Redemption: The Preludes (IC post)

[Wizard of the Coat]

Ragz

---

The stray black dog had picked up their scent perhaps a quarter mile back down the road. Ragz was a swift runner, but his endurance was not what it had been in his youth. He no longer found joy in a quarter mile sprint. For a while he simply breathed.

The long-suffering sigh came at the tail end of his recovery. It might have been mistaken for another deep intake and exhalation if not for the look he shot at the jumping barking dog. He would have walked away from the dog--and the travelers--if not for good manners and the patience of age. "A band of travelers are still alive. This pleases Ragz."

He thought to comment on their fine hiding place and perhaps ask about their need to hide. But some of the eyes that now studied him signaled the folly of such probing. The travelers had been nice the day before, but Ragz had long ago learned that nice is different than good. And that surface travelers behave differently when surrounded by trees. As if trees might conceal dark deeds from the gods. A forest gnome had spoken the right of it: she had told him that anything can happen in the woods.

The kobold turned his attention to the stay black dog, speaking pointed words in his native tongue. "Hamuy, allqu!"Kobold Dialect of Draconic: "Come, dog!"

And just like that, the dog obeyed, settling down enough to keep most of her paws on the ground as she moving to the kobold's side. She took up a position facing the travelers, still wagging her tail, smiling, ready for play.

Ragz put a hand on her shoulder and spoke a soft reward. "Allin allquKobold dialect of Draconic: "Good dog."."

The dog turned and gave his face a single swipe of her tongue. She knew he liked it, even if he didn't.

Edited April 3 by Wizard of the Coat (see edit history)

[Zelphas]

Torben

---

Traveling by daylight felt a little odd to Torben, after spending most of his time traveling by night. Since the area was safe (and they had slept the night before), it made sense to travel during the day, and leaving in the morning made it a little bit easier to say goodbye to Barlow and his family and gather supplies as needed. Still, it was a bit odd.

The oddness of the day only intensified when the black dog rushed forwards, barking in a way that Torben was beginning to understand meant she was happy, not upset. Torben kept pace easily enough, letting himself fall behind and double-checking that all his wraps were in place just in case it was another group of strangers.

It turned out to be the same group of strangers. Torben stopped a little behind Ragz and the dog, shifting a bit from foot to foot. After a long moment, Torben nodded awkwardly to the group and started moving down the road again, trying to catch Ragz's eye and suggest that they just... go. The group was nice enough, and it's strange that they're traveling the same way, but Torben's pretty sure that he and Ragz are faster than them, so there's no reason to stick around and intensify the strangeness.

[Basil_Bottletop]

Wyckmere Mirth

---

 

The night had been pleasant, if a not a bit strained. It wasn't like them to linger with the same group this long and the isolation D'Artegenon's silences was creating had gone from practiced to annoying. Wyck buried himself in the revelry of Oslan and the other men, but it felt hollow and pressed. He didn't bother to ask him, but he wondered if Oslan felt the same. The guardsmen and Wyck were both guilty of the same criminal acts, and if Oslan took part too, Wyck only barely noticed. Those deep quiet moments between drinks. Those glances to the other table where D'Artegenon sat or whenever the front door would swing open and a new patron would come or go.

Morning came quickly and cleansed the slate of the night before. Wyck had barely had a drop of alcohol during the fireside chat and no hangover tugged at him. His boots and cloak were dry. He was as ready as ever to leave this place.

Traveling wasn't an issue and neither was the grind of most roads. The monotony was a time for reflection and Wyck had plenty to work through. A pattern had started to emerge, one where he noticed his mind filled with thoughts the day after he didn't meditate or journal. These two acts which were meant to be mundane had become such a part of him that when he did not partake it felt as though his head was a full cask of ale.

The cask jostled. His eyes came back into focus and met D'Artegenon's. Soon they were in the underbrush.

As they emerged again a short time later, Wyck eyed the dog suspiciously. This was not the first set of travelers to have a canine with them, and yet it was the first to seek them out in the woods or even acknowledge their existence. He wondered what that might mean or what it might mean for future encounters they wished to avoid.

 

[PixCO]

Yopine (Svirfette) Quietclock

---

Yopine took to the leafy shadows quickly and quietly when directed. All of the chirping annoyances of her upbeat personality vanished as if snuffing a candle. She was sharp and still in these moments. It was easy to see the professional killer still alive somewhere within.

Thoughts of the big knife came to her. As she'd said, everyone always looks at the big knife when it's the hidden weapons they need to watch. Knives didn't come much bigger than the two before them now, physical stature not included, so where were the hidden weapons?

The little rogue strained her ears listening for signs of ambush. Her concern was mitigated by the look Torben gave to his fellow. There was no mistaking that look of raw social awkwardness. This wasn't an attack by Highwaymen.

"It pleases a Svirfette as well."

She threw a glance towards Rillik. The soldier gnome had gone up before the 'S' word had been used. She wasn't sure how her friend would take to expanding its use. It was only a quick glance, though, before her attention returned to Ragz.

"Changed your mind about trading knives?"

 

Edited April 4 by PixCO (see edit history)

[Harding]

Roland Weisley

---

Roland noticed Wyck's subdued demeanor at the table, but decided to let him be for the moment, instead focusing on lifting his own spirits with the two guardsmen. As they joined the group for dinner, Roland found himself engaged in lively conversation, swapping stories and sharing laughs. It was a welcome respite from the tension of their recent encounters.

Meanwhile, Aly, Yopine, and Rillik had wandered off to attend to their own affairs, leaving Wyck sitting with Roland. Despite the camaraderie of the evening, Wyck seemed preoccupied, and Roland made a mental note to check in with him later.

Before retiring for the evening, D'Artegenon informed the group that they would be rising early and departing before first light. Roland, accustomed to early mornings, woke with ease at the soft knock on his door, and the rest of the group followed suit shortly after. Jon awaited them at the front door, handing D'Artegenon a knapsack as they prepared to depart. The tantalizing scent of freshly baked goods from the nearby bakery filled the air as they set out, unnoticed by the early risers of the town.

____________________________________________________________________________

They walked in silence for about thirty minutes until D'Artegenon and Wyck exchanged a glance. "Let's veer off the road and take cover in those trees," D'Artegenon suggested in his rumbling voice. The group followed suit, finding a concealed spot in the darkness, Roland opening the march toward the destination, sword in hand.

It was only a matter of minutes before shadows emerged from the road, heading in the same direction as the group. To their surprise, a small dark shape broke away from the road and bounded toward the trees, barking excitedly. Mist recoiled at first, but it quickly became apparent that it was Ragz and Torben's stray black dog, joyfully reuniting with its companions.

As they watched the joyful reunion, Roland couldn't help but wonder what they were doing here, at this precise time and moment. He instinctively started to look around, his hands reaching his shield to pick it up quickly if needed, waiting to see the reaction of the others.

Edited April 4 by Harding (see edit history)

[Civit]

Aly Treltor

---

Aly produces another one of the survival bars. "Allqu, I'm happy to see you too. I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye."

Giving the dog the treat with an accompanying chin scratch, she turns to Raqz and Torben. "It's good to see you this morning as well. I never actually asked, where the two of you were headed. Perhaps if it is the same direction.... safety in numbers." The group had already reached a size where stealth was out the window. Besides, judging by their silent approach, they were better at stealth than most in the group anyways.

Edited April 4 by Civit (see edit history)

[Wizard of the Coat]

Ragz

---

Ragz caught Torben's signal--troubled by the possibility that the bugbear had spotted something he hand not. Why was this strange band of travelers hiding in the trees? Why were they being hunted? Where they criminals? He needed time to think, but they suddenly started approaching and talking.

"A deep gnome's knives are too fine for a kobold," he reminded Yopine. "But the offer is kind nonetheless."

The human woman came very close, feeding the black dog. A part of him trusted the dog's instincts about the strangers they met. But another part of him remembered the dragon. Ragz was about to take his leave when the human woman spoke. Another kind offer.

The kobold had no gift for guile. With all eyes upon him, some of them suspicious, he guessed any deception on his part might trigger suspicion and reactivity. He also guessed the human woman was not the group's leader. In the tavern, he'd seen how the others had looked to the half-orc, who was clearly the leader. It was not for the human woman to invite them to join their numbers. "A human woman's offer is kind, but..." he paused, reconsidering the wisdom of honesty. After a breath, he took the plunge.

"...there is no safety in numbers from that which hunts we three."

The dog had finished the ration bar, sniffing at the fallen crumbs on the ground.

With a sigh, the kobold's final words came as a dispassionate observation. "A band of travelers have troubles of their own, it would seem. Safer without a bugbear, kobold, and dog."

The kobold turned and walked away, clucking to the dog, hoping she would follow.

The black dog stood her ground, turning her head excitedly--or perhaps anxiously--back and forth between the travelers and the retreating kobold, crouching down as if reading for a great leap, vocalizing unhappy sounds just short of barking.

[Rumrunner]

Rillik d'Sivis

---

Again they had taken to the shadows, the caution brought out a trained edge of paranoia to her perseption and adrenaline began to fuel her senses. When Mist hissed, the sound sizzled through her veins, fingers flashing towards her wand and flickering fast towards the source of her familiar's ire... a goofy mutt and its curious compatriots. With a sigh, she slowly returned the arcane implement to its sheath and her silver curls bobbed as she shook her head with a smile at the insufferable ebullience of a black dog. "Don't make this awkward Ragz, which way are you going? If its the same way as us it makes no sense to travel separately."

 

 

[Varen Tai]

D’Artegenon spoke up suddenly. “What is chasing you, kobold? We are also being pursued, and it would not surprise me to find them related.”

The wind shifted a little, and the dog suddenly turned and faced out into the darkness, growling softly, hackles raised. Mist also hissed and clambered into Wyck’s pack, where she had been making herself very comfortable up to that point. A light breeze blew up, carrying with it the vague scent of something foul and the taint of fear. It was faint at first, but got stronger as the breeze picked up. Something was coming.

[Zelphas]

Torben

---

Ragz's oblique mention of the dragon sobered Torben's awkwardness; he couldn't help but glance, once, at the sky. Then the wind came, and a foul smell, and...

Torben was back in Galt. Only the people who needed help were in front of him.

Without thinking, Torben sprinted towards the group, digging deep inside for the well of personal force that Justin had taught him to find. He spun out his discipline, weaving it into a dome of pure blackness. In an instant, the moment Torben was close enough, the dome was in place, covering over the entire group.

"Stay still and quiet!" Torben hissed. "You can't move fast enough, but you can hide from it. We've done it before. Just stay still!"

Edited April 5 by Zelphas (see edit history)

[PixCO]

Yopine (Svirfette) Quietclock

---

Darkness fell as the first taste of dragonfear crept into Yopine's mind. It was a double-beat of panic assaulting her now, forming in beads of sweat and irresistible trembling. She was used to working in darkness when it was her darkness. Natural, normal stuff of shadows formed by nothing more supernatural than the lack of a candle or daylight hours. She could see easily in that, given her race's natural background. This magical version, however, was as impenetrable to her Underdark eyes as it was to anyone else. She might as well be some day-bound human at this point.

Dillworthy had at least been able to prepare her for that. Magical darkness being as common as it is, that gave the little Svirf' plenty of opportunity to work with it. So while she didn't like it she could at least work within it.

Nothing could prepare her for what came in on the heels of her minor Scotophobia, though. She'd never encountered a dragon in person before. There'd been one which had escaped a Kobold training pen near the Sunless Citadel, but it had been young and they never did catch up with it. This, however, was an entirely alien experience.

Yopine didn't know what that smell was... or that noise... breathing? Yes, it was alive obviously, but how big was it? What was it? She could hear the creaking of its muscles... HOW BIG IS IT? WHAT WAS THAT SMELL?

Svirfette could do still and quiet very well. It seemed like an incredibly good idea that she be that now. Be invisible. Be unheard. Be anywhere but where she was standing... Be still. No grace for a deep, cleansing breath. It'd make too much noise. Her breathing was kept shallow and uneven, trying to match up exhales and inhales with each shift of the wind. There was no light, but a big dome of darkness would be hard to miss. Yopine had to assume that, whatever ability Torben had used, it didn't make the entire world go dark. There'd be an edge, and whatever was hunting for them would see it. All she could do was not be inside of it.

To anyone observing the dome of darkness or the area around it, she might as well have not been there at all. Trembling aside, she was now more still than still. While she couldn't match her timing to slip between both foreground and background movement in her environment, as neither could be seen at the moment, she at least made herself as one with the wind as possible.

Yopine didn't even call on the talents of her blood in that moment, afraid that the act of magic itself would make too much noise. She didn't know what was she was afraid of, what it could do, but she could wait for it while fear-sweat gently coated the knives she held in each hand.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Ragz

---

The kobold sniffed the air, his eyes going wide even as the dog at his side began to growl. "Ragz recognizes the fear aura. A green dragon who hunts Ragz and a bugbear approaches." he croaked. "Ancient. Unbeatable."

Ragz leaped atop the black dog and was just about to suggest the two parties flee in different directions. He doubted the dragon would bother with these travelers. She was coming for he and Torben. The more distance the two groups put between them, the greater the chance these travelers would survive.

But the bugbear was suddenly among them, using his shadow arts, summoning the darkness. Realizing the time for words had passed, Ragz leaned down, wrapping his arms around the stray black dog's neck, and whispered into her ear, his tone soothing. "Pakakunchik. Pakakunchik."Kobold dialect of Draconic: "We hide. We hide."

In the darkness, his arms locked around her neck, Ragz clung fiercely to prevent his body from quaking. With a focused effort to keep his voice from quavering, he continued the slow, soft, soothing whisperings. "Pakakunchik. Pakakunchik. Pakakunchik."

The stray black dog quieted in the darkness. As did the kobold.

Edited April 5 by Wizard of the Coat (see edit history)

[Harding]

Roland Weisley

---

Roland relaxed momentarily as their companions greeted them warmly, and Aly even extended an invitation for them to join the group on their journey to the next destination. He began to fasten his shield to his back when suddenly, a suffocating sensation enveloped his mind and body. Fear was no stranger to Roland, but this new sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. It crushed his spirit, rendering him motionless and pale as a ghost.

When the bugbear instructed them to remain still and quiet, Roland obeyed despite every instinct screaming at him to flee. The simple command anchored him to rationality, reminiscent of the military discipline instilled during his time with the Waterdeep Watchmen Corp. His hands, clammy and damp with sweat, tightened around his weapon as he drew it from its scabbard with practiced silence, thanks to his earlier equipment maintenance. With the shield now firmly gripped in his hand, he prepared to defend against whatever threat loomed in the magical darkness conjured by the bugbear.

Then, the kobold mentioned the dragon once again, causing the blood to drain from Roland's face. "A dragon! By Tymora tits, what madness is this?" he thought, his mind racing in perfect silence. "Why do we keep encountering people with such powerful enemies? I have enough adversaries of my own..." Beads of sweat formed on his brow, trickling down his spine beneath the weight of his thick armor.

He remained silent, his body trembling despite his best efforts to maintain control. With each passing moment, he fervently prayed to every deity he could name, desperately hoping that the beast would pass by without detecting their presence.

[Basil_Bottletop]

Wyckmere Mirth

---

 

The serendipitous encounter felt even less so when again the kobold deferred the invitation to join them. Wyck wished to ask why some of the others felt so compelled to bring more unlucky souls into their formidably distraught thread, but the ones he wished to ask would not be keen to such questions at the moment anyways. All would be revealed when it was revealed, he knew all too well.

Wyck shrugged his satchel further up his shoulder as the cat's position changed. The act focused him and he didn't notice the sinking feeling in his chest until it had gripped him firmly and tethered him to the western horizon. He suddenly felt tired and weak, and his body wished he had the energy to run screaming back to the inn so he may hide beneath the quilt of his rented bed. Instead, his feet rooted where they were and pessimism manifested as pain in his thighs and back.

He locked gazes with D'Artegenon again as he had done before, but this time the unspoken was mired in inky, black fear.

A couple dozen yards away, he watched motionless as the bugbear sprinted toward them.

"Whu-" He uttered weakly, interrupted by a new sensation of drowning as the world went black.

"D'Artgenon?" He pleaded in the void, his voice joining the others, but it was no more profound or resilient. As each of them seemed to be speaking into the canyon of death and hoping to remain relevant. In the darkness, his hands didn't think to reach out for his companion. Instead, he stood as he had just before the void; one hand on the strap of his satchel and the other hooked to his belt loop as one thumb locked into a place.

 

Edited April 5 by Basil_Bottletop (see edit history)

[Civit]

Aly Treltor

---

A dragon?! Aly had 20 questions assault her brain all at once, but those would have to wait. Though she longed to meet a dragon, green dragons were said to be as foul tempered as red dragons. Even green dragon's reported love of instruments and art for their hordes was not enough to encourage her to test the dragon's demeanor, especially after Ragz's description of the beast.

Instead, Aly stayed as quiet as possible, her Leomond's ready to cast at a moment's notice. She really did not want to test the impenetrable portion of the spell against such a creature, but if it came to it, a chance was better than none. In the moment she had not realized she had grabbed Roland's arm.... but it gave her strength.