you decided to record and share!" That alone was a rather epic thought. What had Kosara decided to save and share? She wondered what kind of home the tiefling grew up in, and Kathryn wondered if she would ever get a chance to see it? Hopefully so. She wondered what Kosara's sisters were like and if they were anything like Kosara herself.
Responding to Victoria's comment about the Honey Barn Kathryn said "We didn't really get a chance to look around or see what's up. Even before we entered things had escalated. And when we got inside, there were concerns they had gotten more extreme. Maybe we'll get another chance?" It was not the normal place Kathryn would go to hang out at nowadays. But she had to admit, she was a little curious herself. The concern of getting back to the barn though... Maybe there was more they could do to help make sure they were not followed. "Maybe we can still lure them off our trail in case we were followed? Walk randomly on roads, waiting to see if we can spot if we're being followed. All together I'm sure we could spot something. Once we are sure we make our way back to our safe spot." She wondered if they would include Blackberry in that safe spot? Or if like Rickard he may have to stay in the public house. It was interesting to hear about the sisters of Kosara and Victoria as well, hearing some of Victoria's stories added into the pot made things all that more interesting. Kathryn listened as Victoria talked about Virgil. The two sounded close, but Kathryn worried when the idea of using her abilities to solve this problem. Did she mean... bring him back from the dead?
Blackberry was an interesting case of his own. His home was in trouble, and he was running out of options of those who could help. He was unfortunately not familiar with goblin tongue. But he was still willing to help how he could. "Maybe we can return the favor when we are wrapped up here? I don't know if we're the most qualified, but maybe we can help non the less." And if not all of them, maybe just herself? She held no commitments outside of this quest. No lands to call her own, no property outside of the clothes on her back and the supplies in her bag, and no friends or family to return too once the mission was over. On more good news, Everyone seemed to be willing to help with this quest with Roberts. How perfect! Free food, a job t hey could do on the job, a chance to figure out more with the Silver Smith. Overall a good day! Marita began detect magic on the ring, and Kathryn was relieved to hear she didn't curse the whole party with this test she knew so little about. Kathryn then listened to Marita's story. Lost with nowhere else to go, her family home destroyed. A cleric without a church? And a woman without a home. "I'm sorry to hear about your home. I hope we're able to help you on your quest to return to your place of worship." She had no idea if the cleric wanted their help. But she wanted her to know that the offer was there if she ever wanted it.
Kathryn then figured it was her turn. Everyone else had shared their stories. "So uh... Me now. Well, I'm a lady without land, and so myself and my most loyal knight have been traversing the lands attempting to rebuild our own names and keep ourselves fed for some years. We did some jobs to help ourselves, some jobs to help those we met. But after Ser Lucas passed, I was lef tto find my own place in the world. And a few weeks after his passing I got a letter intended for Ser Lucas from our neighborhood Sheriff. I saw it as my chance to figure some things out, do some good while getting my foot in the door to figure out my own life." Kathryn said a bit amused with herself. "Kind of funny, 15 years ago I was being set up for marriage, talks from our parents about which castle and what lands we shall someday hold, and having to decide which family name we shall take. Now? Every day is just day by day. It's kind of exciting in a way, not knowing what the future holds." She spoke with a bit of glee to her face. Though her home being taken from her at such a young age was tragic, she was doing what she could to enjoy her day to day life. And she had been doing okay so far.
Kathryn watched as Lea brought out the food. SO much soup, so much bread. The half giant warrior was starving to the point where she wanted to take the whole thing and dig in as if she was in her own personal eating context with her willpower. THEN DAISY CAME OUT WITH MORE!!! Things then got weird. Marita turned down the job suddenly, and with a hurried tone that implied there would be no talking. When she started to leave Kathryn almost protested. She still hadn't eaten all day and it was getting into the afternoon! And today's lunch was free! But the hurried tone in Marita's voice compelled Kathryn to stop. She was a sensible woman, maybe she spotted something Kathryn missed? She wouldn't question her here. No matter how much she wanted lunch. Maybe Morty wouldn't mind a nibble... Just a small one. Kathryn watched as things broke down, but re-stabilized. Robert took some Chalk, and began writing. Kathryn stood up to take a look at what he wrote, and moved to read it when asked for a translation. Elvish. Kathryn knew Elvish pretty well. Elvin nobles were not uncommon for her growing up.
Kathryn spoke the word outloud. As she learned the bulk of her elvish from when she was in her family home, her homeland accent was more noticible than usual. "Geas." Kathryn spoke in a serious, though confused tone. She knew the word. Or at least did at some point. She had heard it before, and she had heard it used in context... but she couldn't place it. It was on her mind but she couldn't place the context to it. The comment Robert made about being morons wasn't reassuring. She knew this. She was sure. But she couldn't place it now. She just needed something to jog her memory.
Kathryn was slow to accept help from Backberry. She would be vulnerable as he dealt with the stuck buckle, and if his intentions were anything but honest and helpful there would be nothing Kathryn could do to stop it. She winced slightly as he bent the prong back into place, and relaxed as he retracted his hands. "I... Thank you very much." Kathryn said very relieved. She took off her helmet and set the battle worn helmet down on the table and pulled her long braid out of the confines of her armor. "It's been a crazy moment here but uh, I'm Lady Kathryn Pyke. Or Ser Kathryn Pyke depending on which titles you prioritize above others. It's nice to meet you Blackberry. I hope we can help you with your quest here." The dragon born was a strange creature to Kathryn, but he was polite and helpful. "As for the ring..." She hadn't considered if it could have been enchanted. She just assumed it was silver and there was nothing else to it?! "Well uh... You just place it on your tongue... but... I don't actually know if it's enchanted..." Kathryn's inexperience to matters such at these were very evident. She saw information that seemed important, and took it an ran with it. Her lack of knowledge in magic seemed to also not help her.
Kathryn listened closely and Blackberry and Marita explained the situation with the child monster. First, a spy, then a spy turned... Monster. The whole thing was strange. And Kathryn was wondering if this whole thing was a lot stranger and had a lot more too it than was implied. She paused for a moment, Marita seemed to want to say more, but didn't. Kathryn gave the woman a knowing nod. She figured she either had something she didn't want to risk saying in a public space, or she was still building trust with Blackberry. She would have to find a chance to talk with the Cleric in private. She may also be one of the better people to talk about with her own suspicions. To either tell her she was crazy, or that she had a legitimate concern. Or maybe she could get answers right here and now? She turned back to Blackberry when the conversation seemed to wrap up. "I don't suppose by any chance you speak goblin tongue?" If they could wrap that up, then maybe they could get some answers instead of questions. So many questions opening up. Too few answers. And she worried more and more about the connections of those goblins and their mission.
Though a lot had happened, things were calm now. They were relatively alone within the public house, and now that the party was back at full strength-plus, she doubted Constable Cavendish would attempt anything against them. At least not like what was going on at the Honey Barn. Lea soon approached the table. Kathryn hadn't really gotten to meet the woman yet but she seemed really nice from what she could gather. Kathryn found herself intrigued by Lea as she held off a on her "Something". Kathryn's curiosity would always take a priority in her thought process. "Oh that does sound good, if I could get two bowls of that with some bread and..." She paused for a moment, skipping breakfast meant her stomach was on a warpath. "If you still have some fruits I'd like some apples as well, maybe a slice or two of watermelon if you have it. Could I also have some milk? If not some water would be lovely please!" Her purse would lose this battle against her stomach as Kathryn ordered with glee. Maybe she should pick up cooking and see about making her own food to save on purse? Then, the best news she had gotten all day.
Robert had approached the party and had offered the lot of them free meals. Had today gotten much better, Kathryn may have forgotten that she was about lured into a hidden part of town by members of the law participating in suspicious activities. Though he made sure to add a comment about the ale, looking at Kathryn with that line. Had she really drank that much last night? She paused to think about it, and remembered a brief moment where she gripped how loose her chain mail was in an attempt to determine if she had gotten fat. She went red face at the thought and had to resist the urge to hide underneath her helmet. Then, he offered the lot of them a job. Pick up an expensive order from Mr. Mallard and bring it back here. Not timely, but she assumed the job wasn't one to just be forgotten and done whenever the party felt like it. "I don't see why not, seems strait forward enough. And it shouldn't take long at all." She saw the pay, five gold coins. Whatever it was, it was pricey. She wondered though... If the shop was closed then how were orders being made? Did he have contact with the silver smith while he was in hiding? Maybe it was a back order? She was tempted to ask about it, but held her tongue.
But they had a job and at the very least a direction, and an excuse to followup with the silver smith. And maybe also figure out if that ring Kathryn made everyone put in their mouth was cursed. She could also return it as well. But until the rain calmed down, it was better to wait it out. They were not in a rush at the moment, and for now they were safe. Adding to Marita's question to have Blackberry explain his situation a bit, Kathryn figured she would try to learn a bit more about the people she was working with. "Adding to this, I know how some of you came to be here on this mission, but I don't know why if that makes sense. What brought you lot here? Money? The idea of adventure? Something more personal? I think it would be good if we lot got to know each other just a little bit." Kathryn said with an innocent smile on her face, a little excited to know more about the people she had been working with, and if things kicked off to the extreme, people she would have to depend on.
It was nice to see the others again, even if Rickard wasn't able to catch up. Kathryn hoped the man knew what he was doing, and he was alright. Seeing everyone though had relaxed Kathryn somewhat. Though her facial expressions were not visible, her posture relaxed a little, her shoulders were no longer tense, she leaned forward a bit to listen to what others had to say, and her hands were not in immediate reach of her weapons. Though she was still on guard, she had relaxed enough to have a real conversation with her fellow party members. Seeing Victoria dry herself off with magic reminded Kathryn to take another attempt at her stuck helmet. Taking off her gloves, she made another attempt on the still damp clamp. Still no luck. If all went well, she'd get a new helmet at the end of this. New everything if things went well. Though that was far from her top concern, she would be glad to get her ageing gear replaced. Some bits of it were older than herself, and were battle tested before she got her hands on it.
Kosara explained a little of their situation, but in her adorable fashion, she did leave out the important context. Kathryn took witness to Victoria putting the silver ring on her tongue. She didn't notice anything, and with that, was wondering more and more if maybe the Silver Smith was just a crazy old man who had lost his mind. Having nothing to do with what they were doing. "Food would be wonderful. I haven't eaten since yesterday. Anything warm will make me one happy gal." Though it seemed that Victoria and Marita had their own moment or two of interest. It seemed they were making progress on their job, she worried it was the kind of progress though that would turn them into victims of current events rather than those who would be the heroes of this story. She left that concern to herself. They had no way of knowing where this story would go until they did something about it. And doing nothing was not an option. Victoria had her own questions on the events Kosara and herself have been on. "It's... complicated. So if you have questions as I explain, do ask. And I will do the best I can to answer." Kathryn took a deep breath as she decided which bits of information were the most important.
"Kosara and I made our way to see the L'Roses, they are doing okay, though shaken up. They seem to be safe now, and I have asked them to stay on guard." And Cecily was armed now. For whatever good that did. Kathryn hoped the poor woman wouldn't need the hand axe, but it was better than leaving her unarmed. "Kosara and I then went to check out the Silver Smith, and with some persistence from Kosara, we were let in by a Mr. Milard. Our resident silver smith who held us as crossbow point until we did his little test." Kathryn emphasized the ring now sitting on the table once Victoria was done with it. "Once we passed, he calmed down drastically, until mention of imprisonment came up. Then he lost it, and we found ourselves outside again. At this point, I can't tell if he was onto something, or maybe he had lost it. Or... Both." Kathryn had heard of some dungeons being so brutal, that the people who returned from them never were the same again. "With our immediate leads dried up, and time on our hands, we decided to explore our options and found ourselves at...." Kathryn realized it sounded almost silly, or that they may have been looking to slack off on the job while the others worked. "Madame Marcie's Honey Barn..." Kathryn said with a bit of a shy tone.
Kathryn sat back, a little more tense again. "That is when things got concerning. More so then they already were. Constable Cavendish was there with some guards. Taking a bag of coin offered to him by the staff. It reminded me of almost like a gangs protection deal, or some kind of bribe. We were not able to get a lot of details but they seemed very off." Kathryn wanted to choose her words carefully here. Maybe she misread the situation, or maybe he was on the lookout for something else. But if he wasn't, then they could all be in danger. "When he was aware of our presence, he appeared to be trying to take us out of the public eye. He seemed to be looking around for... witnesses. I have reason to believe he planned on taking us somewhere to arrest us, or something more..." She paused, she didn't want to jump to assumptions. But he left little to be implied. "Extreme. We exchanged some words, though not entirely friendly, far from hostile. When we tried to walk off, his men tried to stop us. He called them off saying he would go have a chat with you. Once he walked off Kosara and I entered the Honey Barn to figure out our next move. Fearing he may be waiting for us to leave either to catch us off guard, or for us to lead him back either the rest of the party, or our hideout, we began making our way out the back. At which time we heard about... A monster. With you two." Kathryn spoke with a puzzled tone. She briefly wondered if the Orphan Monster was this Dragon man with them now. How things were turning, it would surprise Kathryn, but she had an idea how rumors could spread if left unchecked.
The rain poured down harshly on Kosara and Kathryn. Though Kathryn's helmet helped mitigate some of the downpour, it was far from water tight. The leather that held the chainmail in place was damp as hell, her under garments were beginning to get soaked, and she could feel her braided up hair getting more and more wet underneath her armor. Though the rain was annoying, it was far from her top concern. Her concern in this moment was the Constable. Kathryn had taken a few looks behind herself as she and Kosara walked down the roadway, and she was fairly confident that they were not followed. She didn't want to chance their safe house being compromised off the chance she didn't see anyone following. Or if someone had been waiting around for the party to return. They had too few allies and safe places to risk what they had. The more things progressed, the more she was concerned things would turn into a fight. Occasionally she would reach behind her head to make sure the grip of her family's sword was still there. A rather large and unweidly blade to most hands, struggling from it's years of age, combined with not seeing the maintenance of a true professional in years. It had also seen harsher conditions in recent years than it had since the founding of her house. In her hands though? It was a lethal weapon comparable to the best of arms available to any foot soldier. After confirming yet again it was still present, she looked around again to look for the others, and to make sure they were not followed.
She didn't have to wait long before she could see the others, but what she did notice, is that Rickard wasn't present? And they were being followed by... A dragon? Kathryn's first instinct was to prepare for a fight, having never seen a creature like this. Though seeing the casual nature of Marita and Victoria and this dragon like creature, she eased up a bit. She had heard rumors of humanoid dragon species, but she chalked them up to Kobolds, maybe larger then average Kobolds. It really made her wonder about how diverse her home land was considering the number of species she has seen in the last couple months she has never seen before. Kathryn gave a wave of one of her arms to get the other's attention, hopefully keeping them away from the hayloft for now. She had no idea how harsh the situation may end up being, so everything now had to be approached with caution.
Kathryn gave the dragon man a small wave as he entered, with her helmet on though her dumbfounded face was well hidden. She waited for Marita and Victoria to catch up before speaking up. "Things have changed. We need to talk, but not at home. Or out here. Let's get inside." She made it an effort to not mention the hayloft. Though it was no fortress, it was somewhere they had total control of the environment. Kathryn made her way inside, ducking further than usual to make sure she didn't bump her head on the doorway again. She had done enough of that recently. She took a quick look around to make sure no one was eyeing the party as they entered, as best as she could tell though, they were safe. But she ha trouble telling the difference between people curious about the strangers who had just entered, and those who may be looking for the party specifically. But she was comfortable enough to take off her helmet. As she went to take it off, she had trouble first locating the buckle holding her helmet on, and when she did find it, she found it stuck. After several jerking motions she wondered if the rain and wear and tear had finally had it's way with the old piece of metal. She could live with the buckle on for now, hoping it would be easier to remove once the leather it was attached to dried out some more.
Kathryn grabbed one of the large tables towards the back of the public house and sat down. Once everyone had joined she pulled her glove off, letting water pour out of it as she did so. Then she slid off the silver ring and put it in the center of the table. She had no idea if she would see what the silver smith was looking for, but with how things were going she wanted to figure out what she could. "I have a request for everyone. Kosara and I have already done this test, But we'll do it again if need me. I want everyone here to take this ring, and put it on their tongue, and hold it there for a moment. Once you are done pass it along to whoever is going next." Kathryn tried to give it as a request, but between her cautioned tone and the helmet covering her face, she sounded a bit more serious. "As well, has the constable confronted any of you yet?" she didn't think it was likely that he caught up to the others before they met up, but she wanted to be sure. She wanted to make sure all relevant information was out and on the table. In this case, literally.
Kathryn waited until they were out of conversation distance from Madame Marcie and the other workers before replying to her comments. She wanted to keep any party issues as internally as possible. "You never say his name right, and it sounds like you're doing it intentionally. Most people don't enjoy their names being intentionally mispronounced." She wasn't sure which would be harder to work with when it came to Kosara, explaining customs, or explaining why what she was doing wasn't going to help their situation. Or both. Either way it was making problems they had worse. Granted, Kathryn wasn't he;ping things as much as she could either. Her quip to the constable after he tried to diminish the worth of Kathryn's titles likely did not help things.
Kathryn listened as Kosara mentioned about mercenaries. This... was concerning. Maybe mercenaries were used differently from where she used to live? But as she listened to what Kosara had to say, it sounded pretty spot on with a lot of other mercenaries she had seen Ser Lucas work with. Blood lust, money hungry, perverts, many unfriendly folk. But she found people like that in any professional setting where there was a physical power over others. She tried to make the distinction between mercenaries and Adventurers and Kathryn had to think about it. The closest to adventure stories she got were family tails from when her house went to war. Tales from and about her uncle and his exploits, her great grandparents in founding their house, though she heard a couple others the more extravagant ones that Kosara was likely referencing were not stories Kathryn heard until recent years when herself and Ser Lucas arrived in the kingdom for work. "Kosara... We may be adventurers, but we're doing mercenary work. At last our cover is mercenary work. an many adventurers are in this gig for the money as well. Many yes are here to help where they can, but many also want to get paid. Hell, myself and Ser Lucas would also be considered mercenaries for the longest time. We worked guard jobs once I was old enough to fight properly." She wasn't sure she was helping now that she spoke the words. "It sucks you got stuck with assholes like that at you home. If it makes you feel better Ser Lucas and I had to deal with a couple of those kind of people ourselves when they didn't understand to back off at a tavern we like to frequent? I will say, adventurer sounds like an upgrade from mercenary. Assuming we can get this situation under control..." She was enjoying her time with party, though she could see things rapidly getting out of control here.
Making their way through the streets wasn't too bad. Most people had seen to have cleared the roadways going home to likely avoid the rain, or the rumors of monsters. "We all agreed to meet up at mid day. So that's what we'll do." But if the others were dealing with a monster? What would they do then? Just keep waiting while some creature had their way with their team? "We'll give them some time in case they are running late. But we have to assume at least for a little bit they're able to keep to the plan, and they will follow it." She paused as the front of the public house came into sight. If Cavendish was following or tracking them, then at least the Constable wouldn't be able to figure out where they were all sleeping at night. Maybe he was just annoyed, but he also seemed ready to escalate things. Something Kathryn would like to avoid. "If they don't arrive soon, we'll look for them. Alright? But we have to assume things are still going to plan at least for a little bit." Kosara went off a little more about not being mercenaries, but Kathryn already made whatever points she could about it. She hoped the others were okay, she hoped that the Constable wasn't already after them, or herself and Kosara. She hoped that whatever was going on was well within their scope of abilities.
Welcome to my profile! I decided I needed to update this, and I don't have much for updating... Only in a single role-play right now, so far it's going really well!
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Welcome to my profile! I decided I needed to update this, and I don't have much for updating... Only in a single role-play right now, so far it's going really well! </div>
Arty Fox
Damycles
Noctis
Lildear18
Fetzen
Sigil
washcloth
Tim the Yeti
Zygfryt