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--- story:ravi_promise [2024/10/01 13:31] – Cinder
+++ story:ravi_promise [2024/12/18 11:14] (current) – [Chapter 4: the Curious I,B,] Cinder
@@ Line 114: / Line 114: @@
 Vivacios requested a description or a picture of the rock, As it turns out The Orc was very much infatuated with the rock and had a few paintings commissioned of the rock as well as some painted by his own hand. \\
 Casting the spell __Locate Object__ revealed little, aside from that the rock was far away. \\
-Furgus sat on a nearby fallen log to ponder. //“well we now know thanks to my brother Viv that the rock wasn't dropped or miss-placed, perhaps it was taken?”//
+Furgus sat on a nearby fallen log to ponder. //“well we now know thanks to my brother Viv that the rock wasn't dropped or miss-placed, perhaps it was taken?”// \\
+//“It seems that way”// Vic sadly agreed. He moved over to the podium to search for any clues, His effort distracted by a large canine creature coming into view from
+His side. He jumped back startled as the creature sniffed around in the mud. His startled stutters getting the canine creatures attention. Then Vic saw, the same eyes Ravi has. He paused //“Ravi!?”// \\
+The creature rolled her eyes and went back to investigating. A hearty laugh escaping Furgus. \\
+//“eyyy don’t be so surprised Vic my brother. Slayers like her have quite a few fancy tricks. Devilish tricks, its why Tyr’a teachings forbid such powers among his followers…but we are quite far away from any church so I'll let it slide ey.”// \\
+Cic quickly got out his note book and flicked to a new page. //“oh simply fascinating that is. Its not a Druids wild shape is it? I have herd about that but this seems different.”// \\
+He continued to observe Ravi and scribble notes.
+Ravi spent a few minuets investigating, the podium, the area around, footprints, scents, marks. Eventually she figured out what might have happened. She stretched and then sat in front of the podium still on her canine form. \\
+//“Looks like Goblins been through here, they Probably took your rock, it wouldn't take much for a Goblin to take interest in any item unguarded. And Goblins are quite numerous in the Archipelago”// \\
+Ravi looked around to make sure they were listening. \\
+“//So it looks like we have some Goblin hunting to do”// Ravi sniffed the air trying to get a better idea of which way to head.
+It didn't take long until Ravi had picked up the trail. a few miles west a small camp of goblins around a lake. \\
+The party didn't waste much time. taking stock of their supplies and heading off in the direction Ravi would lead. \\
+Vic stayed up front with Ravi, Still in her quadruped canine form he seemed ecstatic. bombarding her with nervous questions. \\
+//"So can you change at any time?"// \\
+//"Yes"// \\
+Vic wrote something down. //"O excellent. and do you have any other forms you can change into?"// \\
+Ravi smirked a bit. //"Just one other, but its more for slaughter than tracking."// \\
+Vic turned a page and spent a bit longer writing down the next note. //"So have you ever eaten someone, and if so how did they taste?"// \\
+Ravi caught off guard just burst out laughing without answering.
+Furgus and Carbork took up the rear of the party, Both seemed rather relaxed but not very talkative. Furgus was more focused on the two upfront listening in to their interview. \\
+Time ticked by, It wasn't the most high paced hunt. Goblins tend to stay in their camps for long periods of time and the terrain made horseback travle less than optimal, besides none of the party had the money to buy a horse and no sane stale master was going to hire one out in these lands. \\
+Eventually Carbolk roke the ice. //"So, Dwarf, Furgus, You have family?"// \\
+Furgus raised an eyebrow as if deciding if he should answer or not. //"Aye, I did. They all died in the war, When the Demons broke through. I was just a wee lad, they evacuated me along with my grandmother. but my parents stayed to fight."// \\
+There was a long pause between the two, Carbork struggling on what to say. //"Carbork sorry, Did not mean to open old wounds...Carbork also has Family, Cousin named [[character:Karg]] e is the only one I know of now."// \\
+The treack went on for almost an hour before Ravi pulled the party off the road into the trees. \\
+Ravi shifted back into her humanoid form before pulling a few mighty stretches. //"Alright the camp is close."// her ears twitching as she spoke as if hearing something the rest of the party could not. //"We should take quick stock on our composition. we can guess what we each can do but I would rather going in knowing wat I can rely on."// She gestures to Furgus. \\
+//"Right."// The Dwarf taps his sheathed hammer with confidence. //"Me aamer, Me Shield, and me faith in Tyr. I have been around the block a few times lass, I have quite a bit of experience, and my faith in Tyr is strong. you can rely on me to keep us well fortified...despite your demonic heritage I might add."// His face crosses with a grin. \\
+Carbork crouched low and cracked his knuckles. //"Carbork is less experienced. have been adventurer for only few months. But Carbork is strong, and quiet, Carbork can get in and out of the stores room without anyone seeing Carbork"// He pulls out a rustic looking dagger that lingers with faint arcane power. \\
+Ravi nodded as she took in the info. \\
+//“Well to start off i am much older than i look. I have been at this for close to a century, i have slain dragons, Beholders and all kinds of unimaginable horrors… im actually looking forward to a simple Goblin camp.”// Ravi coughed as the symbols on her fur glowed, summoning her blade, badly damaged from the fight with a Black dragon most of the blade had shattered away, leaving only the base of the blade no longer than a short sword. \\
+//“I have a fair few tricks up my sleeve, none really meant for Team work but if your in a pickle i can get you out. I also have Remi by my side”// Remi Squarks \\
+//“I can take hard hits and dish them out harder, I am also cursed as Furgus pointed out earlier so if you see me change don’t panic, i have it…mostly under control”// \\
+The other three were taken back a bit. Carbolk not fully believing her statements right away. The silence went on for too long as Ravi clicked at Vic. \\
+//“Alright quit gawking, Its Vivacios’s turn”// \\
+Vic stood up a bit nervous. \\
+//“Well after all that i am not sure i can follow well. I have only been around for 2 years give or take since i awoke without knowledge of my past. I have neglected my Arcane studies rather enjoyed exploring this world i have forgotten. Though i feel like i have made significant progress lately. As i have become awear that to adventure alone some form of strength is needed”// Vic taps his journal \\
+//“I am a Wizard, but i am not very reliable without my book.”//
+  *Fergus: Level 12 Cleric
+  *Carbork: Level 4 Rouge
+  *Ravi: Level 15 Multiclass
+  *Vivacious: Level 6 Wizard
+Once everyone was satisfied with a plan the party geared up and headed towards camp.
+==== Chapter 3: Tiger in Man’s Clothing ====
+The afternoon had begun though it was hard to tell with the overcast blocking out the sky. Vic seemed confident in knowing the time. \\
+The Swamp had parted slightly to a more moist forest, the mud had been replaced by dirt and wild grass. The trees here seemed more sturdy, having to not deal with their roots in uneven ground. It was rather chilly and very humid. \\
+The group had taken refuge in thick bush, watching the Goblin camp from its edge. Though it was a bit more sophisticated than any of them thought, eventually it became clear that the Goblins were not acting alone. There were a few humans among their ranks. Dressed in gear meant for the wild terrain of the Archapeligo but all sporting a similar coloured bandanna.
+//“There, Carbork sees it. Friends stone.”// Carbork pointed his dagger in the direction of a group of dancing goblins. In the middle was a large rock that could look like a fist if you squinted. \\
+//“It really is just a rock”// Vivacious said with a disappointed sigh, going to his journal and tearing out a page. It made a louder noise than he expected as the group turned to him glaring.
+They herd some Goblin speak from the pair closest to their hiding place as they began to approach. \\
+Furgus swore in Dwarvish before covering his mouth in panic, Ravi rolled her eyes in frustration as Carbolk made a stealthy move to get a new hiding place, Nobody actually saw him leave. \\
+The Goblins picked up the pace and had just reached about 10ft away from the bush when Furgus jumped out like a jack-in the-box and greeted them. \\
+//“Frieeeends! My loving comrades, I am glade you have come to welcome me so eagerly can you show me around?”// \\
+Utter disbelief flooded Ravi’s mind as she remained hidden but her jaw wide open in a combination of shock and regret. \\
+Vic remained punctually thinking this was the plan and played along, popping out of the bush. \\
+//“y yeas. I its has been a bit since we got here…uhh getting lost in this scrub, we had no one to guide us!”//
+Ravi almost died on the spot.
+The Goblins seemed confused at first, but with the two of them preaching the good Tyr’s words they managed to deceive the Goblins and were welcomed into camp as ‘Guests’ \\
+Ravi and Remi looked on in disbelief themselves, still remaining hidden for the moment.
+Furgus and Vic walked right on into the camp with their two Goblin body guards, quickly exchanging a few words in whispers. \\
+//“So how do we deal with the humans?”// Vic asked, worried about the approaching issue. \\
+Furgus smiled //“just play along”// giving Vic a wink. \\
+The two were brought in-front of a tall man with tan complexion. He seemed human but most of his body was covered in cloth. A sturdy suite of leather armour and traveling cloak covered his face. \\
+//“hmp, alright what are you two doing here? A Tiefling and a Dwarf out in the forest? Sounds like the start of a bad joke.”// the other humans grouped up behind the one who spoke, looking tense, ready for a fight. \\
+Vic surprisingly spoke up first. //“We…that is me and my friend, here, the Dwarf, named Furgus. My friend Furgus…and i. Yes a Tiefling. From far away…”// \\
+Vic continued like this for a while longer, stalling for time it seemed, Ravi distracted by the absurdity of it all almost didn’t notice Carbork had gotten to work.
+One, Two Goblins vanished into the shrub, three four, Carbork was quick, moving around the edge of the camp picking off Members swift and quietly. It was seriously impressive how such a brutish Orc remained so stealthy.
+Eventually Furgus finally chimed in. //My good sir. We are humble travellers and we had heard a group by the name __Vanahime__ would lend aid to weary travellers”// \\
+There was a round of laughter from the people. \\
+//“You must be new, Vanahime ain’t worth a Goblin’s shit, We run this end of the Islands now and soon the hole archipelago ya hear? So if you want some elp, how about helping me first? Me pockets are dreadfully empty, catch my meaning?”//
+That's what the party were here for, A group calling themselves Vanahime hunters were revealed to be deserters causing issues all around the Archapeligo. Raiding merchants and towns, causing unrest and Chaos. So it seemed they are working with Goblins, and have a rather large end goal. \\ Ravi had herd all she wanted, Drawing her bow and nooking an Arrow of force. Letting it loose and striking the front bandit straight through the head, splattering Furgus and Vic with the remains.
+Fury erupted in the camp, The party drawing their weapons, Ravi bursting out of her hiding place, Drawing her broken blade, Remi took flight into the air. Carbork remaining hidden. Furgus and Vic drawing their weapons taking a stance ready for a fight.\\
+Vic had a little bit of an issue being covered in someone else's blood . //“Urg this is disgusting! Ravi you beast! Be more carful in the future please! Urg yuck.”//
+The Goblin numbers had been thinned down quite a bit thanks to Carbork’s sneaky work. But now a full battle was about to begin.
+Furgus charged forward with a mighty battle cry, barrelling down on the other human bandits, A heavy strike to the first one leaving them groaning in pain as Furgus channelled a prayer and summoned his spectral weapon, giving it a swing at the other bandit, finding its mark a good strike. \\
+The bandits quick to retaliate the one Infront of Furgus drew a dagger and lunged at the dwarf but was stopped and disarmed with a skilful flick of his shield, The bandit cursed as he delivered a mighty left hook finding its mark rattling Furgus’s face. He groaned a bit stunned only getting his vision back in time to see the bandit wielding an axe, bringing it down on Furgus’s shoulder, finding its way between the plates of armour leaving a mild wound. the dwarf grits his teeth through the pain. \\
+Two daggers fly from the Bush finding thier target in a Goblin’s flesh, Chest and between the eyes the Goblin drops dead right away. \\
+as eyes of the enime move to the bush, Carbork makes himself known, Drawing a hand axe and some type of hand bomb. He moves to the nearest shed behind cover as goblins chase after him. \\
+Vic let loose a blast of lightning towords Furgus’s assailant. The shock was strong in this damp terrain the bandit fell over with a wet thud as his singed body stank up the area. He went on ahead to assist Carbork catching the attention of another bandit. \\
+//“Got ya demon scum”// the bandit yelled as he took the opportunity to strike Vic while his back was turned. Though the bandit’s swing stopped in its tracks as hos flesh began to quiver. \\
+//“What on Mor-Thir!?”// \\
+Furgus looked over to see Ravi making some odd gesture, Her eyes glowing as her movements seemed to puppet the bandit, She was using one of her blood curses. Stopping the attack on Vic and causing some damage in the process as the bandits blood splintered out of his flesh like chunks of glass, impaling him from the inside, a Gruesome sight as the bandit yelled in agony.
+Vic showed just what he could do with a few well timed spells, offering the party aid and ranged support. \\
+Furgus likewise kept the party healthy in between slogging foes at close range, taking a brunt of the attention. \\
+Carbork picked off the foes that lingered around, keeping them off Vic’s back. \\ And Ravi juggled the others, giving assistance to whoever needed in in the moment, providing info with Remington’s overwatch. \\
+The battle was swift if a bit uncoordinated. Ravi let loose killing foes who were already on the brink of surrender. While Vic delayed his actions trying to think of suitable spells to use in each moment. A few Goblins managed to escape screaming in terror only cause of Fergus’s words to pull back on Ravi’s bloodlust.  \\
+bodies lay dead, three humanoid bandits and ten Goblins but just as Carbork begun looting a new figure stepped out of the makeshift shack.
+Freakishly tall. Burly, Orange and tiger stripped short fur, several scars dot his exposed arms face and chest. Wearing pants, singlet and some medium armour. A Hefty ornate looking hammer rested on his belt as his twin coloured eyes of blue and yellow looked around the four adventures. His teeth were razor sharp. As his grin greeted the four. \\
+//“A-lot of noise you you been making. Its really hard to concentrate when your busy killing all my men.”//
+There was Silence for a long time. he party darted looks at one another looking for any sort of guidance as the beast-man stood their, arms folded as if waiting for them to make the first move. \\
+Eventually Ravi broke the ice. //"Then you should find better men that don't die so easily."// She cracked her knuckles as she stepped out Infront of the rest of the party. A bold display of a challenge. \\
+The tiger's eyes met Ravi's and he was about to say something, caught as if something more important distracted him. Ravi seemed to realise the same thing as they both said in Unison. \\
+//"A Slayer?!"// \\
+The Tiger smirked wider as Ravi tensed up. \\
+//"Well this is a surprise indeed."// The Tiger outstretched his arms as if in a welcoming Gesture. //"I would have thought you come to join us but from the looks of it I'd say your here to try and stop us."// The Tiger looks around at the bodies as the party look at Ravi and each other in a bit of confusion. \\
+Fergus walked up and spoke quietly. //"Aye? lass? wats e on aboot? You ave som istory?"// \\
+Ravi turned slightly to speak with Fergus. //"Noh not exactly, Not personal history anyway."// \\
+Vivacious stepped forward. //"Sir, we are simply after that Rock. we apologies that such a..eurg...bloody scene took place...BUT y you should no have taken what was n not yours!"// \\
+The Tiger raised an eyebrow. //"Aye? what are ya on about Teifling?"// \\
+Vic pointed towards the centre of camp, where the fist shaped rock was neatly placed. //"That. that's what we are here for. a humble quest for a friend in exchange for some gold. Noting More"// \\
+Again there was silence, but this time Carbork and Vic spotted some movement from behind the shack, there were more foes laying in wait. Disturbed by the laughter of the burly tiger. \\
+//"For that?!, you come out here kill all my men for some bleeding rock?!"// There is a session of his laughter as he tries to compose himself. //"Well if your Orc friend liked his rock so much he shouldn't have been bragging about it all over town, Especially when there are unsavoury ears listening."// He gave a whistle as six more armed humans emerged from inside and behind the shack. Looking a lot tougher than the ones the party ad just taken down.
+The Four of them readied up for a fight. \\
+//"Alright Boys, lets show them what Bexly's Blood does to problematic people!"//
+The fight was intense. Against trained killers in unfamiliar terrain the fight was messy. The soaked muddy marshland seemed out for blood as the party lost their form or messed up their swings and spells due to the poor footing. \\
+Vivacious slug spells and offered support as best he could but early in the enemy focused Vic down. Furgus ad to pull back from the front line to protect the Tiefling mage, Beating back his assailants with riachous bludgeoning. \\
+Without the element of surprise Carbork was also on the backfoot. As Furgus left the front line to protect Vic, the rouge Carbork was left without the ability to flank meaning the few eyes that didn't chase after Fergus were locked on him. Carbork was very dexterous for his size, Slippery and able to avoid the attacks coming is way. ut not forever as he was being pushed back. The ground betraying him. His steps slipping getting caught on the sharp end of a few foe's blades. until he was backed against a tree. \\
+The next attack froze mid swing as thier body bubbled and sharp blood crystals spurted from the foe's skin. Carbolk took no 2nd glance as he drove is dagger through his target's heart. Te body fell to the mud as Carbork caught Ravi's glowing eyes and outstretched hand from across the battle-field. Another one of her Blood-Curses it seemed had turned Carbork's tide in his favour. \\
+Ravi had gone right for the head of this snake. Taking the tiger Felnaas head on. Her teeth bared sharp as her body pulsed and hair flared. Unleashing her rage as she bombarded Felnaas with slash after slash. He retaliated wit a few punches and claws of his own doing little to temper her fury, Pushing him back until he unleashed a trick of his own. is body pulsed as he roared. Transforming into a Wearbeast a Wear-Tiger to be specific. Putting Ravi on the backfoot right away. Se responded with her own transformation unleashing her Wearwolf blood though it did little as Felnaas managed to catch a stray claw attack and break her hand. Yelling in pain she fell back a few paces unable to use one of her arms. She cursed as Felnaas let a smug grin cross his face. \\
+It was satisfying to see that smug face blasted with a few spells as both Furgus and Vivacious came to Ravi's aid. Wit the three of them on Felnaas it wasn't long before he fell. Furgus striking at Felnaas's knee and clocking him in the jaw with is mace as he came down. a small stagger then fell in the mud to bleed out. \\
+The party fairly wounded but victorias in this battle. Furgus wen about healing Ravi's wounds but her broken hand would require a longer session to heal.
+Vic and Carbork went to inspect the main cabin that Felnaas had come from to find it stocked with supplies. weapons and fair few other trinkets. gold and a few letters. Most of them burned but there was the latest one that seemed to have only just been opened.
+It reads TEXT
+==== Chapter 4: the Curious I,B, ====
+The party retrieve the fist shaped rock and return to Carbork's friend. They receive a large portion of gold which they split evenly amongst themselves. \\
+Discussion about the letter they found as well as some additional context from Ravi as she reveals her mission in more detail leads the party to believe they are dealing wit a group of defected //Blood Hunters//. \\
+They figure out the B in the initial //I,B,// must be Bexly as that is what Felnaas mentioned before their fight began. though learning that name does little to give them more information.
+The party spend the next few days recovering and restocking. Ravi's Injury means they are held back a day or two longer but as soon as she is fighting fit once again the group pay for travel further north. \\
+The change in scenery is dramatic. as the marshland gives way to more pleasant forest. though most of it untamed the roads are mostly makeshift with twists and turns around boulders and trees. The group's drive didn't say a word the entire trip even when Vivacious tried to speak to him.
+The trip is interrupted a few times. one time they are eld up by a group of bandits demanding "valuables or your life." \\
+Ravi replied //"Your Lives it is then!"// As she almost single handily took out the entire group in a savage display. \\
+Another night during Carbork's watch he caught wind of Goblins. A bit more organised ta a typical Goblin raid but our party managed to defeat them without too much hassle.
+Days of travel turned into weeks. The underdeveloped routes casuing delays. The group stopped by in the sparce few settlements they passed through. asking about Bandits, //Blood Hunters.// Felnaas, Bexly and any other interesting rumours. \\
+Though they herd of great Dragon Turtle Islands off the Northern Coast. The vast undersea city of Tritons off the north west shores of the south Island (The one they are on now). They couldn't learn much of their target outside on a few targets they hit over the months and sightings of a Dragon on the northern Island. \\
+There did seem to be a pattern to the attacks. They were specifically targeting the settler’s peace offering supplies being sent to Islander locals. Perhaps to upset the delicate political balance.
+The Party’s next stop was a smaller settlement about an hour outside some
+Unexplored ruins. The Major city was still another few days travel. \\
+The Party decided to stop here for the night, restock and once again try to gather information.
+The Town is relatively gloomy and its quickly learned that the settlement is being plagued by a powerful spectre of sorts. \\
+//“How donya know?”// Fergus was doubtful, they had encountered many kinds of beasts along their weeks journey but nothing as dramatic as this. \\
+//“Because!”// The village visiblely frustrated. //“The dam thing stalks our streets ever other night. An ominous fog rolls in and i have seen it! Wrapped in ethereal rages as tall as a Goliath!”// \\
+Fergus looks to his party who all look rather concerned. //“Very well. We will just have to slay the fiend then”// He said as he stood up proud. \\
+Ravi shook her head. //“It would be mad to chase after it now, Its almost Dark. I saw we wait and see if we can catch it tonight, If not i bet its lair is those ruins nearby.”// \\
+The party nodded in agreement. Vic eager to see something so ominous sounding.
+The party found accomodation as well as good dinner, eating Rations on the road was a farcry from a hot fresh meal. The party restocked their supplies and Carbolk purchased a new magic dagger from the local store. He seemed quite proud of it. Showing it off to the party but not really saying much about it.
+Only two rooms available. Fergus and Carbork took one while Ravi, Remi and Vivacious took the other. \\
+The Night was light on Shenanigans. Ravi and Carbolk decided for diffrent reasons to simply sleep. Vic and Fergus planned to stay awake, watching the window for signs of the Specter. Though when that ominous fog rolled in both quickly came under the effects of its magic and fell asleep. \\
+Carbork however awoke and like a soldier marching he followed the voice in his head. Being lead off into the dark night and out of sight.
+Morning came and the party quickly realised Carbolk was missing.