Avella heavy sigh disappointed. She wasn't big fan of sleeping outside, to bad that she didn't have own tent. "Well, I guess campfire is out of the question if we want to keep hidden. But right, better to make camp here." She said and look around for some young trees, to make of their branches simple hut. "Anyone bring something to eat? I didn't thinking that would take us so long time." She asked.
Ida cursed as the dead started raising. What were the chances it was work of the necromancer? Immediately her body was covered with tattoos as she prepared for battle, her eye gleaned with power. "Eike! Shield!" She called as she started throwing out powerful spells. She had it with the damn nobles and their tasks! If she wasn't rewarded her land she was going to be pissed! ... A noble title would be nice too, she considered as an afterthought - magical flame left her hands, smashing against the closest undead. The wright was ordered to attack the archers from behind.
Ganith was pleased to easily find the first two flowers, but became impatient when he couldn't find the other. He searched and searched and just could not find it anywhere. well, he supposed that a break wouldn't be too bad. Finally, he sighed and relaxed against a tree. Well, two out of three waasn't bad... As the quiet of the forest reached his ears, he heard some faint moans. His ears perked up and he listed a bit more and he heard it again. Hmm... Moans in the forest? Definitely worth investigating. He carefully stood back up and made his way over towards the noises quietly.
Without hesitation Derrek picks up a long two-handed spear while Zoelle chooses a pair of long daggers. The rest take a bit longer, but eventually everyone picks a “one-handed spear and shield” combination. When everyone has picked a weapon they all gather in front of him again and await further instructions. Spoiler: Bathing Spot 1d100 = 31 Stealth: +20 Total: 51 It takes her a while, but eventually Lydia manages to find a good spot, where she will be hidden from view and will likely be able to hear other people approaching before they see her. The trio start looking for a good camping spot, and soon Marda finds one. It is between some large rocks, with a few bushes around it. No trees, but still a good spot to rest. “Alright, this looks like a good place to spend the night,” Lathril nods after examining the location, “My tent is big enough for two, if either of you ladies would like to share.” “I have my own tent.” Marda shakes her head. “What about you? You are welcome to share my tent, if you want.” The elf offers as she looks at Avella. Spoiler: Eike's Shield 1d100 = 23 Eike's Necromancy: +30 Total: 53 The archers are fast, but Eike is faster and the arrows slam into her shield, harmlessly bouncing off. Spoiler: Ida's Attack 1d100 = 82 Necromancy: +40 Tattoos of Power: +20 Total: 142 Ida's spells fly true, only to slam into invisible walls. Looking more closely with her magical eye the necromancer can see a barely-visible barrier surrounding each of the nine undead. Looking over to the robed undead in the back she confirms that he is still casting his spell – the barriers are not his doing, which means they were there from the start, as part of this little ambush. Her Wraith fares no better, its attacks being repelled by an arcane barrier. Still, its attacks leave behind cracks in the barrier surrounding the archer it is attacking, and her own spells have left behind even larger cracks in the barriers they hit. Using her eye to examine her opponents Ida realizes that all nine are pretty basic undead. Once she manages to break the shields protecting them she should have no problem crushing them with ease. The real question is: Is this merely an ambush that has been prepared for whoever comes to find out what happened to the outpost, or are they meant as a distraction while something worse arrives? Following the moans Ganith reaches a small clearing, where a disturbing scene is talking place... A young woman is tied to a tree and getting fucked from behind by a man, two more waiting for their turn. All three men have various bandaged wounds, and the dead bodies of four more men can be seen on the forest floor. The woman lets out another muffled moan as she is being violated. So far none of the men are aware of Ganith's presence...
Ida frowned. Technically... she already fulfilled her mission - she knew exactly what happened. She could leave right now... it just did not seat with her right. She threw another powerful attack - if she managed to break the barrier, she would finish off the undead. If she failed, she would retreat.
Avella watch their camp as they discuss where to sleep. "Well, we will have to put someone to watch camp in the night, so I will take first watch if you don't mind. Who want to take second and third watch?" She asked her companions and wondered if she should accept invitations to Lathril tent. On one hand, she didn't know him if he tried to do something in the night, but on other hand she will be tired and cold after sleeping night outside without shelter and warm. "Alright, thank you for invitation, but I have to warn you that I sleep with my sword." She said joking and after rest get to sleep, Avella make pray to Everlight and begin her watch.
(Aren't long daggers just... short swords?) "Hmm, wise choices." Anton nods, "Alright, I want to see what everyone is capable of, so." He then randomly assigns each of them into a pair, so that they could spar. "Let's see, the rules of the match are... the first one to yield, or since you're training to be the town guards, whoever can bring down their opponent wins. As for restrictions, there are none, aside from killing, everything is allowed." The old man said, just as he makes every stand to the side, so that the first pair can spar. Though, with most of choosing the same weapons, he figured they'll all get the same advice. Aside from Derrek and Zoelle who chose different ones.
"My good man, I'm always willing to assist a poor soul's earthly needs, but I do need this information quite badly." She looks at the thug. "Not that I doubt that you're a trustworthy soul, but have you some evidence that you have the knowledge you claim to?"
Spoiler: Ida's Attack 1d100 = 50 Necromancy: +40 Tattoos of Power: +20 Total: 110 The barriers protecting the archers and the mage shatter, unable to withstand Ida's powerful spells. The only ones left are the ones protecting the undead with the spear and the sword, their shields seemingly a bit stronger. But even they will shatter after one more attack. Spoiler: Eike's Move 1d100 = 19 Eike is unable to provide support as she is busy keeping the shield up, deflecting more arrows. The wraith manages to take out one of the now-exposed archers, reducing their numbers to five. At the same time the undead sorcerer in the back finishes his spell and a pale blue glow surrounds the weapons of the other undead. He immediately starts casting another spell. “Actually, I have a spell that will warn us if anything more threatening than a forest animal approaches us.” Marda stops her. “So no need to stand guard; better take some proper rest. I will need about an hour to set up my spell, and then I too will go to sleep.” “Alright, if you're sure, lass...” Lathrul shrugs at the druid, then turns back to Avella. “Okay, so what you're saying is I should ask for permission before I try anything. Got it.” He smirks as he quickly sets up his tent. From the outside it seems a pretty normal single-person tent, but on the inside it is big enough for two. “It's a gift from a wizard whose wife I saved.” The elf explains before Avella can ask.
"Alright Marda, I'm counting on you." She said before entering to Lathril tent. Avella rise eyebrown watching tent inside. Yes, she was impressed by such magic, but also remember how her brother used to make his pocket much larger than it should be. "Oh, so this is something like enchanted bag of holding? That is precious gift, I admit." She said as she removed her armor but stay in her clothes. "It is the same wizard who gives you the stone? You must introduce him to me, I would like to buy something of his crafts from him." Avella said as she removed her boots.
The man shrugs. “Hard to prove anything without revealing what I know – and if I do you will have no reason to give me anything.” He points out, then grows quiet for a few moments, thinking. “I know that lady Victoria, the lord's wife, showed some interest in the first batch of plants that was planted here. I assume you are here on her behalf, so I would not lie to you – getting on the lord's bad side is not good for one's health, I suspect... So you have my word that I will tell you everything I know – and no one can say I don't keep my word.”
"Perish!" Ida exclaimed as she threw another spell - she would finish these minions here and now! But just to be on a safe site, she ordered her wright back, and guard her back.
Derrek has clearly used a double-handed spear before, quickly disarming his opponent. The other battles take a bit longer as the opponents are more or less equal. Solana and Tamara win their battles, while Erica, Iris and Margaret are not so lucky and lose. The last battle is Cyran versus Zoelle, but the young man seems more interested in staring at his opponent's tits and quickly finds himself down on his ass, with a dagger pointed right at his face. Once all fights are over the recruits gather in front of him once more. “No, this is a different one. I like working for wizards – they tend to pay well and are less likely to screw me over than nobles.” The elf explains. Avella notices him checking her out now that she's out of her armor. Spoiler: Ida's Attack 1d100 = 99 Necromancy: +40 Tattoos of Power: +20 Total: 159 Ida's next attack is her most powerful yet, completely obliterating the undead guards, leaving nothing but dust and broken armors behind. With the battle over silence descends over the area. There are no more enemies to be seen in any direction. The necromancer is now free to search the ruins for anything of interest, or head back and report to the lord.
Ida paused, as her attack connected. It was more devastating than she thought. She quickly looked around making sure no one was coming, and then powered down her tattoos. Her eye blazed as she looked around. She looked around for anything out of place, before deciding to return back to town. It was time to receive her prize. No more delays.
"To those who won, congratulations. To those who lost, take this as a chance to learn of your shortcomings." Anton gives the recruits a smile, he then gives the short spear and shield wielding recruits some lessons. Mostly on proper stance, how to thrust, and how to parry with their shields, rather than block. And then additional advice, on how even their shields can be a weapon which they can use to bash their opponents. Then he moves on to Derrek and Zoelle who have probably experienced real battles before. Though he couldn't gauge Zoelle's skills properly because of Cyran being a bit too lustful for his own good. "As for you two, I'd like for you two to spar. Same rules applies, I just want to see how your experience as mercenaries has helped you."
Avella chuckled, holding her knees in arms. "Yes, wizards are smarter than nobles until you meet noble wizard. He would be more clever to screw you over and have more money to do so." She said thinking about her brother. "Well, if that mission succed, I would be closer to spreading the word of faith in Everlight. My godness really helped me in my hardest moments." "I will go to sleep, good night." She said and on knees Avella pray to Everlight for safe night and new dawn in the morning. She put her sword close to her, to be in reach, as she lie down.
Spoiler: Search 1d100 = 2 Magical eye: +20 Total: 22 Examining the ruins Ida is able to determine that ir was Earth Magic, not Necromancy, that was used in destroying the keep. Spoiler: Awareness 1d100 = 75 “Mistress, look!” Before she can learn more Ida's search is interrupted by Eike's shout. Following her gaze to the south-west Ida sees what appear to be regular trees... walking at a brisk pace toward her location. “There, too!” Eike points at a second group of tress, this one approaching from the east, on the other side of the river. So far both groups are pretty far. If she leaves now Ida will be able to completely avoid the trees. If she were to stay and examine the ruins further, she might find out more, but there's a high chance of the trees cutting off her way back and forcing her to either fight them or search for a longer way back. Derrek and Zoelle square off while the rest of the recruits watch. The redhead is a bit faster, but the longer reach of Derrek's spear negates the advantage, leaving them roughly equal. The two start cautiously, testing each other with quick attacks. Zoelle jumps over a low sweep at her feet, while her opponent ducks under a high kick. This continues for a couple of minutes, before the two pull back and size each other up. After a brief staring contest Derrek makes the first move, attacking with quick thrusts and forcing Zoelle to dodge. The redhead responds by attempting to flank him, but the big guy is too quick for that. The two continue trading blows for a few minutes, the other recruits stating to cheer for one or the other. In the end Zoelle tries to move closer, her daggers more suited for melee than the long spear, but is greeted by a well-timed punch to the gut that knocks the air out of her and allows her opponent to knock her down. With a spear pointed straight at her face the redhead admits defeat. Derrek helps his opponent get up and they nod at each other before turning to face Anton, waiting to hear what he has to say. “And that's why I rarely work for nobles.” Lathrul chuckles at her words, then sits down and takes out some bread and dried meat. “I'm going to have a bite before sleep. Want some?” He offers her just as she is about to lie down. (Going to take a break here.)
"A servant of the Goddess would never break her word." Mylea says, brow furrowing with irritation at his assertion that she'd rip him off. Forgiving him, however, she reaches out, sliding a hand down his chest. "Very well. Shall we do it here, or would you prefer we find some privacy?" She asks.
"Wonderful." Anton congratulates the two experienced students for a job well done. "See that? Your weapon isn't just the one you're currently wielding, No, your weapon is your entire body. Don't be afraid to mix in a few kicks, and jabs with your fist. And most importantly, don't rely on a single strength." He speaks in a stern tone, "As you saw by the end, you'd think Derrek being the size that he is, is all about strength and durability. And yet he could still out maneuver Zoelle's attempt to flank him. In short, don't just hone what you're good at, seek out ways to also turn your weaknesses into strengths, and your opponent will never see it coming." He nods, smiling as he recalls his days teaching at the capital. "Right, for today we'll continue with the sparring sessions, but, you aren't allowed to spar with someone you already beat. And don't be afraid to ask for advice, you're all going to be comrades-in-arms. Don't try and bring anyone down, instead help them hone their skills. You never know when you'll have to rely on each other to survive."
"What the fuck?!" Ida looked at the trees "What is wrong with this place!" She geiuely started regretting coming to this village. Ida looked at the trees and cursed. "We are living!" Ida turned to Eike. "We retreat!" The three of them quickly left the spot.
