Midnight: A Lost Faith's Shadow. Book 1, The Awakening. Chapter 4, Pursuit
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Toric_Arthendain
Explorer
OOC: Sorry, been offline the past few days.
IC:
"Much has happened to lead us astray and slow us down," Valurel says, his face impassive. "I agree with Lodric as well. We have no more time to waste. We must track Aislinn even if that means leaving others to fates far worse than death." He falls silent, obviously having no more to say on the matter.
IC:
"Much has happened to lead us astray and slow us down," Valurel says, his face impassive. "I agree with Lodric as well. We have no more time to waste. We must track Aislinn even if that means leaving others to fates far worse than death." He falls silent, obviously having no more to say on the matter.
Bihlbo
Explorer
Addressing all present, Mardo speaks in a soft voice, "If the trail leads us to the group of slavers, then the answer will make itself evident. Until we know that our friend and the slavers are on different paths, I think it is best to assume that they are together.
"Cyz, we have compassion for your people and their suffering, and would do all we can if we had the opportunity. However, the friend we seek is worth many more lives than our small group is able to give, and for the sake of all - slave or not - I feel that this must be our priority."
"Cyz, we have compassion for your people and their suffering, and would do all we can if we had the opportunity. However, the friend we seek is worth many more lives than our small group is able to give, and for the sake of all - slave or not - I feel that this must be our priority."
maddmic
Explorer
Herger listens to the others and he thinks back to his desire to ask the figure in the cage about Aislinn. His question had been fruitful in letting them know that she had passed over the road, but it had also almost been they're undoing had the agents of the shadow caught up to them. The others were certainly right. The slavers would most likely have to wait. If this group went from place to place helping everybody that had been wronged by the shadow, they'd never find Aislinn.
The more pressing question was what to do with this new woman. She couldn't be left to fend for herself, yet they had enough problems trying to find food without another stomach to feed. She spoke well and was eager to throw in with this band though. She had no weapon, yet she had a fire to fight back. In these times, it seemed to Herger that the real heroes were the ones who fought against the shadow that pressed upon them instead of allowing it to break them.
"I believe that if we got the route of the slavers, justice will be done. However, I think that it will delay us in the more pressing matter at hand. We must find Aislinn. If in fact she was with the slavers, then we will find them." He then turns to Cyz. "I am sorry for your loss, but we have a mission of utmost importance. We have to see it through before doing anything else. I would have you join us. Surely one who has a fire inside such as you will be useful in the fight against the Shadow. What do the rest of you say?"
The more pressing question was what to do with this new woman. She couldn't be left to fend for herself, yet they had enough problems trying to find food without another stomach to feed. She spoke well and was eager to throw in with this band though. She had no weapon, yet she had a fire to fight back. In these times, it seemed to Herger that the real heroes were the ones who fought against the shadow that pressed upon them instead of allowing it to break them.
"I believe that if we got the route of the slavers, justice will be done. However, I think that it will delay us in the more pressing matter at hand. We must find Aislinn. If in fact she was with the slavers, then we will find them." He then turns to Cyz. "I am sorry for your loss, but we have a mission of utmost importance. We have to see it through before doing anything else. I would have you join us. Surely one who has a fire inside such as you will be useful in the fight against the Shadow. What do the rest of you say?"
Bihlbo said:
The Heroes decision is difficult. Cyz merely drops her head as a single tear runs down her cheek. Her fellow villagers are guaranteed a slow, agonzing death. Cyz says nothing, her face down. What could the Heroes hope to accomplish? Rescue a band of slaves and let them wander across Erenland? Or get themselves killed? Decisions are difficult in the world of Shadow. But, priorities are not. And the Heroes primary focus was rescuing Aislinn.
Passing down the steep southwest, the Heroes enter once again the Ohr River valley. Finding a shallow ford, the Heroes make their way across the cool waters. Valurel even manages to stick a few fish in the clear pools with his bow. Crossing the river in the fading light, the Heroes push on well into the night to avoid any stray trolls wandering up from the Trollskar to the south.
The next three days pass in a progression of hot days and warm nights. Food is scarce, although the meager rations, cool streams, and praire squirrels do provide enough sustenance to keep the Heroes from collapsing. Through the hot summer days and lonely, quiet nights, doubt creeps into the Heroes' minds. No sign of orc or human are seen on the vast plains. More importantly, no sign of Aislinn or her captors, either. Did they make the right decision in pushing southwest?
However, on the third day, in the heat of the afternoon, Valurel and Starhl find that which the Heroes have hoped for. Exiting the mud from a small, shallow stream are a set of hoof prints. Could these be from the mounts of Aislinn's captors? Valurel and Starhl are unable to find any boot prints from humans, elves, or otherwise. The trail is quickly lost in the heavy grass of the plains.
Inspired, the Heroes continue their progress southwest. As the Heroes travel the green, grassy plains, they see to the west on the horizon the great fey forest of Erethor as a dark green strip on the horizon. On the sixth day from the fight with the troll, the forest of Erethor rises before them as it flows west, rocky escarpments poking through the emerald green in bluffs and broken hills. To the south, dark clouds loom on the horizon, an ominous sign for the Heroes: the Burning Line, that fell region were the forces of Shadow raze the green forest of Erethor with fire and axe. The dark clouds that have hovered on the southwestern horizon since their time out of Elsweir loom large now as they near the northern portion of the BurningLline; the southwestern horizon glows orange at night and the smell of smoke and soot reaches their nostrils.
For a brief stretch along a small bog, Starhl and Valurel once again pick up the trail of horses. From the spoor, it appears the riders were skirting Erethor. If these horse riders were Shadow enemies, not too mention Elves, why would they forsake the Elven forest? Valurel has a blunt answer; Elves in these dark times keep to themselves. A stranger, no matter how well intentioned, could easily find themselves studded with arrows if they failed to notice the warning signs of the Elven sentries that jealously guard their green home. Also, could these Elves be renegades from their own people?
OOC: Everyone's character is healed to full if they had any damage.
During the journey from the ruined village, Cyz says little, keeping a slight distance from each of the Heroes. Except for Starhl. The Sarcosan stays close to the big Northman when she sleeps and eats. When Erethor comes into view, Cyz finally breaks her silence. Breaking down, she nestles her head into the Northman’s chest, tears flowing freely. Keeping close to Starhl to hide her voice, her lips trembling, her emotions pour out. I thank you Starhl, for your willingness to risk your life to help my people escape from the clutches of Shadow. Your companions did not feel the lives of my family and friends worth this person we now pursue. Only you saw the injustices done to my people. Your kind…I have never encountered before. Strong and wild as a bear, but honorable, so honorable, like the Dorns and Sarcosans of old. I lose myself when I see you…I’m sorry. Cyz backs away, wiping away tears and trying to conceal her wet eyes. I have said too much. Still, Cyz looks up at the big man with a steely gaze, her exotic and beautiful Sarcosan features evident, My place is at your side. Where you go, so shall I. And in this World of Shadow, my one hope is that you are able to return to me, the same feelings I have for you. With that, she gathers her meager belongings as the travel continues.
On the 7th day from the ruined village, the heroes reach the northernmost portion of the Fields of Ash and Blood. The grassy plains slowly give way to an ash strewn landscape, the blackened, skeletal remains of huge, ancient trees stand in mute testimony to the destruction wrought here years ago. Ash and wisps of smoke from the south swirl in the wind. An unnatural heat steals the breath from the heroes. Glowing orange coals are visible in places under the ash layering the ground, an unnatural sight given that this portion of the forest was burned years ago as the war front moved to the south. The dark mass of Erethor and its looming hills in the west squat like a silent predator. This fell region actually provides a boon for the Heroes: devoid of life, only slavers or foolish orc warbands travel through this fell region with the war front and the Burning Line farther to the south.
As the sun begins to set, and peak crimson through the smoke on the southwest horizon, the Heroes spy an irregularity on the ash plain to the south. Not more than two hundred yards to the south of the Heroes lies a fallen beast. Rib bones stick up into the hot air: whatever it was, either it has been dead a long time or torn asunder by some unknown force. Valurel’s sharp eyes pick out a bridle and saddle on the carcass. A horse!
Toric_Arthendain
Explorer
Valurel gazes around the ash blackened area with sadness. "We should tread carefully here," he says, eyes forever scanning his surroundings. He was surprised at how happy he had been when he caught sight of Erethor. His spirits had momentarily soared until they reached the Fields of Ash and Blood. One lone tear rolled down a dirty cheek, replaced after a few moments by a fierce look. The flames and smoke on the horizon marking the Burning Line angered him and he was fearful that he would succumb to his feral instincts.
Upon sighting the dead horse, he began cautiously moving towards it. "I see a bridle and saddle on that dead beast. Remain cautious!" he growled.
Upon sighting the dead horse, he began cautiously moving towards it. "I see a bridle and saddle on that dead beast. Remain cautious!" he growled.
Toric_Arthendain said:
The Heroes walk slowly across the ashen plain. Unnatural, searing heat emanates from the ground, blackening boots and burning feet. The Heroes find it impossible to stand in one place very long before the heat becomes unbearable and they are forced to move. At times, glowing coals still send sparks into the sky when the ash cover is disturbed. Gusts of hot wind blow smothering ash and stinging brands into the Heroes.
Reaching the dead horse, the Heroes find it blackened by fire and stripped of flesh. Nonetheless, Valurel, Starhl, and Herger feel the horse died only recently. The leather harness furthest from the hot ground that has not been burned beyond recognition still retains a suppleness that this dry and hot environment would bake dry quickly. Rummaging in the horse's lone unburned saddle bag, Lodric finds two loaves of dried elven bread, a small bag full of black grounds that Valurel identifies as the special Elven Erethor tea, and a rolled piece of waxy paper. Unrolling the piece of paper, Lodric finds elegant, flowing script. What message does it contain?
OOC: I looked through the Rogues Gallery, but just to be sure, is anyone literate in High Elven?
As the Heroes gather to look at Lodric's treasure, a searing heat is felt. The ashen ground around the horse rips back as hideously burned hands reach up in agony, pulling blackened and flaming orcs and humans from the soft ash. As the creatures erupt from the ground, they howl in agony and horror; cracked, blackened flesh seeps wet liquids clogged with ash while flames rolls over other parts of their bodies. Teeth gnash at the Heroes flesh as the undead try to speak, but they only manage a hideous wheeze through burned lungs and throats.
OOC: Twelve of the Fell are pulling themselves from the ground. The Heroes could attack with surprise, before a full combat round would start. Erethor is about a half-mile to the west. Do the Heroes stay and fight or run?
Toric_Arthendain
Explorer
Ever alert, Valurel leaps to the attack, slashing with his claws at the nearest Fell to burst forth from the ground.
OOC: Valurel is literate in High Elven. Depending on whether he had to move more than five feet or not, Valurel either gets one or two attacks at +7 to hit for 1d4+3 damage.
OOC: Valurel is literate in High Elven. Depending on whether he had to move more than five feet or not, Valurel either gets one or two attacks at +7 to hit for 1d4+3 damage.
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