JNAProductions
 OOC Thread 

 
Today is the big day. Jack Coventry, future hero of the realms, is leaving on his noble journey!

The pomp and circumstance is quite overdone, but there's very little you can do about that. Tessendra managed to wriggle her way out of her normal duties for this, because normally, she's recording stories on likeable people. Isembard was required to help Jack clean up and prepare for this, but has since been freed from his duties for the moment. And Tres was politely told in no uncertain terms to not mess the big day up, so could she please not attend?

Once Isembard's duties are finished, the three of you meet in an out-of-the-way conference room, currently empty. You've been talking to one another, with Tessendra as the most recent addition, about what to do. You know of the prophecy-and while you certainly don't put your full faith into the prophets, the danger is real. But the hero isn't.

What are you going to do?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'll let the first couple of posts just be PC interactions, but lemme know if you want an NPC added in or interrupting or anything. :)
 
Metastachydium
Having arrived unfashionable early (seeing how she's the only one not, in any way, expected to have been anywhere else all day), Tres, seated on top of the table, her legs dangling in the open air below its top, looks over the others as she  imagines  a general would once everyone's arrived.   Alright.   she clears her throat, vaguely aware that in her capacity as the closest thing to a host this little war council event has, she's probably supposed to talk up first.   If anyone needs a hug or a  drink  or something, I believe not even Jack is truly capable of getting himself killed before he could reach the city limits, with all those people watching and all that, so…   she pauses to shrug.   It can be arranged. But first things first: I spoke to Merill this morning and she   Dove's forearm shoots up and down before her face a couple of times, accompanied by a whistling sound.   kind of  freaked out . Not that I think we can get hold of a sack big enough to stuff Jack into once he's past the treeline. Meaning, we, um, we need a plan.   Her hands placed back down on her knees, Tres leans forward and looks at the butler expectantly.   Ice?  
Lentrax
 Well. That is certainly a way to start a meeting. 

Tess is currently sitting at the table, not  on  it, thank you. A cloth is spread out in front of her, with a neat row of knives. Not all of them, of course, one never reveals everything. But as Tres speaks, Tess continues sharpening the knives on a stone she has laid out on the cloth, a small jar of oil next to it.

 Our problem isn’t getting him out of the city. Everyone will see to his safety here in the city. For a small chance to be part of the opening of what will surely be his epic? Who wouldn’t? 

She lifts the knife up to examine the sharpness of the edge.

 No. I believe our first real challenge will be getting Jack to allow all of us to accompany him. 

Unsatisfied with the edge, she goes back to sharpening the blade.

 Wel, to agree to you. I am likely a shoe-in. Who wouldn’t want a beautiful bard like me to write the songs that will sing their praises? 
paddyfool
Isembard, who is now wearing an immaculate gambeson (thick quilted cotton jacket) rather than his usual butler’s attire, strokes his moustache.

 I haven’t known Jack nearly as long as Tres here, but I’ve often found that even the most unwise of individuals will accept company for the road that doesn’t impose on him and makes his life easier.  We have a wagonload of supplies for his travels, and I am quite prepared to keep him fed and clothed. We have family ties  - he winks at Tres -  and a mysterious, attractive young lady with stories to keep him hooked on her company will probably be someone he’ll find it hard to stay away from.

As for how we guide him without making him feel imposed upon, I suggest we simply try to make the right thing to do very easy, distract him with something shiny when he starts down a less desirable path, then introduce a better idea in a way he’ll take on board or even claim for his own.  He looks into the distance for a second.  It’s worked for more than one officer in my experience  
Metastachydium
  Experience tells me he's not very good at shaking me off, bodily or otherwise, so… Rest assured.   Tres snipes back at the suggestion that she would have more trouble sticking close to Dear Brother than the entertainer. She even manages to maintain enough dignity  not  to stick her tongue out at Tessandra.   But yes, that, um, that could just work out, I suppose. Jack likes his fawning fawners and won't say no to a free lunch.   she nods to herself.   You, sir,   she offers Ice a smile of utmost trust  keep him  fat  , you  she points a thumb in Tess's approximate direction   make sure he feels loved and stuff, and I'll kind of loiter in the background to… Do  other  stuff as needed?   Dove summarizes. She should host more conferences! It's easier than it looks.   …which brings us to the second order of business. As Ice here knows, I'm, uh, kind of expressly forbidden from going anywhere near Jack for, roughly, so long as he's still in Indos. Soooo… If anyone here has any idea whatsoever what his  official  entourage, id any, might consist of and what could be the best place and time to, you know, join it, seeing how what I  do  know is that we're no part of it,   another dramatic pause follows.   I guess this is a pretty good time to bring it up? Maybe?  
paddyfool
Rather than answer right away [Ooc: pending gm clarification], Ice asks back:

 How does your brother generally respond to your parents telling him he can’t associate with somebody? 
Lentrax
Tess was feeling the edge of her blade again. But her thumb slipped at the mention of loving him. She winced and sticks her thumb in her mouth for a moment before replying.

 He’ll be barking up a very wrong tree if he comes to me for love. 

After a moment, she goes on.  If I recall what I heard from Dalmon correctly, he was not getting a very large entourage. They don’t want to draw too much attention to him, and they  really  don’t want someone getting the idea that they need to replace or take over for him. 
Metastachydium
  Like they'd say  no  to something he wants.   Tres grimaces, albeit in good humour at Isembard's question – only for the grimace to give way to a chuckle.   You're a genius, Ice. And that's good and kind of bad but good to know, thanks.   Dove takes Tess's insight when offered with a nod.   Also,   she raises a finger, realising she somehow managed to make the other woman uncomfortable, apparently.   not  that  kind of loved. More like, appreciated, but a lot?  
JNAProductions
Jack's official entourage is a small one-he was knighted recently, leaving him with a squire who will be joining, as well as two porters, who are the brother and sister of the squire. Additionally, the youngest of the prophets, only middle-aged, will be joining in to help guide the prophecy as befitting their station.
Lentrax
 I am a bard. I will plying everyone with entertainments enough. But more I am a storyteller. I have learned the stories that makes men’s minds fill with wonder and dream of glory. 

Tess begins placing her knives away, a few under her cloak, and as she sits, she gives two of them a twirl around her hands, and they promptly vanish.

 But what truly concerns me is the land of the Harkonnens. They bear little good will to Indos. If anyone is sure to try something. It will likely be them. 
JNAProductions
You finalize any needed details, and leave to intercept Jack as he leaves the city. No one pays you much mind, as none of you stand out that much-Tres, if someone looks closely, could be recognized as a Coventry family member, but she's not particularly well know among the common folk. As you reach the city's edge, you spy Jack's carriage, with two horses. His squire is guiding the horses, the two porters and the prophet nowhere to be seen, so likely inside the carriage, and Jack himself on top waving goodbye to his home and his adoring fans.
paddyfool
Ice is driving his old ex-military wain loaded up with assorted supplies, wearing a travelling cloak over his gambeson. He tries to weigh up how roadworthy Jack’s carriage seems to be compared to his own vehicle, and also keeps an eye out for anyone else that might be following Jack. There’s space for the other two as well if they want it, although it’s a bit cramped.
Metastachydium
Though not very good at it, Dove, in the meantime, is still a Coventry, and as such, she feels like she must honour her word, even if not  really  given. The sending off of his brother she will attend not, in the strictest sense. The later Jack realizes she's around, the funnier the startled noises of irritation should get anyhow. And Tres is patient. Ready to break away, if only temporarily from her accomplices if they would join Jack before she's (again, in the strictest sense) is  supposed  to, she skirts the crowd as if her business were entirely unrelated and draws up, mentally, plans to intercept her brother. She studied enough numbers to have little difficulty calculating a good course intersecting the road at an opportune moment. Her primary concern, now that she knows of the pesky prophet sent along with Jack, is different, at any rate: where is she going to find a big enough sack to fit  the prophet  into now?
Lentrax
Tess heads toward the gate. As she goes along, she keeps looking for anything that might be odd or out of place.

But when she reaches the gate and sees the fool continuing to greet the adoring crowds, she takes out a book and a pencil, writing the details down. When the story gets told, the people will want to know how he greeted the crowds, and how his leaving was a cause of celebration. She watches the others arriving and notes them in her book as well. Since, after all, they are going along to make sure that he is able to actually fulfill his destiny.

As she waits, she idly flips through her book, back toward the beginning. As she does, a pressed flower falls from between two of the pages. Tess curses as she scrambles to retrieve the flower from where it has fallen and return it to its place in her notebook.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by paddyfool 
 Ice is driving his old ex-military wain loaded up with assorted supplies, wearing a travelling cloak over his gambeson. He tries to weigh up how roadworthy Jack’s carriage seems to be compared to his own vehicle, and also keeps an eye out for anyone else that might be following Jack. There’s space for the other two as well if they want it, although it’s a bit cramped. 
 

The carriage Jack's in is perfectly suited for roads-though it will struggle against any harsher terrain. But for now, it glides smoothly along the open road, and is soon rounding a bend, out of sight from the people of Indos.

Those of you following see the carriage halting already. The horses might need to have their bit readjusted, or more likely, Jack wants a break. Already. But still, now is a good time to approach.
paddyfool
Ice makes no secret about following on behind the carriage, calmly driving his supply wain until he stops a short distance behind it. Assuming there’s no hazard causing the halt, he calls out a polite greeting:

“Good morning Master Jack! Reporting for duty.”
JNAProductions
Jack, lounging against his carriage, perks up slightly. "Ice, is that you? I thought you were staying home, doing... butler things."

"Serving," his squire, a young lady by the name of Diana supplies.

"Right, serving. What are you doing here?" Jack asks.
paddyfool
 “Making sure you’ll be properly supplied on this trip, young sir,”  replies Ice, reaching under his seat for a tray of snacks and carrying it over to stand before them in his immaculate travelling cloak and gambeson.  “Before I was a butler, I served in the army, and reached the rank of quartermaster. I’ve seen many a military mission undertaken, and learned the importance in seeing heroic fighting men kept well fed and warm in their undertakings,”   he explains, while handing out tasty treats.

 ”There should be more people here shortly, by the way. An engineering expert and a public relations expert, to ensure you also have the best of equipment, transport and public support in your endeavours .”
Metastachydium
With much climbing comes halfway decent endurance and Tres shies not away from making full use of that as she clumsily but inexorably trots across the landscape under the cover of the low, well-groomed trees. Time… Might not be her ally per se, but with Jack too lazy to keep her pace  on a carriage  for five heartbeats straight, and with Isembard giving the Conquering Hero one more good excuse to stay slow and less than steady, it doesn't work against her either. She catches up just fine, albeit not in time to catch the butler's comment euphemistically pegging her as an expert. Alas! Not that Dove doesn't know how good  Ice  is at  warm ing one's heart with nice touches like that.

At any rate, she is more firm a believer in less metaphorical and more hands-on touches. Once her brother is sufficiently distracted she begins sneaking closer and closer, right until she's just in striking distance of his unsuspecting back. And then she  strikes . Before the poor soul knows, he has an unwelcome guest on him, arms and legs wrapped around his chest and waist, squeaking a merry and all too loud   JAAAACK!   into, mercifully, the Hero's shoulder.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by paddyfool 
  “Making sure you’ll be properly supplied on this trip, young sir,”  replies Ice, reaching under his seat for a tray of snacks and carrying it over to stand before them in his immaculate travelling cloak and gambeson.  “Before I was a butler, I served in the army, and reached the rank of quartermaster. I’ve seen many a military mission undertaken, and learned the importance in seeing heroic fighting men kept well fed and warm in their undertakings,”   he explains, while handing out tasty treats.

 ”There should be more people here shortly, by the way. An engineering expert and a public relations expert, to ensure you also have the best of equipment, transport and public support in your endeavours .” 
 

"Ah," is Jack's response, before he digs into a pastry. "Don't eat too much, Diana, you'll get fat."

Diana rolls her eyes as she accepts a treat from the butler. "Tastes good. Thank you, sir."

Before more can be said, though...


 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 With much climbing comes halfway decent endurance and Tres shies not away from making full use of that as she clumsily but inexorably trots across the landscape under the cover of the low, well-groomed trees. Time… Might not be her ally per se, but with Jack too lazy to keep her pace  on a carriage  for five heartbeats straight, and with Isembard giving the Conquering Hero one more good excuse to stay slow and less than steady, it doesn't work against her either. She catches up just fine, albeit not in time to catch the butler's comment euphemistically pegging her as an expert. Alas! Not that Dove doesn't know how good  Ice  is at  warm ing one's heart with nice touches like that.

At any rate, she is more firm a believer in less metaphorical and more hands-on touches. Once her brother is sufficiently distracted she begins sneaking closer and closer, right until she's just in striking distance of his unsuspecting back. And then she  strikes . Before the poor soul knows, he has an unwelcome guest on him, arms and legs wrapped around his chest and waist, squeaking a merry and all too loud   JAAAACK!   into, mercifully, the Hero's shoulder. 
 

"Ack!" Jack lets out, flailing wildly. "Get off me!" he tries to toss Tres off, but she's strong and nimble, and only gets off when she says so.

Diana, as well as her siblings, hold back their laughter, though little chuckles manage to escape.
Lentrax
 I will leave this out of the stories,  Tess says, as she arrives with Jack still trying to wrestle Tres off of her. She gives Diana a smile before turning to Jack.

 Sorry to arrive late, I stopped to make a quick sketch of some of the adoring crowds still celebrating in the city. 
paddyfool
Isembard offers Tess a pastry then sets down the tray.  ”So glad you’ve caught up, Miss Coventry, Ms Alvion.  Can I offer anyone a warm beverage while we discuss the next steps?”  and he pulls out two trays of cups with flasks of piping hot tea and coffee.
Metastachydium
With everyone all gathered and the "ack" she came for had, Tres relents and slips off of Jack to tug his arm affectionately.   But I love you, you big oaf! Don't you ever forget that.   she tells him, looking up and into his face with an impish smile, before declining the offered foodstuff with a more polite one. She'll have to stay in top shape.   Glad to be here!   she tells Ice nevertheless, even as she looks around.   Speaking of the future, though. Where's our, um, fortune teller person?  
JNAProductions
"The who?" Jack asks.

Diana sighs. "Merriville, the prophet-I'm assuming that's who you're asking about, yeah?" When Tres nods, Diana finishes with "He's in the carriage still. Something about allergies and the spring air."

After a moment or two of eating and drinking, Jack then looks at Tres. "Didn't mom and dad tell you  not  to be here? You know, with me?"
Metastachydium
Much relieved that the prophet will be unlikely to muddy the waters for a while (and giving Diana a quick thankful nod for the good news), Dove relaxes and lets things flow slow for the time being. Jack's question being something she very much expected to get does little to change that.   Well, in actual fact, they made me promise I won't attend the whole  ceremony  of seeing you off. So I was really kinda just not allowed to say farewell to my big hero brother!   she affirms with a very straight face.   But that's a horrible, awful thing, so, um, I sort of had to make sure I don't  have to  wave you good bye, you know? And the only sensible solution I could think of was tagging along.  
JNAProductions
"..."

The wheels in Jack's brain turn. The machinations of his mind process what was said, and deliver his absolute perfect response. "What?"

"Look," one of the porters-Diana's brother, Joseph-says, "so long as she helps, I think it's okay. Speaking of which, Miss Coventry, mind helping us pack some of the new stuff away?"
Lentrax
Tess just happened to be near Diana when Tres made her excuses.

 A bit more tact would not have gone amiss…  she whispers, mostly to herself, but loud enough for the squire to hear.

 Ah!  she says, turning to the squire.  But where are  my  manners? Tessendra Alvion, bard, poet, entertainer extraordinaire, humbly at your service. 

She says this with a flourish of her cape as she makes a bow so deep that it would seem impossible for her to not have hit her head on the road. But when she rights herself, her head is quite unscathed.
JNAProductions
Diana bows. "Diana Tally, squire to Jack Coventry."

Joseph bows, introducing himself "Joseph Tally."

And the last porter curtsies, with a quiet "Wren Tally."

"Entertainer, huh?" Jack comments. "What sorts of things do you do?"
Metastachydium
Cunningly fading into the background as the Great Hero gets wonderfully distracted  again , Tres nods at Joseph a couple of times vigorously, stepping closer. Time to put those climber's arms to good use, it'd seem!    Just make sure you don't let me handle anything… Well,  too  fragile.    she gives the man a fair advanced warning.
Lentrax
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 "What sorts of things do you do?" 
 

Tess gives Diana a sly wink, then with a sudden burst of speed and agility she somersaults backwards, flipping into the air and landing gracefully on a rock.

“I tumble.”

A red ball flies up into the air. It is joined by a succession of other balls, until seven are arcing in double loops between her hands. “I juggle.”

The balls become larger as she switches them. “But you want more, I know this. What good is juggling on a coach?”

The balls disappear one by one. “I tell stories. I know them all. I can make them come alive for you.”

She steps forward into midair, setting herself up for a pratfall, ending in another tumble on the ground, and when she is upright, she is holding a harp that she strums to accompany her sudden oration.

“I can tell you any of the tales. From Jerome, flying his flaming eagle through the sky, to Cassendrel who poured her life into the magics she cast to wipe marauding invaders clean from her lands.”

She strides about the coach. “You wish entertainment? I can provide it. And more. I can make your life into a tale worthy of song and story. I can make you a hero that even the prophecies fail to recognize you as.”
JNAProductions
Practically salivating at her last words, Jack nods. "Excellent... Excellent! Well, gang, looks like we've got two new friends with us!"

Joseph asks the obvious question. "Two?"

"Tres doesn't count," Jack replies. "Well, I feel invigorated! Let's get going-darkness, watch out!"

Once the loading is finished, Jack insists on Tess joining him in the fancier of the two carriages. Inside, Merriville the prophet is present. He's a grumpy-looking, middle-aged man in a simple robe with ample pockets. Diana sits in the front, directing the horses, while Jack lounges back on a pillow. "Tell me a story, then!"

In the other carriage, Ice and Dove find their spots. Ice manages the horse, with Dove keeping an eye for anything that might wish their group harm.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
We can fast forward now, if it feels appropriate to y'all. :)
 
paddyfool
 ”I might be able to assist in packing things away as well, if you’d accept a little help from an old campaigner,”  Isembard offers.
Lentrax
 Very well,  Tess says. She pulls out her harp and gives it a few mournful strums.

 Tonight, I shall tell the legend of the Warrior Queen, Sukina and the Dragon. Once, long ago, there was a kingdom called Serazi, of the silver fields… 
 
 Spoiler 
Im fine with a time skip.
 
Metastachydium
If she restrained herself, more or less, before, with Tess during the War Council back in Indos, now she really can't, given the sheer scale of the tempation; Tres sticks her tongue out at Jack, catching his eyes as he retreats into the carriage with the retinue and as she settles in what seems to be an impossibly uncomfortable position, or should be for someone less  weird  than her.

Having  finally  experienced Jack in his full glory, for the first time in days makes her almost pity the darkness, if indeed, not as much as she pities the poor Tally siblings. Nevertheless, their little conspiracy couldn't have played out smoother and now she's fully determined: come good or ill now, this will be done.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I'm fine skipping ahead as well.
 
JNAProductions
Tess tells her story as the carriages move ahead. Diana, Joseph, and Wren all listen closely, following the details with attention. Merriville seems off in his own world, while Jack starts nodding off before too long.

Day turns to night, but the nearest village, Oakenleaf, is near enough to not make it worth stopping for the night. You can see a few of the village's lights as you round a turn in the path, and within the hour, you pull into the village. There's a man dressed in leathers and with a bow held low waiting when you arrive. "Evening strangers," he calls out. "What brings you here tonight?"
paddyfool
As Ice is following the main carriage in his supply wain he won’t be the first to speak, but instead looks around the village doing a quick assessment of whether all seems normal and peaceful.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by paddyfool 
 As Ice is following the main carriage in his supply wain he won’t be the first to speak, but instead looks around the village doing a quick assessment of whether all seems normal and peaceful. 
 

The village looks sleepy, as befitting the late hour. A close look, though, reveals nearly all the curtains drawn closed-it's hard to tell which homes are occupied when the residents are asleep, and that's probably intentional.
Then, the man who spoke looks well-rested, as if he slept through the day to be vigilant through the night.
Lentrax
Tess opens the door of the coach when they stop. She takes in the watchman with a quick glance, and then smiles.  Good sir! What brings us to your village this late is the ever calling road!  

Tess makes no move to get out of the carriage but she will if asked.

 But daylight has faded and we pressed on the last mile to find accommodation for the night, if there is anywhere available? 
JNAProductions
He frowns. "Rather a rich carriage for traveling this way. I'm inclined to believe you, but all the same, strange things have been happening. Bleed for me," he says.

Tess knows, from her stories, that few supernatural beasties bleed proper blood.
Ice knows the same, from more practical ways.
Tres... May or may not know this.
Lentrax
Tess sighs, but then nods in acquiescence. She reaches to her belt and pulls one of the knives she has there. She winces as she pulls the dagger across her palm. Not deeply, but enough to draw crimson blood. She holds it up to the light of the torch to show him her blood before tucking the knife away.

 I assume you've had problems then? Even this close to Indos? 
Metastachydium
  Why would you  do  that?   Tres inquires, clearly addressing both participants of the ongoing conversation as she plops off the wagon loudly and heavily.  And why the palm?  She winces at the thought.
JNAProductions
"Aye," the hunter responds. "Nothing too much, not here in the village proper, but I've ranged further than most. And I want to make sure the people here stay safe." He slings the bow back over his shoulders, and continues. "We've a small inn, if you need a place to stay for the night. I can show you."

Joseph (who is currently driving the horses) and Ice set the carriages in motion at a gentle trot, following the hunter to a two-story building with a sign hanging in front, which reads  The Sleepy Hollow . He departs without another word, and lets you enter at your own pace.
Lentrax
 Because,  Tess says, getting off the carriage.  I can draw some of my blood myself, to prove I am human. Or I could be shot full of arrows to prove that I am not. 

Tess pulls a cloth handkerchief from her sleeve and uses it to wrap her hand in before entering the inn.
paddyfool
Isembard offers to help Tess with cleaning and dressing the wound:  ” Allow me, Ms Avalon - hands are tricky to bandage well yourself as it’s generally a two handed job. A clean shallow cut to a palm like that should heal well, though, although I find a smaller cut is all you need for such checks.”   He naturally has the right supplies to hand, and his own palms and the sides of his fingers bear a few little scars of previous experience with this process.
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
  Because,  Tess says, getting off the carriage.  I can draw some of my blood myself, to prove I am human. Or I could be shot full of arrows to prove that I am not.  
 

   I don't follow.    Tres grunts, even as she follows. The carriage. Through the gate.


 
 Originally Posted by paddyfool 
  ” Allow me, Ms Avalon - hands are tricky to bandage well yourself as it’s generally a two handed job. A clean shallow cut to a palm like that should heal well, though, although I find a smaller cut is all you need for such checks.”   
 

  Right?   Dove interjects.   I mean, if you prick you, do you not bleed?   she muses on.   And it's not like the palm isn't the  worst . Very sensitive. Very useful for stuff. Have you tried the back of the forearm? It's, um, it hurts less, comes in handy less often.  
Lentrax
 By the gods,  Tess starts.  You've never been anywhere, have you. And here I thought I knew who the most sheltered would be, but I find I am mistaken. 

Tess walks into the inn, providing no answer to whether she wants her palm bandaged. Which, in and of itself, is an answer.

As she enters the inn, she finds the nearest person who looks like a staff member and asks for some wine.
Metastachydium
  Says the one who doesn't seem to grasp the value of having hands that  work  properly.   Tres grumps, folding her arms in no hurry to catch up with the storyteller.
paddyfool
 ”I am sure she values her hands, as every musician does. I think she just dislikes critics a little more. Your protective instincts for a comrade in arms are good, and we both spoke with the best of intentions, but possibly you and I might both need to adjust how we communicate with her a little. In the meantime, her hand isn’t about to fall off from one little cut, so I suggest we let her cool down for now. Let’s all go in though,”  he suggests, opening the door for Tess while keeping an eye on what Jack and party are doing.
JNAProductions
Jack yawns and stretches. "We here already?"

"We're at Oakenleaf, sir," Diana tells him. "Your sister has already gone ahead into the inn."

"Ah, a proper bed! The road is no place for a hero to sleep," Jack says, and strides into the inn.

Within the inn, Tess was able to find a young woman tending to the coals, who was perfectly willing to get some wine for the storyteller for a silver coin. "How many are we boarding?" the woman asks.

"I'll need a room to myself," Jack says. "And probably two or three others for the rest."

The woman nods. "A room is a silver for the night. If you-"

"Oh, I'm not paying," Jack says. "I'm the hero of legend! I don't  pay  for room and board."
Lentrax
 Well. It would seem that we would need a single room for the hero,  Tess begins.

 And then beds for another seven, if my count is correct? However. 

Tess dramatically flourishes her cape as she unslings her guitar case from her back.

 As you see, I am an entertainer. And for a reduced cost to our board, I would be quite happy to provide you and your other patrons with entertainment for the night.  
paddyfool
 ”We’ll also need stabling for our horses, if that can be arranged. Although I’m sure our young hero’s squire and his siblings could help with getting the horses stabled.

“Speaking of working towards our board and lodgings, I’d be very happy to lend a hand if you have any need of another server, or a little help cleaning up. It could be a busy night, once word gets out that the chosen one’s in town, and a new bard ready to perform… ” 

Ice lets the idea hang there for a moment, then follows up with:

 ”In the interests of sponsoring the chosen one’s mission, then, what kind of deal can you offer us on the rooms?” 
JNAProductions
The woman looks at Jack, then turns to face Tess and Ice. "Payment in coin, or you're sleeping outside," she says. Her voice is slightly strained.
Lentrax
Tess shrugs, and then pulls a gold coin from her pouch. She places it gently in the woman’s hand and curls the innkeepers hand around it, but doesn’t let go.

 Dear innkeeper. What troubles you? What troubles your village enough to have a guard at night, less than a day from the capital? 
JNAProductions
The woman takes the coin and wordlessly grabs some keys. They're marked with letters, presumably matching doors further into the inn. Jack strides forward, and takes one of the keys from Tess. "Hmph. I suppose we'll have to suffer this rudeness."

He finds his room, going in and closing the door behind him. Diana, Joseph, Wren, and Merriville all seem aghast.
Metastachydium
Ice earns a smile, Jack an eye roll and Tess another from Dove. The innkeeper's response… Is about what she expected. She does wonder, nevertheless, where on earth that pesky prophet even  is  the one time they could use his authority. As Tess goes on to pay for the lodging (prompting the comparatively responsible Coventry present to make a mental tally: that will have to be repaid before long) and question the locals, Tres shifts closer to Diana instead.    Speaking of,  please  tell me he has a stipend from Mom and Dad and not  all  of it is on him.    She then raises her voice somewhat.   And don't mind me. Someone better watch the wagon, and I can kind of sleep on anything, if there's a blanket.   The wagon being  Isembard 's, she figu8res there's several as well.
Lentrax
Tess takes it all in stride.

She goes to a table, pulls out her guitar and begins strumming.

   ”Give me your trust,” said the Red Magi.
“For on my shoulders, I hold the sky.
Trust me to know what to do, what is best.
And I will take care of the rest.”

But Trust is the color of a dark seed growing,
Trust is the color of the heart’s blood flowing.
Trust is the color of a soul’s last breath.
Trust is the color of Death.
   
So maybe she isn’t taking it  all  in stride…
paddyfool
Ice gets the horses settled in the stables with the help of any of the siblings that are handy and don’t seem too tired, then tries to strike up a conversation with the prophet to get a better feel of what he’s like.

 Mind if I sit here? Are you enjoying the song? 
JNAProductions
Diana mutters back, "He's got a stipend for sure, but he's too lazy to carry it. It's distributed amongst me and my siblings' packs."

Over with Ice, Merriville shrugs. "Go ahead, if you want. I'd prefer a happier tune, but she'll do whatever she does," he says. Looking over to the innkeeper, he asks Ice "Think it'd be too much to ask for refreshment? I mean, we can pay, but..."
Metastachydium
   Whew, that's good news. Would be awkward to sit on money we kind of can't spend because he thinks he shouldn't, you know?    Dove presses out in one breath, throwing her back against the wall.    Could you please, um, reimburse Ms. Alv… Aval… A…  The singing lady  from it, then? That should make this less weird, but I'll  kick  his shin for it all the same.    Tres goes on, punctuating the last idea with a half-smirk.
paddyfool
 ”I think as long as we don’t go overboard, a little refreshment is reasonable. Let me get you a drink then - what would you like?” 
JNAProductions
"Something strong. I have a feeling I'll need it," Merriville replies.

The woman offers professional service, giving Merriville exactly what he asks for in exchange for a little more coin. But the frosty attitude encourages you all to get some rest sooner rather than later.

You awaken to a scream. Outside the inn, only faintly heard.
paddyfool
Ice quickly and quietly puts on his gambeson and chainmail, straps on his dagger and a bolt case, tucks his crossbow over his shoulder and heads out of his room, seeking a vantage point where he can look out in the direction of the scream.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d4)[ 1 ] 

You've got one window-on a 4, it faces the right way. On any other result, it does not.
 


Ice's window does not face the proper way to locate the scream, so he heads out of his room. The end of the hall provides a vantage point in at the right direction, at least, but it's dead of night. He can't see the source of the scream.
Lentrax
Tess awakens to the sound of the scream. She rolls out of her bed and snatches up one of her belts, slinging it over her shoulder as she finds her way to where she can see what is happening. Seeing it dark outside, she returns to her room, to find a robe and her boots. She then lights the candle from her room, hoping to use it for a lantern soon.
paddyfool
As he can’t discern any more of the threat at the moment, Ice goes to wake the rest of the party, starting with Jack’s squire ( ”Wake up lad, and get the others up too - I heard a scream not far away and I think something’s amiss”  , before moving on to Jack’s room.
JNAProductions
Diana is already coming to, though her siblings aren't really prepared for a fight. She nods to Ice, murmuring a quiet "Thanks," before following him to Jack's room.

Jack is snoring like an ox, completely unperturbed by any of the going-ons of the world.
Metastachydium
Tres is somewhat slower to become  mostly  awake, but gets around to it, eventually. Expectedly, hours before her  brother  would anyhow. Rolling out from under her blanket with a groan, she fastens her belt and after some fumbling, puts her harness on before hopping off of Isembard's wagon to start morosely kicking about in hope of finding her boots. Unsuccesful at that and in not much of a mood to waste more time, she mutters a half-coherent curse and begins waddling out into the open trying not to step into the odd piece of manure or a nail, intent on telling the screamer to  maybe  look up at the sky and tell her what they think the time of the day is.
paddyfool
 ”Ahem,”  Ice begins, then, more loudly:  ” Master Jack, there are screams not far from the inn. Something is much amiss, and it falls on us to act on it. I’ve brought your squire to help get you ready; I suggest you gear up, while I excuse myself while I go perform some reconnaissance; I’ll be back either to seek help or explain the situation once I’ve determined what’s going on.”  With an apologetic glance at Diana, he stops back by his room to grab his sabre as well; on the way, if he runs into Tess, he’ll ask if she wants to come with him.
Lentrax
 Of course,  Tess says to Ice.  Do we have a lantern? All I have for light is a candle. 
paddyfool
 ”I have one in my wagon. I was planning to go there anyway to pick up my spear and shield and check on Tres. I hope it doesn’t come to a fight, of course, but if it does come to one, it’s best to be prepared. Speaking of which, do you have a weapon of any kind? Or any experience with them?   he asks, as they head towards the inn’s exit.
Lentrax
 Knives,  Tess says in answer. And she pulls one from her belt, displaying it to the older man.  And plenty of them. 
paddyfool
Ice nods with equanimity then opens the inn door towards the stables and heads quietly but directly for the wagon.
JNAProductions
You get out of the inn, and grab a few pieces of gear from Ice's wagon. The screaming is no more-but you can at least head in the right direction of where it was.

Approaching with caution, Ice takes point, and is the first to spot a smashed window of a small home. The home looks new-still partially under construction. The remaining windows are barred, but this one wasn't yet. Blood drips on the edges of the broken glass.
Metastachydium
Still quite sleppy and looking the part, Tres scratches her right calf with the back of her left foot and raises an eyebrow.   I kind of really miss my boots now, wherever they are.   she remarks dryly.   A-anyway.   she points her chin towards the window.   Might still be, I don't know, the loudest dumbass burglar trying to climb through a freshly broken window? I can, um, clean it up for you, I guess. Remove the window pane, I mean.   Dove tilts her head and makes a face.   What  remains  of the window pane. Or open a door or something, maybe.  
Lentrax
 That would depend entirely on how heroic you wish to appear to whoever may be inside. But first, which way was the window broken? From the inside by someone coming out? Or from the outside by someone going in? 

Tess examines the glass to try and determine that.
JNAProductions
The window was broken inwards, if the shards of glass on the inside are anything to go by.
Lentrax
 Looks like it was broken by someone going in. They don’t look like they were too careful about doing it though. Guessing it’s their blood on the window. Still,  Tess says, using the hilt of her knife to break more of the glass away.

 Can’t do anything else from out here. 

And she pulls herself through the broken window.
JNAProductions
Inside, you can see a few drying drops of something black and sticky on the floor near the shattered glass. There's a knife on the ground, also with some of the drying substance. The bedsheets are torn and ripped.
paddyfool
Ice frowns, feeling his age. He hands his spear to Tres, murmuring:  ”Keep your distance if attacked and keep poking them with the sharp end.”  He then awkwardly climbs through the window and racks a bolt on his crossbow, keeping it pointed down but at the ready while he looks around.
JNAProductions
The house is not large. It's basically three rooms-the bedroom, small; the main room, medium; and a closet for storage.

With the exception of the bedroom, the house is fine-the door barred, the tablecloth neatly folded and placed to the side, the closet full of clothes and assorted other items.
Lentrax
 Nothing. 

Tess looks again, just to be sure, but it just confirms what they already found.

Nothing.

 So whatever it was... 

Her voice trails off as a piece clicks.

 The archer. We need to find him. 
paddyfool
 ”At the very least, he likely knows our suspects something about this threat, yes,”  replies Ice, as he checks outside the window for any signs of a trail that their passage may not have eliminated.
Metastachydium
  I could have spared you half that trouble.   Tres remarks to Ice, gesturing towards the window the man bravely struggled through, but doesn't press the issue otherwise. She knows Isembard meant well, even if she quite evidently still not sure what to do about his clunky spear, despite the sound advice received. With, thankfully, no opportunity to to stab something prsenting itself, she mostly just leans on it for now, looking even shorter than before as she looks around hoping to spot that archer person, whatever Tess wants with him (the entertainer could be a lot less cryptic, she grumbles internally).   Did you, um, check the ceilings, by the way? Bad **** kind of likes being on the ceilings. Think mold.   she opines in the meantime.
paddyfool
 ”I think it’s possible we followed the blood trail the wrong way, if there’s no sign of the original occupant of this dwelling. I suspect they’ve been carried off by whatever creature attacked through this window, but they managed to wound it a little at least with that knife, hence the black goo. Shall we back track along the blood trail and see if there is any further trace beyond where we first found it?”   suggests Ice, after a little deliberation.
Metastachydium
No checking the ceiling, then. Tres is… Quite fine with that.   You know I'm with you, old man. Maybe we can find archer guy on the way or something?   she makes sure to throw a bone to Tess as well.   Do you, um, need this back?   she wiggles the spear slightly as she sviwels around to get away from the bloody house.   Oh, and has anyone kind of…  Seen  Jack?   she adds, silently hoping he's  not  awake.
JNAProductions
Looking back, you see the squire and Jack starting to make their way in this general direction. So, now's as good a time as any to get moving.

You all head away from the village, into the sparse woods besides it. As the trail of ichor dries up, the woods grow denser, and you're able to follow based on the broken branches and smashed foliage. Whatever this thing is, it's strong-but not massive. If you had to guess, it's larger than a person, but not by more than a foot or two.

Spying movement ahead, you slow slightly. But then, a voice. "Gods above," the hunter says, stepping out from cover with his bow pointed down. "I was about to shoot you."
Lentrax
 I, for one,  Tess begins.  Never doubted your hunter’s senses to know we were not the threat. We were woken by screams. Do you know what it is we hunt? And who was taken? 
JNAProductions
"I heard the screams too," he replies, "and caught wind of the trail as I came to investigate. Come, let's keep moving," he says, and matches actions to words. "Which home was attacked?"

You give a description as best you can, about the home's location.

The hunter cusses. "Jill-she insisted that she wanted to get some time to herself, but I told her to stay in a safe house overnight, not that one. It's not secure yet."
Metastachydium
Having grabbed hold of Jack's left arm along the way, and sticking close by his side, as if for her own protection (but, in fact, mainly to keep him from stumbling over his own feet or wandering off), Dove takes in the sudden appearance of the archer with a start, but relaxes, to an extent, just as quickly.   I kind of can't help but notice you never said  what  got this Jill person?   she speaks up suddenly, moving to follow the man and dragging Jack along.   Although the whole business with secure houses of secure protection'd suggest you might, you know,  know ?   she inquires on.   Oh. And, um, is it appearing  right behind  us   instinctively, she looks around, albeit given her subpar nightvision, to little effect.    really  something that might just  happen ? It struck me as less…  Subtle , so far.  
paddyfool
 ”I would also to be keen to hear all you can tell us of this threat, but first, just so there’s no mistrust between us,”  suggests Ice,  “what say you and I pause a moment and bleed for one another?”  Moving slowly and deliberately, he draws his sabre just enough to show 2 inches of blade, then touches the side of his offhand index finger to the blade, holding it up, while watching to see how the hunter responds.
JNAProductions
Jack, still bleary from sleep, yawns loudly.

The hunter glares at him while reaching down to nick his hand with the nocked arrow. He bleeds red. "We don't know what exactly it is-it's not a werecreature, since we've harmed it without silver. Its form changes-not the overall shape, but its details, shifting, moving. Its hard to look at, honestly. Fire is a good weapon against it, which is why we think it's been taking refuge in the woods-it knows we won't just burn it down."
Metastachydium
Tres, in turn, lets go for just long enough to punch Jack in the ribs, before pulling him close once more, only to ignore her brother going forward and address the archer instead.   Huh.   she bites the inside of her mouth.   So, let's get the tough one out of the way… What happens to Jill, now? Does it, like, eat people?  
JNAProductions
"As far as we know," the hunter replies as he moves forward. "I hope that's the worst that can happen."
paddyfool
Ice nods slowly, glancing around at the group. Outwardly he’s projecting a calm demeanour, but inwardly he’s cursing a little that he didn’t also wake the prophet, and his treacherous old bones are missing his bed.

 ”OK, here’s what I think. If it’s wounded, now is our best chance to track it. But we’d better stick together and keep quiet and alert from now on, and nobody wander off alone. Agreed?” 
Metastachydium
Quite unsure why they are even out here if Jill is probably being digested as they speak and they have no idea how to really hurt the thing, not to mention that the forest floor makes her miss those damn boots of hers  more  rather than less than before, Tres merely shrugs. Then nods. And pulls Jack even closer. She'll have to trust Isembard and archer guy on this; and maybe not step into a trampled bundle of nettles while at that.
JNAProductions
The hunter nods. "I'll lead-I have the most experience in these woods."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (2d100)[ 57 ][ 41 ](98)  Your roll, advantage from hunter.
 (1d100)[ 33 ]  Its roll, neutral.

Will edit this post soon once I see the results.
 


You wind your way deeper into the woods, paying careful attention. For once, Jack seems to understand the gravity, and at least stays quiet. Perhaps five minutes pass, and then you hear... Something. It's an odd squelching sound-it's not pleasant. The hunter holds his hand up, and starts pawing at the ground. He locates some kind of tunnel entrance, and as he clears the brush away, the squelching gets louder. He mutters "I don't like the close quarters. You with the spear," he tells Ice, "it'd be best if you go in first. I'll be right behind you with my bow."
Metastachydium
Tres tries to peek past the two men and into the hole, but alas. There doesn't seem to be much immediately visible, even for an eye better than hers, shich leaves Dove with what's audible instead. It sounds like whatever's down there, it has far worse table manners than even Jack or herself.
paddyfool
Ice considers this a second then shakes his head, and answers quietly:  ” Better we face the beast on ground of our choosing. How about you find and block any other exits? Take someone with you.  I’ll watch this one, and maybe we can make some preparations for smoking it out, then face it in the open air where we can see it and surround it.”  He listens for a second to check there’s no change from the sounds from below, then glances over the party, checking their state of readiness, and at whether Jack and his squire are geared up, before turning his eyes back on the hole.
Metastachydium
   I mean, all we have on the thing is numbers, and that's jack… Um, sorry, Jack… That's not really a big thing in a tunnel.    Dove chips in from behind.    So… Trap?   
JNAProductions
Nodding, the hunter moves to try to find any other entrances. "I hate to leave her in there," he says of the victim, "but getting ourselves killed won't help her."

Squire Diana looks nervous-her knuckles are white on her grip of the spear. But she's determined.
Jack doesn't seem as nervous, confident that his "specialness" will see him through, but he does have a sword in hand. He's ready enough to fight.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
How do you plan on smoking the beast out?
 
Metastachydium
   And I hate to be the alarmist, but,    Tres lets the squelching speak for itself for a moment there.    um, Jill may or may not mind anymore.    She then makes quick eye contact with Diana, pointing her chin towards Jack: hopefully the squire will understands Dove expects her to mind her brother for a heartbeat as she lets go once more to creep closer to the opening.    Speaking of… Should you find other exits, could you, like, pile some green branch stuff into them? We may as well make the smoke, well,  smoke .   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Smoke. Smoke it out with smoke, obviously.
 
Lentrax
 Branch stuff?  Tess says a bit incredulous.

 If whatever this is is currently eating the hapless or dead Jill, it won’t be more vulnerable than it is now. And if we try and actually smoke it out with fire, the t may just run off to start all over again once it has made a new den. It might be better to see if there is another entrance, and then come at it from two directions. Attacking it in closed quarters means it wouldn’t be able to flee and we could kill it. 
paddyfool
 ”We can agree we need to check for other entrances either way.  I fear it’s much too late to save Jill, but let’s make the best plan now to try and ensure she’s the last his beast takes. Bowman - sorry that I never got your name, mine is Isembard - as you likely know these woods the best, can you take Diana here and hunt for another entrance while we hash this out?

Now, let’s weigh this out right: if we go down there, we concede knowledge of territory, visibility and numbers, since we’d be moving single file. There may be a slightly lower risk of it escaping if we’re there to follow, but I’d bet it can move faster than us through tunnels that it knows regardless should it choose to flee and have some third option we don’t know of. But if we find another entrance or entrances and set a smoky fire at it, then waft the smoke and heat into the tunnels, it’s going to want to come out, most likely this way. Where most of us would be quietly waiting with spear, sword, bow and throwing knife to put it down.

If we don’t find another entrance, likely we will have to go down, though, since I doubt we can get it to come out to us without pushing it.” 
Lentrax
 Then we wait for answers to the question of a second entrance. 
Metastachydium
Isembard's flawless understanding of the proposition, terse as its formulation might have been, earns him a little, pleased smile and a nod; Tess's express tempoarary suspension of reservations a quick and simple    Pretty much, yes.   
JNAProductions
"Davis," he introduces himself. "And come on, Diana. Let's move."

Davis and Diana depart, searching for another entrance. The squelching sounds start to diminish, and eventually fade entirely. You listen closely, just in case something else happens.

Footfalls. Heavy ones. Coming towards the entrance you are at.
Lentrax
Tess hears the footfalls. She makes motions to the others, pointing them toward the trees nearby, and then puts action to her gestures, moving around one of the larger trees to put it between her and the approaching footsteps.
Metastachydium
Tres grimaces, quite evidently less than pleased with the development (even as it  can  be conceived as adjacent to what they meant to achieve), but she has no intention of arguing with Tess at this juncture. The entertainer's silent suggestion is sound enough. Instead, she physically prods Jack towards another tree – which, upon reaching it, she promptly begins to clamber onto, looking for a thick branch just high enough to have concealing foliage hanging about, but low enough to reach in time and safely jump off of as needed. Suddenly, having misplaced her boots doesn't seem like quite that bad a deal.
paddyfool
Ice slips behind a third tree, readying and aiming his crossbow…
JNAProductions
 Thud. Thud. Thud. 

Those of you more adept at tracking know that the sound is louder than it should be. Like the creature has an unnatural weight to it-or, gods forbid, something larger is about to emerge.

 Thud. Thud. Thud. 

Louder and louder, but still no sign of the creature.

 Thud. 

One last footfall. And then you see a grey-toned hand reaching up, finding purchase on the ground by the entrance, to pull itself up. The hand doesn't look right. Seven fingers, you count, and two thumbs.
paddyfool
Ice waits for the chance for a better shot
Metastachydium
   Well, damn.    Tres mouths, entirely to herself, slowly lowering her body until it rests firmly on the branch. There's little to do until… Well, whatever that is gets close enough – which is hardly something she looks forward to. It really doesn't look quite right.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

WE ARE ETTACKED BY AI ART!
 
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
  
 Spoiler: OOC 

WE ARE ETTACKED BY AI ART!
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Oh my god, I was not expecting that. 10 points to Tres! Laughing out loud, oh my god...
 


The creature pulls itself out. You remain silent, looking at it. It stands about eight or nine feet tall, its fur thick, grey, and matted. Its other hand is likewise wrong, this one with one finger and three thumbs, and its feet end in tri-cloven hooves. Its face... You don't look at it. You don't want to vomit. But it does have horns, spiraling out of its head. The main body is hidden underneath the greasy fur.

Jack lets out a small cry of fear. The beast's head snaps to look towards where the sound came from.
Lentrax
Tess has read the stories. The legends and the myths.

She spent many an evening entertaining taverns with those stories, and many a night with a young maid reciting poems and odes and confirmations of feelings from the heart.

But in none of them did it actually say what to do when confronted by one of the monsters. The hero usually had what was needed to hand. And so Tess was now confronted with the fact that she had  no idea  what to do herself.
paddyfool
Ice tracked the beast’s torso with his crossbow as it emerged, and seeing its head jerk towards Jack, he pulls the trigger, then drops the crossbow and take up his spear and shield instead, raising his old voice in a shout that may have come from a sergeant snapping at new recruits.

 “I’ll draw it out! Flank it, Jack! Davis, get back here! Tres, Tess - the lantern! Light it up!” 
JNAProductions
The bolt thuds into the beast's hide. The pain elicits a roar-a guttural, bestial noise, full of phlegm and anger. It charges towards Ice, reaching forward with its lesser-fingered hand. Ice raises his shield to block or deflect the blow, but finds the creature stronger than expected, even with his caution-he's knocked flat on his ass by the impact, bones jolted and shield barely held onto.

It's already moving closer to him, ready to do more harm.
paddyfool
Puffing and panting, Ice scrambles up and back to gain enough distance to thrust his spear into the beast’s leading leg, aiming to slow it down.
Metastachydium
 Well,  damn .  Dove summarizes the fresh developments, somewhat louder now that she is fairly certain the risk of being overheard is lower than ever, but still entirely for her own benefit. So, Davis or whatever is away with Diana; Tessandra may or may not be of any use in close quarters combat (she's probably far more dangerous than she looks, but Tres is not quite sure in what way, exactly); and Jack probably just soiled his pants or something. Ice might have the know-how, but he wasn't born yesterday. He needs some breathing room, and he needs it  now .

Her face twitches. She rally doesn't  want  to do this, but her best bet is that the thing's about as easily distracted as it made itself look so far.   HEY! FURHEAD!   she yells down from the cover of the foliage, wrapping her legs around her branch to straighten up somewhat and look for something resembling a weapon among the things attached to her harness. She settles on a sturdy scratching awl.   OVER HERE! And someone  please  throw something at it! Preferably fire!  All the fire!    she adds,  almost  ready for what might come next.
JNAProductions
The creature's head snaps over to Dove for a moment. As it starts to ignore her, you hear the  twang  of Davis' bow, from a bit behind Dove, and another arrow lodges itself into the being's chest.

Its eyes move to Dove, seeing her as the new target. And it moves, with frightening speed, towards her.
paddyfool
Ice draws a ragged breath.  ”Hey!”  he shouts, mimicking Dove’s tactic.  He stumbles after the beast, aiming to stick a spear in the back of its leg if it doesn’t turn round, or poke it anywhere and withdraw if it does, as he starts to tunelessly sing an old marching song:

 “They told me join the army; I said not today;
Then they got me blind drunk and I woke up in a bunk and now I’m here to stay.” 

[ooc: to the tune of “The sun has got his hat on”]
Lentrax
And things began happening. Quickly.

 Light it? How? And if I miss? No, best to wait for a better opportunity. Have to make that one count. 

She flips a knife in her hand, and aims quickly for one of the beast's legs. And then she throws her hand forward, the knife flashing in the light of the lantern.
Metastachydium
Tres pulls a leg up onto the branch, hanging on with the other. She didn't account for the thing being  this  big when she picked her perch. There's no telling how high it can reach. Better to leave herself with some room for movement as needed. But then, Ice calls out to the creature from behind its back and Tessandra emerges from behind her own cover to throw… Well, not fire at it.

And that's good enough. Keep its attention divided. Maybe they can have it confused just long enough to make a hit stick. Dove clears her throat and gets ready to issue another challenge, should the beast swivel around again, trusting Davis to back it up with more arrows.
JNAProductions
The beast takes a spear to the back of its leg, and a knife to its side. Its eyes, grey orbs of malice, grow darker, and it lets out another roar. This one louder, more menacing, and then it falls down. But its back is wriggling, and suddenly hands, wrong hands, start shooting up from its back. A tangle of three limbs launches itself from the beast's back towards Ice, with more just wriggling their way out. The beast seems to be diminishing in size, but there's little you can do about that as the storm of hands attack.

Tess's position faces the most hands, and she has to fall back or risk being dragged down and... Well, killed is probably the best followup to that.
Ice is unprepared for the sudden launching of hands, and one of them (with four fingers and two thumbs) wraps itself around his neck.
Dove is probably the safest, despite the limbs climbing up the tree. She is out of reach, for now.
Davis looses another arrow, but the confusion of melee prevents him from doing any real good this time.
Diana, her face scared and knuckles white on her spear, hooks the lantern onto the end of her weapon, and charges in, screaming what should be a battle cry but comes out more as a terrified scream.
Jack has fled entirely.
Lentrax
With her hand holding the lantern shaking as she tries to step backward and not trip, she hears the oil inside the lantern slosh as she tries to keep her balance.

And then she has an Idea. As another knife slips into her hand, she dips it into the oil of the lantern, and as she pulls it out she uses its flame to ignite the oil.

And then a  flaming  dagger is on its way through the night air toward the reaching hands.
paddyfool
Ice drops spear and shield and wrenches at the thing around his throat with one hand, while drawing a dagger to stab into it and cut it away with the other, backpedaling from its two horrific companions.
Metastachydium
Well. At least Jack and the contents of his bladder, wherever those are  should  be able to outrun… The… HANDS?? WHY ARE THEY FIGHTING HANDS?? For a moment, Tres can only stare in utter, abject disbelief.  Vertical reach  suddenly gains an all new meaning she never wanted to know about. Still, that some of the hands are coming for her is good news, after a fashion. Less hands to fight for everyone else.    Look, stupid hand… Things? A fresh, um, leg?    she dangles her former branch-grabbing leg in the general direction of her pursuers as bait, of sorts, before standing to continue her ascent as fast as visibility allows.   Oh, and Diana, damn it, you've got a spear!   she calls down, most usefully.   Keeps ome distance, it's like, the whole point of having a spear!  
JNAProductions
Diana swishes the lantern back and forth, to no real effect, until drops of burning oil that flicker out land on the limbs. They recoil in pain, and nearly light up with just the oil. "I know, but we have to do something!" she yells back.
Metastachydium
  You know, that's kind of   Tres nods, pausing to consider her next step and to look back, checking if she's still followed.    fair . Keep it up.   and the obvious pain the burning oil gives the hands is a good sign. If only she had a lamp of her own… For now, she'll have tp content herself with not having made a misstep.  So far. 
paddyfool
 ”Agk”  says Ice, as he continues trying to get the thing off his neck then ideally get clear enough to draw his sabre and start slashing.
Lentrax
Another flaming dagger flies from Tess’s hand as she tries to actually hit the thing somewhere more vital.
JNAProductions
Diana  (1d100)[ 9 ] 
Davis  (1d100)[ 39 ] 
JNAProductions
Dove tries to keep her distance. But as she clambers to another branch, there's a sudden  snap!  and the branch falls. She tries to catch herself, but lands on the ground.
Tess manages to get some oil on the main body, but it doesn't ignite. She's forced back a bit, focusing on those immediately in front of her.
Diana pushes forward recklessly, and pays the price-two sets of limbs grab her feet, and yank her down.
Davis looses another arrow, hitting the main body.
And Ice... Finding reserves of strength he didn't know he had, he rips the hands off his throat, throwing them far. He draws his sabre and, seeing Diana on the ground, charges in with alacrity. He scoops the lantern up and hurls it at the main body, where it shatters into a pile of burning oil and jagged glass. The hunched-over main body screams-no aggression, only pain. It scuttles away, blindly, as the limbs break off and cover its retreat.

It does not retreat back to its cave, instead running off in another direction. You have seen it beat back, for the moment.
Lentrax
 Do we go after it? While it’s wounded? 

Only then does she see Diana on the ground. Tess goes over to help the other woman up.

 Alright? 
JNAProductions
Diana is breathing raggedly. "I'm... I'm..." she manages to get out, then buries her face against Tess's leg. "I'm not doing so good."

Moving to join the group, Davis tells Diana "That was brave. Reckless, but brave as anything I've ever seen." His eyes move to the cave, but he doesn't say anything about it.
paddyfool
Ice takes a deep breath, sheathing his dagger then running at his neck.  ”I suggest we light a fire, as that does indeed seem the best weapon against the beast, and take a breather for a...”  He pauses for a moment.  “Did anyone see what direction Jack ran off in? And are you injured, lass? That was well done indeed,”  he says to Diana.
JNAProductions
Jack ran back towards the village, while the monster is heading deeper into the forest.
He should be safe.

Diana feels over her body, and shakes her head. "Bruises. I got scratched by some of the brush. Nothing serious."
Lentrax
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 Diana is breathing raggedly. "I'm... I'm..." she manages to get out, then buries her face against Tess's leg. "I'm not doing so good." 
 

 My lady Knight,  Tess says seriously.  You are, in fact doing incredibly well. Better than I. 
Metastachydium
Figuring the fight is over, Tres groans, quite displeased with the  pain  of being in pain. She was supposed to be good at this. Apparently, actually  seeing  what she does wouldn't have hurt, and would've hurt less than the fall.  Don't mind me.  she remarks from the background.  It's not like I just kind of tried to headbutt the ground to death and kind of failed.  She… doesn't really feel like getting up for now.  Any…  she clears her throat.   Um, any sign of Jack?  
paddyfool
 ” Let’s try calling to see if he’s in earshot. Master Jack! The danger has passed for now!

“ Thank you for the timely distraction, Miss Tres. I think you may have saved my life. You too, Davis, for your sharpshooting.

“And good thinking with the flaming daggers Tess. Does anyone have any ideas as to further ways we might bring fire to bear against the beast? I was thinking we could make some torches once we’ve built the fire.”  

As he speaks, Ice is gathering up and checking his assorted weaponry.
Metastachydium
Dove slowly rolls onto her back with another groan.   Thanks.   she tells Isembard.   And it's good to see that you  still have it , old man.   she smiles faintly.   And, um, torches, yeah. Torches sound good.   she adds, reaching out for her knees to pull herself up into a sitting position.   Nether Ones…   Hey, um, Davis, was it? In the meantime.   she rolls her shoulders. Right. Left. Right.   In case you never found, like, another entrance, this might be, um, this might be  the  time to go check. You know, if, or, well, what, um…   she bites her lower lip.   What shape Jill's in. As the thing's not at home and all. I counted steps and stuff, noise level and all that; I don't think it was very far down. I kind of want to check the place  anyhow . We better collapse the whole thing later.   Left. Right.   Should be able to, you know, get down easily. Someone lowers a lantern, I see if it looks safe to traverse, if it checks out, we do a quick trip.   she looks at Davis inquisitively.   So?  
JNAProductions
"Now is the time, yes," he says. "I'm the least injured, so I'll take point."

He draws what could be called a long dagger or a short sword from a sheath, and waits at the entrance. He seems outwardly calm, but you can tell that just beneath the surface, he's not looking forward in the slightest to what you might find within.

Once everyone has had a few moments to take stock of themselves and prepare, Davis gingerly lowers himself down into the cave. "It's cramped," he reports back. "You'd think something that size would've made a bigger home, but I guess not." He goes a little deeper, waiting for a lantern-bearer to climb down next. The cave extends maybe five feet vertically down, longer horizontally, and it opens up a little deeper in. Davis sees it first. "Gods... I'm going to be sick."

You find Jill. She looks dead, which is a mercy given what else you see. All over her body are little budding hands and limbs, with one coming directly up from her mouth. Her eyes are open, unseeing. "Burn it-we're burning this whole damn thing!" Davis says.
Metastachydium
  Bad idea.   Tres is  very  quick to point out, reflexively covering her mouth and nose.   It's, like… This is a measly little cave underground. Fire makes smoke and kind of eats air. Let's lug it, um, her, um… Let's lug all up and burn it there or you all go ahead and let  me  do it. I'm quick. I'm small. I climb fast.  
Lentrax
 No.  Tess says in response to Tres.  Just because it looks like it isn’t moving does not mean it is dead. We burn it down here. Use some of our lantern oil to make a path for the flame to move down. But we burn it down here.

There is not another exit from here. So after the fire burns it all it will be easy work to collapse this warren. That will be tomb enough for the poor Jill. And whatever other victims are down here. 
Metastachydium
  I mean, that's sound  in principle .   Tres shrugs.   But we'll have to kind of rearrange our priorities, then. We've got only so many lamp oil, you know. So…   she pauses, frowning at the low ceiling.   We'll need someone on watch, up and out; a fire, no, make it a  big  fire running up there and, um, flammables,  loads  of them down here.   she nods to herself.   But we need to be, like, quick. No telling where it went.  
paddyfool
 ”We’d better get started then. This old fool will stand guard above ground in case the beast returns, as the only one with armour on.   He turns to leave this foul place, and adds as he goes:

 I’ll also leave my loaded crossbow and bolts by the entrance, lest anyone find themselves weaponless. 
Metastachydium
  Old  fool ? Only when you talk **** like that.   Tres smiles at Ice, hugging his arm.   Hey, Davis and, um, Diana, I say you tag along and start that fire.   she lets go of the old man to address the others. Davis, in particular, could probably use a break from the sight of… Well, Not-Jill.   I'll stay down, kind of keep an eye out and, I don't know, scream and run if it tries to eat me.   Tess, she figures, will do what Tess will do. Probably complain or something. Dove kind of feels like she wouldn't take well to suggestions, let alone instructions anyhow.
JNAProductions
Davis nods, shakily. He and Diana head back along the cave's path.

You all work carefully, trying to conserve the oil you've got and ensure no one gets burned, but thoroughly, to make sure that everything in there is burned to a crisp. Soon enough, you've cleared anything flammable from the entrance to the cave and are able to light the inside.

The fire sends gouts of smoke out from the entrance. Davis looks mournfully at it, until he can bear it no more, and looks away.

There is no sign of the beast that fled.
Lentrax
 What should we do about the beast? We can’t let it just go. But we also don’t know where it went. 
paddyfool
 ”We saw which direction it ran to start with, and Davis managed to track it down before. But the last time we fought it, it was touch and go. If we seek another fight, we should come better prepared. Davis, are there any others in the village who might be willing and able to fight it alongside us? And any stocks of oil and pitch?”  
JNAProductions
"Other fighters... Maybe," he says. "There's some people who are strong, and some who are able to keep a level head in conflict. But no one else is really experienced at fighting. But stocking up on supplies, that we can do."
Metastachydium
  Yeah. Good thinking, yes.   Dove nods, doing her best not to nod  off ; having been waken at the middle of the night is beginning to catch up with her, with the immediate threat out of reach.   Won't mind if you round those folks up tomorrow. I'll, um, I'll try to draw up something sensible for making that cave-in happen in the morning, and I kinda think it's going to involve beefy people with picks and adzes.   she rubs her upper arm pensively.   Ice is right, though. Chasing that thing about like this only went so well because we found this, um, this lair thing. Maybe we should regroup now. Hit town. I'd like to check on my idiot brother, for one thing.  
JNAProductions
You start heading for the village. The travel is uninterrupted by anything nasty, though there's an incongruous moment when you stumble into a patch of pretty flowers.

Jack is waiting just on the outskirts, holding his sword somewhat ready.
paddyfool
 ” Davis, if you need to talk some time, let me know. I lost my closest friend to a monster attack…  Ice is quietly saying, then stops still as he sees Jack, and stares him dead in the eyes, silently waiting for him to make the first move.
Metastachydium
The pretty flowers are a welcome change of scenery, as far as Tres is concerned (though she doesn't have the mental strength to contemplate them too much at the moment), and so is a visibly alive Jack, BRAVELY guarding a good spot he can BRAVELY run away from right into the village if need be. Sufficiently distracted as she is, Dove misses Isembard's intent entirely and is quick to rush over, pulling the valiant knight into a big hug. She doesn't really expect him to be quick enough to accidentally skewer her, even in his shock and with his sword already drawn.   You alright, dumb-dumb?   she asks his chest, with just a hint of genuine concern.
JNAProductions
"I'm fine!" he says. "Are... Are you all okay?"
paddyfool
 ”Yes, Master Jack,”  replies Ice slowly, without letting up his hard stare.  ”We are all of us in one piece.”  He sniffs a little pointedly.  “Now, let’s go back and get  cleaned up . We must rest, before returning to the hunt tomorrow. Are you up to the task of joining us when we go back out, do you think?” 
Metastachydium
  I fell from a tree!   Dove interjects, most usefully, appending a snort to that when Isembard says  cleaned up , and otherwise still clinging to her brother like there's no tomorrow.
JNAProductions
"Yes, of course!" Jack tells Ice. His tone is offended, but you can tell there's fear behind it. "And of course you did," he says to Dove.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If no one objects, I'll move us to morning.
 
paddyfool
 ” Good to hear it,”  replies Ice, letting up on his hard stare.  “The more of us there are, the safer all of us will be. Speaking of which, Davis, please do bring anyone else who can fight or who would be skilled in preparing weapons tomorrow. And let me know where I can source a little oil and disposable cloth... also, Diana, maybe have a think about asking your siblings. I can help equip them if you like. And Dove… shall we look at getting you some kind of weapon? I can train you up in the use of a crossbow if you like?” 
 
 Spoiler 
Preparatory chat done, happy to move on to tomorrow if others are
 
Metastachydium
Tres pushes herself slightly away from Jack, leaning against him with her left arm – so that she can punch his chest, lightly, all the easier.   That's, um, that's a really good idea, actually. Let's do that.   she turns her head around to smile at Ice once more.   Second thing tomorrow.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Ready to skip to morning!
 
JNAProductions
You return to your rooms, ready to sleep. It's a bit hard to actually rest, and your dreams are troubled, to say the least, but you get what rest you can.

You sleep in slightly longer than you anticipated-but honestly, you needed the time. You eat from your own rations, not wanting to trouble the already-frosty innkeep, and manage to get Jack to do the same. Once you've broken fast, you head outside and find Davis. He's just walking into town, and nods to you. "See what you can do to prepare outside the village-I'll get the supplies."
paddyfool
Ice looks around.  ” So, Merriville,”  he says, having given an account of last night’s events (not mentioning Jack running away for the moment, focusing on the monster’s description, abilities and vulnerability to fire).  “Have you ever heard of a beastie like that one before?” 
JNAProductions
"I have not," Merriville says. "It seems somewhat like a troll, if I had to peg it as something-but that's only a loose association."
Metastachydium
  Couldn't you, I don't know, look into the future and tell us where it'll strike next, then?   Tres asks Merriville with something like a sigh, not even bothering to turn around and face the man, continuing to scribble calculations around a crude drawing on a nearby wall with a piece of chalk.   Aren't you, like, a  prophet  or something?  
paddyfool
 ”As I understand it, prophecies are best not forced,”   Ice gently inserts, to save Merriville’s embarrassment.  “I think we have the knowledge necessary to end this threat for now, if we can track the beast down again and burn it. Now, let us look to weapons, fire… and probably some means of containing a fire as well.”  

Ice shows the others where a band of oil-soaked cloth is more wrapped just behind the head on his spear and tacked in place, using supplies from his wagon.  “We used to use an arrangement like this on signal arrows in the army. It won’t burn for very long, but it’ll light easily and hopefully last long enough. We could do the same with some arrows and bolts perhaps. Any other ideas for bringing fire to the beast without burning ourselves up as well?” 
JNAProductions
Davis returns with some oil and wood, and then sets back out to gather more. There's a few other villagers helping gather supplies, but you don't think any of them will be much aid in a proper fight.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move on to the hunt?
 
Metastachydium
  Whatever.   Tres grumbles, no less displeased with the prophets and their trade than before.   Anyway.   she looks up from her scribbling to regard the villagers gathering about, leaving the discussion of tactical concerns to Isembard, Diana, and Tess, perhaps, if she bothers to chime in.   I'll need, say… Five people who, like, know how to dig. Bring spades, bring mattocks. We've got a cave roof to cave. I think I kind of figured out how to do that fast with few hands. Will explain on the way.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Dove's all set to go and BREAK stuff!
 
paddyfool
Ice preps flaming arrows and bolts, recruits one of the braver looking villagers to carry a lantern and be ready to light flaming weapons with it, and another to carry a bucket of water and a shovel in case of fire-related mishaps.

 
 Spoiler 
 Ice is all set. Are the porters or Merriville joining us?
 
JNAProductions
Merriville and the others are not fighters, and as such, are not going with. The prophet did ask "If you can recover the body, it might prove worth looking at. But, ah-stay safe as best you can."

Once all the supplies are readied, you set out, without any of the villagers. Some seemed prepared to go with, but the descriptions of the beast made them quite a bit more hesitant.
Davis takes point, as he knows the forest best.
Ice and Diana are next.
Tess, Dove, and Jack bring up the rear.

The sun is visible through the trees-it's dim, but still bright enough to see without any real trouble. When you arrive at the beast's lair, you notice it's in a spot of overgrowth, making the entire cave entrance darker than the rest of the forest has been. Ice and Davis set stakes into the ground, hanging and lighting lanterns from them, making the whole place considerably brighter.
Metastachydium
Having spent the trek inwardly grumbling about the useless, cowardly villagers (she didn't ask them to fight, she just asked them to dig a stupid hole in the ground!) and, keeping Isembard's crossbow close to her chest, making sure she has the most evident path for her useless, cowardly brother's foreseeable attempt at running away blocked, Dove hits the clearing last. She watches Ice and Davis set up the scene quietly, contenting herself with giving a nearby tree trunk a few idle, light, nigh-soundless kicks, only to speak up once the lanterns are all readied.    So… You think it's, like,  in  there?    she motions towards the cave entrance. All would be  so  much easier if she could have removed that burrow from the equation! But alas.
paddyfool
 ”Hard to guess at the actions of an unknown beastie, but it’s not unlikely it would have come back to sniff around its home at least once it figured the coast was clear, making this a good spot to try and pick up its trail,”  suggests Ice, as he checks on the oil-soaked cloth attached to his and Diana’s spears.  ” And if there’s no sign of that, we at least know where it went from here last night, but I’ll leave the tracking to our expert on the subject,”  he says, nodding to Davis.

 “When the fighting starts, stay safe and stick close by someone with a flaming weapon. Stands to reason it’ll try to avoid whatever can hurt it most,”  suggests Ice next.

 
 Spoiler 
 What kind of weaponry is Jack carrying?
 
JNAProductions
Jack shuffles about a bit, his sword still in its sheathe. He's standing close by one of the lanterns.

Davis, meanwhile, is examining the lair. "Not entirely sure," he says, "but it might've come back to sleep. It's a bit hard with all the extra tracks."
Metastachydium
  Allllright.   Tres bobs her head, removing a hand from Ice's crossbow for just long enough to punch Jack in the chest as a wake-up call.   So, um, what now, then? We start being very loud hoping it'll notice? Or what?  
paddyfool
 ”We now know the lay of the land inside the beast’s hole, so if we are on our guard we should be able to scout it out this time. I suggest we all stick close, however.  
Metastachydium
  Man.   Dove sighs, shaking her head.   I  knew  we shoulda wrecked that place.   She taps the crossbow somewhat nervously.   But you're the soldier person we've got.   she tells Ice.   If you want in there, I'll kinda have to roll with it. Lead on, Davis.  
paddyfool
 ”Wait, before we go in, let’s light a torch and agree an order of march. It would be easier to light our weapons from the torch than from lanterns. Davis, as you suggested, it might be sensible if someone in armour like myself goes first.  Tess, would you be happy to carry the torch and walk just behind me with Davis?  Jack and Dove can follow you, and Diana bring up the rear. That way we can set spears front or back against attack.”  
JNAProductions
"Right," Davis says. He holds an arrow nocked, but the string on his bow is relaxed for the moment.

Jack mumbles something that really only Dove can hear, something along the lines of "This seems reckless..." But, with her prodding, he follows along.

You descend into the cave, the eerie flickering of the torchlight casting stark shadows against the walls. As you go along, you hear movement from within, prompting a little more caution from Ice. He holds himself ready, and when the beast lunges from within, he deflects it with his shield, sending the claws slamming against the wall. A small puff of dirt and detritus falls from the ceiling from the impact, making it a touch harder to see, but the torchlight is still strong.

Davis' bow is raised and readying to fire.
paddyfool
 ” Light your weapons!”  barks Ice, as he stabs at the beast with his spear, aiming to fend it off as much as do damage.  “Set the beast aflame, then we all back out of here together.  Sir  Jack, be ready to protect them with your sword if it gets past me.”  
Metastachydium
  ****.   Tres hisses out briskly. She really needs to sleep more.   Let's, kind of, speed up the bit with backing out or we'll choke ourselves out with much smoke, no air  fast !   she advises Isembard at a breakneck rate of speech, trying to light the bolt up with the torch before taking a potshot at the thing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 (1d100)[ 81 ] , I think?
 
JNAProductions
Tres lights the oil-slicked bolt, and fires a clean shot at the beast. Davis fires a shot as well, his arrow having an oil-soaked and lit aflame rag on it. The beast roars in pain as Ice takes a few paces back.

The monster lunges ahead, but Ice catches the arm and pins it against the wall with his shield-not for long, but a moment or two. In that moment, Davis fires another shot, clear into the monster's chest. Its matted fur is starting to catch on fire, and Ice continues beating a path back.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d100)[ 2 ]  For the beast.
 
paddyfool
 ”Ha!”  shouts Ice, as he tries to thrust the head and flammable rag of his spear through the burning hide off the beast, aiming to simultaneously light his weapon and spread the flame.

 (1d100)[ 15 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
 Incidentally, how smoky is it getting down here?
 
Metastachydium
Dove stares at the crossbow for a heartbeat, but somehow trying to  reload it  just here and now fails to strike her as a good idea. And then there's Ice, a bit too eager and somehow… Clumsy, with that thrust?   Ice, it's, um, it's  on fire !   she bolts forward grabbing the old man from behind to try and pull him out of the creature's reach and towards the entrance.   We have to go!  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

The intention is to pull him away preferably after the spear had a chance to hit or miss, but  before  AIArt can retaliate. Note that Tres is a professional climber; her arms are a  lot  stronger than she looks. Also, a roll:  (1d100)[ 12 ] 
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The air is smoking up, but you can still breathe okay. Mostly since you've been doing a fighting retreat.

 (1d100)[ 32 ]  for the monster.
 


Dove gets a grip on Ice, but the monster does too. A quick jab from Diana at its hand manages to get its meaty hand off of Ice, though the stab also nicks the butler-he'll need that bandaged sooner rather than later.

Jack scrambles up the rearmost wall, and holds his hand down. "Come on, let's just let it burn!" he says.

You retreat another few paces, weapons still keeping it at bay.
paddyfool
 ” Back off to the entrance and we’ll hold it there while it burns,”  agrees Ice, readying another jab to intercept the beast’s next attack while backing off with the rest.

 (1d100)[ 94 ] 
Metastachydium
  I'd hold it from, like,  outside . Smoke's gonna move towards the entrance. The pit's no place we want to be.   Tres opines, trying to reload the crossbow all by hand as she moves backwards, seeing how Ice is probably better off without her help of dubious quality, after all.
JNAProductions
Seeing the beast's movements slow a bit, as it becomes steadily more concerned with its flames, Ice is able to fight a retreat with ease. Adrenaline keeps him from feeling too much of the pain he's in, and with Jack helping the others up, he's soon the only left facing it directly.

Davis and Dove both provide covering fire, while Diana and Jack lift Ice out without him having to turn his back. His footing is awkward, but the bolts and arrows keep the monster at bay while he's lifted.

The monster cannot retreat-the interior of its lair is burning.
The monster cannot climb-your weapons keep it from doing so.
The monster cannot survive-it itself is aflame.

For what feels like a small eternity, but is probably not more than two or three minutes, you keep it inside the steadily-burning pit. Eventually, it stops moving, smoldering into a pile of ashes and cinder.
paddyfool
Ice settles down to clean and dress his wounded arm. In addition to the obvious manual mode of cleaning, there’s a little surreptitious magic going on to make sure the wound is totally free of any trace of the beast.

 ” If you’ll pardon me for taking a moment to sort myself out, it’s best not leaving any battlefield wound to fester. Is anyone else hurt at all?”  
Metastachydium
  That's… A smell.   Dove remarks, peering down into the hole from the comfort of resting her head against her brother's shaky ribcage.   I think I'll need a change of clothes. Otherwise… I kind of can't complain.   she  gives a side glance to Isembard.   How's that arm, old man? You need, you know, help with that… Which… Um, you're  doing ?  
paddyfool
 ” Actually, I could use a hand tying the dressing. As I said to Tess, it’s a job best not done with just one hand.” 
 ” So once we’re finished with this wound of mine, it may be necessary to sweep the embers for any trace of the beast. And then I suggest we repair to the inn for a drink and a chat. All in favour?”  
JNAProductions
Davis agrees with an "Aye."
Jack and Diana both nod.

While Ice's wound is being dressed, Davis draws a small pouch from a pocket. "This salve will help keep it from infection," he says to Ice. "Use it sparingly-a small coating should be enough to work. I can make more, so you can have this to keep yourself healthy." The salve stings a little, but nothing the butler can't handle.

Once the smoke has cleared, you take two lanterns down with you into the monster's lair. You keep your weapons ready, in case something is still ready to attack. The furthest area has many small limbs, twitching and moving erratically. You take some oil, spread it liberally throughout the cave, and lead a trail back to the entrance. And then, you light it. It blazes for maybe half an hour before you feel safe to go in again-and now, the cave is purified. Nothing is moving, save for you. Nothing in there is animate.
paddyfool
 ” The mystery to me is where this unknown beast came from,”   says Ice, as he checks over the walls and floor for any obvious sign of dark ritual or similar.  “Possibly we could bring Merriweather out here now that it’s safe enough and see if he gets struck by inspiration, but then I think we should salt the earth down here and collapse the cave. That should be an end to it.” 
 ” For now, though, thank you everyone. Diana, for saving me again. Davis and Dove, for your marksmanship. Jack, for making sure we made it out of there safely. And Tess, for lighting the fire that ended the beast. A good job well done.” 
Metastachydium
Having rendered as much assistance with the wound being dressed as she could, and with both tours of the lair finished, all that's left for Tres is some grumbling to do.


 
 Originally Posted by paddyfool 
  “Possibly we could bring Merriweather out here now that it’s safe enough and see if he gets struck by inspiration, but then I think we should salt the earth down here and collapse the cave. That should be an end to it.”  
 

 Right?  she grimaces.   I've been trying to make that happen for, like, a whole day now! Stupid scaredy villagers… Um, no offense, Davis, that's not, like, you.   she sighs.   Point is, I kind of have a quick and dirty plan drawn up for that, if local diggers are not too scared of an empty forest.   The comment about the prophet she quite deliberately ignore.


  ” For now, though, thank you everyone. Diana, for saving me again. Davis and Dove, for your marksmanship. Jack, for making sure we made it out of there safely. And Tess, for lighting the fire that ended the beast. A good job well done.”  

  Yeah. That's on point, though. You're quite the valiant leader still, too, old man.   Dove pokes Isembard's  not  wounded arm.   And we totally did it! I'd kinda keep watch on the hole, though, for just this night.  
paddyfool
Ice pauses to consider the idea of keeping a watch.

 ” That may be the safest course, rather than let some fragment of this beast creep out of an undiscovered corner to start anew. We lack camping equipment here to watch overnight and sleep in shifts. But we could send some of us back to give the town the news and pick up bed rolls and shelter. Possibly Diana’s siblings could help us bring this equipment back now the main danger has passed.  Who goes and who stays though, and does anyone object to this plan?”  
Metastachydium
  You know I'm kind of not picky about things to sleep, let alone sit on for a while. I'm good to stay.   Tres shrugs.   You probably shouldn't, you know, exert yourself too much either just yet. And I need Jack here.   she grabs her brother's arm, pulling him closer. The Nether Ones know what he'll do if she lets him wander out of sight.   Davis should make the trip, like, faster and Tess is our talking talker.   she glances at the two.   How about you two making the trip, please?  
JNAProductions
Davis nods. "I used to love walking these woods. Now, I'll be happy to be home."
paddyfool
Ice nods along.  ” If you bring back a few men with shovels and salt and Merriville, we can get all our business here done, hopefully. Enjoy the walk.” 
Metastachydium
  Make that spades. And, like, picks or mattocks.   Dove waves towards Davis as if he were already on his way, even as she casually just sits down to recklessly dangle her feet into the burnt out, empty hole.
JNAProductions
Davis leaves without another word.
The forest is quiet-eerily so. One would hope that, with the beast dead and once the soil is cleansed, it will return to its normal activities.

A half hour passes before you hear footsteps coming back. Davis is leading the group of villagers and Merriville, all of whom but the prophet have tools and bags. "I'm going to search the area," Davis tells Ice, "just in case there's anything dangerous lurking. Doesn't even have to be a monster-bear can kill people just as well."
Metastachydium
Not bothering to address Davis any more than Davis bothers to acknowledge her, Tres sees to organizing that cave-in in the meantime, motioning the diggers closer and drawing shallow outlines into the forest floor with a pilfered pick.   Al-rright, lovely to have ebveryone here, let's get to it; I'll need a trench right  here  on this side, just, like, eight inches deep for now – we're just weakening the ceiling. Real thing's gonna be the other side, um, as in  here . We'll go section by section, from the entrance…   she gesturesphysically goading and pushing people into position as needed, providing further and further specifications.   Mind your steps, and kind of stay  outside  the line. I want nobody falling in  or anything.   she finishes the big speech with a nod.   Now, shall we?   she grabs her own tool with both hands, ready to lay unto the business edge of the clearing.
paddyfool
Ice picks up a mattock and joins the dig. As they work, he asks the other diggers if there are any rumours going around as to where the beast came from.
JNAProductions
There's no solid consensus on where the monster came from. Not from Indos, at least, but besides that, they don't know.
Metastachydium
  And…   Dove joins the conversation between huffs and puffs.   …how long's it been, like,  around , anyhow? Davis might've mentioned, but if so, I kind of forgot.  
JNAProductions
"We're not entirely sure," one of the diggers responds. "The woods have been dangerous for a while, but we first saw it... Maybe a year ago? More or less."
Metastachydium
  Huh.   Tres pauses her digging her a moment to tilt her head sideways.   Indos is, like, a big spit away. Why didn't we know so far?  
paddyfool
 ” And have you heard of any other strange occurrences elsewhere recently?”  chimes in Ice.
JNAProductions
"We haven't heard from anywhere lately," Davis says . "We used to see merchants passing through, travelers, that sort of thing. Not so much these days."
Metastachydium
  Can't help but kinda feel like that doesn't answer my question.   Dove grumps.   Why the heck wouldn't  you  ask for help?  
paddyfool
After some shamefaced mumbling by the villagers, Ice takes mercy on them and changes the subject to practical aspects of the dig.  It isn’t long until the hole crashes in on itself with a great thump, pretty much exactly as Dove had  planned, and the job is done without injury.


 ”I think it’s time we returned to the inn and made plans for the next stage in our journey,”  suggests Ice. He someone looks the least dusty and grimy of the diggers.  ” Drinks all round, perhaps?” 
JNAProductions
Normally, the idea of free drinks would be quite exciting for the assembled villagers. But given the recent events, the response is a lot more subdued.

You return to the village, and provide ample payment for the diggers' drinks. Merriville declines to have anything. Diana and her siblings have a bit. Jack gets plastered.
Metastachydium
Dove, much unlike Ice still composed of equal parts herself and forest soil, manages to get somewhat pleasantly tipsy herself as she sits cross-legged on top of a table, mostly to preemptively cope with the grim future of having to haul Jack back to his room once he'll be no good for walking which approaches very fast. And he  did  eat quite well in the last few  years  besides being much taller. Joy! And that's before remembering she doesn't quite remember what their mission even  is , beyond keeping Jack's fat ass from being eaten.   Hey, um, Ice? Diana? Prophet guy?   she looks at each in turn, her gaze somewhat hazy, the first moment she  believes  they aren't being overheard by  too many  locals.   It just, um, like, occured to me, and it could, like be… Like, the booze, and I kinda jumped in midway and all, but… Uh… Where is it we are actually, like,  actually  headed?   she asks.   Best responder gets hugs.   she (and all the grime covering her) tries to inadvertently disincentivize coherent answers.
JNAProductions
Merriville sighs. "There is a prophecy that a great evil is coming, which will usher in a millennium or more of darkness should he not be defeated. Jack is our only hope to defeat him." He looks wistfully at a glass of ale, but does not imbibe.
paddyfool
 “Doesn’t strike me like these parts are in any way prepared for or protected against the coming of a great evil,”  Ice observes quietly, almost to himself.

 ” Anyway, you didn’t exactly answer her question,”  he prompts Merriville.  “Do we have a specific destination and route of travel planned? What is the actual purpose of this specific journey with regards to addressing the prophecy?”  
Metastachydium
  That's, um,  yes . Not very hugworthy.   Tres agrees with a nod most solemn. Ice also gets a smile of the grateful sort.   So, like, what he asked.   Dove takes another swig of fruit wine for emphasis.
JNAProductions
"That is for Master Jack to know and decide. And right now, he appears to be vomiting on the way out the door," Marriville says, pointing at him.
Metastachydium
 I…  she follows the pointing finger instinctively.   Really didn't  need  to know that, you know.   she makes a face of tired exasperation.   I'm kinda almost sorry you have to have this…  Happen  to you.   she leans over with a look of genuine compassion. Merriville gets a hug of grime and dirt, too.   I  think  we might, um, we might have to have a talk with dumb-dumb about that.   she tells the prophet's shoulder before receding.
JNAProductions
He nods, and does his best to wipe the newly acquired grime from himself.
Jack is in no condition to talk coherently, so anything along those lines will have to wait for morning.

You eventually retire to rooms for the night, and get a decent night's sleep. You feel accomplished-you've helped people in a tangible and material way.

Ice is the first one up, and helps the innkeep with meal prep for when the rest awaken. While he helps, she talks a little bit. "I'm sorry for being so cold before. I hope you understand why, though."
paddyfool
Ice nods.  ”You had bigger things to worry about than annoying customers from out of town”  he says with a wry smile.  ”Speaking of which… I gather there haven’t been many travelers on the roads lately, but have you heard anything from those few that have been through town?” 
JNAProductions
"We had a trader from Othway," she says. "The city has been dark-it's shrouded in fog, and even when the fog isn't so thick, sunlight is dim."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Feel free to awaken whenever you like.

 
 Spoiler: Othway 
Another city-not as large as Indos, but not small. Port city, relies a lot on fishing and whaling.
 

 
Metastachydium
  Sounds like next stop?   an exceptionally disheveled Dove chimes in, having just shambled in from the stables with uncanny stealth, massaging a temple. This village place  has  booze.   Jack's a city kid. He'll kind of love the idea, sans the fog, whenever he, like, gets up. It's bound to happen, one of these days.   she glances towards where she remembers her brother's room should be with a grimace.   So, um, let's not tell him about the fog, maybe.  
paddyfool
 ”Sounds like a plan. Although we should also see what Jack’s own ideas are like, and then see how well Othway can be made to fit. In the meantime, I’ll have a think about whether I have any friends from the old days in or around Othway…” 
 
 Spoiler 
 Any old regimental contacts / widows and orphans fund contacts in the vicinity?
 
JNAProductions
Jack stumbles downstairs, holding his head. "Eurgh..." he mumbles out. "Need something..." He finds his way to the table, and downs a glass of water.

 
 Spoiler: Othway 
Othway was a decent distance from your fighting, but you remember there was someone you fought alongside who talked about moving there when all was said and done. Sandra Sinclair, who earned the nickname of the Juggernaut for her actions.
 
Metastachydium
Tres might not have the military training Ice can boast of, but even then, she knows striking the enemy at their most vulnerable is a sound, if mean attack plan. Jack, conveniently seated and so not too much taller than his sister, soon finds himself hugged from behind.   JACK!   she squeals, affectionately.   Didn't expect you up this early, really.   she grins.   Guess you  do  want that nice ocean air you've been so on about last evening. Kinda can't blame you. I hear Othway  is  nice.  
JNAProductions
Jack mumbles something as he pushes Tres off him. "Wha?" he asks, a little louder.

He manages to find a seat and get some food into himself, while you two explain what you heard of Othway. Jack nods halfheartedly. "Yeah, yeah, sure... Any more water?"
paddyfool
 ” Certainly, but I can also do better than that. Let me rustle up an old hangover cure while you sip a little more water,”  suggests Ice, before he goes and has a little conversation with the innkeeper before some speedy kitchen activity occurs and he comes back with something smelling vaguely herbal and refreshing (a herbal tonic with slight anti-emetic effects and fairly balanced electrolytes).
JNAProductions
Jack eyes the hangover cure with some suspicion. "What's it taste like?"
paddyfool
 ”Ginger, lime, mint and honey”  states Ice honestly.
JNAProductions
"Blech," he replies, but swigs it down.
Metastachydium
  What? I mean, it smells  good , can I have some?   Tres and her throbbing temples grin at Ice, giving Jack's shoulder a light punch in the meantime.
paddyfool
 ”Certainly, Miss Tres,”  replies Ice, and prepares a second cup, going a little stronger on the honey in anticipation of personal preference.

 “So, in terms of travel plans for Othway, would you feel ready for the road today or tomorrow?”  asks Ice.
JNAProductions
"Look, as long as I don't have to do the walking, I can go today," Jack says.

Diana and her siblings make their descent. They had not nearly so much to drink, and so are mostly fine. The squire asks "What was that about Othway?" and she and her siblings are quickly caught up.

With the plan in place, Diana says "I'll get the carriage ready. Joseph, help me out?" Her brother nods, and the two exit the inn.

It's maybe an hour before everything is put in order and the carriage starts rolling. Everyone finds their spots, and the villagers who see you depart wave a friendly goodbye. Setting off along the winding road out of the village, it'll be about three hours till you hit a proper road.
paddyfool
Jack has asked Tres to drive his wain while he rests his injured arm, keeping a weather eye on their progress.

While they travel, he explains to Tres that he may have a contact in or around Othway from his old military days, by the name of Sandra Sinclair.  ”A redoubtable warrior in her day. If she did end up settling there, I wouldn’t be surprised if she became involved in sorting out whatever’s going on already, so she may well have some information on the situation and would be worth seeking out.  
Metastachydium
Ice's brew hits home with the younger Coventry, and a pleased Dove, sipping a second serving as the group rolls out, is more than happy to return the favour, throwing in a few you-are-the-bests, even.   Great. That's great.   Tres nods on as Isembard informs her of their inside man by the sea.   Do-all like you, or, um, more the hit things heavy type  redoubtable warrior ?  
paddyfool
 ” Oh, I was working in logistical support and supply towards the end. That’s how I survived. She was very much the hit things and heavy type; one of the toughest of us, in fact. That’s how she survived.” 
JNAProductions
The carriage and wagon move without trouble. Othway is a considerable distance away, but the main roads  should  be safe. Of course, in this day, it's better to travel only in daylight.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Does anyone have anything specific you want to accomplish on the way to Othway? Or should I just roll for shenanigans and such?
 
paddyfool
After they set up camp each evening, Ice takes a little time to practice with his spear and offers training in this and the crossbow to anyone who is interested.
JNAProductions
Diana takes him up, as do her siblings. The siblings aren't fighters, but they're trying their best, seeing how dangerous their job might be. Merriville refuses to so much as touch a crossbow. Jack, seemingly emboldened by the victory at the village, doesn't do much of any training, with sword, bow, or spear.

You run into a few travelers-not many, often merchants, and usually in large groups. With each one, you do your best to take stock of their news and make nice with them. It seems most merchants have started travelling in bands-even if they'd normally be opposed in the cities, they stick together on the road.

About halfway on the travel to Othway, something a little more exciting occurs. You're in an open and somewhat barren plains, when in the distance, off the road, you spot a roiling cloud of smoke, with red flames flickering at its center.
Metastachydium
Skipping practice time herself to instead annoy Jack some (she'll have to put some exercise beyond the most basic stretching in eventually, but it's not like a few lighter days will melt the muscle off her arms and legs) leaves Tres well-rested and alert for now, alert enough to stop the wagon (she still insists on driving for now) immediately once the smoke floats into view.   I wish those dumb old merchants were, like, a lot less cagey about stuff.   she sighs, standing to get a marginally better view.   I guess we'll take a closer look?   she motions towards the carriage, not even bothering to check if one of the three siblings bothered to stop it of their own iniative.
JNAProductions
Joseph pulls on the reigns, stopping the larger carriage. It's currently mid-afternoon, and he looks over at the smoke cloud. "Are we sure we want to deal with that?"
Metastachydium
  I'm kind of sure Jack isn't.   Dove shrugs.   That's reason enough for me.   she goes on, a mischievous little smile dancing in a corner of her mouth for a moment.    To do it. Right now.   
paddyfool
Ice first weighs up the risk of wildfire with the nearby level of vegetation, taking some comfort in how barren the plains are. Then he suggests:  ”Seems more likely such a fire might betoken people in trouble than a trap; not many people out here to trap besides travelling merchants, who aren’t likely to go looking for trouble. I think it would be the right thing to check it out, although we should move cautiously.” 
Metastachydium
  I'm caution itself!   Tres hops off the wagon.   Um, shall we?   she points a thumb in the fire's direction, looking at the others.
JNAProductions
Diana sighs and nods, gripping her spear. Joseph says "I'll get Jack."

Within the next minute, you're ready to set forth to combat the blaze, whatever it might be. It's still somewhat distant, though.
paddyfool
 ” What does the map say should be there where the fire is burning? Any towns or water sources?”  asks Ice to the carriage ahead.

 
 Spoiler 
 You know Ice is absolutely the type to have already studied the map and know what’s over there, but this is one way to get other people looking at it too.
 
JNAProductions
There's a brief scramble to find the map, but soon, Joseph has an answer. "It's, uh, looks like an old structure or something. No one lives there-might be a well? But I don't think so."

 
 Spoiler: Ice's Studies 
The flames are appearing in the direction of an old shrine. The map was not clear if there'd be a well or any kind of water there.
 
Metastachydium
  I… Didn't realize we  had  a map.   Tres admits slinking back by the wagon and pulling herself up onto its side to start rummaging within for a spade or shovel. Maybe both.   No water's kind of not a big issue, though. Dirt's as good or better much of the time.  
paddyfool
 ”As you say,”   says Ice, peering ahead.

 
 Spoiler 
 Does the fire appear to be spreading, dying down or staying fairly constant?
 
JNAProductions
The fire doesn't appear to be spreading so much as oncoming. It's a bit tough to tell, but it looks like it's approaching without moving to either side.
paddyfool
 ”Hold up,”  says Ice, firmly.  “The fire seems to be moving in our direction. Let’s find somewhere out of its way to be…” 
 
 Spoiler 
I don’t suppose there are any convenient rocky areas to hide in?
 
Metastachydium
  Huh?   Dove, still hanging from the side of the wagon looks over her shoulde with eyebrows running high onto her forehead.   That's probably not good. Um, what it does, not your idea.   she clarifies, her readiness to follow Isembard's lead, whatever that might be, made apparent with a nod.
JNAProductions
The fields are open and dry. The nearest substantial hiding place is some half an hour back along the trail.

Jack, who's finally made his appearance, shrugs. "It's fire-let it burn and let's keep moving."
paddyfool
 ” Let’s try and move out of the way of the oncoming fire if we can,”   suggests Ice, while also plotting out access to his on board water barrel and cloths that might work for masks against smoke and embers.

Assuming there’s a clear route perpendicular to the path the fire is taking, let’s roll out the way… how long do we seem to have?
Metastachydium
  Dunno.   Dove pulls herself up.   After, you know, that handsy thing back in whateverville…   she taps the side of the wagon with her right foot, still dangling by the side for emphasis.   Do we, like,  know  its way isn't basically "towards where  we  are"?  
JNAProductions
The fire is approaching, but it's still some distance away. If Ice had to guess, it's faster than the carriage and wagon, but not by too much. Picking up the pace should let you get out of its way.
paddyfool
 ”Quick as we can, this way,”   calls Ice, then to Dove:  ”I had a similar thought, but I’m hoping that even if aimed, its course may not be easily adjusted. All the same, while you drive, I’m going to open up the water barrel.” 
Metastachydium
Tres nods, with only a slight twitch of her face revealing a measure of worry and scrambles forward to take the reins.   You've heard the man.   she calls out to the Tallies herself.   You move out; we'll play rearguard.  And kind of hope the best.   
JNAProductions
Ten minutes pass, with the horses going not quite at a gallop.
The fire approaches.

Another half an hour passes.
The fire yet approaches, and those of you outside the carriage begin to smell the whiff of brimstone.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Feel free to roll for knowledge on what the brimstone scent might be.
Ice can roll 1d100 once, Tres will roll 1d100 twice and take the lower result.

 
 Spoiler: 50 
Brimstone is associated with fiends from below. Merriville might know more.
 
 Spoiler: 70 
With the scent and the flames, especially with their direction, it's all but certain there's some malicious spirit controlling them.
 
 Spoiler: 90 
Sniffing carefully, you can tell the scent is from ahead-not behind. The fires could be a distraction, while an ambush or something lies ahead.
 

 

 

 
paddyfool
Ice frowns as he catches a whiff…

 (1d100)[ 49 ] 

EDIT: but can’t quite remember what the smell reminds him of
Metastachydium
An almost identical frown appears on Dove's face for a moment.   Is there… A bad  egg  on the wagon or something?   she asks aloud, only to realize how ridiculous the notion really is once it is voiced. Instead of pressing the issue any further, she tries to get the horses to pick up a batter pace – and hopes Isembard's barrel is big enough.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So close!
 
JNAProductions
You continue, peering back towards the fire periodically. It continues to come closer, and the smell gets stronger.

There's an outcropping of rocks, visible now in a dip in the land. It might provide some shelter.
paddyfool
Ice preps a couple of wet cloth masks to use for himself and Tess against any smoke, and dampens down his clothing and the wagon’s covering to try and prevent it from catching fire. He then fills three water skins, and goes to rejoin Dove as she drives.

 ”If it looks as if the fire will catch us, best we let the horses free, throw these water skins at it and scatter. Feel free to pour a little over yourself first though - catching fire is no joke.  This is aimed at us, somehow, but it may be we can get away in the steam and confusion.”  
Metastachydium
Isembard's consideration for even the  horses  gets a smile, if a slightly nervous one, from Tres.   I hear you.   she tells Ice, with a firm nod, getting ready to cut the beasts loose as needed.
JNAProductions
The horses, who are aware of the flames and are getting rather nervous, bolt when let free. As they pass by the outcropping in their flight, there's a flash of light, a strong smell of brimstone, and a  boom .

When your eyes recover from the momentary flash of light, the horses are entirely gone.
paddyfool
 ”To arms!”  shouts the dripping wet butler in his gambeson as he goes for his spear, then checks on the status of the incoming fireball and on whether he can spot any other threat in the vicinity.
Metastachydium
Tres, jumping off the slowing wagon hugging her waterskin to keep it from harm isn't fast enough not to miss the light show by the time she's rolled back onto her feet.   Where, um… Where are the horsies?   she stares at the rocks, quite dumbfounded. That she  still  doesn't have a spade to "arm" herself with doesn't help improve her mood either. Be that as it may, she will try not to disappoint Ice (or fail that big dumb brother of hers), nevertheless. She reaches back to behind her waist. That stupid old climbing hand-spike 1  of hers will have to do for now.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 1 Yes, that really  is  the spiked brass knuckle thing from her character pic.
 
paddyfool
Ooc: so, does Ice spot anything?