Strangers IC Thread

[Arnwald]

Ag-Nor watches the actions of the group with a nervous eye, all the while reaching for his trusty battle-axe...

"The swarm is almost upon us ; I suggest we not linger in the open... We stand a better chance if we stay as a group ; I favor moving to a more tactically favorable position", he says, while pointing towards the ruins...

[samwise7]

Ewyn notes that the insects are strange in shape and size, but the only really dangerous thing about them seems to be their stingers.  Thinking about being caught in the middle of the swarm makes his skin crawl.  He can almost feel their little legs wandering over his skin before the stinger comes down like a malevolent hammer.

[imported_Rasyr]

Ewyn looks around quickly, to see if he can find a defensible location to limit the number of insects that might be able to reach him. As he does this,  he motions to the human who seems to be following him and says, "I strongly suggest lighting a couple of torches. It may help to keep those insects off us.

[samwise7]

Ewyn's retainer lights up his torch and starts to wave it defensively in the air... even though there is nothing near to him yet.

The only obviously noticeable area that could perform as some sort of shelter from the insects is a small caved in portion of the ruins.  It looks like it is roughly 20 feet up the structure via the stairs and then off to the right.  There would be 4 "walls" but the sky would be open to attack from the angry swarm.  Perhaps the torches could keep the bees at bay... or perhaps not. 

[imported_Rasyr]

Ewyn points to the space beside the stairs and says, "Perhaps that would be a good spot to defend ourselves from these insects"

[Fidoric]

Ceillen says a quick but sincere prayer to appease the spirits that may linger there with a special thought for the dark one atop the ruin.
"Dear spirits that dwell in there, know that we do not mean any offense. We seek shelter from a mundane threat and respectfully hope you will let us in."

Ceillen lights a torch too and look for some stuff too burn. Maybe starting a fire could help, especially if it makes smoke just out of our shelter.

[samwise7]

When Ceillen says his prayer the thing atop the ruin looks directly at him, and he gets an intense feeling of cold and hatred that starts where his feet touch the ground and then creeps up his body like a slow crawling worm.  The spirit atop of the tower looks at the gong and it is struck 3 times by what you assume is its arm.  Once more it looks at Ceillen and shakes its head slowly.  Then it descends into the ruins and can be seen no more.

The insects were nearly upon you... but now the swarm starts to disperse and they once again vanish into the tall grasses.

[imported_Rasyr]

Ewyn looks at the dispersing insects and sighs in relief. "Any opinions on what we shall do next?" he asks.

[Fidoric]

There is an angry spirit within those ruins. It is the one who tolls the gong. It is full of hate at the moment and do not want us to go inside. I don't know how you feel about this, but my duty is to make whatever I can to appease this spirit. Consider it a victim of an overwhelming feeling that has changed its personality. Most certainly, we could find what makes him angry inside and maybe, only maybe, we could be able to do something about it. I think it's worth  try. So I say we should find a way in.

Ceillen.

[Arnwald]

"A sound proposal. Let us make our way towards the ruins and find a way to appease this spirit... I do not wish to face more of its minions..." says Ag-Nor while guiding his mount towards the broken structure.

[imported_Rasyr]

"Agreed, one cannot move forward if one's spirit is tied to the past. Let us help him if we can."

[samwise7]

The ruined structure's base is covered with lots of dirt and soil so some parts are obstructed from view. 

[Arnwald]

Ag-Nor grips his battle-axe firmly and inches forward, alert and ready...

[imported_Rasyr]

The Halfling takes a deep breath, and straightens his pack, then turns to the human who has been following him, "Why don you stay out here and guard our mounts while we explore the interior?"

[Fidoric]

Aldor - Ceillen's retainer, casts a quick glance around for a way in while standing protectively behind the shaman. As nothing stands out, he resumes his vigil and pay close attention to Ceillen's immediate surrounding, knowing that the shaman may become oblivious of the real world when peering into the Astral.