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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Nov 27, 2022 18:36:26 GMT -5
Thank Ginma for the extra jobs he's been working to afford a new coat or Gerhart thought he would freeze. He pulled the bear fur lined coat over his shoulders with a shudder and a groan. The tip of his nose was red as he sneezed, a very grumpy look crossing his face for a moment. He trudged through ankle deep snow to the nearest settlement he could find, hearing about the loss in the fields.
From what he last heard they had departed from here, but they should have returned by now and from the look of the skies this wasn't going to get any better the longer that they were out there. Gerhart shook off the snow from his shoulders and the chill from his body as he stepped into what counted as a tavern in this settlement.
"Ye must be the adventurer they called for." An older gnome behind the bar cocked his head towards Gerhart as he entered.
"That would be me yeah, what do we know?" Gerhart took a seat at the bar, grabbing a drink, peeling off his gloves to warm up his numbing fingers.
"Ain't much to know, they shoulda returned by now, makin a supply run, so they's important to get back here."
Gerhart nodded, "Out in this cold there might be something out there just as hungry as this town....don't worry, I'll find them."
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Post by Ray Castien on Nov 28, 2022 10:25:18 GMT -5
Traveling through Frost Gale had always been a favorite of Ray's. The cold frozen tundra kept most people inside and the roads and trails were always empty, he'd come to appreciate that lonesomeness and the room for thought it provided. The Wanderer had guided Qil and himself to this remote settlement, deep snow and a growing storm made the way difficult and reminded Ray of the roughness of living in the woods as a bandit. The village actually seemed familiar, it was a lifetime ago but he could swear his gang had raided this place for food one winter... hopefully they wouldn't remember it either...
"Seeker, enter here, our path lies inside." Qil's voice was warm and confident, his presence had been one of comfort during the long and arduous journey here. What The Wanderer had in store for them out in the middle of nowhere was bewildering, but then his ways always seemed to be.
He trudged into what looked to be a tavern, brushing the snow off his clothes and equipment before entering. He walked up to the bar and took a seat, scanning the room for anything particularly out of the ordinary. A conversation between the bar tender and a patron, looking to be a traveler as well, caught his ear.
"-shoulda returned by now, makin a supply run, so they's important to get back here"
"Out in this cold there might be something out there just as hungry as this town....don't worry, I'll find them."
This was likely what they'd been called here for, some sort of disappearance had occurred. It would be difficult to find anyone alone out here...
Ray changed seats, moving closer to the conversing men. He reach his arm over and tapped on the bar near them, coughing to get their attention.
"Pard'n me, did I hear right that someone's lost out in this weather, with a storm brewin?" His face showed concern, a look of gentleness and genuine care in his eyes despite his scarred, stern face.
"I've no hesitation to head out again and help in the search. Name's Ray, healer of the Order of the Blessed Wanderer." He reach his left hand out to the traveler for a handshake. The gesture and the way he shifted to perform it made it all the more obvious that his right arm was no more than a stump.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Nov 29, 2022 19:25:08 GMT -5
“All right, don’t you folks worry, I’ll take care of it.” Gerhart brimmed with a smile as he heard the other man’s offer of help. Thank Ginma, he wouldn’t be going alone. That would make this infinitely less worrying.
Gerhart reached over and shook his hand, either not noticing or not making mention of the man’s other arm. “Don’t know nothing about your order, but it’ll be good to have a healer! Names Gerhart, good to meet you.”
A couple of coins were handed to the bartender to get Ray a drink of whatever he wanted to order. “According to what I’ve heard their wagon broke down somewhere out there on the tundra. Not exactly sure what caused it, but they were on a supply run for the town so being stranded with lots of food makes them a prime target. We might unfortunately need your healing skills.” Gerhart tossed back a good gulp of his drink enjoying the warmth it put in his stomach before he took some food as well.
”We should hustle, just getting a little bit of food before we go. If ya want a meal real quick order whatever, I’ll cover you this time as a thanks for joining me.” Gerhart spoke through chewing his food with a wide grin
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Post by Ray Castien on Dec 3, 2022 14:15:45 GMT -5
Ray appreciated the warmth and familiarity of this stranger, it only served to reinforce his positive view of the man offering his help to the townsfolk. He offered a warm smile to him as he patted his robe where an internal pocket near his stomach held a wrapped meat pie close to him so as to keep it warm.
"No need for food, I'm used to going far longer without a good meal, might turn my stomach to eat too well now." He winked as he pulled his journal out and wrote a few quick lines down, detailing the recent events as he waited for his friend to finish eating.
"You're right though, seems like a storm is brewing out there. Waitin will kill em for sure, possibly us too." Ray scowled, thinking of the bitter cold and the poor folks trapped in it.
As Gerhart finished his food Ray put his journal away and steeled himself to re-enter the storm. He had dressed for cold weather and yet still felt an intense chill in this frigid land. As the two stood Ray called back to the bar man.
"You know which way they was headed to and from?" It would be the only needed info, they'd be looking for a needle in a snow pile still though.
"Likely to the Pale City, or one of the villages along the way out West."
"Well, that's likely all we'll get." Ray shrugged his shoulders and motioned Gerhart along with him out the door. As they pushed through the door they were met with winds laced with powder snow and fresh snowflakes. A storm was surely brewing and it had grown worse than earlier already. Making their way towards the Western road, or what they could see of it, was a trudge through thickening snow against the blistering wind. This would be... less than fun.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Dec 3, 2022 20:40:29 GMT -5
"Fair enough." He gave a light laugh at the comment about the food before hopping down from his barstool. Gerhart pulled his jacket back tight around his shoulders. He nestled his chin down into some of the furs as they exited the tavern.
"If I were to take a guess, I imagine at this time of the year they were headed towards one of the western villages. Pale City is a bit too far out from here and far too inviting to want to brave the trip back." Another grin from beneath the furs.
Gerhart squinted towards the sky as they started to make their way out of town. It really did look bad and there wasn't much of a chance things were going to improve. From the looks of it they had maybe a handful or two of hours before the storm hit. Back in the Moonglade, a storm wasn't a big deal. Even if there was a big storm coming you could make good time to a village or shelter if you knew what to look out for, but out here? The snow would double the time it took.
"So, how's a guy get so big like you huh? Is it like a diet thing or like....ya part giant?" They had hours to kill, might as well make small talk. "I only know one guy a little taller than you, but he's minotaur so I don't know if that's a fair comparison. He could be short for a minotaur for all I know. He's the only one I've ever met."
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Post by Ray Castien on Dec 6, 2022 9:54:35 GMT -5
Ray smiled at the thought of the lost strangers simply relaxing in the Pale City and refusing to leave its comfort. It was a brighter image than the one that followed. The more likely situation was that they were huddled for warmth, likely wounded, and unable to reach safety before the storm set in. The though returned a grim look to his face once more. His friend was surely correct, though he had little knowledge of the area to go off of himself.
"You're right, folks like this don't abandon one another like that. They probably pushed through the storm so the supplies could get here in time..." Ray spoke slower than usual, trying to raise his voice above the wind.
As Gerhart asked his next question it brought on memories and feelings that had long ago been forgotten. Very few people asked about Ray personally, most just wondered about The Wanderer. In order to explain his height meant talking about his parents. He rarely thought of them, let alone spoke of them. But, this stranger gave a good impression and even mentioned a minotaur, Shaa?, which made him seem trustworthy.
"Well... if you'd seen my father, you'd think even a minotaur small..." A small smile, tinged with sadness, crossed Ray's lips as he looked to Gerhart.
"I took after my mother a good bit, she was elven, ya see." He pulled the hood back slightly and parted his hair to show the elven ears beneath. "Got most of my looks from her... just ended up with my pa's build and a spit of his height." He looked up to the sky as the sad smile grew a bit happier.
The memories of his family were always a mixed bag. He had fond memories of both of them, the sadness wasn't from ill treatment or abuse. Instead it was of their deaths. His father resisted as a band of soldiers looted the village, so they killed him and his wife. Ray was but a boy then, and had been left behind with a smoldering village full of dead bodies and other orphan children. He cut the memory there. Realizing he'd stopped in his tracks at some point he continued walking at a brisker pace to catch up.
"Sorry, lotsa memories there..." He coughed and avoided eye contact for a bit, rubbing the tears that had formed away.
"Anyways. You mentioned a minotaur? Happen to be called Shaa? If so, any friend of his is a friend of mine." Ray's voice returned to its normal gruffness as he tried to change the subject.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Dec 6, 2022 10:40:40 GMT -5
“Oh don’t worry, I know a thing or two about holding to memories.” Gerhart smiled wide his hand unconsciously coming to the scars on his cheek. “Gotta hold on to the good ones right? They’re the most fun ones the share.”
Gerhart listened intently as Ray talked about himself and his parents, giving the man his full attention even while tracking for the men as best he can. But he was sure to follow Ray’s pace and not leave him behind. He couldn’t help but give a little laugh when he heard Shaa’s name.
”What a small world~ though I should figure if anyone knows a single Minotaur it’s probably gonna be him. He and my arch rival slash best friend Zarius are in the Fighters Guild, though I am hesitant to put myself on equal terms with either of them. They both have a lot of skill and can use spells, me?” He gives a bright grin and laugh grabbing the handles of his sword to wiggle them a bit. “This is all I know how to do. No magic, no spells.”
Gerhart did not seem disappointed in himself about this lack of magical prowess though, Ray could quickly see it would be hard to find something that did discourage him. After about an hour of walking, Gerhart did finally stop them to get a closer look at the snow
”See that? I think we finally picked up on the trail.” His hand slowly pointed to faint wagon tracks and lifted up to show how far out on the distance they went. He also picked up a large dusky grey feather. “Bad news is I don’t think we are the first to catch this trail.”
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Post by Ray Castien on Dec 7, 2022 20:31:04 GMT -5
Ray's fondness of Gerhart grew as the young man proved a kind listener. He seemed to truly empathize with him as well. The scar on his cheek, like the many on Ray's person, would likely tell a dark story. He would do him the kindness of not asking.
"Ahh, I'll be joining the ranks some day, hopefully we can count each other as friends by then..." He spoke of the future, yet in the back of his mind the dangers of the present were obvious.
As Gerhart wiggled the sword's hilt Ray gave a laugh.
"Just being a swordsman is no small feat, choosing one thing to excel in is smart. I've a bit of talent with a blade myself." He patted the saber at his side.
Ray was about to ask if the man had any interest in magic, possibly even offer to teach him healing magic at some point, when he stopped suddenly and pointed to the snow. Wagon tracks led off into the distance. Things would have been looking up if not for the large feather sitting in the snow. Ray knew its source well.
"An owl bear... by The Wanderer... We best pick up the pace if we want to find anything but corpses."
He pushed though the snow with a renewed vigor. The tracks still shown in the snow so the wagon wouldn't be too far away. Judging by the lack of snow on the feather, neither would the owl bear. Ray prayed under his breath for protection as they hurried along.
The path continued for a ways longer, the tracks grew deeper, and the storm grew stronger. Before they reach the wagon it was a true blizzard. Snow blasted against their faces carried by frigid winds that stung Ray's skin as he clenched his hood shut tightly. The going was slow as they fought the wind but the tracks grew deeper still. They would have to be getting close by now. Ray could only hope the owl bear hadn't reached them.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Dec 8, 2022 10:41:56 GMT -5
“Why does snow have to be such a pain?” The young man grumbled after he followed after the priest.
Thankfully they weren’t too far from the wagon, the problem was it still took 45 minutes trudging through the snow. The cart was overturned on its side, horses having broken free from their reins and escaped long ago. The wagon looked like it broke an axle which wasn’t an easy fix even in the best of conditions. Trapped underneath one side of the wagon were the two merchants. Seeing this, Gerhart hustled over.
”Hey! Hey! It’s gonna be all right, just hold on!” Gerhart immediately came around to try and start lifting the wagon. “Can you pull them out Ray? Make sure they don’t die yet.” He gives a strained smile as he groans to lift it up.
As he does start lifting, both of them can hear snuffling and grunting coming from behind. They may have beaten the owl bear here but it wasn’t far behind. “Well….that’s not good, let me know when they are clear Ray and I can handle the bear while you handle them!” This was going to be a close call to hold the bear off, but they didn’t have much choice, they couldn’t run with two unconscious people.
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Post by Ray Castien on Dec 12, 2022 16:46:07 GMT -5
Seeing the two pinned under the wagon Ray sprinted over, pushing through the dense snow and falling to his knees near them. As the owl bear approached the two Ray summoned Qil to his aid. As he reach out his left hand to pull the first merchant free another arm burst out in place of his missing right arm. This one was covered in pale golden scales. Grabbing each merchant by the collar Ray gave a tug, the snow held them in place but with the strength of a celestial at his disposal they slid free and away from the wagon.
"Hold it off, don't be rash!" He shouted to Gerhart as he lifted his left hand towards the warrior. "Wanderer, give us your strength as we fight back against the tide of darkness." The prayer was spoken quickly and urgently. As it ended a warm light emanated from Ray and Gerhart as holy energy filled them with power. 1 It would have to be enough aid for now, he needed to focus on the currently wounded, Gerhart was just going to be wounded.
Turning his attention to the two he first felt for a pulse from each, placing his ear at their lips to see if they breathed still. Each was still alive, if barely, frostbite had taken its toll on their faces and extremities. They would need more than just healing, a fire and a warm meal would be necessary in the long run. For now Ray could only treat the wounds themselves. He placed a hand on each of their chests.
"Wanderer's light shine down and burn away the spreading night."2 Another quick prayer, and with each word the frostbite receded and life returned to the faces of the merchants. Their breath grew stronger and steadier as their pulse followed suit. They were still unconscious though, and more important matters were now at hand. He would surely need a rest from magic now, he felt light headed and attempting to focus took particular effort. He turned to see how Gerhart was faring against the owl bear. Rising to his feet to join the fray.
1. Cast Inspiring Presence - For the next three post any ally affected by this spell, including you, will deal double damage with their physical attacks. (does not effect spells) 2. Double Cast of Major Healing - Using Exalted level light magic skill.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Dec 12, 2022 17:02:54 GMT -5
Gerhart would have to ask about the wanderer later….and the arm….actually there were a few things he would have to ask Ray about when this was over. For now, focus on the task at hand.
Both swords were drawn as Gerhart entered his sword stance. This was a much bigger foe, brute force wasn’t the plan here. He’d gotten enough concussions charging Shaa to have finally learned that lesson. As the owlbear charges and makes its first big swipe, Gerhart is able to parry it to the side. The beast is quick enough to prevent his counter though as it follows with another swipe.
Even in the snow Gerhart has the speed advantage, but it wasn’t a big enough difference to change the fight. Just gave him an edge while dodging. He rolled under another swipe, bringing Double Strike up to slash across its side, a spray of crimson across the white snow. What would’ve been a fatal blow for him was merely an annoyance for the owlbear. It was going to take more than one hit to chase this thing off or kill it.
The owlbear charges Gerhart, ramming it’s head into his stomach trying to overtake him, but his armor proved sturdier as he stood his ground, locked in place for the moment.
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Post by Ray Castien on Dec 14, 2022 20:18:37 GMT -5
Seeing Gerhart's valiant efforts was encouraging, he was standing his ground better than most would. Ray had to adjust his tactics as his magic was still recovering from the heavy use of spells only moments prior. He summoned a buckler of golden scales onto his left arm then dropped the blades he held and charged forward. The swords floated along as if held by invisible combatants, each one then simply faded from sight.
Using his charge as a distraction Ray ran shoulder first into the enormous bear from the side. Even with his large stature and celestial reinforced strength he was barely able to budge the beast, only managing to knock it loose from Gerhart before it could gore more than a cuirass.
The bear shook him loose in an instant. Turning its fury upon him it slammed a giant clawed paw towards his side. The first invisible blade caught the owl bear off guard, striking deeply into the flesh at its elbow before the strike could connect. Holy light burned into the flesh slightly as the blade slid from the wound and back to invisibility.
Roaring with bloodlust the creature rushed forward with a slight limp, trying to chomp into Ray. Using the buckler he managed to smash the beast's head to the side and jump backwards to avoid being mauled. The second blade used this chance to strike two deep gashes into the owl bear's face. Though it missed its mark, only managing to slice into one of its eyes, as the other strike only managed a deep cut above the nose.
The bear now bled from a blinded eye but continued to rush forward as Ray scrambled to regain his footing in the thick snow.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Dec 14, 2022 23:12:49 GMT -5
"Hey now, don't forget who you are fighting!" Gerhart shouted to draw the bear's attention.[1] With the bear now focused on him he would drop down into the snow, throwing the bear off for just a moment.[2] He hoped that moment would be all that he needed. The young adventurer was hopefully setting up a trap that would ensure victory......or death. Who knows?
As the owlbear did eventually start to sniff him out, the trap was sprung. Gerhart kicked as much snow as he could in its face to blind it waiting as it got up to its hind feet ready to drop down on him. When it started to come down, just at the last moment Gerhart stepped under it so it would drop its throat onto his swords skewering itself.
From Ray's perspective there was a good chance the young man was dead. Thankfully, after a moment the snow did start to wiggle and move. "Little....help....bear.....heavy." It was hard to make his voice heard over the bear and the coming rush of wind and snow. He had a plan for this blizzard but it would be hard to communicate if he suffocated to death in the snow.
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Post by Ray Castien on Dec 16, 2022 12:20:43 GMT -5
As the beast turned its attention back to Gerhart Ray hurried to his feet. Watching in horror as Gerhart seemed to fall into the snow. Ray tried to move quickly to attack from behind but it was over in a moment and the owl bear dropped onto the young warrior.
"Damn you!" Ray yelled, angry at Gerhart for the risk he'd taken and himself for failing to do more.
He rushed to the side of the beast and prepared to swing once more, as a voice called out from beneath.
Ray exhaled in relief, sheathing his blade and resting his hands on his knees. The feeling of losing people was something Ray truly dreaded, especially someone as kind and good hearted as Gerhart seemed to be. Realizing the man lived, and had killed the bear with his risky move, caused Ray to laugh. He dropped to a squat, pushing with all his might against the carcass and rolling it off of Gerhart. Taking him by the arm he lifted him up to his feet, giving a strong pat on the back as he did.
"Risky, too risky. I recommend you value your life a bit more friend." Ray said in his best voice of fatherly criticism.
He then turned to the unconscious men they'd rescued and the wagon near them. They would have an awful time moving them in conditions like this, it'd be best to hunker down and weather the storm. They'd need a way to keep warm though, and he had none... they could possibly use the wagon as a shelter of sorts, pack some snow against it for insulation and use some of the wares to light a small fire. He saw now hills or caves near, so this was likely their best bet unless Gerhart had an idea.
"Should probably shleter here. Help me flip this wagon and we'll pack it like an igloo. Drag these poor folk inside and get a fire goin. We may just save their lives and our own. Unless you've a better idea?" Ray took position near the wagon, ready to tip it upside down for shelter.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Dec 16, 2022 13:57:15 GMT -5
The flood of air to his lungs was a welcome sensation. He took a few heavy breaths, giving a smile to Ray as he patted Gerhart on the back. “Only risky if I didn’t think I could do it.” There’s a rough little laugh as he regains his bearings while looking over the owlbear. Gerhart did seem a little conflicted about killing it, it was likely just hungry but he couldn’t just reason with it.
He sighs and takes a few feathers and a claw quickly. “Souvenirs for family, I owe them a few gifts.” He smiles towards Ray, stretching himself out a bit. Thankfully it seemed as if the merchants were ok, now it was just about outlasting this blizzard.
Once he is fully ready to go again, he rolls his shoulders ready to go lift the cart before stopping. He pats his pockets obviously searching for something and looking around in the snow. Out of the snow he pulls a little pumpkin shaped figure. “Hold on, I think I do.”
Gerhart steps about 15 feet away to give space before putting the pumpkin on the ground. In a flash it would expand to a strange pumpkin cottage. Inside it would fit six people, thankfully with only four of them this would work. “It’ll only last a day but that should be long enough to wait out the worst of it.” He motions for Ray to grab the other man while Gerhart gets another to take them inside and get them into a bed.
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