He'd just been given command?
"Oh," Arlo responded in a dry tone of voice. Leadership, at least the kind that was named and acknowledged aloud, wasn't the sort of thing that he tended to seek out. Nor did he fall any easier into the category of follower. Fair enough though. The disasters that come crashing down on the group, one right on top of the other since the moment they'd first stepped foot on the ice, were probably in part due to too little structure and entirely too much independent thought. And forethought.
"Yes, alright. Thank you," he said to the one of the Elements who'd delivered the message. His tone was more alike to that of a young kid handed a plate of boiled sprouts for his supper, rather than chocolate cake.
As for getting up the side of that cliff, just as well that he wouldn't be needing to climb it. He'd have needed to tap into one of his mortalborn domains to make a success of it; and Arlo was starting to wonder...if magic was unreliable here, now, and the ice didn't behave like any other ice at these temperatures, along with a half dozen other things which just didn't make sense; then would mortalborn domains work as they ought to? Or the abilities granted through marks and blessings for that matter? It wasn't a question that arose on a whim. The grumbling, hollow feeling in his belly, when it shouldn't exactly have been just yet, was enough to give Arlo some pause. Accelerated in it's usual frequency, with an increased intensity as well.
He made a mental note to mention it so that Lyova could pass it along. In the meantime, Elisabeth was being bundled up onto one of the mounts, ready to be carried away. Quickly, he dragged her pack off his shoulder, along with the weapons she'd given him to hold on to, and handed it over to the Elements who'd be taking her back.
"Her things," he explained.
"If that's the case, if Lyova is communicating with the others. And all of you as well," he said just before they lifted off.
"Then yes, obviously we should forego the use of magic completely," Arlo added, acknowledging and repeating the warning.
"But I have to wonder about how other mortalborns elsewhere are being affected, if at all, if they've attempted to tap into their domains. Or about abilities of affects arising from blessings and marks for that matter. Due to my father's blessings," he explained as they took off towards the opening above,
"I possess more strength and endurance by half than I ordinarily would at my level of fitness. It comes with a cost. More frequent hunger, a need to eat in order to maintain that level."
"It could be the extreme cold out here," he considered, already preparing himself for a leap he knew he'd have to make towards the narrow ledge.
"Or the added exertion caused by the need to remain constantly on the move. But this is more frequent, and much more intense." Those back at the command center could make what they would of the question. But in the spirit of keeping them informed, he'd thought it was worth mentioning. It might come to nothing. But still, lucky for him, Arlo wouldn't need to be tapping into any blessings, marks or domains to make what would be a very large leap.
Once they were close enough, careful not to bump or jostle Prae or Eckman off balance or out of their seats, Arlo hopped up on his heels, then the balls of his feet in order to balance atop the Sohr Kahl's back. Constantly realigning his center of balance with the creature's movements as it flapped it's wings, he calculated the distance in his mind. He knew that a somersault mid air would give him the extra momentum he needed, and his ability to remain in the air five to eight trills longer than should be possible, should be more than enough to cover the distance. And, because the ice on that ledge would be slippery and might melt as easily as it had on the ground, he'd need to stick that landing and soundly. No problem, Arlo thought. This was the fun part.
After he was there, Arlo quickly dug into his sack and began rigging up a line and harness. First he used several of the metal stakes, and the mallet, to anchor one knotted end of the rope into the icy rock face. If the surface didn't give way easily enough, he'd simply melt a deep hole into the face with a finger inserted, slide the stakes in and then let the ice refreeze tight around them. A small piece of the tarp cut away to wrap a finger in should stop the moisture from seeping through the glove. After testing the strength of the hold, he cut off what length of rope he could spare to make a harness that would slide on the line as needed, but not plunge off at the end should things happen to go south. He knotted it into shape, Prae's shape roughly, and robbed the metal rings from the corners of the tarp in his sack in order to create the points that would allow the rig to slide easily. Once he was satisfied the whole thing would hold, he tossed the end over the edge to the waiting pair, sure that they'd know what to do with it.
While they climbed, first, Arlo dipped into his sack once more to pull out a ration of jerked meat, berry and seed that he'd packed plenty of (he thought), and ate it quickly before turning to the opening behind him. He'd have a quick look to make sure that nothing was laying in wait, pistol crossbow at the ready if need be. But he wouldn't go far until Prae and Eckman had joined him. The first thing Arlo noticed was that the thrumming sensation from the wolf's tooth against his chest suddenly felt...more. So lifting it out on it's leather strand, he took note of how brightly it glowed. More than before. Was it the difference in the light between here and outdoors, he wondered? But more likely...
"I wonder if the wolves are nearby, or if it's a message. It's proximity to something," he uttered, and then communicated to Lyova that she ought to pass along the changes in the tooth as well.
In the meantime, presumably, the other two had joined him near the opening, and Arlo noticed the tracks just as Prae must have.
"They're not melted in," he said.
"Careful not to walk where, whatever this is, has walked," he suggested.
"We'd probably destroy the tracks if we did. These aren't big cat tracks. And they don't look like wolf or other canine tracks either for that matter. Big, though." But it was the fact that the tracks had been made by something that didn't melt them in as it went, that made him most curious.
"I've assumed until now that in spite of all of the layers we're wearing, we must be leaching out some discernible heat, and that the ice is simply hypersensitive to it." Hypersensitive would be putting it mildly.
"But maybe that's not it. We're living things, flesh and blood, I mean. Maybe it's nothing to do with heat, and whatever made these tracks is something...else," he said, struggling for a way to express what he was thinking.
"Made of ice, air...something else, but alive in a different way than we are." Scienc-y words, not Arlo's strong suit. Still, he examined them closely. Were these cloven feet, hoofed or feet with pads? Biped or quadruped? Claw marks...Toes?
As they walked further, some of what Arlo was seeing at least, was familiar.
"The glowing ice, I've seen this before. Several times, and when I visited the ice caves with Cassion. When we came across the statues. When you take bits of the stuff away, it never melts." It made him wonder too, wherever Darius was now, were the statues he was seeing the same ones that Arlo had seen and interacted with before? There was one way to find out, he guessed.
"Lyova, ask them if Darius is seeing any statues that resemble me there." There'd be two of him, one as he was now, and a version of his much younger self. If they were even still there. In the meantime, there was something else down the long tunnel that caught his eye.
It took a trill to make it out. Distant as it was, it glowed more brightly than the rest of the ice that had somewhat lit their way along the corridor, and it definitely appeared bench shaped. All the while, he'd kept an eye on the tracks, trying to discern which way whatever had made them was going, and looking for signs that might tell him how old the tracks were. The way they were going was long, but if there were other tunnels leading in other directions, had the creature gone that way instead, or would it lead them straight to that bench?
"Either of you seen anything like that before?" he asked.
Either way, Arlo described what he was seeing to Lyova, though she was capable of observing and telling for herself, and asked her to pass along the message.
"We may ultimately decide, or have reason to veer off somewhere, between here, and there," he said to Prae and Eckman, gesturing towards the glowing object down the way, but then glancing back down at the tracks on the hard ground.
"But I also think that we shouldn't be too hasty and ignore it, or leave it behind should another likely option present itself." Otherwise, they could be leaving behind a very important, even critical piece of the puzzle.
"I've asked Lyova to relay a message," he told them, still taking care not to trod over the tracks on the floor, and watching where they were leading. All the while, he listened, and paid attention to any changes in the wolf tooth's behavior.
"Hopefully before we're faced with making a choice under pressure, we'll get back some insight or advice. Until then," Arlo warned,
"We may end up closer." The tracks could potentially lead them there anyway, he thought.
"But for the moment, a look but don't touch approach would be best." Unless, of course, a reply was stalled or wasn't forthcoming at all. Then? They might just have to touch.
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Arlo's Mortalborn Domains
*Discovery: Hidden Truth
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Arlo's body acts an uncontrolled hot/cold meter on things unknown and for him, yet to be discovered. This ability might present itself in various ways, and change, apparently on a whim. Examples include negative mood changes as he moves away from something that has triggered the ability, and a sense of happiness or excited urgency when he moves closer to it. On the other hand, he may feel extremes in temperature as he moves away, but only be comfortable as he moves towards the source of this ability. He may experience physical discomfort or increased / extreme hunger than is only satisfied while heading towards the Story As Yet Unknown.
Upon discovering the person, place or thing he was drawn to, it triggers a secondary part of the ability. Now at the place he needs to be, Arlo sees a physical story related to the "hidden truth" played out as a hologram. While usually only visible to him, he can choose to make it visible to others, but must concentrate to do so . This isn't a play by play of what happened, or a vision of the truth, but rather a story that could help Arlo find the truth.
The consequence of making a conscious choice not to seek out the unknown that is, in a sense, calling to him, may be that he suffers from random but stubborn hot and cold spells, and suffers more changes in mood that for him are unusual.
*Risk: All In
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Risk is, and has always been an important aspect of life for Cassion’s son. The larger the risk the greater the reward. In either case, with choice comes consequence. When faced with a physical risk, such as crossing a rickety bridge or leaping across a chasm that's much too wide, Arlo can focus his energies and use his Immortal heritage and Domain to beat the odds and succeed. And when faced with that challenge, something fundamentally changes in Arlo. Depending on the situation, he mentally and physically adjusts and adapts to the challenge. It may be a physical, emotional or mental consequence, a risk in and of itself. These changes could become permanent, should he fail to take the chance.
An example of physical change could be that at the sight of a ravine with a perfectly serviceable bridge, next to which is a place that seems narrow enough that Arlo possibly make the leap. Whle observing the riskier option that in essence calls to him, Arlo's bones become lighter and less dense, much like a bird's. If he chooses to take the risk, regardless of whether he succeeds or fails, his bones return to normal. But if he chooses to take the safer path, his bones remain that way until he returns to that same place and takes the riskier route. This would mean his bones may break more easily, but he is also lighter, in order to make things like climbing and jumping easier.
The same ability might even extend itself to the natural mechanisms that allow a cat to right itself when falling from various heights, and the unique way they are able to absorb the impact of hitting the ground from some height without sustaining the same serious injuries that a human, a dog or other four legged creature might. In this way, Arlo might be able to drop or jump from high places like rooftops or ledges, and come away with fewer injuries than other men or women might.
The physical change that would allow Arlo to 'do is the cat does', would rely on the same righting reflex that the cat does; a more flexible backbone, non-functioning collarbone and a unique apparatus in the inner ear. Since it is the inner which which is key to the reflex, should Arlo choose to forego the challenge, he will be plagued by a nagging case of vertigo until he returns and rises to the challenge.
*Imagery: A Cultured Man
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Imagery is the most personal of Arlo's Domains and it is in this that his similarities, and differences, from his Immortal father show through. This functions much like the Sojourner ability The Tale Told, but there is a key difference. When Arlo tells a story, his audience does not see the imagery he portrays to them. He does not pull them into his images, and instead they pull him into theirs. As he tells a story, Arlo can see the images of that story from the perspective of the audience.
This ability allows Arlo to understand the culture and nuance of the group he is in. As a Sojourner, when he gains the ability Any Land, Any Time, Arlo will be able to blend in anywhere, whether he's trying or not. Cassion's son, though, uses this ability to not just appear to fit in, but to understand the place. Appearances are not enough, this allows him to truly comprehend.
Arlo's stuff
*Outfitted by the Elements for this outing. Cold weather gear, rations, etc. Layers, lots of layers. *A small axe/ pick axe for cutting wood and breaking through ice. *An oiled leather, water resistant tarp that could be used to create a makeshift shelter, etc. *Rope. "Tinder box. Fire starter. *First Aid Kit. *Good strong knife for cutting. *Utility, multi-use type tool (basic tools). *Leather skin for collecting water. *set of strong metal stakes/ice anchors for securing makeshift shelter to hard frozen or icy ground, among other things. *A mallet/hammer.
*Statue of a Bear: A small statue of a bear, carved from ice which does not melt. It's excellent quality - eerily so.
*A silver locket with a faded painting on one side.
*A pair of small scissors that are always sharp, never bluntand are able to cut things that would normally require a much larger tool.
*A single gold earring, recognizable by pirates and might be used to get Arlo out of trouble or bartered for a favor.
*A treasure map. The X is in the Scalvoris Mountains.
(A small piece of parchment which, it turns out, is a map of the surrounding area. It is always a map of the surrounding area, no matter where in the world Arlo is as it changes with him.)
*A small pirate coin. If Arlo is nearby another person with a coin like it (in the same room, line of sight etc), they are able to send one telepathic message. It works once a trial. Holding the pirate coin in his hand, he can make himself invisible to nearby spirits or souls for 1 break per trial
*U'frek's Shell. A small shell given to Arlo by U'frek as a memento of the time Arlo helped him. It's used it's power, but keeps a slight glow to it.
*Schubert's Statue: Although Arlo's was used up, it remains a masterwork statue of Schubert. He's smiling and giving Arlo a thumbs up.
*+1 Cassion's Gem. A swirling blue and green gem, with wisp-like clouds in it. This gem is an artifact that was sought by U'frek, Ethelynda and Faldrun. It’s mystical powers are still a mystery. Why the Immortal’s desired this artifact has not been revealed at this time. The gem is glittering and beautiful ~ every now and then the clouds form words written in Ancient.
*Edasha's Gift ~ a metal-wrought, jewel-encrusted amaryllis, symbolising worth beyond beauty: This too maintains a taste of Edasha's touch upon it in the waking world. Once only, Arlo is granted the ability to see through the eyes of another person. This ability can be activated if he has secured uninterrupted eye contact with the individual for at least five trills, and is holding the Edasha-granted item - the ability may be used any time within that same trial. Using this ability incapacitates Arlo as he moves into a trance-like state where he is unable to see his surroundings - only what his target is seeing. This makes using the ability when in the presence of others somewhat risky. The target does not lose their own sight when the ability is activated. This lasts for one break and my be used once only before the item loses power.
Weapons:
*Sword - Harmony
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*A masterwork crystal sword forged from the body of Perfection. This sword is nearly as hard as Adamantite and slices just as cleanly. On the flat of the sword two words will appear when the blade is held in the right light that only Arlo can see. The words are: "Remember me".
Harmonic Ballad:Harmony is unique as it 'sings' when the blade is swung creating a deep resonate tone that sounds similar to the long peal of a massive bell. The sound is not loud enough to startle anyone but it can be heard even amid the din of an ongoing battle. The Harmonic Ballad creates an aura around the wielder roughly twenty feet in diameter that inspires those around them to stand firm and face the enemy. Harmonic Ballad heightens the discipline of nearby allies along with that of the wielder, allowing them and their comrades to bravely face down the most fearsome of foes. [NOTE: This effect is strengthened slightly and it's radius of effect increased by ten feet when in use alongside the sword Melody
March to Arms: Arlo will find over time that, after using the sword for several trials [20 trials] that Harmony will return to his hand if he focuses enough on the sword, the blade with resonate with sound before flying into his grasp, as if borne on an invisible wind. This effect can only be achieved if the sword is within his line of sight. This ability cannot be used to harm others as Harmony will always move around obstacles before returning to it's master's hand.
*Dagger in boot.
*Lifebreath Shortbow
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On the way back to shore Arlo stumbles upon a bow in the clearing where they met the Heartmourn. It is made from yew wood but somehow seems to remain alive even though it had been rendered into a usable bow. There are little leaves and tendrils growing along its surface. The bow seems to behave much like a normal tree throughout the seasons, becoming dull and gray in the colder seasons before bursting back into greenery when the temperature warms. The bow is perhaps most beautiful during Vhalar when its foliage turns amber and gold to suit the season here
*The Staff of Arlo
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This weapon designed and crafted by Vega can be fitted to be a bow, a spear or staff, and a nunchuk. It has received a small enchantment from Aeva that protects the Staff from water damage, humidity, and rot. Additionally, while wielded, the wielder will find that rain refuses to fall upon them.
*Dead-Eye. Pistol Crossbow
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As a gift from the Lightning Knights, Arlo is given a masterwork pistol crossbow made from beautifully laminated yew wood cut from the Ywyngyll Forest that has gleaming Adamantite metal fixtures along with fifty bolts made from matching materials. The weapon feels as if it was made for his hands and is perfectly balanced. This weapon is made to contend even with armor plating. When using the specially made bolts with the crossbow Arlo will find that his bolts more successfully penetrate armor than previously.
Memorabilia and Souvenirs, etc.
*Wolf's Tooth - As a relic of Arlo's time fighting the fire wolf in the ice caves, this token imparts Arlo with an extensive resistance to being burned. He takes no damage from most burns, but this doesn't mean that he doesn't feel the pain of it, he does.
*Cassion's Hat - While in possession of the hat, Arlo feels far less tired than he would normally. He doesn't feel fatigue and remains alert for longer. He still needs to sleep just, less. 1.5x the stamina and the need to sleep only a full night's rest over 2 trials
*Nella's Pearls - once a trial Arlo can activate the necklace and it buys him 5 seconds where he is moving but no one else is (or they're really slow motion). Due to the nature of his mother - and his own way of being - in that time he can't kill / injure anyone or put a sword in a hand or a piano over anyone's head - but what he can do is get people OUT of danger. Away from the attack, out of the burning building. It buys him 5 seconds of time in which to be the hero in his own story.
*Ring - a plain gold ring with the Sevrath Favored ability of Prison with the same restrictions etc.
Prison: An offensive/defensive ability that is used to trap the opponent or shield the character. Pushing energy into the earth, the character is able to form sudden traps from dirt and stone, quickly ensnaring the opponent in a prison of soil and rock. Defensively, the character is able to draw the earth around them, cocooning in thick, almost impenetrable layers of earth and stone. This ability works well only if the user practices. Otherwise, the character cannot hold the structure for more than a few seconds, they cannot extend it for more than a few feet, and they will become exhausted from trying to exert energy to correct themselves.
