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@Lucius Cypher

Ethan was taken aback from the easily hostile gesture of the axe wielding man. He had been nothing but a cooperative and amicable individual even before setting foot in the village, this was an outrage. Ethan regains his composure and then stands tall in front of this man. A stern look reciprocated the man's narrowed eyes as Ethan towered over the man by half a head. Ethan had a fire behind his eyes but his voice remained calm none the less, though his words lacked any semblance of the warmth nor friendliness. "It is rare for me to feel frustration...but you sir; you wound me." Ethan pauses slightly to let the man process his uttered words before speaking again. "Have I not been on my best behavior? Have I done something, that I am completely unaware of, to disrespect you and gain your ire?" He asks the man rhetorical questions. "Because, I simply cannot comprehend this rude and outright unjust hostility aimed against my person."

Ethan's focus then shifted to a man no older than he was approaching with a group of men surrounding him. This seemed to be the chief the man had spoken about. Patting himself down to remove traces of dust or dirt from his clothes to make himself look slightly more presentable as well as giving him time to level his head again. After doing so, he offers the slightly older man a tip of a hat and an introduction. "Good eve, ser. I am Ethan Bradford, a courier working for Sips in Frontier town, and I graciously accept your apology. I do understand the fear for the bandits but the unjust hostility is simply mind-boggling." Ethan lets out an exasperated sigh. "My business here is to pick up the goods ordered by Sips. If you could help me do that, Ill be on the boat heading to Frontier Town and out before the first star makes an appearance."



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Katherine


Once Katherine approached, the tiefling took a seat beside the blond woman, who seemed to take her time looking at Katherine and examining her features. Her light white hair, golden yellow eyes, her near pitch black tail. Compared to the others here, Katherine was relatively normal looking aside from the blond. The Tiefling had demonic written all over his empty face, the snakeman seemed more beastial than human, and there was something off about the gnome, more so than gnomes normally are. Even the leader herself had a certain look about her that made you wonder if her head was going to split open into a giant toothy maw and bite your face off. Or maybe Kathrine was just down here for too long.

"Katherine Lindall... A pleasure. I am Selena Riovas. Not many know of Underhaven, and less know of Lucilia, especially for newcomers. I'm well aware of why you're here, as my eyes can see more than just the darkness underground, so let's not try to be too coy with one another. To that end I'm actually looking for Lucilia myself. It's strange for her to not be here for so long with no notice. Doubtful that she's in any danger, but just as well who knows what's going on with her... My friends and I plan to head up to the surface to look. Care to join us?"

As Selena spoke to Katherine, her tiefling minion as well as the snake man spoke to Livia. Seemed that the vampire had no interest in Livia, or perhaps she just wanted to divide the two sisters from one another so she could have Katherine all to herself. Indeed, as Katherine looked at Selena, her view would shift slowly into Selena's eyes, almost mesmerizing so. Like looking into a bright portal into a new world, mysterious yet tempting.

@Pyromania99




Livia


As Livia approached, the demon who had spoke to Katherine turned towards her. His wicked grimace continued to bare his toothy smile as he gave her his attention. "Please to make your acquaintance, Mistress Fiore. We've been expecting you." He snapped his fingers towards the snakeman who stopped to see what was going on. Seemed like he wasn't paying too much attention. "You name carries some weight even here, though I imagine that you're not the type of woman who intends to coast along a family name. Such ambition is admirable; lesser folk would resent you out of jealousy, thinking that you've thrown away privilege to feed your own pride, but simple folk rarely understand the intricacies of aristocracy and the responsibilities that come with it. In any case, I am Darc." After his lengthy introduction the tiefling took one of the vials that the snakeman had and handed it to Livia. It was tightly corked and in a fairly thick glass, as far as small vials go.

"A welcoming gift for one such as yourself. Snake Venom. Now I'm sure you're wondering what the price would be, but let me be blunt and simply say that this is a gift to earn your trust. I certain that you've had a poor reception since you've arrived here, and I have no doubts that you were tormented on your way to this place. Far be it from me to complicate it further with unnecessary distractions, requests, or bargaining. But enough sophistry. Maeda is a busy woman and so she doesn't like to be kept. I'm sure there's still more that needs to be done, so allow me to humbly offer my services for you, in exchange for a lasting partnership in the near future. You're free to refuse of course... But be doubly sure that you can afford to do so."

@Rune_Alchemist




Ethan


The men gathered seemed highly annoyed at Ethan, but their chief simply raised a hand to make them backdown. He spoke quietly to Ethan so he could mull on why these men are so high strung. "One of Sip's Couriers brought these bandits into the village. He worked with them in order to learn where our valuables were stored, our patrols, and who among the villagers could repel their raiders. Many of the young folk were killed because these men were far too kind and trusting of a stranger who showed no ill-intent. They don't intend to make that mistake a second time." The chief sighed and stepped back to reorganize his thoughts before speaking more clearly. "As for your goods, I'm afraid that due to recent bandit activities, we've not been able to prepare them. After the last attack we've been forced to take considerable withdrawals from our emergency supplies and we've not been able to meet our quotas." The chief handed Ethan a tightly wrapped package that was about as thick as a notebook.

"In that parcel is a message saying as much to Sips. He won't like it of course, but you can hardly be faulted for our troubles. If you do still wish to gain the supplies Sips wants, I'm sure the bandits within the forest still have them, but obviously I don't recommend you do that by yourself or even now, as it's getting late. The next village is a fair bit of distance away and I have no doubt that it will have it's own perils, and not just because of the bandits. Frankly I'd recommend you turn back and return to the town immediately; even if you could somehow avoid any dangers along the way you'll be cutting it quiet close before the ferry is closed for the night. And word of our troubles have already reached the next village, so you should be prepared if they too meet your with some hostility, or at the very least have no desire to house you for the night if you're stuck there."

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Was...she being ignored by that woman? Selene Riovas, she said her name was from mild eavesdropping. How rude, and she was quite so intently studying her sister. Livia frowned a slightly as the Tiefling, Darc addressed her. Why must her sister always seem to draw everyone's attention? Made her want to vomit. At least the obvious demonspawn in front of her was mildly interesting. What even was he? A Tiefling of some sort, but he lacked a face at all. Intriguing, to say the least. Smooth talker too, judging from his words - and more than a little friendly. Overly so. At least he was transparent about his desires to return a favor for a favor instead of wasting time with honeyed words and thinly veiled treats.

"Well," Livia took the vile of snake venom, observing it as Darc finished. It was refreshing to meet a seemingly mildly reasonable person after dealing with that...whatever that was on the way here. "My 'trust' as you say is a little harder to earn then just a free vial of snake venom, but you're certainly on the right path. A pleasure indeed, Darc." She smiled faintly. A partnership? Now that was certainly an enticing offer, but she wasn't about to leap without looking a little first. "You'd be correct in assuming the welcome has been less than pleasant. The orcs were quite...difficult to deal with, and finding my way here was no small feat." She cast a grimace over to the kid still sitting at the bar. "And I have a feeling we were being expressly messed with." Putting the vial of Snake venom in some of her various belt pouches, Livia returned to the matter at hand. "...but such things are a learning experience. Now what exactly can you offer me from this 'partnership'? Aside from the pleasure of your company, of course."

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Ethan wanted to express further distaste regarding the annoyed looks that he was given but held his tongue for the sake of keeping things polite in front of the chief. The young man let out a dismissive huff as if to resign to the fate of being hated but also to signify to the militia that their gazes and threats will no longer find purchase. He opted to focus on the message meant for his employer put the parcel within the safety of his durable pack. "Believe me, ser. I am not mad enough to face bandits alone...though you might call me mad for proceeding with my task. I thank you for your concern, ser, but leaving things half done is something that does not sit well with me. I was raised better than that." He secures his pack and small satchel on his person and draws out a single torch with one hand and holding his walking stick tightly with his other. "May it gain mockery or respect, I am simply not the kind of man to leave tasks and jobs unfinished." He gives the chief a curt but polite bow before bidding him fare well.

Ethan then begins walking to the last town at a steady but brisk pace. Doing his best to keep to the trail and avoid any unnecessary confrontations.



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Katherine Lindall-Fiore






Katherine watched as the woman introduced herself. Selena Riovas. A name she'd likely need to remember. Her eyes drifted over to Livia as she was handed a vial of Snake Venom. If that's what that even was. At this point, did they even need to talk to this Lucilia woman? They had the snake venom the teacher had requested. "Well, if you wish to dispense of coyness I suppose I can oblige. With that said, we had come down here to purchase or otherwise obtain snake venom from Lucilia. It appears though that our groups meeting has been a greater bless than I had expected. We meet a beauty and obtain what it is we had sought. That said, with that we have no special need of Lucilia." Katherine commented. "Though..." The Aasimar mentioned, trailing off though as her eyes started to meet Selena's. It felt like... Hmmm... Nothing good. Definitely not. Nope. She tried to break a small bit of eye contact with a look to the side. "But we could head top side with you all and keep an eye out for her as we do the rest of our business."

It's all she could really manage at the moment, though it was more than she would have had they not been chased down. That definitely gave her an entirely different perspective on the entirety of the Underhaven. Mostly that she was not a fan of down here. It was also probably best she DIDN'T tell this woman what exactly she thought of the Underhaven at the moment, though she was mostly biased from being chased. Realistically though, the majority of her encounters with the folk down her has been slightly positive. Ever so slightly.
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Katherine


“That would be most excellent then, Katherine. It is getting quite late which is the best time for people like myself to be out and about.” Selena says as she stands up and begins to leave. There was a small smile on her face. “While you’re still with us, I should show you a shortcut from Underhaven to the town proper. It can get dreadfully tedious walking the tunnels all the way here. Let’s go everyone.” With a commanding tone most of Selena’s posse put away their things and followed her, though Darc remained close to Livia.

“So, do tell me a little about yourself, Katherine. I’m sure someone of your heritage has quite a tale to tell.”

@Pyromania99




Livia


Darc’s trademark smile never ceases to fade as Livia asked what he could possibly do for her. “Of course, in this small town, there is no limit of the strong and determined who will gladly let fists communicate their meaning, whose bullheadedness could be used to break rocks, but I am not like that. Frankly strength is not my strong suit. But I have other skills that go under appreciated, intentionally so. For someone like yourself, who needn’t resort to such barbaric measures as shouting and making grand challenged, I can do much for you Indeed.” Darc stood up as Selena ordered them to head up to the surface, with Darc staying near Livia to continue his conversation with her.

“Take those orcs for example. A brutish lot. A direct confrontation must be met with force. But should I be there, I shall handle it with finesse. Oh yes, surely whatever you need from them could be easily obtained… For me, at the very least. And I’d gladly help you, if you so desire, after all I’m sure that your dealings with them did not end satisfactory. Typically doesn’t when speaking of those ruffians.”

@Rune_Alchemist




Ethan


The final route towards the last village would be the longest. The sun was already setting down on the horizon and Ethan wouldn’t even be halfway before it was properly nighttime at the rate he was going. At least the skies were clear so that the moonlight could provide some illumination for the night, but that alone won’t stop certain creatures from venturing out.

But beasts were the least of Ethan’s problems. Because at night, mortal creatures tend to be aware of the dangers and stay within. But creatures of the woods, the fey, see the night as an opportunity to truly go wild. On the distance Ethan could hear howling, but not from wolves. A different beast… But no less vicious…

There was torch light in the distance. Moving away from Ethan, and there appeared to be at least two torches. They running. Perhaps towards the town, or maybe away from something? Ethan would have to run and find out.

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The moon had dipped down on the horizon and soon the moon made its appearance in the twilight. He wasn't even halfway to the last town he needed to go to. A howl emanated from somewhere Ethan could not discern, it sounded almost like a wolf, but different enough for Ethan to know that it was not a wolf. The young man let out a shaky laugh at the thought of a cougar howling but a sense of dread soon followed as he reasoned out that there were far worse creatures that dwelt within the forests and woodlands.

It was then he saw the torchlight further up the path, two torches at least moving away from him with post haste. Squinting, he could discern that they were humanoid and moving further and further away. "Why in the nine hells are they running?" Whatever scared the two humanoids was somewhere near, and Ethan was in no condition to be running anymore. Snuffing out his torch, he goes fifteen feet into the brush beside the path and begins to sneak his way towards the town.

He hoped whatever manner of creature or thing that scared the two, would not take notice of his stealthy passage.



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"...you seem to be quite well informed of recent events." Livia mused coolly, standing up and followed the others. Dangerous, this faceless Teifling was. Well informed and likely had more information where that came from. Not that it mattered in the short term. She had little choice if she were to complete these tasks for Maeda and gain access to those ruins. As well, those orcs really could be knocked down a peg after their behavior and she wasn't going to turn away a potential ally in that regard. "Indeed. They saw me as a villain trying to bully them. Unfortunate really. I was rather hoping to have their cooperation but I suppose I expected too much of their simple minds." Glancing over to Katherine to make sure she wasn't getting into trouble, Livia continued.

"If you can...convince the orcs to hand over the resin before tomorrow morning that would be most appreciated." She smiled. "And if you do it well, I perhaps might find myself in need of your services again later."

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Katherine Lindall-Fiore






"Me? A tale to tell?" Katherine asked, somewhat surprised. "Well... I was abandoned as a child because of my tail supposedly. I was picked up by a wizard and we lived together for some years. He soon died but first pulled favors with a noble family he was friends with." She mentioned, motioning back to Livia. "Her family. Supposedly a better life, but I could never quite get that old man out of my mind." She mentioned looking a bit melancholic. It quickly passed though as she continued to follow along with the blonde. She felt that for now, it might be best not to mention the voice that guided her from time to time. "I just so happened to find myself following my sister out here." She stated. She didn't seem exactly like that was the reason but didn't seem like she'd budge on the subject.

"Why show such an interest in me? I might be a rare breed but I'm little more than a failure of a wizard with nothing but beautiful women on the mind." Katherine asked, curious in Selena's reasoning. "Unless you happen to swing that way and wanted a little 'night-time fun' with my sister and I... There's little else I can offer."
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𝕬 𝖓 𝖙 𝖆 𝖊 𝖚 𝖘


North Forest Clearing



Antaeus had no time to think, no time to plan nor consider, no time to do anything but act. Yet there was certainly a logic to his chosen action. Subconsciously, he knew this, and thus chose to do as he did. He had been in a few risky situations in the mines, after all, and had learned from his father--as he had in many other cases--that you had to prioritize. If you tried to help someone else, sometimes you just made things worse. Sometimes you wasted time that could have been spent solving the problem, and because you couldn't help someone else you ended up getting the both of you in even more trouble. Sometimes everyone died in the cave-in because you tried to hold up the support pillar with someone else instead of sounding the warning like they told you.

If he ran from the Stag, it could outrun him. It could kill him. He didn't have the time right now to try and save the Silver Haired girl; he could only hope that she would last just a few moments longer. But if he succeeded, then he could do it. Then they would be safe, at least for a moment.

For right now, he had to fight. It would do no good to try and save someone else if he couldn't save himself. He had to fight the Stag, and he had to win.

Sweat flying from his brow, eyes wide with both terror and adrenaline, he swung the pick with both hands at the White Stag's bleeding and battered form...



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Ethan


Ethan's path is slow, each step taking far longer than it should for someone who's been warned many times to reach town as quickly as possible. But fortune smiles upon him, as his subtly allowed him to avoid what would have been a horrific tragedy; it appears that not too far into the forest were a cadre of undead. It was a mix of men and beast, obviously dead but also animated unnaturally. They shambled out from the forest aimlessly looking for their next meal. Ethan, due to his stealth and distance, was not noticed by these undead, though he was now at a point where he must either sit and wait for the undead to move, or try to press forward whilst avoiding their attention. Their shuffling movements give the zombies a sluggish gait, but one can never really underestimate that which shouldn't exist in the first place.

Additionally the torch bearers that ran were nowhere in sight, their torchlight masked by the dark canopy of the forest ahead. Another obstacle in Ethan's path, it would appear that the road he must walk also goes through these cursed woods. Or he could try to take an even longer path to avoid the woods, but there was no guarantee that an alternative path would be any safer. It won't be long before clouds would cover the moon as well, and without Ethan's torch the night would be engulfed in darkness.

@Searat




Livia


”It’s a small town.” The tiefling said cooly as they left. Darc said little as the group left Underhaven and started to walk through the darkness. Shortly before they left Livia would pass the little blond girl who was chasing them. She seemed focused on drinking her mystery drink, but for a moment she and Livia would lock eyes, and within that same moment the girl’s toothy, monsterous grin would be revealed, but within a blink it was gone and the girl was just drinking alone again. Aside from that she didn’t seem to notice or interact with Livia as the group walked through the dark tunnels.

As they walked through the tunnels Darc was near Livia to speak with her a bit more about their business. ”I have many means available. I’ll have that resin by tonight. Pray tell, what do you think that charming spider has in mind for it? The orcs use it for their recreation. I can’t fathom myself what a spellcaster like Maeda needs it for.”

@Rune_Alchemist




Katherine

”Oh Katherine, while I’d certainly enjoy the simpler things in life, I’ve always been more the type to see the possibilities, to indulge in the fantasy, than simply stick to reality or experience.” Selena chuckled as her little group gathered up to leave. She turned to the bouncer and simply motioned something with his hand. He nodded and got back to drinking. ”Let’s be off.” Selena naturally took the lead, though she made sure Katherine was alongside her as well. As she walked Selena explained a bit more about her motives. ”The rare and exotic in one place may just be common and asinine in another. Here in the frontier, a lady like yourself is rare indeed. And it’s important to take such things into consideration; the new and unknown could often be the key to problems that are long and unsolved. I myself have my sights on things bigger than this town. Certainly, it’s where I’ll start my ambitions, but it’s not where it will end. Alas, those who I’ve managed to collect are… Sufficient, but not enough.”

Selena motioned towards some of her other members. ”The demon looking fellow there is Darc. I’ve contracted him as part of my training as a mage. He may not look like much right now but the fact I’ve managed to accomplish such a devilish deal bolds well for my future endeavors. The Gnome, Gadget, is a friend of the family who has also been contracted to me. I’ll admit, I had little involvement in that one, so I’m not satisfied with it despite her ability. The Naga is someone who I’ve personally been grooming since he was a mere child. Servanus, the lone survivor. He wasn’t much in the beginning, but now he shows promise, so long as I can ensure his growth and development.” The vampire looked back to Katherine, her icy blue eyes giving a slightly dull glow in the darkness.

”To put it simple, I’m gathering a team. I don’t expect all of them to come fully equipped or talented with any particular skills. I’m not so greedy and spoilt to expect so much out of nothing. But what I do want is potential. And I can see potential in you, Katherine, even if you don’t. Especially since you don’t realize what you could do, with guidance and practice. And I’ll be more than happy to teach you… Should you choose to believe in me, who believes in you.”

@Pyromania99




Antaeus


The young miner’s pick sliced through the stag’s chest, causing blood to spill out all over the young man’s body and face. Yet despite how grevious this wound, the stag continued to live. It roared, and flailed, but knowing that it couldn’t see the young man would have seconds more to live as the beast ripped apart the coat wrapped around it’s head, allowing the man to see the face of the white stag. Eyes that shine like the moon in the black skles. So cold, so dead, yet at the same time burning with a wrath that could only be described as inhuman. For a animal that was not a wolf or a bear, this stag was not only mighty, but furious. It stared down Antaeus, despite it’s gushing wound, and somehow it’s beastial anger was replaced by a tranquil fury. A look of cruelty often reserved for vile men, but now within the body of a beast. The stag raised its hooves to crush Antaeus underneath like a twig beneath a boulder.

But mortal men have never been discouraged in the face of their greaters. The willingness to defy strength is what separates the untamed and wild from the mighty and united. A weapon of the common man, set to fly against the natural conventions of life and reason.

”Waaaaagh!”

A stone smashed into the face of the stag, causing it to screech in agony and fall to the ground. Rushing out from the woods, an orcish man armed with an oar with a sack full of weeds and herbs. He had heard the roaring and thought there might be danger. Without much thought or consideration, he joined a battle that wasn’t his own, and picked a side he knew nothing about. Such was the foolishness of mortals, to make decisions of the heart.

”I don’t know wot da hells goin on, but looks like meats back on da menu!”



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A she got up to leave, her eyes locked with that girl once more. Livia couldn't help but to frown deeply at the girl. Now that the suddenness of the entire situation wore off, she was considerably less frightened. In fact, she was rather curious about potentially speaking with the girl in question - but the time for that passed. Livia followed after the group, staying near Darc. It was annoying she couldn't see in Underhaven, so she'd at least have to trust them to lead her out of this place without getting herself lost.

"Well, Darc," Livia replied. "While the resin is used for recreation, it does have the potential to be used as a focus for certain spells. In this case, I assume she intends to use it to help with the attunement of a familiar." A logical conclusion, considering this entire business with the ruins as well as the needing to acquire a soul for her the dagger. It would be best not to mention the other items she had been gathering for the spider, either. No need to go around spreading rumors without reason. "So while those Orcs may use it for recreation, they are certainly not using it to its full potential." Though she couldn't say she didn't understand the need for such things to relax. Not that she'd do it herself - but her father was a connoisseur of such things, as he put it.

As the conversation died down, Livia turned her head towards the sound of Katherine and Selena. It was easy to find them, even in the darkness. Selena's eyes shone like beautiful sapphires in the darkness. Livia might have even said so, had the obvious inhuman woman not been so quick to utterly ignore her. Eavesdropping was usually considered impolite, but she couldn't trust Katherine not to do something incredibly stupid, and it was always good to at least on some level have a general idea of events. Besides, Selena wasn't exactly being very subtle or quiet.

"To put it simple, I’m gathering a team. I don’t expect all of them to come fully equipped or talented with any particular skills. I’m not so greedy and spoilt to expect so much out of nothing. But what I do want is potential. And I can see potential in you, Katherine, even if you don’t. Especially since you don’t realize what you could do, with guidance and practice. And I’ll be more than happy to teach you… Should you choose to believe in me, who believes in you.”

If it was possible to hear the sound of someones mental faculties snapping, they'd have completely drowned out the pairs conversation.

As Livia walked, her mouth curled slightly downwards into a frown. What...what was this dullard saying? Katherine? Potential? A team of some sort? Certainly, Livia would agree that Katherine certainly had some talent. Livia wouldn't have bothered even trying to teach her step sister if she wasn't. Hells, even if she wasn't she'd probably have done it. That was undeniable - but compared to herself? To her hard work, studies, and countless hours reading and studying! Even going so far as to attempt trying something most more advanced spell casters would even have trouble with! The idea in and of itself was absurd. It was laughable, even! If it wasn't so infuriating she'd have laughed!

And yet here she was, completely ignored. Ignored and obviously considered nothing more than useless or a burden? Something to be swept quietly away, locked in her room until dear old mother just decided to get rid of her!? Just because she wasn't special? Didn't carry the magic of her family, and wasn't 'pretty' enough to warrant parading around like a doll?! Her eyes, fixated on Selena for just a moment. If she had been younger, she'd probably have done something, but growing up under her mothers thumb quickly made her learn one thing - such acts of emotion got a person nowhere.

Livia folded her hands behind her as she walked, gripping them together tightly.

She was getting worked up over nothing. Nothing. She couldn't let herself be so agitated. It was quite likely Selena was just trying to butter up Katherine. She'd do the same. And probably say the same, too if she were in Selena's place. Still, the whole part about her being completely ignored this entire time by the woman and so obviously brushed aside...infuriating, even if she was completely used to it. If Selena was blind to real talent, hard work, and prestige instead of a coddled fool who's only talent was getting into trouble chasing after the nearest cute girl...fine. So be it. It didn't concern her, nor did she care.

"Anyways...Darc," Livia said after a minute or so of walking. Her voice betrayed no hint of her irritable or otherwise angry thoughts, continuing in a friendly tone. "Should I find you back in that tavern or will you be delivering it to me?" She needed to know so she could at least make plans. If he got it to her first thing tomorrow, then she could continue with the soul gem and the bull.

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The sight horrified the young man. Never had he in his whole life seen such a terrifying thing as this grotesque parody of life. Placing a hand over his nose and mouth, Ethan tries to stop himself from breathing in the terrible smell that the undead emanated. Ethan deliberately makes his movements slow and discreet, knowing that a mistake now could very well be his last. The moon had already shown itself in the peaceful night sky and sun had long gone. He knew that there was no chance of him getting to the last town on time for him to board the last boat, but the more pressing matter of being eaten alive was a larger concern to the man. Though if things were to turn for the worse, Ethan readied himself to push his body beyond its limits and sprint all the way to the last town.



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𝕬 𝖓 𝖙 𝖆 𝖊 𝖚 𝖘


North Forest Clearing



"THANKS BE TO THE GODS!" As the mighty White Stag went down, kicking its last, Antaeus practically fell to his knees with arms thrown out wide. Breathing heavy, sweat pouring down his body, his muscles aching due to the constant tension caused by fear, hands beginning to shake from the adrenaline rush, he looked towards the wild Orc man. If not for his experience working in the mines with the Boss and her crew, he might have been afraid--after all, for all he knew this was an Orc raider or bandit of some kind. But that didn't even occur to him, as seeing an Orc was a daily thing for the young miner. Instead he felt an incredible sense of relief.

Then panic struck him as his memory refreshed.

"Sir, she needs help!" he called to the Orc as he scrambled towards the silver haired girl. Antaeus was no doctor, but as an elder brother he had treated a few of his sister's scrapes, and he had grown up watching his mother treat anyone in the family who came down with a cold or injury. Still, he didn't know if there was anything he could do about this. How hard had the Stag hit her, to cause bleeding like this...?

"C'mon, miss, please don't die!" he said as he did whatever he could, gulping nervously. She, and the Orc too, had pretty much saved his life--if it hadn't been for them, he had no doubt in his mind he could never have overcome the stag, even if he had tracked it and trapped it. But a real Hero wasn't supposed to sacrifice others, or let them get hurt for his sake...the Hero was supposed to sacrifice himself for others!

Antaeus had realized long ago that he was in over his head. Being a Hero wasn't going to be as simple as he thought. He wasn't going to be good at it just because he was strong. But right now, he couldn't think about that. Just like fighting the stag. Just like working the mines. Make your brain shut up. Turn off all the bad thoughts--about Dad, about everything--and just do it. Push the cart. Swing the pickaxe.

Save the girl?



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Jomakk "Jo" Kalabak



The travel felt quite long, but Jo finally arrived at the Frontier Town, a place where he thought would be a good place to settle in for some time to work and learn. He followed a group of travelers through the town and was glad to hear from Dormic that the town had various possible opportunities to work in, while also hearing and seeing that he would not be the only standout individual in town. But as soon as he heard about room vouchers for three nights, his train of thought would stop as he would smiled gleefully, anxiously awaited for his vouchers to be given so he could head straight for a comfortable bed to rest. Like most trips to different towns, he found traveling on wagons to be the most unpleasant. Not because a sense of motion sickness, but simply because he could never feel comfortable enough to fully feel relax as he had to endure the occasional little bumps on the road. Such things may be minor, something Jo was aware about, but they were quite the irritation as he usually found such things difficult to rest with. But now that he finally arrived in Frontier Town and got a voucher, he walked over to the Drunken Dragon Inn, got a room, a slept for a few hours.

After those few hours in bed, Jo woke up from the pleasant rest feeling revitalized. As he stood up and collected his few things, specifically a heavily locked book that he had strapped and buckled on his side, he realized that he just had that on him. A few days before his trip, he woke up from a sleep inside an inn and found most of his belongings were stolen. Luckily his book, money, and flute were well hidden, but was not careful enough as his other items were left quite easily exposed as he felt relatively safe in the previous town that he stayed in. But after slowly doing a thorough check that he had all his things with him, he quickly left the Drunken Dragon Inn and made his way to the Barthen's Bartered Goods to buy some gear to feel a bit safer in the town that he found himself in.

Before stepping inside Barthen's Bartered Goods, Jo did a soft cough to clear his throat a bit as he entered inside. "Excuse me, anyone around, I just need to find a few things here, if they are here." Once he spotted someone approaching, he continued with his formal speech. "Greetings, I've arrived hoping to acquire some simple gear. Mainly leather armor and a dagger. Such things usually make me feel safer before traveling around a town looking for a job."


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Sihlas Arche





After saying his farewells to Dormic and Ntaj, Silas left the inn and back onto the streets. While he would like to get used to the layout of the town he decided on making his way to the mayor's house right away. And sure enough, like Dormic said, as he got closer there were more and more cats to be seen. It was when the mayor's house came into view that he knew he'd found it, evidenced by the cats in front of it.

Sihlas watched a girl trying to get the cats in the garden to play with her, it was cute due to the fact that they seemed more interested in resting in play with each other, rolling in the dirt, and lounging around. One was even trying to catch a bug. As he approached, the girl spot him and immediately ran to and hid behind the old man tending the garden. Her action alerted the man to his presence, as he turned and greeted Sihlas with a smile and wave. The scholar returned the gesture.

Stopping outside the garden Sihlas would then speak, "Hello, my name is Sihlas. I was told by Dormic that this is the mayor's house and, unless I mistook his directions, you are the mayor, Nicolas."
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Livia


If Darc noticed anything about Livia's eternal outburst, he didn't show it. One advantage of having nothing but a big smile and no other facial features; it was hard to tell if he noticed anything. In the moment that Livia was venting her mental frustrations, Darc simply turned towards Selena and Katherine as if wondering what they were talking about, and then back to Livia when she asked him her question. "I shall get the resin tonight. If all fairs well, I may even be able to get it to you before you sleep. But if not, I shall certainly have it by morning. My kind isn't... Adapted for the daytime, so if possible you should find me. Otherwise, if you do not find me tomorrow during the day, I shall find you tomorrow night."

The path the group took was long, but eventually they would arrive back towards the entrance that lead to the Drunken Dragon. The group found no difficulties aside from the walk, and even that felt much shorter than the treacherous journey that Livia and Katherine had to go through. Gadget even found a lantern with some oil still in it. Once the group was above ground and in the tavern proper, Selena spoke up. "I suppose this is where we part ways. Unless you truly do need to find Lucilia, and even then I intend to split up and search." Selena nodded to the others who then departed to look for Underhaven's patron. Selena and Darc remained behind for just a moment. "Do come see me again, Katherine. If you ever feel like the surface is too bothersome, Underhaven will always be a home for you." She smiled, winked, and left to search for Lucilia. Darc merely glanced over to Livia. "I'll see you later." And with that, the Underhaven Underdogs departed, leaving the two sisters to go about their own business.

@Rune_Alchemist




Ethan


Fortunately for Ethan the zombies appear to be shambling aimlessly, allowing him to sneak by them under the cover of darkness. Though their hollowed moans and erratic footsteps were never far from his ear; the more of moved towards the village, the more he heard the undead around him, some even so close that the young man could feel their breath on his skin. Or perhaps it was just the wind. In this pitch blackness, it was hard to tell. Minutes felt like hours as Ethan sneaked, ran, and hid, but it would all pay off as he finally reached the last village. By now night had fully descended and the skies were black; not even the stars or moon would guild Ethan's path. He could see a duo of torches from before moving towards the village, and the village itself seemed to have a brazier of sorts and a makeshift wooden fence around the area. What goods they produced was hard to tell in this pitch darkness, but Ethan could also hear a river some distance away. His journey was finally coming close to an end.

@Searat




Antaeus


Shutting down one's mind, as strange as that sounded, worked in Antaeus's benefit. Injuries like what happened to the girl was actually somewhat common for the young miner; cave ins, while rarely deadly thanks to the foreman's caution, occur regularly enough that Antaeus is aware of how falling rocks could easily cause painful wounds close to the stag's kick. Just as well Antaeus knows enough to stave off death from such wounds. Firstly he would need bandaging; these injuries need compression otherwise the wound could shift further and cause more damage. The orc, seeing the wounded girl, came and assisted Antaeus as best as he could. But all he had was his oar, some rope, and a bundle of herbs that he picked.

Fortunately all these things Antaeus could also realize that it would be enough to save the girl's life, if only for a moment. He could use what remained of her jacket as a makeshift bandage to compress her injuries. The herbs the orc had also looked very similar to the ones Antaeus has seen used on the injured miners; while the exact benefits of these herbs escaped his mind, he knew that they were needed to help reduce swelling and stave off infection. The rope that the orc had could also help bind the bandage down and there was also enough rope for Antaeus to jury-rig a stretcher, another tidbit of emergency care he would remember during a few close-calls in the mines. While the construction would be incredibly crude, with the oar, another branch or stick of roughly the same length and strength, and a few cuts of the rope, the two of them could easily bring the girl back to town where she could be taken care of by the priests or someone with more medical experience than either two.

All these things would occur to Antaeus the moment he laid eyes on them. All he needed now was another stick big enough to serve as the second handle for the stretcher. Either he or the orc would need to look around the forest though perhaps the Stag had knocked over a sapling in the trail of his destruction. Speaking of the beast, surely if left unattended to deal with the girl it's body would be eaten by scavengers. While perhaps not important to Antaeus taking on the White Stag, even if he had help, would be a tale worthy of some reputation back at town. If he had some evidence that he truly did manage to do it and didn't simply make up the tale alongside these two strangers. But time was of the essence.

@Zeroth




Jomakk


Jo would end up finding not Barthen himself, who seemed to have stepped out of the store, but one of his assistance. A rather thin looking young man with dirty blond hair and scratched up glasses on his face. The way he looked through them as he looked at Jo gave the impression that he wasn't sure what to make of the Tiefling. Or maybe he just had really bad eyesight. Either way the young man seemed a bit nervous. "Ah. G-Gear huh? Right so uh, leather armor and a dagger, pretty s-s-sure we got those somewhere. Just lemme go check on something right quick." The young man left rather quickly. Perhaps he was scared of Jo. Or maybe he was just nervous about making a bad deal. Either way an older gentleman eventually arrived after the young man had left. This man wasn't Barthen's either, but he seemed much more composed than the young lad.

"We've some arms and armor, certainly. Right this way sir." The older gentleman would direct Jo to a part of the store where various tools and simple weapons were hung up upon racks; things like axes, knives, spearheads, and so forth. There was quite a variety of blades available. "We've knives for different types of purposes and styles. We have these cutting daggers here for example, good for day-to-day business. Trimming plants, eating food, skinning game, that sort of thing. If you're wanting a proper fighting knife, the boys up at the militia often buy these instead," The old man takes up a thin, needle like dagger down for Jo to see. Unlike the other daggers this one didn't seem to have a sharpen edge. "An empire specialty. A stabbing knife, when you want to make sure your enemy is down for the count. Slashing and slicing might impress most folks, but if you really want to make sure whatever you're fighting stays down, you'll want this." The gentleman doesn't press any further however and puts the dagger back before showing Jo the armors.

They had some padded jerkins and some leather breastplates, and when Jo would hold or try them on, he may find them to be quite heavy. "Got a couple bits of armor, not really something most people here buy. If you want proper protection you should try and speak to the Torag priests. But a few hunters we have in town do wear a bit of leather just for scratches and cuts but it's harder to work with than you might think! Sure, leather shirts might seem easy to wear when you're just standing and walking, but try to run or fight while wearing ten pounds of soggy tunic! But if you're good with that sort of thing, I won't stop ya. Either way daggers are all two gold pieces each, and the leather armor is ten gold."

@Expolar




Sihlas


"Indeed I am. You must be one of our new visitors. I hope you'll come to find our town as a new home. We don't have much in the ways of attractions right now, but there's plenty of opportunity for those willing to work for it." The old man, Mayor Nicolas, wipes his hands on a cloth that was on his belt and extends his hand out to Sihlas to shake. "I take it that you're also looking for some work? While I'm sure everyone in town may have some task for you to do, you seem like a scholarly sort. I may actually have a job for you, if you don't mind doing a lot of writing."

@Kangutso
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@Lucius Cypher

"Thank the Gods that that ordeal is over with." Ethan lets out a relieved sigh as he produces his torch and re-ignites the torch, the canopy above blocked most of the light the moon and the stars produced. He considers himself rather lucky he managed to quietly maneuver out of the mess he was previously in. He was at least safe from the undead, but now he had to face more paranoid and xenophobic villagers that want nothing to do with him. Calmly, Ethan makes his way towards the entrance to the village and presents himself in a non threatening manner. Hoping to whatever God was listening to him that they weren't too jumpy that they would send an arrow to any stranger that got too close to the wall.

He had heard from soldiers that an arrow or bolt to the gut is one of the slowest and most painful ways to leave this world. Ethan had no intent in experiencing the death, so he made his presence clear to whoever could hear him announce his arrival to the village. "I pose no threat to you or this village. I am merely a courier working for Sips in Frontier Town, here to pick up the delivery he had ordered previously."



Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Rune_Alchemist
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@Lucius Cypher@Pyromania99





"Well, that sounds wonderful. I once again thank you, Darc." Livia replied once they had reached the surface. "I wish you luck in your endeavors to find Miss Lucilla as well." Despite her irritable mood...gaining a favor or two with Lucilla could potentially be a good outcome. A thought for another time, at least though. She was exhausted, irritated, and overall just really, really, tired of people right now. Once the Underhaven underdogs left, Livia sighed, shoulders slumping as she rubbed the side of her head.

"Next time...how about we vote not to go to Underhaven alone." She turned to Katherine, a small headache of her own forming this time. "I'm going to get a drink and our room." She walked over to the tavern counter, unceremoniously taking a seat. She waved over whoever was serving drinks. "A strong one. I don't care what it is. I want to be drunk right now. Oh, and here's the voucher for three free nights." Livia placed both the money on the counter and handed over the voucher.

She'd turn in the Seeds, Hash, and Snake Venom tomorrow morning before setting off to get the soul for the dagger. Assuming Darc kept his end of the deal, that should hopefully be pretty easily done. Then she could figure out what this whole deal with the ruins were.

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Jomakk "Jo" Kalabak



Jo smiled as service came to assist in his search. Glad to hear that the store would have what he wanted, he happily waited. Leaning back on the counter waiting, his thoughts usually lingered on the possible first impression that he left on people. Thinking back on how the young man behaved, Jo tried understanding what might have been going through his mind. Eventually an older person would return and direct Jo to what he needed.

As they walked through the shop, Jo's eyes wondered around the area, curious about what a growing town like this would currently have in stock. Once the older gentleman spoke, Jo tried to give the man a bit more attention as he showcased their knives and spoke about armor. But once over, his eyes drifted at the various things displayed. "First, I must say, you got me thinking, which is good. Initially I just came in here looking a dagger and armor. But from what I have seen so far in this building, you got quite diverse enough inventory for a town that has been around for like three years. Must be a great business to be able to cater almost anyone's needs here. At least, that is what I would assume when imagining from a business perspective." As Jo complimented, his urge to look around could not be resisted. But sensing that the man might be waiting, he directed his attention back on business as he should a calm face. "Anyways, forgive my rambling and fascination, this shop just really got my curiosity. For the dagger and armor, I am specifically looking for a knife that could look dangerous than the ordinary knife because-" Jo would suddenly take one step forward with a sinister grin, trying surprise and scare the man. "I would like something to help give off some intimidation. At which point, he returned back to his calm demeanor and would then step back to give the man space. "Sorry for the attempt to scare, I simply wanted to show how I usually try to, harmlessly scare troublesome people. During my travels, I had to deal with a few unsavory folks. That is why I thought a weapon or armor would help give that intimidating aura to frighten them." Looking to the leather armor on display and thinking about what the man said, Jo remembered his previous leather that he wore to somewhat fit that description of being, difficult. "I will happily buy the dagger that you think would look the most threatening. But for the armor I am unsure now. What were you referring to when you mentioned 'proper protection' that the Torag priests have? If its one of those metal suits of armor, then I have to say no, those already look too heavy for me."

@Lucius Cypher


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