Forgotten Family Story

The Merchant Blades have heard some rumors of the Undead's commander who rides on a horse heading into the wood's with actual 'food'. While they dare not follow him, they have placed out a request to adventurers willing to look into the matter.

To find where Auther is taking the food and why? After all, undead don't need to eat actual food -- do they? Nor does a vampire-- right? So why?

That is what you will all be finding out...

-- This scene will operate like a duty. There will be challenges, possible failure paths, and only three cards will allowed to be used. --

Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

========================[ Story Quest | Introduction ]========================

    The Merchant Blades have put out a request, by using the Hunter's Guild and other contacts to call out to the adventurers to help with an interesting circumstance. A few scouts have reported sightings of the undead commander known as Auther Drake; The Mist Rider. The armored horse he rides carrying bags of fruits and vegetables, along with even some meat.

While many scouts dared to not get close, they did notice sometimes hints of smoke rising in the swampy woods. A possible hint of a campfire, or at least something burning; But never any screams. Why would the undead commander carry such foods? Just who was this Auther taking such goods too?

    This is what the Adventurers have been sent out to investigate. They would need to find where Auther and some of his troops were going, sneak past them, and find the source of the questions. Perhaps there may even be a hint to the main headquarters that these undead spawns are coming from, along with the location of their queen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As the adventurers gather, there is slight fog in the air. There are flowers blooming, but the ground is wet, the air is wet, and vines hang from the trees spotted here and there. Leaning against one of the trees was one of the Merchant Blade scouts. As the group approaches, he pushes off from the tree and walks up to the group, "Hail my friends." The scout looks to be a Caitsith with human features, mixed with that of a black panther. His feet pairly make a sound and almost don't leave a trace.

He says with a calm, but quiet voice. "The undead are out there," He motions in the direction. "We know of some ghoul hounds.. Along with a few posted undead guards... But not many. It seem Auther isn't too worried about overly protecting this area." He smirks then, "Maybe cause he doesn't know we scouted out his little hiding spot." There was a wink that follows. "Sadly, this is far as I am allowed to go and all I can provide. You will need to go further in, hope to find his tracks, deal with the issues, and find out what he is up to. Hopefully, maybe we can even get information on where they are all coming from, yes?"

He then goes to step away. "I will be here waiting, my friends, and I wish you all the best of luck." With that he steps to the side, to allow them to do, well, whatever it is adventurers do!
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

As per usual the first thing Shiruba does is unfold her map of the Dominion region. She takes note of where they are, where the sightings of Arthur have been, and where the supposed campsite was spotted, calculating from the smoke observed and the wind that day. "I think we will be able to manage, thank you." She wets the nub of her quill with her tongue and jots down a few more notes. "Undead are to be expected, but if can minimalize our contact as much as possible to preserve our strength, the better..."

She pauses to look up. Looks at the arrivals and the people already here. Considers a moment the ramifications of such, and then ducks down behind her map a little as her ears lay back partway. They're going to put her in charge of the party aren't they? But she wants to focus on the map and navigating them through the area! Oh bother...
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade has gathered. She listens and nods to the representative, nodding to the Cait Sith. "So, is this just a scouting mission? Find out their position and disposition? Or are we to attempt to assassinate their Auther? If we can corner him without support?" That's probably beyond the scope of a small group raid, but she's curious if it's up for discussion or what the plan is.

She peers at SHiruba's map, making a mental note of the places we do know about, and the projected locations of landmarks. She peers around the location, to get a feel for the terrain. To Gwen, she says, "You know. A ninja suit may be something I'll need sooner or later. Hard to hide in mail."
Kirito
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

A request had been given out.

Kirito is one of the few who answer. An undead commander is no trial to pass up, after all. So, the Black Swordsman approaches the merchant blade scouts and unites with the group, a small smile on his face as he waves. "Yo." He greets ever so casually.

"We understand. We'll handle it accordingly." He nods ever so softly. "Thank you." he thanks the scout, before his attention shifts to the others.
Uta
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Uta, staff already equipped, had been listening to the explanation. "Meat and vegetables. I wonder if he's practicing the undead-making ritual by making zombie steaks and vampire carrots," she says as she taps her lips and looks up and away. "...either that, or he's probably going to feed someone. Probably the latter." She looks ahead of herself again, and nods once. "But we cannot outright exclude the former."
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    The necromancer had heard the call for help and had taken up the request without a moment's notice. To say Setsuna was here due to altruism though would be a lie though, his research was going slow and hoped to gleam something new. Looking over at the scout he tilts his head before nodding along with what Shiruba says. " Just a few undead and their boss? Not like we haven't dealt with something like that before." Looking over at Goldenblade, Setsuna nods, " If we can get an upper hand on Auther, well we should absolutely take that piece off the board I think." His head turns towards the mist filled trees and waits for now.
Sunshine
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

     Sunshine arrives, easily spotted both for the neck of his green resonator guitar visible behind his shoulder, and for the long bound length of blonde hair which sways behind him. His movement seems unburdened by the mist--while he can't quite see through it, a buff from his profession keeps him able to move quickly, his boots naturally finding safer purchase than they otherwise would. "Howdy!" The party HUD, once he's joined up displays his information as:

Name: Reno Sunshine | Human / Charlatan
Guild: Plant Hwyaden

     "If y'ask me, he's prolly got somebody he's tryin' to take care of, which means he's got that capacity in him. The capacity t' help instead of hurt>" He smiles at Goldenblade. "*If* we get t'where we run into him, and we can't get out... I figure I can appeal t'his better nature." He chuckles. "Long as Uta's idea about vampire steaks ain't the case, that is."
Gwen
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Is Shirba, Gwen's shadow? Or is Shiruba's her's Who knows but Gwen is in a very strange state. There's none of the normal energy she tends to give off. She's looking pretty grim at this point she's armed and ready she will look to the Scouts.

"Hail and well met. So that's the intel you have thank you it will be useful if it comes to it? Withdraw if they try to corner you."

She notes to the Lander. She will look to Goldenblade and then Shiruba.

"Should have got that one Assassins to come along. Still, it looks like we have a good party set up here."

"It would be strange Sunshine. Given they kill or turn all the living they run into so far as I know."
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

    The scout listens to the group, he can't help but chuckles as Shiruba seems to want to hide, before he whispers to her, "Not the commanding type hm? I know that feeling well."

When the questions come, he simply shrugs his shoulders. "I'd say keep it to scouting, but I know you adventurers. You'll sharpen your blades on something I am sure. Just be careful my friends. It is easy to get lost and even harder at times to find your way back if you should."

With that he now leans against the tree once more.

======================[ Story Quest | [1] Path Untaken ]======================

    As the group strides forward, they will find themselves starting to get a bit lost between the murky group, the trees all looking the same, and the mist. That damnable mist. Maybe it was because of the undead or just the nature of this place, but it was causing some trouble.

However, if they can find some tracks or perhaps even get a directional idea, they may be able to find the path they need to take and also remember how to get out once that time comes...

==============================================================================

    <><> Only One Success Required <><>
<> Tracking vs 8
<> Cartography vs 8
<> (Other Ideas Contact GM)
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade nods slowly to Sunshine, and agrees, "He's certainly keeping -someone- alive. If he can do that, you're right, maybe he can be talked around. He's honorable, last time I fought him proved that." To Setsuna, she says, "If we -can- get the upper hand. I think that'll be tough to do, though. He's got home field advantage here."

She nods to Gwen, and says, "I'm thinking of asking Wake and AKatsuki to help me on a side mission as well. But that's for later. Though, the question just came to me last night of that one player who was captured. I /just/ learned yesterday that he never respawned, but that the undead has not been seen, either. I'm not sure if you," she eyes Setsuna, "could bind him, and somehow break the curse. Alternately, if we can't do that, if we kill that undead, the player might be able to respawn after that. It's all speculation, of course," she grumbles, "but no one tells me anything, so all I can do is guess."

She follows along with the group, and prays that someone knows where we're going, because she has quickly lost track of where we are, too busy looking around for danger.
Sunshine
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

     Sunshine nods at Gwen. It's true that undead aren't known to be the nurturing type. All the more reason to take a peek, in his opinion. Goldenblade's assertion that Auther is known to be honorable, which draws a confident smile to his face. It seems that now, he's certain of it, since Goldenblade's given him an angle to work at. That is, in the event he's in the mood to talk...

     Before anyone can do any talking, they'll need to get through this fog. It was sketchy enough just getting to the meeting point, and this messenger doesn't do well at all on his own in unfamiliar territory. Purely to satisfy his curiosity, he wanders briefly away from the party. The bard doesn't get five feet without realizing that it's a terrible idea.

     As such, he does an abrupt 180, whistles innocently and sticks close to the one person here he's noted to have a talent for cartography--Shiruba.
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    Setsuna looks over at Goldenblade and Sunshine as his name is said. " If you can get it out of there in one piece. " Turning his head and looks where he is walking as he continues to talk. " Thats thereal catch isn't it? Finding the guy, getting him out in one piece, and not dying in the process. That would be step 1..." He turns back and barely sees the party off in the mist as he runs to catch up, now breathing heavy he continues. " Breaking the spell, well that would likely be its own challenge."
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

"More I prefer to stick to doing so in efforts I know I can fully contribute to," Shiruba murmurs back to the scout, before heading off to start their adventure.

As it turns out, that is exactly what it comes to, as they are greeted with extremely similar scenery and that damnable mist. But this is a situation that the the wily wolfgirl has already prepared for, and doesn't mind for the moment taking the forefront. "No body wander too far apart, we don't want to get seperated by sight." Then unfolds her map fully again. "Okay. We've got sighting of smoke, likely a campfire, deeper in the swamp. Adjust for the wind speed and direction at the time of sighting, and the estimation of the square acreage the marsh covers..."

Tongue tip sticks cutely out of the corner of her mouth as she makes a few calculations, double checks a quick triangulation, and then ahaaaas. "This way! And like I said, don't spread out too far!" Her tail wags, content with herself as she starts leading the way farther into the marshy land. "Keep your eyes open, we know they are here but not in what their entire capacity is." For someone that was timid a few moments ago about having to be in charge, she certainly didn't hesitate in doing so when it depended on one of her specialties.
Uta
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

"A vampire steak is not something you see everyday, I agree," Uta states. "It's quite rare."

She tags along the team, a little creeped at how serious Gwen seems to be this time. Uta being Uta, of course, she occasionally gets distracted and fails to take turns when turns are taken; luckily, a conveniently placed tree trunk to bump into quickly returns her attnetion to this plane of reality.
Kirito
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Alas, Kirito attempts to find some solid tracks. But alas, he does not seem to find -any-.

"Damn. These tracks are going to be difficult to keep track of." Either that, or he just plain -sucks- at this. Eitehr way, he tags along with the group, staying silent.

"But don't stay too close together Either. an AOE attack would get us all if we stick too close."
Gwen
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Gwen says "Getting both of them onboard for something like that is a good idea. That's scares me to be honest..."

The hunt contiunes for the moment, she'll take point ot near to it near Shiruba and she keeps alert. She doesn't know what could be waiting for the party as they go deeper. The undead clearly have Gwen on Edge.
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

---------------------------------\ Success /----------------------------------

    Shiruba manages to keep the group going the right way, along with charting the path on her map. Perhaps that will come in useful later as they navigate the swamp.

Along with keeping the crew together so they don't accidentally get lost in the thick of things.

====================[ Story Quest | [2] Watchful Hounds ]=====================

    The group will eventually make their way upon several ghoulish hounds. Many which are slowly decaying, some of them trying to snap their flesh-falling jaws at passing insects. Others laying in the mud, just waiting for some poor soul to come walking by.

The adventurers will need to get past these hounds somehow, as they could alert the possible guards that they should be somewhere, more than likely probably further up the path. It is just the question of how does the party want to handle this little problem. Do they sneak by? Do they distract with an object? Maybe even see if they can fog the mind of the creatures? The choice is theirs to make.

==============================================================================

    <><> 3 Must Be Successful <><>
<> Sneaking vs 9
<> Ranged vs 7
<> Handle Monster vs 9
<> (Other Ideas Contact GM)
Uta
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Uta flicks her menu open, and materializes a crudely sewn ball of fabric. Lopsided and lumpy, about the size of its brethern used to play tennis, she holds it in her hand as she observes the animals.

And then she starts squeezing it. And releasing it. Repeat. Multiple times. "By the goddesses, these undead dogs are stressing me... just give me a few seconds..."

Some breathing exercises elapse, and her smile returns. "There, better. Stress's gone." She stuffs the ball into the jacket of her Gi, and now relaxed, she picks up a stone from the ground, and tosses it in the distance, to distract the beasts.
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Shiruba abruptly stops, ears perking upright, and she sidesteps to get close to a tree and out of immeadiate view. She motions with a hand to get the party's attention, then points just ahead of them where the ghoulish hounds are lurking in various ways. Then points at her map, and shakes her head. She can't just lead them around the dogs without losing track of the path she determined. Hopefully everyone can get most of that.

She then rolls the map up and tucks the parchment back into the map canister strapped to her quiver, then pulls an arrow from it as she draws her bow in the other hand. Nocks the arrow into her bow and utters an inchantation under her breath. Then stands, takes aim, and fires.

The arrow splorts softly into the mud and releases its enchantment to make the mudpit harden and freeze, trapping the dogs there before they can attack anyone. She's got to move quickly after that between the trees, since the muggy marsh environment will not let that ice last for as long as she would like.
Sunshine
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

     Sunshine groans, having heard that pun from Uta--but there's still a grin on his face, despite it. Corny jokes are good for keeping spirits up. "Good one," he says, faux-begrudgingly.

     Shiruba and Kirito both give good advice. He naturally settles into a 'mid-range' kind of position, where his music, should he need to play it, can effect each party member, but where he's not at the front line in danger of getting tackled by bogeymen running from the mist, nor at the back, and in danger of getting silently yanked away like in a slasher movie. He also, generally, tries to keep a few feet between himself and the next nearest party member, just in case of such an AOE.

     It's the snapping of decaying jaws which draws his attention, the bard coming to a halt and scanning through the rest of the party. How do they want to handle this? If those things start barking--or otherwise making whatever dreadful noise an undead hound can muster--it might alert any guards Auther has posted in the area. The guitar he's saving, until it's absolutely necessary; guitars like his were meant to be heard over several other instruments.

     As such, he kneels down, reaches into his boot, and flings a simple, unadorned throwing knife towards the first hound which looks as though it might bark.
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade follows Shiruba through the trackless and misty forest. For all her scoutyness, she's not very much an outdoors person. Or, rather, she's got an incidental talent for sneaking and not much else going for her as a scout. But soon, their next problem materializes, a group of ghoulish hounds. Best not to get too close.

She draws her bow and nocks an arrow. She pulls the string to her cheek, lets out a breath, holds it, and releases. At this nominal range, it's not a huge feat to strike the target, and it's fairly straightforward to make short work of the monsters, her arrows joining the shower of projectiles to stymie the enemy.
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    Setsuna follows behind Shiruba into the swamp as they make their way out of the heavy mist and the necromancers eyes light up as he sees one of the undead hounds. Others behind him may be preparing ranged attacks or trying to stealthily pop up and take out the hounds. Setsuna how ever is suffering an 'Uta moment' it would seem as he runs toward one of the hounds. Stopping about five feet from the hound he stops and looks into the hounds eyes.
     Any movement Setsuna would match and begin to make calming noises and giving reassurance, "It's ok. It's all ok. Focus on me, not anything else." Slowly he approaches step by step until he is in arms length. Reaching into his robe he produces a bone and hands it to the hound to chew on before he smiles. " Such a good boy. Who's a good boy , you are . Yes you are." He then extends his arm to be sniffed and maybe maybe if he was lucky he could pet the undead puppy.
     Somewhere in the back of Setsuna's mind he does remember there are other things going on he promises.
Gwen
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Gwen likes dogs and when she sees these undead dogs she cringes at what horror was inflicted on these poor things. She thinks the best idea is to put them down, she has some ranged options. She will put this to use her ranged option to take them out, she lets loose several holy beams, to take out the undead dogs before they can act upon them or alert the rest. She'll also look over to Uta, wait did that pun hurt Gwen? It may have, Uta may have found a weakness of Gwen's.

She'll keep moving though not wanting to hang around here as there could be more trouble waiting for them.
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

---------------------------------\ Success /----------------------------------
=====================[ Story Quest | [3] Swift & Deadly ]=====================

    Getting past the hounds was now over, be it by distraction or killing moves, the adventurers continue forward. As they push on, they will soon spot at least two skeleton guards. They are lightly armored and have bows in hand. Behind them is an old looking cabin, it has vines growing over it and moss on the stone foundation that supports the wood frame. It could be easily missed given it blends in so well with the swampy area.

A gentle smoke trail can be seen coming out from the chimney at the top, which says that someone is possible home. The windows glass has been shattered by time and spider webs blow gently in the soft breeze, with the water dew twinkling like diamonds with the bit of light that reaches them. First however... Those guards need to be dealt with... Then, the cabin.

==============================================================================
    <><> Both Attempts Must Succeed <><>
    <><> One On Each Guard <><>
<> Sneaking & Physical vs 9
<> Sneaking & Magical vs 9
<> Sneaking & Ranged vs 9
<> (Other Ideas Contact GM)
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    Setsuna leaves his new found puppy love sadly, maybe the hound would follow , maybe not but he has to go do work. It's really sad and Setsuna keeps looking back as the hound happily chews bone but looks at Setsuna for a moment and tilts his head. Finally Setsuna turns his head back to the group and moves on. As they make there way and come to the cabin Setsuna spots the guards. "Spirits of the shadows, I summon you, blind these warriors of darkness from our actions. " Dark orbs of energy and magic come from his staff clouding the skeletons in a dark fog.
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Shiruba isn't a sneaking type of person, so she just hunkers down near a tree intending to wait for one of the guards' patrol path to bring him into her sights.... Which never happens between Setsuna's darkness cancelling the need for stealth and everyone else dealing with the guards before that point. No complaints here, it saves her an arrow to use for later.
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade will draw the dark around her and advance on the skeletons quietly, stealthfully. It's not necessary, they're blinded, but she's being doubly sure. In case there are backup watchers, or some other sort of alarm. Like a shadow, almost, it's even difficult for the party to be positive which shadow she's lurking in.

A hint comes when one of the shadows detacthes itself from its surroundings and creeps up behind one of the skeletons. She watches her teammates, so they can time it to strike together, holding stock still until the moment comes. There is a brief steely flash of blades, and then it all falls into the shadows again and slinks away.
Uta
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

"It's a good thing they weren't skeleton hounds", Uta remarks. "Wait, has... has anyone ever seen skeleton hounds? I don't think those would stick around long enough. They would probably keep stealing each other's bones and bury them, leaving barely functional skeleton dog parts around and..." she blinks and shakes her head. "Sorry, I kind of lost track of what I was talking about."

After Setsuna shields the party in darkness, Uta charges in. As one of the guards goes to attack her, she plants her staff in the ground and pole vaults over it with a double flip. By the time the confused skeleton has the time to stop and turn around, Uta has already landed and is swinging her staff at it, neatly slicing the ribcage off the pelvis and sending it flying. Whistling a cheerful tune, she begins running around and hitting the ribcage upwards before it touches the ground, breaking off a single pair of of ribs each time, while the legs keep chasing after her. The separated ribs don't last long, quickly dissolving into a polychromatic dust of polygons. By the time she's reached the last two ribs, she SMACKs them sideways with her staff, and sends them flying like a boomerang into the legs. This causes the final colorful explosion which marks the end of this guard.

Uta watches the impact with one hand shielding her eyes, and her staff slung over her shoulder. "Woo hoo!", she rejoices, tossing her staff-holding fist in the air at the final success.
Gwen
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

The party heads deeper, Gwen keeps on alert because who knows what could come next under the undead dogs. Oh it gets worse there's the cabin and it's guarded they will need to take them out. Gwen knows she's bad at being sneaky. So as she mulls over how to deal with this? Setsuna has an idea that leads to him blinding the guard. She will have to thank him later for that, for now, she'll make a rush for one of the guards and to her credit, she's pulled out some kind of knife knowing that will work better than just trying to go at it with a sword.

She's also thankful for Uta's support in this.

She will try to fade away though after the Guards are downed before the party makes it's next move. Once she's clear she'll note.

"So time to storm the cabin?"
Sunshine
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

     Sunshine rises from his knelt position. Shame about the dogs--at least Setsuna and Uta got a couple of them away. "Nice shootin'," he says to Goldenblade, looking back at the Blade Dancer after having traced the path of her arrow. He smiles faintly.

     Upon coming across the guards, his smile fades, becoming a concerned frown. There's a moment, wherein he's reaching for the strap of his guitar to bring it around. Luckily, Setsuna has an answer for those guards--similar to the one he thought of, in fact. He grins, snapping a finger and pointing amiably at the Necromancer. "Nice." Uta's passing is so spirited that a light breeze follows in her wake, ruffling Sunshine's attire and gently disturbing his bangs. He utters a low whistle as she handles one of the guards, working in tandem with Goldenblade to quickly put them both down.

     He holds up a hand to Gwen, however, as the last guard falls. "'Storm' ain't the right mindset, if y'ask me. Lessee what we can see, an' if he comes out lookin' for a fight, lemme try an' talk him down." He pulls the strap of his guitar, readying the instrument at last.
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

---------------------------------\ Success /----------------------------------

    Two monsters stand on the ready, that was until Setsuna came up, with a devious plan. With magic spell, he blinds the two undead. The skeleton warriors draw their weapons, aware of the attack, but unable to see they can't fight back!

This gives the party the chance to quickly take down the two skeleton warriors and quickly send them to the land of light wisps and xp.

======================[ Story Quest | [4] Breaking In ]=======================

    With the guards dealt with, it is now time to see what is going on with this cabin. The windows are not something that can be climbed through, but one may pick up the scent of some type of food inside; Like cooked soup maybe? Someone with a good sense of smell may be even to determine how long it has been on the fire or at last how recent that scent is.

Tracking could even give a hint to recent tracks, how recently someone came in and out, along with which way they may have gone.

As for getting in though, there are perhaps several ways to get around the door and there is only one door in and out. It looks like the cabin only has one room and on the side is chopped woodblocks; Rather recent too, including the axe setting in the stomp log used to chop the wood. The adventures could break down the door, maybe find a key, perhaps use magic to wield the door open... There are many possibilities.

==============================================================================
        <><> Only One Must Succeed
<> Lockpicking vs 8
<> Searching vs 8
<> Physical vs 10
<> Magical vs 10
<> (Other Ideas Contact GM)
Merek
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

    Merek will be with the party, he just didn't want to assist until he was needed. He nods to people, then he begins to weld along the door by freezing that lock along with a little shock which might open it. "Well, that will assist," he notes.
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    Setsuna smiles and comes up to the defeated skeletons and kicks the skeleton remains aside before he looks at the door before he looks at the door. As others show it is locked he picks up one of the skeleton bones and tries to use his magic to turn it into a skeleton key. By the time he gets something together though he notices Merek having stepped up and freezing the lock. " I suppose that is one way to make it work too."
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade will creep up to the door. She knows a bit about locks, too, she's found, one of the quirks of this game, but after a bit of fiddling with the lock, her shoulders slump. Seems she's not as good at lockpicking as she'd hoped. She backs away from the door in hopes that someone else has a better plan or more skill, and it seems with Merek's magic, the problem is solved. "That works," she observes.
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

While others are working on the door Shiruba meanders off to one side to case the rest of the cabin. She's initially looking for any other possible windows or doors... but instead comes across the woodchopping stump off to the side. This gets her to pause in her casing of the cabin as she instead creeps over to pick up one of the wood blocks. Turns it over to inspect the cut side, taking note of both how clean the cut is (done by someone quite strong) and how recent it was. In this case, the softer inside wood hasn't dried completely, meaning it was cut recently. That does line up with the smoke seen before, from a fresh fire.

But why would an Undead Knight need to chop wood and keep a fire? He's not going to freeze, or need to cook food, which is why they're all wondering why he'd be bringing food out here in the first place...

This is definitely worth noting since it lines up with the other oddities that have been noticed as of late. None of this makes sense for an undead that wouldn't need any of it...
Sunshine
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

They've arrived at the cabin.

     At long last, it's time for a song. Sunshine grins as his fingers find the frets. Which one? Which one, to let whoever's in there know they're not necessarily here for a fight? To show that it's possible for peace to exist between them? Hmm... yes. That one.

     He begins striking up a merry and carefree tune, the guitar working in a pleasant and sonorous midrange. "Just lit out from Loireag, we was trailed by undead hounds/ We ain't gonna sleep tonite 'til the knight here comes around/ Set out runnin', but I take my time/ A friend of the Queen is a friend of mine--" Snap. "DAMN! I just restrung that sucker."
Gwen
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

The monsters are handled now it's time to get in, the question is how to get in? Gwen gets the idea to go looking for a key. That's thebest bet she think but Gwen doesn't have much luck searchin gfor it. She doesn't mind the song from sunshine and frowns when it breaks.

"We can see about getting fixed after this is over."

She starts to wonder. Is the Undead Knight protecting someone who is not undead even from his masters?
Uta
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Uta quietly vocalizes a solemn aria, mostly gliding around the mid-higher region of her vocal range. Magical tendrils of light dance on the handle of her staff, the position corresponding with the pitch of her song. As she slides into the final dominant, the portamento is mirrored in the lights shooting up from the high end of the handle straight into the gem that tops her staff, and the gem itself begins to glow.

"There, my own personal searchlight!", she beams, and flipping the staff over, gem-end-down, she begins sweeping it left and right on the ground, like a metal detector, keeping a close eye on the disc of light it's casting, for any sign of anything interesting.
Helena Lethe
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---------------------------------\ Success /----------------------------------

    Oh so many ways the heroes of this journey find ways to deal with the problem at hand, from freezing locks, to even trying to play a song (blame the moisture content).

Shiruba locates the freshly chopped lumber and the log stump used as the chopping block, while Uta takes notice of the light fresh mud trail that not only goes inside, but to where Shiruba had gone. The shoes were larger than a possible female's foot, light armored, and there was even a slight hint to 'hooves' from a horse.

All signs that Auther has been here; Which is troubling. They are only slight fresh, maybe about an hour, maybe two hours ago? Could Auther be inside? Did he leave recently? Will he come back-- and if so-- how much time do they have left?

The answers to all may reside inside...

====================[ Story Quest | [5] Cabin Of Mystery ]====================

    The inside of the cabin is dusty, but where someone has been walking has cleared the dust. Spiderwebs hang here and there, with little spiders happily in their nice little homes. A small fire burns in the fireplace, with a cauldron sitting over it. The soup is simmering gently and a ladle is hanging on the side of the wall.

There is a table, with two chairs, that while not in the best of shape, actually has been dusted off, even the vines that try to creep down, have been chopped back. Then around the corner is a single bedroom. While there is no furniture to speak off, there is a fur rug, along with a fur blanket that is laying over someone; Or something.

    Something that is sitting up, against the wall, and peering out the door, with matted dark hair, and fearful eyes. A person; A lander. A woman perhaps no older than in her twenties. Goldenblade may recall her when she and Merek went scouting. That day when Auther made one statement: 'You look like my wife...'

This is that same lander that day.

==============================================================================

    <><> Free Pose Round <><>
Uta
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Uta... well. Uta does the same thing Uta always does whenever she is on a mission and sees some unknown Lander: she flicks her menu open and runs an inspect on her, of course. And due to her profession, her inspect will, of course, be medical grade.
Setsuna
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    Setsuna gets ready to drop some serious spell casting as they make the rush into the cabin. Auther was suppose to be in there, and it was go time right? Except it isn't Auther at least , Setsuna doesn't think it is Auther anyways, having never seen the guy. He finally looks at the lander and speaks, "Excuse me miss, does an undead general named Auther live here? According to the rumors I have heard he is about as big as this room, scary looking, and well has a thing for undead queenie lady. You see he owes us some money after signing up for the vegetable of the month club." He looks atthe others and then back to the lady not really sure what to do .
Goldenblade
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Goldenblade blinks as she flashes back to when she and Merek scouted the recent fight between undead and players, and the poor Landers that had been overrun. She blinks as she recalls the figure she now sees, and gasps at what this must mean. She raises her hand as she takes a step toward the Lander woman, then stops and asks, "Are you all right?" She must be alive, if he's bringing her food, she guesses.

"We'd like to rescue you," she goes on. "But ... is /he/ coming back soon, do you know?" Because that will affect the timing? And it will probably set Auther off pretty hard. But she's entirely unsure of the situation.
Shiruba
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There's a lot of questions to be answered but Shiruba doesn't allow herself to be rushed hastily into matters, instead following her usual method of letting the more tanky and melee fighters go first. Just in case Auther is here.

But he is not. And a Lander is. A -living- lander... which explains why Auther has been bringing food and chopping wood. But -why-? "Why is he keeping a prisoner out here in a cabin?" She asks, as it seems like Goldenblade and others have a better grasp on that than she does.
Sunshine
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     "Don't sweat it, Gwen! I got spares in here," he says, patting his stuffed messenger bag. How he finds where anything is in there is a mystery. At least he still keeps up that optimistic demeanor. Now isn't the time to restring it, however.

     He slings the instrument back into its resting position, heading into the cabin. Looks like Auther isn't home--but someone is. "Howdy, there. Name's Sunshine--just passin' through," he says, offering the Lander a wave as Uta begins assessing her injuries and Setsuna asks about Auther. Playing off of the Necromancer's line of questioning, he nods after Goldenblade asks after her health. Then Shiruba mentions the P-word. "*Are* you his prisoner? You bein' kept here against your will?" He opens that satchel of his and procures a wrinkled piece of paper, as well as a quill and a jar of ink which somehow has miraculously avoided coming open despite his utter lack of organizational ability. Licking the tip of the quill pen, he prepares to leave a message for Auther, based on what the Lander woman's answers are.
Merek
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    Merek looks then to the woman, and nods a bit. "Ah, I think I remember you," he notes, while he takes a moment to think on it, looking to Goldenblade. "Well, let's see what we can do." He nods to the woman, "You alright?" the man asks. There's a look to the whole of the place.
Gwen
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She looks over at Uta, okay that was clever she thinks. She will have to remember that for the future for herself. With the combined effort of the party, they make their way inside and she'll take a look around the old cabin. She'll take a look and be shocked there's a Lander there alive for one. She does not know why Auther has her she wasn't there but she seems shocked to see a person who is alive.

"Uta can you make sure she's all right?"

She will not have any weapons out at the moment. She's about to say something but Sstsuna goes right for the throat of the issue, in a polite way then again a party of heavily armed Adventures just entered the cabin after all.

"Hello Miss do you need any assistance?"
Helena Lethe
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    The woman just stares at them all, "You-- you are not... with them?" Her brows furrow as, she tries to stand up, but she almost fails to do so. There is a wince of pain on her face.

Her hair is a bit of a mess, but she is covered by a blue gown; It looks-- new? clean? Has Auther been trying to actually take care of her?

She tries to stand again, using the wall to help her, sadly it looks like her feet are bare and there is bruising around her left ankle; A little swollen as well.

    There was so many questions, but first she steps forward. Her body was shaking slightly, before she hobble runs quickly up to Shiruba out of all of them and hugs her, "Please get me out of here! I'll answer all of your questions, but /please/." Tears start to roll down her face. "I... don't want to believe... I can't believe that- that monster is... just please... before he comes back..."

            <><>!WARNING! Two Rounds Remaining Till ??? Event<><>            
Uta
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"Aleady on it," Uta replies to Gwen. Her expression and posture are completely transformed: alert, with an unusual intensity to her expression. While focusing on what looks like thin air to the others in the party, she rattles out, professional yet not without some concern, "Gabriela Drake, Lander. Health bar in the yellow. She will live, but could use some serious restoring. Hungry and tired debuffs. And..." She squints harder. "...a sprained ankle." She strides towards Gabriela, and in a surprisingly kind, yet professional tone, she says, "Don't worry, we'll do our best to save you." She holds her staff on top of the swollen area in her leg, and as she begins singing the most powerful healing song she knows, tendrils of light and color interwine with the music, and begin to wrap around Gabriela's leg...
Shiruba
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Shiruba blinks as she's abruptly hugged by the poor woman. But doesn't let it confuse her for too long. She gives the girl a comforting pat on the back. "There, there. Just try to keep calm, we'll take care of you." But she's got to pass her off towards Uta, since she is the Healer, and then someone else can carry the girl. "You heard her. Get her out of here."

Shiruba wants to take a look around the cabin before they flee. She can't pass a chance to look for more clues to her own on-going endeavor, even if it will be cutting it a close shave...

But there is some urgency prompting her to not dwaddle too long, so instead of spending the time to shift through everything she gets out her Relic device, straps it onto her arm, and gives it a little extra juice with some magic to take care of the scanning.
Goldenblade
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Goldenblade's eyes widen as she imagines how things must have been, and how long she must have been here. The woman's reactions and appearance corrobirate her as that captured Lander, and she vaguely recalls it was quite some time ago that the woman was taken. She makes a snap decision, taking the woman's hand, and laying it on her opposide shoulder. "You're right, we can chat later. You won't be able to run on that," she explains, eying the ankle, "and I'd really like to get going /right now/."

So saying, she adds, "Allez-oop!" quietly and brings the woman over her shoulder in a fireman's carry, her center of mass square over Goldenblade's shoulders, and she hustles - she can't really run like that even if the woman could take it - but she hustles out of the cabin. Hopefully her party will tell her exactly where to run, as she only vaguely recalls.
Gwen
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Gwen looks to the woman for a moment she was going to inspect her until Uta beat her to the punch.

"We need to not delay we should go the moment you can move we can talk more in detail later."

With that Gwen will head outside to keep watch and gets out of the way of Goldenblade as she goes to carry the woman out of here. She'll trust in the others to get her ready to leave. Gwen will also keep watch for anything that might be coming after all she can sound the alarm or intercept to delay the undead knight if it came to it.
Setsuna
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    Setsuna looks at the others as they begin to exit the cabin, the necromancer though does something a little different. Enough people were doting on the prisoner that he felt she was in good hands, especially if they were Uta's and GoldenBlade's. He takes this time to look around and see him something catches his eye, maybe something labeled 'Helena's secret war plans' or ' How to Raise an army and 101 other useful undead spells' , sadly however he doesn't seem to get luck this time.
Merek
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    Merek takes a moment to look to everyone, and nods a bit. The man adjusts the scarf which he wears, while he takes a moment to assist Goldenblade with what she's doing.
Sunshine
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     Sunshine's quill stops before it dips into the ink. Okay. She wants to leave, now. He can understand that. But this doesn't have to end badly for her *or* for Auther. There might still be some good in him, misguided as he might have been to spirit someone away like this. "Y'all go ahead. There's somethin' I gotta do. For Miss Drake *and* for Auther."

     He dips the ink into the quill, and begins to sing, sans his guitar. The air around him subtly shifts, infusing the note he writes with calming intent--calming, but not holding back in its message: that to keep her here only hurts her. "I want to sing my own song, that's all/Cried the bird and flew into a wall/There must be someway out, she cried/And her desperation echoed down the hall/Just another bird in the house/Tryin'/To get out."

     'Mr. Auther,' reads the note. 'My name's Reno Sunshine. Me and my friends found Miss Drake holed up in your cabin. She's scared. I know you care about her--you must got to, the way you went out and got food for her. But you must also know that keeping her locked up out here, away from home, ain't what's best for her. We took her back home, but this isn't the end of y'all's story. You can still talk to her. I'll deliver any message you want me to, and I'll make sure she gets it. Your boys can find me in the woods out Loireag way.'

     He leaves it on the table, then closes the ink, puts the quill and the bottle away, and joins the others in making his escape.
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

    Uta manages to heal the ankle and get that health bar up to at least green, before Goldenblade goes to take Gabriela away, which the twenty-something doesn't argue, she doesn't even say another word for now.

As those who search around and succeeed in doing so. They won't find much at first. But Shiruba manages to find something. On the side, rolled up and some wear to it, is an old map. A /very/ old map. She'll need to be careful, as she may notice at first when she goes to reach for a part, how brittle it is.

This means unrolling it will be difficult, but some of the area that can be seen? It looks like this area. It has locations shown on it-- is one of those... a kingdom? It looks like where water now is, that... There is actually land there instead? She'll need to make heads or tails of it, but /does/ she have the time?

              <><>!WARNING! One Round Reaming Till ??? Event<><>              

    Outside---
This mist is growing near the cabin.

    Inside---
The flame flickers a little, like an unsettling wind moved in for a moment. A slight chill entering the air.
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade hasn't even noticed that the woman was healed yet, but any person who's been cooped up in a cabin for months isn't going to be able to run a half-marathon at a moment's notice. Goldenblade, on the other hand, well, she'll at least make the effort. She eyes Gwen, on lookout, and it was Shiruba that guided them here, right, but they're hangin back for something. "Move out!" she suggests. There's an ominous feeling she's not interested in exploring, so she hustles as best she can.

She tries not to bounce the woman too roughly, but she's following her sense of direction to get her back to our starting point as quickly as she can. She saves her breath for running at this point, panting hard before too long, but hustling for as long as she can keep going.
Uta
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Uta lets out a sigh of relief. As her shoulders slump, staff still held, even if more limply, a smile creeps its way across her features. "...one good thing done. Onward to the next. Let's see... what... what's the next most important thing to take care of..."

She sniffs the air, catches a whiff of something, and she follows where the track wafts from.

The pot on the fire.

"Ooooh, I wonder what's cooking, it smells good...", she says, and as she reaches to examine the contents, Sunshine urges everyone to go.

"...yes, yes, sorry!", she exclaims, as she snaps out of it and shakes her head to clear it. "I'd better take my leave." And so she does.
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

At first it doesn't seem like much to be found... but then the device flickers and the scanner ray shuts off, and the pointer beam flickers towards niche Shiruba might of not otherwise noticed. The wolfgirl takes a closer look... is that a map? An OLD map of the area?? She reaches part way for it, then stops herself as she notices how faded and wilted the corner is. If she tries to move it, it might simply turn to dust with how frail the parchment looks. But there's enough of it unfurled that she can... that looks familiar... that doesn't... and why does... wait, is THAT why she's been off all this time...

Shiruba squints, leaning closer. They are on a limit, there's no time to muss with how fragile the paper is. She has to try and commit as much of what she can see to memory so she can write it down and compare later. She is focusing very very hard on doing so, getting every detail she can burned into her mind to recall later.

She's so focused someone else might have to remind her that they really shouldn't linger for too long.

But she just -has- to try and make this worth it, it could be one of the last pieces to the puzzle she's been looking for....
Setsuna
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    Setsuna doesn't seem to find anything but Shiruba does, a map. A impressive find indeed. Then he can feel the chill as the fire gets stirred by the wind, as his hackles stand up and the necromancer peeks out one of the windows and sees the mist. " You ever feel like the world is trying to tell you something bad is coming." Looking over at Shiruba he adds, " Whatever you are doing you need to do it fast." A rather high level of impatience is wrapped into his words as he keeps looking out the window in anticipation
Merek
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    Merek looks then to Shiruba, while he takes a moment to pat the woman on the shoulder, "Hey Shiruba, I think we should be taking off," he notes, then he begins to walk along with Goldenblade while assisting that woman with making a way from the place.
Gwen
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There are several things to do one Goldeblade is carrying a person so she can't fight easily. Two Uta's also with her so Gwen makes the call to bug out and make sure they have cover and support. If Goldenblade and Uta get jumped while bugging out. She'll delay whatever it is for them.

"Don't stay long we don't' have enough firepower for that knight together let alone apart."
Sunshine
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     "Don't have to tell me twice," says Sunshine to Goldenblade as he exits the cabin. That note ought to smooth things over with Auther--but this gathering mist could mean he's coming, or it could mean some wandering world boss is on its way. Heck, it *could* even be some overdramatic PK gang on its way to cause trouble. All he knows for sure is that he doesn't want to be here when whatever it is rolls up. He sticks close to her and Gwen, the two more obviously physical sorts aside from Uta, putting a bit of concerned pep in his step to keep up with them.
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

    The marsh isn't an easy thing to tread over, but Goldenblade is making it across the swamp land. It would not be long till others are in tow as well.

Once they make it out of the fog, they will see that scouting standing by, who seem's surprised by who they are carrying. "I had a feeling, my friends, you would find some information, but not an actual person!"

He then looks around. "Let me take her from you," He says to Goldenblade. "I will summon my mount and get her back to the city." Then there is a pause, "... Wasn't there more of you?"

    Those who are safe:
Merek, Gwen, Goldenblade, Uta, Kirito & Sunshine

    Those who stayed behind:
Setsuna & Shiruba

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             [ BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhiGnj7QX2A ]            

====================[ Story Quest | [6] The Great Escape ]====================

    With the map written down, it was time for Setsuna and Shiruba to make their way out, but it was too late... Shiruba may hear it first with her wolf ears. The sound of the clopping of those hooves. They both would see the green glow from the flames of the horses mane, hooves, and tail glow playing against the cloth protecting the windows.

They will hear the knight dismount, his feet touching the ground. It was not long till they even heard his voice; Auther, "... what... Gabriela!" He took notice the door was messed with and he is moving fast toward the entrance...

What will they do?

==============================================================================

    <><>Choose Your Fate
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    Setsuna sees Auther and turns to Shiruba, "Times up." He turns to the wall on the other side of the door and begins to cast as he raises a pillar right up through the wall to make a large enough hole that they can get through. "Go! Go!" The man starts to run behind Shiruba and his mage robes get caught on broken wood and he falls forward at the doorway as he falls into the mud. Looking up at Shiruba, "Keep going else we stayed for nothing." Setsuna had no intention to pull a Merek here though as he starts to scramble to his feet as fast as he can.
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Shiruba would of loved in all the world to take the map and open it properly... But it was in a state that made risking it slim odds at best. The lack of time to be delicate cut that down just farther, so she had to settle on memorizing what she can, and scribbling down some quick notes to help her remember later. There isn't time to do more than that.

The sound of hooves outside make her ears snap up in sharp reminder of that, and she cusses under her breath. She already took too long.

But this was a chance. One she couldn't pass up, because it was likely not going to come up again. The risk had be taken to better future chances.

Let's hope this can be made worth it.

Shiruba spins around and is about to ask Setsuna what they should do when the mage uses the earth to slam through the wall. "... Yeah, that works." She doesn't even wait for the last bits of splinters to fall before she bolts out the opening and makes a dash for it. Setsuna's last remark is right about this being for nothing if they don't get away for it. And she doesn't have any intention of making an escape by dying and respawning if she can avoid it. She was willing to take risks when the reward was worth it, but she's not a matyr.

But she's focused on just running so much so that she misses something she would of otherwise spotted, in the form of a tangled knot of vines hanging out of the marsh trees. She runs straight into it, catching the vines across the midsection. Her momentum keeps her going forward, but no amount of wolven grace can keep the Cait Sith from taking a plunge in the muddy muck of the marshland.

The very sharp memory of what happened -last- time she tripped while one of the big monsters was behind her is enough to spur Shiruba into not thinking about injury, getting back on her feet and get back to running for her life!
Merek
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    Merek looks to the fog and along to the cabin. He nods a bit to Goldenblade while he keeps assisting with bringing the woman from the place, "Well, they will be alright, I don't think any of them are me," he notes, that's pretty important. Then he begins to adjust his scarf while he walks along.
Helena Lethe
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

    Shiruba and Setsuna manage to make an escape, only to seem to eat some mud. This allows the shadow of Auther come over them, there is a rage in his eyes. "... you damn adventurers... What did you do with her?!" There is an unseen rage in the knights vampiric glowing eyes, as his fangs, for the first time are fully showing, "Where is Gabriela!!?"

His sword swings, it misses them by a hair's breath. His rage has clouded his ability it seems and is the perfect chance for Setsuna and Shiruba to run again, this time, they would get away.

This time, they would make it to the others.

The only thing that all would hear, including the group that was safe, is one very loud vampiric roar in anger, that even causes the birds in the trees to flee.

=================Story Quest End | The End To A New Beginning=================
Goldenblade
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Goldenblade will let the woman down from her shoulders, apologizing to her, "Sorry for the rough ride, ma'am." She'll help the woman to where she can sit while the mount is summoned, and she asks, "How are you now? Can you breathe OK?" As far as taking her back to the city, she says, "I think we'll stay with her for the moment. /He/ may be after her yet."

Perfect timing for a vampiric roar.

"... Yeeeeahhhhhh....."
Gwen
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Gwen slows down a swell once the are clear and she hears the monster roar.

"You know we may want to keep moving a bit longer given how angry he's sounding!"
Shiruba
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

Angry vampire knight roaring in the background is a really good motivation to just keep running as fast as you can. For as long as you can. Adrenaline is a biological miracle at times like this, blurring the minutes to the point that it's impossible to tell how long they'd been running and how soon they starting to catch up with the others.

It's not until the poor lady and her escorts are in view that Shiruba finally slows down a bit, and eventually staggers up to slump against a tree and try to catch her breath despite her heart pounding in her chest. "Rrrf." Is all she manages to really huff out. She's covered in mud from the fall, but otherwise doesn't appear to be severely harmed. "I... I just need a moment..." gets out between heavy pants.
Setsuna
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0


    Setsuna feels the swing of the sword and is fortunate he is not a inch taller or would have got a unapproved hair cut. Clamoring to his feet, scooby doo style, he takes off running into the woods after Shiruba and begins to cast as he moves summoning his skeletons to stay behind and slow down the angry hound while Setsuna gets away. They wouldn't stick around once he ran out of range but still it gives him a little peace of mind as he runs.
     The summoner knows he isn't the most physically fit, but persevered and caught up to Shiruba as he looks at her breathing hard. Looking back in the direction of the roar he looks back to Shiruba, "Hopefully... the mist will... provide us some...cover." His speech scattered with heaving breathing himself.
Sunshine
Overworld - -36 - 14 - 0

     The roar, and the flights of birds... it sounds angry. So that probably is the vampire, then. Well... he can be angry. Sunshine knows from experience how angry a person can get, when they feel like their happiness has been taken from them. But it's rare indeed that people have a chance to get it back. Hopefully, he'll see that letter for the chance it is; a chance to win back happiness and strengthen his nurturing side. It might be on Sunshine's terms, and he might end up on the wrong end of a sword for it... but hey. Some things are worth a little danger. Miss Drake is gonna be alright in the here and now. He'll have words for her, soon, but not now. First, he needs to head back someplace safe, restring his guitar, and then...

     Then give Auther a few days to cool down, head to the meeting place he specified in that letter, and see if he's in the 'message sending' mood or the 'cathedral sending' mood. "I'm gonna make tracks for ol' Loireag. I'll catch y'all later," he says with a smile and a two-fingered salute.