Shoe Thief

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Grazing Field Action: Multi Attack, rune magic Bonus Action: Giant's Might Reaction: N/A

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Blackberry very kindly inquired about the potential events taking place. Kathryn would have loved to have been the one to answer said inquiries, but found herself unable too. Firstly, because she had no clue other than Something was under them. And Something was likely here watching them. Hostile or not she couldn't be sure until the second point. Secondly, one of the missing sheep had deemed it necessary to make itself known. At least what was left of it. Then, the air filled with blood and bits of sheep. "What The Fuck!?" Kathryn spoke sharply as she took a step back. Not wavering, but she needed room. Just a little more room. The rune on her buckle was still glowing. The occasional spark still coming off it, but it was still active. Good. The creatures that came out from where the very dead sheep had been hiding? Not good. Huge bug like creatures the size of horses. In a way that was comforting to Kathryn. Bigger things were easier to strike. But it looked vicious. if given a chance to get through Kathryn's steel, she had no doubts the creature would do much like what it did to the sheep earlier. But she was a tough nut to crack, and she didn't need her armor to hold up forever. Just longer than the bug plates of these creatures.

Blackberry was into action quick, taking one of the creatures head on. The dude was brave, Kathryn had to give him that. Even Kathryn now didn't want to charge up into the face of one of these things. Thankfully, it made the choice for her. Thankfully, she already had her weapons in her hands, and she had her helm on. As the creature emerged, Kathryn took an additional couple steps back. Still not wavering, but now she needed that room much sooner. No, she needed it now. She mumbled a couple quick words in old tongue, and the rune began to flare up as if it were being scratched up against another piece of metal. Sparks flying, the carvings glowing briefly as if someone had set off a magical explosion on the doorway that was the rune. Than, her boots began to sink, and the creature emerging in front of her began to shrink. The world began to shrink! And she began to grow bigger. Then the headaches returned, the upset gullet, she felt like she was going to hurl then pass out. Or pass out and drool vomit after she collapsed. But soon the rune stopped sparking, and Kathryn stabilized. She was still standing, she had not drowned herself in her own puke, and she had not collapsed from weakness. Looking about her, she maybe doubled in height? But she wasn't focused enough to know for sure. Now her attention needed to be focused on winning the fight.

It had to only have been a couple seconds between when the sheep had been launched and Kathryn landed her first swing. But as the creature took a step towards her, maybe surprised at the sudden change of Kathryn, or maybe it didn't care at all, Kathryn had landed a blow on the side of the creature, catching at least one leg as she nailed the hammer into the side. The first hit had an audible crunch, which she figured was good! But the creature was still very mobile, very hungry, and likely very pissed. So Kathryn using the momentum from the first swing, had brought the hammer around while still keeping eye contact with the beast, and sent the hammer down right onto the back of the creature, hoping to break it's back. But she knew that wasn't as likely as she had hoped. She did however get a chance to mutter off one more rune. Not loud enough she could even hear it over the carnage, but loud enough that she was able to get the runes to respond. They technically didn't need verbal components, but she was a beginner with lots and lots of intro lessons. Some of which self taught. Verbal was less likely to fail.

What she had not expected was just how effective the runes could be. The moment the hammer struck the beast, a collection of flaming chains flew out from the ground, and from the hammer, wrapping themselves around the creature as if they were living creatures wrapping up their own prey before crushing and killing it. Kathryn took a step back, and was awe struck as fire flew from the ghostly living chains. She had a rough idea what the rune was supposed to do. But this was by far much more than she expected. And now, the once fearsome bug monster, was little more than any other trapped animal. Kathryn was exciting that her abilities seemed to be working, but that one person could hold this sort of power, even as inexperienced with it as Kathryn was. It was a whole new world that Kathryn couldn't even begin to register.

[@Riv] (GIVE THEM HELL!)

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Nothing had jumped out and tried to strike at Kathryn. So, a win. She was nervous though. Sure, she could hold her own in a fight should push come to shove, but now she was the sole person who was a frontliner for the party. Though Blackberry could probably hold his own fine, she worried how things would go if he found himself alone holding the front because she made herself sick. He'd probably actually still do decent, but she still worried about him being overwhelmed and hurt. She didn't know a lot of monks... and Blackberry was clearly more than the few she had met. Kathryn made note to ask Blackberry more on his abilities and capabilities later. But she wanted to avoid a repeat of someone getting hurt to make up for her short comings. She debated again on using the runes. She'd be able to cover more ground sure, but her abilities were rather untested. She was far from optimistic on the matter.

The bad feelings were reinforced when Kosara let her new pet rat explore about, and seemed to get a bad reaction. Kathryn's eyes went wide under her helm when Kosara mentioned wanting to "Flush them out." Internally she was thinking "What the fuck?" Externally she was thinking "What do you mean flush them out?" Then Kathryn realized that she had spoken that out loud, and soon would get an answer to her inquiry. The grin on Kosara's face should have been telling enough that maybe this was a bit more than mischief. Than the ground began to shake under Kathryn. Kathryn's firm stance wavered briefly as she was caught off guard. She was still standing up right, but she had no idea that her tiefling friend was capable of such magic. Was that the extent of it? The limit?! Or was Kosara capable of dropping a house with her words. She was unsure... it was exciting to learn more, but she worried about Kosara sometimes. She's been struggling since... it tried to persuade them.

Kathryn drew her hammer resting it on her shoulder so she could swing it quickly while she checked something really fast. She brushed her thumb over the buckled on her shoulder. The core rune that is supposed to let the others work effectively. Thankfully it's a rather simple rune, but if it failed any of the magic Kathryn tried would become considerably harder to wield. Likely far outside of Kathryn's skill sets. "A Thuismitheoir mo thuismitheora, tabhair neart dom seasamh os comhair mo naimhde, agus bua a fháil orthu siúd a dhéanfadh dochar do mo chuid féin." Kathryn mumbled in her best old tongue. With help of her older education, and attempting vigorously to read those damn notes, she had been able to make some progress in speaking some of the lines. But her pronounciation was still weak, and her understanding of some of the words were still imperfect. But the carvings in the buckle began to glow a soft blue ever so faintly, before flashing white. Okay, so far so good. "If any of you under the dirt can hear me. This would be a great chance to come out peacefully and talk things over. This doesn't have to come to blows." Kathryn spoke with an assertive tone, wanting to give any possible sentient creature the chance to back off before things turned bloody. She paused, and worried about if they might be sentient, but do not speak common. Her dialect was limited to an early education and it showed in her pronunciation of several words, but she hoped she didn't butcher the translation. "Hello, if any of you can understand me under the dirt, this would be a good time to step out and talk this out peacefully." She spoke in the same commanding tone, but this time in a very basic Elvish. It was clearly a second language she was rusty with, but she was able to speak it clearly and confidently. She figured chances are these were wild creatures or monsters just looking for the next easy kill. But it felt wrong to at least not try and talk things through if possible.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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"Thank you again for the offer though, I'm sure I will be taking you up on it later on. Once we have a better idea of what's going on yeah?" She responded to her dragonborn friend in a polite manner. She was a cautious woman in most situations, and a ruthless killer in others. And in other situations, she was a total bleeding heart, wanting to see the best in everyone and everything. All of these parts of Kathryn fought for control at any given time. When the adrenaline kicked in though? The ruthless killer got to have her turn. And maybe, by the end of things, she would be able to stow herself just a bit. Though, thinking on it, despite the back to back encounters in town, she was pretty sure the only thing she killed was the rat beast... Though she damn well got close with the one she had launched into the fire barrels. So... Kill and a half? Though Cavendish's frustrated look of confusion as she nearly concussed him with a net was something fucking hilarious looking back. To be fair, she would probably be just as confused and pissed should something like that happen to her. Then that ruthless killer would need to make room for reason.

Arriving at the field the dead sheep were supposed to be at, there was a suspicious lack of... well... dead sheep. She gave Mosswater a bit of a sideways look when looking about, but quickly turned to sympathy. Losing so much of what you may have was never easy. And she couldn't imagine what it was like to be in those shoes again. But maybe they could still give some hope to the poor... farmer? Cattle herder? Fuck... Kathryn wished she understood agriculture better to know what jobs were what. "Let's see what we can find then yeah?" She asked Cecily optimistically before stepping into the field. She thankfully had a little bit of knowledge of tracking and hunting. Not that she was particularly good at it, but she was passable. And maybe she could at least figure out where the hell the sheep had gone. So she stepped into the field, hoping to see anything she could. Having to watch her step a couple times as the ground was soft and loose. Like the whole damn thing had been turned up recently. God, if she twisted her ankle now and found herself unable to stand, she could be pissed. Much like the constable getting trapped in a net.

The anxiety felt by Kathryn in this moment, could be measured in the handfuls. Not fearful, but something was clearly up. She just... couldn't be sure what. But, the sheep were gone. It sort of gave the impression of a wild animal having come and taken away their food. But why kill a bunch of your prey and leave them out and about? Only to come back for them later on... God she didn't want to think of the implications here. Unless it was like how Mosswater said it was, and they were just... exploding, leaving nothing left. Kathryn didn't like that either. Most of her skill set was in bringing the dangerous end of some sort of weapon, and inserting it into something that needed it.

Then the pieces began to click, and suddenly, those handfuls of anxiety turned into a bucket of sideways shit. The loose soil was thorough, yet inconsistent in locations. There were suspicious pole pricks in the ground, and the blood splatters from the once dead sheep, end abruptly in a slightly raised mound. She looked upon it, realizing why such a wild animal could have taken it takes collecting its meal. She was practically standing in its nest. "Oh fuck me in the ass..." Kathryn mumbled as she eyed the mound. She grabbed the helm off her belt before fixing it to her head. And was relieved to not have to fumble with a broken latch to tighten it.Her shield was then fixed firmly to her right arm, and a hand resting on the head of her hammer.

She would turn her attention to the rest of the group, hoping they saw how prepped she was for a fight, and let out a short, but sharp whistle before tipping her helm towards the mound. She would then draw the hammer pick end out, ready to disturb the mound. When Kathryn goes to unearth the mound, she is sharply advised by Victoria, "Kathryn, if you would please? Do not do that." Her voice, while just as mellifluous as ever, was marked heavily with urgency. Kathryn would let out a defeated sigh. True, maybe poking the beast, literally in this case, wasn't the best choice. Maybe some long ranged fire? Or maybe... she could go big, and just step on the fucker. Squish them flat before they could act. That, was rather tempting. Unless she just got sick, threw up narrowly avoiding drowning in her own helmet. Only to go out cold and be dragged into the den as a feast for whatever vicious creature lived under the field. That... didn't sound fun. But, she had a team of people on her side, ready to assist her however they could. And she was here for the same. So maybe it was time to try it again? Maybe she would be better prepared this time.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn was glad Kosara seemed to be excited for her new abilities! Even if they didn't always work right... And even if that smile Kosara held may have meant Kosara was already figuring out how to make use of Kathryn's new abilities. She wondered what sort of ideas the small tiefling held. Though, the smaller woman seemed absolutely obsessed with Kathryn's muscles. If she had to guess, it was something along those lines. And if it was anyone but Kosara, Kathryn would have assumed it was something totally perverted. And Kathryn wasn't sure if Kosara had a single perverted bone in her body. Unless... she expressed it differently than most people. Kathryn supposed that could be something, but she was also not that sort of doctor. Nor any doctor really. As well as lacking an education past some rather standard stuff. "I'll show ya some of the cool tricks when we get somewhere I can pass out." Kathryn chuckled, simply happy someone else was as excited as she was. Sure, runic magic was... crude compared to arcane magic. But it didn't change just how simply awesome it was. She hoped when Kosara got to see her new tricks, she was still just as impressed. She was also glad to see Kosara still being her own caring self. Since the.... communication... with Cavendish's patron, she's been acting off. Kathryn found herself beginning to worry for the woman. But she has probably been through a ton at this point, and found herself caught off guard. Kathryn wished she knew how to help more, but she didn't... So she would just do what she could do to be available to her friend.

Kathryn with her gathered up supplies began to make her way following the halfings to the likely attack site. Well, she assumed it was an attack site. Somewhere to learn more of whats going on, and to face off against whatever had been attacking the locals homes and cattle. Though Blackberry called out to her, to offer to drop her gear back into the wagon. Kathryn changed her pace so she was walking to the side of the wagon and so she didn't have to shout to be heard. "Thank ya for the offer. But a few too many almost ambushes the last week if ya catch my drift. We've been lucky in those regards so far, but I don't want to find myself getting shot in the back without some means of retaliation ya know?" Kathryn said optimistically. Not expecting to be ambushed. But she thought of the times Cavendish had tried to lure them into a side alleyway to pick off. And how the party themselves were almost ambushed by goblins, only for Lizbeth's grandfather to take the hit for them. A part of her was almost certain that the trap was set just for them. But unless she found out more, she had nothing to base that off. And nowhere to go with that line of thought. "If a fight breaks out, I'd rather have to drop a pack instead of run back to the wagon to grab my gear. But thank ya very much for the offer. It's a kind gesture." She smiled kindheartedly to the dragonborn. And still found herself comically amazed by him. In the last week she had met more creatures and people she would have deemed as... well magical, than in the last ten years. Maybe that wasn't the case, but few adventurers wanted to talk to a 13 year old who had stolen someone's beer, drank half of it, climbed up onto a table, and shouted that she was now the queen and that all should "BOW BEFORE MY WRAITH! AND YOU MAY BE SPARED MY MIGHT!".

Looking back, Kathryn could be a difficult child at times. This was made worse by the fact that by 13 she was about as strong as Ser Lucas. Albeit, not as skilled. In some of her less behaved years, she had attempted to use her size and strength to assert her opinions and thoughts on people. Sometimes for good, sometimes for rather selfish matters. And there had been a time or two where Ser Lucas would have to come in, tell her to stop acting like a brat, and Kathryn would respond in kind by trying to forcefully sit him down. Only to be sent flat on her own ass instead. Stubbornly, she would try this a few more times, never succeeding in over powering her guardian. Looking back, Kathryn is glad she grew up, and had learned how to settle conflicts with words rather than force. She still struggled at times. She also didn't want to be some selfish brute, who pushed around the powerless to get what she wanted. She was however, far more comfortable pushing around the brutes who expected nobody to push back. She guessed Ser Lucas was much the same, stopping some selfish brute from believing she could do whatever she wanted and no one would push back.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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It seemed Kosara was so far the only one excited for Kathryn's new and slightly broken abilities that mostly sometimes worked. Which was a shame as she was mostly kinda sure they would work next time! But she didn't really wanna risk things going wrong out in the middle of nowhere where some poor sod would have to drag her back to bed... "Oh please, I'm not going to eat our lovely mule. I much more prefer chicken." Kathryn jested as Blackberry attempted to comfort the creature. Though... The pork in V's cart was ever so tempting... She'd make sure to snag some as soon as she could. It smelled pretty decent, and Kathryn realized she may have been ever so slightly drooling from thinking of such a tasty snack. Hopefully once she got the Rune Magic to work properly, everything else would start working right and she wouldn't feel like her whole body was operating three steps behind of where it needed to be.

"I don't think there is a lot of worry for that. I think they're far more likely to recognize his hammer. Though I suppose if someone knew him well they may also recognize the sword..." Kathryn said pondering. "But short weapons are weird like that. Most aren't custom, and the ones that are, generally aren't recognized except by people who were close to the owner or the maker." Then again, they were in small town country lands. Lots of people knew each other out here. So, it is not out of the realm of possibility. "But I think you should be fine." Kathryn said with a reassuring tone that spoke of blind optimism.

Kathryn did have to stifle a laugh at laugh at the halfing's comment about the potential hostage situation. Thankfully, Cecily L'Rose was able to explain things away in a manner that the band of halfings seemed to accept. "Bloody hell that almost turned to shite." She said her laughter turning more nervous than anything at this point. Little Lizbeth also added in her own additions to their adventure which was rather sweet. Most of the group would continue on their way, with a pair of halflings staying behind to either explain things, or make sure the party's lovely hosts were being taken care of and not in any harm. Now that the tension was faded, Kathryn felt more comfortable stepping forward. At this stage of her life, she knew her size could be intimidating, especially in tense situations.

Opting to leave her helm in the wagon so she may be able to present a friendly face, Kathryn stepped forward while introductions took place. When Tarace and Barbal were introduced Kathryn waited for a good chance to introduce herself as well. "Lady Kathryn Pyke, at yer service." And with it, gave a curt bow. Yes, she had other titles. She could have thrown a Ser, or a Lord if she really wanted too. Though that last title would be a stretch as her family didn't own any land anymore. Or have legal rights in their home lands... As well, Lady gave a softer, safer vibe during introductions. And given how tense things were a moment ago, safer seemed better. "It's nice too meet you both." She made sure to give a friendly wave to the others as they left. Trying her best to not give any impressions of being hostile. She even slouched a little to give herself a more weaker, and smaller posture. The drawback, she was taller than the last time she had to try and pull this off. So that may not have the same effect it did before. As well, she couldn't slouch much without making it obvious she was trying to make herself seem smaller, and it wasn't comfortable for her.

Kathryn's soft smile lessened hearing the story of what was happening to the sheep. She didn't like the sounds of it one bit. And Blackberry's suggestion that it could be the other town guards only made that feeling worse. Kathryn worried on this a lot. She was rather emotionally soft. She wanted to see the best in everyone. Even the most cruel and evil of people. She wanted everyone to be redeemable. Ser Lucas would remind her often, that having such a mentality only got those killed who couldn't save themselves from those cruel and evil people who got spared. She had hoped there was some sort of middle ground, someway to be merciful without jeopardizing the innocent, but she was struggling to find it. And she was the one who insisted on sparing the one guard. Who was... left in a barrel... fuck. And who let the others get away. Sure, it made fighting Cavendish far easier, but at what cost? What if it was the guards? And they got bolder and went after more than just cattle?

"We'd be glad to help." Kathryn said straining her posture a bit. But they already seemed to be on the road again. Kathryn booked it to the party's wagon, grabbing the belt that held some of her weapons, her helm, and her pack. Following on foot preparing to give it her all. She needed to know if she was the cause of their troubles, and make things right. And if she wasn't, she still swore and oath to protect the innocent.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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As she held out the bottle of wine, Kosara was able to do... Magic way beyond Kathryn's understanding, and chill it to rather damn cold. Sure, Kathryn probably didn't need it cold in the current temperatures, but she really wanted to see this trick. Curiously and a little cautiously, Kathryn took a sip from the bottle before a smile spread on her face. "Holy shit that's cold." Kathryn blurted out after swallowing the wine. "Taste like someone's stored it in a block of ice for a few years holy shit." Kathryn spoke like a giddy child being told that yes, the magic candy bunny had in fact come and they are your best friend forever. Arcane like magic would always amuse the half giant of a woman. She wondered if in another life she could have learned some of this sort of magic? Maybe if Kathryn had continued to grow up in noble society she could have pick up a few skills, but that was a rough maybe. And only if her prospected husband would allow such forms of magic in the household. She didn't know for sure how accepted arcane magic was. And Runic magic was very hit or miss.

From what she remembered, even the runic magic she was trying to continue her current teaching in wasn't practiced in most houses. Generally only those with more recent ties to the old clans. And even then, many of those houses either stopped practice to fit in better with existing noble houses, or have just forgotten any measurable context of it within recent generations. She had assumed her family fit into one of those categories. Her father's side of the family had been landed knights for many generations, an old traditional family who wanted to rise the ranks, while keeping to traditional Arcanaple cultures. A family of landed knights who less then 100 years prior had become lesser lords. Her Mother's side was far more mixed, clan chieftains marrying in as recent as two generations back, but having noble ties back hundreds of years. Tie ins ranging from mercenary landless knights, to lesser lords who wanted to improve relations with the clans that would come by mountain or sea. Her mother's family would have been the likely ones to practice runic magic. But by the time they married into her Father's family, they were closer to a household of knights. Some landed with small tower forts, some serving as household guard on the frontiers. All very popular choices for war campaigns. Even the last clan to marry into her Mother's family were closer to mercenary knights with their own retinue of servants, and lesser landed knights, than they were to the old clans. Kathryn Couldn't be sure if the old clans were nearly completely phased out, living only in memory and forgotten practices, or if they were just not prominent where she used to live. She did remember not seeing any clans in the high king's courts. Except maybe some of the knights and lesser lords.

It appeared the reception to Kathryn learning new magical abilities, was as a whole, a good one. She hoped... At least Kosara seemed to get a kick out of it. Which, she should have expected. The woman had a weird fascination with her muscles that coming from anyone else, Kathryn would assume had less than the most holy of intents. In Kosara's case it seemed to be mostly unfiltered curiosity. Kathryn did attempt to follow Kosara's gaze as she looked above Kathryn, but when she saw nothing she assumed the smaller woman was just trying to imagine Kathryn as a 40 foot tall walking building who was trying to not level other buildings. Kathryn had to pause a moment when Kosara asked about proportions, and she found herself struggling to process what she could mean. But figured she would take a shot in the dark at it. "I think everything stays proportional? I hope..." She wasn't really excited on the idea of holding up a huge giant form with miniature feet, breaking her ankle, and forcing herself into an early retirement as a chair bound blacksmith's apprentice. "But I didn't really get a good chance to look it over. Made myself sick last time and I wasn't able to get too far. Haven't really been able to try it since. Maybe when we got a bit more time and can risk me being unmovable for a few minutes." Though, there was probably an arcane spell for that too!

The group thankfully was not one to really worried about. Annoyed, and mildly pissed off locals. Kathryn had figured, or more hoped... that it was the case. Kathryn's relief was reinforced when they turned out to know the L'Rose's! Things were going good!! Until the talk of the constable came up. Fuuuuuuuuuck. She should have figured that it would take a while for people to be updated. News traveled slow, but romors could only travel as fast as the person who carried them. Sure the party stayed in town a few more days, but its not like those who did leave town were going door to door to update the country side on the in and outs of townlife going on in Avonshire. Kathryn was tempted to speak up and clarify the situation, particularly in a way where the party wouldn't be seen as little more than thugs or bandits. Kosara, had gotten there first. She was surprised that it wasn't as damning as it could have been. Could have been better, but... could have been so much worse. V was quick to jump in to lend assistance as well. SO! Things should hopefully be okay. But she had worries none the less.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn had won. Now that the mission was over, she was allowed to drink as much as she wanted as long as she could still move under her own power. Or at least had a spot she could collapse too. Or until she did something comically regrettable... But as that was not now! It was a win. Kathryn watched as V carefully and deliberately picked out a bottle. Kathryn figured with the smaller woman being so well versed in that style of life she must have a good enough understanding of the drink to pick one for any occasion! She wondered what the thought process could be under that hat. Kathryn gracefully accepted the wine, and made a mental note that if she were to ever return to a noble life style she should probably go to V for some refreshers on the best dos and don'ts. As Kathryn was very much out of practice in that matter. "Thank you so much Victoria." Kathryn said with a smile as she delicately took the bottle. Gave it a brief pondering look, before removing the seal around the cork, taking off her glove and pinching the end of the cork with her fingers to get a grip. Slowly pulling the cork out little by little, the ends of it splitting as she tugged. And once it was out enough for a little more than a finger to grip it, she took it in her fist and yanked the cork off. "There we go. Fucker put up a fight." She had never had such problems like with with a beer bottle, so she wasn't totally sure why people preferred the stuff to it. Or whiskey, bourbon, ale, or other liquor. Buuuut she didn't hate the stuff, and going to a winery, might as well get comfortable with the taste.

Kathryn took a swig from the bottle like she would a tankerd of ale, or from a water from a water skin. When Kosara offered to cool it Kathryn perked up. "Can you do that?" Kathryn asked almost bewildered. She knew her tiefling friend could do a lot with magic, but she had no idea what extent she could do. "I mean if it's no bother, I would love that!" Kathryn would hold the wine bottle out to see whatever trick Kosara had up her... Lack of sleeves. Despite Kathryn's lack of understanding of most things arcane, she found herself extraordinarily fascinated with it. Even the tricks she had picked up recently were far from anything as fancy as she had read about from old adventuring stories. She wasn't even sure it was considered the same kind of magic as the rest of the party was capable of practicing. Speaking of which, Blackberry had asked about some of the tricks Kathryn had picked up. Kathryn lit up with glee, like that of an excited child about to show off their school project. "Okay. Okay okay okay." she spoke up trying to hide just how excited she was, and failing. "So, in some of the books Victoria has had her face glued too for the last few days, she found some notes on Runic Magic. Not too different from the old clan magic from my homeland. She claims it's written in Giant, but as it still makes no sense even when translated, I have doubts. But she's the expert so I think her word is better than mine..." Kathryn said a little defeated, but that quickly burned off. "Buuuuuuuut! Some of my schooling from before I left home covered old clan runes. And thought my understanding is flawed, and my schooling was incomplete, I was able to make sense of some of the runes, and have been practicing their abilities! Like uh...." She looked around for something she could show her entry level runic magic against, but much of it was rather destructive, or so passive it really couldn't be made into a show.

"Okay so I can't do all the cool flashy things here without causing some major problems..." She said, sounding defeated yet again. But perked up. "One I tried to do was one that could essentially turn me into a giant! At least... for a moment. If... I could get it to work right." She said disappointed, but not defeated. "Last time I made it to nearly ten feet! Then uh... puked my guts out all over the road way... where it sat glowing for a bit before I fell into a deep sleep inside the barn... I think I messed up a few things there because I don't think I returned to my original height either. My tunic I wear under my armor hasn't fit right since... And door ways have been so much more of a pain since as well... BUT! I think I am getting closer! And if I can get it to work right once, I think it should return me to my original height as well." Kathryn said optimistically, though she had no basis for this theory. She was just tired or door ways meant for people a lot shorter than she was battling for the same space as her forehead. "I'm not gonna try it again here unless I gotta. Last time made me sick as hell, and I don't also wanna find myself stuck at like... 40 feet tall. I also have been hungry as hell since then. Swear to the gods I could eat a fucking horse right now. Then there is still a lot of guess work as I try to sort out all of this stuff. But sooner or later! I will get it down!" Then there was the question of why the goblins had such magic in their camp. Even if in it's current form at the time it was little more than just notes.

Kathryn watched as V sent her new raven up. And Kathryn had to admit, it was great seeing the small woman get so excited. Even if it confused Kathryn watching V act as if she were the bird. Or... was she? Kathryn looked up at the raven, and back down to V. "Holy shite that's cool." Kathryn mumbled as the raven began to explore around. Kathryn found herself listening intently as she spoke about what she could see. Even mentioning the travelers that were approaching them! Such a super useful skill. Kathryn wasn't sure how she felt about the description V gave. Could mean anything from travelers down on luck, to needing to prepare to defend themselves. Realistically, the first was more likely. Seemed her party was also split on what to do in the coming situation. Kosara wanted to feed them, and Blackberry wanted to prepare for the worst. "I worry about acting as if we are preparing for the worst. If they're already in a poor mood, or on the verge of being hostile, we don't want to provoke or exasperate them. Though He's right, Cecily and Lizbeth, you both should probably get out of the way. I don't much, but I think outright hiding may put them on edge too." Turning to the rest of her party she attempted to list a game plan. "If things to go to a head, I don't think we should focus on fighting. We should try to deescalate, and if need be shock and awe. Give them a spook, and let them either back down or calm down. But I want that option to only be used if we have too. Chances are they are just having a really bad day. But with so many of them, and fairly well armed, I'd rather be prepared too." Kathryn wasn't worried. It didn't show in her posture, nor in her voice. "We're all gonna be friends here." But after how things went a few days ago, she could understand why anyone acting in even a remotely aggressive fashion would put them on edge.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn wasn't defeated persay. But it was clear Lizbeth wasn't in the best of mindsets to be talking about such things just yet. She doesn't seem to be completely shutting down either. So that was a plus. "If now's not a good time, I'll be close by." Kathryn spoke with a soft smile. She reached out briefly as if to squeeze the small girl's shoulder, only to hesitate and stop. "It's gonna be okay Lizbeth. I'm going to give you some space, but please come get me if you need anything. In the meantime, enjoy that pie, and let me know if it's good. I may have to snag some later on." Kathryn joked before passing the smaller girl some salted potatoes. Stepping away, she let out a quiet sigh once her face was out of sight of the small lass. She was never good with dealing with grief. Even Ser Lucas she didn't know how to handle it other than feel guilty for not doing more to help him, and dulling her negative emotions with booze. She wished she knew the things to say, or the things to do to make this small girl feel better.

Kathryn made her way over to the rest of the party who seemed to be debating meal prep as a whole. Everyone had much more detailed ideas of how the food should be made, and Kathryn realized should she want to improve her own skills maybe asking her fellow traveling companions on how that should go would be the best way to go about it. "I would also like to vote against broth soup. My appetite has been absolutely fucked since I attempted that little magic trick on the street a few days ago, and I think trying to quell it with broth will just make it worse." What might also make it worse, but Kathryn was determined to risk, was alcohol. Nothing but Kathryn's own guilt could stop the steel clad woman from obtaining booze. "Hey V, mind if I snag one of those bottles of wine? I can trade you some salted potatoes and some veggies if you'd like?" Some easy wine to wash down the mostly dry food diet Kathryn was used too.

"What are y'all up to over here? Making anything something good for your lunch?" Kathryn did give Kosara a glance at that. Kosara held this really odd notion of a sandwich did not need bread to be a sandwich, and presented a pile of bacon and cheese. It looked tasty enough. Maybe with some eggs or sausage? But there was no way any sensible person could call that a sandwich. Kosara though was over the top though in the best ways. Except the sandwich thing.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn had been so excited Kosara loved her ring. AND! She was also excited to hear a bit about Kosara's home and her sisters. The way Kosara had been acting recently... it reminded Kathryn of her own moments of fear and doubt. The feeling of never truly being safe. She supposed that she still struggled with that. Kathryn still couldn't remember the last time she was comfortable going outside without near full body armor. A long time ago. It was good to see her friend smile now. "I'd love to go south! See what your home is like." Kathryn said enthusiastically! Though, with brief hesitation. Her own home was southbound. It was much less likely they would be close, but it took a lifetime to get out of the reaches of those who'd want to harm her. She wasn't keen on getting close to them again. But she was sure she could do something to make things work to see Kosara's home. It wasn't like Kathryn had anywhere to go after the winter anyways. On a more positive note, Kosara was already starting to show off the fancy ring! She was pretty sure she was over charged for it, but it was a rather pretty ring, and one that she was glad Made Kosara happy. Having a matching set? Fucking score!

Kathryn heard the talks of setting a fire for lunch, but didn't think that would be as helpful. Yes, roasted meats were far better than dried meats, but the daytime air wasn't harsh by any standards Kathryn knew, and she didn't really see the need. Maybe if someone could set up things relatively quickly it could be useful. Kathryn lacked that sort of magic, and though she had some survival skills, she was far from concerned about such a task. Especially looking about, and not seeing a ton of viable fuel options. So food faster would win for Kathryn. The tall warrior found herself a little under skilled when it came to taking care of the animals here. She mostly tried to do what Lizbeth did, and then tried to help the smaller girl as best as she could. She preformed everything like a rhythmic machine, doing it's day to day tasks. She was struggling, gravely so.

She knew the feeling. And how that sort of pain would make someone stronger, or break them down until they couldn't function at all anymore. Kathryn found herself dangerously close to the latter on more than on occasion. "Hey Lizbeth?" Kathryn attempted to speak up. But she found herself fumbling for a followup once the initial sentence was spoken. Kathryn found that when she needed the words to come out, she was far from the best at them. "I was... pretty close to your age when I had a close loss in the family." She wouldn't get into specifics. She didn't want to give the smaller girl the impression that she was trying to show her up. Trying to claim that her own tragedy was worse than Lizbeth's. "It's going to be hard for a while. Really hard. But ya got people who are here for you. To help you while you mourn." Kathryn wasn't really the best at consoling people in pain. Kathryn faced much of her own problems with beer, wine, whiskey, and and if it was really bad, cake. "In my culture, when a loved one passes, we try to focus on the amazing aspect of their life. How they made us happy, and made the world better for being apart of it. And less so on how sad their passing makes us. It... doesn't always work. We still get sad, the bloke who came up with that concept was clearly far too optimistic on the human ability to be sad." Kathryn joked trying to break the tension. And realized she may not be helping. Tonight would be a drinking night for sure... "Why don't you tell me somethin' about your grandfather? Some of the good he did. Could be anything."

Kathryn would attempt to lead the smaller girl to the food. She wanted to make sure she didn't completely shut down. After making sure Lizbeth got what she needed food wise, Kathryn realized she had failed to prepare much of her own food stock. She had used some of her own stock while in town, and had been surviving off festival food and beer while in town. So she would be okay for a bit, but she would need to restock pretty soon. For herself, it would be some tasty salted potatoes, dried beef, carrots, a roll, and some leaves she was pretty sure were cabbage... Or lettuce... Her lack of food skills were apparent. Something she wouldn't mind working on. She had water in her water skin, but she did wonder if she could bum a bottle of wine of V. Nothing went good with lunch like a good bottle of wine. Combined with some of the pork she brought along, rest in pieces Morty, twas looking like a good meal. Plus, Kathryn could save some of her own goodies for a bit later.

Kathryn was about to call out to V to ask for a bottle, and if needed, negotiate, when she spotted the other travelers. She kept a close eye on Lizbeth. Chances are they were just like herself, traveling from one place to another. But that fearful part of Kathryn's brain made her uneasy... She was armed, so if it came to a fight, she would be ready. She was always armed. Her helmet was back in the wagon. She shook her head in disbelief. She would never get over this fear if she suspected every passerby to be a mercenary, assassin, or thug looking for a good pay day. Especially this far out. Late traders for the festival maybe? Trying to get in some last minute goods that could have run out during the week?

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Avonshire Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn found herself excited and extraordinarily gleeful when Kosara seemed to have fallen in love with the ring Kathryn gave her. For Kathryn, it was like she was living a piece of her childhood that she wasn't allowed to have. Kathryn had to be well educated, so when she married she wouldn't be a dim witted trophy wife to some lord looking to snag up lands from her family. To her father's annoyance, but her mother's encouragement, she was allowed to learn to fight. Albeit, in limited capacity, and with the understanding that she would never be allowed to ride off to war like her uncle had. And by the time of becoming a preteen, she had to grow up, and become the voice of her family. Forced soon after to travel on the road as fast as possible, fending off bounty hunters, mercenaries, and goons loyal to those who'd benefit from removing a potential claim to recently acquired lands. Even if weakened through years of lies and misconceptions. But having a friend now? One she could be giddy with, laugh with, have arguments with no stakes to them, and comfort each other when they were down, was something that Kathryn was glad to have. Even if they hadn't known each other for long. It's like a piece of her life that was taken from her is being finally returned.

"I'm glad you love it!" Kathryn blurted out, unable to withstand the anticipation. "AND! It matches mine!" Kathryn exclaimed with glee as she opened her own box with her own ring in it. A perfect match to the one she gave Kosara. "I saw them and thought it would be a cool way to show our friendship with each other." Kathryn said trying to hide her excitement on her face, but clearly failing. "OOoooh I'd love to see their rings too at some point!" Kosara clearly lived a very different than Kathryn. From vastly different cultures, vastly different people, and vastly different life styles. Kathryn, wanted to learn so much about it all. Kathryn wondered about the holdings her family had gained, she had no clue where those lands were, but she did remember her uncle complaining about how hot the desert and plans near it were. Well, he used more colorful words. Words that even her mother wouldn't tolerate. Apart of Kathryn wondered if the land those holdings were apart of would have been like Kosara's home. The way her uncle described it, it sounded like a resource rich hell. The way she hears Kosara describe her home? It sounds like paradise. Kathryn was definitely curious on seeing Kosara's home someday to form her own thoughts.

Speaking of exploring new lands, Kathryn was finally able to see more of what the greater Avonshire region held! She found Avonshire to be an odd place as a whole. In many ways, it held a lot of similarities to Arcanaple. But in so many other ways, it was a totally different world. Kathryn wondered if settlers from both lands held common ancestors? And if so how far back? Or if the somewhat comparable climates set up the two distant cultures to develop with a few comparable foundations? Kathryn did know that Arcanaple was a far different place hundreds of years ago than it is now. Hundreds of years of wars and trade with neighbors, joining empires and splitting up. With the most recent big influence being the raiding clans. Some sea based, most mountain based. But in the last couple hundred years have become relatively melted into Arconaple culture. Kathryn wondered if Avonshire had a history like that too! She would need to follow up on some of this at some point. maybe the L'rose's had books? She should ask at some point...

Kathryn wanted to ask some questions about the lands now, and watching little Lizbeth go on about her home was an adorable sight! Until her grandfather came up. Kathryn found herself lost for words, being far from good at comforting people when they mourned. She could barely care for herself while she was mourning, and spent most of her time drinking when Ser Lucas passed on. Which annoyingly took an expensive amount of booze. And she doubted that Cecily would approve of Kathryn sharing her mourning habits with little Lizbeth. "I think Lunch is a very good idea. Can I help set up at all? Stopping to rest may be the best thing to do. A chance to set down our packs, and for us riding to walk around a bit." Kathryn approached the small human girl. Trying to help her find something else to focus on instead of her recent loses. "Hey, since you're our local expert of the lay of the land, wanna help me find a good spot to sit and enjoy our lunch?" Kathryn asked Lizbeth hoping she would agree. "I could help ya secure your wagon if you'd like?" She offered, having no clue how to do such a thing.