Manticore Meal

The full moon is up. The tide is high and rising. Fair weather clouds sail across the blue sky, propelled by light breezes from the west. It's warm in the sun, cool in the shade, and the air is clear and dry.

Certainly these light woods, this gentle day with it's fair weather were not where the beast that stood in the middle of the path belonged. A foul-smelling marsh on some dark evening perhaps, but not here, and not now. Razen stood several feet away from it as the beast growled. Its fangs flashing in the light and its spines bristling. It looked something like a lion, but then again nothing like one. Some would have recognized it as a Manticore, but to Razen it was a fearsome beast that had already taken a furious swipe at him. Now his heavy flail hung from his fist and his gray-green eyes were almost black with irritation that was starting to give way to anger.

On this pleasant day in the woods, as the shadows of the trees grow longer toward the east, a griffon sits at the base of an evergreen tree swishing his tail back and forth while gnawing on the carcase of some freshly killed game-probably a deer. The griffon is wearing a minimalistic saddle and a shirt of gleaming mithral links.

The griffon's attention is roused by the growl of the manticore. It rises up and stands on all fours, then bellows a deafening screech toward the manticore, some 100 feet away.

Nim Is traveling down the road, with his big riding dog performing the duties of a pack animal. He has the poor thing laden with supplies that are meant for one of villages on the outskirts of Alexandria.(Fuzzy isn't really meant for this duty. But Nim's a bit short to lead a pack mule.) at first, he notices Razen standing there and starts to offer a greeting until he notices the weapon in his hand. Nim then notices the beast and his eyes go wide. As fast as he can he puts on his enchanted Cestus and rushes to aid in the fight. "Don't worry Wormy, I'm coming!"

GAME: Razen rolls weapon8: (10)+8: 18
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "Hit!"
GAME: Razen rolls 1d10+4: (2)+4: 6
<OOC> Razen says, "But not a terribly strong one atm that's what he gets for not raging yet. :"D"

Without a doubt, the sight of the griffon is of more interest to the manticore than the smaller half-orc it had taken a swipe at. It moves slightly, to put Razen slightly behind it as if defending it's food and roars back menacingly at the griffon. Razen for a moment is certain he recognizes the griffon dressed up as it is in chainmail, but the momentary distraction of the manticore is the perfect opportunity to attack. So he takes it. Hitting the creature in the shoulder with his flail.

The griffon wastes no time in leaping forward, running toward the manticore.

Nim runs toward the conflict, charging at the manticore's flank as it turns to the gryphon. He runs as hard and fast as he can, closing a good bit of the distance.

GAME: Razen rolls 1d20+10: (15)+10: 25
<OOC> Razen says, "Does that come close to hitting the griffon?"
<OOC> Ga'Elian says, "No. AC is 37 (35 when charging)."

Challenge given and accepted the manticore charges also, furiously bristling and roaring as it moves. The two clash in the middle. The manticore immediately bares its teeth, trying to sink them into the other animal but failing miserably. Instead its sharp teeth clang against chainmail and it growls frustration at missing it's mark.

GAME: Ga'Elian rolls CompanionMelee: (7)+17: 24
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls CompanionMelee: (8)+17: 25
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls CompanionMelee: (7)+17: 24
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d6+5 silver: (6)+5 silver: 11
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d4+5 cold iron: (1)+5 cold iron: 6
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d4+5 cold iron: (3)+5 cold iron: 8

On the other hand, the griffon seems to have no trouble injuring the manticore severely with a snap of his beak and the swipes of both the griffons talons.

Razen watches the two animals battle, and seeing Nim grasps the other man by the arm. "I think it unwise to get between those two." He grins at Nim. "Though it is hard not to try am I right my friend?" He looks back toward the raging battle with light flashing in his darkened eyes, clearly impressed. His muscles are tense with desire to join the fighting, but it is clear that the griffon needs none of his help.

GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Bow+Quarry+1+FavEnemy: aliased to Weapon13+2+1+2: (9)+35+2+1+2: 49
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Bow+Quarry+1+FavEnemy-5: aliased to Weapon13+2+1+2-5: (15)+35+2+1+2+-5: 50
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Bow+Quarry+1+FavEnemy-10: aliased to Weapon13+2+1+2-10: (16)+35+2+1+2+-10: 46
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Bow+Quarry+1+FavEnemy-15: aliased to Weapon13+2+1+2-15: (16)+35+2+1+2+-15: 41
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Bow+Quarry+1+FavEnemy: aliased to Weapon13+2+1+2: (7)+35+2+1+2: 47
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d8+4+2d6: (2)+4+(11): 17
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d8+4+2d6: (8)+4+(6): 18
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d8+4+2d6: (1)+4+(9): 14
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d8+4+2d6: (5)+4+(8): 17
GAME: Ga'Elian rolls 1d8+4+2d6: (7)+4+(12): 23

It's the maniacal laughter that gets noticed first. And then she bursts from the nearby undergrowth of the forest, running full tilt. The hobgoblin was either dressed down today, or has just woken up recently, for she's not in her armor, clad in a green summer dress that flutters gaily in the breeze caused by her movement. Over her head she carries a gigantic hammer. As she nears the conflict, her golden eyes flash brightly, and her mouth closes, a crazed smile firmly in place.

As the beasts are about to clash again, the manticore suddenly sprouts a half-dozen arrows and falls lifeless.

The archer then hops lightly down from a tree branch and pats the bloody griffon on his shoulder. He says, "That sort of beast is not welcome in these woods." He smiles at those around him, and says, "But it'll make for hearty eating."

Nim had slowed a lot. But Razen's grasp helps him come to a stop without falling over. "it doesn't look like my help is going to be needed after all." He glances over his shoulder to signal to fuzzy to stay back from the fight. But by the time he glances back it's over. "look at that. You made me run for nothing." He gives Ga'Elian a familiar salute before glancing over with a startled look at the goblin.

Razen laughs, and clasps Nim on the shoulder. "Ga'Elian! I knew I recognized your companion! Well-met. Can you cook as well as you fight?" He flashes his sharp teeth in a grin before blinking at the unfamiliar hobgoblin who came barreling into the clearing. "Ah.. is this another companion of yours?"

Even as the manticore falls under a hail of arrows, the hobgoblin brings the hammer down upon the beast's head. With a nasty crunch, she crushes the skull. And proceeds to smash the thing repeatedly for several long, icky moments before she stops, breathing heavily. "I have got to make my dramatic entrance a bit quicker, I guess.", she mutters, glancing at Ga'Elian with a smile. "Hi Elian. Another day in the woods, huh?" The woman's eyes flick to Nim and Razen. "I hear their wings are good eating."

Ga'Elian looks at the enthusiastic hobgoblin and replies, "My companion? Not exactly." He bows to Nim and then tells Razen, "You look familiar. Like maybe we met once before. I can cook alright, but I'm no gourmet chef. My chief talents are in shooting my bow, tracking, livingnoff the land, guiding folks through the wilderness, singing, dancing, and singing magic into a variety of objects."

Razen chuckles. "Asking you to cook would be poor hand then, particularly since you killed it." He shrugs and scrubs the blood off his flail before tucking it back onto his belt. ""If I knew how I would do it for you, but perhaps simply throwing it over a fire will suffice?"

Tilguh rests her giant hammer on one shoulder and looks to Ga'Elian. "You don't need to be a fancy chef to cook up a beast like this. I would suggest staying away from the poison stinger and the poison glands, but the rest of it should be okay. Char it a bit to be sure." She nods to Razen and grins. "That should do it fine. So where did this beast come from?"

Ga'Elian nods at the culinary suggestions, Says, “I'll build a fire. One of you want to butcher it?" He pats the griffon who departs to finish off the raw deer carcase he had been devouring moments before.

GAME: Razen rolls survival: (6)+8: 14

Razen nods and pulls a skinning knife from down one boot. "I will." He settles down and starts to butcher the manticore. There's little to it beyond what normally needs done. He stays far from the venomous parts of the beast however. "Do you ever arm-wrestle Ga'Elian?" His tone is conversational, but he's watching the elf as he moves speculatively.

Tilguh shrugs. "Well, enjoy your manticore meat." The red-skinned woman turns and wanders off into the brush.

Ga'Elian smirks to the half-orc, his arms bearing a load of kindling. He says, "Once in a while. We all play to our strengths, and if you don't mind me saying, between the two of us, I think you've got the edge in that sport." He smirks. "Frankly, I like to surprise folks by wrestling with giant-borns. They're often five times my weight and near double my height, so it catches them off guard when I pin them. I may not be the strongest specimen in combat, but I've got the moves and am scrappier than folks imagine."

Razen laughs. "Aye though you'd never know unless you tried." He finishes with the manticore and spreads out the pelt to dry, and to keep the meat on. There's more than the two of them are likely to eat. "I enjoy wrestling myself. Though I am not nearly as light on my feet as you. Some of us such as I make it by on strength of arm."

Once the fire is ready, and the manticore is roasting, the dusk is upon the forest. While the pair have been busy at their work, Ga'Elian has been singing a variety of things, mostly in Sildanyari or Sylvan, but he does throw in a ballad in Yrch-speak extolling the heroism of Adom for Razen's benefit. At the end of it, he points to a mossy boulder sitting next to a fallen tree trunk and asks, "There aren't tables as such out here, but if you'd like to arm wrestle, that might do."

By the time that Ga'Elian brings it back up, Razen had assumed that the other man was not inclined toward trying. The whole meal had been excellent in spite of Ga'Elian's assersions that he was not a cook, and the idea of trying to arm wrestle the elf lit up his grin as readily as had listening to Ga'Elian sing in his native tongue. "Aye!" He stands and offers Ga'Elian his hand so that they can walk to the rock together.

GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Sense Motive: (20)+5: 25

Ga'Elian looks at the half-orc's offered hand and raises his eyebrow, but shrugs and clasps it. What the heck, different cultures have different customs. Anyway, he heads toward the boulder, removes his quiver and cloak, and assumes the position.

Razen settles down on the other side of the boulder, putting his elbow on the rock and clasping hands with Ga'Elian. Gray-green eyes meet those of the elf and he grins a little. "On three then? One, two, three!"

GAME: Ga'Elian rolls Strength: (19)+2: 21
GAME: Razen rolls Strength: (18)+4: 22

It was a good match. Both giving it a worthy effort, but ultimately the half-orc's impressive muscles took the victory. Ga'Elian claps and says, "Congratulations, Razen. I can see why you're so good with that flail." Standing again, he says, "What brought you out into this neck of the woods anyway?"

The half-orc settles back with an easy smile. He's clearly pleased that it was no easy contest. "I was hunting in fact. Though I did not expect to find a creature such as that in these woods. What of you? Why were you and your griffon out here?"

Ga'Elian smiles, "We watch these woods, keep track of creatures and happenings that threaten those who, like me, call this forest home."

"You live out here then?" Razen arches his tattooed eyebrow at the other man. "I know few who are comfortable living in the wilds." He glances in the direction of the city and then back to the elf. "In truth I miss it. Most nights the sounds of the city keep me up until the morning."

Ga'Elian raises an eyebrow in interest. He says, "I've lived nearly all my life in such forests. My home tribe is nomadic, following wild game around the Periantha. I've been away from them for just over 3 years now, but I much prefer such surroundings to the City. You're right about the sounds, but the smells are even worse, if you ask me. Besides, there are many, many horses in the city, and horses are the natural prey of griffons. Erithamiel's trained to not hunt them, but they don't know that, and get spooked when they perceive him. He's a smart creature, but he's still a wild one, not unlike myself."

Keen eyes watch Ga'Elian, and more wisdom than one would often account a warrior such as Razen to have sparkles there. "Then what brings you so close to so large a city Ga'Elian? Why three long years here when you could be in your homeland?"

Ga'Elian says, "I suppose it was a mix of different things. At first, it was mostly a combination of wanting to see the larger world (it hadn't been very long since the Llyranesi lifted our isolation from the rest of Ea) mixed with a sense that I had been divinely called to defend the nearest sapling of the Tree of Life. When I came, Alexandria was infested with demons, so I joined the fight to keep them from spreading beyond the City.

"And a noble cause is that. It seems wrong that this place be so singled out by hardship. But then it has those like you to aid it. So perhaps that is in of itself luck of a kind." Razen smiles.

-End-