Firedragon wrote:"If you wanted answers, you should have looked for them when you had the opportunity. But you're not really interested in answers, are you? You only care about getting drunk and whining."
And with that, Shandra left. Her tone was as cold as the shoulder she gave me. But I wasn't angry. She was right in a way, as much as I hate to admit it.
I look at the glass I had absentmindedly brought from the bar I stayed at earlier. I returned it with a verbal note of apology before heading back to the inn.
I hated going to bed sober. It let me relive the past more finer, relive my time with Pauline and her subsequent death in exquisite, vivid detail. Those nightmares always plagued me but they practically screamed at my ears when I had a clear head. Making sure the message reverberated around my mind until I woke up. Needless to say, my sober hangovers were a lot worse than actual hangovers.
But despite that, I went to bed without grabbing another drink. I thought that maybe tonight won't be so bad. I thought the same for the other nights too but here I am, never learning the lesson.
Last edited by KillMoves on Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Magnus, Isadora clearly enjoys the festival (and especially the dancing - she definitely likes being able to show off a little...), and she seems to be in a really good mood. She even laughs when Ylva 'abducts' you for a dance or two, only admonishing the Sulfurr to return you in time for 'another dance later on'.
After you've danced with her, Ylva returns you to your wife, talks a little with both of you and then wishes you a good night. But just as she's leaving, she suddenly leans over and whispers into your ear, "You know, you could 'dance' with more than one partner... And I always wondered how you cavalry guys take care of your 'rides'..." Grinning at you expression, the Sulfurr disappears into the night. "What did she say?" Isadora asks, still smiling but clearly wondering what the other mamono could have said to elicit this kind of reaction from you. Despite her obvious curiosity, she doesn't wait for your answer when the musicians begin playing one of her favourite tunes and instead pulls you into another dance.
The next morning, Isadora clearly doesn't really want to let go of you, but she finally relents when you 'bribe' her and lets you get up to make breakfast. When she joins you at the table, the Pegacelsius smiles but asks in a tone that makes abundantly clear that she expects an answer know, "So, what did Ylva say to you yesterday?"
Breakfast in the Caelum House was a BIG deal, almost as big as the evening meal. It is the first meal of the day and it’s perhaps the most important but mainly it’s a time for the entire house to gather and socialize. Normally the food was lite in amount but excelled in diversity… this little held none of that.
Magnus eyed the single bowl of creamed oats resting in the middle of the table, and the two small plates that held blueberries and that fruit Isadora liked so much. In front of him was a smaller bowl of creamed oats with a handful of blueberries slowly sinking into its mushy domain; a smaller plate to his left held two slices of warmed bread smothered in jam helped to ease the loneliness of the meal.
"So, what did Ylva say to you yesterday?" Isadora asked in between nibbling her oats.
He looked up as a spoon of oats left his mouth, returning into the sea that made up his breakfast. The question wasn’t a surprise; in fact he had expected to answer at some point, just not this early. Thoughts of the awkward dance between Ylva and himself played in his mind, and yet in his opinion Ylva didn’t seem to mind. The dance was payment for the lessons and once getting past being that close Magnus found him enjoying it, this came back and bit him.
The single statement she had whispered only confirmed Ylva’s interest, leaving the Knight conflicted.
“Isadora.. have you.. how well do you know Ylva? Would you consider her a friend like Augusta or an acquaintance?”
Giovanni, Ilaria stretches slowly, coincidentally brushing against you a bit more than might be strictly necessary. "Why?" she asks in return. "Can't I just enjoy some free time with my husband?" After a moment, she adds with a chuckle, "Not everything I do hides some nefarious plot!"
The two of you spend some more time in bed just enjoying each other's company. Your wife reassures you that everything is fine, and the way she talks and behaves convinces you that this whole elaborate game the night before really was simply something she felt like doing. Though she does hint that she might not me adverse to 'playing' like this more often. Maybe even with a harem-sister or two...
The following two days are quite relaxing, with Ilaria and you spending most of your time talking, visiting with friends, sparring a bit and (of course) making love. But all good things come to an end and the day dawns when your commanding officer expects you to return to duty. With a little 'help' from your wife (she does enjoy ordering you around now and then, after all), you're ready and waiting when Magnus shows up at the barracks.
Xander, the mamono is obviously pleased by your... direct... approach, though she wastes no time establishing her 'dominance' (not hard considering how much stronger than you she is). Suddenly pulling up her legs, Shanika drags you down into the water, quickly turning around and pressing her mouth to yours - just to make sure you don't swallow water, of course, as she later proclaims. From there on, things quickly develop, with the Bouldacaea explaining between hugs, kisses and caresses that she's chosen this spot because of the privacy it offers. And the fact that she always wanted to try the whole 'sex in the water' thing her mermaid friends always described in glowing detail. As it turns out, she's been born at the northern coast and only ended up in Septencusto due to her hiring on as a caravan guard/mercenary (she does seem to have a rather strong touch of wanderlust).
The next few hours are completely exhausting though very enjoyable. And while she does tend to get very (very) vigorous at times, she also surprises you with how gentle and patient she can be. And while it may be a little early for you to make any predictions about it, you do get the feeling that quite a bit of the Bouldacaeas' reputation of being crude and about as subtle as a greatclub to the head comes from people not really knowing them. Or from the Bouldacaeas playing up this aspect for laughs...
During the next two days, Shanika and you naturally spend most of your time together, though quite a bit of it just talking and getting to know each other. The mamono even offers to teach you some of the fighting techniques she knows (though she does point out that she expects a generous 'payment' for her lessons) and agrees to accompany you as a 'bodyguard' ("After all, it would be a waste if someone as cute as you got hurt!"). So you show up with her at the barracks grounds on time, where Giovanni and his wife are already waiting and Magnus just appeared.
Itami, your night isn't half as bad as you feared, and most of the sorrow you feel on waking up sober for a change is due to a lingering sense that you should have tried to find out what this strange 'dream' in the forest was all about. But that's water under the bridge, isn't it?
In any case, the next two days are somewhat frustrating, since the whole village seems to be intent on making sure you don't get drunk anymore. It doesn't take you too long to track down the 'guilty party' - not surprisingly, it's Shandra. Shrugging off your angry demands to know why she meddles in your affairs, she explains (with surprising patience and empathy) that she 'just knows' that you've been going on like that long enough. She even offers to help you come to grips with your guilt - as it turns out, the Succubest is something of a 'mind healer'. And, as you find out later, she also has a Furrial harem-sister, which probably explains why everyone (at least it sure seems like everyone) assumes she knows a lot more than she should.
In any case, you show up for duty at the appointed time, where you meet Giovanni and his wife, Ilaria, as well as the mage, Xander, who seems to have gotten himself a 'bodyguard' (or the Bouldacaea has gotten herself a 'pet' - probably depends on your point of view...). Be that as it may, it doesn't take long before Magnus shows up.
Magnus, the Pegacelsius is looking at you with a curious expression. After a while, she replies, "Well, I rather like her, why do you ask?" Before you can make up your mind about how to answer that question, Isadora's eyes widen. "You know, even if you were contemplating what I think you are - and don't forget, you'd need both mine and Ylva's agreement - you are aware that she's a member of House Gladion, aren't you?" Actually, you weren't aware of that little detail - you always believed the Sulfurr to simply be a competent (if somewhat free-spirited) legionnaire who just enjoyed occasionally flirting with her boss. To your surprise, your wife begins laughing long and hard. "Can you even imagine how your family would react to that idea? At least I'm still a centaur!" she manages to say between bouts of laughter, her usual sorrow when thinking about what bonding with her cost you forgotten for the moment. In fact, you can imagine your family's reaction to something like that. And if Nu-Rome was really, really lucky, some small part of the city might even survive the resulting explosion once the Caelum matriarch heard of it...
Isadora is still trying (and failing) to suppress her laughter, when she surprises you even more as she says, "I do have to tell Flavia about this! Especially since she..." She visibly stops herself from saying more, instead looking at you strangely. "Seriously, though, are you thinking about courting her?" she asks in a much more serious tone (though at least she doesn't seem to doubt your love for her).
Two days later, you're at the barracks a little early, though to your surprise, nobody has seen Ylva, who's usually there well before you. Pushing that question out of your mind, you go to round up your squad, which seems to be ready to move out (and without using the prefect's office for a quickie for a change...). The young mage you've met at the caravan you rescued seems to have decided to settle down in Septencusto and work with the local arcane advisor, a Turaniss, and a Lynviain who's an acknowledged magitek specialist.
Motioning for your squad to move out (you do notice that the mage, Xander, has picked up a new 'friend'), you set out to where you found the caravan a few days ago.
Since Zadoc asked to be written out, I've wrapped up his story for now. If he should change his mind later on, Lumen (and his two wives...) can always be 'reactivated', of course. Lumen, the next few weeks aren't easy, but you quickly settle into your new relationship with Selenia. There are a few bumps in the road, of course, but it doesn't take you long to appreciate the small mamono's wit and often rather dirty sense of humor. And as you (and especially Zheray) find out, the witch has a real talent for terrifying revenge. Of course, the other mamono is only humiliated a few times instead of actually hurt, but she seems to take it in good grace (of course, in contrast to you, she probably did know what she was getting into all along). The crowning moment of Selenia's revenge comes when she spikes the Lynviain's drink with a powerful aphrodisiac and then makes her watch while the witch and you engage in a long, drawn-out session of... experimenting. You only learn about your audience in the end, when the Lynviain orgasms rather loudly, thus betraying her presence (apparently, she really enjoyed the show...). And while you're quite taken aback at first, it doesn't really surprise you all that much at this point. It probably also helps that you've begun to suspect a certain interest on the Lynviain's part yourself.
In the end, you end up not only with a new job as an arcane scholar and adviser for the legion but also two wives, who are rather fond of expressing their love openly and often.
All, when you reach the site of the battle with the hordes of loci beasts, you find a few remainig tracks, while the scavengers have done their part and taken care of most of the corpses. Which is a really good thing, considering the kind of smell you'd have to deal with otherwise - it's bad enough as it is anyway. Curiously, you soon notice that certain parts of the loci beasts seem to have been ignored by the scavengers. A closer look (while trying to ignore the stench) tells you that nothing seems to have wanted to get close to those strange devices you found. Almost as if they were so... alien... that living beings instinctively avoid them...
Be that as it may, once you've decided what else (if anything) you want to do here, you should easily be able to backtrack and find where those strange loci beasts came from.
Firedragon wrote:Giovanni, Ilaria stretches slowly, coincidentally brushing against you a bit more than might be strictly necessary. "Why?" she asks in return. "Can't I just enjoy some free time with my husband?" After a moment, she adds with a chuckle, "Not everything I do hides some nefarious plot!"
"I wasn't thinking that, I was just concerned because this new mission has me a little on edge but as usual you are my rock in the storm," I smiled and kissed her on her forehead. "And if last night was a nefarious scheme, I would welcome your world domination!" I let out a little chuckle.
Firedragon wrote:The two of you spend some more time in bed just enjoying each other's company. Your wife reassures you that everything is fine, and the way she talks and behaves convinces you that this whole elaborate game the night before really was simply something she felt like doing. Though she does hint that she might not be adverse to 'playing' like this more often. Maybe even with a harem-sister or two...
The following two days are quite relaxing, with Ilaria and you spending most of your time talking, visiting with friends, sparring a bit and (of course) making love. But all good things come to an end and the day dawns when your commanding officer expects you to return to duty. With a little 'help' from your wife (she does enjoy ordering you around now and then, after all), you're ready and waiting when Magnus shows up at the barracks.
Ilaria looked pleased, especially with her new ring she is wearing, we were both fully dressed and I had my gear ready, including the bow and quiver that Ilaria sometimes uses, as well as my Long Lighting Rifle, plus the rest of my gear. This time we'll be ready for an army. I was surprised to see Xander the mage again, I thought he had been called on to check some weird magical item of some sort, was even more shocked to see the Bouldacaea walk in with him. I gave them both a quick salute, "Did you solve all their problems quickly?" I asked with a grin. Itami came in, he seemed a lot more alert than usual. He looked like he had a lot on his mind, I gave him a brief salute. As Magnus walked in I made sure to give him a crisp firm salute.
Firedragon wrote:All, when you reach the site of the battle with the hordes of loci beasts, you find a few remainig tracks, while the scavengers have done their part and taken care of most of the corpses. Which is a really good thing, considering the kind of smell you'd have to deal with otherwise - it's bad enough as it is anyway. Curiously, you soon notice that certain parts of the loci beasts seem to have been ignored by the scavengers. A closer look (while trying to ignore the stench) tells you that nothing seems to have wanted to get close to those strange devices you found. Almost as if they were so... alien... that living beings instinctively avoid them...
Be that as it may, once you've decided what else (if anything) you want to do here, you should easily be able to backtrack and find where those strange loci beasts came from.
The site was pretty horrific, the smell was just about as bad as a slaughter-house. I pulled part of my cloak to cover my nose and mouth from the stench, I handed Ilaria a bandanna so that she could do the same. To me it was more odd that nobody has yet to come claim their equipment used on these crittters. Too bad we haven't heard anything from that boy Lumen. "Anyone else wondering why no one has either come to collect the collars or destroyed them?"
My night had, for the first time ever, not been bad. But I was pretty sure that was because I was bothered by what I did, or rather what I didn't do, in that dream forest. It worried and concerned me but it was better than reliving the past. Which meant that my morning was... not as bad as my previous ones.
If only that persisted, I soon found out that everybody who once took my money for beer without question had gone opposite with their positions and withheld their alcohol from me no matter how much gold I pulled out from my pockets. I find out that Shandra was the one to blame and I spent the entire morning tracking her down and shaking some answers from her.
She had apparently done that because she thought I had been moping in self-pity long enough. If I had a gold coin for every time someone said that to me, I would have been richer than a noble. Shandra also offered to help me come to terms with my guilt. I told her she could start by not infringing my rights to what I buy and what to do with the stuff that buy.
But it seems today I was not getting a single drop so I rejoined my comrades with an even fouler mood than usual. Hopefully they don't notice the difference.
We returned to the scene with the Owlbears we had tangled with yesterday. Scavengers already took the corpses with them for their meat and hides but unfortunately not the smell. However, they left some parts there which appeared to have been willfully ignored. I approached one and picked it up, holding it out for everyone to see. "What the hell is this? Why are these things left behind?"
To say the night was long and enjoyable would be a vast understatement to how I really felt deep down. I was pleasantly surprised with how... gentle and patient she had been through a great deal of it... not to say she wasn't vigorous, far from it to be exact. However, I could not complain, and after the night was done (Not sure if I got any real rest that night) we spent the next few days hanging out and going on 'payments' as I ended up calling them in a joking manner. A Bodyguard needs her payment after all! I found myself growing quite fond of her stories about her wandering and those about herself, and upon which I would find myself sharing what little there was about myself, mostly in regards to my magical studies. I wasn't sure if she was very interested in my conversation topics, but I got the feeling she liked to just hear me talk regardless. Eventually the days went by and it was time to get back to my assignment. Meeting up with the rest of my companions (upon which I was informed that Lumen would be staying here and working at the Arcanium with that girl we had talked with)we then made our way to the site of the owlbear attack. Needless to say, even after the few days of cleanup, the smell was still horrid. I found myself keeping my sleeve up to my nose to try to dull the stench, but Shanika just seemed mildly uncomfortable with it. She was made of sterner stuff then I was to be sure. Looking around, Giovanni asked a question and drew our attention to the pile of the odd devices myself and Lumen had tried to get investigated a few days back.
"I honestly have no idea why they haven't been taken care of yet... but I'll be honest, they are beyond odd, and my skin crawls when I see one, so I don't really blame the crews for leaving them alone... as for why our adversary left them alone... I couldn't give you a solid answer, but a guess would be that they either have more in reserve... or they can get them back at any time... both equally disturbing thoughts. Also Itami, you might not want to touch those for very long, they drain exorbitant amounts of mana quickly, and I get the feeling they don't stop even when you die."
Magnus, the Pegacelsius is looking at you with a curious expression. After a while, she replies, "Well, I rather like her, why do you ask?" Before you can make up your mind about how to answer that question, Isadora's eyes widen. "You know, even if you were contemplating what I think you are - and don't forget, you'd need both mine and Ylva's agreement - you are aware that she's a member of House Gladion, aren't you?"
Actually, you weren't aware of that little detail - you always believed the Sulfurr to simply be a competent (if somewhat free-spirited) legionnaire who just enjoyed occasionally flirting with her boss. To your surprise, your wife begins laughing long and hard. "Can you even imagine how your family would react to that idea? At least I'm still a centaur!" she manages to say between bouts of laughter, her usual sorrow when thinking about what bonding with her cost you forgotten for the moment. In fact, you can imagine your family's reaction to something like that. And if Nu-Rome was really, really lucky, some small part of the city might even survive the resulting explosion once the Caelum matriarch heard of it...
Isadora is still trying (and failing) to suppress her laughter, when she surprises you even more as she says, "I do have to tell Flavia about this! Especially since she..." She visibly stops herself from saying more, instead looking at you strangely. "Seriously, though, are you thinking about courting her?" she asks in a much more serious tone (though at least she doesn't seem to doubt your love for her).
Two days later, you're at the barracks a little early, though to your surprise, nobody has seen Ylva, who's usually there well before you. Pushing that question out of your mind, you go to round up your squad, which seems to be ready to move out (and without using the prefect's office for a quickie for a change...). The young mage you've met at the caravan you rescued seems to have decided to settle down in Septencusto and work with the local arcane advisor, a Turaniss, and a Lynviain who's an acknowledged magitek specialist.
Motioning for your squad to move out (you do notice that the mage, Xander, has picked up a new 'friend'), you set out to where you found the caravan a few days ago.
All, when you reach the site of the battle with the hordes of loci beasts, you find a few remainig tracks, while the scavengers have done their part and taken care of most of the corpses. Which is a really good thing, considering the kind of smell you'd have to deal with otherwise - it's bad enough as it is anyway. Curiously, you soon notice that certain parts of the loci beasts seem to have been ignored by the scavengers. A closer look (while trying to ignore the stench) tells you that nothing seems to have wanted to get close to those strange devices you found. Almost as if they were so... alien... that living beings instinctively avoid them...
Be that as it may, once you've decided what else (if anything) you want to do here, you should easily be able to backtrack and find where those strange loci beasts came from.
Magnus had to wait for his wife to valiantly try fighting back her laughter(which wasn’t that impressive)before attempting to answer anything.
“Lets back up for a moment, the thought hadn’t crossed until Ylva hinted her interests.” Magnus stated hoping to get them on the same page, but slipped when Izzy’s last comment sank in.”
“House Gladion!? Ah bend me over with a spiked chain.”
Nothing wrong per say but when anything dealt with houses, it usually meant headaches and (sometimes) threats against each party; to command over a member from a house is rocky but to command over a rival House member that’s interesting in bonding with said rival House is too much.
“You’re very correct about our bonding, at least it was still tradition in their eyes, but If the Matriarch… death is said to hide from her Izzy.”
Magnus leaned back in this chair as he cupped the front of his face, like he was trying to keep a grip on reality.
“Please don’t tell Flavia. It’s not because I don’t trust her, but because I’m not sure if we’ll court Ylva. By we I mean us. Until tonight the thought hadn’t crossed my mind her flirting had a purpose.”
It was the truth since Ylva’s forwardness had, in a rare moment badly tripped up the Knight Crusader. Magnus peeked through his fingers to find the Pegacelsius having lost her earlier jolly banter in exchange for a seriousness he never really sees.
She asked the question once more looking for an exact answer, but had to accept the promise he’ll figure it out soon. It wasn’t much but given the badge that came with a bonding in general, the promise was acceptable. With little that could be done at the moment, Magnus and Isadora opted for one last dance before returning home for the night.
___________________________________________
The next couple of days had been fraught with normalcy sprinkled with some tension, and not the fun kind. Mostly the days had consistent daily chores and getting ready for Magnus’ return to duty, but the biggest unsaid matter was just whether or not to invite the Sulfurr into their little family. Small talk had been made but nothing official, effectively leaving the soldier on his own in the decision; the only saving grace was knowing Isadora would support (to a degree) any decision to come from it.
The Barracks was.. well the same. It was only Magnus’ squad that had taken any sort of time off and no one else. He saluted and greeted the guards at the gates and any that took the time to greet him back as he made his way to the office space he shared with Ylva. What he found was one of the sergeants sitting in his chair, and only after grilling him about ‘respecting space’ did he learn of the Sulfurr’s absence. Nothing having the time to worry about it, he promised to look into the matter once he had time and complimented the sergeant’s ability to look after things.
The sergeant asked if this meant he didn’t have to finish the reports, before sighing and returning to his work as Magnus left. Magnus found his team including the new (haha) guard but let it be considering they had brought the civilian mage along their investigation. Magnus only asked if they were ready before deporting for Septencusto’s main gate.
The squad kept to themselves as they travailed to the site of the battle to further resume their duties as a new extension of the Legion- there couldn't be any fuck ups.
Amazingly, everything (minus the few casualties and non broken wagons) had been left were they fell. The courses having been picked through was expected but what wasn't was the near intact bust of each owlbear. From the barrel up remained giving the feeling that area had been avoided. With a quick order, Magnus had the squad fan out to look for anything that would start their investigation. While the group mostly focused on the owlbear corpses, he decided the broken wagons would be a good place to look.
Magnus didn't find much since the owners had likely came back for their belongings, this wasn't so with the rest of his squad. While rummaging through the scraps of the wagons, he paid close attention to the conversation between them especially of the strange collars.
"Surely somebody had collected those." he whispered. He had read draft report about the one recovered but nothing beyond that more.
"Itami. Remove that collar but be careful, it's dangerous magitek. Giovanni or Ilaria will be responsible for it until further notice." Magnus declared as he removed strips of cloth from the wagons to cover the mysterious device.
"We've had our rest, are supplied and have a job to do..we'll start our search on the edge of the forbidden forest. Any questions or regrets before crossing the point of no return?"
Itami, a few heartbeats of holding this strange device seem to be sufficient for it to start draining what little magic you have - despite it appearing to be just a few pieces of inert metal and wires. You can only imagine what it would feel like for someone with a stronger link to the mana field. But in any case, you're quite sure that Xander is right and you should get rid of this thing sooner rather than later. Of course, that does lead to the question of what to do with these devices. Leaving them here would probably a remarkably bad idea...
All, despite the scavengers already having done their part (mostly, at least), it doesn't take you long to find sufficient tracks to determine that the owlbeasts had been lying in wait for the caravan, with several smaller groups spread out over the area and then converging on the scene of battle. Which isn't exactly comforting to know, considering how much work (and drill) it takes for even a legion detachment to pull off something like this. But a horde of semi-intelligent loci beasts doing it? Even ignoring for the moment the minor little detail of how anyone (or anything) could even get that many owlbeasts moving in the same direction, you're quite sure that this is seriously bad news.
Be that as it may, Ilaria points out a large number of tracks leading off into the hills. It looks as if the whole horde came from there and then split up into smaller groups which took their respective positions before the attack. Well, at least you know where to go next, right? Hopefully, you'll get some answers. And survive them...
"Itami. Remove that collar but be careful, it's dangerous magitek. Giovanni or Ilaria will be responsible for it until further notice." Magnus declared as he removed strips of cloth from the wagons to cover the mysterious device.
I watched as Magnus covered the collar in cloth, and then took and held a large breath as he handed the eerie device to me. I felt a few shivers, I hope that it was just my nervousness holding such a alien device wrapped in cloth, I quickly stowed it in my pack making sure that it would touch any of the magitek I had stored. I wrapped it in some spare leather as well in hope to protect my gear as well as my back, I didn't know if it could absorb my essence through that little cloth and leather Magnus and I wrapped it in, let alone go through my pack.
After a few moments I gingerly strapped the now slightly heavier than usual pack back on, and then took point with Ilaria.
Animajunki123 wrote:"Also Itami, you might not want to touch those for very long, they drain exorbitant amounts of mana quickly, and I get the feeling they don't stop even when you die."
And he was right. I could feel this thing sucking out... something off of me. Xander said it was mana, something I should probably try to keep within me. I then removed the collar and handed it to Magnus as per his orders.
Ilaria found a trail of tracks coming from the hills. I'd wager that's where the feathery friends came from. I waited for Magnus to give an order. I'd go an investigate but I'm not the commander here.
Thankfully, Itami put the odd device down, so I didn't feel the need to knock it out of his hand or anything, though I was unsure as to why Giovanni was putting the device in his backpack rather then back on the ground with the rest of them. Well, maybe he wanted to examine it, I don't know but I won't say or do anything to stop him. Simply shrugging to myself, I wait for our scouts wife to get started on the trail, ready to get going, though I side stepped a little to Shanika, the memory of those owlbeasts and their ferocity firmly rooted in my mind and how easily my 'bodyguard' could pound ones face in.
All, despite the scavengers already having done their part (mostly, at least), it doesn't take you long to find sufficient tracks to determine that the owlbeasts had been lying in wait for the caravan, with several smaller groups spread out over the area and then converging on the scene of battle. Which isn't exactly comforting to know, considering how much work (and drill) it takes for even a legion detachment to pull off something like this. But a horde of semi-intelligent loci beasts doing it? Even ignoring for the moment the minor little detail of how anyone (or anything) could even get that many owlbeasts moving in the same direction, you're quite sure that this is seriously bad news.
Be that as it may, Ilaria points out a large number of tracks leading off into the hills. It looks as if the whole horde came from there and then split up into smaller groups which took their respective positions before the attack. Well, at least you know where to go next, right? Hopefully, you'll get some answers. And survive them...
The searched finally turned up several trails or signs of where these beasts might have come from, namely the large forbidden forest. Magnus knew his little group will have to enter said forest in the end but figured he'll stall and explore all this options before giving such a dangerous order. He looked over to the good old drink happy hunter signaled for him to come over.
"Itami, followe me. The rest of you investigate those tracks nearest the hills." Magnus ordered has he started walking toward the main trail.
He wanted to check the possible second ambush position but mainly he wanted a chance to ask Itami for his opinion.
Magnus and Itami, the owlbeasts' tracks are remarkably easy to follow, almost as if they didn't care about tracks. And from what you know about loci beasts, only the largest, most bad-tempered ones (like thunderhorns and the dreaded quakeworms) behave like that. But smaller scavengers - like, for example, owlbeasts - instinctively avoid leaving more tracks than they have to. Partly because it's much easier to catch dinner if it doesn't know you're around, but also because many larger loci beasts have no compunctions about eating the smaller ones.
In any case, as far as you can tell from the tracks, the owlbeasts moved into position and then simply waited like a squad of legionnaires would. So it seems as if you're facing 'owlbeast legionnaires'. Can the day get any better?
Xander and Giovanni, Ilaria leads you to a cave entrance in a hill. The tracks are chaotic but still relatively easy to read. The loci beasts came out of the cave and gathered here before heading to their positions. So the cave is definitely much larger than it appears from out here - and you can only guess what you may find inside...
But there's something else that is even more disturbing. The grass and bushes have been burned recently, probably only two or three days ago. And you're absolutely sure that no owlbeast would do that, no matter how weird any of its 'equipment' might be. A unit of legionnaires setting up a camp might burn a 'kill zone' around the picket lines, however...
Firedragon wrote:Xander and Giovanni, Ilaria leads you to a cave entrance in a hill. The tracks are chaotic but still relatively easy to read. The loci beasts came out of the cave and gathered here before heading to their positions. So the cave is definitely much larger than it appears from out here - and you can only guess what you may find inside...
But there's something else that is even more disturbing. The grass and bushes have been burned recently, probably only two or three days ago. And you're absolutely sure that no owlbeast would do that, no matter how weird any of its 'equipment' might be. A unit of legionnaires setting up a camp might burn a 'kill zone' around the picket lines, however...
This assignment is getting more and more ominous, but what we scouted needs to be relayed to Magnus. "Ilaria stay here and scout out the area, let's leave the cave alone for now, Xander I'll need you and your bodyguard to do some scouting as well, if you can scry on the essences around here and see how they flow and gather that would be useful as well as back up my wif- Ilaria if she needs it," it's not a secret we're married but we are on duty and there is some decorum that needs to be observed. "I'll alert Magnus of what we found and see if has found anything himself," with that I saluted and bounded off towards where Magnus and Itami were.
Owlbeasts left tracks all over the place. Which was weird considering you don't want your prey knowing you were there nor do you want bigger motherf***ers knowing you were there.
And not only that, the tracks indicated that they set up positions for ambushing the caravan. I was pretty damn sure this wasn't normal. Something's going on here and I have a feeling I'm not going to like it. "Magnus. These tracks, their behavior, what they did yesterday... it ain't normal." I told our boss. "Not sure what's making them act that way though. Magic perhaps?"
I only nod to Giovanni as he heads off, his idea already something that had been forming in my mind, though something about the inner part of the cave made me want to check it out for further clues... though maybe with the full group rather then just myself and Shanika. I remember the last time I dove head first into something, and I almost got eaten by hungry owlbeasts. Though not to say my lovely bodyguard coming out of it was a bad thing.
nodding my head to myself, I look around the area a bit more before I simply sit down on the dirt in front of the cave and begin to investigate. I close my eyes to help myself concentrate while also trying to keep an open ear out for Giovanni's wife and Shanika. Letting my mind flow outward, I reach my magic out to try to see what I can find. Shanika, for her part, didn't look as if she would be very interested in all the investigating, so she decided to keep watch over me while I did my work. Obviously she didn't want her cute little 'boss' to get hurt doing his job.
Magnus and Itami, the owlbeasts' tracks are remarkably easy to follow, almost as if they didn't care about tracks. And from what you know about loci beasts, only the largest, most bad-tempered ones (like thunderhorns and the dreaded quakeworms) behave like that. But smaller scavengers - like, for example, owlbeasts - instinctively avoid leaving more tracks than they have to. Partly because it's much easier to catch dinner if it doesn't know you're around, but also because many larger loci beasts have no compunctions about eating the smaller ones.
In any case, as far as you can tell from the tracks, the owlbeasts moved into position and then simply waited like a squad of legionnaires would. So it seems as if you're facing 'owlbeast legionnaires'. Can the day get any better?
Itami and Magnus found tracks alright. The way the were clustered and trampled over each other reminded the Legionary of his manor's training grounds where the House taurs and their husbands would spar and practice formations. He knelt closer to the ground, feeling like it would somehow offer up additional secrets but concluded the earth would not.
"Magnus. These tracks, their behavior, what they did yesterday... it ain't normal." I told our boss. "Not sure what's making them act that way though. Magic perhaps?"
Itami was living up to his claims, and exactly why Magnus asked for him to follow. His tracking experience is perfect and who better to know a beast than a beast hunter?
"I was wondering the same thing. We'll ask Xander's opinion but honestly I doubt it's magic, maybe a parasite?" Magnus asked as he stood up once more.
He began trailing along the edges of where the owlbeast had laid waiting, not wanting to disturb anything as he simply took in what little they knew. Like all mysteries you have to collect all data possible before trying to make the pieces fit, and decided to go over the basics.
"Itami, owlbeast are a common beast in his area correct? What sort predators, if at all, could possibly drive them out and force them to hunt along caravan paths?"
DogKama wrote:"Itami, owlbeast are a common beast in his area correct? What sort predators, if at all, could possibly drive them out and force them to hunt along caravan paths?"
"Big ones, I'm sure. Big enough to scare off the entire owlbeast population out of their habitats." I replied. "That or, something really, really dangerous."
Was that it though? Just some new goons to displace the old goons? I wish it were that simple but the more we investigated, the less likely that assumption became. "Maybe it is parasites. Really badass parasites, considering they could control the beasts and coordinate movements." Again, another unlikely assumption but I felt the truth was going to be strange.
Xander, you've never felt anything like what you're feeling now. It feels as if the magical background in this area was... corrupted... somehow. You know that powerful magic often leaves aftereffects, and it sometimes even permanently changes the magical background in rare cases - for example, powerful fire magic might add a certain level of elemental fire energy to an area. But this is different. The magic here feels... damaged... and you sense that the source of this damage is deeper in that cave.
Leaning over to you, Shanika whispers, "I don't like this. It feels... wrong..." From the way she looks around and makes sure Ilaria isn't near enough to overhear her, you get the feeling that she'd never say anything like this where anyone else could hear.
The others, Giovanni makes his report and the three of you head back to Xander and the two mamono. It seems as if you won't find out what's going on out here. But why do stories about exploring dangerous caves sound much more fun when you know that they're just stories?
Considering Itami's suggestion of the possibility of some weird kind of parasite controlling the owlbeasts, you realize that these strange devices you've found on the loci beasts might very well be something like that. Of course, these things are obviously artifical (and equally obviously antithetic to magic...), but what you have seen does kind of support Itami's theory.
Which means someone - or something - is creating these devices, and you're quite sure you won't like the reasons for it...
All, since it's obvious that you'll have to enter the cave - and most likely face whatever might still be inside - you should probably prepare yourselves. Lighting Torches (or casting light spells), setting up a marching order, making sure your weapons are in hand or can be drawn quickly, etc.
And once the preparations are done, it's time to earn your pay. Adventure awaits!
The moment my sense's left my body to touch the magical nature of the area, my whole being was assailed with what I could only compare to me being in the the most horrid disease I had ever felt magnified times a hundred. Everything about the magic here felt as if it cried out in pain, or so my mind compared it to such. It made me feel as if my magic was purely wholesome, as if someone took the magic of the area and... broke it's bones and flayed it's skin, burning it and twisting it like a person in the hands of a massive beats intent on causing the most pain possible. I felt vilified and quickly retracted my mind in fear that my own magic might... break open my spirit somehow. I was breathing heavily and I fell back in a panic in desperation to stand back up. My head quickly whipped to the side to look at the cave mouth, the most horrid of the feeling coming from deeper in there. Thankfully, Shanika's presence was enough to help calm me down when I looked at her, but not by much seeing as she was moderately uncomfortable right now. She bent down, mostly to help me back to my feet, but she also whsiperd something in my ear, something that made me shiver.
"I don't like this. It feels... wrong..."
"Be happy you didn't stick your whole head into it like I just did, what you might be feeling now pales in comparison to what I just touched on... Like dipping my head in a vat of human suffering is the best way to describe it."
My spine chilled at the memory of it as I quickly got back to my feet. If the area was this bad, I fear that being able to use magic here would be harder for someone like me. I could only shake my head. I bloody signed up for this, I might as well as see it through. Turning around I see that the rest of the group had made there way to me. I spot Magnus and get his attention first.
"Captain Magnus. I just did a bit of a survey of the area to check on the magical energies... and... well... I'll try to put this lightly, something in the area is damaged. The magic of this place is... for lack of a better term, broken in some way. I fear that the worst of it is in the cave... so, even if your not a mage you might start to feel some effects the closer we get to the source.Also I fear a mage like myself will probably have a hard time using spells in this type of environment... and the mamono of our group might also have a hard time of it as well. I can't even begin to describe what might be capable of doing something like this either... I can't say I've ever come across anything like this in my studies."
I leave him with that bit of info and I clutch my staff in some levels of fear at the knowing of our group going to have to go down there to find out what it is. I listen in on the rest of the group and hear Itami give his thoughts on the Owlbeasts being controlled by some kind of parasite. The moment he said that, my brain started to think on the idea. Maybe some kind of metallic parasite? Like the ones we found in the bodies? It was a possibility, there where some mamono who where even stranger in the biology department after all, so why couldn't a parasitic Locai Beast also be made of metal. However, it was a simple theory after all, and even then, Loci beasts had mana in them, the metallic things we found absorbed mana and produced none of its own, so It doesn't hold much water. However the idea of a parasite got me thinking. These obviosuly had to be made, the could be taken apart and if such, can be put back together. The implications did not bode well for the city regardless of how I dissected the issue.
However, I knew I was going to have to put the concept on the back burner for the moment. We no doubt we're going into that cave in a few minutes, and I needed to make sure everything was in order for my own gear.
Staff, check.
Magic. Fully charged and ready for use.
Courage. still trying to find it, but it'll show up soon enough.
In the mean time, I chant a small spell and the tip of my staff begins to hum before a small sphere of light manifests itself on the tip. I then turn to the rest of the group, specifically Magnus and voice my thought.
"Sir, if at all possible, would it be best if I stayed closer to the back? I may be fit, But I'm no hand to hand fighter. Thats what I hired my bodyguard for after all." I give Shanika a knowing grin, one she returned in kind before I went back to talking.
"It would also give me some time to use the appropriate spells if it should come down to it."
