On The Shores of Despair (Part 3)

Ra'Sona Races-The-Wind · Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:53 pm

"Restrain? Yes, as best I can. To actually engage in battle with another is overtly destructive."

Pwdn listened to Veraka's statement, and shook her head. "You've misunderstood, I did not mean to say that I will not take part in any combat; in fact you have already, on this journey, seen me fight. If anything I feel it is more important for me to take part than not. What I will not, however, do is cause any lasting harm or take the life of my opponents. A strike with the hand, if placed properly, can be just as effective an attack as a sword thrust and yet never draw blood or cause anything more than a temporary weakening. As for myself, I prefer to temporarily sap the might of an opponent until ultimately they are so weak that the weight of their own equipment holds them pinned to the ground. In both cases these aggressors which you theorise would be imprisoned and tried according to law, and if none would stand in their defence then I would do so as a matter of course, and if truly they were beyond any redemption then I could bring nothing to their aid but a plea for mercy on mercy's own merit, and. . . " She paused, this was a point that she often found painful. "and they would be put to death for their crimes by the word of the law, from their own choices.

In answer then, I would of course fight to keep the innocent safe, but my protection would extend also to those I was fighting against. The only things I will fight to the utmost of my ability to damage them are the undead and constructs, the things which haven't a spark of life to preserve or a concept of pain to be made to suffer. Those aside, I will fight only to incapacitate as I did when I fought for the village that I watched burned to the ground every day, and I will mourn all those who are put to death by law as I did then." She drew a heavy sigh, shaking her head. "And it was very rude of me to have said I gained nothing for that deed. Since then I have had a small. . . following, I suppose, who gather and exchange stories of my exploits and mob me whenever I'm seen in a major city to ask me all kinds of questions and shower me with dewy-eyed appreciation. While it's very flattering, I have always found their immense. . . enthusiasm? Rather daunting." Pwdn's fanclub were a very loud group at the best of times.

"Of course my method is not without some benefit, I would say that there's something very rewarding about seeing an opponent's adamant saw-blade of reckless slaughter shatter as it strikes me. Ilmater's blessing."

((If anyone is interested this is from the book of exalted deeds pg48, vow of peace. One of the bigger benefits is that any 'manufactured weapon' striking you has to make a fortitude save of 10 + half character level or be destroyed. Pwdn is under a vow of both peace and poverty, the mention of 'real damage or ability damage' being disallowed has thus far been thought to mean 'and real ability damage,' i.e. something that can only be removed by use of specific healing abilities. Temporary damage to anything other than CON (that by my own choice) has in my RP groups thus far been thought acceptable. I tend to ignore the calming aura since it's so difficult to work without actually rolling for it.
And yes, her fanclub really exists. GM thought it would be funny.))

CinderSuru · Post by **CinderSuru** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:52 pm

" That is well put Pwdn I am sure, there are times when i know myself i could use a little bit of restraint for sure I can be very quick to tale out my bow and aim a deadly shot, i will keep this in mind but know promises. But there are not always law men around to collect the would be guilty and take them to trial but as I said i have respect for your gods doctrines I must confess i am not fully versed " Cinder considered going back to her search for a cave. " Have you located the direction of the sufer yet Aurora "

(( I am very inerested in this book of exalted deeds Pwdn were can i find this on the net ))

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:06 pm

Aurora sniffed the air audibly, picking up a more of that faint trace of sulfur. She looked to Cinder and said [i:2n2p8hea]It will take us a little off our present course, but I'm smelling the sulfur fumes coming from that direction,[/i:2n2p8hea] she pointed her nose to the groups left flank; [i:2n2p8hea]exact distance is unknown, but I'd hazard a guess at 1500 of my paw steps.[/i:2n2p8hea]((roughly 500 meters))

The mighty aasimar looked Pwdn in the eye, not sure what to say; to him, she was like a walking enigma, capable of great mercy but also great fury, if provoked; though that fury would be non-lethal in every way possible. He wondered what could provoke Pwdn to take up the defense of someone like he had just described if no one else would, if only to prove that there was a possibility for redemption for them.
"Lady Pwdn; if only every mother in Faerun had your sentimentality, and kindheartedness, warriors like me would not exist," Veraka said in solemn, calm tone., meaning every word that he just said.

He honestly wondered if Pwdn had ever had that emotion thrust upon her, the desire for vengeance, the desire to show an enemy her power in a rage of fury, something of which he was all to familiar with.
Then, in a low voice, Veraka started to sing a tune that he was very familiar with.

[i:2n2p8hea]Beyond the boundries of your city's lights.
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself.
When the moment finally comes, I'll be there to help.

On that day, when you need your brothers and sisters to care.
I'll be right here.

[[Chorus]]
Citizen soldiers.
Holding the life of the ones that we quide through the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we've sheltered.
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.

When there's people crying in the streets.
When they're starving for a meal to eat.
When they simply need a place to put their beds.
Right here underneath my wing, you can rest your head.

On that day, when you need your brothers and sisters to care.
I'll be right here.

[[Chorus]]

Hope and pray, that you never need me.
The rest assured I will not let you down.
I walk beside you, but you may not see me.
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.

On the day when you need your brothers and sisters to care.
I'll be right here.
On that day when you don't have strength for the burning you bear.
I'll be right here.

[[Chorus]][/i:2n2p8hea]
He finished the song in smooth fashion, emanating the emotion behind it that he'd gained from years of combat as a mercenary.

((Sorry Ra'Sona, but Pwdn's statement reminded me all to much of this song)) [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=982tT4qQZJE:2n2p8hea]Citizen-Soldier[/url:2n2p8hea]

CinderSuru · Post by **CinderSuru** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 8:46 pm

" I think it might be a good idea to follow Auroa? a hot spring will do nicley if we are lucky there is a cave or at least some kinda shelter " Cinder sent out her minds eye in that direction " I defiantly have a good feeling about this Adain. "
" Verake what a beautiful song maybe you will have plently of time to sing to us you have a nice viose "

Ra'Sona Races-The-Wind · Fri Jul 16, 2010 4:18 am

((I do believe that I utterly adore that song. Veraka you are officially my hero of the year! ^o^))

"I. . . " Pwdn shook her head and Grabbed Veraka in a tight hug. "That was truly beautiful. If I could cry at all I would weep, thank you."

Adian Novar · Post by **Adian Novar** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 7:55 am

"Would that more in Faerun were able to embrace such a sentiment as you, Pdwn," Adian said. "I have seen that you do more than merely speak the words...you live them. That by itself has given you powers that few others can match. I truely wish for a world where violence such as the sort Veraka or I might be capable of were no longer needed...but that world is not yet here.

"Which does not mean we should not try for it," he added.

He listened respectfully to Veraka's song, and then nodded his approval.

"Well done," he said simply.

Biot-Savart · Post by **Biot-Savart** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 1:39 pm

Biot quickly became comfortable on Meldrinus. Its been a while since he last rode on a caribou. They followed their groups trail in the snow. Suddenly the wind began to blow, Biot looked up and he could see a storm coming. They'll have to find the group soon or else they will loose their trail. "Faster", Biot cried out at Meldrinus. "We have to reach them before the storm hits.

Biot saw that their trail went of course and wondered why. But he didn't have time to think and they went in the direction his friends went.

After a few minutes he could hear singing in a deep voice in the distance. He came over a hill and saw it was his friends having a bit of a good time.

"Hello, I finally reach you." He said as he road Meldrinus in between them. "You moved faster than I thought."

CinderSuru · Post by **CinderSuru** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 5:34 pm

It was already starting to snow when they got to the entrance of a cave the strange thing was that there was actually a door into the entrance hiding behind some thick brush a large wooden door with iron studs and a rusted hunch lock, it was easy opened. It had not been open in many years it seemed and it was covered in thick dust. As they went in side there saw it was hug inside, there was even a fire place, cooking utensils hanging by it and a long table with chairs and a bench. There is even wood piled enough to last days. There were candles on the table and surounding the hot spring on the rocks, there was a even comfortable couch to one side of the fireplace

At the back it seemed to go off in two directions but there deep in the back was a hot spring it was beautiful about 8 meters wide and 12 long there were mushrooms growing on one side and a trickle of water falling into it from the side. " It was someone's home i think long ago the furniture looks ancient " Cinder said " there is a place for the animals in a cove with hay and straw. This is truly a wonderful place. let the storm come I say." Cinder giggled.

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:20 pm

Veraka was slightly taken aback when Pwdn embraced him with her hug; sure he'd known that that song was to him the embodiment of everything he stood for; he never thought that his song would have such a profound effect on some of his comrades.

He returned Pwdn's hug, saying, "Thank you, Pwdn; in truth, that song is what I truly wish to live by, day in and day out. You could say it's the epitome of everything I believe in."

Then looking to Cinder, he said "Thank you, Cinder, though I'm not sure I have many more songs that I could vocalize with such clarity and meaning as the one I just did; but none-the-less, I will try when we have the time."

"Thank you," he returned Adian's nod of approval with one of thankful sincerity.

Seeing Biot come over the hills on Meldrinus, and waved him down; "my friend, we must be quick on our feet, otherwise, nothing will come about our quest; that and we'll be caught off guard should an enemy come hunting us."
Veraka then proceeded to follow Cinder to this cave that apparently had a hot springs in it. What Cinder found, Veraka had to give credit, was a LOT more than he expected. The aasimar stood by the entrance to make sure everyone made it inside.

Aurora sniffed the air once more, then followed Cinder to the cave that was apparently the source of the sulfur fumes; Cinder wasn't exaggerating. At the rear of the cave, the hot springs bubbled, and wasn't too overtly hot, but had enough heat in it to give off a light steam.
The winter wolf padded over to a small spot, leaving the hay and straw area for the horses and Meldrinus, and plopped down.

CinderSuru · Post by **CinderSuru** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 7:06 pm

Cinder gave Meldrinus a great hug I hope you were good for Biot, then lead him to the hay to feed. She bent down and kissed Auroras nose " and what a good nose it is." she said patting him fondly. " look at this fireplace Frud you will be able to stock us up on candies, these cooking utensils are solid iron there are markings on them that are very old style. " she said. Frud quickly lit the fire and there was soon a warm glow. " there is plenty of apples left Frud, have you ever made candied apples."
Cinder found a cupboard with beautiful old dishes and crystal flasks we will have to be careful with these. After lighting the candles she ran her finger down the top of the table and looked at her finger with distant. She dusted of the table and chairs that were covered in dust. The wood was polished and beautifully stained. " Who ever built this place had a taste for well made funiture, there are interesting ancient designs in it. If I were to place a guess this may have been the home of a wizard very long time ago. There is a magical quility in the air can anyone sence it. Who knows what we will find in the deeper parts of the cave. "
She sat on the couch brushing her hair watching the fire her mind was quite, she was still a bit of a dazzd from the vision she had. It was not the first time she had such visions, they usally left her drained and somber she driffed and fell asleep.

Adian Novar · Post by **Adian Novar** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:20 am

As much as he hated to question their good fortune, Adian was reluctant to bed down without at least a [i:h2yoj3vh]little[/i:h2yoj3vh] exploration. Once his horse had been properly cared for and secured, he walked quietly down the hall that passed the springs.

Yes, there was magic here: It called his elven blood. He couldn;t be sure what kind, though. He was not a mage.

Instead of a doorway or some other such thing, Adian found that the hall came to an end just around a corner. Embedded into the floor were four gemstones, each about the size of his fist. Red, blue, green, black. He contemplated them for a moment, then knelt to examine them...though he did not touch them.

The workmanship was servicable enough...each gemstone was set in the floor and held in place with some sort of resin. Perhaps these were somehow ways to access the rest of the cave...if there was one.

He stepped back and looked around one more time. There were no signs of any recent activity at all. Good.

He returned to the group as they were settling in.

"Four gems set into the floor," he reported. "I didn't touch them. They may be a means to enter other places...though I cannot guess how."

veraka · Post by **veraka** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:29 am

The aasimar looked up from his position to Adian; "let us hope that they are not a warp-gate back to this place; I would hate to meet a mage in this tight corridor that wasn't warm-hearted and welcoming."

Veraka decided to take up watch while the group got settled in, humming his most recent musical achievement to himself, thinking about what it really meant to him.

CinderSuru · Post by **CinderSuru** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:30 am

Cinder awoke to the sould of Adain talking she rubbed her eyes i must have dozzedn off.

" Stones Adain may I see them i have some knewlage of stones and there meanings "
She deside she would take a plug into the hot spring she walked over to it with a candle and lit a few that cerounded it and sat on the stones removing her boots with her feet in she took off her tunic, her thick hair covered the whole of her torso in her white leather lion cloth she slipped in her muscles completly relaxed in the warmth of the moving waters. She looked around " there are plenty of mushrooms." From all that riding this is just what our bodies need.

Adian Novar · Post by **Adian Novar** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:51 am

"They're back here," Adian said, tilting his head back down the hall. "But I suggest you not touch them...we don't know if they have a function or are active or not. Not until we are well rested, anyway."

CinderSuru · Post by **CinderSuru** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 7:53 am

She spalshed Adain as he walked by " you are simply crazy if you don't come in this water it is heaven sent yu know."
She listened to Verake carry his tune wile she stretched her acing muscles. " It is a shame we don't have an interment Verake, I am sure we will be safe here, you really should get some rest, you can just as easily watch over everyone and relax in this hot spring " she said. When she was suffiently relaxed she reached for her white woollen cloth and raped it around her tightly fastening it with a simple silver clasp. She shock her hair and went to the fire to dry she found a book on the mantel and stared to read, she layed on the bear rug in front of the fire and read until she fell asleep.