Warped Flame - I

Log Info

• Title: Warped Flame - I
  
• GM: Harkashan
• Characters: Rune, Vaera
  
• Location: Border of Alexandros and the Myrrish Kingdoms
  
• Summary: Druids of Dana have put out an emergency request to Adventurers due to issues near the border of Alexandros and the Myrrish Kingdoms. Large woodfires have been springing up at random nearby. And while they're working on tempering the flames, they need these Adventurers to figure out the source of these fires. Rune and Vaera investigate, and find two Sun Falcons at the center of this happening, who have been trying to find their bonded Phoenix -- which has been stolen away by a group of unknown wizards and demons.

With word coming of large woodfires spawning up at seemingly random throughout the forest - the Druids of Dana have been quite active fighting the fires themselves. As the Adventurers step into the forests bordering the Myrrish Kingdoms and Alexandros, they can already see them. Plumes of black smoke up in various areas.

They've suggested that the Plants and Animals may have more information, and have even given Rune a scroll of Speak with Plants and Speak with Animals; assuming that Vaera can take care of such spells themselves.

Approaching a new plume of smoke, they approach one of the bordertowns - though it's really more of a 'something in the middle of nowhere'. A tiny farming community living off the grid in order to avoid most of civilization and its constant drama.

Though right now, it seems they are having trouble with that drama - as there's fire coming from a patch of farm to the northeast. Notably, the light in the area up north is... strange. Both in that patch of farmland, as well as near a bonfire.

A farmer is constantly trying to grab a bucket of water from the river, and throwing it onto the farmland. While another farmer is doing the same, trying to douse what looks like a controlled campfire!

There are moments where Rune simply is more than a little dumbfounded about people's choices. Does she look like a magic user? Does she give off the attitude of someone who dabbles in the arcane? Do the two swords strapped to her back not identify her as someone more suited to martial tasks?

With the two scrolls still attached to her belt, however, she heads into the village with a somewhat uncertain expression. "Good eve." She offers out, looking around the first of the villagers to the one trying to snuff out the camp fire. "Heard there was a fire problem, but that seems to be in hand for the time being. Though I am a bit confused as to why you're taking your anger out on your own camp fires, too?" She asks.

Then, looking to the dismounting hunter, she inclines her head. "Peace on your nest."

A Half-elven woman is quick to run forward when Vaera and Rune arrive, though there's a startle in her step when she also spots the Swiftclaws. She understands that it's a mount, but Sith-makar and Swiftclaws are clearly not a common sight here.

Still, the two look like they're used to traveling. Which can only mean one thing.

"Oh thank the Gods. Adventurers. Just in time." The villager remarks, touching her chest. As Rune looks around the village, she looks to the Campfire, then back to Rune.

"We've been trying to put out those fires for the past eight hours." She answers Rune. "We're worried the fire will spread further. We're barely able to stop the farm from going up in flames."

Her clothing are notably a mess. She's clearly been working hard on this as well, and was just taking a temporary rest. There's soot all over her clothes and body. And she's clearly exhausted looking.

There was a moment of hesitation from the tall makari, before Vaera bowed their head and thumped the ground. "And peace upon your nest, soft-kin." They chuff once, before her attention turns to the villager. "Be at ease, my companion is well trained, and will not cause any further trouble for you." She assuages. "What can you tell us about these fires? What is stopping you from putting them out, if not the scale?"

"Don't worry about the Swiftclaw, they're no more dangerous than a particularly irritated horse." Rune explains, a small quirk of the lips in the direction of the Makari. With that re-assurance offered to the villager, she steps forward, that confused expression still lingering.

"Eight hours?" Her head tilts, pointed ears perked slightly to the sounds of those fighting the fires. "And you're worried the camp fire could make the problem worse." She states this with all the understanding of a person who is very not versed in magical problems. This stinks of magic.

"Is... it the same with all the fires along the borderlands? They're all quite so... resistant to being put out?"

"We... do not know. We throw water on them. Some of them quench. But others do not. Rydel has been throwing water on what he can. And Lamruil has stopped it from spreading by digging a little ditch around the flames. If we understood what was stopping us..." There's a moment of frustration from the lady, but she raises her hand. "Apologies. We don't know." She shakes her head. "Please, maybe you can see something we cannot."

When Rune remarks on the eight hour timeline that has passed so far, she nods her head. "Right." Confirming Rune's understanding. Followed by a confusion; "There's other fires in the borderlands? Oh, I think I did spot a smoke plume a little while ago..." This little community being too small to have been warned as of yet it seems.

"I don't know." The half-elven woman answers, then motions for the two to follow her towards the fire that Lamruil is heading up.

---

Once there, Lamruil rubs his upper arm along his forehead. The elf lets out a long pant and then spots Vanya approaching with Rune and Vaera. "You got more help?" He asks, a subtle bit of suspicion in his eyes. But the kind of suspicion that Vaera and Rune might recognize more than others might - the kind of look given by people to outsiders.

The strange radiant light coming from the Campfire is more notable this close.

It makes it hard to stare at the campfire, in the same way it'd be hard to

stare into the sun for very long.

GAME: Rune rolls diplomacy: (14)+9: 23

"That's why we were called out. It seems to be a problem all along this expanse." Rune explains, even as she falls into step to follow. "Makes me wish we'd brought one of the mages along, they'd probably have an easier time of discerning what's going on and the best way to handle it." Though she does happen to have those scrolls, her abilities are far moe limited.

Upon arrival to where Lamruil is still facing the fires, Rune inclines her head. Despite the fact that this individual is less than welcoming, she can understand where it comes from and that it would not do well to play into it. "Of a sort. I'm not sure how much aid we can be with working the fire brigade, but the Druids thought that we might be able to get more information out of the plants and animals in the area."

The idea sounds a bit loony to her, but Rune is not about to argue with Druids when it comes to matters of nature. "We'll aid where we can, but... we're also going to take a bash at seeing if the other residents of these lands have any insights."

"It does not sound like entirely natural fire." The tall makari considers with a low chuff. "I hope that we might be able to get to the bottom of this. They trusted you with those scrolls, yes? They might believe that determining how they started is important. Did anyone see how the fires ignited, here?"

Vaera follows along, but she slows down until she was slightly behind Rune. Hopefully a less monstrous looking adventurer would have them seem less threatening. "Yes, we are here to help." The hunter nods to the man. "Can you tell us more about this fire?"

Vanya steps up next to Lamruil and gives him a prod of her elbow into his ribs, spotting that glance. No doubt much like Rune, she's seen that look too many times. "The birds and plants?" She then asks.

Lamruil remarks; "Druid magic. They may have spotted the source of the fire." He explains. "We were not around when the farm fire started. We spotted the smoke and immediately started working on it this morning." Pause. "You don't look like a druid though." He then remarks to Rune.

Vanya shakes her head a bit; "Is there a Druid look?" She asks the elf, before turning back to the other two. "I don't know there is much to tell."

"Other than that it shines like this. What's more... listen to this." He grabs his bucket of water, and then splashes the fire, which continues to rage! There's a loud steaming HISSSS of the fire being quelled for a moment, followed by a strange sound amidst it. Almost like a squawk, before the flame comes back at full force!

GAME: Rune rolls perception: (11)+23: 34
GAME: Vaera rolls perception: (16)+13: 29

"I should be able to cast them, though it's not something I've actually tried." Rune explains to Vaera, her expression somewhat sheepish. "I wasn't born with the gift of magic like my father was, but he tried to make sure I understood a bit about using it should a scroll fall into my hands." Her shoulders lift slightly, looking to Lamruil. "I don't look like one because I'm not. I'm usually the one they call when they need a person to break in somewhere. Pick locks, disable traps, get my fingers into things that people don't want them getting into..."

Her lip quirks again, but she knows this isn't a time to be amused. Lives and livelihoods could be on the line. At the demonstration of what happens when water is added to the fire, she crouches a bit, squinting against the light.

"Well... that's your problem right there. This isn't an ordinary fire, I'm afraid." She raises a hand, waggling her fingers in the direction of the eyes that are staring out at her from the flames. "I can't remember what these are called but... they are birds of some sort, from the fire plane. No idea what the fuck they're doing here, though."

"I should be able to help you to cast it if necessary. I know a little bit about druidic magic, probably enough to use some of their more simpler enchantments on a scroll. I think that's why they sent me, at least. That, or the resistance to flames."

"There is no set look for how a druid may look, it is true. But I do not believe she is one." The ranger notes. "Still, I believe her help will be welcome, we can figure this out."

The large makari squints as the water is tossed, and Vaera chuffs once. "I have heard stories of these before. Sun falcons, they are not malicious by nature, even if that is a small comfort for your livelihoods." She adds. "It is possible you may be able to reason with it with one of your scrolls, Rune. Just say the word if you need assistance with that."

Vanya chuckles and remarks; "You must have had a caring father, to teach you such a precious skill." Not knowing Rune's history with her father.

"The Fire Plane? What is that doing here?!" Lamruil asks, narrowing his eyes. He can't see it in the fire, but he believes the Adventurers to be right. Especially when Vaera manages to actually name the creature.

"Sun Falcon?" Blinking.

"Okay, great, but how do we get rid of it?" He then looks down at the fire. "Can you leave please? You're setting my stuff on fire!"

Followed by an angry squawk.

GAME: Rune rolls use magic device: (4)+18: 22
GAME: Rune rolls bluff: (13)+24: 37

"I'll see what I can do. Though I'm not really a planar diplomat." Rune ends up offering the other scroll to Vaera, incase conversing with plants may prove useful as well.

Despite the emotions that come with mention of her father, Rune hides them well. She only offers a nod of her head as she unrolls the scroll and begins to read, motioning her hands slightly in the air, a bit of green magic lingering on her fingers before the magic takes hold.

Her ear twitches, and then she looks from the creature, to what apperas to be a gnarled walking stick nearby. "Something about a man with a stick. Likely that one." She clears her throat and asks, "Can you tell me what you're doing here, little one? Can you tell me about the man with the stick?"

"It is a creature like any other, just from a different place." The red makari muses as she takes the scroll and stows it away in one of the many, many pockets hidden inside of the jacket. "Just be understanding but firm, and clear in your intentions."

"It is possible it is only maintaining the fire for it's own sake. Perhaps it could be convinced to maintain a fire here and not seek out further fuel, while druids are sent to return to it's home plane?" The hunter suggests. "Though, that does not solve the problem with the other fires."

"Men with Sticks steal Her Majesty!" The fire answers Rune. Though those around her can only really hear a squawk and squeek. Loudly protesting and angry. "Horned ones chase us away! Sheen must find Her Majesty! Find men with sticks! Tell this man with stick to tell me where Her Majesty is, or me and Soot burn brighter!"

Squawk, chitter, twitter, squawk!

Unable to understand it, only hearing the irritated squawking, the elfin man remarks; "It sounds angry." And walks off to grab another bucket of water. "I'll show it..."

"Stop." Rune's voice likely carries more authority than it would normally have in most circumstances. In this case, it seems like a bad idea to anger the creature further than it already is.

"It says that a group of men with sticks like that one took 'Her Majesty'. Perhaps some kind of leader among these creatures." As Vaera seemed to know more about these creatures, she looks to the Makari to see if there is any insights they can offer.

"It wants to know how to find them. Where to find 'Her Majesty', otherwise it will continue to burn, and burn brighter."

GAME: Vaera rolls knowledge/nature: (15)+8: 23

"Listen to Rune, and allow her to work." The large makari agrees, turning to the man going for more of the water, and doing her best not to glare. "We need to figure out what is causing it to act like this, here."

Vaera nods to Rune, and crosses one arm as she listens. "If they are looking for something, it is something close to them, likely also from the plane of fire. And to give it such a moniker, a phoenix, perhaps?" She considers. "Ask them if they know what happened to them, and see if they will remain here if we make sure their flames do not die out, but they promise not to spread their fires further. And the other one across from here, if that flame is caused by one as well." They suggest, turning back to the villagers. "If you are alright with this, I will make sure the druids will aid with your fields afterwards, and ensure you are all prepared for the coming winter with any firewood used or crops that must be replaced."

The Elven man stops, and Vanya pulls him back from the river as well. "Let the Adventurers handle this." She remarks to him. Followed by her looking to Rune as she explains what is going on.

"You mean my walking stick?" Lamruil asks. "Are you kidding?" Grimacing, walking off to grab it, and then offers it out to the two Adventurers. It looks like a regular old walking stick. Though... it could be confused for a wizard's staff.

If one squinted real hard.

Vaera chiming in on the matters of a Phoenix, there's a squawk from the bird. A squawk that Rune hears as... well... a squawk as well. One of excitement and recognition.

"I don't want want them to remain here!" The elven man protests. A hand on his shoulder soon by Vanya, who addresses Vaera. "I don't think that'd be a good idea. We're a small community of folk who rather... stay away from society's eye." She explains. "Please have them leave this place if you can."

"Is the one that you search for a Phoenix?" Rune asks, acting as conduit for the communication with the creature. "Are the other fires in the area your kin?" She rattles off questions, knowing her time is quite limited. "Would you be willing to stand down. Leave this place, if we swear to track down those who took Her Majesty? If not, would you be willing to come with us away from here and help us find her?"

It's quick-fire, knowing very well that her time is short. Rune does give a glance towards the protesting elven man, obviously curious about anyone who would be so interested in staying off the radar of most other society. Usually there are reasons for that.

However, she is not here for that purpose. "Did the ones who took her use magic?"

"I would rather not have them stay here as well, but if they can not leave on their own accord, someone else will need to make sure they return to their own plane. Which would require one or several experienced spellcasters." The hunter answers, caught between the conversation at the fire, and the concerns of the villagers. "I promise to do what I can to find your majesty, if you will cooperate with us as well."

"Yes!" Hop! "Her Majesty is a regal Phoenix!" It nods. "Other fires are from me and Soot! We find men with big sticks and demand they return Her Majesty. They ignore us, so we set fire! But then we get chased by Horned Ones!" The Sun Falcon answers Rune.

"If you help, we stop setting fire." The Sun Falcon then agrees. And as if to show its willingness to cooperate, the fire suddenly stops. Its radiance remains however.

"I will come with you!" The avian declares, and suddenly flaps its wings, sitting its heavy body onto Rune's shoulder, clawing a bit into her shoulder. It's trying not to hurt her, but it's got sharp talons. "I am Sheen." It declares proudly.

"Yes, ones who took her use Sticks to do evil magic! Majesty fight them off, but then they bring in many Horned Ones. Many burned. But they took her."

Sheen then jumps from Rune's shoulder onto Vaera's, digging its claws in, but using those sturdy scales so that it's not hurting her.

"Their Majesty is, indeed a Phoenix. Good call, kin." Rune nods, shifting her weight slightly as she listens. "It sounds like mages and... something they are calling 'horned ones' took her. They've been trying to find her but were chased away."

As the fire goes out, revealing only the lusterous bird in exchange, Rune is given only a moment to brace before it lands on her shoulder. Luckily, Andelena had reinforced that area recently, so it isn't quite so intense as claws on flesh. "It says that they are called Sheen and Soot. This one is Sheen. It will not burn if we help them."

There is a slight sigh of relief when the bird takes flight again. "The scroll will be running short." She explains, "Stay with us and if you can, tell your friend that we are allies here to help. I won't be able to talk or understand you in a moment."

Then, to Vaera, she adds, "We should find a good place near some of good sources of plantlife and then try the other scroll. Though, I think I'll leave the talking to you, this time."

"It is not always a phoenix, but it seemed the most likely Idea." Vaera chuffs, bracing just a bit as the bird lands on their shoulder. "There we go, they will bother you no longer here, is that good enough for you?" She asks the villagers. "We will be on our way, if you will be alright here, the sooner we are on the trails, the better."

"Though, if they were capable of capturing a phoenix, we must be wary. Whoever did this is strong, well prepared, or both." She considers, taking a moment to adjust her coat.

"Yes. I will call Soot." Sheen remarks, and then squawks out to try and summon its friend. To the north-west, they suddenly see some of the flames disappear while the Farmer is urgently still removing the flames that remain, and Soot comes to perch on Rune's shoulder. It seems to be a bit more gentle with its claws, carefully planting itself on Rune's shoulder covered with the heaviest bit of reinforcement.

Soot hoots at Rune. "I am Soot. You will help us look for Her Majesty?" It asks while perched on her shoulder, before tucking its head under one of its wings and preening for a moment. "Suntalon is Her Majesty's name." Soot provides.

Soot then huffs. "Soot thinks, Plants here see no Horned Ones. I can bring you to place Horned Ones chased us away last time." She provides.

"Ooooh, Soot is so smart." Sheen hoots.

Vanya and Lamruil both nod. "Yes. Thank you for your help." After which Lamruil runs off with a bucket of water to help Rydel. Vanya remains for a while. "Horned Ones? Does the Sun Hawk mean a Demon or something?"

"Sun Falcon!" Soot demands, but of course Vanya can't understand it. But it looks like Soot understands human language a bit. "And yes, I think Her Majesty called them Demons."

"It is good to meet you, Soot." If it were an ordinary bird, Rune might have tried to touch the creature, but she has no skill with animals, and these seem more intelligent than most. "I'll pass along your information. We'd very much appreciate your guidance to the right place to start our search."

Then, to Vaera, she explains, "It is demons who took her, from the sounds of it. This little one seems to be able to understand us, at least a little. They say that Her Majesty is called Suntalon."

With that, she looks to Vanya, "We'll take it from here. If there are other adventurers who arrive after us, show them the way, will you? I imagine we'll need more firepower than the two of us can manage on our own."

"Your help is appreciated, Sheen, was it? And yours as well, Soot." The hunter offers, before giving a low whistle, causing the swiftclaw from prior to come bounding to Vaera's side, where it gave the two falcons a curious look. "Yes, we will do what we can, and we are happy to help."

The red makari's gaze darkens a bit, and she nods. "Demons, I should not be surprised. Be on your guard Rune, there is no certainty with what they may be capable of. Hopefully we may learn more when we pick up their trail."

Vanya nods her head. "I will send other Adventurers your way." She promises with a hand to her chest. She then looks towards the two working the fires, and lets out a long held breath, and huffs. "I am glad this place isn't burning down." Before she offers a bow of respect and appreciation, and starts heading back to her house to rest. She's exhausted.

Sheen doesn't understand when the Hunter speaks. But Soot helps translate in /very/ rough speech. Rune can tell a lot of nuance is quickly lost. Sheen squawks, and Soot bows her head to Vaera.

"We rescue Her Majesty. Yes." Sheen is excited to have help. Soot on the other hand is glad Rune mentions needing more Firepower. "Yes, collect friends."