[i][b][center]Backflash: Two Days Ago[/center][/b][/i]

[h3][color=a2d39c][b][center]Ntaj Zoov Yaaj[/center][/b][/color][/h3]
[Center][color=a2d39c][b]Location:[/b][/color] Heading towards Gorlf Northern Territory
[color=a2d39c][b]Actions:[/b][/color] Traveling with a caravan[/center]

Ntaj was not a religious man. And while he was taught how to read and write as a prince of Dark Star, educated wasn’t the most appropriate word to describe him. But he did know things, and he liked to think he was [i]creative[/i]. Ntaj’s crazy plan first began when the caravan was stopped at a river. There was suppose to be a bridge here, but it seemed that time and possibly vandals had made the bridge nonfunctional. The only alternative was to try to do a cheap repair job to cross the bridge, otherwise they’d have to turn around and find another path, which would take at least a day to do. Fortunately the bodyguards were also adapt carpenters, and while they couldn’t restore the bridge to it’s full glory, they could at least rig up some repairs to allow the wagons to cross. Afterwards they’ll leave it to the lord of these lands to deal with it.

While the guards were busy with their craft, Ntaj was busy with his own. As he worked, the human from before came over to him. Turns out the human, who Ntaj learned was named “Claire Ericson”, was in fact a cleric. But more along the lines of of a record keeper and historian. Though he was perfectly able to perform some magic and could easily make holy water. “Ntaj? What are you doing?” The half-orc raised up an empty pot in his hands. In front of him was a small fire. [color=a2d39c]”Ntaj make Holy Water! Ntaj no holy man. But many culture make charm for ghosts. So Ntaj make charm.”[/color] This both confused and amused Claire, who simply watched Ntaj.

First, Ntaj had managed to procure himself a small pot to hold some river water in, and made a small campfire. Using some tinder, flint, and steel he borrowed from the caravanners, Ntaj made a small fire.[color=a2d39c]”Fire. Stop darkness, make light. Fire create or destroy. Fire make good holy symbol or ward.”[/color] Claire nodded, neither agreeing or disagreeing with Ntaj. Then Ntaj reached into his bag of food. Inside he took out a smaller bag, and from this bag he had a handful of… Beetles.They looked dead, dried, and slightly golden. [color=a2d39c]”Scarabs! Symbol of Sun and Sun Gods. And taste good.”[/color] Ntaj popped one of the beetles into his mouth; a little snack as he worked on this convoluted project. Claire looked slightly disgusted and spoke up. “Holy water isn’t made with any bugs.” Ntaj ignored Claire and proceeded with his experiment.

Next Ntaj reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle. Opening it’s cork, and the strong smell of alcohol wafted out. It was very strong; this stuff wasn’t meant for drinking, but cleaning wounds. [color=a2d39c]”Alcohol. Offering to gods, and cleans.”[/color] Ntaj only poured a few ounces before putting the bottle away. Claire could see alcohol being used for religious ceremonies. Some churches practice communion of bread and wine. Next ntaj reached into his bag, which Claire now assumes must be his lunch bag, and pulled out a box full of spices. [color=a2d39c]”Now Salt. Salt protects against evil, clean the body and soul. Also Sugar, because looks same. Might need lots.”[/color] At this Claire started laughing. This wasn’t making holy water so much as it was making a very strange cocktail. River water, golden scarabs, alcohol, spices, all boiled over a small fire. Claire could see elements of each employed somehow in different cultures, but as a cleric he could tell that what Ntaj had made wasn’t holy water. At this point it wasn’t even water.

“Ntaj, that’s not how holy water is made.” The half-orc was stirring his concoction when his friend explained to him how Holy Water was made. For starters, one of the ingredients that Claire uses is just silver powder. Silver’s innate magical properties is crucial to the holy power of Holy Water. It also helped channel and keep positive energy, which is what makes Holy Water effective against undead and the like. It was also positive energy that was needed: something that only those gifted in divine magic could cast. Or those who know their way around mystical arcane lore. Either way, two things that Ntaj wasn’t well versed in. Most are barely aware of the difference. [color=a2d39c]”Hnnng. Now how Ntaj get holy water?”[/color]

Claire shrugged and looked into one of his pouches. “I think I have enough silver powder here to make you a vial. However I was hoping to save this for some other emergencies” Ntaj looked at Claire, then back at his own poorly made holy water, then back at Claire. [color=a2d39c]”I pay.”[/color] Ntaj took out some gold, to which Claire happily accepted. “Give me some time and I’ll have a jar of holy water ready for you.”

Ntaj spent the rest of that day helping out the caravan, seeing that his holy water project wasn’t going to go anywhere. He offered his brawn to help cut down some trees as well as showed off his more hands-on ability to carve wood. Using only a knife he was able to cut sectional planks of wood from a log and used it to help cover up the holes in the bridge. And with a lack of nails to go around, Ntaj also helped create a crude support beam strong enough to support the weight of a wagon over the bridge. As he was helping one of the guards fit the last log into the support beam, someone started shouting. It was in a language that Ntaj didn’t know, but the guardsman looked and julped away. [color=a2d39c]”Huh? What-”[/color]’

Just then everything went black. The last thing Ntaj saw was the river right beneath him. He fell into the drink, and immediately his vision was dark and his body went cold. He couldn’t feel his body but despite that he fought, he swam, and he did everything he taught he could do. But regardless of whatever he tried, he didn’t wake up until nightfall. He ended up on a river bank, with the bridge nowhere in sight. He checked his person for anything he was able to keep, but all he had was the clothes on his body. Everything in his pouches must had fallen out, and even his sheath was empty of it’s knife. [color=a2d39c]”Not good.”[/color]

Ntaj could at least tell that wherever the others went, they would be up river. He hasn’t been to these parts of the woods before, but he generally knew his way around a forest. As long as he stayed near the river and traveled up stream, he should be fine. At the very least he’ll be back at the bridge and try to make his way back to the caravan. So without further thought Ntaj started walking up the river, unaware of those who were watching him. Watching the trespasser.

Moving quickly as night was falling fast, Ntaj traversed through the woods with a fair amount of ease. There weren’t many obstacles aside from brush and maybe a few stones, and while that might have foiled a city folk, Ntaj had no qualms hopping through briars or over sharp rocks. He figured he was making good time when he heard someone singing. Immediately Ntaj was on guard: singing in the middle of the forests were always a bad sign. Sirens or fey folk. [color=a2d39c]”Not. Good.”[/color]

Ntaj started running now. He wasn’t sure if the singer had found him or not, but if they did then he needed to leave. If they haven’t then that just meant he had more time to escape. But sure enough, whoever was singing did so to try to lure him. And they didn’t want him to leave. At the corners of his eyes he could see shadows darting between the trees; shapeless forms trying to get ahead of him. They were impeded by the woods, while Ntaj was fortunate enough to have a clear riverbank to run across. But his luck ran out when he came face-to-face with a cliff. [color=a2d39c]”Shit!”[/color] Wasting no time Ntaj tried to climb up it. There were some natural hand-holds to help him keep a solid grip, but he was too slow. He felt something solid and sticky hit his back and slam him into the ground.

During the few seconds he was air born Ntaj saw the [url=http://media.wizards.com/2016/images/daily/SOI_The_Gitrog_Monster_Jason-Kang.jpg]monstrosity[/url] that had grappled him. An ugly creature he could only describe as a “large toad”, by all accounts it wasn’t that intimidating by appearance alone. But for the lone warrior, without a weapon or a clue of where he was at, the thing may as well have been an eldritch abomination. Ntaj struggled to get out of the grip of the monster’s tongue, but instead of slipping out it simply tighten, crushing his ribs and making Ntaj short of breath. [color=a2d39c]”Waaaargh! Fea ona amin val!”[/color] Ntaj called forth the strength of the beasts within him, ignoring the crushing pain in his abdomen and pulling himself to freedom. But as he struggled, the beast pulled Ntaj closer. He was in no hurry. He did not think Ntaj would escape. And he didn’t.

Before Ntaj could even get his waist out, the monster placed a heavy foot on his chest, pressing his weight against the half-orcs body. He thought he would die not, his body crushed underneath the weight of the beast and then devoured. But then the creature looked at him. From the monster’s mouth first came beautiful music; and then it became horrid droning noise that drowned out all other sounds. It forced Ntaj to look at it directly, it’s pulsating eyes hypnotizing Ntaj. He tried to look away, but the monster’s tongue wrapped around his body until it reached his neck, forcing him to look wherever the beast wanted him to. It lifted Ntaj off the ground by his neck, continuing to mjezermize him until Ntaj’s body and mind became too weak to struggle. Then it spoke.

[b][i]”Feed me.”[/i][/b]

Ntaj opened his eyes and saw Claire standing above him. Immediately Ntaj shot up and jumped away, suddenly on the defensive. But he looked around, realizing that it was still day time. Ntaj was very confused, so Claira spoke slowly. “It’s alright Ntaj. When you were helping the others with the bridge, a large current of water swept you into the river. You got dashed against a couple of stones, but fortunately you got caught in some roots. Despite what you went through, your injuries are fairly minor. You’re pretty tough, you know that?” Ntaj wasn’t sure to believe him. He swore he was just about to get eaten or… Something… By that frog monster. Was it all just some sort of nightmare? Surely not; Ntaj wasn’t asleep. But then again he wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. Claire, sensing that maybe Ntaj wasn’t doing so well, handed him some sort of liquid. “It’s medicine. While you’re wounds are patched up, I think your head might still be… Wobbly. This should help you think straight.”

Ntaj looked at the medicine cautiously. He wasn’t normally a paranoid one, but after that nightmare Ntaj wasn’t entirely wanting to drink mysterious liquids. For all he knew this was just another part of his nightmare. But soon Honey arrived, curious as to what happened to Ntaj. He went up to the half-orc and put his claws on his leg, the little warmth reminding the half-orc that the animal spirits were watching over him. True perhaps that they aren’t always working within his best interests, but he couldn’t deny that they were powerful, and so he should learn to work with them. He had no idea what the monstrous toad was, but if he had to guess it may have been a warning from the spirits. What the nature of that warning is, Ntaj isn’t certain. He’ll have to think on it.

For now he had wounds to restore. Taking the medicine Ntaj drank it, struggling not to immediately spit out the bitter drink. He swallowed it without giving too much of a chance to taste, bringing a smile to Claire’s face. “Impressive. Most people don’t just chug the medicine. You’re suppose to just take a spoonful and chase it with water.” Handing the vial back to Claire, the helped Ntaj to his feet. He pointed over to a wet pile of his belongings on the ground. While some of the stuff were ruined such as the tindertwigs, most of Ntaj’s other stuff were perfectly fine, if a bit wet. More importantly the pipeweed was intact and still dry, thanks to it’s sealed container. 

“Oh, one more thing.” Claire spoke as Ntaj was getting his belongings together. “The bridge is nearly done, faster than we anticipated too. The caravan master thinks that we’ll make it to the border either by tomorrow morning, or possibly even tonight. I understand that’s where you’re heading, so I would suggest getting some rest while you can. One last thing: Your holy water is finished. Just come to my tent and I’ll fill you up.” Claire left Ntaj alone with his thoughts, trying to figure out what to do with himself. 

Ntaj knew the importance of dreams and how they predict one’s future. Even nightmares can send warnings of danger within the near future. Discerning these things took much knowledge however, knowledge that Ntaj simply doesn’t have. At best he could provide guesswork and maybe do some self-reflection. But he was no dream weaver, nor a shaman. Whatever these strange dreams these past few days were about, he may never know. All he could really do is keep them in mind, and hopefully their purpose would be made apparent. So taking out one of his rolls of pipeweed, Ntaj smoked a blunt to ease his mind before he went to see Claire.

Claire was just packing up his things as the caravan was getting ready to leave when Ntaj arrived. Knowing what he wanted Claire had a fairly large glass jar of holy water for Ntaj. “Here you go. We just cleaned this jar during lunch, and it’s getting a bit old. Hopefully it’ll still hold water for you.” Ntaj looked at the bottle and felt a little uncertain. First starters, it was far too large from him to put it into his bandolier. He’d need to make a strap or something to attach it to his belt. And the glass certainly looked dirty and damaged enough that if Ntaj fell through the river again, this bottle would likely break. The half-orc was glad that Claire had been willing to make the holy water of course, but it wouldn't help him much if it won’t last long. BUt that’s when Ntaj had an ingenious idea.

[color=a2d39c]”Claire, need magic weapon for ghost, oui?”[/color] Claire nodded his head. “Yes. Mundane weapons are ineffective against ghost and other incorporeal creatures. Magic weapons have a chance of harming them. Holy water can make contact with ghosts and hurt them however.” Ntaj nodded his head furiously. [color=a2d39c]”Oui, oui. Ntaj throw jar at ghost, ghost no hurt by jar, just water, oui?”[/color] Claire nodded his head, uncertain what Ntaj was going with this. “Yes… Ghost are able to ignore physical barriers. Weather you’re wearing nothing but pants or in full plate, a ghost could phase through either.” Ntaj nodded his head in agreement as he went back to his belongings and rifled through his bags. He looked around his various cooking wear and eventually found a metal jar currently containing honey. He emptied this out by eating it, sharing it with his badger who quickly licked the container clean. Then Ntaj poured the jar of holy water into it’s new, sturdier container. Claire came over and saw this, still not certain what Ntaj was doing. “Oh, you already have your own jar. Well, that’s good I suppose. But that lid looks rather hard to open. How do you intend to splash the ghosts with holy water when it’s sealed up like that?” Ntaj turned to Claire and smiled. [color=a2d39c]”No splash. Just hit.”[/color]

Taking some rope, Ntaj used the rope to help further seal the metal jar, leaving about three feet of rope hanging off to create an improvised flail. Claire seemed confused. “Wait… What are you doing Ntaj?” The half-orc looked to the human as he playfully spun the flail around in a circle. [color=a2d39c]”You say ghost no hurt by jar. Just holy water. So no throw water, just hit with holy water jar. Ghost go through jar, get hit by holy water inside. Save water, and Ntaj better at hitting with flail.”[/color] Claire scratched his head, uncertain how well that would work. He’s certainly never seen anyone do something like this. Claire figured that Ntaj wasn’t wrong and this would be a good way to fight ghosts. Won’t be as useful for other evil or undead corporeal creatures however, since then all Ntaj would be doing is hitting them with a metal jar on a rope. But Claire wasn’t going to kill Ntaj’s mood. “Good job, I guess.”

Soon after it was time to move. The sun was setting down to the horizon and the caravan master said that they will make camp within three hours. Ntaj hopped back into his cart with his new found holy weapon, Honey, and something to think about during the trip. He also took out the book that Claire had lend him, still wanting to read a few excerpts from it. He would have to give it back soon, so Ntaj wanted to try to learn as much as he could. If only it wasn’t in common.