Unusual Reunions
Log Info
- Title: Unusual Reunions
- Place: Eldwyn Road
- Summary: Harkashan is accosted by bandits on the road and finds aid in the way of an unusual stranger. A stranger who just so happens to be one of his closest companions who he knows perished in battle over a year ago. Bandit fighting and awkwardness ensues.
- OOC Note: First time either player has used Pathfinder for combat, so please forgive any issues with dice rolls and/or combat rules.
Some time earlier...
Sunlight glares off of snow that stretches across the expanses between farms and wilderness. A chill wind blows harshly from the West, rustling the bare branches of nearby trees. It would seem a fair day for travel, especially if one isn't all that bothered by the cold.
However, there are threats lurking even in open spaces like these. Just as the Cleric rides beyond a curve in the road, to a place not quite visible from the cover of trees, there is movement. An arrow zooms by, from behind, narrowly missing his shoulder. Then, two more forms appear from the trees, blocking his path forward.
"Hand over your coin." The largest of the three bandits demands, brandishing a sword with an amused smirk on his face. "We wouldn't want to have to poke some holes in that scaly hide of yours now, would we?" The other two laugh, identifying the shooter as having taken a post behind him in the trees.
There's a clear sense of startle from the Sith-makar when an arrow tears on by from beyond his vision. A tug on the reins that halts the horse. The lack of the beast being startled at the sudden motion shows it to be well trained. The glint of sunlight shimmers off of the crimson one's body, as the two forms shift out from behind the trees.
A molten gaze follows them as they step onto the road, as he pats the side of his steed, and slowly gets down from it. He might be wise to simply ride away from this encounter. But that arrow-shot could very well have taken his head. He reads it as a warning shot, and he rather not risk the horse's life at this time.
The man isn't one to bluff, so instead, he looks towards the group, slowly lifting his head a bit to look towards the treeline. He can't quite spot the archer, which makes this all that much more risky. He's taking his time to analyze the situation, before taking one step forward. "I believe your weapons would have a tough time piercing my scales. And severe harm would befall you in your attempt to best this Death-Singer." Long plumes of white come from his maw and nose, looking like smoke due to his own internal temperature compared to the cold weather.
He touches a part of his armor, though they would likely miss that he's specifically touching one of the lava-rocks. "I have buried many already. I would politely ask you do not make me the agent to your fall."
GAME: Harkashan rolls Intimidate: (20)+3: 23 (3 rounds of 'Shaken' status against 'Leader') GAME: Rune (Goon vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Rune (Leader vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (13)+4-4: 13 GAME: Rune (Archer vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3-2: (5)+3+-2: 6 Crit Confirmation: GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6 GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (20)+1+4+1+-2: 24 GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (7)+1+4+1+-2: 11 Crit Confirmation: GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (6)+1+4+1+-2: 10 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1d6: (1)+(4): 5
The largest of the three Bandits seems to be the one that is smart enough to realize just how much of a threat the Sith-makar actually is. He visibly takes a step back, looking uncertain. Instead, it's the individual next to him that mutters, "Fuck that. Let's shut him up." Charging in, the more lankier bandit slashes towards Harkashan, his rapier aimed at a bend in the Cleric's armor.
At the same time, the Archer lines up a shot, but it goes wide, thudding into the ground nearby with a splatter of snow and dirt. Lastly, the Leader joins the fray, but it seems like he is having some serious doubts about their choice of target. Enough so that his attack swings wide.
Just as the Archer reaches for another arrow, there is a distinct sound just behind him before a short sword neatly slashes at the back of his leg, taking out the limb and nearly toppling the bandit off of the branch. Behind him, a hooded form brandishes two short-swords. Though it's hard to determine much else at this distance, it appears that Harkashan has an unlikely ally.
GAME: Harkashan casts Murderous Command. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14 Will Save: GAME: Rune (Goon) rolls 1d20-1: (17)+-1: 16 GAME: Rune (Goon vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (18)+3: 21 GAME: Rune (Leader vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3-2: (7)+3+-2: 8 Crit Confirmation: GAME: Rune (Goon) rolls 1d20+3: (10)+3: 13 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2 GAME: Rune (Archer) rolls 1d20+3: (1)+3: 4 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Rune (vs Archer) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (1)+1+4+1+-2: 5 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Rune (vs Archer) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (2)+1+4+1+-2: 6
The Sith-makar grunts under his breath when the bandits decide not to back off on him. He'd hope that convincing the bandit's leader would at least have offered a few more moments of respite.
He grabs for his blade, but the bandit is on him before he has a chance to use it to help him deflect the incoming blow. The lizard feels the heavy blade draw past part of his armor and dig into him, drawing blood. He quickly grabs the bandit's hand, holding him for a moment, interposing the one who'd rushed him first between himself and both the archer and the leader of the bandits.
Gritting his teeth, the scaled one considers the softskin for a moment, staring down into his eyes, before pulling his hand and that blade from him and his armor and stumbling back. He draws a quick figure in the air, trying to ensnare the man before him into assaulting his leader, but he's resisted - as they swing their blades at him.
Then, above, he hears that squawk as the archer gets hurt. Looking up quickly at the hooded form. Indeed, he has an ally, allowing him to focus on the two before him. He'd thank them, but he's trying this best to concentrate.
The Archer falters, dropping their bow which clatters to the ground far below. With one leg out of commission, he draws a blade, brandishing it at the robed interloper and slashes wildly. It doesn't even seem to come close, but it does seem to be enough to keep the stranger at bay. Their own attempts at pressing the attack are met with the frantic defense of someone who was in charge, but now suddenly fears for their own life.
The Goon seems to be enjoying himself, however. He isn't so much using the rapier with any sort of finesse, but instead just continues to try to stab at the same weak point on the Sith-makar's armor. There is a bold laugh, one without fear whatsoever. Their Leader, on the other hand, seems to realize that they no longer have the advantage in sheer numbers that they had previously. He seems to be considering their situation, his eyes darting towards their ally in the trees. This means that his focus isn't on the fight in front of him.
Harkashan summons: Eagle Eagle attacks Leader. GAME: Harkashan (Eagle vs Leader) rolls 1d20+3+2: (1)+3+2: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
The leader may be considering their advantage here, but Harkashan is doing the same. He can ensure his ally has some time to take down the archer. His buckler gets in the way of the leader as he shifts around the leader and pushes him away with a somewhat fluid motion, but this gives the goon a chance to step forward.
His blade doesn't find his armor, but rather gets it into the Sith-makar's tail as he tries to move it in a defensive manner to help cover his flank. Harkashan stumbles for a moment, roaring at the two bandits to try and startle them, as he draws a sign in the air and uses up some of his components - followed by an eagle suddenly bursting from the shadows behind the leader. Its shadowy form still forming, as it tries to claw at the leader, phasing through on its attempt as it takes flight and corporealizes, moving just out of reach and coming around for another move!
GAME: Rune (Goon vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (20)+3: 23 GAME: Rune (Leader vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (18)+3-2: 19 Crit Confirmation: GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+3: (12)+3: 15 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3 GAME: Rune (Archer vs Rune) rolls 1d20+3: (5)+3: 8 GAME: Rune (vs Archer) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (14)+1+4+1+-2: 18 GAME: Rune (vs Archer) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (9)+1+4+1+-2: 13 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6: (4): 4
The hesitation on the part of the Bandit leader seems to be filtering down to the others. That uncertainty has him not leading from the front, and instead, following the bull-headed nature of his Goon companion. On the surface, it may look like they are still succeeding at pushing the two Adventurers, with the Goon landing another blow onto Harkashan and the Leader proving distracted by the appearance of the Eagle.
In the trees, it is a different matter. Though sword-strikes are exchanged back and forth between the Archer and the mysterious figure, it is only those from the stranger that strike home. It leaves the Archer barely managing to keep their footing, one arm clutched around their injured side.
Harkashan Channels Positive Energy: GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d6: (4): 4 Eagle attacks Leader. GAME: Harkashan (Eagle vs Leader) rolls 1d20+3+2: (5)+3+2: 10
Realizing that he's needing to draw more time from the healer, Harkashan keeps backing slowly towards the tree. His avian ally attempting to get at the leader, but its talons only manage to clip parts of his hair. The sizable Khopesh which Harkashan is wielding serving to halt another strike by the Leader, only for the goon to get through once again, cutting at the same wound in his armor that had been drawn before.
Harkashan quickly lowers his other hand onto that mark, channeling his healing energies into it, trying to staunch the bleeding before using his foot to push the goon back again, forcing him and the leader to have to approach him while he keeps very slowly backing off until he starts to sense that he's close enough to his mysterious ally. He can't exactly look over his shoulder, but he is listening - picking up the sounds of combat behind him.
GAME: Rune (Goon vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (16)+3: 19 GAME: Rune (Leader vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2 GAME: Rune (Archer vs Rune) rolls 1d20+3: (10)+3: 13 GAME: Rune (vs Archer) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (17)+1+4+1+-2: 21 GAME: Rune (vs Archer) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1-2: (17)+1+4+1+-2: 21 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6: (2): 2 Archer is defeated.
There is a moment of decision as the Bandit Leader appraises their situation. It's quite possible that he misreads just how injured the Sith-makar actually is and his sight on the his archer comrade is limited by the trees. In for a copper, in for a gold, it seems. The Leader decides to finally focus, "Take this one down, we'll worry about the other one afterwards." He orders. Getting a resounding sound of approval from the Goon fighting at his side. Both continue to press the attack, but this time it is only the Leader who manages to land a hit, though only a glancing one.
The command from below, however, seems to become just that much more of a distraction for the Archer who is already floundering against his opponent. The hooded stranger takes a moment, giving a show-boat twirl of both swords before rushing in. At the same moment, the Archer's foot slips, and the blades dig in across their chest. There is brief moment of shock before they fall, landing on the ground with a distinct *thud*.
GAME: Harkashan casts Bless. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14 Eagle charges Leader. GAME: Harkashan (Eagle charging Leader) rolls 1d20+3+2+1+2: (17)+3+2+1+2: 25 GAME: Harkashan (Eagle) rolls 1d4: (2): 2
A shift of the blade, pushing the goon to the side as sparks fly across his falchion. The Sith-makar's armor catches some of the goon's blade, letting it deflect off. However, the leader finds a weak spot in his armament between a set of lava-stones and catches a glancing blow, followed by Harkashan growling.
"Okay, that's enough. You've had your chance." His ears picking up the sudden THUD on the ground behind him. There's a quick glance, confirming it's the robed one still standing, before he looks to the leader. "You have just lost one ally. How many more must perish before you start valueing peoples' lives?" As a sudden flare of pale-grey light bursts out, sending a short shockwave across the grass whilst the man touches one of those lavastones on his armor.
Rune would feel a familiar sensation she's felt before. A sense of empowerment and awareness of movement.
How long has it been?
Not a moment later, the eagle swoops a bit further up, and then dives down, burying its talons into the Leader's face, drawing a fierce scar across his face! Remaining in its face, trying to peck at his nose and ears!
GAME: Rune (Goon vs Harkashan) rolls 1d20+3: (11)+3: 14 GAME: Rune (Leader vs Eagle) rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18 GAME: Rune (damage to Eagle) rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3 GAME: Rune (vs Goon, Flanking+Bless) rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1+2+1: (11)+1+4+1+2+1: 20 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1d6: (1)+(3): 4
The *thud* seems to be enough to shake both the Leader and his remaining companion. Both seem to hesitate briefly, as if considering their life choices. However, it is only a split second later that the eagle comes charging down and makes a neat mess of the Leader's face. He is left swatting at the creature, striking out with his sword to try to shoo it away, while the other Bandit grunts and continues to charge in at Harkashan.
The familiar sensation washes over Rune in that moment just before her feet land on the ground, moving forward to close the distance between herself and the two Bandits still threatening the Sith-makar. Even at this distance, it's hard to make out the details of this new ally. All that is really visible is her eyes, the rest is lost in her cloak and mask. With the more aggressive of the two Bandits focusing on Harkashan, she slips behind the man, neatly slicing the back of his leg and sending the Goon to one knee, making an obvious opening for the cleric and his eagle.
GAME: Harkashan (vs Goon) rolls 1d20+2+wisdom+1+1: (10)+2+3+1+1: 17 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+1: (4)+1: 5 Eagle attacks Goon. GAME: Harkashan (Eagle vs Goon) rolls 1d20+3+2+1: (19)+3+2+1: 25 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d4: (4): 4 Goon is defeated.
A flare of black shadow is drawn from the Eagle, its red beady eyes staring at the Leader as that blade cleaves it - before it suddenly turns along with Rune and Harkashan. They all suddenly shift their attention onto the goon that has been harassing and doing the most harm to Harkashan.
Almost as if he were punctuating that statement about how many more deaths it would take, blade slip. The eagle's claws grab onto the hair of the goon, pulling him out of position. The leg is sliced, and not a moment later, Harkashan brings his blade up, and swings it down with a fierce hew, slashing through the bandit's chest and leaving him on the ground. Silent.
After which he turns towards the Leader with a slow growling huff of breath. He's focused on the battle, but his mind is suddenly showing a bit of distraction. The way his ally had just cut that man, something felt... nostalgic about it. That form. The smaller body. The use of those shortswords...
Leader runs away. AoO: GAME: Rune (vs Leader)rolls 1d20+dexterity+1+1+2: (2)+4+1+1+2: 10 AoO: GAME: Harkashan (vs Leader) rolls 1d20+2+wisdom+1+1: (15)+2+3+1+1: 22 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d8+1: (2)+1: 3 Leader Leaves the combat field.
It all happens in the matter of a breath. The Goon falters, and then in the next blink he lies silent on the ground. The Leader's eyes go wide, staring in shock at the Sith-makar before him and then he takes a a step back. Panic. That is evident in the man's scarred face. He turns and runs, drawing one final volly of attacks from the Adventurers before he darts into the trees.
Rune stands there a moment longer, her blades still drawn, a stain of blood across one of them that slowly drips onto the ground. She seems to be taking in their surroundings, looking for any sign that there might be others waiting in the shadows. Then, she lowers her eyes to her weapons, doing a quick check of their condition before sheathing one and running a bit of cloth over the other to clean the blade.
The woman, and it is clear now that she is a woman, doesn't say anything to Harkashan. Instead, she simply finishes cleaning the blade and then sheaths it. Even these simple actions strike that chord of familiarity. He's seen her do this any number of times, almost as if it were some sort of ritual.
The moment the bandit leader attempts to move away, the Sith-makar's blade sings upwards, striking the man across the back and leaving a heavy bleeding gash. However, he doesn't chase. He will let the act of permitting him to survive speak for itself. The eagle does swoop into the air, circling and following the Bandit Leader for a little longer, making sure he's not going to find allies nearby.
The man then looks down towards the two fallen bandits, and lets out a huff of breath. His growling tone sending a heated wave of 'fog' outwards. He draws out a piece of cloth, cleaning his blade, inspecting it, then sheaths it. It seems the two of them have very similar mannerisms in that regards.
When it is sheathed, he turns, and then... leans in.
His head moving slowly, like a snake trying to mesmerize its prey. Slight shifts left and right as his body lowers deeper and he tries to get a good look under that hood. His expression a bit hard to read for anyone who hasn't spent as much time as Rune has around his species. Familiarity that is drawing too much attention...
But familiarity that should not be. Perhaps someone trained in the same ways as her? A sister? Or softskins more alike than he'd been made to believe?
It would be all too easy for Rune simply to turn and walk away from the situation, but the moment that Harkashan leans in and attempts to get a better view of her, the Half-sil freezes. Her blue eyes meet his and hold there. It's lasts only a few seconds before she looks away, "Why are you looking at me like that, Harkashan?" She pulls at the mask covering her face, drawing it down under her chin as she steps away, nudging a toe at the nearest of the fallen bandits.
The last time he had seen her, Rune had been lying still nad pale, blood stained across her face and bubbled around her mouth. This woman that stands before him is like seeing a ghost. Except... she knows him. "You really need to be more careful. Traveling out here alone? Come on, you know better than that."
GAME: Harkashan casts Detect Undead. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14
The same eyes. The same facial markings. He tilts his head a bit upwards while glancing down at her, and then rises back up when she speaks.
The same voice.
It's enough to have him take half a step back. She feels... something. A whisper from him, casting a spell while looking down at her. Concern in his eyes for a moment, then, that concern turns to confusion. A tilt of his head.
He doesn't immediately address the elephant in the room, a bit too caught off-guard to immediately ask. "Well... I didn't exactly get a guide to this area." He answers her with a bit of a huff. "Sometimes, one has to take a chance upon these roads of yours. The matter of 'thieves' like /this/ is still somewhat new to me."
GAME: Harkashan rolls Bluff: (3)+3: 6 GAME: Rune rolls sense motive: (17)+6: 23
"Thieves are only one type of danger on the roads." Rune replies simply, as if there were nothing unusual about their meeting. It's as if it hadn't been a year since he had seen her die. "It wasn't exactly safe in your lands, either." She comments, looking in his direction before pulling her hood back. Her features seem largely the same, though the shade of color used to dye the tips of her hair is subtely different, perhaps depending on different plants for it in this region.
An eyebrow is quirked at the casting of a spell in her direction, "Do you mind?" She might not know what it is, but the concerned look on his face is enough to have her making some guesses as to what it could be.
"We should get these two off the road. I wouldn't want some farmer out for a trip with their kid stumbling on a body." Rune looks towards the Goon, "You take care of that one. I'll get the I took out." The Half-sil moves over to grab the bandit underneath the armpits, grunting as she moves to heft them off the path and into the trees. Raw strength has never been her forte.
GAME: Rune rolls bluff: (14)+6: 20 GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (8)+9: 17
Harkashan rumbles, "Yes, but there, there were beasts that were our enemies. And the Charn. Not... briggands." He points out, as he slowly crosses his arms - buckler on the outside. Almost as if he were protecting his chest - his heart - from something.
Erecting himself to his full height, he lets out another one of those big huffs. His warmth radiating against her through the cold snowy weather. "Agreed." He then notes, as she speaks to getting them off of the road. As such, he grabs the other arm of the bandit she'd grabbed, and moves him back to the tree where the fallen archer lies.
He takes care in laying the body down, before glancing aside. "Creating a proper pyre here is too much trouble. And with this weather, I cannot dig into the earth easily to bury them." He considers a few more things, before he walks to his horse and pulls something from the saddlebags. Cloths, of some sorts.
"There's a small clearing there, where we do not risk the trees being set on fire. Let us lay these fallen men to rest there. Fools to the end as they may be."
Dealing with the aftermath of a battle was something Rune tended to avoid in the past, usually leaving it to Harkashan and others in their party to tend to bodies and burial rites. She knew enough about his 'Death-Singing Dragon' not to interfere. However, this is a situation she has to deal with first hand. "If you insist." She hesitates. "Seems to me that for men of the road like this, leaving them to the elements makes just as fitting a burial."
He had made sure she was laid to rest properly, though, hadn't he? She was an outsider, someone distant from his people, and yet... Rune has no memories of those events. For all she knows, her body was left where it had fallen.
"Besides, a fire could draw attention. Other bandits, locals asking too many questions, law makers who might wonder about why we're in the company of two dead bodies..." Rune rattles off, already lifting her head to start looking for any signs of other travelers.
Harkashan seems pretty set on doing things 'his way', even as she starts giving him entirely reasonable things he should be considering here. "We were attacked. They will understand." He points out as he grabs one of the corpses and begins to drag it off into the little clearing. "And they will understand a member of the Death Singers taking care of a burial." He adds.
The lizard keeps on the move. There's a nervous energy to him that she's not seen before on him. A sense that he's deep in thought about the whole situation. Certainly, she's seen him bury and ignite many a people before. But still, there's something different about it this time.
The second body soon joins, and he rolls them both into what looks like thin 'blankets'. Mummifying the fallen bandits, after which he snaps his finger, casting a Spark upon them and setting the blankets aflame with divine fire.
He speaks a few words, after which he turns back to Rune. "That should be enough. Let us travel into town and seek some shelter of this weather. You've been trembling." He notes.
GAME: Rune rolls bluff: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (12)+9: 21
Once it becomes obvious that there is no changing Harkashan's mind about the matter, Rune simply stands back and allows him the time and space for his process. This, too, is familiar, as if the two were falling immediately back into old habbits. She doesn't say anything throughout the process. In fact, her expression remains blank and unreadable, often simply looking into the woods or off into the darkening sky.
When he declares that they have done enough, she seems to snap back to attention. "I left my horse a bit back up the road, we should backtrack to get it and then head onward." At the very least, she is using the term 'we'. Despite not having seen each other for over a year, it is an easy tendency to return to. "And I was not shivering." She was, and wasn't particularly trying to hide it. This, too, is one of those mannerisms that may bring back memories of past travels. The question remains, however, how much does Rune remember? That, perhaps, is a discussion for another time.