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.
3 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!
The bastard. The absolute bastard! Kathryn was glad to be wearing a helmet as her dumbfounded face would have shown anyone she was vulnerable to a strike in that moment. Kathryn had tried time and time again to get some reason out of the man. Sure, maybe she wasn't the most qualified person for such things. But the man was either crazy, or had an ego bigger then Kathryn herself. Kathryn eyed his sneer, and decided she was going to wipe it clean from his face. He wanted a fight, and Kathryn would give him one. "Have it your way then you wee bastard." Kathryn spoke coldly as she raised her shield and prepared the hammer for another swing. Then, he gave the order to scatter. No, no it couldn't end like this. If they got away they would only strike again and cause even more harm. Kathryn couldn't allow this.
Kathryn took some of Kosara's openly stated advice and decided it wasn't the worst option. Though she wasn't a fan of needless pain, Cavendish couldn't be allowed to escape. The Constable had insisted he would get his hammer back, so Kathryn obliged. "Here you go then." She said matter of factly as he made a break for it she swung the hammer down hard and fast against the side of his leg, hoping to either bring him down or slow him down long enough to restrain him. He tripped, stumbled, but kept going. He was away. And getting away meant he could, and would strike again. She wanted to give chase to the injured man, but she hesitated. If she did, she would be facing him likely alone, and leaving her team with the rest of the guards as well. The hesitation was enough though to let him made ground though.
"Bloody hell." Kathryn mumbled as two crossbowmen began to fire from above. She debated ditching Cavendish to deal with the two shooters, but she worried about any additional tricks the constable had up his sleeves. Had she been within a part of people geared like herself she may have had someone sent up there to stall the shooting until they could clean up the streets and support the brave fool. But she and Marita were the only ones who could likely take sustained hits against multiple foes for more then a couple moments. No, they would have to wait. Once Cavendish was dealt with then maybe things would change. For now they needed to finish what they started. She worried seeing Blackberry being struck by by one of the bolts with a direct hit. If they weren't fast those crossbowmen would trickle away at them until they were combat ineffective. In her distraction she wasn't quick enough to spot Cavendish from striking at her. She saw the blade drawn and slide across her armor taking small specks of rust with it. Had she not been focused on the fast a man was trying to kill her, it would have been a great reminder that her rusted chainmail was due for another sanding job. The second attack was sloppier, and Kathryn was ready for it to come this time around. She brought up her shield to take the brunt of the damage causing little more then a scuff on a shield that could have been as old as herself. She hoped the wood dulled his blade. Not for any practical reason, simply out of petty spite.
Victoria's magic had rejuvenated her a bit. Though she was still roughed up it hurt less, and she didn't feel like she was dying at all. So overall a win. Kathryn would have to learn more about the kind of magic that her fellow party members offered as she was clearly out of her depth. Between Marita's ability to forcibly calm people, Victoria's ability to use music to heal people, and Kosara's horns of... Glowing fire? No it didn't quite seem like fire, but her lack of experience showed again as she couldn't even think of something to compare it too. Then there was Blackberry and his extra arms. How long had he been able to do that? Who knew? Not Kathryn. As the battle raged on she hoped Blackberry and Kosara could hold out long enough until Kathryn could run over and help. God she hoped so. Then she saw the guard that had stabbed her bring his blade to Kosara. "Kosara!!!" She needed to finish things with Cavendish. And fast. Blackberry seemed to be holding up a bit better though, so that was good news at least.
She kept focus on Cavendish. She would be much help if she let this brute get a foothold again, or stab her in the back. It seemed Marita was giving the crossbowmen something to think about. Good, maybe it would divert their attention a bit while they wrapped up in the streets. And like that, Marita bought Kathryn a chance to strike. With renewed vigor she swung the hammer around with the force that one could not parry. Your options against it were to dodge it or be prepared to take a pounding. The first swing Cavendish avoided, but as if on a spring Kathryn swung it back with connection and an audible crunching noise that could make someone question the return options for the armor they purchased. Kathryn withdrew the hammer from Cavendish's side and changed her stand to bring the warhammer into the center of his chest. She stepped into this strike with full intentions of bringing him down onto the stone road, hopefully pinning him and forcing him into reason since violence was his language of choice.
Stepping into her swing she swung the hammer with such ease she may have well been a kid whipping a birch stick at one of her friends playing knights, dragons, and princesses. A game which Kathryn did all three roles rather well as a kid. It struck home with another audible crunch as metal struck metal. And she briefly swore she could hear the wind knocked out of his chest and sucked back in as Kathryn regained her own footing and prepared another strike. To her surprise, he still stood. Catching his footing much like herself post swing. She had to remind herself, this was no small goblin, nor untrained bandit. Cavendish was an experienced lawman, and it wouldn't surprise her if this lawman had proper combat experience. At the least, he had the foresight to set up backup in an advantageous position. No, he knew how to fight, and he had at least some incline of tactical thought. Going all in at once was a great way to find herself worn down fast and beaten down when she couldn't fight back anymore.
Looking at Cavendish though, he was roughed up. And it was taking a physical toll on him. She wondered if she herself had looked that rough at the start of battle? No, he had been struck far harder, and much more often. Maybe he could be reasoned with? Or maybe he was the selfish bully Kathryn had begun to imagine him as, and had a strong sense of self preservation. "Cavendish! Stop this senseless violence." She blurted out in what she hoped was a forceful tone, but came out as more frustrated then anything else. "You're losing. Stand down before things get worse for you and your men. We can still end this peacefully. Stand down while before things get out of control, and before lines are crossed that can't be uncrossed." The more she spoke though the more it dawned on her how useless this may be. Cavendish still had a lot of advantages up his sleeve. And shy of some bruises and punishment the other guards took, Cavendish was the only one who was showing any real signs of wearing down. Much of her reasoning now was hoping he was a selfish bastard with a stronger will of self preservation then any mission he made up for himself. In preparation for retaliation, she raised her shield to face him and pulled his hammer to the side preparing to strike again.
Kathryn was really hoping for things to not break out into a clash. There was no good ending for them without jumping through so many hoops they were bound to trip. But that choice had been taken from her as the war hammer was brought up towards her. Seeing this she attempted to bring a shield up to protect herself before it could make contact, only adding another piece of debris in its path before the hammer struck her in the chest sending her flat on her back. As the constable stepped over her limp body she vaguely remembered reaching out towards towards him in one final effort to stop his advance towards the silver smith. While she collected her thoughts she did little more then lift her hand from the ground as a large magical blast went off next to her surprising her and she brought herself up to her hands and knees, only to be struck back down by glancing metal against her armor, then again with another strike. This time she felt the blade pierce her armor and felt the wound inside of her. Resisting the urge to shout in pain she let out a pained grunt as she bit her lip. She felt as more and more metallic points glanced off her, and now more then ever she was thankful for the protection this looted set of armor had provided for her. She did wonder if it would have done a better job had it not been falling apart as bad as it was.
The word "Magic!" being called out helped to wake Kathryn from her initial shock. She fell to her rear and she went to stand up, seeing Blackberry stab the guard with his sword, only for him to recover near instantly. She stood up shield in hand, weapon still not drawn ready for payback against this senseless violence. She offered these goods a chance to back down, and now they would face the punishments for not doing so. Though she didn't consider herself an especially violent person, nor a spiteful one. She had her flaws, and she intended to let these lawmen who abused their power to know those flaws. That's when she noticed Cavendish running from the silver smith's door Marita following. She wondered what had happened within that door to trigger that mess, but she didn't have long to think as Marita commanded the fighting to stop. She had no idea if she was commanding everyone, something to do with being a religious woman, or just the lawmen. But watching Cavendish go docile and drop his weapon. As well as one of the other guards. her mind trailed back to that weapon. A tool used by the Constable to wave his dick around and to bring his word of Law into town. The idea made Kathryn sick, but now it was out of his possession and she intended to keep it that way.
She took the chance at making a break for it, she stood up and booked it across the street. Her efforts were met with a sheering pain in her back as the last guard stabbed her in the back, puncturing where the links in her chainmail were weak and cutting clean through. "FUCKING... Bitch!" Kathryn snapped pulling herself off the spear. She turned to see the sly grin of the guard to had stabbed her. She still hadn't drawn a weapon yet and she had already lost track of how many times she had been stabbed, some more successful then others. She took a deep breath and attempted to collect herself and made a lunch for the hammer, Cavendish who had finally collected his senses saw her move and made to stop her. Bringing his foot up to kick her back, maybe down again. Kathryn brought up her fist and struck the bottom of his foot, bending it nearly parallel with his leg as he regained his footing, and Kathryn grabbed the warhammer. The first thing she noticed was how easy it was to hold. It was light, felt like it should be considerably smaller then it was. Seeing Cavendish though brought rage back into the warrior princess. Here was a man who abused his power, attacked those who either couldn't defend themselves or with out any provocation, and who took joy in the harm he brought to others.
Kathryn lifted the hammer with rage in her eyes. "AAAUUUGH" she screamed as she brought the hammer to side swipe his knees, lifting up his leg, and slamming him between the hammer and the road beneath him. That seemed to have done some harm to him, and to inflict wounds he wouldn't easily recover from like his friend. She jerked the hammer off him with some force before locking eyes with the guard who had gotten two good blows on her, with a look on her face that showed that Kathryn hadn't forgotten about his cruel acts. And he would be punished for them. She then turned down to look at Cavendish, any sense of mercy she had before the fight started gone. Replaced with someone who was ready to end this fight.
Kathryn stood frozen a bit once the door to the silver smith was closed. Kathryn turned back with a look of confusion and shock still on her face, but she figured things turned out better then last time. So that was good. Now it was in the hands of Victoria and Marita from here. And as long as the trio outside didn't do anything too outlandish, she figured they should be all set. She turned with a bit of a grin as Kosara went playing in the rain. It was cute and adorable, though it made Kosara seem a lot younger then she actually was. Then upon a moment of thinking, she had no idea how old her tiefling friend was. For all she knew of tieflings Kosara could be as young as 12, or older then 50. She would have to clarify that up when she got the chance. Blackberry was was trying his best to keep dry, and much to Kosara's efforts it wasn't working. Kathryn had to suppress a chuckle as the two worked out their dispute in the rain. "My uncle also said there's not a lot of rain in the desert. He said the heat was lethal as well. If you spent too long in it you would shrivel into a raisin, or burn to a crisp. Is there any truth to that? I've never been to one myself. And my Uncle was a bit... Bias when it came to talking of his tales of travel." She loved and missed her uncle, but he was an intense man who saw much of the world as on his side, or out to get him.
She looked over just in time to see a rather big growing pain in her side. Constable Cavendish. She hoped, she hoped so badly that he was just a stressed aging man who was ready to go to the extreme to protect his home. Though at this point that logic could only go so far. He was making shady behind the scene deals, had attempted to lure Kosara and herself out and away to likely deal with them. Kathryn pulled the shield off of her back and slid it onto her arm. Though she made sure to keep her hand free and unarmed. She was on guard duty, and she would do everything she could to convey being a professional blade master, without coming across as threatening. But she had a feeling the basket had been tossed down stream just a few too many times, and they were running out of stream to send this basket down. He was looking for a fight, and like Kosara mentioned he was all too eager for it. Kathryn had tasted power like that. Heir to a keep, lands, and even a small army if things went to plan. She was also a massive brute who could over power most humans with relative ease. She had skills in combat that could rival many guards and soldiers. And the idea of using any of that power the way that Constable Cavendish was so eager to use it would have made Kathryn sick. He held power over others, and he wanted everyone else to know it. Well now she had.
"Mister Cavendish." Kathryn spoke sharply like the woman of authority she was raised to be. A woman who's words were law the moment they left her lips, and with the deep power that only a person her size could give to her words. "What is the meaning of this. What has this man done to deserve your ever so eager wraith." Like Kosara, her voice was loud. It boomed as she locked eyes with the constable. Something about the way the question was put to Cavendish made him pause his otherwise unerring march up to the silversmith's door. He even gave a cocky grin, patted the head of his very shiny warhammer with one hand, and responded, ”You are one tower of a lady, you know that? Okay, I'll humor you. Let's say I'm the Law in this township and I can take anyone I want away and put them to the question. I can, I have, and I do. But you want something that looks nice on paper? I'm dead sure that Jacques Mallard is plotting against the ones that rule over this place. And I say, if you aim to get in my way or help him in the least, you and your friends are next. Put that in your flagon and choke on it.”
Kathryn didn't like that answer. And it only confirmed her worst fears. He was a power hungry lunatic with a boner to be large and in charge. She didn't like the way he played with that hammer of his. He wondered if he would be the way he was if he didn't have something like that at his disposal. Would he play his power games like this if his big showy tool was taken from him? Kathryn was worried she would have to find out. She stepped forward making sure if any of the guards attacked any of the trio they would have to get through her first. There was a small part of her that was optimistic, that the fancy hammer he held was little more then a light show and that he was just competent with it. Enough to scare his own men when he touched it. She still didn't want things to come to blows. Like before, there were no good outcomes. "Mister Cavendish. I know we don't see eye to eye, but you strike me of a man who has more education then most people. One who understands the issues of international relations and how delicate they can be. I would plead with you to consider your next actions carefully." Kathryn took a deep breath before correcting her posture to that resembling a woman of her rank in court. Though a lot harder to achieve with the build of someone who could lift others with ease, layered on with layers of steel chain mail, and the oaken reinforced shield. Kathryn spoke up in her commanding voice yet again, though not as sharp as her opening statement. "My name Kathryn Pyke of Arcanaple. Decedents of the mountain clans of Silvertongue's peak, and a proud member of house V-" She stopped.
Choked being a more accurate description. Her confidence and determination to keep this situation under control had finally wavered. Though only about a full second passed, it felt like several minutes before Kathryn could pull the words up again. And though with a commanding voice, the confidence that gave it power had worn to dust. "A proud member of house VanEmber, off shoot of house Ember. I am here on personal business with Mister Mallard and have full intentions on seeing it through. If you plan on going through me to accomplish your mission, you must surely know you're gambling with the affairs of people in stations much higher then your own." She took a deep breath, losing the posture of a lady of the court in favor of a woman ready to stand her ground. "You have shown your intentions to be cruel and dishonest. I can not let you continue on in good conscience. Stand down and go back to Municipal Building and reconsider your actions. But you will not enter that silver smith." Kathryn spoke ready to stand her ground. The basket had been tossed, and he was looking for a fight. Maybe she could get him to back down, but she figured that the moment had passed. "To you lads following our dear constable, the offer goes to you too. Go home. And don't get wrapped up in this man's antagonism. Following orders is no excuse if those orders are immoral." She expected things to kick off, and was prepared for it. Though she was up front of the trio, she made sure to stay out of their weapon reach. That left little room to maneuver though once things kicked off.
Marita had calmed some of Kathryn's nerves. As the Cleric had reassured her, not everything going on was related. And it was was more problematic to chase false leads then no leads. "You're right. I need to not over think this and let it lead me astray." Kathryn needed this, and Marita not calling her an ignorant foreigner was nice. Not that she expected it, but she prepared for it. Maybe she was a bit too paranoid? "I would still like to get the note translated. But I won't do so at the cost of our mission." Kathryn still felt out of her element, but she still had the ability to assist those who understood the way of things better then she did. Even if that was mostly just saying out of trouble, drawing enough trouble to help paint the bigger picture, and moving heavy things for the party. She honestly did hope her specialized skill set didn't see use outside of those goblins from before. She genuinely wanted to help those who were taken, and she didn't want that confrontation with those in charge here. If she had too though, she would.
Once arrived at the Silver Smith, Kathryn debated holding the short bow in her hands so that way if she spotted anything she could react quickly and prepare to defend the group as Marita and Victoria went inside. But she decided that drawing the bow in preparation of combat would be just as likely to start something as being prepared for it. She did take a look around to see if they were being followed, or if they were about to be ambushed. And as she looked around she realized, she didn't see shit. And not in a way where she knew it was clear, she couldn't find much around her and she knew she was either looking too fast or she was missing something. Or nothing, and she was leaning on that paranoid side of things. Marita with the note began things in the shop, Kosara began watching over her weapons and armaments, and Blackberry was... Snooping? Kathryn was tempted to pick up their newest addition and pull him away from the window. But not only would that ruin what little chance they had of not getting in trouble again, but it may sour her relationship with him. "I'm sure they will tell us all about it once they are out." Kathryn said with a slight tone of concern.
Though Kathryn found herself listening in too more then she meant too. She listened as he explained the test and... wait... An Eight foot tall Tart? "I uh... I'm not Eight feet..." She had heard nearly all the comments about her height imaginable. And if what she said at the table the other night were to be believed, she would reach 8 feet soon enough. Though Tart had her puzzled. Tart... tart... Like the treat? She was snapped out of her thoughts when Mallard called out to those waiting outside. Kathryn froze, and even with her helmet resting on her head her it wasn't hard to tell she was now a deer in the torch light. Back stiffened, eyes wide, she looked at the man she accidentally stole from. "Hi." Kathryn said short and sharp as if she was a young girl half her size, who had been caught stealing from the cookie jar. Kathryn took off the helmet and set it on the ground by her feet to seem a bit less threatening as she decided to once again push her luck. She took out the ring and began stepping forward, making sure to not step into the shop itself, and to keep her body as outside of the door as possible. "I'm sorry I took this. I should have returned it sooner." She reached inside just barely while trying to stay out as much as she could in a poor almost comical attempt to set down the ring on the table next to the door. "I'm sorry for upsetting you as well earlier. That wasn't our intention, and if we can make it up to you please let me know." Kathryn attempted to say softly as she backed out the door to let Marita and Victoria take the lead again.
Kathryn while still in sight of Mr. Mallard wanted to show her respect however she could, and attempted to remember how various cultures did so. Her own normally meant a display of the family sword in the manner the situation deemed most appropriate. Being honoring a guest, welcoming a friend, proposing to a loved one, or simply a friendly hug when something more simple was required. None of those options seemed good to use with Mallard as he didn't seem in a hugging mood, and that was the same with Kathryn. And she figured drawing her family sword wouldn't help with that either. "Thank you for your time Sir." Kathryn spoke with genuine optimism, hoping that her earlier encounter with the man wouldn't negatively impact his new interaction with Marita and Victoria.
Kathryn was last to step into the Hayloft, making sure everyone else got in first and to cover their entry. "Welcome to Camp Blackberry." Kathryn said with a shy, almost apologetic tone. She had been coy with her description of their hideout sure, but it's not like she had poor reasons too. Plus their living situation at the moment was very comparable to camping. Only they had a wooden wall and roof instead of a tent. Once inside, Kathryn went about collecting what little else she may have needed. Though she was already fully armed and armored. She grabbed the Goblin note from Hugh's things. She was determined to know how that fit into everything. Too much was bugging her and she lacked so many answers and she was worried what this note may offer once translated. If it turned out to be nothing once translated, she would feel like a fool for thinking so much of it. She did find it odd that she had faced Goblins several times in her life, though didn't speak an ounce of their language. How many had she killed without being able to even offer them a chance to properly surrender, or learn about them before wiping the floor with them. She figured that would be something to look at some other time. The ones they faced before were without a doubt evil, but she wondered about others. Whoever wrote the note though, paid for the weapons, and paid the goblins, needed to be discovered. As well she made sure to grab her pack, loaded with water, rope, torches, and meals to last herself upwards of 10 days. For a human woman of more traditional size, and who wasn't maintaining a comparable muscle mass it may have lasted longer. But if the party did find themselves isolated, it would be food for them for a few days too. Then there were some nets, meals of fire. Pretty much the only thing she left behind were her fine clothes, and any other spare clothes she had shy of socks.
Then she looked over at the pile of loot from the goblins, much of it collected by Hugh, and even that much had been gone through by other party members. Now missing the better of her two hand axes, she walked over and against that little voice that told her looting was wrong, she rummaged through some of the weapons in play. Grabbing a short bow that in her hands almost seemed comically small. Though bows and the like were not common for her usage, she did know how to use one rather well. She had learned when she lived back in her keep, and her training for such had ended when she went on the road with Ser Lucas. She then grabbed herself a dagger and attached it to her belt. Though she was carrying a lot more gear now, it wasn't much compared to what she could handle. Victoria's followup to Kathryn saying she wouldn't let her get struck like that again was reassuring. "We're making good progress, hoping at the rate we're going we'll have some of this teamwork stuff figured out by he time we have to worry about that stuff again." Kathryn said in an almost joking manner. But she was determined to do better this time. She took the mini pouch she accessed via the gap in her armor under her armpit and took it out. Inside the original letter sat. The one originally meant for Ser Lucas. And Kathryn did her best to slide the new note in with it. She slide it back into place. Though not the most hidden, it felt more secure there then in her pack.
When she stepped outside with the rest of the party, she caught Robert's attention. He knew now, how much he could avoid saying was another thing. But he seemed like he would do what he could to keep working with them. The walk was easy enough, but Kathryn figured now was as good a time as any to talk to Marita. She flagged her down a bit subtly, and begin walking behind the group a ways to keep out of earshot. Once the two were separated Kathryn spoke in a hushed tone. "I think we were meant to find those goblins. I think they were intentionally placed in our path, so we would find them, and we would deal with them quickly and effectively. I... I don't have proof. But between the fact that they were hired for something, in a region where goblin attacks are near unheard of. And the second group of people they come across on the road connecting two population centers happens to be the group hired to take out an unheard of goblin problem? It made our story rather fool proof. And they were all armed with brand new, high quality weapons. At least by regional standards. And mass produced ones at that. Someone, wanted us to deal with that specific goblin problem." She couldn't commit to the idea it was the Sheriff. But maybe someone else who knew the whole story? Or maybe it was just a huge coincidence. The way she saw it, Marita seemed like one of the more logical members of their group. She figured Marita would realistically look at the situation and determine if it had some validity to it, or call Kathryn out for being an ignorant noble woman who's understanding of the world still needed work. Either way it would put some rest to Kathryn's mind on the situation.
Arriving at the Silver Smith Kathryn kept some distance. She didn't want to get spotted through the window and blow the party's one chance to try and fix things up. Looking down at the bed and breakfast, Kathryn wondered how Cecily and Lizbeth were doing. She hoped they were safe, and if given the chance she would love to go check on them on their way through. But she also didn't want to risk getting them into danger, or leaving her party unprotected. If she had the chance, she would check on them on the way out. But she didn't want to draw unwanted attention to them if she could avoid it. And she wanted to make sure outside was still safe for her team.
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.
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