Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Meeting back up with the others, they were all ready to head out. Buddy would pull Andras’ cart, easily able to do so thanks to his strength and robot body. Pylia handed out Goodberries again, one for Andras and his children, two for herself, Shortfang, and you, and finally one for Ferric. Finally Pylia managed to make some herb balm, which she kept on her person.

Once the group was ready they set off into the mountains. The path was muddy and treacherous due to the recent rain. Shortfang volunteered to go up ahead with Syfr, keeping eyes on any danger. The journey to the top would take most of the day due to the difficult terrain. It was a good thing Ferric had brought mules; they had good footing despite pulling a much larger wagon. Speaking of, thanks to having a wagon Ferric could comfortably fit up to six people, including cargo. Granted with Shortfang on foot and Buddy pulling a cart the extra space just meant more leg room.

Things were quiet so far. Very quiet.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

It was a strange feeling at first. That is to say, no feeling at all; you were just in a strange combat stance. But as you practiced with Buddy you found a strange power while within this stance. Whenever Buddy tried to use his considerable strength and bulk to knock you over, you were easily able to stand your ground despite the massive weight disadvantage. When the battle moved over to some muddy terrain, you were able to easily skip and walk whereas Buddy’s feet sunk into the ground, slowing his movements down to a slog. And finally when it seemed like Buddy finally had you cornered, you were able to run up a tree to avoid him. Not climb, but literally run up the tree in your boots, no hands at all, like some sort of ninja. Buddy could only watch you from down below. It seemed that this stance had granted you some amazing mobility. Or perhaps this was simply another ability you’ve awakened. It was hard to say.

Soon the others were ready to go. Pylia called you and Buddy’s over saying it was time to move. The sun was starting to come up now and they wanted to try and reach the rest stop by noon. Buddy didn’t seem to have the Satyr style working for him as well as you, but he seemed to understand what you were doing and helped you get a better grasp of it. His final words before joining up with the others were ”Keep practice”, written in the mud.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Buddy shrugged at your question. He took a moment to ponder before picking up a stick and writing in the dirt. ”Rembr being there.” he tried to get into the stance again but you can tell his bulkier robot body lacked the finesse needed to properly hold the stance. Perhaps he had used a different style, or more importantly a different body. Either way Buddy simply beckoned you to follow him to a clear area. He wrote another message on the ground. ”U try.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“A journal? Should be simple enough, though I only have a thin book with about twenty pages. I sometimes sell them to adventurers who need to keep notes.” Ferric went to get the cloak and the book. Meanwhile Buddy walked over to you and tapped you on the shoulder. As everyone was distracted cleaning up, he gave you a thumbs up, and then got into a familiar stance. You recognized this stance from your dream, Satyr Style. It seemed as if Buddy had a vague memory of it as well, though he wasn’t able to hold the stance very long. His body was not designed to be using that sort of thing it seemed. Still it was clear that he remember last night and possibly more from his life.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Ah yes, that does remind me.” After finishing his beer Ferric left and shortly returned with Buddy’s axe. It was cleaned and polished, an intimidating looking steel axe with a sharp spear-point at the bottom. “Ain’t she a beauty. A real work of art, much like yourself. Cheers Buddy!” It was only now that he was receiving his axe that Buddy moved, taking his axe and sliding it into place on his back. He had a strange sort of backpack, with some clamps to hold the shaft of Buddy’s axe.

“If you want a cloak for him, I can easily toss one in free of charge. We use it for our horses but it’ll be quick and easy to make one for him. Is there anything else you’d like for him?” Ferric asked as everyone was finishing breakfast and getting ready to leave. Pylia was taking down the tent, Shortfang was making some more crossbow bolts, and Andras’ family were getting their cart ready. Andras himself was fiddling with a crossbow, nervously practicing loading with it. Elena and Andrews has a dagger on their belt now too.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Eat time!” Shortfang cheered as he came back to camp to eat. “Syfr huh? He doesn’t look like any owl I’ve ever seen but... But if he’s a friend to Shortfang, I suppose he’s a friend to us as well!” It wasn’t long before others around the camp started waking up as well. Ferric and Mica joined the breakfast and Brewed some tea, though Ferric helped himself to some morning beer. Andras and his children also woke up, Andrews in particular was quick to check on Buddy, who remained motionless.

“Good to see everyone bright and early. We’ve got a long ways to go, and it will rain tonight so we should be extra careful. There’s a shack near the middle of the mountain pass we can rest at and wait the rain out until morning. Hopefully there’ll be enough room for our horses up there too.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

”Hah! Yes it works! Now I can scout ahead of the group and still be able to talk with you guys!” You notice Shortfang’s telepathic messages were much more eloquent in your head than when he actually speaks.soon your bacon would be finished and as soon as you were, Pylia was up too. She yawned and went to warm herself by the fire. “Morning Sylvia, morning Shortfang...” As she opened her eyes she noticed the owl and flinched in surprise. “Wah! What? Who’s owl is this?”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“More food for Shortfang and Syfr!” The little kobold said giddily. The bird few in next to Shortfang and hooted softly. “Shortfang saw Buddy move around last night. Went somewhere, dunno. Shortfang go back to sleep.” Shortfang poked the fire with a stick. “Oh, Shortfang learn trick too! Hope help friends!” Standing up to leave Shortfang hoes a fair bit away from the camp, out of sight. Then suddenly you’d hear a voice in your head.

”Hello! This is Shortfang!”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Shortfang find apples, so tried shoot apples out of tree. When getting apples, Shortfang find friend! So Shortfang feed apples, help heal lil. Also maybe do magic ritual to save life.” Shortfang waves his hand as if to dismiss the whole thing. “He name Syfr! Smart owl. Always wanted pet friend.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

As you were cooking, sure enough Shortfang would return no worse for ware. And perhaps to your surprise, with a friend. An exotic looking owl sat on Shortfang's head, making him almost as tall as you were while standing. Smelling the bacon in the air the little lizard licked his lips. "Mhmm, smells good! Can friend eat?" Shortfang motioned towards the owl, who flew off Shortfang's head to stand on a nearby tent. "Shortfang try hunting, but no food. Good tasty food good for soul." Dismantling his crossbow as to not wear it down, Shortfang sat down nearby ready to eat while the owl just watched over them.