Billgar
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Missing Girl, Sch, Arch, KorTaking a flying carriage out to Humburb you see the mass of troops now in chaos outside of the capital's gates. The forces of Nocte working hard to slay the traitors and force their retreat. After some chat amongst yourselves, you eventually land in a wooded town. The houses are all log cabins and the ground a nice brown dirt. Pine trees sprout up all around with some oaks and maple mixed in. Various citizens walk about tending to their chores. A woman passes by witha basket of vegetables on her head and goes over to a small brook to wash them. A large thatched roof structure lays a bit ahead. Music can be heard coming from it. Looking to your side you see a sign made form a few planks of wood. The calligraphy on it says "Welcome to Humburb"
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Schmall
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"Humburb, I like it," says Schmall to the Archaic and Koorlic. "Lets see if we can gather some more information on this "beast" and find out where the cave is before we go blundering around in the wilderness. That music is most likely coming from a tavern or some other spot where people congergate. Lets go there as a group in order to better demostrate to the people of this village we are here for the rescue and mean it. Lets go."
Schmall starts walking off towards the thatched structure where the music appears to be coming from. He keeps his ears and eyes open in case of any whispering about strangers and about any gossip about a beast linked the missing girl.
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Archaic
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*Archaic looks around as he follows behind Schmall. Remembering that he has yet to prepare his gladius for battle, Archaic takes out his sword and looks around for a rope of some sort. He had forgotten to pack some this trip, and without it he would be in for a bit of a mess. Oh well, something was bound to happen he was sure. In truth Archaic didn't even really care about the rescue as much as the fight that they will have so he decided to leave the information gathering up to his comrades.*
"Last time I tried to get information from townsfolk I ended up cutting off somebody's arm and killing an other. Get me when you learn whats up otherwise I am just going to lay back here for a little."
*Archaic points in the direction of a tree with some shade and makes his way over to it to rest. Taking out his kiseru, Archaic prepares one bowl of tobacco and begins to smoke it.*
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Schmall
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with a knowing nod to Archaic, Schmall continues to the structure and stands before it for a moment before entering to know what he is getting into. He has no deisre just to walk into somebodies house or shop. If it is a tavern, he walks right in. In either case, he sees and hears...... {enter}
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Koorlic
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koorlic stands where he got off the carrage waiting for schmall to return as he raps his scarf tighter around the lower half of his face and pulls his hood so noone can see his eyes.
he then whispers to himself about how mix this group is
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Archaic
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*Archaic eyes Koorlic doing nothing and begins to growl. Dumping out the ashes of his kiseru Archaic speaks up*
"Hey slacker, you have no past history of unnecessary, but fun, violence. Get off your lazy *** and help Schmall get some information. While you're at it, take that potato sack off your head as well as those bandages around your neck. You're a warrior not an assassin. Please make sure to remember that in the future... wannabe. Hahaha"
*Archaic leans back against the try, but a scowl quickly forms across his face to show just how serious he was right now.*
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Koorlic
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koorlic continues to stand in place not listen but eyeing arcaich.
"i wear these bandages to keep scars out of sight they tend to make people ask questions i would rather not answer and im not very good at gathering information i think we should just go find the cave kill the monster get the girl and go and not waste our time here."
i then turn and walk to the river and continue waiting for schmall after asking the vegetable washing which direction the cave is in.
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Billgar
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Schmall climbing up the path leading to the tavern enters the large thatched roof structure. Despite the reports of a missing girl the people dance gaily about. One man with a full yet athletic figure stands on the table. With brown leather pants on and dark leather boots, he wears no top. His muscles showing and his hairy chest exposed, alternating he kicks his legs up as he squats down. Several men and woman stand around the table he dances on with mugs of ale in hand. Cheering and singing about some nonsense their drinks slosh around. One old woman, in her late 50s no doubt, pulls herself up to schmall and grabs his arm.
"Well aren't you a cutesy darling!" She shrieks learning into him more and spilling some of her drink onto schmalls cloak. "Mnnnn, and your muscles are so hard!" The drunk woman feels schmalls aluminum plating through his cloak, she is clearly drunk.
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Koorlic following the young woman washing vegetables approaches her at the brook. Startled by the large form of a man approaching her, she jumps as she turns around to see the man. With bandages on his neck and a gladius in hand he is a most fearful creature. With no armor on at all she finds him quite terrifying and lets out a scream. In an instant, a black arrow lands on the ground between Koorlic and the woman. A rather scrawny man approaches koorlic with a wooden bow in hand. "Is there something i can help you with?" His eyes narrow and darken as he stares at koorlic while trying to help the woman to get up.
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Archaic
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*Archaic hears a woman scream and can only imagine that it must be due to Koorlic. Grunting a little Archaic gets up and walks towards the direction of the scream. After walking for a little Archaic witnesses Koorlic standing a few feet away from the vegetable girl and spots a black arrow a few feet from him. Looking up a little more Archaic is able to see the archer and gives a sigh. Approaching the scene Archaic pushes Koorlic out of the way as to address the problem himself... before they get in any worst trouble.*
"What the heck did this idiot do now... I'm not one to do this, but I'll apologize for him as eventually I will need him to help fight the pale beast that kidnapped that girl. Have you heard anything about that? The quicker we obtain information, the quicker we can slay the beast and the less injured the girl comes back."
*After saying this Archaic gets close to Koorlic so only he can hear Archaic's next words.*
"I don't know what you did, but don't you dare jeopardize our quest, understand."
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Schmall
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Always enjoying a dance, Schmall gracefully dances with her with one hand on her waist to guide her and another holding Solomon carefully so that it wont harm anyone. With a bit of a hassle and never missing a beat, Schmall guides the drunk women towards the bar, hands her off to another man, and approaches the bar. He places himself on the bar, leans Solomon against it with a hand on the mighty weapon at all times, and signals the barkeep for a drink.
When the keep serves the drink, Schmall promptly pays, takes a swig, and says "I am here with a group to rescue a little girl held captive by a large beast. Any information or rumors about the situation would be much appreciated."
Schmall even moves his cloak aside so that his armor may be seen and gently moves the massive blade of Solomon to be sure the keep knows that he means business and does not take the matter lightly. Not in the threatening manner keep in mind, just a rather encouraging method of showing that Schmall means to do as he says.
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Billgar
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*with a straight face, the barkeep looks at schmalls weapon* "Hmmmm....well if thats what your here for then i suggest that you go and talk to the village leader. Hroth is his name, he the man with the muscles dancing on the table." *the barkeep rests his forehead in his hand as he points to Hroth dancing, his hand moves over and he points to a door near where small entered. "but before you talk with him you best check in your weapon. Due to all the consumption of alcohol that goes on in this tavern we have a law here that weapons must be checked. Go through that door and a man should be there to take it for you."
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The archer realizing that the situation was out of control places his bow on his back and extends his hand to shake archaic's. Though you both seem a bit off from the norm around here, i see you came to do some good. But i will tell you that most arent as open as myself with the topic of that girl." the woman who was washing vegetables gathers her things and hurries off as the tunic clad archer continues to speak with the travelers. "I assume your from the capital, so i will help you out, truth be told i wanted to go and get the beast myself, but im afraid alone it might be too risky, and the only other warrior around with enough skill to help would be Hroth the village leader. Anyways, you shouldnt believe the whole briefing you got. You already said something about a missing girl? Honestly i dont know what you are talking about, but im sure it was something added into the report to get the capitals attention. We sent in so many sighting reports and got no response, so im sure that Hroth added in a bit of a fib to get some attention. I hope this small matter won't dissuade you from helping to kill the beast?"
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Schmall
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Schmall finishes his drink, gives a nod of thanks, and heads for the door that the keep indicated. He also leaves a gc behind as a tip (ooc: seriously).
As Schmall work his way around the crowd, Schmall keeps his eyes on the village leader. He spins Solomon like a top for a brief second, just long enough to catch the leader's eyes. Once the man looks at him, Schmall signals towards the door leading back outside and promptly goes outside. He calmly waits outside, leaning against Solomon in such a manner that he obviously not messing around, nor does he intend any haem. Just a man who is sure of himself, knows how to use his massive weapon, and is looking for some answers.
*1 GC paid*
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Archaic
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*Archaic looks at the archer puzzled and in slight disbelief.*
"You are telling me that there was never any girl... well will there at least be a fight? I didn't come with noble intentions, do not get me wrong..I just wanted a good fight. It looks like I will at least get that, but I do request that when this is all over, you say that we returned the girl completely uninjured. Until then, I welcome you into the group, but we really should start moving. I believe our leader should be near the bar here. What's your name and whose this Hroth anyways?"
*Archaic begins to walk in the direction he believes the tavern to be at.*
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Billgar
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As schmall steps outside Hroth notices the gesture and gets down from the table. Sensing a serious situation he keeps smiling and says that he needs to get back to work down at the town hall. Most smile and thank him, but a few snicker over how he can go after drinking so much. A younger girl(about 16) interrupts them and speaks about how he doesnt drink.
Schmall keeping his eyes on the leader watches him as he enters the room used for storing weapons. Coming out shortly the hairy man holds a stompblade in each hand. Their red color unmistakable, and they shine brightly suggesting that they are well maintained.
"Any man can carry a big stick my friend, but how you use it is what helps. You seem to be in quite the mood, what can i help you with, surely you know who i am already considering you called me out here." Hroth keeps walking so as to get out of the sight of those within the tavern.
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"Well if its a fight you are looking for i assure you that the beast exists and is more than a force to be reckoned with. My name is Elrik, born and raised in Humburb. Hroth as i said before is our village head. He is a kind man and more than good natured, though he is weary about leaving the village less someone.....or thing...attack. Also i hear despite his love of dancing at the tavern, he is always sober and keeps up the paper work more than well."
Walking together Archaic and Elrik eventually arrive at the tavern. Having approached from the side opposite where schmall and Hroth are they don't notice them and enter. Going over to a small door near the entrance, Elrik checks in his weapon and gestures for archaic to do the same.
"Town law, no weapons in the tavern."
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Archaic
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"I shall wait outside then. No offense, but me and the gladius do not separate in foreign lands. My accomplice should be in there so please just find him and introduce yourself saying Archaic sent you. He will be a small man who goes by Schmall. Until then I shall wait outside here."
*Archaic takes a seat to the left of the door and begins to polish his blade.*
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Schmall
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Snapping into action, Schmall spins, twirls Solomon in such a way that he scoops up a stray cork on the ground, flicks it into the air, and then brings the larger blade around the neatly slice it in half.
Sparky, who finally decides to wake up, gives an approving nod from Schmall's shoulder. How he manages to stay on his shoulder all this time, who knows...
"I am here on a rescue mission. I am leading a party to save a missing girl from a rather large beast," says Schmall in a strong voice that never waves. He also maintians eye contact, scarcely blinking his ice cold, blue eyes. "I have heard you are the leader of this town. So it is you I feel that I need to speak to. I need information about this beast and its location before blundering around in the wilderness. I have not come to cause any trouble. I am here to remove it and then leave. Nothing more. Nothing less."
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Billgar
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Elrik coming out of the tavern tell archaic how they werent inside and supposedly left jsut a moment ago.
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Hroth with a smile on his face responds to schmall
"Well it seems your skilled, and boastful too! I much appreciate the fact that someone was sent from the warriors out in the capital. We may look merry in there, but truth be told we are just trying to drown our sorrows. the Beast has been seen by many villagers in the woods outside the city. Its a massive pale figure buldging with muscles and its arm is covered in large blades. Up until now only pets had gone missing so we didnt think to send out a message to his eminence, but it seems that the daughter of a family here went missing soon after she saw the monster. I appreciate your help, but as far as the beasts dwelling I cant be of much help. an honest recomendation would be to go into the woods at night fall without a torch, it seems that that is when the beast likes to wander close to the town."
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Archaic
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"Well then shall we just return to the entrance to town then. It is likely that we will run into him sooner than if we were to wander blindly looking for him. Shall we talk as we walk. I am interested in what your battle capabilities are. Oh, and can you keep your eye out for any rope for me... I forgot to bring some for my gladius.
You see... I like to tie a rope up to it and throw it at people to catch them off guard. That and its a lot more fun to use this gladius in the most unorthodox of manners hahahaha."
*Archaic continues to walk towards the town's entrance.*
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Schmall
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Without breaking eye contact, Schmall gives a quick order to Sparky, "Sparky, fetch Archaic please."
Sparky gives another nod and flies up into the air. Upon spotting him on the otherside of the tavern, Sparky dives bomb Archaic. He flies around his head a few times screaming "FWUT! FWUT! FWUT!" and then flies around the tavern. He quickly doubles back to make sure Archaic is following and then flies back to Schmall if Archaic is following. If not, he will continue until Archaic follows.
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Billgar
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Seeing archaic get dived bomb by a bird, Elrik comes out to see the commotion, Archaic figuring it to be sparky as no other lump bird has that much energy, follows it to schmall a few paces off and to the side of the tavern. Elrik following the gladius wielding assassin meets up with schmall and Hroth just as Archaic does. Hroth looking over eyes Elrik.
"Well if Elrik is with you and your with the here....halberder then It seems you can all be trusted. I will much appreciate if you could take care of this problem for us."
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Schmall
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Not fully understanding what is going on, Schmall figures introductions is a good idea, "Hroth, this is one of my partners, Archaic. Archaic, this is the mayor here. Hroth is his name. He reccommends that we go play in the woods at night and the 'beast' is bound to show up. Who's your new friend?"
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Archaic
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"This guy... as the mayor said his name is Elrik. He is an archer that narrowly had a confrontation with Koorlic and wishes to slay the beast with us. So we attack at night then, I'll be right back. You guys can all wait for me here I just want to take care of one thing."
*Archaic looks around at the nearby booths and sees a nice length of rope. Pilfering the rope without anybody seeing him, Archaic attaches it to the gladius but continues walking over in the direction of koorlic. Finding his ally still standing in the same spot, Archaic throws the other end of the rope around his chest and ties a knot around him. After doing all this Archaic pushed Koorlic down and proceeded to drag Koorlic back to the rest of the crew.*
"Ok now we're all here. You wanna start the ambush plan now?"
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Schmall
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"Sure, any tips from the peanut gallery is appreciated," Schmall's last part is directed at the two extra men standing around (ooc: Elrik and Hroth). "Well, first, if Koorlic has had one of his mental attacks that turns him into the living dead again, I say we use him as bait. He will understand."
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Archaic
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"Shall we hang him from a tree like a tasty morsel for this beast. Maybe we can even throw some darts at him and make him bleed a little. I am sure the sent of blood will get the beast to us. hahaha."
*Archaic throws Koorlic over his back, but almost collapses and decides that dragging him will just be easier.*
"By any rate, I am sure that the night will come soon, so please if you two know the best place to position this guy, we will greatly appreciate it."
*Archaic waits patiently for a response, knowing full well that he will move in haste to whatever spot they describe.*
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Schmall
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Schmall also looks expectly at the two townfolks for a response. Schmall grabs a peice of the rope to help drag Koorlic's now very dirt body in order for Archaic to better conserve his strength for the upcoming fight.
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Billgar
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Hroth looking down at koorlic who is on the ground.
"It seems your friend is a little worse for wear. Nonetheless i fear that i cant be of much more help than i am with this. You see the beast has yet to come into the actual town itself. It merely stalks the edges and attacks those who wander into the woods at night, though there have been a few incidents during the day. I find myself obligated to stay in town in case something were to happen."
Elrik also eyeing koorlic as he speaks to schmall. "I think i shall just follow you two in your plans."
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Schmall
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With a shrug to the townfold and a nod to his partner, Schmall picks up some of the rope and begins jogging towards the woods. Once the party reaches the woods, Schmall helps Archaic tie Koorlic to a tree and builds a small fire just in front of him to help attract attention.
"Now you Elrik, I reccommend you get up in a tree and put that bow to use when the beasty arrives. Me and Archaic will hide out of the fire light and ambush it down here on the ground. Sound good Archaic?"
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Archaic
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"I suppose, but I'd rather hide in the trees as well and come down on that beast's head. Go for a quick decapitation as opposed to a long drawn out battle... still it would help if this statue over here would start moving."
*Archaic lets out a say as he eyes Koorlic, but then he starts to move into the forest, dragging Koorlic behind him. Archaic does not look back to see if he is being followed, but instead just gives his allies a hand motion telling them to follow.*
"Don't mean to act the leader Schmall, but the sooner I hang this guy up, the sooner I know how much rope I have, and the sooner I can feel secure with my gladius ready for battle."
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Schmall
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So after trudging off into the woods, Schmall asks Archaic to tie Koorlic up as he begins to build a small fire in hopes of attracting the "beast's" attention. As thought strikes him, Schmall says to Archaic, "Perhaps we should give him a couple small cuts to allow the blood to flow some. If this beast is eating flesh and needs to die, it will attack Koorlic. That would be the time to attack. As for positions, I will be over there in that low hanging tree so that I may have bit of a view through those leaves. Elrik, you get up in the trees so that you may stay out of harm's way and put that bow to good use. Archaic, you know what is best for your style."
With all the preprations in place, Schmall climbs up into his low hanging tree and waits for the beast's arrival.
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Archaic
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*Archaic hearing Schmall tell him to cut Koorlic up a bit thinks about what to do, but then decides to simply scrape him against the base of a tree to have the bark steal his flesh. And so Archaic progresses to pick Koorlic up and rubbed his arms hard against the bark of a nearby tree and then hung him from the tree. He wasn't sure if the blood was dripping down his arms, but his arms were probably tender nonetheless. After doing all this Archaic cut some of the extra slack on the rope and attached it to his gladius.
Adding the string to the gladius reminded Archaic of the lavamax that was in his pocket. He was deadly afraid of using it, but decided now was as good a time as any. Taking it out of his pocket he lifted it to the gladius and shut his eyes. *
((OOC, if this works Archaic will attach a note to sparky to go get an orb of ultrabalm. If it fails, Archaic will attach a note to sparky to have someone deliver his great sword.))
"Lets see what happens."
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Billgar
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Archaic rubbing koorlic aginst the tree bark and tying him up lets him hand there. the large warrior in some sort of strange stupor notices nothing, and with his eyes open the whole time seems oblivious to the ongoings happening to him. Archaic having done so closes his eyes as he takes the crude looking orb from his pocket and presses it against his sword. Glowing red from the immense strain put on it from the lavamax, a small crack forms along the the blade. However it cools down swiftly and somehow manages to stay in tact. Archaic with a sigh finds relief that his weapon still remains but realizes that the burden placed on a blade by a lavamax is great.
Attaching a note to spark, the bird departs on schmalls order for the capital, to retrieve an orb of ultrabalm.
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Schmall
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Concealed and impatient, Schmall continues to wait after a few hours after the sun sinks below the horizonal. Crickets can be heard chirping, the occasional swoosh of bats as the gobble the buzzing pesky bugs, and a wonderous lighnting bug display off near the woodline can be seen. Schmall takes this all in and despite his enjoyment of the sounds, he begins to tune them out one by one, looking for any kind of movement that would give away a predator and something large moving through the dark forest.
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Billgar
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After waiting patiently all night the sun rises finally. Disappointed over no activity, they return to the village to rest up for the day. Returning once more in the evening, the whole group is alarmed to find that Koorlic's body has gone missing. Decided that waiting is not enough, the group ventures off into the woods. As evening falls, the grab some Glorstin Fungus that is growing on some nearby trees and use it as a source of light. After wandering around for a while, a cave is found.
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Schmall
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Turning to Archaic, Schmall says, "Lets see who's home now shall we. I do hope this upcoming battle is worth last night being chewed alive by those bugs last night. I still itch between my shoulder blades."
Schmall walks on into the cave with Solomon held before him at the ready. Sparky darts on ahead in search of any trouble, confident in his own powers to protect him.
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Billgar
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As the two enter the cave, archaic glares at his weapon with a grin. Overly content with the success of the lavamax, he can feel the new found power of his blade.
The cave is dark and various rock formations are all around. The Spiraling corridor twists this way and that creating a most disorienting experience. The smell of salts is present all around. Eventually you come to a point where the main patch splits in 3 directions (choose your path)
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Schmall
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Without breaking stride, Schmall slips down the right hand passage. He keeps the wall to his side to help prevent anything from sneaking up on him on that side. He also remains silent as a shadow stealing its way across forest floor.
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Archaic
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*Archaic seeing Schmall go one way, throws his gladius onto his shoulder as he takes the middle path. Taking notice of his surroundings, he starts to try to cut the walls and to combine the two paths, but realizes that may not work well and thus continues on his way keeping his guard up.*
"I hope that this blade is as mighty as I think it is."
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Billgar
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*small perishes in a trap, archaic retreats*
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