"Indeed, I am also a firm believer that actions do speak louder than words." Anton nods, returning a smile. "While I'm confident I can still take on two youngsters, I don't want to break my back in the process. After all, who'll train them then?" He chuckles, just as Garlan makes a compromise. "Very well, I'd like to take a garner of what weapons you have in stock, hoho, I'll even let you suggest some if you wish. Perhaps some different weapon you'd like the rookies to learn about?" The old man agreed to the compromise, waiting for the captain to show him the training ground.
Komi wondered on some of the things she heard. Not much that she could go off, and if she had to guess the theory about some kind of monster in the river was likely caused by her in the first place, so it wasn't worth pursuing. She was a little taken aback by the suggestion of introducing a brothel to this community. What would...how....she had worked hard to avoid temptations like that, so she wasn't even sure where anyone would begin with somehow finding people willing to work there. On some level...she was mildly curious at exactly how many people would really visit such a place, but she couldn't imagine ever setting foot in one herself. Little of it really seemed like much, and none seemed to point to anyone else in this area even having the ability to begin to do something with her problems. While she would need to pick up food to hold her over, she figured she would save that for last. But she assumed her first stop would be to the potion shop. It would be cheaper to just buy materials than whole elixirs and she was relatively sure she could handle doing it. She'd just need some medical herbs....as well as possibly some poisons. She had reasoned that in order to sustain herself, the best way to do it would be to grow her own food. She could use some poison for pests and pick up seeds to grow things like she had done in the temple before at one of these food stalls, she was sure. That also meant she would need to visit the general shop for some proper tools to help cultivate the earth. Being close by the river should mean the soil is healthy and water shouldn't be an issue.....she had it worked out. She still would need to look into more occult things, but she reasoned that perhaps it was better to see how much this would all require and then worry about the rest later now that she knew where they all were, possibly visiting that store meant to be opened later. Even after building a small garden to grow things, there were still other places she'd have to see. She'd have a lot of work ahead of her.
Lydia walks to the open table by the stairs and takes a seat, feeling at home, though still slightly unnerved, in the dingy tavern. Assuming Ellie is still nearby, the thief asks "What kind of swill you got here? Probably some stew or soup, right? I'll take whatever's ready. I'll have whatever beer you got too. It'll probably be watered-down and half as strong as when it's made, but that's part of the charm of these shitholes, eh?" She gives an easy smile. "Though I do wish the barkeep at least tried to make the place look presentable. You can tell it's a trash heap 'cause he wants it that way rather than 'cause it's gotta be that way."
"Maybe some company for the wine?" He motioned at the seat across from her and already moved to cut off her protest. "Yeah, sure. I'm not going to make you sit just. Just figured you'd rather take a moment where you're not constantly getting grabbed at. I just wanted to know your story. Marika is a brand new town after all, so everyone has one. Why they came, where they come from, why they're working in" He glanced at the bartender to make sure he was out of hearing, "...such a dump."
For a moment Ida wanted to go immediately... but then thought better of it. She dropped her cloak and started pleasuring herself, her thoughts on her mistress... Lady Livinia. Of her big breasts, long legs, full hips, a taste of her pussy- Ida arched as she climaxed. Her thoughts still on Livinia... on her coy yet pleasant way of being, on her caring for her subjects... a tear started flowing down Ida's cheek. One day, she would find Lady Livinia's remnants... and rise her. She rested a little and put on her cloak. For a moment she stood still then slowly raised her hand - green whisps of energies gathered in her hand, before disappearing as she closed her fist. One day... She turned to ghosts and ordered them to lead her to bandits. Eike was right - their opponents were strange... but darkness, is the undead's element. Following the ghosts, flanked by Eike and Wraith, Ida marched to find her opponent.
Ellie has indeed followed her and is now standing near by. “We've got some fresh stew, still hot. And I think we still have some beer, too.” She raises an eyebrow at Lydia's last comment, apparently a little surprised by it. “That's true, but it's his shithole, and the pay is decent enough.” She shrugs. “Anyway, I'll go get your food and drink.” Ellie leaves and heads through a door to the back, only to return a minute later, carrying a bowl of steaming hot stew. She stops at the bar to pick up a tankard of beer, then brings everything to Lydia's table. “Here's your food and drink, miss. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know if you would like more... or if there's anything else you need.” She manages to sound completely innocent even as she says something that could be interpreted as suggestive. The waitress opens her mouth to protest, but Ganith beats her to it. She looks at him briefly, thinking over what he just said, then shrugs and sits down. “There isn't much to say about me. My name is Milly and I'm from a small farming village that most people have never heard of. Our family owns one of the many small farms there. The droughts made life difficult, but we managed to survive. However, as the youngest child I won't get much when our parents eventually pass away. My brothers will inherit the farm, my sister will get married to her fiancee and go live with him, but me? As the youngest I will get a few Gil at most, then I'll have to either get married as well or move away. So, when I heard about Marika from a bard passing through the village, I decided to try my luck. Thus here I am.” She shrugs again. “As for working here, the constant groping was annoying at first, but once I learned how to dodge things became a lot more bearable. And the pay is better than what I would earn at the farm while the work is not as demanding. So it's not that bad.” She explains, then looks at him, her eyes briefly going to his wings. “What about you, mister? Where are you from and what brings you to Marika?” She asks, curiosity in her eyes. As she rests after her climax Ida notices Eike watching her. The undead warrior is biting her lips as she stares at Ida's exposed pussy, as if wanting to say something... but then looks away, apparently deciding not to. Spoiler: Travel 23 Once again Ida is reminded that the ghosts are not the brightest. At first everything is fine, but as night falls and darkness covers the land, the two manage to get lost. It takes a couple of extra hours to find their target and it is well past sunset – closer to midnight, really - when they finally arrive. Observing from a safe distance Ida sees the ruins of some old buildings at the base of a large hill. And halfway up the hill is the 'hole in the ground' mentioned by the ghosts. It might be really be a mine... There is a lone figure outside the suspected mine – a sentry, no doubt. However, the man is not taking his job seriously, sitting on the ground and barely paying attention to his surroundings. There's a spear on the ground next to him and a short sword on his belt. Spoiler: Sneaking 1d100 = 71 Sneaking: +10 Sentry not paying attention: +25 Total: 106 With the sentry distracted it is easy for Ida and Eike to get closer undetected. Spoiler: Scouting 1d100 = 90 Looking around, searching for other sentries or any traps, Ida finds nothing. She feels certain that the man is the only obstacle. Clearly the bandits, or whatever they are, do not expect anyone to come here and do not consider it necessary to be more cautious – which makes things easier for her. (Replies will be rather slow today, and possibly tomorrow too.)
“Good. Follow me.” Garlan gets up and leads Anton out of the room. “We have all sorts of weapons available, but I think spears, halberds, maces and axes will be the ones to see the most use. Plus swords, of course, since all guards get a sword as a backup weapon, but we have that covered already.” He explains as they walk. Soon they reach a large open training area. One section has some targets for bow practice, but most of it is dedicated to melee combat, with a number of dummies ready for use. There are also all sort of melee weapons available, exactly as the captain said. “Here we are. Choose which weapons you;re going to use, practice a bit if you want, then show me your skill by fighting some of the dummies. I'll watch from the side and when you're done I will tell you my decision.” (Again, dice rolls to determine the outcome, with preparation, chosen approach, and skill affecting the result.)
"Spears, maces, and axes are quite basic. I am however surprised that you'd give your soldiers halberds. It is quite an exquisite weapon, a combination of a spear, and a small axe. Yet requires a certain level of skill to handle properly." Anton said as they made their way to the training grounds. The old man whistles as he saw their equipment, but still carries an odd confidence that seemed out of place with the elderly "veteran." And as he listened to Garlan's instructions, "Hoho, very well." He grins as he picks up a spear. "I'll refrain from using the mace, and an axe. Those types of weapons are better suited for... combat training, rather than simply swinging at an unmoving dummy." Anton said in a confident done, gripping the spear's shaft tightly to get a feel of its weight, and balance. "A good weapon." He smiles as she stands in front of the training dummy. "A spear, a weapon suited for mid-range combat. Or for dealing with cavalry, or other monsters that simply charge at you at full speed." Anton then enters his instructor mode, giving a brief explanation of the weapon as he swings, thrusts, and twirls it around with expert movements. "On a regular soldier, it'll be nothing more than a weapon to stab with. But for a more practiced man. A spear can be used for distractions as well, keep your enemy at range, feint by swinging for their legs, parry their attacks by using the shaft, before finally delivering a deadly blow toward their neck, or their chest." Though he couldn't handle actual combat without overexerting himself, Anton still showed impressive movements, especially as it came from an elderly man such as himself.
Upon her return to the Singing Maiden Arthuria is greeted by a blonde woman. “Welcome to the Singing Maiden, ser! I am Patricia, the owner. I am sorry I could not greet you personally earlier, I was a little... occupied at the time.” She does not elaborate. “Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.” The blonde tells her, then goes behind the bar. Vivian, the waitress she spoke to earlier, approaches her. “Welcome back, Ser Arthuria! Would you like something to eat or drink? Or will you be retiring for the night?”
Ida found Eikae's reaction interesting... but she did not have time to explore it now... As the team made it to the camp, Ida found the entire thing little too easy... but, if they attacked without raising alarm, she might take down the entire camp without anyone noticing anything. She ordered wraith to sneak assassin the guard, while she and Ida were waiting as a backup - in case the man reacted, they would both join and kill him quickly. After that was done, Ida would raise him as a Zombie and ask a few questions about his fellow bandits...
Arthuria nods at Patricia. "Dont apologize, I am Your Guest afterall." As shes about to Go upstairs to her Room she hears Vivian approach and Talk to her. The Blonde Knight nods. "Yeah...i think I Like something to eat and Drink, thank You" She moves over to one of The Tables in The Corner which has The whole Room in her View.
The general store is currently closed, a sign informing her that the owner will be back in half an hour. The potion store is rather small and is currently open. Inside she finds all sorts of potions and relate items, as can be expected. A busty woman is behind the counter, looking bored. A couple of young guys are in the shop, pretending to be looking for something to buy while not so subtly ogling the woman's tits. Spoiler: Arissa “Welcome to Sensational Elixirs, miss. My name is Arissa, but you may call me Ari, if you prefer. Is there anything in particular you need, or are you just looking?” She... doesn't sound very happy to be there. Spoiler: Assassination 1d100 = 50 Wraith's Stealth: +20 Total: 70 The assassination goes without a hitch and the sentry dies without ever realizing the danger. Ida doesn't get the chance to celebrate, though, because something unexpected happens. As the dead body falls down it suddenly bursts into flames, the wraith barely managing to pull away before it catches fire. In just a few seconds the bandit's body turns to ash... but the flames remain, taking the form of a large ball of fire, and shoot inside the mine, vanishing from sight. A few moments later shouts of alarm are heard from inside. “Well, that's one way to make sure they don't get surprised...” Eike comments dryly. There's more shouting from inside the mine. Ida can't quite make out the words, but soon she hears running footsteps, as if someone is rushing toward the entrance. She realizes she still has a few moments to set up an ambush. “Coming right!” Vivian assures her. Indeed, it doesn't take long for the busty waitress to return, bringing her a tankard of ale, some freshly-baked bread, some roasted meat, and some sort of vegetable stew. “Enjoy your food! Let me know if you would like more ale or if you need anything else from me!” Te energetic girl goes to cheat with one of the other waitresses, but remains close enough to come quickly if called. Looking over the room Arthuria sees a number of people eating quietly, drinking, or just chatting with each other. No one is causing any trouble so far, perhaps because no one is drunk enough yet. A few local people take a look at her, curious about the new arrival, but let her eat in peace.
The Blonde Knights fills her Cup with Ale and thanks Vivian for The meal. She Starts to eat and Drink, leaving The other Guests to their Business. It was a Long Trip from The Capitol to here but it went smoothly so far. Its her First assignment that brings her to a Town this small, but shes glad that she was greeted friendly. Training The Guards tomorrow will be something refreshing since She was a Cityguard herself Years Prior and knows what their Training is lacking of.
Ida snarled... someone got one over her. "Wraith." She turned to command her undead. "Stay out of site and go inside, passing the attackers. Find the mage and kill her or him. Assassinate them - don't get into combat. Once that is done, start killing the other attackers. Ghosts! I want you to watch our backs and warn us if someone tries to attack us from behind." Power started gathering in her hands as concentrated, her face illuminated by green energy. "Eike - set necromantic field over the entrance - anything that passes it, dies or walks out weakened." over Ida's hands two skulls surrounded by fire appeared - necromancers substitute for fireballs. "Let me show them, what Ecreghana The Reviver can do~" She chuckled as she threw the fireballs into the entrance, even if they didn't hit anything they would explode with fire once near the living. The plan was simple, as long as they could keep the enemies in the entrance, they would control the battle. The entrance was a chokepoint.
Spoiler: Mylea's Spell 1d100 = 75 Nature Magic: +10 Total: 85 Spoiler: Beast's Reaction 1d100 = 15 Agility: +20 Strength: +20 Total: 55 The beast seems to realize what she is trying to do, but there's no way for it to stop her or aviod the spell. More vines coil around it, holding it in place. Some coil around its throat and neck, preventing it from using its breath, at least for now. This time her companions do not rush to attack, choosing to take proper aim instead. Suddenly a familiar blonde elf rushes out of the woods and charges the beast... Spoiler: Divine Magic 1d100 = 64 Divine Magic: +20 Total: 84 As soon s she finishes her prayer Avella;s sword starts glowing with a faint golden light – enough to show her spell was successful, but not enough to give her presence away. Spoiler: Attack 1d100 = 40 Sword Fighting: +30 Blessing: +20 Sneak Attack: +25 Total: 115 The beast never notices the approaching danger until it is too late. Her strike doesn't quite manage to cut the beast's legs, but it heavily wounds both, causing severe bleeding as a bonus. Suddenly the golden glow shoots from her blade and into the wounds she just caused. For a brief moment the beast's entire body glows with golden light, then it lets out a pitiful whine and falls down, no longer moving or breathing. Silence descends upon the woods as the beast dies. A second passes, then another... then there's a flash of blue light coming from Mylea's pouch and the beast's eyes open, glowing with matching blue light. With strength that is clearly unnatural even compared to its previous feats the horned beast manages to break free from the vines holding it and turns around to gaze upon the new threat, growling threateningly. After taking a quick look at Avella it turns round to look at Mylea and her companions, then turns again to look at the elf, then again to look at Mylea and co... and with every turn the beast moves a bit to the right, as if realizing that being surrounded on two sides is bad for it.
@Regin34 Realising that the vines can only delay the wolf, not destroy it, Mylea changes strategies. "Here! I think this is the source of the beast!" She pulls a blue stone from her pocket. "Hold it off while I figure out how to use it!" Putting Avella, Jonas and Galza between herself and the wolf, Mylea tries again to decipher the journal she found - focusing only on recent entries, and any pages that look worn from being turned to often.
Avella never seen such magic to heal so quickly wounds made by blade with divine blessing. She wasn't sure what to do next, since they didn't figure out how to block this magic. Then, Mylea call to them her plan and everything was clear. Avella is paladin, and her job is to keep safe magic users. Yes, that she can do. "Come coward, run away from Everlight's messenger! Such pathetic creature as you is born to only that, always running away!" She shout to beast, tried to prove it to make attack on on her, using her shield to bash as protection before herself and in the same time blocking way out beast as it tried to move in the right.
Spoiler: Sneak Inside 1d100 = 59 Wraith's Stealth: +20 Total: 79 The wraith vanishes from sight and goes inside the mine, as ordered. Spoiler: Eike's Spell 1d100 = 9 Eike's Necromancy: +30 Total: 39 Spoiler: Ida's Spell 1d100 = 31 Necromancy: +30 Knowledge: Necromancy: +10 Total: 71 Spoiler: Bandits' Move 1d100 = 79 Both women are just a little too slow. Before they can finish their spells a rugged-looking bearded man holding a sword rushes out of the mine, followed by two more moments later, both holding small axes and wooden shields. They all stop as they try to get used to the darkness – apparently in their haste they did not bring torches or any other light source... They never get the chance as Ida finishes her spell, the skulls exploding in the middle of the group, killing them instantly. To her disappointment and annoyance these bodies also burst into flames and are quickly reduced to ashes, then the three fireballs shoot inside the mine, same as the first. More shouting can be heard from inside, and then more footsteps - another group seems to be approaching. There's a surprise waiting for this group, though, as Eike finishes her spell. The barely noticeable necromantic field spans the whole length of the entrance, so no one can leave without passing through it. So far there's no indication that her Wraith has found its target. On the plus side her ghosts are also quiet, having seen nothing. Spoiler: Decipher Writing 1d100 = 20 Previous attempt: +10 Total: 30 Despite her efforts Mylea is unable to decipher the journal, the letter continuing to move in confusing patters. All she manages to read are a few words in one of the most recent entries: ...the crystal... well-hidden... safe... She's not sure what to make of it, though she remembers that the crystal was buried when the ground when she found it... The beast growls at her and bares its fangs, but continues to retreat, not taking the bait as it continues to move its gaze from her to Mylea and then back to her.
@Regin34 "A better distraction would be nice!" Mylea calls out to the blonde, her serene demeanor fracturing a little. Turning back to the book, she tries to decipher more.
