Saving Summerford Part 1 - Not As Advertised - RPLOG
Participants
Date
18/9/478
Log
The carriage crests over the summit of yet another hill as it creaks forward on its way to Summerford, the distant village which had sent the request for assistance from the Freeswords. The beautiful, sun-kissed hills all around are streaked with tilled farmland waiting to be sown and pocked with small herds of livestock being led around by their shepherds.
A salamander being waves lazily at the carriage as it rolls past him. He's leaning back against a tree, taking solace from the sun under it's shade. In his hands are his simple meal for the day, little more than a piece of bread, some foraged berries, and a bottle of rye beer to wash it all down with. In the distance, another salamander can be seen leading a flock of bovine livestock creatures to their pasture. This sight is one that repeats itself as the carriage rolls along, until the village itself comes into view.
The farmland all around gives way to scattered cruck houses, all simple structures of mud, wood and straw topped with thatch roofing. The clear air of the countryside gives way to the scents of a being-inhabited area. The aroma of cooked foods and lit hearthfires snakes in the air alongside other, muckier, less pleasant smells. The carriage rolls past a rather large graveyard on the very edge of the village. As the First Text commands the burial grounds are well-kept in respect of the dead that lie beneath the soil.
Rokarion is seated in the carriage. The plant being decided to come for various reasons, to help the populace, to see this strange beast, as well as to get more accustomed to Sweetwater's countryside. The plant being spent most of the trip drawing sketches of the various vistas, giving his doodles more attention as they get closer to the village which seems to be mostly populated with salamanders, not that odd for small villages. The plant being peers again through the window, looking at the graveyard and then the village itself, looks like they will dismount soon.
Reginald , currently sitting inside the carriage, was busy taking in the passing scenery. The lynx hadn't said much during the journey, but could very rarely be found without an arm placed, with care, around a certain shadow wolf. Despite being well travelled, the feline had yet to pass out this way, and part of him enjoyed the experience of being on the road again.
Fenris sits in the back of the wagon beside a midget, mechanical gladiator. The big tiger looks kitted out for a fight, but is currently happily playing a long, ornately carved flute.
Bazalt Rests his head on teh lynx's Shoulder-STaring out the Window for now-He himself hadnt been out this far and was Quite looking forward to it, oh and you know helping people too!
Kazel has not payed much attention to the scenery. The heavily armored bat has been passing her time with her current book, but has put it aside for now to peer out of the window of the carriage, her fingers strumming on the helmet on her lap.
The mute nurse shark of course didn't say anything during the journey, merely listening and watching. She's in a different mood than normal, more protective than anything. A clever eye probably sees the folder0 of grid-lined parchment in her oilskin coat's pockets, though little protection aside from the creator wetsuit and her jacket. She idly draws different lines as they ride along, trying to see if her random musings approximate spells.
The carriage stops next to a large, very well kept garden. It seems to form the center of the village, and several important-looking stone-and-wood buildings surround it. At the center of the garden lies a small shrine to the Creator Saints, surrounded by wooden benches spread all around it in a semicircle. A blue-spotted salamander being dutifully tends to a rose bush nearby, only briefly stopping her labors to glance at the carriage.
A salamander being wearing a militia outfit stands outside of one of the buildings, which on closer inspection is identified as the Mayor's Office. Immediately attached to this building is a Guardhouse, and next to that is an imposing building with an elaborate, well-maintained sign identifying it as the Trading Post.
A Ringed Salamander emerges from the Mayor's Office in the distance, and makes his way across to the carriage as you begin to disembark. "Ah, finally!" He remarks as he looks over the gathered group. "We've been expecting you for quite a while. You're the Freeswords, yes?" He smiles. "Not many folk arrive here in a fancy carriage like that."
Rokarion closes his book as the carriage comes to a full stop. The plant being exits the wagon, stretching his limbs after the journey before looking at the apparent mayor. "Greetings there sir. I am not a Freesword, but I would be happy to help." the plant being answers in his usual nonchalant tone.
When the lynx sees that the carriage has come to a stop, he gives the wolf a gentle nudge, before rising to disembark. Upon reaching the ground, Reginald takes a moment to look about him, and can't help but let a smile grace his face. What he saw before him was quite a beautiful and cosy village, a sight welcomed, and a sight not as frequented as it should be on Promise. It is then that the feline's attention is brought to the ringed salamander, to which he makes his way, and nods in greeting.
Fenris hops down off the back of the carriage with his golem and gives a lazy salute as he stows his flute and awaits orders.
Bazalt Blinks and follows the Lynx and He blinks again and gasps. "Wow.. a.. a Villaige of.. Zuri's! so.. many!" he says smiling. He moves to Stand beside the Lynx and walks with him "well... Nice place." he says quietly, tail wagging softly in teh dirt behind him.
Kazel gets out of the carriage after putting on her helmet. The bat casts an eye about the village and rolls her shoulders, while she waits for the details to be announced.
Cirra nods a bit as she disembarks, looking around. She slides her chalkboard out, knowing it will be more useful than trying to sign to folks. She looks around, then writes on the board, trying to speak with the salamander who stepped out. /Is there a description of the beast? Someone seen it?/ She keeps her writing neat and short, not having a lot of room.
The ringed salamander once again nods in greeting. He smirks rather than smiles at the jasmine being. "Call yourself what you want, so long as you're here to deal with the whateveritis." He offers Fenris a wonky salute in return, but addresses the group as he speaks. "Name's Zane, town's bailiff. We thought you'd never come. We sent out for help weeks ago after the Royal Rangers gave up. I'm afraid the situation's only grown worse since then." He pauses as Cirra presents the board with the written message. He looks briefly confused, but smiles at her and gestures for the group to follow as he walks away from the carriage and towards the shrine of the Creator Saints.
The short-statured female salamander being currently tending to the gardens offers the group a shy smile before darting off behind a tree. "No one has seen the beast yet, but as ill-luck would have it several new oxen have turned up dead the past few nights, out by the Mudlick farm to the west." He stops and turns, seemingly to address Cirra. "Bless the Creators, no beings were harmed. Most of those that live nearby are holed up in the Inn until this situation is dealt with." The bailiff gestures towards the Inn, and it's at this point that it becomes obvious the arrival of the Freeswords has caused quite the commotion. Several salamanders and one fox peek up from behind their drinks as they laze about near the Inn. Two salamanders trade whispers in the corner. A pair of children giggle as they point at the strangely-garbed beings.
Rokarion nods idly at Zane, "Indeed sir, one always have to identify themselves correctly." he answers back as he follows Zane, eyes glancing around. "Hmmm, so no idea what this beast is then? Well I guess we will have to actually visit the Mudlicks farm and inspect some of the oxen, or have they been buried already?" he asks as he gives the village another peer, the curious plant rubs his chin but decides to keep his unrelated questions until later.
Reginald ponders the problem at hand. It could be any number of creatures that prey on cattle. The lynx just hopes that it isn't one of the more dangerous ones. Turning to Zane, he offers up a question. "You said that the Royal Rangers were here for a while, before they gave up. Do you know what they've already tried, so that we don't pursue any dead ends?"
Bazalt Hums and nods. Looking To Cirra He smiles. "If you wnat to talk in Sign, I'll Happily Translate for you." the Shadow wolf states, adjusing one of his bandoliers slightly. "And.. how are you?" he asks, One ear on the mayor, Eveything else focused on teh mute shark.
Kazel rolls her shoulders. "Whatever it is. We will make sure to dispatch it once we found. I think that will be the hard part, honestly." The bat is frowning, but it is not visible to anyone thanks to her closed ventail.
Cirra frowns a bit, signing to Kazel. <Going to need a bit of help. My ability to communicate with people is going to be compromised unless someone speaks for me.> She nods to Rokarion, also wishing to see the oxen. She blinks at Bazalt. <That would be most appreciated, sir. I wish to see the oxen, as well as any other signs of the creature the locals have established.>
Fenris keeps his ears open and his mouth shut while gis golem chugs gamely along beside him. The tiger is happy to let others lead the way.
The bailiff nods at Reginald. "A-yep, they were here for about a week. Found several dead animals, but couldn't track down the beast that did it. Said it left no tracks they could follow, no trampled grass, nothing. They went all over the countryside, as far north as the creek and as far south as the ol' oak tree on the hill. None of them found a thing." He shakes his head. "Reckon the lot of them thought we were pranking them, one morning they just up and left without a word."
He shakes his head at the jasmine. "Mayor's been tellin' everyone to stay away from where the beast has been. All them dead oxen are still out there, being a nuisance." He turns to Kazel, his smile turning to a grin. "Now that's what I like to hear. You fellas are costing us a pretty crown, even with the Mayor digging into every favour he had to cash in and Lord Elroy sending us aid of his own." He crosses his arms. "I reckon the Mudlick farm is the place to start. Might even be where it's holed up, whatever it is." He sighs. "Well, off ya go then. Do come back when it gets dark. Lilly will be preparing fresh food and beds for ya lot if you have to stay the night." He tailflicks as he regards the group, then turns and leaves back towards the Mayor's Office.
Rokarion nods his head at Zane remembering the promised twenty crowns, "Ah, as for the crowns you do not to count me. Seeing this secretive beast is payment enough." he answers back, "Very well let us go visit the Mud lick farm then."
Reginald mutters quietly. "A creature that leaves no signs of its passing ..." The lynx shakes his head. "... well, so much for an easy contract - that doesn't sound like a harmless beast ..." He seems to pause for a moment, deep in thought, before coming back to reality. Nodding in agreement with Rokarion as to where they should start, the feline does not, however, match the plant being's generosity. Having nothing further to say, he waits to depart, once again wrapping an arm around Bazalt protectively.
Fenris nods an affirmative to the Bailiff and saunters off in the indicated direction, his hands jammed deep in his pockets and a whistled tune on his lips. Pretty carefree for a guy just told to hunt down a vicious predator.
Bazalt Nods to Cirraa and Askes Zane what she Wished. He then Smiles to her and waits for an answer smiling at Reginald. "Yeah,, Keep the coins. YOu need it more-I jsut came to see the place and help." he says nodding again. fighing.. Fun times..
Kazel nods at Rokarion and Bazalt. "I do not need your crowns either." She then turns to the shark being. "Seems someone else fast faster in agreeing than me, Cirra." The bat crosses her arms and stares into the sky for a moment. "Shall we go then?"
Cirra sighs. <Tell them I'm okay without their payment.> She follows the group, at the moment unsure what she can contribute in tracking the beast.
As you travel westwards you see more evidence of the simple life that the countryfolk lead. All of the main attractions in the small village were the few buildings around the shrine garden, and everything else is naught but cruck houses, barns and farmland as far as the eye can see. The beings you meet are helpful enough in directing you to the Mudlick farmstead. Seemingly everyone in the village knows about the arrival of the Freeswords, being that it was the subject of great discussion in the village square for the various weeks prior.
The first sign that something is amiss is a bovine's carcass, clearly visible in the middle of a field adjacent to the road.. It has been left to the open air to rot, perhaps out of fear that the creature may still be lurking nearby. Insects crawl around everywhere, giving the area a grim appearance to match the stench that emanates from the carcass.The abandoned farmstead lies just a short distance down the road, and the longer one looks the more of these dissecated and semi-decomposed carcasses come into view, dotted around the farmhouse and barn that is clearly the Mudlick farm.
Stepping further towards the farm is met with the sickening crunch of bugs being crushed underfoot. More and more creepy-crawlies scurry about, some of them coming dangerously close to latching on to the Freeswords' footwear. Apart from the crawling insects all is eerily quiet...
Rokarion kneels down to inspect one of the few dead bovines before standing up, "Hmmm, rather odd." he says as he continues moving forward, the plant rubs his chin as he thinks, "Hmm, no obvious wounds. Might be some bandits who are terrorizing the farms?" he says idly as he tries to avoid crushing a lot of bugs under his feet.
Reginald , who's paws are exposed to the ground, makes a point of skirting around the creatures on the floor. Despite doing his best to look dignified, his movements could, not doubt, still cause a snigger. The feline takes the opportunity to patrol the nearby area, keeping an eye out for anything of note. Though not expecting to find that which the rangers did not, the lynx would consider it foolish to not at least try. That, and it put a little distance between him and the sickly stench.
Fenris saunters up to the odiferous carcass alongside Rokarion and bends down to take a look. He uses his large spear to poke and prod at the body, trying to get a better sense of what could have killed the animal.
Bazalt Follows REginald. "Gah-Blar, gAh,dmanitnope!" He Mumbles moving away from Squishy bugthings-not that he'd be anyhelp in findout what the thing was.. He was better off looking around.. Seeing what there is. The Wolf just sighs and Follows the lynx, Looking around slowly and carefully.
Kazel ignores the bugs as she inspects the carcass. "Hrm." The bat clicks her tongue. "I expected something more gruesome, honestly."
Cirra pauses, looking over the bodies. She herself has no issues walking among bugs, though most bugs may find her a little dangerous to bite. She bends over, looking for signs of cause of death or what damage was dealt.
A crow caws in the distance as the beings busy themselves investigating the carcasses. Bugs swarm all over, some of them clinging and crawling up their legs. This is discomforting for some, but doubly so for the one that came to this adventure shoeless.
Rokarion stands up after he finishes inspecting the carcass. The plant being's first reaction is to mentally resolve some equations as he leans down again, gloved hand touching the dirt underneath, the spell aiming to cover the plant being completely in a layer of protection, "Hmmm, well this is rather unexpected. The carcass looks like it was killed by krick. You might want to start removing the insects climbing on us." he says in his usual apathetic tone.
Fenris frowns down at the corpse. "Swarm," he agrees with a frown. He straps his spear back in its place on his back and fiddles with the ornate pendant around his throat. He closes his eyes for a second while he adjusts. Then he sets his mind to just a little bit of air magic to discourage the local pests.
Bazalt Glances over to teh others. "what now? What what? Bugs? bad bugs?!" He frowns and looks at them. ".....I cant fight bugs!" he mumbles.
As if summoned by their gristly discovery, the eerie silence is broken by the buzzing of approaching Krick. The highly social insects descend quickly upon the beings in rather organized swarms, and the reason for their sudden appearance becomes apparent as smaller Krick emerge from the brush around them. The beings will be set upon by the swarms within a minute or so given the speed they are moving at, cresting over the hill as they do. The nearer ones are circling ominously. They will only attack together, organized...
Kazel frowns at the new development. "Of course." The bat sighs and fumbles with her soul pendant, switching out the gem, not seeing her standard approach to problems doing much good here.
Cirra nods to the plant Being, taking up a bit of her own earth and resolving a complex equation of her own. She has no chance ot warn her allies, quickly attempting to coat them all in protective, jagged earth. She's much more confident in fighting swarms than other creatures.
The lynx's discomfort at the bugs is apparent, as the feline does his utmost to clear them off him physically. When he notices the approaching swarm, his first instinct is to look for any bodies of water, which he does whilst regrouping with the others, drawing his sword and swiping at some of the larger creatures.
And suddenly the swarm of insects blots out the sun as they descend upon the beings in one fell swoop. An observant being might note there seem to be nine individual swarms, moving together like a flock of birds. Fenris' Divine Math issues forth a gentle, all-around breeze that is strong enough to push away the insects crawling on them and even interferes with the attack patterns of the incoming Krick.
Despite the interferece, four of the swarms push past their peers and begin to swarm around some of the beings. Fenris and Bazalt are almost immediately surrounded by one of the swarms each, the Krick trying to latch onto them and trying to push their blood-sucking proboscis into exposed skin or through soft cloth. Cirra is doubly unlucky, as two of the swarm descend upon her. They swarm atop her, her companions seeing little more than a cloud of bugs where their friend used to be.
Rokarion stands up as he looks at the krick swarm, this is the first time he ever saw them outside the swamp and in this numbers as well! The plant being, protected for now in his layer of stone eyes the swarms still waiting to attack, deciding to damage them while he still has the chance. With that he draws a bunch of geometric symbols in the air, the plant being using his mathemagic to cause a localized explosion in the area of the hovering swarms.
Reginald , doing his best to take stock of the chaos unfolding, makes for Bazalt when he sees he is in trouble. However, against such an enemy, the lynx does not have an ideal weapon, so resorts to swiping at the bugs with his drawn sword, focussing on those that are currently latched upon the wolf, though the feline takes special care to avoid hitting the being.
Fenris does not bother to try to keep the vampiric bugs at bay any longer than he has to sneering at the one that managed to get through the shield. He prepares himself, calmly removing the long bladed spear from his back and raising it high in the air before letting his air shield drop. He does not let the bloody bugs go free for long, instead he closes his eyes and calls down lightning from the sky, letting it course through him and into the surrounding swarm.
Bazalt Blinks and Frowns and-GAH! on him! Meep The Wolf sighs and Draws a dagger- Swiping at the closer ones and maybe. ari bubble or?.. no.. no just Swiping, trying to keep the damnable thigns at bay-whatever luck that'll do!
Kazel finishes changing her soul gems and traces symbols into the air as well, aiming right above the hovering swarms, from where she plans to rain fire onto the pests in an attempt to get rid of as many as possible. Peering at Cirra, the bat is really glad to be in her heavy armor, even though her wings are obviously exposed.
Cirra blinks, overwhelmed by the swarms. She needs more protection, and if it protects her allies as well, she might as well try. She summons up the math from her hearth magician training, fortifying herself. She's in a bit of pain from the already attached kricks.
(Rokarion winds up a truly spectacular spell, air and fire combining into what will surely be one spectacular explosion. Unfortunately such wind-up seems to have alerted the unusually well-coordinated insects, who scatter away from the explosion and suffer only minor casualties. They quickly reform and assault!
Reginald and Bazalt each swipe, slash and stab at the beings swarming the poor wolf. Overwhelmed as he is he does not make much headway with his ineffective stabbing, but Reginald comes to his rescue with a series of swings, trusts and swipes of his incredibly fast weapon. Soon all the bugs that had been swarming the wolf have been driven off or scattered, that swarm dispersing.
Fenris' lightning bolt arcs through the bugs surrounding him, several of them falling dead. They still cling on to him, more and more trying to punch through his armor and fur. Kazel's Rain of Fire rips through the air as it smothers one of the swarms getting ready to descend. The fire spreads rapidly, kept fuelled by fresh air brought in by Divine Air Math, until the swarm is naught but a crisp.
The overwhelmed Cirra performs a truly spectacular spell, her body becoming covered in soothing water, with a protective layer of earth on top. So effective is the spell that all of the Krick currently latched on to her are kicked off.)
Despite their losses the bugs press on. The bugs currently latched onto Fenris are joined by two other swarms that swoop in from above, the fluffy tiger covered in a creeping ball of insects jostling for position for the juicy spots where they can latch on and feed.
The bugs swarming around Cirra don't relent despite her spell resetting their efforts. They continue to sting and sting, perhaps one of them being lucky enough to find purchase. Bazalt and Reginald do not fare much better, the pair being set up by the two remaining swarms, one to each of them. They bite and crawl and sting, trying to reach for the succulent blood beneath all that armor and fur.
Rokarion looks around as the plant being is left free from all the krick, looks like that only bees like flower beings. Glancing around, the plant being notices the number of puddles on the ground, with a furrow of his brows, the plant being draws a circle in the air as he channels a quick water magic spell, the plant being aiming to channel as much of the water as he can to drench as much of the swarms as he could. Nothing like water to ruin a flying insect's day.
Reginald , as one of the insects manages to pierce through a weak spot in his armour, lets out a yelp. The feline stumbles backwards, only just being able to catch himself - his foot attire, or lack of it, may draw a few stares, but one should not underestimate the advantage of being able to feel the ground below you. Cursing at pain inflicted by the bugs, the lynx does not relent with his swinging.
Fenris grunts with the effort of remaining standing with all these monstrous things latched onto him. Exsanguination sucks. He focuses as best he can on warding the beasts away with a bit of fire magic.
Bazalt pants and Blinks and MORE end up on him. "Hrrnn-hooooweee...." he trails off and sighs, wobbling slightly Ok time to TRy some wind-anything to Get them away or.. Oh look hard to Stand-oh my oh my....poor little wolfy.
Kazel throws a glance across the group and decides to help Cirra, she could both need a break and is protected fairly well. The bat prepares for a moment, then sends a blast of hot air towards the shark, aimed to be light enough to not hurt her under her water and earth coverings, but burn the insects.
Cirra blinks as she's no longer fully swarmed. She nods to Kazel, glad for the assist. Now, she looks to the group. Time to change the field of battle, and keep her friends from getting hurt more. They can fight the bugs, but in a battle of attrition, she excels.
(Rokarion's improvised spell works a treat. The gush of water blasts onto Fenris, drenching him but also several of the insects that were latched on to him. When the swarms reform they seem to have lost most of their numbers, but they continue assaulting the poor tiger regardless. That small break was all Fenris needed to cast his own spell, setting himself nearly aglow as the few insects that were draining his blood are burnt to a crisp. Almost immediately he feels rejuvenated and good to go.
Kazel's blast of heat washes harmlessly over Cirra, but burns one of the swarms covering her, and sending the other one packing. They reform a short distance away ready to attack again.
Bazalt's sword sings as it slashes through the air, cutting two, three bugs with each slice. The enchanted blade is all but a blur as it cuts down a swarm to size. Already the air is starting to clear up. The Freeswords are winning this! The earth churns under their feet, a ring of upturned earth forming in a wide circle around them, until with a rocking explosion a wall of dirt and debris forms around them. It knocks many of the Krick clean out of the air, and gives the beings some breathing space to deal with the few Krick still left inside the ring of debris.)
Rokarion eyes the reforming swarm outside the field of debris. The plant being shook his head, ignoring his headache, and focusing his attention at the swam as he channels more energy, a quick incantation and he is preparing a fireball to cast at the swarm to fry it.
Afforded a bit of breathing space, Reginald catches sight of the shadow wolf out of the corner of his eye, and panic grasps him. Rushing over, the feline swings his blade at the creatures currently latched to the canine, paying no attention to any that would seek to attack himself - protecting the wolf was his top priority.
Fenris has had quite enough of this. The tiger gives the hovering swarms a grin as he slaps at the one krick on his shoulder, then let's loose with an onslaught of fire math that sweeps away from his body through the blood sucking masses.
Bazalt Blinsk and Frowns "Nrrghh!2 He Yelp in Pain and sighs That was... too much, He Drops His dagger, Stumbles a few stap and Bamph, on teh floor.
Kazel ponders for a second, it worked before and Fenris is reasonably drenched from Rokarion's water magic still. The bat once more takes a short moment and then mimics the spell she used on Cirra's bugs before, shooting a wave of hot air at Fenris's bugs.
Cirra watches Bazalt collapse, grabbing her medical kit and rushing over to the wolf, attempting to heal him to the best of ehr abilities.
(The jasmine's spell blasts the swarm currently being entrapped by Cirra's ring of debris. The dreadful explosion hits center-mass, burning most of the swarm to a cinder and scattering the rest. Fenris' carpet of flame being unleashed point-blank on the combined swarm surrounding him is devastating, becoming even more so as the aftershock that is Kazel's wave of fire takes out the stragglers.
Despite Reginald coming in to save Bazalt, his blade flashing like lightning and cutting down swathes of bugs, the poor wolf still succumbs to the cumulative effects of his blood loss. Quite luckily, Cirra is on hand to patch him up. With both physical medicine and magical ability she patches him up quickly, staunching any further blood loss and returning some vitality to his aching muscles. The wolf will be just fine after a quick rest and some food.)
The debris and dust clears. All around the Freeswords are the signs of their fight. Mud blasted into singed and solidified craters. Brush still singed and smoldering from fire magic. Countless bugs dead from being stomped on, burned, sliced, diced and smashed. No more of them come.
The Freeswords return to Summerford. Their wounds and singed clothes lend credence to their tale. They explain why the 'beast' left no tracks - it was not a beast, but a flying swarm of bloodsucking creatures. They explain the swarm was dealt with and dispersed, and the townsfolk cheer.
They are given a hero's welcome by the salamander-heavy populace. A party is held in the gardens to celebrate their victory, and those who desire to be paid are paid, as agreed. A thankful mayor accepts the 'donations' from those that do not want to be remunerated for their efforts. With the threat dealt with there is no need to stay the night, and when the party is concluded all that remains is to hop on the carriage and go home.
Fenris spends most of the carriage ride carefully applyng some sort of salve to the plethora of itchy bites scattered across his torso. Mostly grumbling something about filthy bugs and their poisonous noses. The tiger did not let that dampen his spirits at the festivities of course, he was a picture of conviviality right up until he was hidden from the populus and could strip off his heavy leather coat to start tending his itchy, itchy wounds.
From the moment the battle had concluded, Reginald had stubbornly refused to leave the wolf's side. Filled with concern for the wolf's well-being, the feline was truly relieved to see that he would recover, and there was not one moment of the carriage ride home that this lynx did not spend cuddled up tightly to the being he cared for.
