Jun 9, 2023 3:10 am
Nikias nods slowly. "Perhaps, with your gift friend Kouru, Iantha, we should take our leave. If we need not be here when these men arrive, then we should be at camp."
Chapter 3: Oizys
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Jun 9, 2023 5:21 pm
At the mention of a sacrifice a slow resolve would visibly take Kouru: his shoulders would tense, his back would straighten, and Nikias would recognize an almost manic fire in his old companion's eye "Blasphemy."
Pulling his bow from its sheath the scout would move to stand on a small dune between the "child" and the distant village "Brother, you should bring the men. We can not allow this outrage to stand, especially when The Starry Lady watched over us this entire war." It was yet dark, but his eyes would already be scanning the distance "Sister, will you aid me in preventing and punishing this obscenity?"
Pulling his bow from its sheath the scout would move to stand on a small dune between the "child" and the distant village "Brother, you should bring the men. We can not allow this outrage to stand, especially when The Starry Lady watched over us this entire war." It was yet dark, but his eyes would already be scanning the distance "Sister, will you aid me in preventing and punishing this obscenity?"
Jun 10, 2023 4:34 am
Nikias sees the look in Kouru's face and a stifles his gut reaction to dispute this course of action. Yet there he sees something - resolve? clarity? He knows the man believes this to be the right thing to do. So instead, he simply nods.
OOC:
Based on distance and layout, could Nikias reasonably gather the men and make it back here in time? Or is this us vs them
Jun 12, 2023 5:57 pm
It is clear on Iantha's face that she is struggling to follow some of the conversation, with Kouru suddenly seeing import in the girl. At the mention of her queen however she stiffens, and her eyes begin to narrow. Even as he child claims no fault her look remains wary.
'The ones coming are foolish. I would stay, even if only to convince them they should not mess with someone claiming a mother in the sky. ' She studies the child with curiosity. '.. besides a sacrifice should be caught in a worthy hunt or challenge, and not a child. Get your men, I can try and bide time.'
'The ones coming are foolish. I would stay, even if only to convince them they should not mess with someone claiming a mother in the sky. ' She studies the child with curiosity. '.. besides a sacrifice should be caught in a worthy hunt or challenge, and not a child. Get your men, I can try and bide time.'
Jun 12, 2023 10:35 pm
Iantha's offer allows the others to gather the men. When the others are gone, about a dozen men from the village crest the hill. They're armed with farming tools and torches. Maybe a few of them have hunting knives. Several of the older men bombard you with questions.
Get away from her!
Are you her mother?
Who are you?
She's not what she looks like!
You notice that Oizys has shed her truer form and appears again as a little girl.
OOC:
We'll let Iantha's side play out a tad, then I'll bring the guys back in. You can, by default, bring Sinon, Mikros, and Kallon. If you have other plans let me know. Get away from her!
Are you her mother?
Who are you?
She's not what she looks like!
You notice that Oizys has shed her truer form and appears again as a little girl.
Jun 15, 2023 8:25 pm
The warriors takes a stance between the mob and the girl. Her spear is not yet point at them, but she is clearly ready to defend if needed.
'I am not her mother. I am mortal like you. One who realises what you are about to do is a very bad idea. I understand she is not as she seems, but think about it. The trouble she seems to sow.. what do you think her mother will be capable of if you harm her daughter?.'
'I am not her mother. I am mortal like you. One who realises what you are about to do is a very bad idea. I understand she is not as she seems, but think about it. The trouble she seems to sow.. what do you think her mother will be capable of if you harm her daughter?.'
Jun 15, 2023 9:50 pm
At this a few of the men hold. You make a valid point. But the one in front narrows his eyes.
Not every cursed child is born of the gods. But this one is cursed. Ten years ago this child washed up on our shores. Since then we've been reeling from a lack of trade with Troy, and the mud of war in the waters. And she hasn't aged a day. I don't know what more of an omen you want, but when she's gone, our misery will pass.
Not every cursed child is born of the gods. But this one is cursed. Ten years ago this child washed up on our shores. Since then we've been reeling from a lack of trade with Troy, and the mud of war in the waters. And she hasn't aged a day. I don't know what more of an omen you want, but when she's gone, our misery will pass.
Jun 15, 2023 11:14 pm
Nikias laughs, "It is not likely that misery will pass good men! For we have come from the war with Troy and are elated to report that war is over, with Greece as victors. Troy is no more, and thus trade with them will no longer be an option. It would be recommended you look north for your trade. Many fine Ithacan pelts and other goods can be found there."
Jun 15, 2023 11:31 pm
As the small contingency of men returns, the villagers tense.
While we're glad to hear the war is over, we still need to deal with this. The leader gestures to Oizys. Now, will you assist us or let us do this ourselves? We don't have much to offer tired soldiers except a quiet beach, and we pray you worked out your spoils in Troy.
While we're glad to hear the war is over, we still need to deal with this. The leader gestures to Oizys. Now, will you assist us or let us do this ourselves? We don't have much to offer tired soldiers except a quiet beach, and we pray you worked out your spoils in Troy.
Jun 16, 2023 6:44 am
'So instead of helping your trade partners you one to the conclusion to sacrifice a child?
' Oizys, you said your mother was coining to get you? When? If it is soon then these men have no reason to harm you. '
' Oizys, you said your mother was coining to get you? When? If it is soon then these men have no reason to harm you. '
Jun 16, 2023 12:19 pm
At dawn, the girl replies, when she's done with work.
The leader scoffs. So she's a camp follower?
Oizys ignores him. Mama said I could call her sooner if I needed her, but she warned me it would really scare the mortals.
The leader scoffs. So she's a camp follower?
Oizys ignores him. Mama said I could call her sooner if I needed her, but she warned me it would really scare the mortals.
Jun 16, 2023 12:33 pm
'There. She will be gon soon and you don't need to risk repurcussions you don't want.' She looks eyes with the leader. 'Trust me, you do not what that for your people. Those not even responsible will get caught up. There's a reason we are here, and ut was the cause of another. Do you want other blood and misery or your hands?
Jun 16, 2023 2:09 pm
The leader can tell the others are losing confidence. He shifts in his place.
We can't make your army leave. But if the girl is here after dawn tomorrow, I will have to insist you hand her over to us.
Knowing it's a weak bargain, he gestures to the villagers and they leave. Oizys nods.
It's probably better this way. I would have been fine, but thank you for the help.
We can't make your army leave. But if the girl is here after dawn tomorrow, I will have to insist you hand her over to us.
Knowing it's a weak bargain, he gestures to the villagers and they leave. Oizys nods.
It's probably better this way. I would have been fine, but thank you for the help.
OOC:
Everyone, as you make your next posts please make a will save. I don't need them yet, but it'll save me time later. Jun 16, 2023 2:34 pm
OOC:
Oh, a will save an an initiative roll, please. It's not for combat, just a narrative order. Jun 17, 2023 8:53 pm
Nikias relaxes slightly as the men begin to stand down. "Go now," he says, "if you feel you must make utlimatums, know who you are making them to. And pray have no reason to come collect."
Rolls
Will - (1d20+5)
(13) + 5 = 18
Initiative - (1d20+3)
(15) + 3 = 18
Jun 17, 2023 9:26 pm
'It was not just you I was woried about little one.' The warrior offers a rare smile. ' Still yes. This is likely the best for everyone'
Rolls
Will - (1d20+3)
(11) + 3 = 14
Init - (d20+1)
(8) + 1 = 9
Jun 19, 2023 11:13 pm
It was a quick jaunt back to the boats to grab a few picked men in light kit. It took quite a bit longer, however, to work around to a dune facing the approaching villagers that was high enough to shield the little party from sight. They were late to the "negotiation", it seems, but there soon enough to hear the end of the conversation. Nocking an arrow he'd slowly peer over the dune, only to be met with the backs of the retreating villagers "Huh. Didn't think they'd be that intelligent"
Rolls
Will Save - (1d20+3)
(14) + 3 = 17
Ini - (1d20+8)
(8) + 8 = 16
Stealth Check - (1d20+9)
(9) + 9 = 18
Jun 20, 2023 12:59 am
With the villagers subdued for now, you can head back to camp for some much-needed rest. Oizys takes you up on your earlier offer for a place to spend the night, and goes to sleep fairly quickly. A few of the men are confused, but are quickly satisfied by a half-lie that you're escorting her home when it's light. You take a short time to finish food, tend to evening pieties, and prepare for sleep.
Sleep comes for you suddenly and with force. You know you're asleep, and can only see yourself in gray light, otherwise surrounded by pitch darkness. You can hear the breathing of the other two in your small cohort, but the sound of your own body is amplified.
WHAT SWEET NAIVE LITTLE MORTALS.
The voice simultaneously stirs memories of your mother's lullabys, and your first truly frightened night alone. Dread and rest twist like wild vines in your heart. Two piercing stars blink to light before you, though your field of vision doesn't change. The feminine voice speaks again, not at all hostile, but undeniably dangerous.
MY LITTLE OIZYS WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE ON HER OWN. BUT YOU CHARMING SOULS STILL TRIED TO HELP HER. IT'S SUCH AN ADORABLE FEATURE OF YOUR KIND. SHE QUITE LIKES YOUR GIFT, AND INSISTED I RETURN THE FAVOR.
Three baubles appear in your line of sight.
A wristlet of 15 black stones
A wristlet of 15 dark gray stones
A small gray marble carved to look like an eye
PLEASE ACCEPT THESE WITH MY COMPLIMENTS.
You all had interesting responses to Oizys, so to make choosing items neutral, I had you roll initiative. Each of these items is a magic item worth 750gp. While different, I think you'd find any one of them useful. Nikias gets first pick, then Kouru, then Iantha. Coincidentally, it means the most flustered person gets the remaining item, so it worked out all right.
I will post what the items are, and any RP responses, in a batch once y'all have your things.
Sleep comes for you suddenly and with force. You know you're asleep, and can only see yourself in gray light, otherwise surrounded by pitch darkness. You can hear the breathing of the other two in your small cohort, but the sound of your own body is amplified.
WHAT SWEET NAIVE LITTLE MORTALS.
The voice simultaneously stirs memories of your mother's lullabys, and your first truly frightened night alone. Dread and rest twist like wild vines in your heart. Two piercing stars blink to light before you, though your field of vision doesn't change. The feminine voice speaks again, not at all hostile, but undeniably dangerous.
MY LITTLE OIZYS WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE ON HER OWN. BUT YOU CHARMING SOULS STILL TRIED TO HELP HER. IT'S SUCH AN ADORABLE FEATURE OF YOUR KIND. SHE QUITE LIKES YOUR GIFT, AND INSISTED I RETURN THE FAVOR.
Three baubles appear in your line of sight.
A wristlet of 15 black stones
A wristlet of 15 dark gray stones
A small gray marble carved to look like an eye
PLEASE ACCEPT THESE WITH MY COMPLIMENTS.
OOC:
Kouru and Nikias are Shaken, and Iantha is Scared. I like the more gradual progression provided here. That's what the will saves were for. You all had interesting responses to Oizys, so to make choosing items neutral, I had you roll initiative. Each of these items is a magic item worth 750gp. While different, I think you'd find any one of them useful. Nikias gets first pick, then Kouru, then Iantha. Coincidentally, it means the most flustered person gets the remaining item, so it worked out all right.
I will post what the items are, and any RP responses, in a batch once y'all have your things.
Jun 22, 2023 7:58 am
Nikias is speechless at first, turning his spectral head around in an attempt to make sense of where the voice is coming from. The oppressive words push upon his will, but he finally musters a weak, "Thank you." He steps forward, like stepping through tar, and takes for himself the wristlet of dark gray stones. He draws them close to his chest and closes his eyes, hoping to wake from this dream.
Jun 23, 2023 4:26 pm
It was never easy rolling out of one's cot flat onto one's face, but somehow Kouru managed it: feet tangled in his blanket he'd lay there stretched out, absolutely not making eye contact with one of the Old Gods. He'd stay put, face in the sand, until he was absolutely positive that the goddess had gone, and only then would he peek up and peer about "I think I wet my loincloth" was his only thought as he reaches up, fingers grasping the single eyeball floating disembodied in the air before him.
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