• Mature • [Seasonal Event] Dark Hearts A: Light my Fire

[Pegasus]

He's the lonely fear of dying, and for some, of living too.
He's your private nightmare pricking. He'd just love to turn the screw.
So stand as one defiant yes, and let your voices swell.
Stare that beastie in the face and really give him hell.

Smooglenuff Manor.

There it was. As once the Baron had told a group sitting at his table, this tale had begun in arc 416, when the seas around Scalvoris boiled for a hundred trials and a mist had descended on the land, cutting off the people. One man, Enri, had gathered together the children of Faldrass and told them that it was true, they were being attacked by an evil monster, but Scalvoris was a place of many secrets, Enri had told them and one of those was a great and powerful creature ~ a smooglenuff he called it ~ that was the protector of Scalvoris and would fight the evil. Every trial for the hundred that the seas boiled he told them. He kept hope alive in those awful trials and, when the mists cleared and the seas returned to normal, for keeping their children safe, the people of Faldrass built him a manor house and named him after the protector he had told their children of.

Of course, the Beast knew, because he knew him, that there was more to this story than that. It was tied, inexorably, into the Reason that the four of them were here. Because Enri von Smooglenuff had tapped into the same energies which they sought to use to destroy the island. Every Saun, the resident Baron von Smooglenuff invites people to his home and tells a story. There is a villain and a mystery to solve and a hero around the table will solve it.

Not this Saun, the Beast thought as he stepped towards the manor house with determined steps and murder in his heart. Rodrigues knew he was coming, he did not doubt. But they would fight in an honourable manner - it was his enemy's greatest weakness.

And, as reality folded in on itself in front of him, the Beast stopped and looked in amazement as a man stepped out of the portal he had conjured.

"Hello, old friend," the new arrival said and the Beast hesitated.

"I thought you were dead, Drakeson" he snarled.

"Yes," the man replied, calm and amused. "Everyone thought it. Surprise."

And so began the fight to save Faldrass, Scalvoris and her.

82nd Ymiden, 718

Meanwhile, things were not getting better for our erstwhile heroes. Amaris fell to the ground and clutched at his wounds, Nalin fell and ceased breathing. And that meant that, our there in this place with the volcano belching lava on to the island, Patrick was alone and facing a man who was, frankly, ridiculously better with the sword than he was.

Things did not look positive for the group in that moment. However, Patrick did the single best thing he could do -that any of them could do but thusfar had not - he acted and he pushed himself to the very limits of his skill. Remembering his teaching from Doran, Patrick dropped and attacked in the defense, as he had been taught. Dropping to his knee, ducking below the blow meant that Patrick literally had some strands of hair trimmed as the sword cut, razor sharp, less than a hair's breadth from slicing off the top of his head.

His opponent moved fast, faster than Patrick by a very long way and the thrust Patrick made - while a good move - did not connect. The Deputy had him, now though and Patrick would know it as surely as he knew anything. Because his opponent was so much faster than him, Patrick would not have time to stand before the next blow struck and he saw the Deputy's swing as his sword flashed against the Ymiden sun and he moved with masterful precision. Patrick was too slow to do more than see it coming.

The blow which aimed, very precisely and clearly, to decapitate him.

It was fast, it was strong and it was precise.

And he was too slow to do more than watch it. Rodrigues von Smooglenuff watched Drakeson and Du'Wintre fight, his arm protectively held around Amelia Blackwood. She observed, too, standing next to Rodrigues, her arm around his waist and her eyes fixed on their childhood friends. Drakeson had been so important to her, to her daughter too. It was difficult watching it for Du'Wintre was so much better than Drakeson. She wanted to rush forward and help, but Rodrigues held her back.

"We are the last line of defence, Mel," he said, her childhood nickname falling easily from his lips. "We have to find out what they know, what they've learned." Killing Du'Wintre would be easy, especially for a man as powerful as Drakeson, but that wasn't what they needed to do here.They needed him alive and to be able to achieve that, Drakeson needed all his skill and no small amount of luck besides.

As Drakeson sliced into Du'Wintre, an inhuman and almight screeching sound was heard all over the island. It was like the sound of booming tearing often associated with Rupturing but at a much higher pitch. The sound of the volcano was constant, but this screech was more than even that. As the ground undulated and heaved from the eruption, Amelia turned her face into Rodrigues' shoulder, unable to watch the sight in front of them as his arm tightened protectively around her.
And for Patrick, whose first move against this man would be his last, the sword which would undoubtedly kill him swung, the very earth beneath him rocked and trembled and an Immortals-awful screeching sound filled the air. Amaris and Nalin heard it too.

Did Patrick see the look of panic in the man's eyes, just briefly, at that sound? Maybe he did. Maybe he saw his eyes widen in shock.

But if he did, it was the last thing he saw as the world exploded in pain and light and sound. For Nalin, death seemed to be almost, in some ways, a release. It was an irony, of course, if he were to die here having just been cured of a disease which would have killed him. He fought the Ink Bloom with everything he had - maybe he had nothing left to fight now. Or maybe he did.

Either way, his blood continued to seep out and he felt his final breath exit his body.

For Amaris, death was coming more slowly, but there was no doubt that it approached. He lay on the floor, hand moving from one wound to another, but whilst the bolts stemmed some of the bleeding, it was far from all of it and if he did not staunch that bleeding, then die he would. Not a release for the mixed blood, but still, like Nalin, if he wanted to live then Amaris needed to fight. Somehow.

And that would not be easy in his level of pain.

Finally, there was Patrick. For Patrick, death was a beautiful display of bright white lights flashing and exploding in front of his eyes. As the blow connected with his temple, as he felt his body fall to the ground, his vision was completely taken in those exploding lights.

Death was all he saw, heard and tasted as blackness came over him and Patrick Barnell died. Amaris saw it.

Nalin saw it.

The Deputy struck Patrick with the flat of his blade and Patrick flew to the side and landed in a heap. For a few trill he was unmoving and they saw that the Deputy gestured, turning away from them all. Maybe they too heard the screeching sound and saw the look of panic on the Deputy's face.

But then, the three of them saw it. As consciousness started to return to the badly concussed Rharnian, they saw their attackers stepping through what at least one of them would recognise as a portal. Where it was to, who knew, but once they were through then those left behind had a choice.

Try and get through that portal to wherever the Deputy was going. A leap into the unknown.

Or stay here and let whatever fate would befall them, happen.

Consequences This Round!

Situation Critical
Skin of your teeth! Thanks to Patrick's actions in the last round, you're holding on by the skin of your teeth.

Map

Map of Faldrass

► Show Spoiler

NPC

Your opponent is: The Beast
At the moment, you know the following about him:

• He is not a very nice man
• He is used to working with the dead
• He is able to skin someone's face in one movement
• He has no emotions (?)
• He has a tendency to talk to the dead / dying
• He likes the taste of blood

OOC Info

I will post again on the 29th July
No posting order.
Please don't control the NPCs.
Have fun!
PM me if there's a question.[/mod]

Objectives

You have one objective. Decide to follow the bad guys or not. Either will have extreme consequences, and both carry the very real risk of your pc becoming very dead.
All note This is very much a Bad Situation. Your pcs are in extreme danger. Enjoy!

[Patrick]

By now he knew all too well that the odds were heavily against him this time. Time and time again he would always face odds greater than him, somehow finding himself wiggling through just barely intact; all because the struggles somehow managed to make up for the effort. But not this time. His quick thinking to kneel might've saved him from impending death when he made the move, however the thrust of his sword was far too slow for him to be considerably successful. This Deputy fellow was by far way to skilled and dexterous, already coming back around with another attack that would be just as clean as the first one.

Execution. It was such a perfectly flawless move on the Deputy's part, one that Patrick had next to no time to react towards. While his thoughts outlined with what would occur, the reaction time for his body was nowhere present for him to carry out. Evasion could've been possible if he were faster, or better yet counteraction against the blow itself as well. But no. His lack of true practice with the sword heavily weighed in here, and because he had no means of stopping what's to come; dread filled his very face as all he could do was just freeze in place. Every fiber of his being tensed at the incoming blow, knowing that this would ultimately become a quick and clean death once the edge sliced through flesh. And then the screech came next.

Was that the sound of death itself? Time seemed to slow as his heart dropped from within his chest, the pit of his stomach twisted into knots as he watched death come for him. Yet there was dread in the eyes of the one that brought it, a sense of alarm that brought discord into the confidence he displayed vigorously. It mattered not however. While he might've dreaded whatever sound they heard, Patrick's feelings of inner turmoil soon met their end in the blink of an eye. Where vision darkened beneath his eyelids there came a brilliant flash as he felt a brilliant force daze his mind, and therefore he became lost within an astounding world of dancing stars as everything around him became numb.

Was this what dying felt like? For something that often seemed so painful much less intolerable to some, it certainly didn't feel like a bad way to go out for the Rharnian. Regret was all that plagued what remained of his thoughts now, regret for the fact that he wouldn't get to go back home. Back to Rharne... with his brother he struggled so vainly to bring back. Was it all in vain though? Or was it all for not? He supposed it didn't matter anymore, that now nothing would have to matter since this was meant to be the end for him. His body fell over to the side limp and lifeless now, the sword he held before fallen into the dirt next to his form. While the flat of the blade had been what damaged him, blood trickled down the side of his head as a result.

It appeared to be well enough a killing blow, although it certainly was not as clean as the Deputy likely intended. Nonetheless with Patrick considerably 'dispatched' the group left the Amaris to his fate, to slowly bleed out alongside Nalin who likely already lost enough blood. Patrick however? Only a hollowed mind was all he possessed for the moment, void of all thought and clarity until a few more moments passed by. "Get up Patrick."

That wasn't Ri talking to him. Though she was likely hovering and circling around him frantically, all but the voice within his head felt a distant place to the Rharnian. In the vacant white he could see things that occurred before, memories of a life not yet lived fully by the one who had fallen. He could see Rharne again, the streets he used to walk to work every Trial which were littered with both citizen and Knight. He caught a glimpse of his mother again, as well of his brother Dominek shortly afterwards. Faces which were familiar were what poured through his mind, all reminiscent of the home he missed so much.

"You can do this little brother."

"No. I can't." He argued to that voice within.

"It's not over, not yet at least!"

"But... I'm no hero.

"Forget about try'na be a hero! Forget all of that! Right now all that matters is you finishing what you started. So get up and finish it!"

"How though?"

"It's easy," Dominek's voice echoed within his mind, "just open your eyes, and then..." Patrick's eyelids scrunched as he slowly started to stir, before they finally cracked open to a blurb of the world. His lungs released the air he must've kept contained for the duration he was out, as every corner of his mind felt completely dazed by the hit he had just took. Spots of white still danced across his vision as he pushed himself slowly off the ground, his hands and his feet still slightly numb from the trance he gradually came out of. Was he... still alive after what just happened? Did he really survive that near death encounter with the asshole in the top hat?

"Son... of a bitch..." He murmured as he finally managed to rise up to his feet, his hands brought to his face as to wipe over it to help him awaken once more. He then felt a sting on the side of his head after his ring and pinky brushed over the minor gash, and then looked to notice the blood which covered the tips. Yep. That was his blood it seemed. It had covered his forehead and even now, lazily trickled down the side of his face as he stood there. His hearing had thought to be temporarily impaired until he realized the portal that remained next to him, therefore confirming that his perception wasn't as thrown out of whack as he considered. But the others? Amaris and Nalin were still on the ground, one of them trying to fight to get the bolts out of him, while the other laid face down in a pool of his own blood no less.

Nalin... was dead? No... Gods no. He had only known the man for a short while, but even so he was a comrade on this important mission. A companion he intended to keep alive, to somehow protect all the way through to the end of this. The Rharnian's chest caved with sorrow as he felt the regret toll even harder now, knowing that he had yet again failed to maintain his own charge as before. Why? Why did those around him have to suffer? Why couldn't he protect the people he wanted to keep safe? Anger mixed in with the guilt and for a moment, he about gave in to the impulsive rage. He wanted to just grab his weapons and blatantly charge after them, however the well being of his other comrade still registered in what rational thoughts remained in his head.

Amaris was still alive, and Nalin... Patrick didn't want to believe him a lost cause, even if the amount of blood loss seemed likely to prove otherwise. He didn't want to give up on either of them, nor did he want to squander time any more than he had to. He had a choice after all didn't he? Save them or save the bloody island? Well... fuck the island then. "Here," He called to Amaris as he moved to help him, "gimme your hand." He instructed with a reach down to offer help, so that he could in turn help bring him onto his feet. After that the Rharnian quickly moved to recollect his weapons; the sword which was returned to the scabbard and then his shoulder, and then the crossbow which he held out for Amaris to hold. They all couldn't stay here for much longer, not unless they wanted to perish on the island.

"Take this and go through the portal, I'm not leaving Nalin behind." He assured her whether or not she'd question him, he knew she wasn't suited to use it of course; but at the same time someone had to carry Nalin out of there. That someone was going to be him. No matter whatever waited on the other side of that portal, it had to be better than the alternative of burning alive on this island. Sure enough the Rharnian knelt down and when he did, the motion spurred another dizzy spell before he could grab Nalin. He strained his eyes a little before a shake of his head occured, and forced himself to push past the mental exhaustion that plagued his thoughts.

With one arm taken and brought over his shoulders, Patrick lifted Nalin up with him and gripped at the backside of his arm. Mainly the waistline where the belt would be, so that he could at least attempt to drag Nalin this way as he moved to the portal. He wasn't sure if Amaris had listened much less wanted to do what he suggested, nevertheless he wasn't going to stop from getting his friends out of this hazard zone. There was no telling what they'd find on the other side of the portal, but he was willing to take that risk for a chance of safety from the island itself. If they remained they were certainly bound to die on the rock, engulfed by the lava plumes as they poured from the mountain. Beyond the portal though?

He could only hope survival was what he'd shepherd them to.

[Nalin Marit]

Nalin Marit
82nd of Ymiden, 718

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"Common" "Common Sign" "Scalveen""NPC"

As he felt himself fading, he saw his memories, memories from back when he was a child. His mother helping them pack their things, handing him nel's and telling him to take care of himself and his sister. That she would be behind them as soon as she could. To get as far away as possible, as far as their little legs could take them. The kiss she'd given each of them before they left, the cross bow his mother had given him on his back and his sleepy little sister rubbing her eye's and holding his hand looking confused. Nalin knew he would have to explain to her what was happening at some point. But right then it was about keeping her safe.

The Memory flashed and flipped to when they almost made it to Almund. To that night where they met him, Xiur. Would he be disappointed in Nalin? He hadn't been able to do much, not much at all. He hadn't been careful enough. Like Xiur told him to be. But then, that memory faded just as fast as it came and a new one appeared in his mind.

The feeling of relief when he was healed. Or at least, presumed healed. Nalin had been weak from the treatment. But it had meant that Lavender could get treated too. He was ecstatic to hear his sisters voice. She hadn't spoken yet though. Or had she? He couldn't remember. it was all fading away, but he didn't want it to. He wanted to cling to her. His sister, to Patrick, who had turned his heart inside out so many times, to Devin, the newest of his patrons, to Faith, who believed that she could cure him, worked hard to do so. He even wondered how Qit was doing. Was she alive still? What about Enrick, had he learned to sail his father's ship yet?

No.. he didn't want to give up. Even as he choked on his breathing, he wanted to live, to feel the pain, to figure out how he would move forward from there. He hadn't wanted to be a prostitute forever. What was it that he'd wanted to do. Teach.. but teach what... It was fading, along with everything else. His vision not even figuring out who it was that had just been bashed in the head as everything faded.

Black. The blackest black, blacker than night, nothing was there. But everything was there. Hot, cold, he felt it all as he felt himself drifting away. He saw something, a light, what looked like a like... He wanted to go towards it. But at the same time he was afraid to, like he would lose something if he did. No... he had to go back.

He turned from the light, he heard something, a warbled voice? It was familiar, he started to rush back towards the darkness. Towards the voice. He wanted to see the person with that voice, he didn't know why, but he wanted to see that face. In his rush, he felt it, the feeling of losing something, something important.. but he couldn't turn back now. He kept going, until it happened. He gasped for air once more, coughing out blood and opening his eyes.

He was moving. He looked to the side, seeing someone was walking with him in his arms, trying to help him walk. Nalin automatically started to try walking. It was weak, but at least it put a little less weight on Patrick's shoulder. Nalin's eyes were clouded. He knew this man, it was Patrick. Good... he was still alive, what about the other person? Amaris? He didn't see them... but he saw the rip in through the air? What was that? Why were they walking towards such a dangerous looking thing? But Nalin didn't stop trying to move. He didn't feel anything, couldn't feel anything, his body was still in shock, and groggy wasn't even deep enough of a word to describe how Nalin felt. He practically was a drunk that couldn't walk straight.

After what felt like forever, he could feel them stepping into the portal. Not sure where it was taking them, but he most assuredly would vomit once more as they got to the other side. His body not used to this type of travel on top of already dying. Nalin was alive, but just barely, for how long, that was the question.

[Amaris]

The pain was still present but it’d number. Or maybe it felt like it was numbing or subsiding because he was dying. That was a likely explanation. Reasonable, expected. It was about time all the death they’d caused caught up with them. And then what? Everyone lives happily ever after while you’re gone? The mixed blood should have expected that he would get no peace even on the brink of death. Jaw clenched, Amaris tried not to think too hard on the fact that he was on his way to dying and moreso on getting up.

Patrick approached him, and for a trill, the councilor stared dumbly up at the man. Hadn’t they just watched him be flung away? He swallowed. A fleeting trill had brought the idea that maybe this wasn’t Patrick, but some sort of illusion his mind had cooked up and that he was far closer to death than he had thought. And it lingered even as the man helped him up, stopping only as the pain began anew with the shift in position, arrows twisting slightly. They would need to be moved and the bleeding staunched. Amaris couldn’t recall in the moment if he had packed the med kit or if even understood what was being said to him as Patrick helped him to his feet.

Amaris could only nod mutely at the instructions given, swaying on his feet for a trill before moving. The most pressing - or most painful in the moment - was his hip. He pressed one hand around the wound and arrow, using his free hand to take the crossbow. This would be of no use to him, considering he didn’t know how to use it. Hair caked to his face and skin with sweat and blood, he glanced back as Patrick turned his attention over to Nalin. He considered trying to assist, but with no free hand, he would be of no help. And so he stepped through the portal, shaky on his feet.

[Pegasus]

The Beast Upon Your Shoulder....

The fight was astonishing to watch. Two old enemies, pitted one against the other. Both acting out of love - or what they considered to be such - both fighting for the island itself. Amelia, the object of both their affection, stood with Rodrigues, the pair of them holding on to each other and watching with wide, concerned eyes. They both had their own abilities and tricks, but they had agreed, when this plan was hatched and it was agreed that Elias Drakeson would seem to die, they had agreed that if it came to this, they would hold until the very last.

And it was as though Faldrass itself realised the stakes of what was happening there at the base of volcano as ash fell around them. Lava was spewing out and there was a very real risk to life all over the island. The very ground heaved and shook as they fought. Magic swirled and blades flashed

"What will happen if he loses?" Amelia whispered to Rodrigues and the Baron pulled her closer to him and placed a kiss on her forehead. Neither of their eyes left the dueling pair as the Baron of Smooglenuff manor whispered back to her. "Pray he does not, love."

Because what happened if he did, simply did not bear thinking about.

82nd Ymiden, 718

Things happened so fast for Patrick - he teetered on the bring of death or unconsciousness, or whatever it was. He genuinely, in this moment, didn't have time to think about it. Whilst he heard his brother's voice, it was him who acted and there, in a place of desperation and many more emotions, Patrick showed that heroism isn't about anything complicated - it is simply acting when one is terrified or injured and doing what is right because it is the right thing to do.

And that was what he did.

As the booming noises roared around, the ground shook and ash started to rain down on them, Patrick grabbed Nalin and refused to leave anyone behind. Nalin's blood poured over the Rharnian's hands as he did, but he pulled him through the portal. Nalin, too, fought. Fought to do, fought to breathe - fought to live and as the darkness of near-death swirled with reality, he felt strong arms wrap around him, lifting him up and half carry, half drag him to and through this portal. Patrick helped Amaris to his feet, but even then the mixed race was in inordinate amounts of pain and it wasn't so much that he stepped through the portal but that he tried to do so, stumbled and half-fell through. He couldn't hold on to the crossbow - the bolt in his shoulder meant that moving that arm at all sent screaming agony through him.

Yet, with Patrick's help, he stumbled through. One arm useless and the opposite leg absolute screeching agony and not really able to weight-bare for more than a trill or two. He stumbled, along with his companions, into the unknown. And so, decision made, they went through.

Consequences This Round!

Situation Critical
Injuries galore..... Each of you is injured. Very much so. You need medical attention.
Brink of Death Nalin has not had any medical treatment and is bleeding out. He will die if his wounds are not treated urgently

Mission: Failure

You have failed to stop the main antagonist OR his Deputy from reaching their objective (Smooglenuff Manor). Events have, therefore, been put in motion which will have long term, far reaching and negative effects. New Thread for those of you who went through the portal: here

[Pegasus]

Amaris

Overview

I always feel so sorry for Amaris - just so totally out of his depth. This mission really saw him in over his head and I'm sure that he had a really hard time and ended with a failed mission - there will be plot points for you following this. I hope, though, that you the player enjoyed it!

Points

XP: 20 (not for magic)

Renown 30 (Group Leader)

Loot, Injuries & Consequences

Item	Description
ITaking Charge	Amaris stepped up and took charge. However, due to the outcome and reports from others, his reputation among the Elements has decreased significantly. He finds that they will not ever be rude etc, but he is less likely to be helped etc. This impacts him until such time as he works to improve his reputation and, if he does nothing, will continue to get worse.
Team Player	You have been given a reward with thanks from the Elements of Scalvoris. This can either be taken as 200gn money or can be spent in a shop in Scalvoris, where you may spend up to 400gn.
Extra! Extra!	For meeting your can-do objective you have earned an unusual gift. It's a small (8 inch square) piece of parchment. You write on it, the writing is permanent, can not be washed away or destroyed unless the piece of parchment is thrown on to the fire, where the ink burns away and leaves the parchemnt clean once more
Did Do!	The villagers send you their thanks. Amaris has been gifted a small gold coin-sized token. Holding it causes a slight, but noticeable, calming effect to whomever holds it. It works for up to one break, once a trial. It won't cure insanity or any such, but it just calms the individual down
Above and beyond!	The children Amaris helped buy him a small, pretty candle holder. Made from Egilrun glass crafted with rainbow sand it projects sparkling multicolored light around the room.
Injured Shoulder	Will be dealt with at the end of the final thread
Injured Hip	Will be dealt with at the end of the final thread

Knowledge

Acrobatics: Stumble and catch
Caregiving: Patience with children is vital
Caregiving: Listen to what children say
Discipline: Ensure that you do not react to a horrific scene
Discipline: There is something beyond embarrassed.
Endurance: An arrow through the shoulder
Endurance: An arrow through the hip
Endurance: Trying to walk on an injured hip
Endurance: Adrenaline helps
Etiquette: Sometimes, a handshake isn't appropriate
Investigation: Consider all the places where clues might be
Leadership: Identify strengths and weaknesses
Leadership: Sometimes, you've got to work with what you're given.
Leadership: Introduce yourself and explain your role.
Leadership: Give your team roles
Tactics: You have to balance caution with speed

Patrick

Overview

Wow - what a hero! Genuinely, Patrick's actions here almost certainly saved the group from a lot worse. He's done really well! I really enjoyed watching how he dealt with it and I hope you've enjoyed the thread too!

Points

XP: 20 (not for magic)

Renown: 20

Injuries, Loot & Consequences

Item	Description
Team Player	You have been given a reward with thanks from the Elements of Scalvoris. This can either be taken as 200gn money or can be spent in a shop in Scalvoris, where you may spend up to 400gn.
Big Boy Scout	You were very well prepared. You have earned 1 favour from the Elements who will loan you an unusual mount / piece of equipment etc for up to ten trials. [
Extra! Extra!	For meeting your can-do objective you have earned an unusual gift. It's a small (8 inch square) piece of parchment. You write on it, the writing is permanent, can not be washed away or destroyed unless the piece of parchment is thrown on to the fire, where the ink burns away and leaves the parchemnt clean once more
Seen	Patrick was seen by the Beast and he has been noted as someone dangerous. You are awarded an additional 10 Renown (bringing your total to 30 for this thread) and also your reputation among the Elements and the people of Scalvoris increases. The Elements are more likely to recognise and help Patrick and for ONE season out of the Hot Cycle or Rebirth Cycle, Patrick will need to pay no expenses if he is on Scalvoris.
Smooglenuff's Locket	Found by Patrick, this small locket is engraved with the name "Smooglenuff". Holding it, or having it touching your skin, allows Patrick to see and interact with souls who have not yet passed over. It works for up to one break, once a trial.
Did Do!	The villagers send you their thanks. Patrick has been gifted a small gold coin-sized token. Holding it causes a slight, but noticeable, calming effect to whomever holds it. It works for up to one break, once a trial. It won't cure insanity or any such, but it just calms the individual down
Head Injury	Will be dealt with at the end of the final thread

Knowledge

Blades (Sword) Draw and attack in the same move
Blades (Sword) Fighting on uneven terrain
Blades (Sword) Facing a superior opponent
Blades (Sword) Adjusting your grip to ensure flexibility
Discipline: Don't be crabby in the morning
Discipline: Not showing fear
Discipline: Not expressing your anger
Discipline: Walking towards a volcano
Discipline: Standing to help others
Endurance: Dealing with a blow to the head
Endurance: The fatigue of battle
Endurance: The experience of death
Endurance: Standing up post concussion
Investigation: Try to disturb the crime scene as little as possible
Investigation: Ensure that you attend to details
Leadership: Express your thoughts clearly
Leadership: Ensure that you consider the feeling of others.
Leadership: Lead by example
Leadership: Others will measure your actions
Persuasion: We need to move faster!
Persuasion: Back up your arguments with important facts
Tactics: Be prepared
Tactics: Equip yourself
Tactics: Plan for the worse, hope for the best

Nalin

Overview

Wow what a rollercoaster of a thread! I know that it must have been hard to keep up posting when you thought you were going to kill Nalin as a pc, but I'm really glad you decided not to kill him and stuck with it! Here's hoping things go better for him from now on!!

Points

XP: 20 (not for magic)

Renown: 20

Injuries, Loot & Consequences

Item	Description
Team Player	You have been given a reward with thanks from the Elements of Scalvoris. This can either be taken as 200gn money or can be spent in a shop in Scalvoris, where you may spend up to 400gn.
Big Boy Scout	You were very well prepared. You have earned 1 favour from the Elements who will loan you an unusual mount / piece of equipment etc for up to ten trials. [
Extra! Extra!	For meeting your can-do objective you have earned an unusual gift. It's a small (8 inch square) piece of parchment. You write on it, the writing is permanent, can not be washed away or destroyed unless the piece of parchment is thrown on to the fire, where the ink burns away and leaves the parchemnt clean once more
Multiple Injuries	These will be dealt with in the next thread

Knowledge

Caregiving: Comforting children
Caregiving: Giving grieving children the focus they need
Caregiving: Physical contact
Discipline: Putting someone else's needs above your own
Discipline: Sometimes, well armoured is more important than how you look.
Discipline: Keep calm above all
Discipline: Fighting death
Discipline: Not reacting to a dead body
Endurance: Fighting back nausea
Endurance: Multiple wounds
Endurance: Near death experience
Endurance: A gut wound is incredibly painful
Psychology: An individual's inner strength is vital
Psychology: The feeling of life seeping away
Psychology: Attitude is everything.
Singing: A lullabye
Singing: Soothing others with song
Singing: Holding a note
Tactics: Caution can be a good thing
Tactics: It's good to be prepared.