Xssisha

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Hjarlof spent his time in the camp hard at work. He had been nominated to do the negotiation, and the terms had been less than ideal, but the ship could be repaired, and shore leave allowed, so it was not the worst it could have been. The first thing he did was to approach the Camp Craftsman and commission a wood Skalmajen (Hornpipe) for use, paying full in advance. •During the day, he would accompany the camp healer in her duties, aiding with his skill and bolstering with song as the opportunity presented. And during the evening he could be found around the different fires telling tales and playing songs on his horn the first night and his new Skalmajen the next. During meals he would ply those around him with questions about news from other places, the island and the expedition. He let his goodnatured demeanor bring out the best in those around him. And, if the opportunity presented itself, Hjarlof tries to make Sigurd more friendly and learn about his father as well. Each night Hjarlof would go to sleep exhausted from his work. Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC: Using Heal to assist other, and succeeding (DC10, skill+12), Songs of CLW/CMW as needed, using Diplomacy to Gather Information on the Island, news from afar, and this expedition. Using Perform Wind in place of Diplomacy to increase the attitude of the camp towards our group.

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Hjarlof looked from one to the other as they spoke. He nodded and hmm'd appropriately giving each speaker his full attention. The Volva was still quiet and withdrawn from the conversation, perhaps not wishing to become too heavily invested in those who's future she could change. The two last lines of the dirge that had sped them on their way continued to circle in the Skalds mind: But in the east, where dragons fly, The Ormrung's secrets, buried nigh. There lies the truth, beneath the land, In ancient tales of Hugin's hand. The master Skalds composing this must have had some revelations or suspicion to add those lines. Hmmmmmm... Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning "Hail Sigurd, Son of Leif." Hjarlof bows. "The Ormrung truly have stalwart and worthy leaders. Thank you for the use of your moorage. We accept your gracious offer." Hjarlof takes a step closer to Sigurd and lowers his voice slightly, incoming the gravity of their mission. "The dark tidings I spoke of fearing is that of a lost expedition. A Longship full of skilled navigators, huskarls and supplies, sixty men and women in all, was dispatched from the Raven lands by order of Folknar the Wise. It was sent here to recover items and objects of clan value from the abandoned settlements that had been made long ago. Also to conduct a long overdue investigation into the happenings here. Your Clansmen and Folknars deserve the truth to be known. For their tales to be told. For their songs to be sung." Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Standing at the prow of the white vessel as it sails up, Hjarlof steps boldly onto the dock, securing the mooring rope to one of the dock posts. "Hail to you as well, my lord. It is good to see you and your men here. We had feared to find only dark tidings upon this shore." He waved towards the Shield Maiden for it to approach. "I am Hjarlof Hornblower of the Hvítabiôrning Clan and this is my Clansman Ulfgrim. These," Gesturing to Ranulf and Vilrun as they step onto the dock, "are Ranulf and Vilrun of the Hrafning Clan, under who's orders we sail. And this is Sven One-Eye of the Stormrjotunrung." He paused a moment. "Whom of the great Ormung clan do We have the honor to meet?" Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Hjarlof steps down into the white rowboat with Ranulf. He had not noticed that they were carrying one, but obviously they had. He offered a hand to Sven and Vilrun as the board, one because of the packages he had been handed, and the other out of caution. "Captain Sigurd," calls Hjarlof, "We will approach ahead of you to secure your landing. Come as you can." With the small boat ready and the other craft informed of the plan, the small group would cast off for the shore. Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning As the sailors split off after his tale, Hjarlof finds himself sitting with some of the others called to the quest. "Friends," he begins in a mild tone, "I fear that with the summons and the preparation for this trip a great lapse has been made. I know something of each of you, for your deeds, save for Grey Feather, have been made the subject of stories as well. However, as a teller of stories myself, I would greatly value knowing of you all first hand." He sips from his flask before continuing. "A name has weight and meaning, and knowing the clan of one adds layers to that name. But to know the person is something... special. From where do you each hail, and how came you to be summoned to this task?" "Myself, I am an orphan of the Hvítabiôrning clan. I took to the work of the Skald early, having a gift for memory and rhythm, but my profession has always been as a messenger. That is where I first met Goran the White Bear. It was the depths of winter, close to eight winters past. Our Jarl had need to send a communication to the Ormrung clan, and it could not wait for the snows to thaw. We trekked for close to a month before making our delivery. During that time was the first I witnessed the fury of a true Bearsark. We fought off a pack of wolves in the deep snow. Fighting back to back with the icon of our clan was both an honor and fearful experience." Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Stroking his beard while thinking again. Hjarlof makes an offer to the group, "If the group wishes, I can make the contact. As to the question of what our goals are for the upcoming talks, I feel that a gentle probing into the disappearance of the previous expedition, as well as the wellbeing of these Ormrung would be a good start." He paused a moment. "I believe a longbow shot (3-5increments) would be a good distance. Far enough to conceal our numbers and yet close enough to perhaps make a quick landfall... especially if kept bow towards the land. As to the signal, Two long blasts on my horn is attack, One long blast to dock and four short to retreat, would be simple enough." Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning The attack was the morning of day six upon the waves. The chosen crew of the Shieldmaiden had suffered losses both to the sudden storm and the raiders. Hjarlof had assisted where he could to heal with his kits and his voice. Shipmates were close as any family. It would be a scar of loss they would bear, but they were Nothmen. They would bear up under the weight and move forward. That evening, Hjarlof performed for the crew. This Melody was a lighthearted one about an old fisherman who catches himself a wife from the sea. He marries her in secret, knowing that his village would not approve. She lives aboard his vessel, eating her favorite food, dried and roasted kelp, and they are happy together. One day, during a storm, the swing arm for his sail catches him in the back of the head and he is nearly drowned. When he comes too, he finds that his vision is no longer cloudy and the beautiful woman is seen to be what she truly is, a manatee. Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Stroking his beard while thinking on the revelation by Vilrun, Hjarlof muttered to himself, Emissaries... Hmmm... Two Hrafning, a Stormrjotnrung, and two Hvítabiôrning, as well as an Outlander... Hmm... "Your Council runs deep, Lady Vilrun. My friends, we here represent three clans and an Outlander. It is truly a viable truth that we are sent to find the last Hrafning expedition and we need not mention else. A clan such as the Hrafning has much to pride themselves on, and it is truly unusual for them to have entrusted non-clan members with the knowledge we have. Let us test their purpose with words, and fall back on steel only if they wish to start a clan war." Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning The Skald looks at Sven quizzically. Then to the clearly visible encampment at their desired landing spot. It occurred to Hjarlof that the loss of the one eye might have impaired the other. "I am sorry my friend. There is a gap in the mountains that we are making for. On the beach where we expected to have to beach the craft there is a makeshift pier and a tent encampment... Also a large Longship. Our new friend has reported that they do not fly the Raven but the dragon on their banners." Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning The Priestess/Seer/Wyrd Watcher commands Hold. Hjarlof is not one used to taking orders, save from his Jarl, but something in the back of his mind causes him to observe the ritual casting of the bones. After all, Vilrun is a member of this Saga and deserves her place in the retelling. The bones come up favourable, and Hjarlof heaves a silent sigh of relief. The scene of activity at the shore concerns the Skald. The time between the last expedition and theirs should have been sufficient for more than a tent encampment... And definitely enough to send word back. Something was not right. Hjarlof kept his unease to himself however and quietly watched the shore. "I vote we bring both ship ashore. A show of confidence, if nothing more, may invite cooperation from whom I assume to be Clan Ormung. Vilrun and Sven. Have you any sight of what may happen?" Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC: I am sick at the moment... So my pace may be slower and quality reduced.

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning With the question of the Outlander settled, and the two ships underway, Hjarlof called for the attention of his traveling companions and the key members of the crew. "Friends, old and new, before the weather turned against us and the assault on our ship, I had opportunity to ponder things heard and tales told. The Isle of Eldfjel, is mostly as we have experienced the Raven Lands to be, save that the peaks are understandably colder and harsher. The point our good Captain is making for has been the only port of call for centuries on the island because of rocky coastal shoals and sheer cliffs ringing the island. Prior to the disappearance of the Hrafning Jarl's recent expedition it was a few hundred years since anyone visited. That last visit reported the settlement abandoned with no one locatable. The fact that no news has come from there recently should inform our caution and diligence once we make landfall." He paused a moment before continuing, "Also, the Runes we seek are rumored to be powerful boons in divining and discovering knowledge. A seer's prize. Should an enemy have taken them and learned their use, we can reasonably expect to be faced with our own weaknesses and fears. We must stand together or fall separately." Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning "Well, Grey Feather. You aided us when it was not your fight, and though I have difficulty with understanding some of what you say, I vote to give you that chance to earn our trust. Know though, that if the group agrees, it would be we and not our Jarls that do so. When this is resolved, they may be of different mind than we." Hjarlof was not uttering threats, but merely stating the truth. The politics of being a Jarl some times seemed to fly in the face of reason. Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning The white bear. Hjarlof was thrown back in time to the cave. He staggers backwards a step involuntarily. The last moments of his friend before being whisked off to his feasting halls flash in all to vivid color before his eyes. "YOU WERE THERE." Hjarlof states, a low growl coming after the last word. "Why have you chosen now to reveal yourself? The Great White Bear was my kinsman, and that of Ulfgrim, and my friend. What do you know of him and us?" It was unusual for the melodic voice of the Skald to sound like gravel under a keel of a boat being beached. But this was triggering a well of emotions still not capped and close to brimming over. Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Fair point. The last section was not that way, so I am confident it will not be a trend. 😁

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning The battle done, Hjarlof does not unduly concern himself with the proceedings about the other crew to follow. Hearing Ulfgrims words Hjarlof nods, "Thank you. You fought well. The Halls will ring of your deeds ere long. I am certain of that." He then recites a short quote from a tale of bravery, placing his hand upon the big fellows shoulder. Ulfgrim feels a sense of contentedness and wellbeing, understanding that he was doing likened to the hero in the verse. (CLW 1d8+5=13) Standing and stretching his wounded limbs and sides, Hjarlof moves to the side of their Völva. "My lady, if I may, you handled yourself with grace under threat. You do your Clan and teachers proud." He hums a brief tune and pats her on the shoulder as he moves on. She feels the same sense of general wellbeing as Ulfgrim pervade her being, lightening the pain of injury. (CLW+5=11) Then, singing softly to himself, he moves to stand beside Ranulf, ready to add his voice to any parlay that might be upcoming. (CMW+5) Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

Also, Ranulf is champion of the Raven Clan on this voyage, and victor in single combat. The ship and enemy crew are chattel

Despite his CHA of 12, if the offer of joining us is to be made to the crew of the other ship I feel that it should be Ranulf to make the Diplomacy Check. Hjarlof can add Eagle's Splendor to him, CHA+4, and then Aid Another for an Additional+2... But that is a decision for he group and ranulf

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning With his injuries and his exhaustion, Hjarlof takes a knee, gladly letting Ranulf take the stage. This was, after all, a clan mission on a clan vessel. He leans against the structures on the deck as he watches the finally. This was another deed worthy of song. Combat Actions Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: OOC:

There is a reason why I have 16 Con. 💟💟💟💟💜

Not sure the Devs planned on a tanking Skald in the design phase. I feel fairly... 😈 BARDCORE! 😈

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning The blows suffered earlier, with the long night of seamanship in the storm left Hjarlofs shield out of position. Another two strikes sent waves of pain shooting through his body... Arm and chest again. The Skald staggers back a few step,s dropping to one knee momentarily. He looked his foe in the eyes and smiles. A smile of resignation as his song continues, and he adopts a purely defensive stance. Combat Actions Free: maintain song, 5' step away Swift: Move: Haste move 5' again Standard: Full Round: Full Defense OOC: Each round allies can choose to accept this bonus or not: Inspired Rage +2 (STR/CON +2, Will Saves +2, AC-1) I Have applied the fast healing to Roll 20

I would like to try burning my compliment of spells on cures once this battle is done. I want to see roughly how much healing I can actually put out solo, if that is ok with the other casters. Edit: My first time playing a skald/bard... or any caster actually

Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning Locked in mortal combat on the high seas, Hjarlofs song and the clang of steel drift outward across the misty waves, the morning sun glinting and dancing cheerfully despite their peril. Bringing his shield to bear on one axe left him vulnerable to the other as again he takes a nast blow... This time to an unguarded leg. Again he brings his axe arching out in a lightning fast pair of strikes at the captain of the rabble. Combat Actions Free: maintain song Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: Attack Higvarr with axe, and once again for Haste OOC: Each round allies can choose to accept this bonus or not: Inspired Rage +2 (STR/CON +2, Will Saves +2, AC-1)

DOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!