Arty Fox

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House (Downstairs) Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry blinked in surprise hearing that of all people Medician Floquet had opened the study. "I shall not enquire quite as to how she was able to." Common sense ruled the Medician didnt have a key, and reminded him they had bigger things at hand. So he settled for biting his cheek in clear disapproval. "Oh. Well I suppose that does remove one obstacle."

He listened to the others as they laid out their own worries, concerns and smattering of information to the table. Frustratingly it seemed that while Victoria seemed to landed upon his worry she, like Lady Kathryn, had either missed his point or were yet to voice it themselves.

'A cypher' That was exactly what the message had been! But to get the full meaning of a cypher you had to know how to read it. As they had already discussed there were very few in these lands who knew Abyssal and even fewer who knew Draconic. They were being targeted, he was certain of it. His fingers drummed frantically upon the table. The letter hadn't been addressed to anyone in particular but the bearers had clearly meant to give it to them. So how had the sender, Farid al Ramil, known they would have even been able to read it?

"The Post may yet surprise us." He commented dryly to Lady Kathryns question of contact. He momentarily wondered if his own letters had arrived at their destination yet?

In the time Young Lizbeth spent in the kitchen keeping herself busy and filling the air with the delightful aroma of a mellow meal, Lady Kathryn began to put a plan together while Kosara worked to fill in the gaps of knowledge of the L'Rose benefactor, which he nodded along to without anything further to add.

"A fine idea, Kosara. This situation may become something more than we can handle alone, nor is it one I feel should be hidden away." BlackBerry commented through a barely stifled yawn followed by a wince when something in his side protested at his stretch. "I am sorry to say, Lady Kathryn, I am unfamiliar with the nature of a Lich beyond stories and legends. But saying that, it does make some sense with what little we do know of the situation. No, I would say I would be most useful in any translation of any further communications from the possible prince in question, or even related articles that we may find in our investigation."

At the announcement that food was ready (Now the most important subject of the evening) he slapped the table. "My that does sound delightful and just what we need on an evening such as this. Do sit Young Lizbeth you have done more than enough work. Here, allow me to ser-" The sentence was then cut off by a pained squeak just as he was halfway up out of his seat; the wound in his side had reminded him of its presence. "On second thoughts, I believe I shall stay seated for now."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry let Lizbeth go off to join Victoria and Kosara as they dealt with the remains of Toombes. In a way he was almost thankful for the girls morbid curiosity dragging her away, as it mean that when the door closed behind her she didn't then see his hand raise to his mouth and his eyebrows (or the draconic equivalent) knit together with worry.

Lizbeths words rattled violently in his skull knocking into worries and thoughts he would rather they didn't. He pinched his chin as he sunk into his thoughts trying to tie the various loose ends together.

Any other time he may have chalked Lizbeth's comments to simply all she had witnessed recently; Brother Rorvil described such experience as 'the humours being unbalance', or otherwise 'the spirit hounded by vengeful ghosts from memory'. The Gods alone knew how many moments BlackBerry himself had had when he was her age. But again he found a warning bell ringing at the words Lizbeth had used, and now coupled with the sheer number of undead plaguing the grounds as of late...a rather unsettling idea arrived.

Lizbeth had looked far too pale earlier outside in the snow.

Lady Kathryns return did bring him some relief especially as she was unharmed though definitely a little worn out by the journey in the snow to and from the main estate. But his mood still stayed oddly sombre as pleasantries were exchanged with tea (he moved away from the fire to join the others), Lady Kathryn thankfully took charge of the moment to begin laying out their next steps. Meanwhile, Lizbeth thankfully seemed much happier now distracted examining the surprising amount of supplies her Aunt had sent Lady Kathryn over.

"Thank you, Young Lizbeth. That would be much appreciated. Do make sure to grab yourself something as well." He had waited until Lizbeth had moved into the Kitchen before, putting down the steaming cup of tea, he continued in a hushed tone. "If I may suggest another item of concern to our ever growing list. Perhaps we should find time to discuss certain a certain offer we were made not too long ago? Sooner than later preferably, I do hope I am wrong but I worry a decision may be made for us."

Wary that Lizbeth may return at any moment he quickly turned to the other matter at hand, "The broad definition of the issue at hand would be that the late Master Arnaurd L'Rose made a deal with a certain Farid al Ramil. Kosara, I believe you had some knowledge of that name. But now, with no heir of age of the L'Rose Estate, it has been put to us to fulfil the terms of this agreement though we have been left with no real idea of what that agreement may be, and no method of getting in contact with the aforementioned Benefactor. To your point, Lady Kathryn, of forgotten places of the Estate I could perhaps ask Jon or the other stable hands of any tales. That is hoping of course word of tonight's... shall we say events, will not have gotten ahead of us." BlackBerry let out a sigh at the thought. He stared down into his tea hoping the regardless of what rumours or news may soon fly the new friendships he had been starting to forge weren't about to turn to nothing. He had genuinely been enjoying his time in the stables. "Without a key to the Study how are we to get inside to begin out investigation?"

"A question for tomorrow though. Of what we can be certain of; Farid al Ramil, is a Necromancer or otherwise has one under their employ. One with enough power to cause quite the problem." He paused for a moment to drink his tea both to gather his own thoughts but to also to simply enjoy the flavour. "Another point of concern I fear we overlooked at the time is concerning the languages the letter used. Phonetic Abyssal written in Ancient Draconique. I doubt there are very many individuals travelling this side of the coast with such knowledge of either language, let alone both to hand such as our group. Do you all see my meaning here?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House (Downstairs) Action: Insight (16) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry listened quietly to Victorias own explanation of the Necrotic arts but found, with a quiet "hm", her "Ethical Neutrality" raised a few questions which were quickly put to rest when he thought back on what he knew of Victoria. His attention was quickly grabbed by Lizbeth as the words, thoughts, and worries tumbled out of the poor girls mouth like a swollen river let loose suddenly upon an unsuspecting embankment.

His mind was trying hard to run several steps ahead of his next action, his next words. It was obvious these thoughts had been gnawing away at Lizbeth for some time. Something else stuck out at him; her focus on Undead, on Toombes, on Morty even! Her voice had danced frantically with dread, fear, or some horrible errant thought or realisation which had lodged inside the girls skull and now tormenting her. He worked to keep his own thoughts from wandering onto his face, to keep calm even in the wake of Lizbeths suddenly flinch with weapon in hand towards Kosara in the doorway.

"You are not a monster, Young Lizbeth." BlackBerry stated evenly. "Very far from it in fact for Monsters would not worry themselves to wonder about such things."

He got up and gently moved to take the sword out from Lizbeths hand. Should she allow it, he would then simply place it on the table nearest so that it would still be in Lizbeths reach should she really need it. But to him the poor girl seemed in no fit state to have any weaponry. BlackBerry moved towards the window and attempted to look out of it only to see the shutters securely keeping out the wind and snow, and any sign of Lady Kathryn causing a knot of worry in his stomach. His fingers began again to tap,tap tap against his thumb. He pushed the worry to the side to instead focus on the more pressing situation.

"I do think it best we let Victoria and Kosara attend to Toombes. Meanwhile we can prepare for Lady Kathryns return where I no doubt believe she will want something warm to drink. Do you require the coinage Victoria? I should have ample amount upstairs should you need it, feel free to help yourself." He asked their resident Necromancer as he left the window and headed back to the fire.

When BlackBerry then turned back to look down at Lizbeth, he found himself for a fraction of a second suddenly home staring down at a similar young girl asking through angry tears, "What's wrong with me? Why am I like this?". BlackBerry blinked and shook the memory away.

When BlackBerry had reclaimed his seat again at the fire, his thoughts finally scrambling into order, that he smiled kindly at Lizbeth and again motioned for her to sit. In Abyssal, he said, "Did you know us Dragonborns shed our skin as we grow? Neither myself nor the Matrons at home knew this until a set of Adventurers happened to visit. They found the many potions, ointments, and spells we had tried to stop me peeling off my face to be very funny though I was not laughing at the time. All my worries, all my fears had turned out to be nothing more than some harmless thing after all" BlackBerry chuckled quietly hoping to lighten the mood even if just a little, but also hoped the story in the strange language the pair shared would reassure her in some way. There had been some other worry hiding beneath Lizbeths words but he wasn't quite sure at the moment the right way to coax it out, or even if no was even the right time.

He switched then back into the Common Tongue. "I wager it is quiet odd to hear such tales often of dangers and Evil Necromancers, and then to meet Victoria and our most....uh...agreeable swine Morty here." BlackBerry would have been lying through his teeth to say he didn't still find Morty unnerving. Moving past the issue he then leaned forward as if to impart a great secret to Lizbeth he said in a stage whisper. "Between you and I, Victoria does herself a great disservice speaking of 'Ethical Neutrality' for there is more kindness behind her actions than she would give herself credit." Reclining back into the chair and cross his arm in the vain hope he the fire would dry him, he then asked. "So knowing such, Lizbeth may I ask why do you think you might be a monster? Has this someone said something to you?" He tried to hide his own worry, the Other Necromancer talk had for a moment worried him before he remembered current events, and to not sound as if her was trying to accuse Lizbeth of anything.

So many questions, so many worries, rattled in his skull. And in all this time he hadn't yet even had a chance to ask the others about their plans to get into the 'Rose Study. What Agreement had been made, What the cost had been, and how Lizbeth was tied in to it, all those questions and more, BlackBerry was certain, lay within the Study. But lurking at the edge of his mind had been the other warning Lizbeth had heard from Toombes of the reminder to them all, and he wondered if perhaps that cursed Voice had come back for its answer. BlackBerry desperately needed to talk to the others.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot -> Coach House Action: Warming up Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry once again jumped when Toombes Corpse began to rise at Kosaras request. The overall effect of the limb, headless, partially flayed body gently floating along gently down the path was disconcerting to say the least.

"I must say, Kosara, you shall have to teach me that particular trick." He nodded after the floating body.

He trudged through the snow and the quickly vanishing footprints left behind the figures of Victoria and Lizbeth. While predominantly his thoughts were simply of the warm hearth, a stiff drink, and the thick wool blankets of his bed, another set of thoughts sidling into his mind with a cheeky smile. He took a few steps ahead of Kosara and then spun around to face her with the very same knowing, cheeky smile.

While walking backwards he said, "Well I do say. It would seem that Lady Kathryn and yourself had quite the fine evening." The smile faltered for a moment when he looked to the floating corpse nearby. "Despite it all, anyway. I have to say I am curious to hear how you yourself found the evening? Did I perhaps hear suggestion even of more 'Dates' between the two of you?" He gave a chuckle and with a spin, kicking apart an errant snowdrift, turned back to face the direction of their travels towards the Coach House. "Do say so and forgive me if perhaps I am sticking my nose where it is not wanted. I simply wish to say that it does raise one's spirits that even in such a dark and frigid times some light can be seen."

The rest of the walk back to the Coach house was simply brutal, especially after everything the evening had brought upon them all, least of all Toombes. Returning to the Coach House BlackBerry was delighted when he opened the door to already find the fire already being
revived and tended to. The smell of tea being brewed which had now become a recognisable one to BlackBerry over the months only added to the comforting air of the Coach House.

"Oh thank the Gods. Warmth! Ah, I do see we managed to find Morty. Might I ask where the devil was hiding then?" He immediately left Kosara to manage Toombes while bee-lined for the hearth and began warming his hand, without any care for how close his robes seemed to get to the flames. He had arrived in time for Lizbeths muddled outburst of a question, no doubt a culmination of all she had seen over the last few months, let alone the last hour, then finall topped off by Victoria's demonstration of her magics, was now taking its toll.

In response he clicked his tongue. It was a good question she had asked, and one which required proper care and thought. He just hoped he was up to the task."Necromancy is...a divisive magic Young Lizbeth. One I must admit I am not entirely comfortable with nor one I ever intend to make use of myself. I mean no offense, Victoria, for indeed I would argue that the use of it alone does not make one evil but rather it is the intent and action. Through Necromancy a vile, vicious thing was done to Toombes. However, Necromancy shall also be the key to offering his friends, family, and loved ones some comfort knowing such a thing shall not desecrate his remains. One intends to cause harm and fear would be evil. The other intending to provide reassurance I could not say to be evil." In the moment of silence he pulled a stool to the Hearth so he might sit more comfortable, and then pulled another over and gestured for Lizbeth to sit down if she wished. "Come, sit. You must be tired after everything. If I were to draw any Parallel for such Magic it would be the Sword. For no other weapon, or magic, are as so intrinsically linked with death as the other." Nodding to the weapon Lizbeth had with her still, he sat up in his chair as he then asked, "Young Lizbeth, may I ask what is it which troubles you to wonder such things?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: Shivering Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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"Worry not, Madame L'Rose. We shall treat Toombes' remains with the upmost respect." BlackBerry reassured her, and then added with a sharp look to Kosara. "Without setting him alight, of course. I suppose this does just leave us to carry Toombes back then if Morty is unable to come to us at this time."

It seemed to him that everyone was ready to scramble back to warmth and safety, and he'd be dawned if he didn't also want to hide from the ghastly weather. On top of it all, he was starting to feel his eyes begin to droop now that the immediate urgency of the situation had been resolved and the last of the adrenaline had left him, and being cold was surprisingly very tiring itself. BlackBerry had no real sense of what time it was but if had to guess he would settle squarely on 'late'.

To Lady Kathryn he simply waved away her words of regret. "Do Not trouble yourself such as that Lady Kathryn, you had offered at the time but I remind you it was I who decided to go alone. Let me say that I have learned my lesson." He paused then, and looked towards Lady Kathryn with a quite worry in his voice. "You best hurry back as well once Madame L'Rose is safe. We do not need any more injuries or worse this night."

He worriedly watched the pair walk off back towards the Winnery with a sense of anxious worry. Part of him wanted to go with them, to make sure they would be safe, and to check on the other guests as well.

"Lady Kathryn! Madame L'Rose." He called to them as the thought struck. "Please check on Jon for me if you would, and pass on my apologies to him for leaving him so."

With that bit of business sorted he then returned his focus to the grim situation at hand. Again, they were left with Lizbeth in their charge in less than ideal circumstances. It seemed to BlackBerry that anytime something went ary lately Lizbeth was either nearby or just on the way to them in some horrid way of coincidence.

"Come along, young Lizbeth." BlackBerry tried to sound cheerful and to put a positive spin into his voice but instead it just fell flat into the snow piling around his feet. "Let us get you inside and warmed up."

He left the thought hanging in the air. He didn't want to worry her further but given the corpse at his feet and the other strange events recently time was essence, and Lizbeth was the biggest well of information they could draw on.

In the mean time, there was a corpse that needed moving and a severe lack of cart drawing Mortys about. With a sigh, and looking downcast at the corpse in the snow.

"May I ask one of you to help me carry Toombes?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: investigation (6) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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Even after knowing Victoria for a while and the nature of her magics, and Morty, BlackBerry still jumped when the nearly flayed skull floating in the air begin to talk. When the pinpricks of light appeared within the hollow sockets he failed to repress a shudder and averted his eyes from its own glowing eerie lights. The voice was very different than the one that had been taunting him not even an hour ago which had been filled with gleeful malice, what now came from Toombes mouth sounded more confused or even surprised than anything. It somehow managed to sound bother right next to his ear and so far away at the same time, it made him shudder again.

Dead things should not talk.

BlackBerry continued to offer what small comfort he could to Madame L'Rose consisting almost entirely of "There, there," and gently moving her away from her own vomit. He wished pitifully there was something he could do or say to make things better for the L'Roses but anything he thought to say seemed lacking in the face of everyrhing, and there were only so many times one could stand to hear or even say the words 'I'm sorry' before it became infuriating. So he did the next best thing and focussed on the Now to see if he could figure out the Then.

He let Victoria and Kosara take the lead given they were both more Arcanically adapt than himself and seemed less disturbed by the whole thing than he was, or even Lady Kathryn who looked to have turned a bit green. Momentarily his thoughts settled on her and her apology, and decided he had probably been unfairly waspish given that it was only by sheer happenstance that he had the stone on him. He made a mental note to apologise later. He listened to Victorias questions and tucked away the answers given for later examination when they weren't all about to freeze to death.

The last answer especially held his interest as the words rattled through his mind and recognised them as Abyssal, or at least someone's best imitation of them. Even despite the magical nature of Toombes voice, BlackBerry struggled to make out what was spoken over the sound of the biting wind and his own chattering teeth. He was barely able to make out even what Lizbeth had heard. It was then, when he looked to her repeating what she had heard, he noticed how pale she looked. The poor thing looked scared to death, and that dress she wore was definitely not made for winter nights such as this.

"I was worrying just the same, Kosara." He drew a shivering breath in through his teeth. "It is unfortunate that Monsieur Arnaurd has already taken his leave, I do hope he made it home safely. And Madame Floquet for that matter for I have seen nether hide nor hair of her. I am certain they are both fine however as there is no sogn of any further danger this evening other than frostbite at most."

"Well. There is nothing doing standing out here at least. It is much too dark and the weather too frightful for any real investigation to take place." He shivered and stomped his feet again for emphasis. "Let us give Toombes at least some small comfort, least of all ourselves, and get him inside. Victoria, would you be able to summon Morty at all? I fear otherwise we may have to carry him ourselves." Despite the comment, BlackBerry at least had the good graces to not grimace openly at the idea. "I do suggest the Coach House so as not to disturb the others."

"For the morning, if not sooner, we shall need to investigate proper. And as for this something...well" He paused and in the silence let his eyes flick between each of the party. He had an idea of what, or more appropriately who, it might be and wondered if the others were thinking along the same lines. Even if it wasn't as he thought there was still a discussion to be had. "We shall endeavour to uncover that also after more immediate matters are settled."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: Relaying Information Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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Somehow, BlackBerry felt his mood sour even further when Victoria and Kosaras investigations turned up very little. He stood shivering in the swirling snowfall, in the middle of the night, and realized that he had probably been asking a bit much from them both. Even so, despite everything he couldn't help but let out a low chuckle at Kosara's insult to Monsieur Laurent.

"Yes, yes, I see your point, Victoria. We shall move the body shortly." A few stomps did little to bring any feeling back into his feet. "Did you really say you could ask him questions? Even in such a state as this? Well, with any luck we may keep the body to hand for the evening for. Gods, I have gone mad, have I not? What an awful thing to wish for."

Part of him, thought it was rather macabre of Kosara to return with Toombes' partially flayed skull hovering as it was out of the darkness, the sight even made him jump slightly, but another part of him right pointed out that he shouldn't have punched the skull clean off in the first place. He didn't like how it seemed to be grinning at him and he eyed it suspiciously as if at any moment it would start cackling again.

And then Lady Kathryn arrived, crashing and breaking through the snow like the tidal wave of strength and military might she was. It was another one of those moments, when Lady Kathryn had dashed up to him asking if he was okay, where BlackBerry realised just how tall Lady Kathryn was. He gave a little huff and tried to pull his robe in such a way as to hide the blood stains.

"Well if you had arrived earlier!" BlackBerry didn't quite snap up at Lady Kathryn, but there was some frustration from his voice as he took a small step back to not strain his neck. "Such as when I had called, you may well have had your chance to do some head ripping. Alas, you did not, and so here we are." He gestured towards the floating head.

There was a scream. BlackBerry turned and saw, regretfully, Lizbeth with her sword trying to valiantly defend herself against the oncoming terror, and then Madame L'rose hiding herself from the truth of it all. It was bad enough to have Cecily here but that he had planned for, what he had not planned for and had actively hoped against was Lizbeth being there as well! He wiped the stunned look of his face.

"Lizbeth, you sho-...do stay with Lady Kathryn." At this point it would be wasted breath saying where Lizbeth should or shouldn't be. Really, he should have been clearer and told her to stay in the Winery. He doubted it would have made a difference. Instead, he focussed on and moved next to Madame L'Rose. "I truly am sorry you had to see this Madame L'Rose but...you said this was Toombes, correct?" One mystery solved, he supposed.

He knelt down next to her and offered his hand, whether it be to help her back up, or to steady herself with, or even a rub on the back if it would help.

He explained with as soft and calm a voice he could while still being heard above the gusts of wind pulling at the falling snow, "This, is unfortunately what greeted me here instead of Toombes, and did seek to cause harm so in someway I am glad it was I that ran across it rather anyone else. If it is any consolation I do not believe that...whatever manner of vile thing this was that had taken his body, had done so quickly." For all BlackBerry knew that could have been the truth, just as it needed to be right now. "Unfortunately, it does get worse. As I had just explained to Victoria and Kosara, it appeared at least aware we had been given a task. I worry that if we leave the subject discussed the other week any longer it will not bode well. But first, let us at least move Toombes to somewhere...more comfortable, shall we?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: Cursing Ki: 3/5

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"Monsier Laraunt do wait please...oh blast it all." BlackBerry watched morosely as the man and horse retreated into the darkness of night. Seldom seen for a brief moment as they passed through pockets of torchlight along the road, until they vanished completely. For a moment he played with the idea of chasing after but thought better of it. "Well. I suppose I have been called worse. Regretfully, I imagine this does bode poorly for us all. As if there was not enough to worry about." He spat bitterly. Still staring out into the darkness, he started tap, tap, tapping his thumb to his fingers.

He turned back to face Victoria and Kosara, glad at least to have them present, as the latter was already investigating the corpse.

"The head you should find just over the wall there. Kosara." He gave an almost embarrassed grumbled when he explained, "It, ah, popped off during the confrontation."

He then stepped towards the pair as he continued his story standing over the corpse but making no move to aid in the investigation just yet. Instead he kept his gaze on the path to the winery, keeping an eye for Lady Kathryn and Madame L'Rose.

"Well, after I left I then made my way here. Unfortunately though instead of Toombes as I had hoped find, I encountered...this. I can only assume this had up until recently been Toombes. It attacked without hesitation or remorse. it seemed to suggest that our encounter was merely an experiment, or perhaps its very existence was the Experiment? I admit after the fight I was pre-occupied with the possibility of something similar happening back at the wine house to pay it much thought until now."

He gnawed on his lip as he dragged the memories of the battle to the front of his mind, he had to make sure to get the details right. Even though he hadn't gotten much out of the Guest anything, small a detail as it may be, could become important.

"It does get worse, unfortunately. Whatever this was. It appeared aware of our task in a round about way at least; strangely it did say 'Do they need all of you to complete the assignment'. The obvious threat aside, it does suggest that we have been roped into completing a task for whomever 'they' may be. Perhaps our pen pal? Or someone else?. I regret that I could not get our Guest to reveal anything of substance."

A stray thoughts latched onto that sentence; what if he hadn't come out here? Would they have even found Toombes? Or would Toombes simply have vanished into thin air? Or would the skeletal monster have found one of their guests on their way home?

"With any luck, Madame L'Rose should be here shortly to confirm the identity of the victim. We can then move it somewhere else without any further attention I do hope. Regardless, it may be prudent to encourage the Barbells to stay the night or otherwise offer to escort them home." BlackBerry added solemnly. "Personally, I suggest we keep the body under watch or otherwise dispose of it post-haste. Though I wonder if, Victoria, perhaps your expertise in matters may reveal the exact nature of the experiment? Other than the obvious of course."

This was all followed by a rattling sigh, either from sheer cold or tiredness it was hard to tell. Either way BlackBerry seemed to almost deflate while he tried to pull his robes close around himself and rubbed his arm in an effort to convince some warmth into it.

"I must apologise for the all this trouble, not just to yourselves but also to Madame L'Rose once she arrives. This was not how I had hoped to spend the evening. Though I do plan now to sit in the fireplace once we get back inside."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 27 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Winery -> Meeting Spot Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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With only some minor protest, Blackberry let himself be lead to the Gazebo. His anxiety was still running high and he kept looking around frantically for any sign of struggle. The others looked more concerned for his well being than his own, and he was relieved to see that none of them looked harmed, but still somewhat on edge understandably.

"Please. But do be quick about it Victoria. I worry things may continue to escalate if we do not act soon. But what of the rest of you?" He asked as he sat down, and untied some of his robes so Victoria could work. "Have all things bee-ah! Gods! Warn a fellow before you start prodding about his person! Sorry, yes, do continue. But please do tell me that all is well here? And what of Lady Kathryn? Jon, and the others? Has anything befallen them?"

As he spoke, his eyes kept drifting down to where Victoria deftly worked to remove various debris from the wounds. Upon seeing the long, vicious stem of the wine glass glistening he almost turned an impressive shade of turquoise. The application of snow to the wound of course drew the expected noises 'oh good lord that is cold' while he barely managed to control his shivering.

"Magic, if you must but please be quick." He was already up and moving back towards the path while hurriedly retying his robes as best he could. "Where did Madame Floquet go? Oh blast! She already went. We simply do not have time to waste any further. Ah, thank you Kosara. Lizbeth I insist you stay here until we send word back. Please go and fetch Lady Kathryn and your Aunt immediately, tell them we shall meet up the road and that..." He paused and he turned his head back towards the darkness.

BlackBerry swore.

"Kosara, Victoria, follow me please."

He took off again without even waiting for the others to respond. Once again he ran along the path, through the pools of lantern light, now faster and with surer footing without pain impeding him. He could see the a horse standing within the light by the Meeting Spots lantern and its rider bent almost double in the saddle, BlackBerry's heart jumped at the sight, a . Sounds of retching now carried to him through the falling snow.

"Monsieur Laurant! Monsieur Laurant!" BlackBerry put on another burst of speed over the last several meters to the hunched figure. He came to a skidding stop, putting himself between the rider and the dispatched skeletal corpse in the snow. "Monsieur Laurant. Are you hurt?"

The monk held his attention squarely on the skeletal corpse, watching and waiting for it to move, to get up from the gathering blanket of snow slowly consuming it. But it didn't. The headless skeletal corpse remained comfortably inert in the snow. Another retch and sound of something wet hitting the ground drew BlackBerry's attention away, and to Monsieur Laurant losing the last of his wine and cheese over his horses saddle.

"Monsieur Laurant?" BlackBerry began quietly and carefully, but the next comment would not stay put without an annoyed sigh. "I had requested that you stay put." He paused and took a breath which shook from the cold. A momentary glance back down towards the Winery in the hopes of seeing either Victoria and Kosara on his heels only confirmed that for now he would have to deal with the situation on his own. Reaching up to Monsieur Laurant, BlackBerry then gently patted the mans leg while avoiding the dripping vomit. He then loosely took hold of the reins so that Laurant could easily pull them back of he wished, hoping this wouldn't scare or frightened the man.

"Come now. Let us move from this place. Are you well enough to ride or shall I guide you? I am sorry you had to see this."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 15 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Winery Action: N/A Bonus Action: Ouchies Reaction: N/A Ki: 3/5

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Light! BlackBerry could see another spot of light flare into life outside the Winery, and revealed the dull shadows of others waiting outside. Moonlight finally broke through the clouds and snow, filling in the sea of darkness of the path between the torches along the path. Encouraged by his luck apparently, finally, turning for the better he picked up the paced down towards the winery. With his path revealed he put on more speed, running full pelt down the path and ignoring the stabbing, twisting shards of pain now screaming from his side. He told himself he'd deal with the consequences later, right now he had to get to the others.

"Kosara! Victoria!" BlackBerry cried in delight and relief when he had bound up the last star to the upper thoroughfare. He should have known really; that light of Kasara's was fairly unique. "Oh thank the Gods. Please do tell me that all is well here at least."

He came to a stumbling halt in front of everyone who had gathered and then bent double with a small hiss after something in one of his wounds shifted. Despite his efforts applying what little pressure he could stand to them the wounds in his sides had reopened, and warm blood trickled over his fingers, staining his robes and the snow dusted path with crimson. BlackBerry could only stand to take a shallow breath to fortify himself. His eyes flickered between Annick, surprised by the old woman wielding knives, and then to Lizbeth who had managed to find yet another weapon to add to her arsenal. How? He hadn't been gone that long.

Through chattering teeth and shallow breaths he explained, "There was a...an unexpected Guest. Worry not though I dealt with them but I shall need some assistance." He made sure to keep eyes with Kosara and Victoria as he continued, hoping that they would understand his meaning. There were matters to discuss but it didn't seem wise to mention them with Madame L'Rose's guests present. "It may also be prudent to check for any othe-Master Laurant, I ask you go back inside. If you would please. Just until we can settle any lingering matters at least. It should not take too long I do assure you."