pneumatik's WotBS 3: Shelter from the Storm

Rhun · Jun 10, 2011

"I'll happily kill the last witch," says Hollister, almost absent-mindedly, as he closes the new spellbook that he has been studying. "Not only does she deserve to die for her crimes against her innocent victims, but my mind would rest easier knowing that she will not be able to waylay and further travelers. We could prevent countless deaths."

Arkhandus · Jun 10, 2011

"No, we will not strike the witch down. She surrendered and bargained for her life by releasing her captive. I will not go back on my word. She is but one witch now and perhaps she will be repentant now, or at least more reclusive without her kin. It may be a faint hope, but it must suffice," Liiros replies, shaking his head.

He walks over to the witch's hut and announces "Before we leave, witch, you must return the lady's belongings. Then we will be on our way."

pneumatik · Jun 12, 2011

The rescued woman steps around Liiros and enters the shack where the remaining witch is sheltering. "Here it is. I'm glad you crazy witches kept is safe," she says to the witch.

Inside the shack a massive cauldron sticky with boiled fat hangs over a wide hearth, and brass vials, glassblowing implements, and more bizarre tools are scattered across numerous shelves. From one of the shelves the freed captive takes a ring and puts it on her finger. She also takes and puts on a belt with many small pouches and bulky velvet gloves. Finally she puts on a silvery gauntlet and forearm guard. The whole time the witch cowers in a corner.

"So," she says back outside again, "now that I don't feel quite so naked anymore, I should introduce myself. My name is Katrina. I'm an arcanist fleeing the scourge. How should I address my brave rescuers?"

When introductions are complete she continues. "I think it may be worth searching the rest of these hovels. I know my bodyguards weren't the first people these witches took. Liiros, why don't you take one of the boats and head back to the camp? I can stay here with Hollister and whoever else wants to stay and search. We'll be along when we're finished."

[sblock=Hollister]When Katrina emerges from the shack and begins introductions you feel a wholly-controllable desire to shake or otherwise take her hand, or somehow touch her.[/sblock]

Rhun · Jun 13, 2011

[sblock=For pneumatik]Though a hint of suspicion runs through Hollister's head, he nonetheless takes Katrina's hand during introduction, and kisses it lightly in a gentlemanly fashion.[/sblock]

Arkhandus · Jun 15, 2011

Staret Liiros Tivaniel, Determined Vigil of the Aquilline Cross

"No, I think not, miss Katrina. I must keep my word as a Knight of the Aquilline Cross. I will see to it that the witch's surrender is honored and that you are escorted safely to town. Mercy is the only reason you were not left bound in that hovel to die of dehydration or predation, for if we had slain the last witch despite her surrender, we would never have even known you were held captive."

"The witch has earned her right to mercy and freedom for now. I am certain you hold a grudge, miss Katrina, but you should give greater consideration to the virtue of mercy and how you owe your own life to it. Now, if you do not proceed into the boats with the others, I may yet regret my decision to remove your bonds and see fit to render you unconscious for the remainder of the journey back to civilization," the elf responds sternly, positioning himself between the witch and Katrina, staying close enough to the former hostage so that he might interfere with any attempts she may make at casting a spell despite his warnings.

After a few tense moments, he adds "If the others wish to search the huts for spoils, I will not interfere. But none will slay the witch so long as I am here and she does not threaten us again."

Thanee · Jun 15, 2011

Lytha

“I think he is right,” Lytha says. “As I also said earlier, we would be no better than them.”

The elf then takes a look around and through the various huts, seeing if there is something of interest.

HolyMan · Jun 15, 2011

"Yeah you tell her Liiros." Shaylir says to herself.

Then out loud she comments. "I'll wait in the boats too. Come on Fritz." She walks a few steps then turns back to the new woman.

"Come on Miss Katrina," she calls much in the same way as calling her fox.

Rhun · Jun 16, 2011

Hollister rolls his eyes as he listens to Liiros' speech, and then assists Katrina and Lytha to help search the huts.

pneumatik · Jun 17, 2011

[sblock=Hollister]When you take Katrina's hand you feel a flash of heat from your ring of fire resistance. It burns your finger, doing 1 point of damage.[/sblock]
Katrina sighs. "It's not worth fighting over, Liiros. But I don't see how the world's a better place with that witch in it."

Of the six shacks, three are too decrepit to hold anything. The one Katrina was in has nothing in it. Unless you're a mad alchemist there's nothing worth taking in the shack where the last witch is hiding. The final hut is locked, but the key from the dead witch opens it. Inside are three rotting mats that show regular use and a dead man covered with bite marks chained to one wall. Hidden under piles of rags in that shack are several small coffers. In them is a total of 300 platinum pieces of Shahalesti coinage.

After thoroughly ransacking shacks you pile back into your boats and head back to your campsite. Along the way Katrina asks, "So, are you coming from Seaquen or going to it?"

[sblock=ooc]So if everyone gets an equal share of the money, including Katrina, it's 50 pp for everyone.

Also, a picture of Katrina is attached below.[/sblock]

HolyMan · Jun 19, 2011

{{ Hopefully in the opposite direction of you Miss to Pretty. }} Shaylir thinks to herself.

She looks down at her own small figure and the noticeable lack of curves when compared to Katrina. She sighs and pulls Fritz up on her lap, petting him as she hides behind her faithful companion.