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Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Feb 5, 2023 13:52:35 GMT -5
Ray's wanderings had taken him many places unfamiliar and even scary. None, so far as he could imagine, would ever match the woods into which he now strolled once more. These woods; with trees dark and low, moss and lichens adorning their branches like moth eaten dresses hung from skeletal limbs, surrounding trails flowing to successive specks of dry land between puddles of algae filled water; left him with a constant feeling of unease, a primordial dread of some yet unforeseen adversary stalking him in the shadows. This journey was made bearable by his connection with Qil, a celestial being, and the strength of will it gave him. Though apprehensive he was not afraid, and continued with a religious demeanor of stoic resolve, along the path he had been guided to.
The grey skinned half elf had messy shoulder length black hair. His eyes were a pale green and sat above rough angular features with a healthy scattering of scars among them. His brown robe had its right sleeve tied to conceal what remained in place of his missing arm. A saber, old and worn, hung from a simple leather loop at his left side. Above this was a set of pouches each holding a book, one thin and small, the other larger and ornamented with simple scroll work. His leather boots stuck into the mud slightly with each step, their laces and edges were worn and a few tears and cuts were present from recent battles.
"Wanderer, guide our steps along your path that we might step into the fate you've gifted us. May our feet may lead us to those in need, and our hands be capable of lifting them up...." The prayer continued, steady and low, as Ray recited passages from the Wanderer's holy text to keep himself company through the woods.
The stories he'd heard of these woods always concerned a haunting of some sort. A ghost of a murdered hunter, the souls of betrayed lovers, even deities of nature or fairies, were said to roam here and torture those unlucky enough to draw their ire. He pulled his hood up, making it easier to focus on the road ahead and curbing the paranoid need to glance about himself for some sign of ambush.
The snapping of a branch sent him on alert. His head shot to the sight of the disturbance and he found a snake had broken a limb it had been scaling, falling with a splash into a puddle a ways off the road. He breathed out a long sigh before turning back to the path and resuming his prayer.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 5, 2023 21:28:10 GMT -5
Hauntwood was a familiar place to the construct, gnarled branches, obtuse roots that seemed to twist and bend in atop each other. The ground always was drenched, soggy and sparsely covered in weed and shrubbery. They trudged through the mire, doing their best to keep the muck from seeping into the various seems of their form. A wash would be needed either way, to keep grit and other detritus from building up.
They were returning home after a long journey, one that had taken a hefty toll on the automaton. Not quite as tall as a man, and lithe, slender of form, Socket looked like a predatory cat made of metals. They covered this form with a simple traveling cloak, it's hues making it tough at a distance to distinguish where the body was precisely, and matching gear in an effort to keep more moisture and debris out.
After a bit of travel, Socket decided they should practice their skills. Leaping into a nearby tree, they dashed about between the boughs and twirling masses jutting from the bogs and pools. As they sailed through the wood along the path, an electric glow and tiny arcs of lightning started to jump across the surface of their body. It would give away their position, but Socket was confident they could wriggle their way through just about any threat in the Hauntwood. This form of training while traveling often carried Socket immense distances at a pace that would make even the swiftest birds a bit envious.
A voice, low and droning, reciting something Socket struggled to make out at speed caught their attention. Looking up, they were almost upon the man standing in the path. A snappy reaction allowed Socket to swing themselves off a branch, hurling themselves over the traveler in a graceful arc. Landing beside the road with a sharp splash, Socket held still a moment to let the strain settle across their body. The stresses needed to change their inertia could be staggering, often pushing the very limits of the materials they were made of.
They stood, brushing off splatter and turned to face the traveler. A glance at their attire gave Socket the impression of a religious scholar of some kind, an academic. "I do apologize for the close call, I hope you're alright Ser Scholar." The tone of their voice was synthetic and held an electric distortion, coming from an apparatus that served as both sound input and output for the automaton. Static charge gave the construct an eerie glow that faded as they calmed down.
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Items: Morph Suit, Spell Book, Constrictor Wraps, Bare Hands, Exploding Pebbles Pets: None
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Fighter's Guild
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48
Renown
Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Feb 10, 2023 9:34:20 GMT -5
Just as a false sense of security had blanketed Ray another disturbance shocked him to attention. A source of light darted about in the swamp, growing brighter as it danced like some will-o-the-wisp through the trees. He stared for a moment, thinking back to the ghost tales, at the beautiful display. In a split second the light rushed towards his direction at speed, growing in size as a humanoid figure shot out of the dark with sparks electricity surrounding its form.
Ray dropped down, drew his saber, and assumed a defensive stance in a split second. The creature reacted just as quickly, swinging from a branch and launching itself over him. Ray pivoted to face... whatever this was... It appeared humanoid in size and shape but with a distinctly feline shape to its face. The most shocking and confusing feature however was the metallic sheen of its exposed skin.
The creature, or person maybe, spoke with an odd inflection in an accent both familiar and forming. Something seemed unnatural about it, well, more than one thing... Ah well, he'd been in odder situations and the apology gave no indication of hostility.
"Scholar is kind, too kind really. Name's Ray"
He sheathed his blade before returning to a relaxed posture and brushing his hair and robe back into place. The speed at which this stranger had approached had been extreme enough to bring a blast of wind along with it.
"You live out here?" Ray asked in a way that showed he clearly doubted that they did.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 10, 2023 9:56:02 GMT -5
"I live in Gazablaak actually, but Hauntwood is a frequent hunting ground as well as traveling path to other places. Nice to meet you Ray, I'm Kosoku, my companions often call me Socket." Replied the metallic being, it's 'ears' pivoting about and picking up sounds from the surroundings.
Seeing the gentleman relax, Socket stood up, letting their arms drop to the side. This was someone new, and the plethora of curious questions that popped into mind for the automaton were always a welcome experience. Since completing their last big job, Socket was ready to take on a bit of downtime, catch up on some much needed repair, training, things that had been put off due to the urgency required. Stepping quietly along the path, they glanced about for signs of predators. This was Hauntwood, and being complacent was often the fastest way to becoming the next meal of an unpleasant variety.
"Are you also familiar with Hauntwood? What brings you to this fine boggy place?" They asked as politely as possible. Knowledge, curiosity, and the pursuit of new experiences were the core of Socket's being, an almost voracious need to learn about the workings of people, places, and processes often led to conflicts with others who wished for secrecy.
Stabilizing the flow of energies within, the glow around Socket's body faded. This, combined with the simple cloak and quiet step made the construct seem to phase into the background of Hauntwood. Only the bright glow of their 'eyes' gave away their position, but the construct wished to be prepared for any outcome.
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Fighter's Guild
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Half Human - Half Moon Elf
Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Feb 15, 2023 10:27:53 GMT -5
The strange being before Ray, Kosoku or "Socket", spoke in a way foreign to the swamps. It was almost as if the beings existence was in direct contrast to their somber background of moss and mud. Hearing that they lived in Gazaablak was even more surprising, though it made sense for such a strange one to find acceptance there of all places.
"Glad to have met peaceful company out here, perhaps we could walk together through the swamp, safety in numbers and all that." Ray motioned further down the path, it was a dark and foreboding place to him due to his memories within.
The construct seemed to calm itself in a mechanical fashion, releasing the energy that surrounded it and growing small and dim. The effect was stealthy, if they'd been in this form originally he'd have never seen them. A small part of him was still paranoid of Kosoku, some would say that it was a healthy fear. The Wanderer would challenge him to be both welcoming and open to the stranger. A small kindness could lead to great good and a small offense to great consequence. When the next question arose Ray answered with the grace of the traveling preacher he was, and the vagueness the occupation forced unto him.
"I'm all too familiar with it, though I'm simply passing through in this general direction. I don't really even know my destination... The Wanderer guides me along an ever winding path." He looked peaceful as he spoke of it, he'd grown comfortable being in a state of constant uncertainty. Realizing he'd given an odd answer he spoke more to clear up confusion.
"The Wanderer is the deity of my order, The Order of The Blessed Wanderer." He smiled, looking to Kosoku with curiosity as he awaited their reaction.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 15, 2023 10:56:43 GMT -5
"Hmmm, I can understand, at least a bit. As a being made by other beings, the creation of science and magical studies, there isn't much in the way of spirituality to my understanding amongst our design."
Socket halted, their 'ears' pivoting about and picking up a distant, shuffling sound. They crouched, and signaled to Ray to do the same. Hauntwood was not exactly the most deadly of places in Charon, as long as you kept a healthy respect for it's more ferocious denizens. A large swamp gator slid ashore on the bank of a creek, dragging it's girth through the brush and mucky ground which had caused the sounds.
Socket moved to the opposite side of the path, taking a slow and quiet pace to go around the creature without disturbing it. There was a slight surprise, as most of the reptilian denizens of the swamp would be in a state of torpor this time of year to endure the cold. This particular behemoth of a specimen didn't seem as phased, camping itself on the bank under the bright beams of the sun. Socket could sympathize, a warm bath or a crackling campfire after a frosty day of hunting, tracking or traveling was always a welcome comfort.
"That's one of the bigger ones I've seen, must be the grandparent of many of the others... those battle scars are something else.." Socket said quietly, keeping an eye on the creature as they picked through the underbrush and gnarled roots, finding a quiet path for Ray to follow and be able to keep out of sight.
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Fighter's Guild
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Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Feb 16, 2023 11:15:21 GMT -5
Socket's mentioning of being created by other beings was something else. Even for a man with a celestial entity inhabiting his soul hearing that someone could be made from magic and science, completely outside of the natural cycle of life, was entirely difficult to believe. He was convinced by the being's strange appearance that it could be somewhat truthful, his religious beliefs prevented him from accepting it fully without hearing more.
"I believe we all have some hint of spirituality to us, whether by design or not. It's a part of any intelligent being's spirit to wander at greater things, is it not?" The Wanderer could reach anyone, after all, he thought.
Socket stopped, a sudden pause that Ray mimicked out of respect for the swamp's dangers. They pointed out a massive gator basking in the path. The beast was one of the largest he'd seen, the kind of beast that inspired stories in taverns across the Marsh Flats. Socket provided much needed guidance as they walked around the beast. He'd walked in the swamp throughout his life, but stealthiness had never been a strong suit of his. Following after Socket he managed to avoid drawing the giant's attention to his own edibility. After they had moved past it a good distance Ray allowed himself to relax again, now fully trusting in the newly met Socket's competence.
"You called this place a hunting ground earlier. What sort of creatures do you hunt? You've obviously got some skill, I could have ended up a meal for that thing if you hadn't come along." Ray's voice remained low and his eyes now watched the horizon carefully.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 16, 2023 13:36:28 GMT -5
"I tend to be sent after the dangerous pray, myself and at least one other. Most of the hunters I've met or traveled with are gathering food for Gazablaak and it's residents. The few of us with magic, or exceptional skill hunt the things that go after villagers, merchant caravans, and make fishing dangerous. That gator for example, if it would have been closer to a merchant route, would need to be removed, either by relocating it if possible, or hunting it if not. We all try to make use of the prey we collect to it's maximum effect, but some fights are not clean and orderly."
Clear of the threatened zone, Socket stood up, returning to the pathway through the woods to town. Their 'ears' stayed on a swivel, moving about at the changing melody of life as the pair strolled down the hard packed path. Pondering Ray's other statement, Socket couldn't help but wonder at their own form. Would their engram be able to interact with a source of divinity, or be seen as an abomination to deities. What little they knew of the mythos of gods told them it was most likely the latter. Gods did not like when their creations tried to replicate the feat of life's blessings, relegating that power to time and the cycle of nature.
'Do I wonder about greater things?' they thought to themselves for many long moments, unable to answer the question. Socket let the question run it's course, as the possible implications were profound but minor. Perhaps this was their disconnect with biological entities, their curiosity was not about unraveling great mysteries or communing with supernatural entities.
"I suppose I am different in that way Ray, the will of gods and the questions others seek because of them doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm curious about things, but in a very different way, and the goal isn't some advantage in life or ephemeral ticket to a better existence beyond this one. I wish to learn for learning's sake, to familiarize myself with not only the things I have experienced, but the things I've yet to experience as well... the closest thing I have to a life goal is helping others where I can and discovering new things about the world around me." They finally replied, satisfied with the answer internally.
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Fighter's Guild
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Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Feb 19, 2023 9:53:47 GMT -5
Hearing that Socket was a hunter of some renown, likely due to the command of magic they'd displayed earlier, put the earlier display of awareness and stealth in perspective. He was familiar with the hunting practices of Gazablaak and even knew a few of the hunters, those that had retired to the work from banditry. If Socket was equal or above their skill level they would surely be a force to be reckoned with in a hunt or a fight. He found his respect for the odd being grow.
"That's a noble practice to keep. I couldn't imagine convincing that behemoth to move without something winding up dead."
As Socket spoke about their belief on spirituality it became apparent they were still alike, if not in the inward expression of their beliefs and values then in their outward expressions. Each of the two believed in learning and helping others, while these were basic principals they were key ones. The Wanderer called his followers to seek their fates and assist those they meet along the path. It could easily be said that benevolence, curiosity, and openness were the key tenets to Ray's religion. It made sense that a being so exotic as Socket would naturally lean towards similar ideals.
"I see, there's a beauty in such a way of thinking. If you stretch a bit curiosity is what leads me about in the end, Wanderer's influence aside. I do wonder how you've been accepted around here, and where you originally hail from? In my past experience Gazablaak is a place to lay low for outsiders while ingraining yourself is a bit more difficult to achieve." Ray cast a sideways glance at Socket. It wasn't that he didn't believe them, just that he himself struggled to find a place in Gazablaak despite having grown up nearby.
The swamp seemed to grow more peaceful, even the deathly trees looked more pleasant. It was interesting the difference making the trek with an experienced tracker made. The Hauntwood seemed less mysterious when one who understood its intricacies and dangers was present. Socket moved through the forests like one would the streets of their home town, aware of the dos and do nots.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 20, 2023 17:56:43 GMT -5
"Where I'm from is a place far removed from Charon. Thus far, as best I've been able to tell since arriving here, this is an entirely different realm. The stars, magic, peoples... technology and history, all different from where I was built. I could be wrong, this could just be some far flung corner of another galaxy across an expanse that would boggle even the best minds... but the simplest explanation is often the most realistic. This world, Charon, is not where I am from originally, and the place I'm from didn't have a generally accepted name... but rather each star, each world circling them, all had names and classification."
Stepping over a protruding root, Socket's foot nearly squished a snake's head into the mire. Looking down at the small, hissing reptile, it was coiled around a small clutch of eggs. Waving Ray around to the far side, the construct made no further movement closer while blocking it's line of sight. Once past, they continued the conversation, 'ears' resuming their swiveling pattern.
"People from Gazablaak, other hunters, they found me in the muck down along the coast. They brought me back to town, gave me a place to stay in return for doing simple tasks. I met the major players in town little by little, learned to hunt and fight and earn my place amongst them over a very long period of time before I began venturing too far from town. Life's been interesting the entire time, both around town and abroad. Lately, I've found an exceptional motivation to build my skill sets, expand on the things I'm capable of doing, and extend the influences of my results beyond the boundaries of Marsh Flats."
The path had steadily been drying out as they made progress through Hauntwood. Dry, fallen leaves stirred with their passing, and muddy paths became a hard packed, dusty affair. Another hour or so of travel at this pace and they'd be through the other side. Socket hadn't expected to run into anyone on their way home, zipping through the trees, but the trip had been a pleasant experience and guiding unexpected visitors through the area was an enjoyable endeavor.
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Fighter's Guild
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Post by Ray Castien on Feb 28, 2023 11:10:19 GMT -5
That was... not, the answer he'd expected. Though it made perfect sense in a way. Perhaps this Socket character was alike to Qil, an entity that happened here and found a purpose in staying there. Whatever realm they were from it certainly had some advanced magic, for Socket seemed to be made from extremely powerful magic of some sort, reminding him of a far better version of Velicky's bots.
"I see. Its no wonder you have a struggle with the gods here... seeing as you were under a different set likely. I can't truly imagine what your realm was like, and I won't try, lest I scramble my brain further." He was truly talking without knowing here, imagining some entirely new world was beyond him.
As they were scurried around the snake and its eggs he was again surprised by the gentleness of this being. For a hunter they were far more concerned with life than any other he'd met. Seeing that the Hauntwood was soon to end Ray felt relief, his guide had prevented at least two dangers and provided challenging and interesting conversation along the way.
"I have to say, Socket, you've definitely given me a lot to think about. I can't imagine having to find my way in a new town, let alone your situation. I myself have had to build a new life once... I wasn't always a healer, as I doubt you were always a hunter, before The Wanderer, I found my purpose in life to be self-preservation. Banditry, to put it straight. For me it wasn't a new dimension, but a disability that caused things to change." He reach his left hand up and tugged on the sleeve that covered his missing arm.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Feb 28, 2023 16:02:26 GMT -5
Nodding, the construct mulled over the man's words. They had a difficult time imagining what it'd be like to lose a body part permanently, but could see how that would lead to a different set of choices following the event. Socket was remised, remembering their home and the technology that could ease the man's suffering. Perhaps not able to regrow their own arm, they could be given at least most of the functionality and ability back.
"I can understand to some extent, the path you've taken. Charon is an interesting place, one were a person's options seem to be as changing as it's seasons. Perhaps some day, there will be a way to give those who lose a literal part of themselves to regain a portion of it. Possibilities, growth and change are the mark of a thriving and growing world, and thus far as I've experienced, there is plenty to go around."
Change was good for all beings, and Socket was glad they'd been working on improving themselves along the way. Each new encounter, for better or worse, changed the outcome of those that followed. Lost in the ideas and chain of thought, Socket nearly stumbled over a fallen branch on the path. The rustling of it's leaves and the snap of small twigs along the fallen bit of limb alerted the construct at the last moment. They moved it aside with a sweep of the foot, then scanned the area again for signs of creatures. Things were going smoothly for a trip through Hauntwood, and Socket was glad to see there were no more rumors of ghouls and ghosts haunting travelers either... A promise kept, they would have to stop in and check on the pranksters later.
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Fighter's Guild
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Ray Castien, my character https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/660/ray-castien-character-page
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Post by Ray Castien on Mar 11, 2023 12:41:01 GMT -5
Musings about change brought to light how philosophical the being known as Socket could be despite its own hesitancy to admit it. Ray chuckled slightly as they almost tripped on a branch, more distracted than they'd been on this whole walk, and broke the illusion that they were perfectly stealthy.
Ray pulled The Wanderer's journal from his waist and handed it to Socket.
"I believe this would be more than curious to you." He said, with a gentle smile.
The Wanderer's philosophy would match that of Socket's quite well. Both believed that a path was meant to refine one for what comes later, and both seemed accustomed to unpredictability, so far as Ray could tell.
"I don't meant to push of course, you don't have to look into it at all." He'd had some grow highly offended when he offered the words of the Wanderer to them...
Their jaunt through the woods had been calm and eye opening, a vast contrast to his earlier strolls through these woods. Ray's eyes caught sight of something odd, a small trail led off into a dark, dense, wooded area to the left of the main path. Despite having traveled through here multiple times he'd never seen it before, and it looked more well traveled even than the main path did...
"Up there, you seen that in your recent travels through here?" He spoke pointing to the path.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 12, 2023 1:15:21 GMT -5
"I do indeed know where the trail leads, and if we're lucky, we might find something interesting at the end of it's path... otherwise, it's just a local fishing hole that many of the town love to visit." Socket replied, taking the book and tucking it into a pocket to examine at length later. Perhaps it would have some secrets, perhaps it was an ordinary book about Ray's chosen faith... one couldn't be certain without investigating.
Winding through a dryer section of the Marsh Flats, the trail ended in a simple dock with a small wooden gazebo. Benches were spaced around the edge, and a low, flat table was built into it's center. Everything looked weathered, aged, yet surprisingly well kept. The locals were fond of this unassuming little dock for two reason: The fishing was first class, and there was a traveling merchant that wandered the deeper creeks and shallow rivers of the area. Socket paused, and signaled to Ray to do the same with a hand out behind themselves.
On the bank was another snake, this one a tan and brown pocked constrictor, with a squared head and thickly corded body. It seemed to be bathing along the dock, and covered some twelve to fourteen feet by the automaton's estimation... big enough to crush the breath out of most people. While not odd to see such a snake, it was odd to see it sunning in such a busy place. The surrounding water rippled briefly before erupting in a great gout of spray and vegetation, the snake's body pulled below the surface by some unseen creature.
Socket stood up straight and approached the dock, waving Ray to join. As the construct walked toward the end of the dock, a mountainous, spiny shelled turtle shed water from it's dark green and brown scales. A sharp beaked head, stubby powerful legs and tail, and the oddest rainbow collection of trinkets and baubles fitted into waterproof cases greeted the automaton. A thick rope covered in swamp muck was tied around the spines atop it's head as crude set of reins, and guiding the turtle was the most outlandish Triton one could imagine.
Dressed in tight, brightly colored leathers, the patterns cut into the fabrics seemed like a chaotic patchwork of leftovers, and the small, portly man wearing them looked both out of place and well suited to the odd spectacle.
"Oi Brimma, that snapper of yours seems to have been clutched by some great sea serpent... how do you afford feeding him?"
"Crikey, Socket... haven't seen ye for many moon. Ol' Chompa here gets his meals just the way he gets that snake. The poor basta'ds see me snazzy duds, think me an easy snack, get snacked on right back."
"How's the river treating you? I can see Chompa's living the good life, but hopefully you're makin' plenty of good trade on your rounds still."
"Too right, the waters been treatin' well 'nough. Ye gonna introduce me to the new customa' or you keepin' dealin's to yaself now?"
"Forgive me, this is Ray. We met just recently on the road back to town and I've been keeping him out of the path of all the nests and critters since. Good to see you doing well." Commented the automaton, who stepped out of the way to allow Ray a closer look.
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Post by Ray Castien on Apr 2, 2023 7:38:02 GMT -5
Ray stopped suddenly, ducking slightly and focusing on the water in front of where Socket had stopped him. A snake, enormous as any in the swamps, slithered about the water's edge looking for a meal. As the giant turtle erupted from the water and swallowed the massive snake whole Ray jumped backwards, tripped over a stick, and fell flat on his rear end. He was certain that, for once, Socket's ability to keep them safe had finally failed... until he saw the pudgy Triton riding atop the thing.
He pulled himself up from the swamp's muck and wiped off the excess mud that hadn't soaked through his robe already. Taking slow steps and assuring himself all along the way that Socket was truly conversing with the rider, Ray approached. His mouth drooped open and his eyes narrowed as he tried to gleam what various wares the merchant carried atop a giant turtle.
Now closer than he was comfortable being to the creature he listened as the two bantered back and forth. Socket was surely informed of every little secret this swamp held, it seemed. Ray smiled as his fear abated into simple whimsy at the sight.
"This is a friend of yours?" He asked Socket before turning back to the man atop his turtle, err shop...
"Name's... Ray." He was leaning in various directions to look more closely at the man's strange outfit, his turtle's anatomy, and the various goods it carried in the ingenious little waterproof containers as he spoke.
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