Heroes Of Nentir Vale-In Character

[MsBloom]

Skuldr​

"No, you are right," Skuldr told Rhaenys.
"We go together and if you have the ability to watch from above then by all means do so."
She then took the lead toward the ruined buildings that didn't look quite as entirely ruined as one might at first have thought. She didn't lead them straight for what appeared to be some kind of main entrance to the complex but rather drifted off toward the right-hand edges intending to take in the perimeter first, as Corothius had suggested. It was always good (even for a Berserker such as herself) to have an idea of whether a seemingly abandoned place such as this held any immediate or potentially hidden dangers. There had been mention of ghosts but, as much as she believed in lingering spirits of ancestors giving advice to those who were receptive to them, it was her experience that usually in places like this it was either some manner of traps or security left in place to warn off intruders (such as they of course were) or most commonly nothing but rumours intended to have a similar effect on adventurers of lesser courage.

The buildings were sparsely spread out over a large area that was now mostly overgrown wasteland but might once have been beautiful gardens. It would by Skuldr's assessment take somewhere up to as much as two hours to walk around the entire complex which would leave them a lot time to then look for the people who were already there. Unless of course they should happen to stumble upon them along the way. Still it would not be the end of the world if they didn't find them in the ruins. They would return to their camp come nightfall, almost certainly, and if they didn't then there would be time the next morning to resume the search, and do so with a better understanding of the ruins.

"I don't think we were ever properly introduced," she said suddenly.
They had left the mansion of Sage Ellis rather in a hurry and there had not been much time for formalities before they left and not much opportunity for it on the road.
"I am Skuldr, named after the Valkyrie of fate who rides unseen in every great battle to choose Valkyrs to sit at the Allfather's table, and the norn of the future who weave the fate of men and women, who has seen the world from beginning to end. I myself am of course none of those things."
Skuldr laughed and began over.
"I am Skuldr of Joms, a simple Berserker from the far North."

@Domini Coitius @Quasar

 

[MacCloud]

Kabar really felt sort of in over his head as he listened to Asja talking. She seemed so wise, and she understood much more of this then he did. He had been hired as muscle and had expected a couple more warrior type to be honest. That steel golem would have been just about impossible to defeat. When Asja mentioned more were joining the group Kabar felt a lot more at ease.

He smiled as Nimue slipped behind him holding his arm. She had in his mind already proven smarter and braver than most. He had watched in awe as she spoke to the Golem. Her hand on his arm felt warm and friendly, it was a nice feeling. He normally travelled with mostly men if in a group, warrior types who he had few dealings with. He took Nimue's hand and squeezed it lightly as they walked away toward the camp he had already prepared to some extent. "You were amazing Nimue, the way you spoke to the Golem, it was like nothing I ever even heard of before. I am certain I will learn much about adventuring travelling with you, well and Asja." After they were closer to the edge of the ruins Kabar tried to catch her eyes, "you mentioned plants? Do you use them in cooking? I noticed a few edible types when I was setting up the camp." Kabar guided toward the edge of the ruins, pointing out as tall plant with silvery spectacled scarlet berrys, "I have eaten these before, they are a bit tart but they are good for flavoring other foods. I believe they are called Goumi berrys? Care to help me gather some for our dinner tonight?"

Kabar was enjoying spending time with Nimue. A few times he washed off berrys and offered to plop them in her mouth playfully. As gathering berries he also found some onions, potatoes, and other roots, they were small but would add to the meal. "You learn to fend for yourself living alone." Kabar was trying to make friends with Nimue. She had truly impressed him with how she handled the golem problem.

With a sack full of edibles on his shoulder Kabar suggested they start back to camp. "Asja may be there already by now." Walking the short distance Kabar was already thinking of how to mix the collected plants into a sort of stew. A short distance from thencamp though he saw movement entering the ruins from the same direction they had arrived. "I believe we are about to meet the rest of the group. Kabar put his free hand on his saber, "at least I hope so." Kabar was paying attention to their movements as Nimue and he walked closer. The large man had a large sword, so did the tall blonde woman, both warriors, by their dress they were somewhat barbaric in nature. That was fine by Kabar, he was not much on etiquette himself, spending most of his life in the wilder lands. "What do you think Nimue, you want to take the lead speaking to our new friends?"

Kabar stopped, standing loose and seemingly relaxed. His feet shoulder width apart and ready to move if needed. He smiled, his eyes friendly and his manner easy "Were you those hired by Ellis that we were told to expect?" He certainly hoped so because they had come from the camp he had set up. It could get tense if they were not those expected. "My name is Kabar, my lovely friend here is Nimue. A remarkably courageous and observant Lady."

@ChrisGabriel

 

[ChrisGabriel]

Nimue blushed at the words of the ranger. "It was nothing, usually I am quite bad with other people, but it was a golem and a ghost, I just can't stop myself from knowing them better! ... Also, it is not like I can fight against them, even if I had to."

Then she grinned. "Food would be good, but the professor ghost told us about a herbalist laboratory that might be interesting... If they left some plants or funguses unattended, they could be quite different from the other plant life around here! ... We can try some of them out if they are edible or usable in cooking... But for now, why don't we gather and hunt to have a nice dinner, there would be more people coming."

It was a nice couple of hours, even if she was more interested in the ruins than hunting, - or foraging -, but they at least looked around for possible dangers. Thankfully Kabar seemed to be a very good ourdoorsman, collecting all things edible.

As they got back to their camp, the redhead elf yawned and started stretching to make it less obvious that she was getting her bow ready. "Naah, they look more like your people, Kabar. But I will keep an eye on how it goes." For an outsider it could even be seen as an elaborate elven ritual or athletic-acrobatic meditation as she took care of her short elven bow. Caressing, almost dancing with it, but ready to shoot if the newcomers was more along some kind of robbers here.

And she kept her senses sharp, seeing the third horse but not seeing a third person. Could be skill or magic that hid the rider, but would be surely show his or her presence if attacking. Nimue made sure nobody would be able to get close to her by sneaking, or even invisible, as she moved her bow and arrows around. She did not follow Kabar, but stayed back, out in the open, closer to their makeshift camp. Of course she would have eyes for Lady Asja too, if she was close by, if that third person would go for her...

 

[Red-Scarlet]

Professor Dallsoth cocked his head when the message came. "More people? I wonder what reignited so much interest in the academy," he said quietly. "Still, strength in numbers."

"The botanical laboratories should have plenty of edible plants-but you'll have to safely identify them first. I wouldn't want any of you poisoned," Dallsoth added. "The peak of the botany is at the greenhouse, or however much of it survived. It goes quite deep, to accommodate for the roots of some of the plants."

 

[Quasar]

The dark elf would give a sharp nod to the human fighter. Her violet eyes turned towards the sky above to scan for predatory creatures. One of the things she did not need was to be ambushed in the air where the muscle could not reach her. Meanwhile, the great woman warrior would concede to her foresight. A proper result in the mind of such a selfish and vainglorious creature, such as a drunk. Their deference gave her a powerful stride. Wasting words on choppy bits of pleasantries was worthless and inefficient. Yet before she took to wing, the berserker would speak. Words so sickenly earnest the drown might begin to believe she was readying to shiv her in the ribs when they slept that evening. Yet Rhaenys would remember what upper realm manners she could muster.

The crone's chiding voice echoed in her mind, reminding her of her own sense of supremacy. 'We are but all predators one day and prey the next to the earth. Equal to any creature is in the eyes of the natural law.' It was a lesson she still struggled to grasp. However, Rhaenys would offer at least some relent of her stern demeanor, if only that it might benefit her at a later date, of course. "My name is Rhaenys." She would leave out any detail of her surname, which tied her to her house. Not that they would claim her if it came down to it. She would look the great mass of a woman in her broad shoulders and ample bust. She might have made a spectacular labor enslaved person or perhaps even a guard if needed to keep 'close in hand' for other pursuits. Alas, most humans did tend to have such moral hackles that were raised should she utter such words. Perhaps they did not know them to be complementary.

She would raise a finger to the man who had brought her along on this farce of a journey. Face shrouded as she did so. "He is Corothius. Though I will leave his titles to him and him alone." She remarked dryly. Impatient and blunt as she spoke. Yet she gave them regard enough to make the attempt at playing "nice". Even if such was not her default aspect and her own demeanor was sorely lacking in pleasantries. Rhaenys would turn about as she shot Corothius and Skuldr a quick glance. "If you find them, signal me. Until then listen for a crow. It will mean I've found them." She would remark with an air of finality. The crow had to get to work before the the light finally died off. Rhaenys would finally call upon the old magic she drew from nature.

Changes from the wild shape often were uncomfortable at first. Cracking noises of bones resorting themselves and muscle shifting. A small scale storm of old magic and feathers. Rhaenys form shrinking until a crow sprung forth from where the woman once stood. The black corvid taking flight into the air above as her wings fought the air currents. Rhaenys would circle the forms beneath her once and then twice. Pushing forwards as she cut low over the delapedated rooftops with sweeping movements. Scanning for any signs of movement down below or the telltale disturbances in the natural world along the path. Rhaenys would finally find her quarry somewhere in middle ring of ruins. Any other finite details being taken note of as the druid would pass over the area.

Shapes of faint figures down below nearing the edge of the ruin would attract the bird's attention. Rhaenys would dive down, swooping in low before taking up a perch on a crumbling pillar nearby. A low croak coming from the crow as the druid would attempt to signal her companions to the general area of these strangers. Though unbeknownst to Rhaenys, she had found the other half of the party.

 

[Domini Coitius]

-‡- Corothius Stood his ground for those lingering moments that it would take for Rhaenys to transform into the form of a crow. The mystical transformation kept his attentions for the first few moments when he felt bad for any pain or torment that might be occuring with the sound of bones snapping and reforming in shape and size. It was then that the silent voice of his will reminded him of his duty, and he struck his senses back to look around them to ensure noone would interfere or disrupt the moments it would take for her to change.

Afterwards the sound of the crows' wings circled over the mild steel of his helmet that was far from being polished or mirrorlike in finish. He strode towards his other companion so they could begin exploring the ruins. His boots treading upon dried leaf and the green of the seasons plants that were still lush growing the moment before his boots stomped upon them with the weight of armor and human body cominbined.

It was more than half a mile from the encampment to at least the base of the ruins before it would rise up towards where the academy once was. Perhaps the first of the buildings that they would be able to reach and see amidst the fallen walls and remaining stoned frames of others that circled it. Others that were perhaps not build of such a grand size, thus smaller and perhaps more useful as abodes for workers or those who worked there in its more thriving days. A few trees were noticeably growing into the ruins of one that he could see as the strode onwards, giving a gauge of just how long ago they had fallen.

From war of magi or an attack from the more evil and barbaric hordes? Or maybe some cataclysmic earthly corruption had wrecked it from its splendor. one could wonder, and perhaps share such with a companion.

"Well met Skuldr. A most formidable name, the first time it has reached my ears of many. You have a secret hobby that has anything to do with skulls by chance?" His tone was jestful in its remnantly baritone depth. He sounded worn if not more aged than she, perhaps years of soldiering had burned him out some with its grind of work..watching nothing move whilst on guard duty wasn't the most mind enhancing of jobs.

"I have no titles..though women have called me asshole...jerk..and similar titles. What thinks ye would cause these buildings to fall into this state do you think?"

Small talk perhaps, something to converse about whilst they strode onwards. He kept his voice low enough so noone would be able to overhear them. The rise of the hill extended outwards on their flanks with enough barreness that he feared not anyone running up to them before they'd be seen. It was then, that movement was seen beyond, coming from the uppermost ruins beyond. Or rather, the trees in its general direction..They perhaps were coming more from Skuldrs and his flank in a way as they were heading to the camp behind them. Yet he and his companion had been walking for a bit already, the camp a bit far from them by that point in time.

When they did arrive, a curl slid onto his lips, the elven lass seemed to be of a show of her grace with her bow as she kept herself within missle range, with an intent to use it as precautions were wise to take in this initial moment. It also revealed she was wise to who they were, and was also keeping her eye on their surroundings while she was at it to ensure that more than one eye would be alert as they gathered together.

"Well met Kabar and Nimue..I am Corothius, and this is one of the companions I have arrived here with, Skuldr. We are fortunate to have found you before we spent time searching the rest of the ruins. Ellis is the one who has sent us...is all well?"

 

[MsBloom]

Skuldr​

"Only women have called you that?" Skuldr asked with a raised eyebrow and a tilt of her head.
"Maybe you've simply met the wrong women. I've had that myself on occasion. Hard to tell sometimes who is open for approach. But you learn with time I suppose."

Introductions now made and hushed small talk in progress Skuldr too noticed the movement in the distance. It could of course be the ones that had been sent ahead, whom they were supposed to meet up with but such assumptions could be costly ... in blood, perhaps even death if one was slow to assume otherwise. She reached for the hilt of Bloodmoon but did not draw it as they approached a clearly very vary Elf with her bow at the ready, out of melee range but with in range to fire her arrow.

Skuldr still did not draw her weapon. There was no need for it just yet but running her thumb over one of the gems she felt the binding between her blood and the sword start to work. The hilt might even have begun to glow with a faint red light.

When it was clear that the two they had come upon were Kabar and Nimue she let go of the hilt and here blood calmed down again.
"There is a third who travelled with us who has also gon in search of you."
She paused and gave Nimue a glance as if to say that she could stand down.
"I count only two of you though. Sage Ellis mentioned three. Have you lost one of your companions?"

 

[MacCloud]

Ryder removed his hand from his saber "Well met Corothius. I am glad to have another veteran among us. I am more of an archer so your swords are are a welcome sight. He bowed his head slightly in greeting but his eyes remained on the pair of warriors." He faced the warrior female "I am glad to see you as well Skuldr. To answer your question our wise mage the Lady Asja was speaking with the ghost guardian of these ruins." He smiled tilting his head toward Nimue "Nimue just recently calmed a very large steel golem by speaking to it. The Lady Asja spoke to the ghost. She agreed to no looting in order to search these ruins. So we are sort of bound by the current agreement, for now at least. Exploring the ruins is our task, the ghost may have more guardians and traps he could activate." Ryder stepped close to Nimue and put his hand on her forearm lightly. "I believe them." He spoke in a quiet voice for her ears only.

He than closed the distance and offered his hand first to Skuldr to shake. Deference to the woman was part of his upbringing. If she excepted he would shake her hand firmly but not try to crush as some did. After he would offer his hand to Corothius "You mentioned a third member of your group? I have not seen anyone. Though that crow seemed rather agitated that flew over us. Perhaps they disturbed the bird's nest? Should we go find your third before moving on?" He would shake Corothius' hand in the same fashion, strength to strength but not trying to proof anything.

 

[ChrisGabriel]

Nimue tried to shoo Rider's hand away even before he took hold of her, but instead of dancing away frustrated that he would keep her from staying alert with style, the redhead sighed and put her chest in place of her forearm, so he would accidentally brush her breast instead. It was not like he would take hold of that, right? Not that he would touch what was easy to see, as under the sexy guise of illusion, she still had the studded leather on.

"Welcome to the ruined city and the remains of the study house! Nobody cares for the ruins outside the Academy, but inside we have to be careful. We was offered two ways to explore, either through some herbalist laboratories and accidental green house, or the magic training grounds that sound like a lot of leftover targets and maybe traps. Unfortunately I think most of it is magical in nature, so I am partial to the roots and vines in hope to find exciting spices and scents worth studying."

She was not stepping close enough for the other two jummy muscled ones grab her too, after all, she knew them even less than Ryder, who at least got her a riding horse to travel on.

"By the way, even if not you two, your third can pledge as a new student like I did. It makes the ghost of Professor Dallsoth less frightening. And as the last caretaker of the school, he controls the metal golem, and who knows what else." she was still looking around for that elusive person.

After all, even if not attacked, she wasn't sure she wanted to get pranked by an unknown either.

 

[Domini Coitius]

-‡- Nods lined his understanding of the timeline that they were being caught up to with what occured with the ghost within the "study" that was unfortunately barred from being looted. The idea of exploring a place and not being able to loot anything from it unsettled him some, gave him a lack of purpose to explore it save for the thrill of finding out an old places historical stories and secrets. He was a warrior though, and didn't fancy carrying a quil and parchment with him to take notes and sell off a book about such details.

The rangers hand was taken with a light grasp, as if he wasn't of a mind to really go so far with introductions in the first place, and didn't reach for it until he was sure it was being offered, then merely shook it as if to agree on some pact that united them as a team for the next two days if he heard correctly. Eyes glinted some at the demeanor of Nimue and how she responded to Kabar. Something humor slid a curl to his lips, yet a turn of his head inclined his attentions to search through the trees above for the crow as kabar began to speak of one he saw too. They were common enough birds to see around in truth.

When one was spotted, he couldn't honestly tell if it was Rhaenys @Quasar or not, but he motioned for the bird to come join them again. And gave an okay gesticulation to assure her, or the random crow, that it was safe to do so.

His attentions then returned to the group, a moment to debate about which option to head for seemed clear enough after Nimue spoke of more details about their next choices to make.

"So it would be safer to seek out the gardens, and perhaps profitable too by the sound of it. So be it, we still have a few hours of daylight. We can search the ruins together till we find it, and search as much of it as we can before nightfall..then we can decide to return to camp and get some rest, or break out some torches and continue underground where it won't matter if its night or day."

Amber orbs shifted between the three others before him as he let them chime in to agree with the decision that was technically already 3/5, and to see if anyone had anything else to bring up before they could move things along before they ran out of light.

 

[Quasar]

The black bird perched on the crumbled pillar in silence. Its beady eyes were affixed on the meeting occurring just beneath it. Shapes of individuals closing on one another before coming to a stop some paces apart. For now, the affairs of the surface dwellers seemed to be going just swimmingly. Albeit the two leaner individuals who had just pulled up in front of the party looked to be of a shifty sort. Not necessarily that they had malicious intentions, but more so nimble on their feet than the two hulking brutes across from them.

Well now. It seemed this whole little reverie was coming along at this point.

Upon the signal from her male companion, the bird let out a croak, and it opened its wings. Black feathers caught by the incoming breeze as it would take to the air current. Up the bird soared until it would tuck its wingspan inward. A practice swoop carrying it down and low over the heads of the assemblage beneath it. Coming low near the ground as the shape of it grew larger and larger.

Feathers molted, and mass increased. Where the crow once was, a woman would rise up, black feathers falling off her into a pool at her boots. Rhaenys would run her fingers through her silvery hair. Tossing it slightly as she would glance between the two groups as if this was merely a social hour she had missed. "I take it as we aren't staring at one another at weapon point, that these would be the others whom we were hired to join up with? Well, I suppose they are quite different from us." Rhaenys would remark with a pause.

The under-elf glances over at Nimue. A smirk barely graced her lips. "And to see another elf. This one from the surface. How quaint." A brief pause in the trail of her thoughts until Corothius brought up the pursuit of the gardens. It seemed to cause the usually dour drow to perk up ever so subtly. Her lilac eyes glancing about the ruin slightly. "If there is a garden of sorts, it might have exotic fauna within it. Not a soul has been here in ages. We would do well to be careful."

"Skuldr is correct, however. I count two among your number when we were meant to collect. A third has wandered from you, it would seem." Her gaze turned among the two newcomers before she rummaged through her bag. From it, the drow seemed to withdraw what appeared to be a handful of mushrooms stuffed within a jar. Rhaenys held out the mix of them towards the others.

"Neonothopanus gardneri. It will glow dimly once night falls. In case one or more of you get split off from the group after dark, or we go looking for this missing companion of yours." The druid would shake her jar as if to impatiently suggest she wished for each person present to take a mushroom. It wasn't like the things were going to lunge out and bite them after all.

 

[MacCloud]

Ryder was about to reply to the two warriors when he crow e had noticed landed and turned into a dark Elf. Ryder had fought her kind in the past a time or two and was surprised to see her with the two warriors. She was rather rude to Numue than to him as well. "I thank you for the offer of your glowing plants but I will pass. You may need them more than me anyway. I am glad you feel caution is a wise course here. I quite agree. If that Steel Golum is an example of what defends these ruins they will pose a formidable threat. It is good to see you caught up to us. I know I feel more secure in accomplishing our mission here with two skilled warriors." Ryder tilted his head "and a druid/shapeshifter will compliment this group a lot."

Ryder smiled at Nimue "You want to go with me to locate Asja? Or with our new partners to search the gardens?" I think we should regroup back at camp at dusk." Ryder jostled his pack "We gathered some fresh plants for a stew tonight. I have a bit of talent cooking. I will make dinner tonight, the three of you are of course invited." Ryder looked at the dark elf "you do eat meat right?" Ryder raised his hands "I apologize I am amiss. You were not here when we exchanged names. My Elf friend is Nimue, as clever a companion as anyone could ask for. My name is Ryder. I hope we can all respect one another's abilities."

 

[ChrisGabriel]

Of course Nimue was not really following whatever the others was saying. From the moment the black bird flew close, she kept an eye on it, and when it started to change she backed away from Ryder, frowning. It was all nice and good until she got a glimpse of the hair and skin, then she was pulling her bow on the drow, hissing.

"Where is one, there is more!" she wasn't taking her eyes off the woman, when she started to runmage through her pack. The only thing that held Nimue back from shooting already was the ease of the transformation, and that the night hadn't already fallen. Her bow was pulled even more taut, when she pulled out some kind of spell components.

At least there was no spiders. Nimue stopped herself from shuddering, but feeling that her aiming was soon coming to the end. Shootin or lowering her bow was the question.

"Shut up, Ryder!" she growled "What kind of people have a drow in their party?! Stupid humans!"

"Who are you pledged yourself to, ilythiiri? What is your business here?" she finally asked in elven, the only thing holding her back from letting the arrow fly is the possibility that the drow was shapeshifting on her own power, and not some kind of magic item or spell. In other words, that she was indeed a druid, experienced enough to shift into a bird and back, without too much strain. Not that Nimue wouldn't shoot a druid, if it attacked her, but just standing there with a jar of snacks was not a kill order on sight...

But it was, for any drow for any elf, after all. Still, these ruins wasn't elven ground, and killing did not came easily for the redheaded elf.

 

[Domini Coitius]

-‡- It eased his worries when the crow he had been beckoning to descended towards them and onto the ground. Worries that it was just a random crow and his companion was out searching for the others still no longer to think about. Eyes lingered upon the drow as she transformed, nor could he reason why not to. Her feminine figurine revealed in a few ways whilst the most unnatural way of transforming from bird to flesh regained the appeal of a the familiar grey-fleshed elf.

As she spoke, and took a few moments to bring out the jar of mushrooms, his mind was still keen to keep an eye about their surroundings for any suprises. Nimues bow for instance no longer was being pointed at their surroundings for similar purposes, but was instead aimed at the drow instead. That definately was no good, he had to turn his back to the offer for the moment before his broadened physique laiden in leathers and the scales of a wyvern stepped between the druidess and the newly acquainted elf bearing the bow. Fearing not the arrows penetration through his shield as it was brought up to bear. A silent way to ward the younger looking woman off as well as quell her anger.

The hiss no doubt reached his ears as well as her demanding words. Speaking the the drowess in such a manner he had an idea would not bring positive vibes into the party. Corothius thus sighed, and took however many steps would be needed to reach Nimue, using the leverage that they had just met, befriended one another and were not honorably on the same side, he didn't full out make a movement that would bring her harm, or even use a domesticly aggressive breath when he neared her. Rather, he just stood in the way of her arrow so it wasn't pointed at anyone but his shield. Nor did he even reach for his sword since they were on the same team.

It also gave him a moment to breathe her in, as he priorly hadn't gotten close enough to shake her hand, and stare at her with a most serious attentiveness, sizing her up and perhaps gauging her mental worth when it came to this battle of the races. Though he didn't give her cause to shut up, and even left the air open so Rheanys could answer her question if she chose to. Yet his eyes did not shy from Nimues figurine as the bow was perhaps even fought against some in the process. Maybe he might even get the fun of having to wrestle it from her so no harm would be done to his companion. How far would this elf go with her racial squabble? The rope had been brought with him for the adventure, and still hung about the broad expanse of his chest from shoulder diagonally to his waist. Maybe she'd need to be tied up for a short while till the food was ready.

"I will take one of those mushrooms..perhaps before we enter the tunnel for sure..unless it is the kind we use for fun..then I'll take one after we eat.." Words were sounded off lightly over his shoulder as a sense of humor was thrown into the midst of the intensity that he was pressing himself between. Until then, we chose to stick together earlier to search for you two, we should continue to do so whilst we look for your Asj. It shouldn't take long..."

The last of his words were meant for the walk to the ruins to retrieve the other party member, but for some reason he felt his hormones shift above his thighs as he stood before Nimue, and his words perhaps turning into a meaning for something else that would not take too long either.

 

[MsBloom]

Skuldr​

Skuldr shook the man's hand when he offered it and was just about to do the same with the Elf when their third companion returned and transformed back to her humanoid form. Skuldr didn't know the Drow very well, they had met at Sage Ellis' mansion and not even had time to introduce themselves until less than half an hour ago. But when the Elf from the other half of the company drew back the string on her bow again, aiming an arrow at Rhaenys her hand returned to the hilt of Bloodmoon. She left it in its scabbard but clearly signalled readiness for a fight should it come to that. She did move closer to the shapeshifter though and with a hint of suspicion reached into the bag of mushrooms, whatever they were called, with her free hand and picked up one, looking at it with even more suspicion.
"We eat them and can talk to the old gods? Or do we start to glow?" she asked but without looking at Rhaenys.
Her eyes were on Nimue.

"This is ridiculous," she said after a while.
"Drow she may be but she has so far not given me or Corothius any reason to think her intent malicious in any way. So what say we drop this age old feud and start exploring?"

 

[Quasar]

For a moment, ideal pleasantries were broken by the sound of a shout followed by a bowstring going taut. A stirring of those around her drew Rhaenys's eyes upward to the archer on the knoll. It would seem Nimue felt the animus of hatred which had been all too apparent among their kind for so long. For a moment, the elf felt inclined to make some snide remark. It came so naturally in a time such as this. However, when the human fighter drew up in front of her, her tongue was silenced. How peculiar that a human would jeopardize himself for her safety.

She'd repay his bravery with a bit more of a tempered response than she might normally would have uttered. "I would not hasten to rash action if I were you, Darthiir." Her voice was calm, but held a hint of annoyance with the situation at hand. “I am not here to harm you or your companion. Nor is it my intent to in the future.”

"There is no more of my kin than myself here. Though I am doubtful that it is pleasing to your sensibilities." Rhaenys would correct, claiming there was more of her kind lurking in the wings. Eyes tilting towards the human companion of the elf as she would slip her free hand back into her robes—a studied glance was given as she looked over the Ranger in calm silence. Analyzing the man by any account.

"Suit yourself. I would hate for those who have no adaptation to the dark of night to find themselves without light." Her words were cold in tone, but were her attempt to frame them without any barbed commentary attached to them. She would step up on her tiptoes. Eyes peering over the shoulder of the rather tall man in front of her. Skuldr's movement to reinforce her position would bring a pleased smirk to her lips. Rhaenys would look to Nimue's tensed form with that condescending air she operated within so well.

"Well, Nimue, why would I be here if not for the coin offered to my traveling companions and me?" She would not so much as flinch as the elf continued to hold her at bow point. Even as Ryder would threaten to intervene should things come to blows. Rhaenys herself was already holding a spell with the hand under her traveling cloak.

A simple wall of wind spell, meant to be held until the arrow was loosed. Best not to harm the client's mercenaries without good reason. Even if the presence of the other elf goaded on her already deep seeded pettiness. "However, I fear I have lost my manners that my house has gifted me. You may both call me Rhaenys." She would give a mock curtsey behind the twin mountains that made up the warriors in front of her.

A keen glance would turn towards Ryder when he mentioned dinner. The dark elf's expression bemused with the question of her dietary habits."I do indeed eat meat. Contrary to popular theory, I do not consume children nor am I the sort to forsake meat as a vow to my profession." She would offer a rather forced looking, polite smile. The appearance of it uncanny in the manner it came along. Like the action itself was a bit alien to her albeit it bordered on the closest thing to sincerity.

Fingers began digging in to her bag again as Rhaenys would fetch out the jar of mushrooms from before. A moment passing before she would offer it to the fighter without a fuss. "Corothius, these are not meant for eating, fool. If you wish to have some edible variety, I would have to fetch another of my jars." Rhaenys remarked with a bite to her tone. However, the apparent concern she had to warn him seemed to suggest the under elf was at least capable of some form of caring.

"These are more so meant as tools to light your way when the sun sets. While my eyes are adjusted to the dark, it would court misfortune to leave the lot of you without any particular means to be adjusted in the same manner." Rhaenys offered to the strong of adventurers. Though her gaze hadn't left the bow with its glistening arrow drawn back level.

She would gesture towards it, "Let us think of the game you purpose, Nimue. Say you fire upon us. Then Ryder here is forced to step in when Corothius and Skuldr move to detain you. I am certain he is a warrior of some renown, but so too are my two rather large companions here. Your champion will struggle to find any meaningful victory that is not pyrrhic." She would look directly at the other elf with a cold intensity.

"And you… you will find that you cannot out run me nor will a simple arrows put me down. You will feed the crows, just as many others have, no doubt meeting your ancestors as unpleasantly as most whom have crossed me have. Say on the off chance you do bring about my miserable end." Rhaenys would offer in a slow, but deliberate cadence.

"You will not walk away intact by any stretch of the imagination and at that point become prey to my associates. It will be an unnecessary and unpleasant farce, of which our mutual employer would be rather unhappy. Put the bow away. We'll settle our mutual differences at another time when pay nor the success of our goal is at stake." She would reach out hand as from her druidcraft she would form a literal olive branch. Wiggling the object slightly so that the humans could see.

"Behold, a human symbol of peace. Of which I am offering to you in good faith surface elf. A mutual truce until our work is done." She would proclaim a manner regal in bearing. Though her general misunderstanding of human principles perhaps would bring some amusement. When Skuldr then inquired about her mushrooms, Rhaenys would happily explain. "No, they are not for consumption but for their luminescent properties. By holding them, they will shed some amount of light for those who cannot see within the dark." The drown would pause for a moment as she would gesture towards Skuldr. "Have you any more uncertainty? My companion vouches for my trustworthiness."

 

[ChrisGabriel]

Following the humans movements to at least keep herself away from their approach, and her target in her sight, Nimue finally lowered her bow and relaxed the string slowly.

"A queen who never was, and never will be... I can not accept your words, but will see your actions, druid. If any of your thralls or summons attack me or anyone in the party, this supposed truce will end even before our ways part." there was no need to elaborate on the generations old enmity, the others would not be able to understand it anyway.

Then the redhead snorted, before she started laughing, the stress needing an outlet after the tense situation. "Oh, I see now! ... Well met, Skuldr and Corothius, it is nice of you to bring your healer with you... even if she spent too much time on the surface under the rays of the sun." while no longer aiming or even keeping the bow taut, Nimue kept the bow and the arrow in one hand for now.

"I would say, if we are here to explore the ruins of the academy, we should get the horses and the camp closer, and find a still standing wall to hide our fire and lights from anyone further away. Then a dinner, a mutual sharing of food and drink, without poisoning, hopefully. As there will be dark out here soon, if all feel ready for some exploration, we can turn our attention on the remains of the herbalist labs. It is supposed to have deeper levels, roots, or what not. I hope Lady Asja did not started the exploration on her own already, we should meet her at the site when we relocate the camp..."

Nimue did turn away from the group to start walking towards the horses and what Ryder set up as the camp for now, to follow up on her own words at relocating, then she would get to their food what they bought, brought, and now collected.

"Oh, by the way, please do not attack the metal golem and be respectful to the ghost, if the professor is still there."

 

[MacCloud]

Ryder smiled gently when Nimue lowered her bow. Rhaenys' words had made enough of a dent in the redheaded elfs convictions to gain that mush. He was thick skinned enough to not mind Rhaernys' condescending attitude, he spoke in a polite tone without a trace f unease. "Nice to meet you Rhaernys. I do not need your mushrooms for light but the offer is appreciated." Ryder had his own light source as his arrows would glow when drawn on his bow. His Saber's also glowed with light on command when drawn. He did not mention that but it would be revealed once they it was dark and he needed his weapons. He also had a light spell he knew. His means had always been enough in the past. "You speak wisdom as well. Our employer hired each of us to better accomplish our endeavor here. I can see how your obvious skills would benefit us greatly."

Ryder did not like the idea of moving the camp into the ruins but if the others wished it he would. He did take his eyes from the two warriors till they acknowledged the Elf's uneasy truce. He understood such hatred, he felt the same about Goblinoids and Ogres. They were an abomination on life here. If Ellis had hired a Goblin race he would have difficulty accepting them himself. "Nimue are you sure you want the camp actually within the ruins? The campsite I choose has a water source and the horses have room to move within the grotto. They are safer there I think? It is not so long a walk there? Maybe move the camp after we explore a bit and find a suitable location?"

Ryder dropped his pack and reached inside. He pulled out a few paper wrapped biscuits, "I bake these as travel rations, They have bacon and cheese inside. Keeps the biscuit moist and tasty. He took a bit from one to show they were safe." He laughed softly "If your hungry? You know since the mushrooms are not edible."

 

[MacCloud]

The terrain, we are walking a path in the center.

The spider, 4' tall at shoulder
The decision to move the camp was made, Anyone not riding their horse would be walking, Ryder would be riding and have the remaining horses on a lead rope. The lead held loosely in his right hand. His bow and an arrow in his left hand. He would be in the lead as he knew the way from his short time here. He would only the two horses on the lead, the pack horse, and Asja's mount. They would find a well worn path among the boulder strewn dessert terrain. Scrub brush, tumble weeds was all that grew here it seemed. The sun beat down hot and dry even in this early evening hour. The light breeze blew between the rocks causing an eerie sound at random moments. Small rocks dislodged by the wind rolled making noise in the almost eerie silence of the evening. The path they would took veered South almost imperceptibly from the main path.

They were a little more than halfway to the garden/lab entrance when Tempest, Ryder's warhorse, laid his ears pinned flat back warning of danger. Ryder unsure if the warhorse was just feeling uneasy looped the lead rope around the saddle horn and stroked his neck. The warhorse was tense, Ryder trusted Tempest sense of danger but before he could sound a warning the attack began. A huge spider leaped high from behind a boulder. It would land on Corothius if he did not react quickly enough. Another Huge spider four foot tall at the shoulders leaped toward Skuldr. Two others ran toward the party from the flanks, their mandibles clicking angrily. Or maybe that sound was hunger?

From the front of the group a huge spider leaped at Ryder from his left side. He notched the arrow he held. took a breath and aimed. He loosed the arrow as the Spider began descending toward him. The point blank shot hit the spider in high in the chest and it was knocked back a few feet, falling on the ground already dead. Ryder would be busy for the next few moments regaining control of the lead horses. His own warhorse unphased stood firm though.

 

[Domini Coitius]

-‡- The racial feud came to a close after a few more words passed amongst the newly forming party. It was a relief that no blood was shed, mostly his own. Though he had approached with confidence, and a near immortal like mindset, he had been boasting with his superior strength and perhaps silent bluff to aid in staunching the feud before it really became one. As the others went about returning to the encampment, self decisions were noticeably made whilst the others were remnantly of a mind to stick together. It was a wise decision they made earlier, having no knowledge of what awaited them in the ruins beyond. It was a key factor to remaining alive. And perhaps the reason why so many of them were hired in the first place. This wasn't a one-man mission.

So With a shrug hidden behind a layer of leathery scales and harnessed accouterments, Corothius beckoned the others to follow Nimue and Ryder to follow along to the camp. Weighed upon boots dug into the sand of the terrain that was felt tightly packed beyond that first layer of shiftable dirt. Dirt laiden with dried vegetation attempting to grow. Something he wondered about in how there was supposed to be a botanical garden nearby. Perhaps it was near a spring or some underground passage of water that kept it alive and green.

The stalwart warrior still took up the honorable role of keeping an eye on everyones back by defending their rear. The bulk of his shield something that hindered him not as it was strapped upon arm and hand alike to even out it's weight and wield its flattened size with an efficient ease. Luckily it wasn't penetrated with an absently shot arrow, something he kept silent about as he reached the encampment, and his horse. Time was given to let Ryder retrieve the tent he had put up, but little else was notably set up to worry about. Unless the pack horse was laiden with goods to provide for them all, he was more expecting to sleep beneath the open nights sky and make do with the most minimal of camping requirements.

A steady, calming hand reached for his claimed steed. It fettered away from it at first, as it was still getting used to its' new owner. A calming hand concealed in a leathered glove used to wield a weapon that promised death was sent to pet the soft fur along it's neck, a long following petting that calmed its cautious and gleaming eye that bulged from its taut features and darkened mane of sable.

"Come..we'll be heading where the ground should have more than dirt to feed upon..and maybe somewhere you can drink your fill." Words were lowered in a tone suitable for the steed, before he'd head for the saddle, and check its straps and his bags to assure himself they were still notched tightly, and noone had snuck upon their camp to see what was hidden inside. They seemed to be unpilfered to his relief.

Corothius would then check on @Quasar to see if she would mount her steed, and would approach to give her his aid in getting into the saddle if she was not already doing so. There was also the possibility that she would choose to turn into the feathered friend and take flight again that needed to be confirmed. If that was the case, he would garner her horses reins to add to his saddles horn as Ryder was showing an example of doing with Asj's. Corothius wasn't of a mind to mount his just yet, as he had ridden for some time to reach here, and was still loosening the muscles of his bum from the ride to be of a mind to hop back onto it so soon. The ruins weren't that far enough away to be in that much of a haste he felt.

So it was when they'd make to head onwards, and seek these ruins they were here to investigate and search that he strode onwards at the side of his horse. His shield repositioned on his arm, and his sword sheathed at his side so he could lead his mount. When nearing a rise in some nearby boulders that seemed to ascend into the air well above their heads as the terrain began to rise with the hill the ruins were nestled upon, noises were heard. Light shuffling perhaps upon the sand that caused his steeds ears to perk up, similar to the more telltale signs the warhorse Ryder was upon was making, but with more experienced communication that something was up.

The leather straps of his steeds harness were sent over its neck, his gloved hand sent to his waist to loosen his blade in it's sheath. Fingers grasping around its leatherbound hilt with a habitual strength that would be able to tear it from its home with honed reflexes. Reflexes that came alive in another moment as the first of the spiders leapt from the nearest of boulders from above. Eyes enlargened with the sudden streak of fear for his life as a string of possibilities suddenly came upon his mind of what could happen.

Another moment his shield took the weight of the overgrown creature. The impact causing him to be jarred from his stance as he had only had a moment to enter a position to shift his feet into a readying position. The feel of his horse against his back made itself known like a wall of muscle and meat that suddenly leapt away as the spiders silk embibing limbs reached around the heavy shield that it clung onto, scaring the steed off as it wrapped around Corothius.

In another moment, he was able to push his boots into the ground, and shove his shield forwards to make enough space to pull his sword free. In the next, it was slicing through the air in its upwards trajectory, dismembering the first one, then a second of its bony like limbs that suddenly were flung away from him to thud and roll onto the ground a distance away. A spew of acrid blood spilled onto the ground below, its' warmth enfusing into the air as a shrill sound of pain and surprise erupted into the air from its pincers above his shield.

The sight of its multiple eyes staring upon him became his next target. His arm was pulled now above and behind his head, the tip of his blade aimed before the muscles bulged against his encasing armor to send a thrust into the snipping mandibles that were reaching for his helmet. Two more of its opposing clawed legs were felt prying into the scales of his arm at his side, and lower at his leg as it sought to keep itself righted on his shield..

 

[Quasar]

As tensions simmered down to a lower heat, Rhaenys would glance over the assemblage without much emotion. A setting sun illuminates the adventurers' shapes, backlighting them among the ruins. When Corothius brought her horse near, she would take the reins from him in her hand. Fingers gently flexing about the bridle of the beast. Her head tilted gently to the side, almost as if she were trying to inspect this place they had begun to wander into. It had once been something grand.

That much was for certain. It was written into the elaborate architecture, which had been torn asunder in nature's grasp. The drow perhaps understood the lesson in that better than most. Yet as the party drifted onward, there was but an unnatural calm. The wind blew through the ruins, whistling as it crossed the old stone. Yet not a sound of wildlife could be heard. A grim silence that was a great oddity even in the fading hours of the day. Her horse was becoming agitated in her grip. Strange. It meant a predator was nearby.

Her eyes scanned the stones around her for some sort of answer. Glinting light off of something drew her gaze in. The under elf squinting mightily in the still, all too bright light of the setting sun. A reminder of home remained behind in the passage of the ruin. Thin strands of silken web stretched wide above the mouth of the passage they traveled. Rhaenys would give a pause. At first, she would carefully admire the spider's work. Appraising it like an architect would a structure. It dawned on her shortly thereafter.

Rhaenys would look rapidly to the group ahead of her before she would call out to the lead man, Ryder. "We are being stalked! Spiders..." She would never get to finish the sentence before the hells broke loose. Out from the rock and ruin they came. Eight legs furiously guiding them downward towards the boxed-in party. There was no running from the killing field.

Rhaenys prayed to her goddess quickly. Perhaps asking for forgiveness for what she might do next. The arachnid host was in motion to slam down into the flank with good speed. To her right, Corothius grappled with the oversized spider there. A wolf if her knowledge of species was to be in question. His blade flashed readily into the writhing mass with good zeal. The druid would murmur an incantation beneath her breath, a hand extending as thick vines sprang forth from the plant life about. Each coil writhing as it was violently ripped from the human's shield and slammed into the earth, where it planted. The spider was still writhing, yet in the drow's mind, she had at least given the human breathing room. The same would not be true for her as another of the hungry throng descended towards her. She was forced to leap aside to avoid hungry fangs snapping down on her.

Change came quickly to her form as she scrambled up to her feet. Her frame elongated as she does so, the cloak of feathers reshaping into dark black fur and muscle. A panther streaked forward with a snarl as it slammed headlong into the spider. The weight of the big cat and the arachnid, which sent both rolling across uneven earth. Vicious fangs snapped as Rhaenys dug her claws into the flesh of the creature. Blood hit the air as the spider's long legs battered the feline. A twisting storm of violence unfolding within the melee. Sounds of battle drifted about the space as she tried her best to make work of her own opponent so that she might turn to gang up on another with her party. There was no place for the lonely on the battlefield.

 

[MsBloom]

Skuldr​

With the racial feud at least put to an armistice and a decision made to break and move the camp closer to the ruins Skuldr mounted her horse again and followed Ryder's lead while taking up rear guard. The ride was smooth at first but as they passed through a gully of high rising boulders, where the terrain also began to rise she could hear scuffling noises. They were familiar and yet ... she couldn't have said exactly what they were, other than that they most likely meant trouble. Her left hand went to the hilt of Bloodmoon and the other to the neck of her horse, troking it to keep it calm. Whatever the trouble was that lay ahead the last thing she needed was a horse in panic.
"Easy girl," she whispered and that was when she spotted what had made those noises: Spiders. Big-a-FUCK-spiders.
Neither she nor her two companions had seen any signs of spiders an route to the camp which must mean there was a nest nearby, and the spiders that were now attacking them might be far from the biggest or worst of that nest.

She drew Bloodmoon, the gemstones starting to glow as she did, and leaped off the horse in one fluid and surprisingly agile move. When the second spider came leaping right at her she was ready and drove the Greatsword into its skull.
"The fuck did these come from?" she asked Ryder as she pulled back her sword with a loud plopping noise.
"And how the fuck did you miss them the first time you went this way?"

 

[ChrisGabriel]

"Your call, Ryder, it is not like my horse or anything." Nimue shook off the responsibility about camping or anyone else. She easily got all of her own stuff together, and when it looked like they was moving the horses after all, she climbed up into the saddle on the horse Ryder got her for the trip. It was just a travelling horse, maybe even just a workhorse that let itself geared up to be ridden... If she had to ride it, Nimue would get to know the horse, but seeing that she just used it half a day from the very same morning, they was no more than casual acquaintances.

She was not feeling comfortable enough to ride in front of their new reinforcement from the Sage, so she rode at the back. Keeping her eye on the dangerous drow, it became evident that something started ruffling her feathers, so to speak. The redhead eladrin looked around, trying to gauge if they had visited this area before, and what changed...

"Webs?" she murmured, just when she recognized the weave in the light of the coming sunset about the same time Rhaenys exclaimed. Luckily, as Nimue's first reaction to spiders was to pull her bow on the drow, and she almost shot her when Rhaenys started casting or praying or whatever she did.

But then the attack happened, and Nimue had to fight against her frightened horse, more so when the druid become a panther! Falling out of the saddle shouldn't be as elegant as she made it look like, tumbling and rolling to arrive on her feet in the dirt. But her poor horse got into the way of a jumping spider that went after her.

The dexterous elf had enough presence of mind to shoot the closest danger, and her arrow found its target, spearing into the attacker barely over the horse's hindquarters. It was enough to break the jump, and gave the horse time to kick back at it, killing the spider.

"There was nothing here last time we crossed! ... Did not see anything like these or their tracks all afternoon when we went hunting either!" she replied to Skuldr too while she shouted in Ryder's direction. Meanwhile there was another one scurrying towards Nimue from the back, jumping at her, almost giving her a heart attack. Throwing herself to the ground, she rolled away from the point of arrival, and even pulled her bow on the spider too close for comfort.

A ping of the string of the bow, and the second one attacking the elf at the back of the group got shot just before it bit the redhead. Thankfully her seemingly bare skin was covered by her magic leather armor, and the chelicera was stuck on a steel rivet. Letting a rush of air out, Nimue was shaking off the remains, pulling a dagger instead of the next arrow to make sure that spider was dead too.

Then she turned around and realized that everyone was quite occupied, and there was more spiders on the way. Groaning, she tried to find cover where she would be safe from behind or even above, if she was lucky. But she did release a shot or two at smaller spiders to take them out before they arrived into the fight.

Nimue was in no condition to even think protecting her horse or any of the others, at least not purposefully, but she did snapshot at the bigger spiders too. Unfortunately she was not able to use her skill at backstabbing, being too out in the open and using a distance weapon. And they was spiders!

She did not hate spiders, even would get out of their way and leave their webs intact, but she always used her ghostly mage hand to kick them out of her vicinity, when sleeping or eating. After all, she did not disturbed their quarters or tables, they shouldn't be bothering her sleeping or eating spot either.

This time she was sure the spider goddess was out to kill her, maybe the druid too, by swarming the group with these enormous creatures.

 

[MacCloud]

Tempest was a warhorse and stood still at the same time alert. The warhorse had fought with Ryder in the saddle many times in the past. Unfortunately Asja's mount and the pack horse panicked and fled back through the party creating even more chaos. Ryder's skill with his bow became obvious as he swiftly notched, drew, and loosed arrow after arrow. He knocked several of the leaping spiders out of the air as the others fought their own battles. His keen eyes missed nothing. He saw the Drow Druid become a panther, Nimue was handling herself quite well also. Her skill with her bow was admirable. Corothius and Skuldr fought on foot their swords cutting down huge spiders with skill and confidence. The spiders continued to come, dozens of them it seemed. They were being cut down as swiftly as they arrived though and their numbers were dwindling rapidly.

A spider got in close to Ryder and Tempest reared smashing the monstrous spider with his steel shod hooves. Turning Ryder saw one of the wolf spiders leaping at the Drow. His arrow flew true and took the leaper in the head, it flew backwards from the impact. The front was clear at that point but the fighting was still happening among the others. A brief respite where Ryder was he replied loudly to Skuldr's question. "We didn't use this path, we turned North a short ways back. This is the path to the gardens." The swift attack by these wolf spiders had distracted him but now he realized something was off. "These spiders, they do not create webs! Yet there are webs at the entrance."


Up ahead a sort of cave like opening that may once have been a entry to the garden's waited, thick rope like webs covered the entrance. The once paved stones of the floor cracked, broken and strewn with colorful shards from the once mosaic roof. The entry was weather worn and its once magnificent architecture no longer even recognizable. What was once a grand entry to the botanical gardens and research labs was now nothing more than a cave entrance in appearance. The darkness behind the webs foreboding, daring the brave to enter and learn their fate.

That was still a ways off though, for the moment The party had to deal with another wave of wolf spiders....

 

[MsBloom]

Skuldr​

Skuldr gave a cry as she attacked the next spider coming within range of Bloodmoon, glowing ever more brightly, more deeply red, and dispatched it almost casually before throwing herself at the next one. There seemed at first no end to them. They just kept coming, some bigger and more vicious, with bigger claws on the end of their legs.
"Great, more spiders for Bloodmoon to feed on then," the redheaded barbarian called out in response to Ryder's observation regarding the webbed entrance to what must surely be a nest.

A broad swipe took the legs off from under a spider that came rushing at her, another spider had its head split into two. And finally their numbers seemed to be thinning out. The ones that were out in the open at least. There was no way of knowing how many more lurked in that cave, or how big they were. There might even be a queen among them and while Skuldr had never actually seen a spider queen with her own eyes there were enough stories going around the inns from her homelands to here, and beyond, for her to assume that these spiders, most of which now lay motionless and shrivelled up, could be considered small.