To Scorn the Gods- Episode 1: DEFENSE, WHAT'S THAT

(7:47:33 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Long ago, the land was lawless. Countless tribes and factions warred amongst themselves, with death and destruction rampant. True chaos reigned, and peace was a concept that none even could comprehend. However, out of this, a hero rose. He rallied tribes together, and through military might formed a great kingdom.
(7:49:39 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: With his guidance, the world might have been united as one. However, there was still great evil that refused to submit to his rule. Through black magicks, deceit and trickery, this great hero was felled.
(7:55:06 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Hope was thought lost. The people's spirits were crushed, and they began falling to the evils that encroached. When only a single small encampment of humanity remained, however, a voice rang out from the heavens, and light engulfed all within sight. Empowered, the last remnants fought with inhuman strength. Their hero was now their god.
(7:57:56 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Though once reduced to nothing but a scrap, humanity recovered, and spread outward. Evil could not overpower them. Now, two hundred years later, all of you now reside in the kingdom which has risen. Each of you has your own reasons for what you believe, and what you are.
(8:02:22 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe. You are an outcast from humanity, but also from elvenkind. Born in the forests, yet banished once you came of age, you were forced to wander, but also to learn. You were alone, until you found someone to love.
(8:04:05 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Mana. Though the entire history of your people once stood before you to learn, you, for reasons of your own, chose to leave the forest. Those in this land distrust you for your heritage, and the life is not easy. Yet, you have found a companion to prevent loneliness from setting in.
(8:07:22 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth, Ulyssa, Artemis. The three of you are old friend. You grew up in the village of Nessington. It was an inconsequential place, really, but far enough from the border to be safe. Since you were children, you knew that the church would one day come to make a decision on each of you. In the end, only Artemis was chosen to join them.
(8:09:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth. Though you were not chosen, you could not bear to simply stay in the village. You wanted more for yourself. Yet, you felt trapped by those around you, unable to go, whether because of sentimentality, or something else. You trained so that one day you might be able to seek adventure, but your frustrations bled into your fighting style. You are a force of fury, whose strength is utterly different from those around you.
(8:11:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa. You as well, did not want to stay. However... It wasn't that big a deal either. You continued to learn, but you would stay in control. Now, you as well are a force to be reckoned with, ready to go into the world to do good.
(8:19:14 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis. You have been chosen to serve Corellus, humanity's greatest hero and only god. Your martial training has continued, under the instruction of their paladins. Now, your training is complete. However, one test still remains to show yourself worthy of being blessed with the title of Paladin.
(8:22:13 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: You have been informed of a great evil that has risen to the north, near the edge of the kingdom. Weak but incredibly numerous undead have begun rising, and pose danger to the nearby villages, who already have difficulty defending against the raiding orc and goblin tribes. If this continues, those villages are doomed.
(8:23:09 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Your task is to find the source of these undead, and destroy them. You may bring four others with you, from outside the church, to eliminate this threat. Only if you show yourself capable of this are you worthy of the title of Paladin.
(8:26:02 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Now, with your old friends Ulyssa and Kineth at your side, you enter the Horse and Dragon tavern, in hopes of finding two more adventurers to join your quest. Inside, a performance takes place...
(8:36:24 PM) ***Aelitethe is in the middle of performing an ancient folk dance which the more astute would note to be from the older cultures of yore; with fairly fluid circular movements and sporadic pirouettes.
(8:42:12 PM) ***Mana[1] sighs a bit as her right eye focuses on the girl that's performing the folk dance, her left eye covered by a scar. She seems a bit bored, but not because of the performance. It was more because there was literally no one to talk to, for now.
(8:45:39 PM) ***Artemis-XE watches the performance attentively, choosing not to speak until after the performance unless directly addressed, so as not to ruin concentration.
(8:48:31 PM) ***Ulyssa has no reason to speak (the truckload that she's carrying in her backpack doesn't bother her in the slightest), and can't find a good reason to. Take a seat, enjoy the show!
(8:50:23 PM) ***Kineth lacks any reason to speak either, simply leaning back and watching the performance go by.
(8:53:55 PM) ***Aelitethe hums a tune as she proceeds to conclude her dance...
(8:57:33 PM) ***Mana[1] ..lets a light smile form across her lips. She seemed to enjoy Aelitethe's performance~.
(8:57:56 PM) ***Artemis-XE applauds the performance modestly.
(9:00:09 PM) Ulyssa: It was a pretty neat performance, surely was! As such, Ulyssa applauds, a slight more than modestly.
(9:01:48 PM) Aelitethe: Calming herself down, Aelitethe steps away from the clearing in the tavern and approaches Mana, giving her a light hug. "Was I alright?" she asked.
(9:02:38 PM) ***Mana[1] nods as she hugs back, idly glancing around to see if anyone was watching before giving Aelitethe a light peck on the cheek. "You were more than alright, dear."
(9:06:13 PM) Artemis-XE: "A fine performance indeed." Artemis interjects.
(9:06:48 PM) ***Kineth simply nods slightly in agreement, not really having anything to say at the moment.
(9:09:12 PM) Ulyssa: ...Two people? ...Yeah, that's two people. Having things to say? Nope, she's just carrying the stuff, rather happy to be here, and even happier to be on the way to ADVENTURE. So, she nods in agreement as well.
(9:11:52 PM) ***Aelitethe takes a look at the three figures, two who appear to be warriors and one who appears to be a paladin of some sort. "Ah, thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed watching my performance. You three look like you need something, though...?"
(9:13:15 PM) Artemis-XE: "Yes, we... require your assistance." He says as he faces Aelitethe and Mana
(9:13:37 PM) ***Mana[1] blinks, her only eye widening just a bit. "In.. what?"
(9:15:00 PM) Artemis-XE: "I have come here, on a mission from the local church. I've heard of strange happenings towards the north. They say the undead have risen."
(9:16:01 PM) Artemis-XE: "I've come to this tavern, after enlisting the help of my friends standing beside me, to seek additional assistance."
(9:17:09 PM) Artemis-XE: "Would you be willing to help us?"
(9:17:14 PM) ***Mana[1] ..then gives Artemis a deadpan look. 'You had me at "undead have risen" part. So how are we supposed to slay something that's already dead?"
(9:18:33 PM) ***Aelitethe purses her lips. "Do we get anything out of this?"
(9:19:04 PM) Ulyssa: "...You could cut off all their limbs. Or maybe just the head...or just stab the brain..." She's thinking! ...About how to kill things. And it's more 'common knowledge' to her. Stories!
(9:19:25 PM) ***Aelitethe blinks at Ulyssa.
(9:19:26 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis would know that the church will give a sizeable reward to those who assist in the completion of this task.
(9:19:52 PM) ***Mana[1] idly glances at Ulyssa. "And if those parts start to move on their own and then reform with their original bodies? Then what?"
(9:19:54 PM) Kineth: "Or tear them into enough chunks that they're effectively useless."
(9:19:59 PM) Artemis-XE: He turns to Aelitethe. "Well, surely we'll encounter ancient ruins along the way. There may be ancient texts to study, artifacts to find, that sort of thing."
(9:20:35 PM) Ulyssa: "Burn the chunks." She's thought about this already.
(9:21:08 PM) ***Artemis-XE glances at Mana. I am blessed with the powers of light and justice. That alone shall be enough to tackle a few skeletons. He says rather brazenly.
(9:21:16 PM) Aelitethe: "What do you think, Mana? Would it be a good idea to join them? They seem trustworthy enough."
(9:22:10 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa can only beam on hearing words like that. Hero fangirl, yep.
(9:27:17 PM) ***Mana[1] slowly nods at Aelitethe before grinning at both Ulyssa and Artemis. "And what if there's undeads that are immune to holy and fire? Then what~?"
(9:28:02 PM) ***Aelitethe petpets Mana. "I don't think we'll be facing such manner of the undead around these parts... By the way, may you grace us with your names?"
(9:28:25 PM) ***Kineth just... shakes his head in response to Mana. "That's about the most inane thing I've heard today."
(9:28:33 PM) Ulyssa: "...They shouldn't be! That's like...a normal person that's immune to getting stabbed." Nod nod. Maybe she'll think about that on her first journal entry. But for now, that is far too deep for her.
(9:29:18 PM) Artemis-XE: "I'm Artemis. Or, just 'Art', if you prefer. And your name...?"
(9:29:42 PM) ***Mana[1] pouts playfully. "My name's Mana, if you were wondering. And I just wanted to know what should we do in case we come up with that kind of undead.."
(9:30:02 PM) Artemis-XE: "We wont."
(9:30:05 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, it's nice to meet you, Artemis. I'm Aelitethe."
(9:30:10 PM) Ulyssa: "...Without magic involved. ...I'm Ulyssa. pleased to meet you!"
(9:30:45 PM) ***Aelitethe curtseys in greeting.
(9:31:14 PM) Kineth: "Kineth." He nods to Aelitethe in response.
(9:31:51 PM) Aelitethe: "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Well, Mana, if we join them, that would make us five strong. I think it's not such a bad idea to join them."
(9:32:19 PM) ***Mana[1] idly tugs at Aelitethe's ear, playfully. "You missed my nod at the first time you asked if we can join them, dear."
(9:33:27 PM) Aelitethe: "Oh... I suppose I did,"
(9:33:40 PM) ***Aelitethe giggles.
(9:34:45 PM) Ulyssa: "I did pack for five~" A motion to her absurdly packed backpack. ...Wait. ....Waaaaait. "...Almost. I need a tent..." A tent probably wouldn't even fit in there, but hey. One can only imagine why she didn't mention it sooner.
(9:35:25 PM) ***Mana[1] sees this as an opportunity to tease Aelitethe as much as possible. "S'allright. I'll use Aelitethe as a bed~."
(9:35:38 PM) Artemis-XE: "...Well, at least one of us came more than prepared." He chuckles idly.
(9:35:51 PM) ***Aelitethe blushes madly. "H-h-h-hey, Mana...~ Not so loud."
(9:36:37 PM) Ulyssa: "But if it rains and there's no shelter, what can we do? Except sleep in the rain, get sick and really wet..."
(9:36:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Regarding provisions, Artemis, you do recall that you were to receive some supplies from one of the priests before you left on your journey.
(9:37:20 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Whenever everyone's ready, you can return to the temple to receive them
(9:37:24 PM) ***Mana[1] blinks at Ulyssa, amused at how easily Aelitethe's blushing. "Hm... then I'll gladly be Aelitethe's cover for her~."
(9:38:03 PM) Artemis-XE: "Ah, yes... come to think of it, I'll need to return to the church before we head out north for supplies."
(9:38:31 PM) Ulyssa: "Aww~ ...But it wouldn't be good if you got sick, either!" This is adorable, Ulyssa knows it. But still, that could turn out bad.
(9:39:04 PM) ***Aelitethe stammers. "Mana, Mana, I wouldn't want you to get sick, either!"
(9:40:28 PM) Kineth: "Aye. That would indeed be for the best, Artemis. It'd bode ill of us to go on without being fully prepared."
(9:41:03 PM) ***Mana[1] sighs, pretending to be defeated. "Fine fine, we'll wait for Art to come back before heading out..~." She then winks at Aelitethe, saying nothing else along with that wink~.
(9:41:32 PM) ***Aelitethe hugs Mana tightly.
(9:41:43 PM) Aelitethe: "Thank you~"
(9:42:06 PM) ***Artemis-XE heads off to the local temple, posthaste. "If you will all wait briefly.."
(9:43:03 PM) Aelitethe: "It's not a problem, do not be too hasty, friend."
(9:43:33 PM) ***Ulyssa nods, then proceeds to wait. Briefly. It shooould only be briefly, right? Right.
(9:43:47 PM) ***Mana[1] nods, idly nuzzling Aelitethe's cheek, already focused on Ulyssa's "aww" comment earlier~.
(9:44:12 PM) Artemis-XE: "With every second, the undead gather. I shant be too long." He says before finally leaving.
(9:45:23 PM) ***Aelitethe playfully flicks Mana's ear. "Ah...~ Mana, we can't be like this in front of them~ Have you no shame~?"
(9:45:45 PM) Mana[1]: Maybe~. Maybe not~.
(9:46:29 PM) Aelitethe: "So, um, where do you hail from?"
(9:46:38 PM) ***Aelitethe looks at Ulyssa and Kineth.
(9:47:38 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis returns to the temple, making his way through the city. He'll pass through the marketplace along the way. Lively as it is, he has no trouble passing through, as his garb is recognized as that of the church, even if he is only a trainee paladin
(9:49:01 PM) Ulyssa: And she comes to attention. "We hail from Nessington. Artemis does, too."
(9:50:13 PM) ***Mana[1] sage nod. "Ah... I see."
(9:50:40 PM) ***Aelitethe blinks. "Ah, Nessington. I've heard of that place in my readings."
(9:51:22 PM) Ulyssa: "It's not a very big place, so it not a big deal if you've never heard of it. ...But it's cool if you have~"
(9:52:02 PM) Kineth: "Not really all that interesting a place, either."
(9:52:56 PM) ***Aelitethe nods.
(9:53:19 PM) Aelitethe: "I like to consider myself reasonably well-read. Song and dance aren't the only things I do for a living."
(9:55:54 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: When Artemis arrives, he sees a familiar face standing behind the front altar. He's one of the older clerics in the church, known as Father Haisen. He looks up as Artemis approaches. "Ah, child, I've been expecting you. Are your companions not with you, or have you decided to take on your task alone?"
(9:56:25 PM) Artemis-XE: "My companions are waiting elsewhere."
(9:57:18 PM) Ulyssa: "Oh, so you're a good performer and you're well read~" She approves of that, clearly. Brains to match her brawn. Even though there's no brawn apparent, there has to be to carry that huge thing on her back with no effort.
(9:58:29 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Very well then." Father Haisen beckons, and begins walking toward the paladins' wing of the temple. "Come. You should be appropriately outfitted for your journey."
(9:59:01 PM) ***Artemis-XE follows Father Haisen, keeping appropriate pace.
(10:03:42 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Haisen leads Artemis to the armory, where many weapons stand on display, ready to be taken up at any moment. However, he moves beyond that, and into the room where the actual armor is stored.
(10:05:40 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Most of the alcoves in this room hold empty stands, and the rest are covered by curtains. He stands next to one of these curtains, before he speaks. "There is little preparation in the manner of equipment that we may give you. The quality of a weapon is only that of the man who wields it. However,  I thought I might show you a glimpse of what you have to gain, should you return from your quest, triumphant."
(10:06:51 PM) Artemis-XE: "Truer words have never been spoken. And what might this be?"
(10:08:02 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis, you know that each paladin of the church has his own unique set of armor. While it always holds a mark of the wearer's rank, each one has its own pattern and design, suited to the wearer. Though not given to paladins until they have proven themselves, the armor itself is made beforehand, ready as soon as they return from their first quest.
(10:08:14 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Father Haisen pulls the curtain aside, and reveals your armor
(10:10:40 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: A set of full plate stands there, gleaming. Though made of pure black steel, thin traces of gold run across it in intricate patterns, edging the shoulders and going down to the chest, rising to the collar and spreading across the arms and legs.
(10:11:35 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I thought I would show you something concrete that you could hope for, to make your victory all the sweeter."
(10:11:46 PM) ***Artemis-XE looks at the suit of armor silently. Awestruck.
(10:13:36 PM) Artemis-XE: "I have no intention of failure." He says as he 'catches himself'.
(10:15:33 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Hmhm, I should hope not. Prove yourself worthy of the glory to come." Haisen smiles, before covering the armor again, and going back into the armory's main room.
(10:16:57 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He takes a hammer off of one of the racks, and holds it out toward you. "Here. I am told that you normally keep only a blade with you, for your weaponry. There will be many skeletons to fight, with bones resistant to even the sharpest blades."
(10:17:51 PM) ***Artemis-XE accepts the new weapon. "Thank you, Father."
(10:19:59 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Silently, Haisen also moves toward a chest that sits in the corner. He opens it, and you see within five potions, and five vials of holy water. "These are for you to split amongst yourself and your companions. Use them wisely, as if you return before your task is complete, it will be taken as a sign that you are not yet ready for knighthood."
(10:20:59 PM) Artemis-XE: "I will." He says, robbing the chest of it's contents.
(10:24:02 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Now, go, and make all of humanity proud to hold you within it!"
(10:25:00 PM) ***Artemis-XE nods, and returns to the tavern.
(10:28:02 PM) ***Aelitethe awaits the return of Artemis, fidgeting
(10:28:04 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: On his way out of the temple, Artemis notices something
(10:29:06 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Some of the other paladins around seem to be... Staring. They quickly look away as soon as Artemis notices, but there seems to be something almost sad in their gaze
(10:30:13 PM) ***Artemis-XE catches sight of others trying to hide their stares. "What."
(10:31:48 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "It's nothing. Go about your business." The paladin addressed is stone-faced now, showing nothing.
(10:33:07 PM) Artemis-XE: "...Youre obviously lying. Out with it. You've nothing to hide."
(10:35:44 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Watch your tone. I will not be ordered around by a recruit. Just make sure to come back as a real paladin."
(10:38:21 PM) Artemis-XE: "...You know I will." He says almost defiantly. He begins muttering under his breath..["This fool 'ere, come talk to me like im some kinda child..."] "I shall take my leave now."
(10:39:42 PM) ***Artemis-XE continues about his way towards the tavern.
(10:42:36 PM) ***Aelitethe fidgets, waiting.
(10:43:00 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis arrives without incident
(10:43:26 PM) Artemis-XE: "I am prepared. Shall we go?"
(10:43:38 PM) Aelitethe: "Let us go.."
(10:43:50 PM) ***Mana[1] nods, pointing her arm forward.
(10:44:30 PM) ***Ulyssa has waited remarkably patiently (with that absurd backpack on her back, no less). "...Well, it'd be nice if we could buy that tent, first. ...I don't have the money for it..."
(10:46:26 PM) ***Artemis-XE idly digs through a pocket... pulls out 50gp and hands it to Ulyssa. "Would this be enough?"
(10:46:31 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, perhaps we should find some sort of general store in which we may purchase a tent?"
(10:47:34 PM) Artemis-XE: "That would be a good idea. Let's have a look."
(10:47:39 PM) ***Mana[1] nodnod~.
(10:48:26 PM) Ulyssa: "...yeah, that should be enough~" The money is taken, and Ulyssa leads the charge to find a store with a decently sized tent in it.
(10:49:13 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Fortunately, there is a general store right near the edge of the marketplace
(10:51:25 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, let's see what's in here."
(10:52:02 PM) ***Ulyssa has gotten used to browsing stores like these, and is right on finding a decently sized tent. There is one here, right?
(10:55:05 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Yes, there is, and it's not difficult to find
(10:55:15 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "May I help you?" The shopkeeper asks as you walk in
(10:56:56 PM) ***Aelitethe blinks and eyes the tent.
(10:57:18 PM) ***Mana[1] idly glances at the tent.
(10:57:56 PM) Ulyssa: There! "I was looking for a tent that would fit around five people...and that would, right?"
(10:58:44 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "It should, yes. It costs forty-five gold, if you please."
(11:00:45 PM) Ulyssa: "OK~" She hands over the forty-five gold, and thus acquires a tent!
(11:02:39 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The shopkeeper counts it, before nodding. "Very well. Have a nice day."
(11:04:43 PM) Ulyssa: A polite nod in response, for she certainly will have a nice day...followed by her getting the other five GP, and handing it back to Artemis. "Here's the change~"
(11:06:22 PM) Aelitethe: "Hmm..."
(11:06:26 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, shall we go?"
(11:06:47 PM) Kineth: "Don't see any reason to linger around here any longer."
(11:07:02 PM) Artemis-XE: "We should go, yes."
(11:07:18 PM) Mana[1]: "Mhm."
(11:07:19 PM) Artemis-XE: "And thank you."
(11:08:10 PM) Ulyssa: "We should be set, just that...it's kinda heavy..." It is. That actually puts her under Medium Load, and that shows well enough on her, finally being flattened under the sheer weight of everything.
(11:09:54 PM) Artemis-XE: "You should let me carry some of that." He says, offering to shoulder some of the weight.
(11:11:50 PM) Ulyssa: A small thought, before she hands the tent over, as it's the most demanding of the things to carry (and taking things out would be quite the sort fest). "Thank you~ We can finally go off to adventure now~" She's obviously excited about the whole thing.
(11:12:23 PM) ***Aelitethe tilts her head.
(11:12:41 PM) Artemis-XE: "Is something the matter?"
(11:14:14 PM) Aelitethe: "No, nothing is wrong~ Let us set out."
(11:14:26 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis feels the tent's weight rather strongly as well. It's not exhausting, but it won't be pleasant carrying it over the long journey. He may want to take turns with the rest of the party on carrying it
(11:16:00 PM) Aelitethe: "Are we headed... north?"
(11:16:24 PM) Mana[1]: "We.. should be, yes."
(11:17:20 PM) Artemis-XE: "Yes. We must head north. Towards the outskirts of the kingdom, if i remember right."
(11:18:00 PM) ***Ulyssa produces a compass, since hey, gotta know which way is north. Some compass use later, she points in a direction. "That way!"
(11:18:44 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis recalls that it was about a three week journey on foot. Fortunately, Ulyssa no doubt has plenty of food packed in that absurd thing she's carrying
(11:19:51 PM) Aelitethe: "By the way, how long do you estimate we'll take?"
(11:20:49 PM) Artemis-XE: "It'll be about three weeks. Two and a half, if we're quick about it."
(11:20:59 PM) Mana[1]: "Ah.."
(11:21:03 PM) Kineth: "Sounds like we'll be in for a long trek, then."
(11:21:16 PM) Artemis-XE: "...Yep."
(11:21:21 PM) Ulyssa: "I've packed enough for the trip, don't worry~"
(11:21:35 PM) Aelitethe: "Well."
(11:21:37 PM) ***Aelitethe blinks.
(11:22:23 PM) Ulyssa: "...though if we have a way to get there faster, that'd be fine too!"
(11:22:53 PM) ***Mana[1] nods softly, idly clinging to Aelitethe's arm.
(11:23:27 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe actually knows next to nothing about the terrain in that area. There should be plenty to learn!
(11:25:37 PM) Aelitethe: "Let's just try to be careful, then. I haven't been to that particular region."
(11:25:42 PM) ***Aelitethe idly strokes Mana's hair.
(11:26:10 PM) Kineth: "I see. I'm sure we'll manage to get by well enough, in any case."
(11:27:09 PM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. "...Well, enough talking about it, let's go~" Ulyssa sets off!
(11:27:43 PM) ***Artemis-XE continues keeping pace with the others
(11:29:29 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The first week passes without incident. ...Or even any other travelers coming down the road. It's pretty much day-in, day-out of boringness, aside from whatever entertainment the party can provide for itself.
(11:29:39 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: But then, something breaks the tedium...
(11:30:22 PM) Artemis-XE: "...Something feels off. Not sure what, but it isn't right."
(11:30:33 PM) Aelitethe: "Is this area normally this deserted?"
(11:31:01 PM) Kineth: "Mm... Don't know, actually."
(11:31:02 PM) Mana[1]: "..it might be. It might not be."
(11:32:06 PM) ***Aelitethe idly hums a tune to herself...
(11:32:30 PM) Artemis-XE: "Depends on the time, i'd guess. I dont come out here often."
(11:32:31 PM) Ulyssa: Every night, you can see Ulyssa writing in a journal. She packed that, too. Just to note it! "If there's something wrong, we'll fix it." Nod nod.
(11:34:02 PM) ***Aelitethe tilts her head.
(11:37:44 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Mana is the first to notice something on the road in the distance. As the party approaches, it becomes slowly more and more clear that it's a wagon, and there are people all around it...
(11:38:21 PM) Artemis-XE: "What's going on over there?"
(11:38:45 PM) Mana[1]: "-...? Just what the hell is in that wagon..?"
(11:38:59 PM) Kineth: "Good questions..."
(11:39:24 PM) Aelitethe: "Let's take a look, I say.."
(11:39:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The wagon also happens to not be moving, and as they get closer, it becomes clear that the people surrounding it have weapons, and are mostly facing TOWARD the wagon
(11:40:46 PM) Aelitethe: "I hate to point out the obvious, but it looks like the wagon is being attacked."
(11:41:04 PM) Kineth: "Wonder why.."
(11:41:21 PM) Mana[1]: "..those are probably townspeople trying to attack a group of outcasts."
(11:41:35 PM) Kineth: "Let's not jump to conclusions..."
(11:41:57 PM) Ulyssa: "Because it has stuff? Let's hurry and help them." No exclamation points here. "...But if it is...well, let's investigate anyway." Nod nod.
(11:42:01 PM) Artemis-XE: "Enough wondering. Let's head over there and get the facts."
(11:42:57 PM) Aelitethe: "Yes."
(11:42:58 PM) Ulyssa: If it wasn't clear, she's still going in that direction to investigate and get the facts. And maybe cut a person, in time.
(11:44:17 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Yep, they're definitely attacking. Soon enough, it's possible to hear shouting, and see the obvious aggression. "I don't think you understand here, wench. Give us everything you have, or you'll never even need to eat again!"
(11:46:01 PM) ***Artemis-XE calls out to the attackers. "Stop this travesty at once, you louts!"
(11:46:05 PM) ***Mana[1] sighs softly, actually willing to intervene. "..How about they don't, and you leave. Otherwise, you'll never even need to live again."
(11:46:48 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: One of the more lightly armored fellows pokes the shout-y one. "Boss, we've got company! I think they're with the church!"
(11:47:33 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "The church, eh? Pah! The whole damn thing can't even stop those skeletons, what do we care about a sorry bunch like this?" He turns toward you. "Mind your own business if you don't wanna end up gutted like a pig!"
(11:48:02 PM) Ulyssa: Does anything else need to be said? Ulyssa stares down the thugs, ready to draw swords (and other stuff too) on cue with everyone else. Especially the one that ended his lines with 'a pig'.
(11:48:11 PM) ***Aelitethe places a hand to her forehead. "Someone's quite a phillistine today."
(11:48:30 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Phili-wha? Did you just call me a pastry?"
(11:48:34 PM) Mana[1]: "Assuming that we can't do anything?" Mana grins. "You're not in any place to say something like that, since we don't see you killing those skeletons."
(11:49:12 PM) ***Artemis-XE has almost become a completely different person after hearing this... "Gutted like a pig? By y'all who look like pigs?"
(11:49:20 PM) Aelitethe: "Uncultured and barbarous louts as yourselves feed upon the defenseless to feed your vice... That's quite disgusting."
(11:49:38 PM) ***Kineth just coldly looks at the thugs, not really impressed with their threat.* "The only pigs I see here are you lot."
(11:50:06 PM) Mana[1]: "Truly disgusting, I have to agree." Mana smiles, idly patting the handle of her rapier with her hand.
(11:50:36 PM) Artemis-XE: "Im only going to say this once. What you are doing here will stop. And you'll leave quietly."
(11:50:56 PM) Aelitethe: "Psst. Arty. They don't look like the negotiable bunch. They won't leave without a fight. Be on your guard!"
(11:51:11 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Hah, you think you're tough do ya? We barely escaped that damn army of ghosts'n goblins with our lives, and you've got the nerve to look down on us? C'mon boys, let's take these ones down. They look like they've got better stuff than these ones anyway!"
(11:51:36 PM) Artemis-XE: "...So it has to come to that. Everyone ready?!"
(11:51:37 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: His men don't look completely enthusiastic, but one draws his bow, and another two step forward next to him
(11:51:38 PM) Kineth: "Any last words?" He simply says as he readies his greatsword, glaring at the thugs.
(11:52:08 PM) ***Artemis-XE prepares his Longsword, waiting.
(11:52:13 PM) ***Ulyssa takes the moment to draw her blades. Better now than later! ...Why there's a smile on her face, you can ask later. Or now. Probably later though.
(11:52:19 PM) Mana[1]: "I do. Those un-enthusiastic guys over there looks like they'd be happy to be gutted like a pig~." Mana withdraws her rapier, still grinning.
(11:53:15 PM) ***Aelitethe steps back and holds her quarterstaff (which, at this point in time, doubled as a walking stick) protectively. "Mana, be careful. I'll provide my support from here."
(11:53:23 PM) Ulyssa: "Or we could just gut the leader to prove a point~" Later draws closer.
(11:53:56 PM) Mana[1]: Mana nods at Aelitethe before following Ulyssa up close, from behind. "We both should do that~."
(11:58:59 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth is the first to move. There's three fighters up front, one in hide armor with a sword and shield, one in chain with a greataxe, and one in studded leather with a glaive
(4/22/2012 12:01:58 AM) ***Kineth sizes them up, glancing between the three of them, before charging at the greataxe-wielding fighter, letting out a yell as he attempts to tear into him with a fierce swing of his greatsword.
(12:03:53 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Unfortunately, the man is all too ready, and dodges with ease
(12:04:02 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe is the next one ready
(12:07:30 AM) ***Aelitethe clears her throat and attempts to prepare a rousing battle song with which to keep everyone at the ready. [Run Inspire Courage, Audible component]
(12:10:04 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Unfortunately, it seems the first one to be inspired is a man at the back, who shoots an arrow in Aelitethe's direction. The arrow doesn't stick, and is little more than a graze, but it still hurts a little
(12:11:07 AM) Aelitethe: ?!
(12:11:37 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Next, the man with the greataxe unleashes his counterstrike upon Kineth, just barely missing as as the berserker recovers from his failed charge
(12:12:57 AM) Kineth: Mmph... Kineth steps back as the man is about swing, his eyes focused on him still. All the more reason to focus on taking him out.
(12:18:25 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: One of the men in the back rushes forward, with a cutlass drawn, and tries to take advantage of Kineth's distraction. Unfortunately, Kineth moves a great deal faster than expected, and the attempted blow grazes off his armor
(12:20:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The man with the longsword also tries to join in on the fun. Unfortunately for him, Kineth is REALLY DAMN PREPARED for everything coming his way, and blocks his attack at the last moment.
(12:20:34 AM) ***Kineth doesn't even pay the offending man any mind as he moves, glancing at him aside before shifting his focus back to the main in chain.
(12:21:43 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Now, Ulyssa finally breaks out of thoughts of killing to actually DO the killing!
(12:23:27 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa is not taking kindly to this. Is there a single person she can dispatch to make getting to said person without drawing all kinda of fire easier? Yes. There is. The sword and shield man shall meet BOTH of her weapons. Not a word is spoken as she does so, but she still hasn't removed the smile on her face.
(12:26:18 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The man frantically blocks Ulyssa's shortsword, but does absolutely nothing as the cutlass digs into his side. He yowls in pain, feeling the blow
(12:27:18 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Now, Mana breaks out of her initial rage at seeing an arrow get anywhere near Aelitethe to actually realize, hey, DOING something about it might be a good idea!
(12:27:37 AM) Ulyssa: "Gotcha~" The belief that 'if you have two weapons, you hurt people more' holds firm, to Ulyssa's delight.
(12:28:49 AM) Mana[1]: Mana.. simply grins at the archerguy, sheathing her rapier before pulling out her dagger. She wants to see blood, right? Throwing the dagger at the archerguy's face will do exactly that~.
(12:33:45 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Unfortunately, she lets go of the dagger too soon and it goes flying off into Corellus knows where
(12:33:47 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: HOW UNFORTUNATE
(12:33:55 AM) ***Mana[1] ..sigh at the result.
(12:35:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis may just have been  thinking how that shiny platemail back home would be awesome at making it effortless to take all these guys out by himself
(12:35:42 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Unfortunately, he DOESN'T have it, so all that's happened is him being really really slow
(12:39:26 AM) ***Artemis-XE sizes up the situation... sees one enemy is already injured. He heads towards the foe armed with a sword and shield, and delivers a swift(as possible in heavy armor, anyway) stab in the chest.
(12:41:22 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: You can almost see an imaginary X appear to say DENIED as your sword sticks into his shield and you have to get it back out.
(12:41:49 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Meanwhile, the man with the glaive finally stops shaking and sees that THE BARD HAS ABSOLUTELY NO ONE DEFENDING HER
(12:44:04 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Unfortunately for Aelitethe, that observation turned out to be a VERY GOOD ONE INDEED, and she feels herself being run through, unable to stop it, before her consciousness begins fading...
(12:45:12 AM) Aelitethe: "ngh..."
(12:45:49 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth is as on top of things as ever. But what does he choose to do?
(12:47:43 AM) ***Kineth does not look amused as he takes note that one of their companions is down already, though he continues his assault on the man with the axe, once again going to try and tear into him with a single, brutal strike.
(12:49:19 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa isn't amused, either. Her rank breaking certainly isn't going to stop here.
(12:50:47 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Time almost seems to slow down for a moment, and one can HEAR the air parting as Kineth comes down HARD, tearing into the man's neck and through his body, utterly destroying his armor. The momentum of the blow carries it full circle, and for a split second, he can scarcely believe what he just did
(12:52:51 AM) ***Kineth almost steps back in surprise as he sees the frightening number he did to his foe, before letting out a vicious smile, staring down the other targets... and then his eyes come across the the glaiveman, deciding to give him a taste of the same thing he gave to his greataxe-wielding companion, moving to tear him to pieces with his greatsword's fury as well.
(12:57:34 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The glaiveman barely even sees what's coming as the greatsword hurtles into his side. He staggers back, tripping over Aelitethe's unconscious body, panicking and shaking in fear
(1:00:49 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe slips a little bit deeper into unconsciousness
(1:03:38 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: With the bard unconscious, the archer decides to go for the next squishiest target in the party! His thought process turns out to be not bad at all, as an arrow sticks into Mana's arm
(1:06:23 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: And now the guy with the cutlass decides, you know... Why fight fair when you can fight dirty? He jumps into the wagon, where civilians lay cowering, and grabs hold of the woman that axeman was yelling at earlier. "None of you bastards move or she dies!"
(1:07:36 AM) ***Mana[1] ..stops, growling a bit at the cutlassguy. "..you wouldn't."
(1:09:55 AM) Ulyssa: ...Well played. "...They probably would." Oh boy, this is bad.
(1:11:01 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Swordguy doesn't take that advice though, and instead slashes at Mana too! "You wanna bet?!" She feels a sharp pain as the sword leaves a huge gash in her side, and her vision blurs. Getting hard to stay standing...
(1:11:53 AM) Ulyssa: "Guy with cutlass, we can't stay still when someone's cutting us. We'll get back to you!"
(1:12:16 AM) ***Mana[1] lets out a short yelp, attempting to cover the gash in her side with her hand before.. well, falling.
(1:12:51 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa can actually do something now! BUT WHAT DOES SHE WANT TO DO! Cutlass guy is just standing there maliciously, while the woman stays paralyzed
(1:33:35 AM) Ulyssa: "...On second thought." And at once, she drops her previous course of action, and thinks for a moment. If he sticks around, he'll tell them to drop their weapons, and steal everything they are holding. Then either leave them to die in the wilderness with nothing or kill them themselves, or god forbid if it's one of THOSE bandit types. Won't fly. This needs to be stopped. So, an attempt to disarm the man is made.
(1:36:31 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa charges toward the man, her cutlass dripping with blood as she runs. A crimson arc goes toward the man, faster than he can blink, almost blinding in its ferocity. Quicker than any mortal could even process, his arm is cut into three pieces, only one still attached to his body, as the sword cuts through the V made by his elbow. The shock does not even allow him to scream, as he simply slumps to the ground
(1:37:32 AM) Ulyssa: She performs better than she could have dreamed. "Anyone else want to take a hostage?"
(1:38:45 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Though pain blurs Mana's mind, her thoughts collect, slowly. Weren't there some potions...?
(1:38:51 AM) Ulyssa: "Or maybe you can run away. It's the only way to live~"
(1:41:26 AM) ***Mana[1] ..attempts to drink the potion that she has. Or well, if it is her turn anyway.
(1:42:08 AM) Ulyssa: Obviously, she's still smiling! And probably covered in blood.
(1:43:42 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Mana's vision un-blurs and she finds she can actually THINK again. Unfortunately, the first thing she sees is a figure completely dripping in red. Next to ANOTHER two figures dripping in red, both with different forms of UTTER TERROR consuming them. Oh, and much closer to her is the same man that kind of put a sharp object into her side.
(1:44:12 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Now it's Artemis' turn to do something in this mess!
(1:47:40 AM) ***Artemis-XE is wasting no time whatsoever in giving the glaivemook a slashing.
(1:50:32 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The poor near-successful murderer slowly stands up and gets to his feet... Unfortunately, he is instantly met by a not-quite-paladin. Who gives him more than quite a bit of DEATH, as he is nearly vertically bisected. Just six inches short! And about five pints of blood long
(1:52:53 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Now Kineth is about ready to utterly tear something apart- Of course, the Bard has a potion too. It's probably pretty easily accessible
(1:52:59 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: DECISIONS
(1:56:17 AM) ***Kineth nods to Artemis as he sees him deal with the glaiveman in short order, before focusing on the enemy shield-bearer, deciding to get rid of him next, greatsword raised as he goes to tear into him with one of those fearsome, cleaving blows!
(1:57:15 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Suddenly, where once had been a bandit, is now a cloud of fine red mist
(1:59:06 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe's flow of blood stops, and the single remaining bandit just throws his bow to the ground and runs like mad
(1:59:28 AM) Ulyssa: "That's what I thought~!"
(1:59:32 AM) Kineth: "Looks like one of them finally got the hint."
(2:00:27 AM) Artemis-XE: "A wise choice."
(2:03:42 AM) ***Aelitethe is kind of lying right next to where the glaiveman exploded.
(2:04:58 AM) ***Artemis-XE pulls out the potion he was holding, uses it on Aelitethe.
(2:05:22 AM) Ulyssa: "...Well, they're gone." Ulyssa takes a deep breath, then looks around to see Aelitethe covered in blood. That's all the fun. Naturally, she didn't have a first aid kit on her list of stuff. Aaaaaaaa. A POTION WILL DO--and by the time she thinks of that Artemis is already on it. Whew.
(2:06:58 AM) Aelitethe: "..."
(2:08:05 AM) Artemis-XE: "How are you feeling? We almost lost you back there."
(2:08:30 AM) Ulyssa: Alright, other people, gotta be sure if they're--wait, look at self. Covered in blood. Most likely a huge sheet of it from that beautiful disarm. ...Alright. "Is everyone in there alright? The bandits are gone!"
(2:09:05 AM) Aelitethe: "...I feel alive. Let... let's not speak of this again."
(2:09:35 AM) Artemis-XE: "Agreed. I wont breathe another word of it."
(2:09:40 AM) ***Aelitethe coughs a little. That was definitely a thing, she had not expected everyone to fight with reckless abandon. She would have to be more careful in the future.
(2:10:39 AM) ***Kineth nods in response, taking a breath as he starts to relax now that the bandits have been dealt with.
(2:11:17 AM) ***Aelitethe weakly sighs.
(2:11:36 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The woman who had been taken hostage emerges from the wagon, still shaken. "They're- They're gone? Thank you dear saviors!" She jumps down from up on the wagon, and pets the horse that's lying on its side, hurt. "It looks like we'll have to travel on foot now... Still, you saved our lives!"
(2:12:56 AM) ***Aelitethe coughs, eyeing the pool of blood on the ground that formed from her stab wound. "We did our best... I think."
(2:13:38 AM) Artemis-XE: "We did what we could."
(2:13:50 AM) Ulyssa: In the body corner, we have chunks of an arm, fine red mist, a bisection...strangely, only one of those were Ulyssa's doing! But it's most certainly a sight. "It was kinda hard, but we managed~" Still cheerful. The closest to glum she'd be is about this.
(2:14:36 AM) Aelitethe: "Ah well. At least I'm alive."
(2:14:46 AM) ***Aelitethe shoots a cursory glance at Artemis.
(2:15:18 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, dear girl, I-" She stops and blinks for a moment, looking closer at Aelitethe, before shaking her head. "I saw the wound you took." She steps toward Aelitethe, and reaches into her pocket, bringing out a ring. "Here... It's so little, but take this. My mother used to be an adventurer, and she found this in her travels. She told me that if I'm ever in danger, this ring would protect me. Take it."
(2:15:36 AM) ***Artemis-XE notices the stare, looks away out of sheer embarassment.
(2:16:05 AM) ***Aelitethe tilts her head and looks at the woman. "Are... you sure, ma'am? I couldn't just take a parent's keepsake..."
(2:16:10 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe, you can tell the ring is magical, though at the moment you can't precisely discern what the enchantment is.
(2:16:48 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "You saved our lives, and nearly lost your own for it. It's the least payment I could give for my family and friends' lives."
(2:17:31 AM) ***Aelitethe nods. "Thank you so much..."
(2:18:17 AM) ***Aelitethe carefully takes the ring...
(2:20:11 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The magical aura isn't strong enough to closely inspect without using any magic of your own. As far as you can tell, it's a simple gold band
(2:20:59 AM) ***Aelitethe gratefully puts it on anyways!
(2:22:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The woman nods, and looks over the rest of the party. "I'm sorry we can't give more in return, but we were barely able to gather even food for our journey. Whatever your travels, may you be safe."
(2:23:05 AM) ***Aelitethe weakly attempts a curtsey. "May you also travel safely, and take care."
(2:23:16 AM) Ulyssa: "...Whew..." She eventually completely calms down. "...Wonder if the potions would work on the horse..." She won't think about it harder than that, though. Idle thoughts after a rush and all. But on being praised, she can only smile. She's done some real good~
(2:25:10 AM) ***Kineth lets out another breath as he calms down, before nodding to the woman. "And may yours be safe as well."
(2:32:17 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The woman gathers the other occupants of the wagon, and they make their way, unfortunately having to carry their food in their arms while their poor horse slowly dies. Unless something is done about it
(2:32:49 AM) ***Aelitethe sighs and ponders the prospect of performing healing on the horse.
(2:34:21 AM) ***Aelitethe idly casts Cure Light Wounds on the horse.
(2:37:51 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The horse's wounds close visibly only slightly, but it's energized enough to stand up now. It can still be seen struggling
(2:38:17 AM) ***Aelitethe curses to herself. "It's not enough..."
(2:39:01 AM) Aelitethe: "Poor thing...!"
(2:40:46 AM) Ulyssa: ...? She has no idea what happened there, or at least not a good one, but hey, not the time to be thinking hard about that! "...would a potion work on a horse? It might only need one now!"
(2:41:12 AM) Aelitethe: "I'm not sure... Theoretically, it should..."
(2:41:38 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The same woman from before, who seems somewhat to be the leader of the group of villagers, idly looks back, and sees the horse standing. "Oh! He looks in better shape than I thought! Perhaps he can't pull the wagon, but... Maybe we don't need to abandon him." She returns, and pets him on the bridge of his nose.
(2:42:17 AM) ***Artemis-XE was not familiar with the nature of what just happened. It did not appear to be divination of any sort. After some thought, he decides its best brought up later.
(2:42:45 AM) ***Aelitethe silently beams to herself. Well, if the horse can still walk, that's okay... That's okay.
(2:43:49 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: She does, however, hear your conversation. "We could never ask you to use something so valuable as a potion on him, when you've already done so much. I'm sure he'll be fine once he gets rest..." She does still look concerned though. The wound, while not permanent, isn't minor. It's likely he would never have recovered without that healing.
(2:45:00 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe decides to keep quiet about her act of healing. "That isn't a minor wound, ma'am... I'm quite concerned for him. Even if he can walk..."
(2:46:11 AM) Ulyssa: On deeper thought, they've already burned through a lot of those things! But instead of fuss about it, she lets the rest of the party debate the specifics. She can deal with it no matter what happens, unless it's really silly and insane, in which case...well, no.
(2:46:28 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Yes, it is rather a shame... I don't know how he'll be treated once we reach the city. We may need to sell him, but he might not fetch much of any price at all in this state... Better than nothing though, I suppose."
(2:46:36 AM) Aelitethe: "...I'm sorry."
(2:46:56 AM) ***Aelitethe sighs. This is more of a reason for me to study!
(2:47:53 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for my dear. Were it not for you, we might not even have ourselves to worry about!" She speaks as she removes the horse's harness, and takes his reins. "Now, we'll be on our way, and will let you be on yours."
(2:48:14 AM) Aelitethe: "...Very well. I bid thee farewell, and good tidings on your way. Take care."
(2:48:33 AM) ***Aelitethe approaches the others.
(2:51:05 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa seems curious about Aelitethe. The ring, whatever she did (she totally did something), if she'll be OK...but, her silent protag mode switch was left on, so it's just an innocently curious gaze.
(2:53:27 AM) Artemis-XE: "...I hate to ask, but it looks like the others want to know as well. What was that just now?"
(2:53:27 AM) Aelitethe: "Maybe we need some rest after all this. It's a lot to take in."
(2:53:39 AM) Aelitethe: "...Oh, what I did with the horse? Well..."
(2:54:09 AM) Artemis-XE: "If you dont want to say, thats fine. Theres no rush."
(2:55:12 AM) Aelitethe: "...It's complicated." Not to mention forbidden.
(2:55:25 AM) ***Kineth nods. "Besides. That can all wait until after we're done."
(2:55:30 AM) Artemis-XE: "Say no more."
(2:55:32 AM) Aelitethe: "Let's all get some rest, though, you hear? We're all probably tired."
(2:56:04 AM) Artemis-XE: "Not to mention, we've still quite a ways to go."
(2:56:54 AM) ***Ulyssa seems like she actually could go a few more rounds, but instead nods in agreement of the idea. Long way to go yet. Hopefully with less bandits. And...a glance at the complete mess left behind...a lot less completely mutilated corpses.
(2:57:30 AM) Ulyssa: Just dead is fine. A mutilated corpse? Also fine. Four? Seriously?
(2:58:29 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: And so, the very weary group that just went through about thirty seconds that felt like six hours, goes on their way. Or rests. Point being, not much worthy of story left. UNTIL NEXT TIME