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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Dec 16, 2023 0:15:28 GMT -5
The Dark Elemental primordial energy is the disturbance the spiders are frightened of the Dark Elemental. As the Dark Elemental moves through the Moonglade killing and devouring what it runs into. Romures have it an Arch Mage summoned it lost control of it and died. Now the spiders are invading villages and established homesteads with the spiders roaming around even the roads are not safe to travel. Sarne and Sylvari are together after some time last seeing one another in homesteads. They had been one day on the road now tracking spiders. With Sarne's good tracking skills and senses, they were on the trail of a group of spiders that could be heading for a group of homesteads. Sylvari's instincts and intelligence gave them the edge and made them a force to be reckoned with. Their skills complemented one another for the most part. The first clue was a large pig wrapped in a spider web hanging in a tree drained of blood. It looked like a dried piece of fruit. Following the group of spiders longer found a wagon the two merchants were not too far away also hanging in a tree looking like mummies. The two mules were also draining but on the forest floor. the goods in the wagon almost had not been disturbed except for some small woodland animals that had gotten into the supply.
"I think we are getting closer to the group of spiders the I think the body's are only a few days old. Looking at the condition of the men what do you think?" ask Sarne looking around at the ground and in the trees for signs of the spiders.
Quest Name: Spiders, Again Participants: Two or more Location: Moonglade Post Requirements: 6 posts per person, 200 words per post Reward: +1 Renown, Choice of 2 Common crafting materials Description: Giant spiders have always been an issue in Moonglade, and are a constant threat to anyone brave enough to enter the Shadewood. However, the recent disturbance in Charon's primordial energy has affected most wildlife, causing them to behave unnaturally. Swarms of giant spiders have recently been seen roaming around outside the Shadewood, even crossing into villages and established homesteads. We need help in corralling these spiders back into the Shadewood, or flat-out killing them, whatever helps keep the citizens of Moonglade safe.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 16, 2023 20:35:41 GMT -5
Sylvari nodded at Sarne's words, trusting the noble's keen eye for detail, as he had been leading the pair after the spiders for a few days now. She moved forward to inspect the men, strung up on trees with webs and desiccated. it wasn't the first time she'd seen a man drained of blood.
"Attacked while they were conscious. Look here. See the bruising on the knuckles and perforations along the abdomen? These men were fighting for their lives." The justiciar's face fell as she gave a quick rite of prayer for the departed. "This is a grim omen. Spiders are ambush predators by nature. I know the dark energies made them flee their homes, but they must be desperate indeed if they attack prey that will fight back. We need to move quickly. Beasts such as these will tear through a small town. Which way do the tracks lead?"
As Sylvari awaited an answer, she cut down the men's bodies, cleared the area of lingering brush and started a fire to immolate their remains. It was the only thing she could do for them now. Their faces were too warped and mangled to be identifiable for their families anyway.
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 8, 2024 10:29:14 GMT -5
Sarne watched for a moment as the bodies burned. Sarne did not like the smell but most things did not. Sarne started to look around again bending down to look at the ground touching it a few times and some trees too spending a few minutes as the bodies burned. He stopped rubbing his chin looking at the sky.
Looking back at Sylvari Sarne wondered what was eating at Sarne about Sylvari. There was an uneasy feeling Sarne would get now and then Sarne knew he was sensing something about her but was not sure.
Sarne caught himself staring. He quickly looked away to cover his mishap. "Sylvari, They move mostly at dusk, night, and dawn. I think they feed and sleep at night so we can use that to ketch up to them in the day just remember they hide in the shadows," informed Sarne thinking. Sarne thought on the make of the forest and the local roades and how they might travel to make up time and maybe ketch the Spiders be for they kill more people.
"I am sure they went this way" Sarne said motioning in a direction. I just hope they do not split up and make two groups." remarked Sarne. "Ready to go?" He asked politely.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 8, 2024 14:25:23 GMT -5
Sylvari bit her lip as she looked at Sarne, threads of worry beginning to form within her mind. She could go for days, weeks even, without sleep, but this was not a talent many humans possessed. She worried what nights of hard travel without time for rest would do to the noble, resilient though he had proven himself to be.
"Are you sure, darling? Trying to catch up to the spiders before they get to a village will be an arduous task. My heart is aggrieved at the potential of the beasts attacking other innocents as well, but running yourself ragged to the point of inefficacy can hurt more in the long run."
Sylvari was aware of the young lord's growing suspicion of her. It was the reason she didn't offer to take every watch on their brief stops together and why she was careful to avoid using any of her brimming necromantic magic. Dealing with the plague of these fleeing spiders would be hard enough without a partner paranoid that she would turn on him at any moment.
Even so, the vampiress saw the best solution to their problem as her continuing their journey during the night as Sarne slept, carrying him if need be.
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 8, 2024 22:04:34 GMT -5
With a grin Sarne looked into her eyes as Sylvari talked to him Sarne knew she had seen him looking and was just letting it go so he thought. Darling? Sarne never remembered Sylvari ever saying that to him before. Sarne also did not want to read into that either.
"You are right. Sure I could ketch up to the spiters. The problem would be to fight them. In an exhausted state that would be difficult." said Sarne. "I was thinking of taking a different path and trying to cut the spiders off at a crossroads at some point," suggested Sarne thinking.
"It appears they like to cut through the woods and then come out next to a road to hunt and eat. I could be wrong and it is just a coincidence that this pattern keeps coming up so far," said Sarne pondering the thought. Sarne turned and looked into the forest then down the road. "The question is run the road or in the forest? We move at a quick pace during the Night and rest during the day. I could sleep 6 hours a day for a week." Sarne continued to think out loud.
"What is your thought" do you have any ideas?" asked Sarne. He did not want to just take over the whole plan. Sarne knew from his training he could sleep 6 hours a day and still keep going for a week.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 9, 2024 11:19:40 GMT -5
Sylvari tapped her chin thoughtfully. If he really does have a handle on where these creatures are heading, and can chart a course to cut their advance off before they reach a village, that would be the best way to safeguard common folk and avoid further inflaming his suspicions. The more she thought about it, the more the justiciar favored the proposed course of action. She trusted to Sarne's orienting skills, he had guided them this far, after all.
"Very well, dear, if you are confident on where we must go to overtake the spiders, that is surely our best course of action, making sure to safeguard your-our wellbeing, and do our utmost to protect those under our care. Please lead on."
Sylvari smiled brightly, hoping against hope that her agreeableness would smooth over her slip of the tongue. Please just think I'm too absorbed with others to care about myself. It's not even a lie, but the whole truth would just complicate matters. When this is done, I owe him an explanation. His sharp eyes see too much, and it would be insulting to his intelligence to continue this charade longer than necessary. If only my body wasn't so clearly branded with my curse...
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 11, 2024 15:12:06 GMT -5
Sarne looked at Sylvari. "As you wish," Sarne says with a slight smile. "I would never want to endanger you Sylvari. and this is the only way I see to ketch up to the spiders at all they move faster than us. and this thick forest they would be hard to spot from the air." Sarne explains shrugging. "Safeguarding your-our well-being is what I try to do but we are adventures there is no guarantee of safety. If we wanted that we would be in another line of work," stated Sarne looking down the road and into the forest.
Sarne took a deep breath and let it out. "We should get moving now," suggested Sarne focusing himself on the quick time run they were about to embark on. Sarne gave one last look around and gave a nod to Sylvari. Sarne started off moving at a quick pace through the woods
The colors of the green and brown, trees. The dense forest together with the brush made them wive as they traveled through the forest. Sarne was making little sound if any as Sarne led the way. He stopped now and then he looked at the trees and ground then continued. The sounds of rustling leaves as they moved. The insects and rabbits ran from the underbrush. Birds chirping and flying overhead. The light would shine through a gap in the trees shining on them now and then warming them in the cool damp forest. Things like squirrels, lizards, mice, and foxes would run as they ran through the woods.
Sarne kept going almost in tell dark and then stopped as they came to a clearing there was some yelling in the distance and lanterns were being swung around Sarne started to run again forward toward the noise. There were three men with pitchforks and lanterns trying to push back a giant spider. The Spider was as big as a horse if not bigger black and mad as it made screeching noises trying to defend what it killed a horse on the ground next to it.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 12, 2024 13:43:16 GMT -5
The juxtaposition of the silence of Sarne's footsteps with Sylvari's own heavy footfalls, despite their similar level of armor, was jarring as the two ventured into the woods. Sylvari silently chided herself, intending to train on stealthy movement when she finished this job. Other than her self-reflection, and despite the grave nature of their mission, the brisk pace through the woods was pleasant. Small creatures of all kinds were out in force, a sure sign that the predatory spiders had not crossed this way. Sylvari smiled, enjoying the ambiance of nature and its power to give her a small boost of happiness.
Unfortunately, the serenity was not to last. As night fell, and the two prepared to settle down for the evening, sudden shouts and flashing lights drew the duo's attention, causing them to quickly run to the site of the commotion. They arrived to see one of their quarry threatening a trio of commoners as the spider stood possessively over a slain horse.
The spider's gnashing mandibles chittered ominously, and its legs drew in tightly, warning of it being ready to jump into the men's midst. Unwilling to lose any more within her care while there was still time to intervene, Sylvari launched forward in a blinding display of speed, her natural, and unnatural, alacrity further bolstered by the ice coating her feet [Winter Crown] [Frozen Feet], as she barreled straight into the beast, sending it flying into a nearby tree, despite the size differential [Knight, Rushing Charge].
Sylvari interposed herself between the spider and the men as she yelled out a taunting challenge, goading the beast to attack her rather than the commoners [Knight, Challenging Mark].
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 12, 2024 15:12:45 GMT -5
Marveling at Sylvari's actions the spider was not too happy with the newcomer as hit hissed and chattered at Sylvari. The men started to move forward and Sarne gave them a look that made them stop. Sarne had his sword and shield out and knew the challenge she directed toward the Spider. Sarne would not interfere with that yet. The three men back up some closer to the make shift barn they had built. The men were still shining there lanterns in to the darkness trying to see what was happening.
Sarne thought back to their conversation. Sylvari was worried that Sarne would be reckless. Sylvari was no better and Sarne liked it. A smile formed on Sarne's face as he took a charging stance his sword ready for a thrusting attack. Sarne studied the movements of the Spider carefully trying to speculate what its next move could be.
It was not uncommon to see a spider hunt alone but something was not right with this thought Sarne. The spider moved side to side trying to get an angle on Sylvari. It was hopping some trying to get Sylvari to make a mistake. The Spider rears up showing its underbelly. There was blood running down its side from the injury that Sylvari gave it. The spider spiting some silky sticky web at Sylvari trying to stick her to one spot.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 15, 2024 12:57:56 GMT -5
Sylvari was too concerned for the safety of the civilians beside her to dodge the well-telegraphed webbing the spider sprayed to root her in place. She worried that if she should avoid the sticky projectile, it might ensnare her wards and prevent their escape. Thus, she bore the brunt of the attack on her shield, growling slightly in dismay as the organic substance spread around her block to wrap her arms and legs in place.
Were she a swordsman, she could have worked her blade to slice out of the entrapment, but her mighty warhammer, while adept at crushing her foes, was not the tool to escape from her constrictive prison. Gritting her teeth for needing to resort to her cursed powers, Sylvari summoned her darkened claws to rip up the webbing, freeing herself [Eldritch Claws]. She feebly hoped that Sarne would not notice in the heat of battle as she quickly receded her talons but knew her companion to be unusually eagle-eyed.
The justiciar sighed. A problem for after the battle. Right now, we must focus on the foe... foes before us. Sylvari noted with a slight grimace that 2 more monstrous spiders rappelled down from their hiding places in the trees at the advent of more powerful prey.
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 21, 2024 0:40:33 GMT -5
Something made Sarne pause. The clicking sound is something in the dark. He could feel it moving in the trees. Was it the movement or the sound Sarne was not sure but he could sense something about to attack. Sarne lifted his sword into the air "The hand of Solaria protects us!" Shouted Sarne . [1] A shimmering wall of light appears in front of Sylvari. The wall's hue flickering in the night. The spider attacking Sylvari backed up hissing at the light. It looked to be trying to get Sylvari to come after it.
Seconds later another spider jumped from the trees one not as big as the first but as black and savage as the bigger one. It hit the wall hard bounced off the wall and landed on its back. The legs flailed as they tried to roll back over. Hissing and chattering fantastically as the spider tried to recover from the jump. The wall just shimmered where it was struck. It did not even waver from the impact. The men in the makeshift barn were in all at the sight of Sylvari and Sarne fighting the spiters.
Sarne cracked a smile as the first spider jumped at Sylvari also hitting the wall and falling back and rolling onto its feet again this one was more experienced than the other. Sarne lowered his sword back to a thrusting stance waiting for the wall to fade.
[1]Wall of Light for two posts.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 22, 2024 12:15:41 GMT -5
Sylvari shook her boots, feebly trying to rid herself of the remnants of the sticky constraints. Seeing that Sarne had held off the spiders with a glowing wall of impassable brightness, the justiciar's attention turned to the commoners, with no way to affect her enemies while the barrier remained, save for summoning her servants.
"Are any of you hurt? I can tend to your wounds while my companion holds the beasts back with his barrier." Sylvari punctuated her offer with a gentle smile, the likes of which would set even the hardest of hearts at ease. The three men looked between one another before one of them spoke.
"Micah's hurt, Miss. Got a nasty gash on his arm from one of the buggers. Don't suppose you can bring back the mule as well?" came the hopeful response. Sylvari sighed and frowned slightly, moving forward to wrap the younger one, Micah's, arm in the golden corona of her healing powers, restoring him wholly [Celestial, Holy Gifts (Massive Healing)].
"I'm afraid not, unfortunately. Once a living being has crossed the threshold into death, nothing savory can come of attempts to retrieve it back."
"That is a damned shame, Miss. We appreciate the rescue, o' course, but that mule was Ma's only. Without 'im, trips to town to sell will be a damned sight harder."
Sylvari wordlessly drew her purse and dumped a healthy sum of coins into the man's hands. "That should be enough to purchase a new animal. Now, I beg of you, please be off to your home and bar the door. My companion and I will make a sweep of the area once we have taken care of these. Go."
The man and his fellows looked as if they meant to protest, but the harsh line of Sylvari's lips convinced them otherwise. They nodded their heads in thanks and hurried off back in the direction of the farmstead. Sylvari whirled about, weapon at the ready, giving a silent nod to Sarne to indicate her readiness for when the wall would fade.
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 25, 2024 0:37:15 GMT -5
The wall of light started to fade Sarne readied himself for the spiders to attack Sarne needed to get the spider's attention. The spiders started to run back and forth testing the wall the spiders knew the wall was failing and waiting to take advantage of it. Sarne thought it was funny. The spiters could have run around it at any time if they had checked it.
With the final flicker of light, the wall disappeared. Sarne gave a grin of defiance. [1] An aura of light began to radiate from Sarne. Filling Sarne and Sylvari with strength and hope. The spiders turned toward Sarne. They started to move toward him with great swiftness. [2] In a blink of an eye, Sarne covered the ground between the spiders and him. slamming into the smaller spider with a loud thud as his shield spikes pierced the spider's side. [3] Sarne's sword glowed as it plunged into the spider's side. The spider screamed as Sarne twisted the sword. The spider's blood spilled out of its side.
The spider used its legs to leap up and land on Sarne. Being forced to the ground and onto his back. Sarne covered himself with his shield the spider tried to bite Sarne. [4] The mandibles scraped across his shield as Sarne tried to fight it off.
[1] Inspiring Presence [2] Rushing Charge [3] Blade Skill Heart Seeker [4] -1 hit prevention shield.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 25, 2024 10:56:19 GMT -5
Sylvari had hesitated for a moment, wanting to honor Sarne with the first strike for his granting them a moment of respite. She watched with a small smile as her companion charged into the fray, shield slamming a small spider and then following up with a vicious stab to the beast's abdomen. As the beast retaliated by pouncing atop Sarne and beginning to savage him with its undulating mandibles, however, the justiciar knew the time for admiration was over.
Dashing forward quickly, a maneuver very like the one Sarne had just executed [Knight, Rushing Charge], albeit aided by her ice magics [Frozen Feet], the vampiress slammed into the offending monster, shoulder checking the spider off her companion and sending it tumbling a few feet away. As a second beast approached, seeking to catch the justiciar off guard, it met a frighteningly ready opponent.
As the spider leapt in a gamble to increase its pouncing damage, Sylvari stood ready. A foe in the air was one that could not dodge. She lashed out once, twice [Double Strike Enchantment], spinning in a pirouette as her wicked warhammer sang with magics of frost [Spell Blade, Arcane Soul] and light [Celestial, Angelic Light], exploding across the creature's surface and showering the justiciar in its foul greenish blood as its lifeless corpse crashed to the side. Sylvari stood defensively over Sarne ready to meet the other threats while he regained his footing, her mouth creased in a wordless snarl of defiance.
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Post by Lord Sarne Sequoia on Jan 25, 2024 14:35:15 GMT -5
Sarne rolled backwards to a kneeling position thanking Sylvari for the save. Glancing up Sarne saw Sylvari's face as the veil of black and silver she normally wears moved but only for a split second. Sylvari eyes glowing with a shade of scarlet. As she took a breath her mouth exposed pronounced canines with a strange sharpness. Sarne was troubled at the sight.
The last spider rolled over onto its stomach. and recovering from the hit by Sylvari. It was getting ready for its attack. The spider was getting ready to pounce on Sarne again as it quoted down to spring forward. Sarne knew something wrong. The spider should have run. and now know why the spiders were in this area. They had a nest probably with eggs somewhere near. Sarne did feel for the spider but it had to be done.
Sarne turned his sword and laid it on the top of his shield like he was going to thrust again and spoke a word. [1] The sword flashed as a beam of pure light shot forward and threw the spiter burning a hole right threw it. Ambers rose into the air the stink of the burning spiter filled the air. Flams formed around the hole the light made. the spider fell to the ground and did not move it was dead and burning.
Sarne stood to his feet "I think I know why the spiders are attacking this area they have a nest nearby with eggs in it." commented Sarne. He paused turning and looking at Sylvari. Sarne was struggling with what to do. sarne knew Sylvari was not an evil person and not so long ago he would have attacked without question thinking she was evil. Life has taught him that not everything is what it seems. His head fell to his chest as he looked at the ground. A single tear ran down his face.
"How long have you.....?" Asked Sarne. He sounded sad and frustrated. Sarne did not know what to feel. He was not angry at Sylvari. More at himself for not knowing earlier maybe being able to help. Sarne just stood staring silently at Sylvari
[1] Paladin's Blade pure light shot
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