Author Topic: Raven's Hunt - RP Thread (Read 61344 times)

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #75 on:** »

"What about something like a vampire or revenant? The kids that disappeared were all male we know that but is that because the boys tend to just hang out with boys and the girls hang out with girls or is there more to see...Ghouls or ghasts might be a thing too. I kind of worry that the windorer might not have put his partner to rest properly. If that is the case it could mean that they might have returned from the grave.... Thus my desire to investigate that to rule it out." She said softly as she waited for the cottage door to open.

It did indeed open and Wymsin offered the over tired woman a smile. "Hello I am Sister Wymsin from the Church of Selene, Goddess of the Moon, magic and knowledge. I have heard rumors you have a wee one that took a spill and might be in need of healing?"

Maxx · « **Reply #76 on:** »

Blackthorn the Elf

He left his backpack in the inn; there was nothing in it that he needed and if he didn't come back, somebody would be the proud owner of some clothes and his bowyers' tools. If he did come back and it had gone missing, the innkeeper would have some questions to answer.

All told, he had something in the neighbourhood of sixty arrows either in his quiver or on his horse. If he needed more, they were very likely pretty much Or- i duin ú- a lunt*

Up the river without a boat*

Darkflame · « **Reply #77 on:** »

~In town

The woman at the door pushed some of her fuzzy hair out of her face with a huff. "Aye, fool boy were playin were he shoudnt o' " She passed an annoyed look over her shoulder. "outa let 'im deal with the consequences." She grumbled, but pulled the door open wide. "Ye might see if ye can magic some sense inta his head while yer at it." A thumb jabbed the direction, then the woman waddled off to the cradle to handle the babe.

~Outside of town

Madis said nothing more as he and the others headed into the woods, the smell of the recent rain heavy in the air. The clouds had not yet completely parted, so the way was rather dark, and the rain dripping from the trees made an eerie atmosphere as they travelled.

The ruins were said to have been some nobleman's keep at some point in time, but none of the townsfolk living now could remember it being anything more than ruins. Many of the young boys had had the same test of courage there, but beyond a few scuffs and maybe a bruise, there had never been anything more than childish stories that had come of it. Still, Madis himself had investigated this place before, as had a few of the other huntsmen, one or two even had used it as a campground and no one had found anything dangerous. It was most likely just that the boys had gotten frightened and fell down a hole or got lost, not the type of thing huntsmen usually handle, but just in case, it was worth a look.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #78 on:** »

Wymsin entered the woman's cottage and got to work inspecting the boy after introducing herself she was careful not to cause him pain and softly asked how his injury came to be while Raijin was free to quiz the mother and the rest of the family about anything that might be out of miss,

The boys leg was in fact broken the leg was discolored and swollen the leg had been splint but it was not set properly she sighed softly to herself as she opened her healers kit pulling out a small bottle of milky liquid and poured half a mouth full into a small sake cup. She added some powdered willow bark to the mixture and a spoon full of honey to the concoction as she mixed it and waited for the boy to tell his story.

Darkflame · « **Reply #79 on:** »

The boy told Wymsin he had climbed up to the highest rafter in the barn cause his best friend dared him to and he's no coward, but when he got up there and was yelling down to his friend he was hit in the face with something. His friend, the lousy loser that he was- they had a bet, and the boy obviously didn't wanna have to pony up and clean the horse stalls- said it was a bird or a bat or something, but he didn't believe it one bit, and he hoped his ma was gonna make sure that chore went to the other boy since it was only fair.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #80 on:** »

wymsin nodded "Can you remember any strange smells or noises in the barn? You say it definitely wasn't a bird or a bat. What else could it maybe be? Do you remember maybe the color or texture of what hit you in the face perhaps?" She asked as she offered the boy the draught to drink.

Goosekat · « **Reply #81 on:** »

Narisha followed the two Huntsmen out into the night. She had redoned her cloak as the left the tavern and stopped for a moment at the men's horses. Her own riding beast had been left in a slightly marshy area a little South East of the village, not because she feared bringing it into town but because the beast hailed from the Fire Marshes far to the South and East and was most at home in a wet, boggy environment. She kept her mouth closed and her eyes open as they traveled. Soon it was almost too dark to see, the moon still being hidden by leaden clouds that refused to give way. A small globe of dim yellow light appeared above her upturned left palm and hovered there, giving off just enough light for the three to see a few feet on all sides but not enough for man or beast to see them lest they were within a foot or two of the group.

As the drew closer to the ruins the feeling of wrongness began to press on her, sending a chill down her spine. The moment they crossed over the decrepit threshold and into what was once the courtyard a wave of nausea and despair washed over her but it gone in a fleeting second. "Did either of you feel that?" she quietly asked her two companions.

Maxx · « **Reply #82 on:** »

Blackthorn the Elf

Blckthorn shook his head but he silently slid off his horse and melted into the shadows. He had an arrow nocked but not drawn as he sought out a vantage point where he could survey as much of the ruin as possible.

His eyes were made for the dark. He could see signed that there had been many visitors to the site over the years; a moss covered rock that had been turned by the passage of a clumsy foot, a name written on a high arch, a long burned out fire. This was far from an abandoned place. It might not be habitable but there were often people here and now perhaps there was something else.

Wyn · « **Reply #83 on:** »

Raijin listened to Wymsin question the little boy about his adventure in the barn. She turned to look at the woman of the house and moved to ask her if she knew about anything ruins.

"They're nothin' more than a pile o' stones that are a death trap for fools." The woman said, letting Raijin know she didn't know anything useful.

The young boy was telling Wymsin about what he thought his friend had thrown at him. "It were soft and a lil leathery, like the balls we use to play handball with.

Raijin silently excused herself from the house. She flicked her eyes over to the barn and moved towards the building.

The plumekith opened the door slowly so that the hinges did creak and startle whatever was living in the barn.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #84 on:** »

Wymsin nodded and as the medicine finally kicked in she went to work resetting the boys leg as the milk of the poppy made the lad slip into a deep sleep.

It didn't take long to fix what was an improper set, then she used her clerical magic. Praying softly as she pressed the moon shaped holy symbol against the boy as she reverently chanted.

The rush that came from using magic begin to unfurl in her belly and fill through her fingers tips as she laid her hands on the boys injured leg.Her magic was not as potent as it could be. With the sun not having fully set yet but she knew when he healing was done. She rose from the boys bedside and smoothed out her clerical robes. "Your lad is healed as best as I can. The moon goddess had granted me a boon so your son will not walk with a limp and will be as whole as he was before his fall if you can just keep him in bed and off the leg for the next three days mum. That is by far a better deal than him being laid up for a couple months. In three nights time he should be up and running around and ready to help with the chores once more." She said as she found the mother and gave he the report. Any donation to the church is welcome be it coin or if that is not possible I am more than happy to accept payment in the form of something else be it some small farm animals or a small portion of what you grow to cover the costs of the milk of the poppy and other materials used while healing your son. After this if I have your permission I would like to scout out your barn just to put your sons fears to rest over thee being anything unusual in the area..."

Wyn · « **Reply #85 on:** »

The farmer’s wife went over to a dish set on the mantle of the fireplace and pulled two coppers from it. It was the best that she could offer the priestess as times were tight. “I have no problem with ye lookin in the barn,” she said as she turned away to attended to the meal she was prepping.

*

Raijin watched as a small bat moved cautiously along the rafters. She flicked her amber hued eyes over to Wymsin when she entered the barn. When it looked like the moon priestess was going to say something Raijin motioned for silence and pointed up at the rafters she’d been watching.

“A fledged pup by the looks of it,” Raijin said, “it must have gotten separated from its colony when the morn was coming. The boy probably startled it from its sleep when he shouted down to his friend.”

“I’ll go up and bring the poor creature down so that this doesn’t happen again any time soon. I’m sure the boy won’t believe us if we told him that it was indeed a bat that hit him in the face.” Raijin continued in the same soft tone she’d started out using when she first pointed the bat out.

While it would have been just as easy to fly up to the rafters, Raijin used the ladder to gain access to the loft of the barn and the subsequent rafters. Once she was close enough to the bat, she coaxed the little creature into her hand. Black eyes watched her with a fair amount of suspicion.

Once the pup had transferred itself to her hand, she offered it her shoulder and the long lock of hair that spilled over it.

As she felt it settle close to her neck holding on to her hair like the vines that draped the trees to the south, Raijin moved to the edge of the loft and jumped down, to land in a crouch at the feet of Scout and Wymsin.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #86 on:** »

Wymsin sighed and gave Scout a pet on his flank as the dire wolf sniffed the air. "Well it seems like it was a bust. No monsters just a bat. "I finished healing the child. So since we have no more business here. I guess the widower is next on the list. The sun is starting to set so we should make haste. I am sure the others have likely managed to make their way out to the ruins or must be very close to it. We can touch base with the man ask about anything unusual and I can make sure proper funeral rites were done. If not... It will likely take an hour to perform them. "

The 3/4 elven priestess looked to Raijin giving the woman a soft smile. "I know this isn't terribly exciting but I thank you for the company and escort. With luck out companions are having better luck than we are. It hasn't been a wash however, you have a new friend one of the many goddesses children of the night."

Wyn · « **Reply #87 on:** »

Madis:

The elder huntsman dismounted and tied the reigns of his horse to the remains of what might have been a window. He hadn't answered Narisha when she'd asked if they'd felt something.

His instincts were telling him that something was different with the ruins, but at the moment he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Madis moved away from his mount and started looking for signs of the boys who'd gone missing.

*******

Raijin lifted her shoulders in a shrug, "It's not so bad. You have your duties to do for your order, Madis understands that and respects it."

Her hand went to the youngling bat that still hid in her hair. She'd expected it to take wing once it was outside the barn, but it seemed to be content where it was. "So it would seem," she agreed with Wymsin.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #88 on:** »

Wymsin and Raijin got directions from the mother and made their way down to the widowers. It was semi fortunate to find out he lived near the outer edge of the town that would guide them in the right direction to the ruins once the business there was concluded.

By the time they reached the house the sun was slipping below the horizon the night sky awash in vibrant reds oranges and dark purples as she had Scout sit out front the cabins path and gently knocked on the door.

"We might get lucky and this could be a quick visit." She said offering the woman a smile.

Goosekat · « **Reply #89 on:** »

Narisha wasn't put off by the fact that Master Randsel had not answered her. She had worked with enough Huntsmen in the past to know that most were dour, taciturn individuals who let their actions speak for them. Following behind the two huntsmen as they searched she kept her eyes and ears open for anything that didn't belong

Darkflame · « **Reply #90 on:** »

The visit to the widower was a simple one. He hadn't heard anything odd lately, and his wife was buried next to the tiny chapel in town, in the graveyard consecrated to a local deity. They had been married since they were both young, and had multiple children. A couple of them even had survived. In a couple days his son was supposed to come from the big city on the other side of the forest for a visit.

----

Out at the ruins, Blackthorn began to see signs of some sort of commotion in what used to be a room, far before nature had started to take things over. It looked like it might be where the boys had been carousing before they had all run for home.

Maxx · « **Reply #91 on:** »

Blackthorn the Elf

The elf knelt.

Seems like they were doing more than just testing each other's courage.

"Madis. This looks like where everything started." His voice was soft and low. It didn't carry much beyond the older huntsman's ears. He pointed to the remains of a fire, long extinguished by the rain. "With the storm we just had, the fire wouldn't have kept them warm but I suspect that the wine they brought might have."

He nudged one of the bottles. It was still partially full. "Something must have scared them to abandon a bottle of wine before it was consumed. The fact that they were drinking it means that they would likely not have been in their right minds when they ran, so they probably scattered."

He stirred the remains of the fire, looking for signs that they'd been smoking as well as drinking. Young humans rarely obeyed when they were warmed not to do something.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #92 on:** »

Wymsin sighed. "Well it turned out to be a short visit. We cannot do anything for the widower but at least he was laid to rest properly, no need to worry about zombies revenants or vampires. We can scratch that off the list of potential things that might be a miss in this small village, Miss Raijin." She said as she the woman and the Direwolf made their way through the village and towards the outskirts to town. The sun had sunk below the horizon and with it the song of night was starting as the cicadas began to fall silent but the sounds of Crickets and night birds began to add their bit parts to the evenings symphony.

A gentle breeze stirred the night air as the clouds above them sped by it rustled the canopy of the trees, their long limbs outstretched to the heavens dances in the breeze sighing as they walked down the road leading out of the village and towards the ruins.

Wymsin turned to look at the village its inhabitants shelters illuminated with modest light from lamps torches and candles as they ventured to meet up with their companions.

With luck their investigation bore more fruit than theirs had....

Darkflame · « **Reply #93 on:** »

Madis joined the elf near the remains of what looked like an improptu party. His eyes scanned thier surroundings before dropping to the ground as he knelt. "Scattered." He said simply, pointing to the faint signs that the children had ran off in different directions. "Follow those." He pointed to some tracks heading to the north.

he stood and turned to Narisha. "You have magic? Something is off here. Whatever scared them wasn't a beast."

Wyn · « **Reply #94 on:** »

Raijin smiled at Wymsin as she mentioned that at least they wouldn’t have to deal with the undead at the ruins. “Yes, the undead would be a bit of a problem, because I fear the young boys would have been lost to their parents.” The plumekith said as she peered out from beneath the cowl of her hood.

“Forgive me, my appearance may be shocking,” Raijin said in a near whisper, but she needed to take the cloak off, her wings were starting to cramp as she’d been wearing the covering for nearly a whole day cycle. As she took the cloak off, she could feel the direwolf watching her, assessing if she would be a threat as crimson wings came into view finally.

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #95 on:** »

Wymsin nodded in agreement with Undead mentioned in conversation. When Raijin took off her cloak and the crimson wings erupted forth the priestess gave an impressive nod. "Wow. You are a plumekith!" She exclaimed softly. "I've read things in old books back at the guild I studied in and saw some rough sketches. They certainly haven't done your kind justice though. I would have not guessed you were anything but human. When we have some spare time later and if you would allow it, I'd be honored to draw you. Your wings the color and shape. They are magnificent."

Scout sniffed at the woman cocking his head as the wings popped out but he stood beside his mostly elven master taking in the scene

Maxx · « **Reply #96 on:** »

Blackthorn the Elf

Blackthorn nodded.

The tracks spread in many directions but the ones Madis had suggested he follow were notable for many reasons. They moved away from the town, as if their maker didn't know which direction safety lay. They were unsteady, as if their maker had had more to drink than he was able to handle. He would have made a prime target for anything looking for easy prey.

Alone and isolated.

Confused and unsteady.

The perfect prey for any predator.

The elf put the slightest amount of tension on his bowstring.

But now the predator is the prey. The hunter is hunted. but does it also hunt the hunter?

Of course it does. Because it will want to defend its kill.

Goosekat · « **Reply #97 on:** »

Narisha looked at Master Randsel. "It could very well have been a beast. Just not one from the natural world." She moved to stand beside him and looked at the tracks and the debris littering the ground. Slowly she pulled the glove off her right hand, balled it into a fist and took a knee. "I will need your protection once I have entered the trance. All of my focus and senses will be attuned to whatever the land wishes me to see and I will be defenseless till I am free of it. If it seems like I am starting to become lost within a good slap across the face should return me to the here and now. If that doesn't work a boot to the ribs will break it. Do not fear hurting me. I have endured much worse in the past," she said without even looking at the man with her. With that she unballed her fist and slapped it onto the ground hard. Opening her mind, Narisha let the magic flow through her and out her hand connecting her to past. Her vision started to grey at the edges as she was pulled into the trance. The further into the past she traveled the more her vision greyed out, like a grey piece of cloth was being drawn across her eyes obscuring but not completely blocking her ability to see. The ruins around her became fuzzier and less distinct as the activities of the past began to become clearer and crisper within her minds eye.

Wyn · « **Reply #98 on:** »

Raijin smiled at Wymsin’s wonder at her true appearance. “I have no problems with you drawing my likeness.

“I’m not surprised that your order’s text has not done justice to my people. We rarely leave our mountain homes.” Raijin said. When she looked over at the moon priestess, Raijin could see the questions dancing in the other’s eyes.

“I had managed to wander away from my clan’s village, a good enough way that I couldn’t find my way back. I’d yet learned how to fly; my wings had just formed. I think in the end my clan had moved on because the humans were starting to use the pass close to the village. My parents must have thought me killed.

“By the time I was found by a passing Huntsman I’d gone as close to feral as my kind could be. I was trying to steal some of the man’s food when he caught me. Thinking I was one of the monsters that would be a problem for the kingdom and thus something Huntsmen would need to fight and kill. He thought it best to bring me back to the school as a teaching aid. It was Madis who recognized what I was; he made sure that I wasn’t mistreated by the others.”

Raijin stopped speaking for a moment to assess how Wymsin was taking her story. The plumekith could see something close to sadness. “Do not feel sorry for me, I have had a good life with the school and when the headmaster finally allowed me to leave the walls of the school it was with Madis as his companion. I am not nor will I ever be a true Huntsman.”

LadyJallyn · « **Reply #99 on:** »

"It is sad your tale, but you found someone to take you in and care for you so it isn't as tragic as it could have been. Still you must miss your people. Discovering Blackthorn I find myself with so many questions about elves. My family was lost to a war in my country which lays across the sea north of here.War came and with it everything changed. New rules, new lords, new institutions, that forced me to change as well. Now I am free to follow my own path so long as the goddess wills it." She said as they walked towards the ruins listening to the sound of the crickets.

" A quarter candles burn more and we should be at the ruins unless you wish to go ahead of me. Scout can be my protection should it come to that. I may be a healer but I have means to protect myself if needs be." she reassured the woman.