Unti Family/Nerta/A6S2

Magic
Request from Aibhlidhn Dubhaine Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Lady Nerta, The adventurer Deve has a Ring of Power of Agyrian origin for which he seeks 1,000 gold crowns. I already possess the Cruel Ring of Melhed which is part of the Crown Jewels so I'm seeking another to bear this ring in my stead. The item is of sufficient power that the Crown will underwrite the entire cost if you are interested. Aibhlidhn Dubhaine (Queen of Ar Agyr)
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Aibhlidhn Your majesty, The Old Man would rather have the Cruel Ring, but I can certainly take this trinket if you need it stored safely. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Aibhlidhn Dubhaine Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Lady Nerta, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. The Ring in question exceeds even the power of the Crual Ring of Melhed and that is no small thing. Aibhlidhn Dubhaine (Queen of Ar Agyr)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Aibhlidhn Your majesty, I'm not much interested in power at the best of times, and the Old Man is more wrapped up in his past than anything else. But I can take it. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Aibhlidhn Dubhaine Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver, Deve the Adventurer Master Deve, Lady Nerta would indeed be interested in caring for the Ring and I'll underwrite her purchase as this is a matter of importance to the Crown. There's a horde in Bil Havil I'm keeping an eye on so how would you feel about meeting in Agyr? That way I can stay close to the border. Aibhlidhn Dubhaine (Queen of Ar Agyr)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Aibhlidhn I just arrived in Agyr. I'll be at the temple to the Old Gods by the old Senate house. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Aibhlidhn Dubhaine Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Lady Nerta, My own interest in power is the defence of the realm and of humanity. Hence why I'm generally cautious in my use of the tools available to me. However I think it's about time we had a second noble schooled in the mystic arts and I've long wondered if you might be suited to such study. Aibhlidhn Dubhaine (Queen of Ar Agyr)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Aibhlidhn Your majesty, Is funny. Sound like a Dalesman. OOC: most amusing. Though the ever grumpy Nerta will harumph about it. What would mystic training even mean? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Aibhlidhn Dubhaine Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Lady Nerta, Mystic training would primarily consist of scroll work but could include other elements if you wish. Aibhlidhn Dubhaine (Queen of Ar Agyr)
Trade Offer Deve traded you the Holy Band of Ar Agyr
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Deve Quite the find lad. What's the story behind getting it? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Deve Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Lady Nerta, I had to journey south to the fallen kingdoms to find the item. I heard a rumour about the item while I was down there last time. I wonder why an item related to our realm was hidden in the rubbles of the fallen kingdoms. May the gods are playing tricks again. Deve (Adventurer)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Deve Wrestled it from the grip of the Dread Necromancer did you? That's good, but ominous. What are they up to with such powerful artifacts.... Have you spent much time hunting monsters then? You'll find the bird loving sage around here... Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Deve Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver I've visited collapsed cities, collapsed temples, and ruined palaces of fallen kingdoms and theocracies. You usually find a lot of skulls and bones. Sometimes lurking monsters. Sometimes walking bones which you want to avoid as they seek to more bones, preferably newer ones. Deve (Adventurer)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Deve Ahhh more splunking than fighting. See anything interesting? Besides this of course Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Restoration
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Agyr Dropping a few more sacks of gold in the temple vault, Nerta signals for the rest of the Equities from the bank to drop the rest. Her Majesty certainly was, generous. The donation was almost enough for the final restoration of this old building. The libraries and labs had been refurbished years ago, but coaxing old Masters from exile had been tricky. Many of the alchemists, librarians and of course Augurs had turned up without prompting, but the disciples of Veber Klotz and his Factorium were no where to be seen. When they'd been lost, few tears were shed, and yet.... man's experiments had been as horrifying as they were effective. In this Age of Shadow such genius had it's potential. Or so the Old Man tried to convince the perpetually scowling woman. "I don't care how brilliant the butcher was, he chopped up my people. Just so he could make crude copies." Arguing with her shadow, the woman steps out into the icy square across from the Eternal Flame only to smirk at the familiar figure walking up the road. "Well, well... Still alive thrice-blessed fool?" Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Agyr Tyler wanderers his way down the street admitting all the sites and sounds of this city so far away from his own home. Ever since his encounter with the mysterious wolf he's had an urge to travel to the very end of the continent. Some force urging his mind and body to make all haste. Could it be the eternal flame he was sent here for? Perhaps another round of meditation and reflection as he did with the seeping giant. Little did he know the reason for his arrival was about to call him a fool. Tyler snapped out of his thoughts as the sounds of a familiar preistess echos in his ear. "Aye I'm still alive preistess though to be honest I was almost food for that mighty tree you sent me to. Seems our paths cross again and once again it seems this was the gods doing. Cant rightly say why we crossed paths again perhaps you have some idea. When you have time perhaps we can talk I have quite the story to share. Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Agyr "Had some trouble with the wards did you?" Eying him critically she walks across the square to stand in the shadow of the Eternal Fire. "Did you get the blessing you sought?" Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Agyr Tyler nodded at the preistess removing the shield from his back and pointing to the image of a hinge. The hinge is unchanged from the last time he showed off his prized possession but whats different is there is now a fercious wolf with it's jaws held open as I'f trying to bite down and crush the hinge between it's jaws. "I found this on my shield upon waking up from a nasty fight with a strange wolf twice my size and made of thick roots. I suspect your wolf god decided to see if I was worthy of living." Tyler summarize the fight with the wolf ( I can repost the old rp if Bob decides he wants to get involved in the rp) " Since then I have had the urge to head to the far shores agyr. Sometimes I swear I can see the same wolf speaking to me in my dreams urging me on demanding I set out immediately. Probably an overactive imagination I thought. But once again I arrive and find out paths cross and I'm not so sure it's my imagination anymore. Is it unusual to have one of your gods speak to a mortal? Even fulcrum has never tried to speak directly to me certainly he does not invade my dreams. And the dreams are only getting more intense. Some nights I choose not to sleep rather then risk having another dream. Im here hoping you'll tell me I'm simply losing my mind. But I doupt my luck will hold in that regard Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Agyr "So, you got the attention of the Gods... I'm sorry." Shadows dance as the woman looks away. "You're not alone in this. Jacinda, my... friend was drawn here by the Wolf Lord two years ago. We've been on a fool quest to save the world ever since." Bob, may as well be an avatar of the hunt at this point. Grante was personally saved by the Trickster, who also visited Ra of Thalmarkin on the road. I hear they played chess..." Scrubbing her face the woman slips into her practiced scowl. "All while I have the attention of the Dark Mistress and her agent, the Old Man." The Eternal Fire crackles in the silence. "Now that you're here the dreams should fade, for a time. Eventually they will call upon you again, and send you to work on something of significance. In the mean time, some of the Augurs here at the temple can train you on how to interpret prophetic dreams, and sleep despite them." "I know it's a lot to take in so... if you want to just kill some things: I've been summoned to Seven Rivers, by mundane letter, to help Soren handle some trouble down in the Sick." ​​​​​​​"Welcome to the faith, even if you've not chosen it, it's chosen you." Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Agyr Tyler nodded at the preistess removing the shield from his back and pointing to the image of a hinge. The hinge is unchanged from the last time he showed off his prized possession but whats different is there is now a fercious wolf with it's jaws held open as I'f trying to bite down and crush the hinge between it's jaws. "I found this on my shield upon waking up from a nasty fight with a strange wolf twice my size and made of thick roots. I suspect your wolf god decided to see if I was worthy of living." Tyler summarize the fight with the wolf ( I can repost the old rp if Bob decides he wants to get involved in the rp) " Since then I have had the urge to head to the far shores agyr. Sometimes I swear I can see the same wolf speaking to me in my dreams urging me on demanding I set out immediately. Probably an overactive imagination I thought. But once again I arrive and find out paths cross and I'm not so sure it's my imagination anymore. Is it unusual to have one of your gods speak to a mortal? Even fulcrum has never tried to speak directly to me certainly he does not invade my dreams. And the dreams are only getting more intense. Some nights I choose not to sleep rather then risk having another dream. Im here hoping you'll tell me I'm simply losing my mind. But I doupt my luck will hold in that regard Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
House Keeping
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to each member of the Old Gods How fares? I'm curious if you need anything, or have any goals in mind for the future. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Report from Anyte Luitolf Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Good Priestess Nerta, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, and the more I see in noble life the more it sickens me. It is nothing but people calling each other daimon worshipers without justification, and senseless, ages old hate. I have considered dawning the robes in service to my Dark Mistress in a more direct way. What are your thoughts on this? Where would I be useful if I did so? What would the responsibilities be? Anyte Luitolf (Duchess of the Bathory)
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Anyte Luitolf Being a Guardian doesn't change the hatred and lies of Patricians, it just means you spend more time with the Plebeians. They're more honest, for the most part. That said, I've seen your limp. You probably won't be on the front lines. So if you want to be a Guardian it'll be up to you to decide what that even means. How can you help people? What speaks to you? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Grant Le Monte
Report from Grante Le Monte Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Priestess, It is a pleasant surprise to hear from you. It fares quite well, with Heen slowly regaining its population. Though what is slightly worrying is that despite closing down the Daishi temple here, it seems the faith still has a strong foothold here. In terms of needing anything, that would be what comes to mind first. Grante Le Monte (Duke of Land's End, Earl of Heen)
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Grante Le Monte A dusty desert town eh? What's it like? I'll not be there any time soon since I'm currently in Hopidrii... Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Report from Grante Le Monte Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver A town for now, but soon it will be the small city that lights the way to those lost in the desert and displaced by the necromancers of the south. And understandable. I believe it has been tough in Irondale to secure a priest for our realm. I have even considered it once or twice, but I am needed at the helm of our military still. Grante Le Monte (Duke of Land's End, Earl of Heen)
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Personal message to Grante Le Monte Each finds their own way, and really given your background fighting with the army is probably your calling. Perhaps you'd like some sort of official title to that end? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Katalynfae Dragul
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods Welcome Katalynfae, Here for the monster killing or had sent else caught your eye? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Katalynfae Dragul Message sent to Personal Message to Nerta Unti My Lady Senex, The veiled Lady of Obia has grown cold and only wished my coin. As a young girl on Dwilight, my grandmother told me of gods older than the lands. So, I chose to see if Granny was telling true tales, not just stories to entertain her small grand daughter. I had spoken to your priest in Kell and was intrigued by the opportunity to follow different paths within this faith. We did not have the opportunity to speak long, because evidently, I earned the hatred of the Reven's perverted religion by tearing down their temple. And now they attack us. I look forward to learning more of The Old Gods to know where I would like to serve, Katalynfae Dragul (Praetrix of Shattered Vales)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods I am afraid that you have things exactly backwards. Given your background I'm not surprised. You do not serve the faith, it serves you. I imagine Balin spoke of the Gods, at least in passing. Did anything about that peak your curiosity? Then again you said you felt a calling to try something different, what does that look like to you? We have answers, but do you have the questions for our answers? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Katalynfae Dragul Message sent to Personal Message to Nerta Unti Thank you all for the warm welcome. There are two that seem to be striving to get my attention. The Ice Queen and the Ephemeral Emperor. They call to the two different sides of me. At the suggestion of Priestess Nerti, as soon as this infernal war with Reven is done, I will undertake a quest to determine which I will follow most closely. For now can we leave the temple opem to any of the Old Gods who wish to occupy it for a time? Katalynfae Dragul (Praetrix of Shattered Vales)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods Fate vs Fortune is a challenging line to walk. Hopefully the Gods are patient as you handle mundane matters. I'd not be surprised if they start to intrude one way or another. I leave piles of bricks to Balin, that's his specialty. I think only the temple in Vore was dedicated in full, or was it Pomatim? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Balin De Chaol Ghleann Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods I believe the temple in Bessimir was dedicated to the Wolf Lord, or at least near to it. I think he approved of that, as the last time Nerta and I were there, dispatching the undead, wolves showed up to carve a path for us to that undead big piles of bones that was leading that particular horde. Rather timely they came too. I still have scars from claws of the undead. Balin De Chaol Ghleann (Duke of Vatrona, Guardian of the Old Gods)
Letter from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods You had good shield work, Balin, but the champion's black blade was hideous. Between that and being thrown in the jail of Vore I didn't fully heal for at least a month. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Felix
Request from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods Welcome Felix, What brings you to the temple, monster killing or something else? Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Letter from Felix the Fickle Message sent to Everyone in the Old Gods I was originally already part of the sanctum. However, a illness came to me which put me out of commission for a said bit of time. Now that I gave recovered I wish to rejoin. These continuing where I left monster killing and such others. Felix the Fickle (Adventurer)
Soren Navaar
Report from Soren Navaar Message sent to Personal message to Nerta the Weaver Things are well enough. When I found that old Melite ring I sent you, I had a run in with some wolves in The Sick. one of them, I could have sworn was the legendary Blackjaw itself. I've been contemplating a hunt these days to go and find it, and if I'm lucky, I'll get some clues as to what causes the undead to spawn there so frequently. Seven Rivers has always attracted necromancers and I have the scrolls to prove it. Care to go for a hunt? Soren Navaar (Count of Seven Rivers)
Black Jaw's Conquest
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers Spear slung across her shoulders, Nerta approaches the Shieldborn Manseas dawn breaks. Time to hunt. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers Tyler looked around idly. At first glance he saw very little different then any other region. However he's sure the preistess is here for more then mundane monster hunting. As he was making his way back to turn in another 14 kobold heads for his reward he spots the priestess readying for a hunt " glad to see you made it in one piece. I have been slaughtering the monsters here a dozen at a time I almost dare say there won't be much left for you to kill. Unless your here for more then kobolds or undead. Eaither way I'd hardly be an adventurer worth my salt if I did not join you. What are we off to kill today?" Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Soren Message sent to Everyone in Rivers Around the Shieldborn Manse was a handful of guards fussing about. Soren's Captain, Oldred, was assuring them that the lord would be fine on his own regardless of their many, many concerns. He noted the clear skies, and gestured to the Sennex speaking with what he assumed was an adventurer. He rolled his eyes, but paid the group no mind as a man with dark hair and gray eyes made his way from the garrison. Soren Navaar, stood tall, and despite his slim figure, his clothes hid muscles well trained for combat. A spear on his back matched Nerta's, but he also carried a sword on his hip. A bow would have been too cumbersome with the pack of supplies for the road. The Count made his way across the main road and with a smile waved a hand toward Nerta. "I see you've got a friend today," he commented, acknowledging Tyler with a nod. "Today, we'll cross the bridge into the swampland of Black Jaw's Conquest. The last time I was in there, I had a run in with a wolf the size of five regular wolves with black fur and golden eyes that seemed to look into my very soul. I got away, but I had just fought off a dozen of its pack. Now I want to finish the job." Looking between the pair, he gestured over to the garrison once more. "If either of you need supplies, arrows, an extra knife, go get them," he said, specifically casting his gaze on the adventurer. He didn't know what the man carried with him in his gear, but Soren had funding the man didn't. The grind and squeal of metal sounded as the gate at the end of the stone bridge slowly pulled open. Two heavy wooden doors splitting apart from each other to allow their party through. Soren grinned, energized at the prospect of the hunt ahead, and turned his attention back to Nerta. "How've you been?" he asked, innocently enough. It felt as though the Sennex had been avoiding him for a while, the only question was the occasional letters. He hoped they hadn't all been from Aldo, though he held in the laugh that it was likely. Soren (Count of Seven Rivers)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers Nerta's glittering eyes sweep from the adventurer to the count. After a long pause she lets the spear slip from her shoulders. "Soren Silver Hawk and Tyler Thrice-Blessed on a hunt for a big wolf in the swampy grounds of Black Jaw's Conquest." The woman smirks and strides past the pair to the wagon of supplies. "Balin will be sorry he missed the fun."  Sorting through what items there were, Nerta pointedly ignores Soren's question for the first few moments and instead speaks with Tyler.  "Though this region seems peaceful it has been the target of multiple attacks by the Dread Necromancer. Even Bob has struggled to throw them back into the sea. Be alert and perhaps you'll be able to put those new visions to the test."  The woman's pivot away from Tyler, to pack a few extra knives, brings her dangerously close to the count. Dangerous for him anyway. They were almost close enough to embrace, but she didn't seem to bothered by it. "I've been fine, Soren. Busy helping people, like Tyler there. The Old Man read some of your letters," pausing she idly scratches her chin, "I deciphered the pictures eventually. You were obviously having fun with the sketch pad." Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers Tyler could feel the tension between the two something was clearly going on but it was none of his business and decided it was best to move on. He looks to the well dressed person before him. " I don't imagine you have much I will need. My dagger and my shield will be enough to get me through. Believe it or not I had my own run in with a giant wolf not long ago. Thing came out of the ground it was made of thick roots and vines larger the our forearms combined. Nasty fight barely made it out in one piece. Guess you get what you get when you seek out the wolf gods attention. Regardless you have the closest thing to an expert when it comes to fighting oversized wolves. And if this one actually bleeds it might involve alot less luck on my part this time I hope . " Tyler goes his best to remain stoic. He downplayed the fight but in reality the though of fighting another giant beast had him on edge. The last one nearly bit him in half. He slowly slips into his own thoughts as he takes his place behind the man getting ready to follow them on their journey. Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Soren Message sent to Everyone in Rivers Soren could never help giving Nerta a smile. "I'm glad you deciphered them," he said, a little distance in the conversation created by time. "I can't regale you with stories all of the time, so now you can take them with you for when you have a moment." So he said, but they both knew how much she hated relying on the Old Man. He did it for her. "I bet Balin is doing well. I'll have to invite him on the next hunt." He didn't say anything about the plant wolf, but nodded in approval of the adventurer's skills. Following up on Nerta's words, he added. "I can't say I saw it bleed, but I felt it when my sword connected. It wasn't a hallucination. I was forced to flee with an opening though. It had too many other wolves with it. You'll know it when you see it. A wolf unlike any size you've seen before with black fur and golden eyes. It matches the legend of Blackjaw from this region." Seeing the pair were ready, Soren started first toward the gate. The great stone bridge connected from the Shieldborn Manse arching up over the river and out to their destination. The heavy sounds of the gate closing behind them signaled they were on their own from that point forward. Turning his head, the Count took a moment to appreciate the view down the river as they walked. Soon they would reach lands thick with mud and sinkholes, where a town was still slowly being swallowed by the earth, and where a strange and mythical wolf made its home. Nerta would probably roll her eyes if he put it to song now, but maybe later. Soren (Count of Seven Rivers)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers If the tension bothered Nerta, she gave no sign. "A wolf hunt, is a wolf hunt. Tyler's experience with the sentry at the Seeping Giant will no doubt prove helpful. Though when we're in the fight Soren, just stab it this time."   Muttering to herself about foolish bards, Nerta heads deeper into the swamp with the pair. They make good time at first but, Nerta was originally from the Roof of the World and isn't familiar with such boggy ground. An hour in, and the woman is struggling to drag her mud caked cloak out of another tangled tree, only to misstep and sink up to her thighs.  "Trickster curses..." Snarling in frustration at the God of travel delay. "I guess you didn't have a vision about that little sink hole, Tyler?"  Struggles only encourage the soft ground to swallow Nerta, soaking her clothes from the waist down in icy water. Eventually she's forced to grab both Tyler and Soren for help, and her cloak doesn't make it.  Stripped of her customary covering, the woman avoids Tyler's gaze and busies herself with everything else imaginable. The usual grumpy self confidence has been replaced with hunched unease while she balances with one hand against Soren, and a second holding her spear to the side. A third runs through her hair. A fourth tugs her blue silk shirt up from the clinging trousers, while the fifth and sixth try in vain to scrape mud. "So," Nerta's tone is level, but with obvious tension, "Now you know why I wear a cloak."   Finally she meets the thrice-blessed adventurer's gaze. "We going to have a problem?" Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers The bugs were horrendous. There's a reason Tyler doesn't visit swamps fighting even normal monsters in these conditions much less a wolf the size of a peasent hut. Tyler hardly noticed at first as the preistess sunk into the mudd. Tyler nearly loses his own balance as the priestess uses him for support to get out of the mud. After a brief moment of disbelief Tyler begins to physically count on his hands while looking at the preistess and her extra appendages. After a moment Tyler gives a stern and serious look at the preistess saying nothing for a few moments before speaking. " Let me guess you asked the gods to give you a hand and they took it literally? You would think with all that extra support you could keep yourself upright in a bit of mud." Tyler's voice was clearly surprised but still friendly and maybe a little sarcastic. " Relax a little your extra arms don't bother me any. Though the fact you don't use more then one weapon is a bit disappointing. You could be the world's first dual wielding spear user." Tyler looks as of he's about to speak again when suddenly he stops clutching his head as a piercing howl echos through his head. He looks to his two companions as he falls to his knees. The two seem unfazed and perhaps a little confused. The howling becomes louder and more high pitched. He has what feels like a wakening dream as images flash before his mind. Leaving the town and heading for the swamp and their whole journey up until moments before he fell to the ground. But he was not seeing it through his own eyes but something else's. Something that has been following them this entire time. Something big and something hungry. The howling stops and pain starts to subside. He only has the wits to get out a few words barely a whisper hoping someone can hear him. " Something is following us and I don't think it's friendly. Ready yourselves." Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Rin Message sent to Everyone in Rivers The reeds and bushes rustled. The sounds of mud squelching beneath boots from beyond them came first, and then through them erupted a young woman. "Wolf!" she shouted at the group. "Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!" Her feet sliding out from under a step, the woman fell into the mud and slid along the ground to a stop just before the group. Taking barely a moment to catch her breath she scrambled to her feet, almost falling back down once more in the process, caught by the helping hand of the Count. A small mask covered the lower half of her face. Rin froze as her head swiveled around like an alert sentry searching for the noise it heard. "Left. No, right. It's gonna come from the right!" A howl cried out from behind them and a small, reddish wolf poked its head in their direction. "It has friends!" The daggers at her hips were useless, but if she found a tree and avoided the big one... Rin (The Runner)
Roleplay from Soren Message sent to Everyone in Rivers From the lack of an initial reaction, and Nerta using Soren for support, it was clear this was not his first time seeing Nerta without her cloak, though he had shifted his sword ever so slightly in the event Tyler turned on her. He was one of the continent's better swordsmen if the academy instructors were anything to gauge against. Before he could make his own comment though he tensed. Something... Then Tyler fell. Confusion and chaos. A new adventurer, Tyler collapsed, and Nerta still struggling to shake off the mud. Dammit! he cursed in his head. He reaches over Rin and pulls Tyler to his feet by his cloak. "This is a terrible place for a fight. The old village isn't far from here," he told the group as he pulled his spear from his back. Eyes focused on the ground, he stepped past everyone and jabbed the butt of his spear into firm earth. "Follow me, and walk where I do," he told them as he started at a quick pace, guiding the group, more than once he reached back and pulled the skittish newcomer along, making sure she didn't bolt to her death. Every few steps he sticks the ground with the spear once, maybe twice, watching how the earth tried to eat it each time, determining whether it was safe to walk there. The thunderous howls grew louder as they grew in size and number. He saw the stones before they hit them, the remnants of the old road, and suddenly they had firm footing again. A half-collapsed tower loomed over them around the trees outside the village, tilted as its materials returned to the earth that birthed them. The town wasn't in much better shape, but it would do. The cacophony of wolves was endless. Was the whole swamp one pack? Guiding them to the tower, Soren pushed open the door and pointed for Rin to go inside. "Use your bow," he ordered, hoping she was a better shot than he was expecting. He closed the door behind her and hoped she would survive. Flashing a grin to Nerta his eyes moved to the gray swamp, and then to the back of the wolf pack where the dire wolf stood waiting, with golden eyes and black fur unlike the reddish swamp wolves. "Might as well give you one last chorus, right?" he asked with a laugh. "Halfway between the black and gray Is no place for a life to waste away I'll take the road with all the sta~a~akes," He sang, mentally readying himself for the attacks that would come as the pack circled and closed in. Soren (Count of Seven Rivers)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers Tyler quickly shook off his daze whatever warning or vision he had seemed to pass. Just as he bagan to get his wits about him he was roughly yanked to his feet. As they began running he noticed the panicking adventurer another bow or blade never hurt. As Soren leads them through the swamplands Tyler begins to formulate a plan of attack. It's clear his weapon while a powerful unique artifact was still a dagger not the best weapon for a regular sized wolf much less one several times larger. He would need to find a different approach then a head on fight. He could rely on his companions and there much longer spears for the reach neccasaary to effectively fight such a beast head on. He on the other hand had a different idea. As Soren led them closer and closer to the old village Tyler took to opportunity to slip away. He should stop and let them what he plans to do but there was just no time for conversation as the howling becomes louder and from more directions. He quickly veererd just off course just before they broke the tree line from the swamp to the old village he threw himself into a smaller patch of mud covering most of his body in an attempt to cover his scent. Then he scanned the tree line. He needed a position where he could be concealed from the horde of wolves until he was ready to strike. He spotted a thick tree with many heavy branches. A few of the branches looked a little dried and dead but only near the top. As Tyler reaches the tree he digs through his pouch hanging from his belt and begins throwing many small metal spikes called caltrops around the base of the tree. Certainly it won't kill any of the wolves but they might think twice about hanging around the base of it. Just as Tyler finishes his ascent to the middle of the tree he spots it. A mighty wolf eyes yellow as the sun. And with him more wolves then he can count. And most of them gather just Infront of his hiding spot amoung the trees. He spots Soren as he ushers the young adventurer to the old tower and returns his gaze to that massive beast. He can only hope that the priestess or her friend can see him peeking out from thick foliage just behind the giant monster they are about to face. He places his finger upon his lips as he stares in there direction. Right now he can do nothing. Not without a distraction. Here's hoping his companions can provide exactly that. Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers "Thrice-Blessed comedian, is it?" The relieved and amused woman had her many hands full, so when Tyler drops to the muck it's up to Soren to help. Not that he had much chance when the panicked young woman skids to a stop among the trio. Nerta's surprise doesn't last for long, and she settles into a wide stance to scan the marshy ground where the new arrival had pointed. Freed of the cloak, the nimble Nerta acts as vanguard while the count leads them through the bog and into the crumbling remains of the old village.  "This place isn't much better for a fight, Soren." A howl echoes, "Especially with numbers like that." As the bard breaks into song, a crooked smile sneaks onto her face. No hood to hide behind now. "Did you choose this tower for the archer, or for your final performance?" Before Soren could respond the audience arrived. The mangy things were near starved. With patchy brown fur highlighting sleek muscles and the angular bones underneath. The first of the beasts hurls itself at the door in a mad dash only to catch a sweep of Nerta's spear across one flank. As the thing pivots and snarls to earn a dagger in the eye while another flashes through the open door into the haunch of a second beast.  "Because I'm not ready for your finale, and you don't have my permission to die." Grinning as she springs from her crouch, Nerta fights like no one else. Balancing fluidly from foot to hand, from door jam to floor, her many hands are a blur of motion that sees her twist like a tree. Like a whirlwind of death that stabs, strikes and dodges the first wave of beasts. She even catches herself when a bit of stray mud from her trousers threatens to toss her into the wall of the tower. Puffing aside stray hair she casts a glance up as the archer makes a clean shot, saving Nerta from a toothy necklace.  "I like her..." Yet though the pawns might have been sacrificed, where were the rest of the pieces?   Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Rin Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers From the tower window came a cry. "Two more from behind the tower." In a one two beat, the thwip of two arrows zip-lined from the tower and the first wolf slumped and skidded to a halt as the second took it in its shoulder and kept charging. The next round of wolves were larger and significantly healthier. The runts knew they hadn't stood a chance and scattered, so Rin focused her fire on one then another, hoping to bring them down quickly. One. Two. Three. These wolves were soaking up arrows with heavy muscle. She got the throat of one and it even tried to snap its jaws in Soren's direction one last time before it collapsed. She watched as Soren rounded on the next one, his own spear dancing. It was a sight to behold, the strange woman and the noble seemed to be in tune with each others movements. As the woman danced around, the man drove his spear into a beast, and when he was on defense, she picked right up where he left off. Thwip. Thwip. Thwip. ... Nothing? "I'm out of arrows!" Rin looked around. The patter of another wolf came around the tower again and she panicked. It was bigger than any so far. Left. Right. The other adventurer was stuck in a tree, the big wolf looked on, looming over the victims it watched, waiting for exhaustion to set in. Next came the throwing knives. She had one shot she could take, did she dare with the others around? Rin (The Runner)
Roleplay from Soren Message sent to Everyone in Rivers Soren moved easily with Nerta, the two neved once colliding as they kept the wolves pushed back. This may not be so bad, he thought as the tip of the spear found flesh. He twisted and drove the tip in deeper and with a jerk extricated the butt straight into another wolf's snout. Two more of the larger wolves came at them, one bearing down on the priestess. She blocked only to hear the cry from the tower that the adventurer was out of arrows. Both front paws threatened to push her down into the muck as the spear kept the beast at bay. The other charged Soren. He stepped back as the beast's jaws snapped at air. Instead of protecting himself he flipped the spear and drove it into the belly of Nerta's attacker. "You don't get to die on me either," he told her, with a grin. "I've got at least one more song for you," he teased as he pressed his spear into one of her free hands and drew the sword at his hip. Was he crazy, or did he get a small smile in return? "And maybe a real dance," he added as he brought the sword down on the wolf that had come for him. The big wolf, Blackjaw itself stands on high alert, watching, waiting. It seemed aware of the nearby adventurer, offering a low hum of a growl the whole time it was near. Slowly, it turned its attention toward Tyler, smelling more human in the tree nearby. The first step was immediately halted by a yelp as it stepped on the caltrops scattered below. The growl went from hum to a battlecry. If it could give a look, this one said - Blackjaw's head whipped around toward Nerta and Soren as Tyler got the distraction he needed. Focusing on the man's sword, a thing that partially looked like the smith had used crude metals hastily melted into a blade, and constantly giving off a feeling of something wrong. That sword was back. It knew it. The beast crouched and prepared to join the fight itself. Soren (Count of Seven Rivers)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers A single branch. That's all it took to get the wolfs attention. It seemed sturdy enough to grab onto for support but almost immediately snapped I'm half when he reached out to grab it. The wolf bright eyes met his and for just a moment it seemed it was going to snap the very tree he stood in in half. He saw the irritation turn to bloodlust in the beasts eyes when it stumbled into his little trap. The only problem now was the beast knew exactly where he was. Luckily the wolf attention snapped to his two companions. Well if he was going to make a move it needed to be now. Tyler tested the strength of the branch he stood on. It seemed sturdy enough though if he's wrong he will be too dead for it to matter. He took a long deep breath and steadied his nerves. And then he two quick steps as far out as he dared be on the branch and leaped from the top of it. He had only one thought as he plummeted his dagger held firmly in both hands towards the massive wolfs back. Please don't miss. ​​​​​​The daggers pierces the wolfs back leg from the base of the tail and the weight of Tyler's body dragged the blade down nearly a foot before the flesh held the blade firmly in place. The wolf let out a defending howl causing Tyler's ears to ring nearly making him lose his grip on the blade. The wolf began to flail violently in an attempt to shake off his attacker which unfortunately for Tyler was working inch by inch he could see the dagger sliding from the wound and when he finally got dislodged he would be falling into the middle of a waiting and hungry pack. All he could do now was hold on and see what happens next. Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)
Roleplay from Nerta the Weaver Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers The whirling dance of blades is a far cry better than what The Sun in Iron & Gold managed during the Equinox Masquerade. Weaving and ducking around the more stable Soren, the woman spares him another fleeting smile as he strikes down a beast inches from snapping at her leg. "A real dance?" Wolf blood splashes across an arm. "What's more real than death." Bracing the second spear to form a crude pike wall, the woman's glittering eyes are drawn away from Blackjaw and toward the twisted slag of a blade in Soren's hand. "Crystal Cursed! What is that?" Soren's response is cut off by the piercing howl of the huge wolf. Tyler had made his move and now the pack was closing in. "I hope it cuts better than it looks or else Tyler's going to be consecrated in his own blood." Nerta's skittering run toward the pack brings the taste of musk and blood. She adds to the bounty with a slash of Soren's spear, but there were a dozen yet, and even she couldn't get eyes on the back of her head. She needed an edge though, and reaches for a Graft. The pain is sharp, like claws tearing through her darkening skin. She manages a convulsing stab into a second beast, but the shuddering hiss of pain pins her in place while glossy chitin hardens around her. Nerta the Weaver (Foederati)
Roleplay from Soren Message sent to Everyone in Rivers Soren (Count of Seven Rivers)
Roleplay from Tyler Message sent to Everyone in Seven Rivers Tyler (Thrice-Blessed)