Q'Barra: Facing Truth

[EvolutionKB]

Once again Kaelan addresses the Headmaster. "How many days travel is it to Havenwood?"

Then looking at his companions he says, "We should talk to Sentinel, find out what else he knows, and then leave as soon as possible. If we are lucky, when we get to Havenwood, I'll be able to find some tracks that the culprits left. We can then track them down if we need to." With this final sentence, Kaelan emphasizes his point by slamming his fist into his palm.

 

[Rolzup]

"We'll need supplies," Darrick says, thoughtfully, picking up the map. "How far a journey is Havenwood? And is there a road, or will we need to blaze a trail?"

 

[Pebele]

Goludov clapped his hands together. "Very good. As I mentioned Sentinel can be found tending the children in the orphanage. I'm sure he would be happy to provide you with whatever information he is able.

Of course you know that the Infirmary will be happy to supply you with healing items, I've already instructed them that each of you is to receive one vial of antitoxin and one vial of light healing. If there is anything else you need, the infirmary will gladly sell it to you."

He checked some notes and looked at the map he still had in front of him.

"There is a trail to Havenwood, it is about five day's travel away. Sentinel should be able to tell you if there is anything that would impede your journey on the trail."

Each student will be given a vial of general antitoxin and a potion of cure light wounds. Trebuchet will get a potion of repair light damage.

 

[EvolutionKB]

Of course you know that the Infirmary will be happy to supply you with healing items, I've already instructed them that each of you is to receive one vial of antitoxin and one vial of light healing.

"Good, antitoxin will come in handy, Poisondusk lizardfolk are known for their poisons and the traps they set. Speaking of healing, Catherine, are you the only capable healer among us? I have a wand I can use on those that are hurt, if we need to."

 

[Rolzup]

Pushing back his chair, Darrick rises to his feet and bows once more to the headmaster. "We should," he says in formal tones, "Be about our various preparations for the journey. Including speaking with Sentinel."

"I shall, in fact, do so forthwith. As should we all, I think."

 

[Yeoman]

"Good, antitoxin will come in handy, Poisondusk lizardfolk are known for their poisons and the traps they set. Speaking of healing, Catherine, are you the only capable healer among us? I have a wand I can use on those that are hurt, if we need to."

"To the best of my knowledge, I am our only healer. Unless of course, some of you have been visiting the infirmary just for the company. With that said, Catherine gets up from her chair and heads to the door. "I think I'll go talk with Sentinel before gathering my gear. It'll give me a chance to say goodbye to all the children anyways. And with that, Catherine heads out of the office towards the orphanage.

I wonder how many times students come to say goodbye to Sentinel when they leave on assignments? I wonder what he thinks of the ones that don't return?

 

[Rookseye]

Sepoto nods to the headmaster once more, a gesture that seems as much a request for confirmation that all of this was really happening to him as a respectful goodbye, and then follows Catherine outside.

As he passes from the office into the bright mid-afternoon sun, he checks the belt pouch cinched above his waist, scrutinizing it to make certain that all he needs is within. The venoms were there, as he thought. It was good to have these, especially against the poison dusk. Othos would call it 'fighting fire with fire'. As much as the pygmy lizardmen liked their toxins, it had made them no less vulnerable to their effects.

"I will join you Catherine, perhaps the children would like some fruit!"

 

[BRP2]

(Sorry I've been out, I posted more information in the OoC thread. Anyway, I'm going to go back and edit this post and have it keep Charles up to date... might take a bit )

"I was hoping you'd be here as well. Sorry I was being so quiet at lunch, I was thinking about what this could be about. I take it your silence was because of your apprehension as well?"

I guess I can't blame you. Yeah, I kind of was afraid to tell you.


As everyone enters Charles greets them with a wave and a half-faked smile. When Sepoto enters, Charles sticks his tongue out in a playful manner. Inside however, Charles thought with annoyance, He's smelling me isn't he? I bet he's smelling me...

There are reports of increased activity among the Deep Mist Lizardfolk tribe. These reports are concerning because we have never had problems with this tribe before. And, of course, we have no official reports, just the concerns of the folks in this settlement.”

There are reports of increased activity among the Deep Mist Lizardfolk tribe. These reports are concerning because we have never had problems with this tribe before. And, of course, we have no official reports, just the concerns of the folks in this settlement.”

Charles examines the room around him while old Goludov speaks. Deep Mist... they usually are not much of a problem. However, they get pushed around a lot by the Blackscales. Sure, he's says reconnaissance, but if the Blackscales are involved, there will be no one left to report anything.

“I know some of you have had dealings with various tribes of the Lizardfolk before. That’s part of why you’re here. We need to know what exactly is going on, and why. And we need to find out quickly and efficiently. I can’t send a whole platoon for no reason.

I assume you all are familiar with each other. I hope you can all trust each other. Now, before I go further, I need to know that I can count on you all. If any of you are unsure, there’s the door. I don’t care where you go, but I don’t need to send you out there to get killed. Will you all accept this mission?”

Charles winces at the mention of his past. If I don't say something now, I'll regret it... I didn't say anything last time. I will have to tell them all to turn down the mission. This might be out of our league. Some stupid common folk worried about shrimps like Deep Mist are not worth dying for. Charles takes a deep breath and speaks: I'm sorry, b-

"I'm in."

Charles looks shocked at Kaelen. Is he nuts? He of all people should-

"I am honored to accept this mission, sir. It should provide ample opportunity to field test my newer functions!"

"Sir, Headmaster Goludov, sir, the whispers of I'Katra have called me here as much as your missive, my home is the academy, and my choice is to accept this task..."

Charles bits his lip slightly, completely infuriated, Idiots! Kaelen has gone crazy, I think I saw him hit his head on something less than a week ago.. what are these guys' excuses?!

"An honor, sir,"

An honor?!

"You can definitely count me in, I've been waiting for this chance for years sir! I won't let you down."

Real cute. We'll see who's "down" after we see those Blackscales...

Charles drops his head. That's five of them. Just me now. Like usual. What happens now? I say yes... we go out there. Punch some Deep Mist, spot some Blackscales, and... build our own graves? If I say no... what? I get dismissed and they all die anyway? Damn the gods, damn them. Charles feels the room staring in anticipation. I hope I get killed in my sleep... I don't want to feel regret again.

"This is funny you know? Ha-ha kind of funny. I hope this goes better than I think it will. I trust Kaelen's instincts. I'm in, as well.


For the rest of the conversation, Charles is a little spaced out. He is battling strong feelings. I'm an idiot!. / This could be different, I'm stronger now, so are they... we could beat them? / What am I saying? I've seen mentors die in front of my eyes / We are soldiers... am I to expect that I would never face them again? That's stupid thinking. / They might not even show up. / What something worse does... / Man, if Brick saw me like this... he would kick my ass.

He nods his head anytime he is mentioned and tries to pass off as if he is actively listening.

"I... I would suggest either Charles or Sepoto take charge of the map. Sepoto, I believe that you have the most...ah, experience with the lizard-folk, yes?"

Hmm, if I can memorize the map I won't always need it.

I know how to find my way back if I get seperated. I assume Charles can do the same.

Charles nods peacefully.

"I know Charles to be a collector of the wayfinding papers, and more familiar with them than I. His jungle-lore is esteemed by me as well. Perhaps he should take them?"

If you insist, I'll take it. It might be best if I don't carry it while I'm alone however

Charles finally snaps out of it with the mention of fruit. I should be dead anyway. These guys are doomed anyway. Nothing changes no matter what I say. Let the fates play their hand.

I have a good amount of potions in my possession. I'm not sure how long it'll last me, but I intend on not getting hit. I think I have a better chance of poisoning myself. And about that map, maybe someone can get us a copy? Magically or otherwise

 

[Pebele]

Goludov locks eyes with Charles for a moment. "I have a second map, but I truly hope the six of you are just anxious right now, that this is not an indication of how this mission will go."

He turns away and pulls another map out of his stack of papers. "I trust you will be able to find your way. Now, if there were no other questions, you should get going. I would like for you to leave at first light tomorrow."

 

[EvolutionKB]

Kaelan

"I'm going to gather my things, I'll meet everybody outside tomorrow at dawn." Now that everyone has spoken their minds, Kaelan takes one last glance out the window, before exiting. At the door he stops and turns turns his gaze on the Headmaster. "Thank you," he says, the emotion of his voice is very different than the words that emerged.