Private Eastern Brisshal Judgment Call

[Athena]

True to her word from a few days before Athena was people watching. It was a fascinating endeavor, each stranger that passed by had a slightly different magical aura, like a fingerprint of sorts. Many of the colors were similar, but the way they mixed and mingled, and the shape on he edges, she had yet to see two that were exactly alike.

It was an extremely bright morning in the small town, the sunlight glinting harshly off the cobblestone path. The ramshackle stalls stood nearly barren, the worn wood making this seem like an oddity. The golden haired warrior was seated cross legged in a quiet corner, eyes tracking the movements of the citizens from beneath her blindfold. Despite the obvious lack of wealth the occasional clink of coin hitting pavement broke through her reverie. Even when in a terrible situation the god fearing people of this town still thought of those who were worse off.

Every time this happened the blindfolded blond would quickly return the coin to it's owner, silently praying to Endra that their actions might be rewarded. If all went to plan she would be delivering that reward personally.

Returning to her seated position after one of these instances, Athena couldn't help but smile. Her spirits were lifted considerably by these small selfless acts of kindness. Her clothing rustled as she got comfortable again, recalling the message she had sent earlier that morning.

@Caelia Etterni
My dearest Caelia... No no... too formal... I can't seem to find the delete button. hmm Regardless, I found a quest and i could use the help of someone as quick witted and reliable as yourself. asdjlgdjoafiwajkaslnsks;ghln

She had had some difficultly figuring out where the send button was. The woman was obviously not particularly tech savvy, and had resorted to just mashing keys until it sent. At least, she hoped.

Her delicate fingers reached behind her head, the cloth eye covering going taut once more with a firm tug. Justice would be served, confessions would be made, and the wicked would burn by her hand.

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Caelia had been practicing. With the help of allies like Kaede and Frey, she'd been steadily getting better at crafting her magic to her command. She'd gotten rid of the sword she'd started the game with, instead keeping a small dagger sheathed on her thigh for those moments when she needed to draw blood. She'd learned better how to craft weapons from thin air, and preferred that instead when she was fighting in melee with something.

She'd only just logged in for the day when a notification had pinged her. Opening up her UI to see what it was, she was pleasantly surprised to find a message from Athena requesting her assistance. With no other plans for the day, she set off to join the blindfolded warrior wherever she could be found.

It took a little bit of searching, but eventually, Caelia spotted the blonde woman sitting alone in a small town in Eastern Brishaal. She approached with a slight spring in her step, a smile on her face.

Athena, hello! I got your message. How are you doing? What sort of quest did you dig up, hm?

@Athena

 

[Athena]

Athena gracefully stood up from her seated position as Caelia approached her. It had been a few days since they had first met but there was something noticeably different about the Faerin. The colors had become much more intense, the red having taken on a strange shimmering hue. Every once in a while when it twisted with the blacks and purples it almost looked like blood. There was no doubt that Caelia stood out compared to everyone else she had met although that wasn't saying much.

Athena smiled gently, responding in her usual slightly breathy voice.

You look especially beautiful today, Caelia.

With a rustle of fabric she drew her sword closer to her, the golden scale set into the cross guard clinking as she did so. She motioned dramatically with the sword to the market around them.

I have been given a mission by the goddess Endra herself! Do you see how evil has come into these poor peoples lives, stealing away their very livelihoods!

She tapped the cobblestone loudly with the tip of her sword, her head held high and clothes billowing around her.

Bandits have come into this town and taken all of the wares. It is up to us to bring them to confession and make them serve penance!

She voice was still quite breathy, but her passion and excitement was more than noticeable and a few of the townspeople even turned to make sure everything was alright. Her lips pursed as she finished her little speech, waiting for Caelia's response.
@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Caelia smiled in return as Athena rose and greeted her. A faint hint of color dusted her otherwise pale features as the other said she looked "especially beautiful." Go on, say more like that, she can't help but think for a moment. She shakes her head a little to clear it as Athena goes on, watching the slightly theatrical woman as she spoke.

Endra? Oh, right, that's the, uhm... The justice lady, yeah?

She was more familiar with Rhiannon because of the race she'd chosen at character creation, but she had learned a little about the other gods. Maybe she should spend more time learning about them and their domains... She added that as a to-do in the back of her mind while listening to Athena outline their quest.

Bandits? That shouldn't be too hard! I don't know if you can tell, but I've been practicing a lot since we last met! I'm better with my magic now, so we should be good!

@Athena

 

[Athena]

Her arms crossed slowly under her chest. The Justice Lady sounded like a terrible super hero name. Athena supposed that it was a fairly apt description, although not one that she personally liked. She chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have not personally spoke to Endra, but I'm certain this is her will.

She explained quickly, mumbling a little as though embarrassed by the fact a literal goddess wasn't communicating with her. She waved her and to a tavern across the street.

The bartender Steve told me the whole story last night. I would have done something immediately but...

...she had been a little out of sorts. She stared over at the tavern intently pausing. For such a pious lady Athena liked to drink, probably more than was healthy.

... I thought it best to wait for reinforcements. Yes, that's what I was thinking at the time. Anyway, we bring the stuff back, talk to him, and get a reward.

Athena turned back to face Caelia, a wide grin forming on her face at the thought of enforcing some judgement.

With your magic and my sword, we shall bring the sinners to their knees!

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Caelia didn't think any differently of the quest when Athena admitted that she hadn't actually spoken to Endra. Could you even speak to the gods of this world? It wasn't something she'd tried... Maybe she should. That could certainly be interesting. Were they like the Landers, just inaccessible to those on the ground? Questions and questions with no answers...

Well then, where are we off to? I don't see any bandits now, did you get any information from Steve about which direction they headed?

She absently brushed her hands over her coat to smooth it out, still smiling warmly at the prospect of some action. It had been a little while, and maybe she'd get to really try out her skills... After all, bandits were just...bandits.

It wasn't really real, anyways.

Whatever happened to the bandits was just fine with her.

Player Build Link

@Athena

 

[Athena]

Her shoes clacked against the pavement as she stepped out further into the square, her hair glowing golden in the sunlight. It was time to show off the trick she had learned since the last time they had met. She reached a hand up to her ear as though listening, her eyes closing and her expression becoming more intent.

She could hear Caelia's breathing, her heart rate, the slight rustle of her coat as she smoothed it out. A vendor rummaging in a cupboard at the back of his stall. She could even hear Steve across the street, cleaning up and getting ready for when the tavern would open. He was saying something... "That goddamn priestess, we were already low on alcohol before she showed up. What are we supposed to serve tonight???"

What am I supposed to drink tonight more like... She pouted.

She had hoped to hear the bandit camp from there, but it seemed even her enhanced senses were currently too limited for that.

He said they went west, and that the camp isn't too far from here. As long as we go in vaguely the right direction I should be able to pinpoint then for us. We just need to get a little closer.

She raised her hand, motioning dramatically to the west with a flourish before leading the way.
Character Build

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

West, not far from here... Caelia pulls up her UI to look at a map, wondering what exactly was even in this area. She'd not explored the wilds of this particular spot in Eastern Brishaal, though, so the map remained unloaded for her. She sighed, following as Athena started to walk in the direction they, presumably, needed to go.

So, you said you wanted to bring justice to these guys? What... What does your justice look like. Because I don't really want to get my ass handed to me by a bunch of guys if I can help it. I'd rather, you know...deal with the problem. Nip it in the bud.

For a while as they walked, it was quiet. Eventually, though, Athena might be able to hear something...

...and I'd do it again, you twat. Ya won't get any of your cut if you keep fuckin' around, hurry up and get the goods into the boxes!

Seemed someone was in a hurry to clear out.

Player Build Link

@Athena

 

[Athena]

She tapped her finger against her chin thoughtfully... What was her justice? And what did she expect to happen when they got there? She hadn't really thought that far ahead, so perhaps is was a good thing that Caelia was there to keep her dreamy zealousness in check. She ducked under a tall branch, her ears perked up as she faintly heard some nasty language from ahead. A frown formed on her face as she raised a hand, motioning her companion to stop.

Her head tilted slightly towards Caelia, voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

They're right ahead... As for my justice, I think we ask them politely to apologize and return the stuff they stole. Then we get them to do some sort of community service as penance.

She looked back ahead with a confidence born totally of naivety, muscles tensing as she prepared to make those few steps forward out into the open. It wouldn't be fair if she didn't give them a shot to repent after all. How could anyone find mercy if they weren't given that initial chance to repent. Maybe they didn't understand the consequences of their actions, and when she explained to them "You doomed a town to starve" they would come to the horrible realization themselves. The guilt would likely be too much for them to bear.

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

.

Caelia had to admit, she wasn't exactly sure if Athena's version was going to work. Asking bandits politely to give back the stuff they stole and giving them a slap on the wrist? When had that ever worked? She kept the thought to herself for now, creeping forward but letting Athena take the lead.

This was your find, so you lead the way, Athena. I'm right behind you, I promise!

Caelia looked through the trees, just able to make out some movement up ahead. She went quiet, one hand falling down towards her dagger just in case things got nasty quick.

@Athena

Player Build Link

 

[Athena]

150 / 150

Angy

The branches rustled as Athena stepped into the clearing, divine golden light radiating around her so that her appearance would be very difficult to ignore. She looked every bit the holy saintess she wanted to be. The tip of her sheathed sword hit the ground with a loud thud, sending up a spray of dirt.

"Behold, the goddess Endra has sent me as a messenger to you! Lay down your weapons and return these goods, or face the judgement of the goddess!"

The entire forest seemed to go silent for a moment save the sound of the wind through the trees. Then came a boisterous laugh from the rough looking bandit who had been speaking moments before. It was obvious by his demeaner that he was in charge of this league of sinners. He smirked, overflowing with confidence.

"Ah, Endra. I remember when me parents took me to church as a kid. Scared shitless of the goddess and her rules at the time I was. But as you get older you start to realize them's rules are just there to screw over the sheep like you. Endra wants nothing to do with the likes of us. You or me. She. Don't. Care."

He punctuated each word with a slight and very pointed pause. With a wave of his hatchet he motioned to his men before starting to walk away, letting them do his dirty work.

"Kill 'em so we can finish up with this fuckin' score."

Without hesitation the remaining seven men scrambled to grab their weapons, charging at the two women.

❰ 7 / 7 ❱

Unrepentant Sinners
Retaliation Damage: 20
DC: 40

Play Sheet Link

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

120 / 140

-20 Retal Damage​

Caelia was impressed with Athena's whole aesthetic, she had to say. It was kind of funny, considering her own aesthetic was going to be far different. Rather than drawing on her dark magic for now, though, she focused instead on crafting a weapon. As they were rushed, Caelia took half a step backwards to buy herself a little time. Her dagger flashed briefly as she slashed into her leg, hissing as blood started to spill from the wound.

It quickly formed up into a blade, longer than a dagger but not exactly a sword, either. It flashed out as she attempted to disarm the first man who rushed her. There was a spray of sparks as the two blades collided, but ultimately his found purchase before hers. Caelia spat out a curse as the sword struck her, blood spraying the ground.

I'll make you regret that!

The man just laughed, ready to take her next attack.

❰ 7 / 7 ❱

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (14) + 10 + 5 + 10 = 39
39 damage
Counter failed. No additional damage dealt and no damage reduction
Hemomancy | Caelia Etterni | 612C6

Play Sheet Link

@Athena

 

[Athena]

130 / 150

-20 Retal

Honestly she had expected them to lay down their weapons and ask for forgiveness from her goddess. It seemed as though they were more than bandits, they were heathens who openly despised Endra! At least, the one in the back. She would have to find it in herself to forgive him, he was just a confused child. She would straighten it out for him once she finished subduing his followers. Non-lethally of course, she wasn't some barbarian.

A tiara of intricate golden light formed around her head as her enhanced hearing fully activated. Now she could even better distinguish the shapes and forms around her using a vastly enhanced form of echolocation. Combined with her ability to see magic she was more than confident that she could handle anything that was thrown at her.

Above all, having activated this ability she was now able to see Caelia and was witness to the strangeness of her magic. She couldn't normally grasp color, not with this strange sort of sight reliant on her hearing, but the scarlet magic pouring out out of the woman's leg was unmistakable as blood. Fascinating... Another piece of the puzzle in regards to her magical sight clicked into place. Somehow Athena was even more fascinated by the structure of her face, however. That was the kind of structure she would expect from a noble, not from a random woman she had met in the woods. Seeing her truly for the first time Athena felt a tinge of jealousy. She pushed it down; an emotion unbefitting of someone with goals like hers.

Her attention quickly shifted back to the other men, glad that she had brought someone as capable as Caelia with her. She ducked the first swipe, maneuvering a little closer to her ally, and trying to keep the bushes and trees behind them so they couldn't be easily surrounded. There was a loud crunch as she planted her foot firmly in the dirt, swinging her sheathed sword like a baseball bat directly into the head of one of their opponents with a loud crash.

❰ 6 / 7 ❱

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (53) + 10 + 0 + 10 = 73
73 damage
Counter failed. No additional damage dealt and no damage reduction
Hyper Sense | Athena | 612

Play Sheet Link

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

100 / 140

-20 Retal Damage​

Caelia made true on her word.

She made him regret it.

Unlike Athena, who was swinging a sheathed sword, Caelia's weapon gleamed with a sharp edge as she slashed out. The auto-assist kicked in, allowing her to move with an unnatural speed and grace as she dashed up to the first man that had cut her. Blades crossed again, singing as they slid across one another. Something within Caelia blanketed her usual queasiness around blood, as suddenly, all she wanted was one thing.

The auto-assist seemed to read her mind, and Caelia's blade cut across the man's throat with ease. Spinning, she stabbed it into the leg of another assailant, making him cry out in pain that was cut short by her blade again.

Stay down.

Her eyes gleamed, small blue irises with red centers as she faced the enemies, daring them to come forward. Unbeknownst to her, her hair was starting to darken to black at the edges... It seemed something dark was coiling around her.

Would the rest of you like to do this little dance, too?!

❰ 4 / 7 ❱

Rolls

Steady Attack
6d20 exploding (2 + 14 + 6 + 17 + 11 + 10) + 10 + 5 + 10 = 85
85 damage
Hemomancy | Caelia Etterni | 612C7

Play Sheet Link

@Athena

 

[Athena]

110 / 150

-20 retal

There was a disturbing black mist starting to gather to Athena's right. The dark energy that she normally saw contained inside of Caelia was now starting to flow out and gather around her. She didn't allow herself to become distracted, with either that or the death of the bandit at her companions hand. As disappointed as she was with the act she had no one to blame but herself. She would pay the price herself for the act of excessive violence.

Her arms drew closer to her body, bracing her sword as she blocked another sword swing, stepping in and twisting her sword around, the pommel smashing into her opponents chin. That was lights out. With only 3 bandits remaining it had become more than obvious that Athena and Caelia were significantly stronger than their opponents.

Caelia, my friend.

She spoke softly, her voice still managing to carry over the din of battle.

These pathetic children are not worth getting heated over.

Although not intended as an insult towards the remaining bandits, and simply a commentary on the difference in strength between them, it nonetheless had the same result. The remaining three bandits who had drawn back a bit now charged in tandem at the two of them.

❰ 3 / 7 ❱

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (45) + 10 + 0 + 10 = 65
65 damage
Counter failed. No additional damage dealt and no damage reduction
Hyper Sense | Athena | 612

Play Sheet Link

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

80 / 140

-20 Retal Damage​

Caelia was a whirlwind on the battlefield. She flipped the blade in her hand, stabbing it into the shoulder of one of the bandits. He cries out in pain, falling to his knees.

Stay down.

❰ 2 / 7 ❱

Her head turned slightly as Athena told her they weren't worth her anger, taking a breath. Some of the darkness seeping into her hair seemed to taper off, but her eyes still gleamed with desire for bloodshed. She turned and made a slashing attack on a second enemy, cutting across his flank hard enough that he collapsed. If Athena looked, the red mist that was her hemomancy seemed to flow into the weapon in her hand as she drew the life energy from her enemy into it with her attack.

❰ 1 / 7 ❱

The last enemy turned to take Athena, but in an instant, Caelia was behind him, her weapon slashing the back of his knees and forcing him down to kneel.

❰ 0 / 7 ❱

Panting slightly, she turned to look at Athena, her eyes still those small pinpricks of light with red centers. She just stared at the other woman for a few moments before looking out across the camp, her wild-eyed gaze locking on each of the remaining individuals.

Would anyone else like to try something with us, or are we going to play nice and put the sharp things down?! (looking over at a bandit trying to rise) I would stay on the fucking ground if I were you. All of you. (points towards the slain bandits) You'll end up like your friends otherwise.

Rolls

Steady Attack
6d20 exploding (11 + 17 + 20 + 1 + 20 + 9 + 16 + 12) + 10 + 5 + 10 = 131
131 damage
Hemomancy | Caelia Etterni | 612C8

Play Sheet Link

@Athena

 

[Athena]

90 / 150

-20 retal

The Faerin woman was significantly more capable than Athena had expected. While she was flailing around with her sword, off balance and ungraceful, Caelia was flitting around finishing off the last three bandits. It was in a very violent manner, but also a very effective one. Caelia was staring right at her, but her attention had fallen to the bandit now kneeling in front of her. Yes, it was because the tendons in his legs had been slashed, but she found that she quite liked the idea. Her tongue flitted out, licking her ruby lips before she managed to tear her gaze away.

She let out a shuddering breath. That was an ungodly thought. Unbefitting.

Her fingernails bit into her palm, drawing small droplets of blood. The idea of being worshipped still danced around the edges of her consciousness. She would repent of that later, for now there was one last obstacle to justice.

The last bandit was laughing once again.

"What would that whore Endra think of all this bloodshed? A priestess such as yourself involved in such violence. You'll be excommunicated."

Athena maintained her calm exterior, but it was obvious she was getting angry. A combination of all the things before and now this mans goading. Her voice suddenly seemed stronger and harsher, in stark contrast to normally.

You should have paid attention in your lessons. Peace was my idea.

She raised her sheathed sword, swinging wildly at the man. The blow missed by a mile and Athena gasped, feeling a gash open up on her side from the man's hatchet. He had been waiting for her to attack, and she had fallen right into his trap.

❰ 3 / 3 ❱

Retal: 20
DC: 50

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (8) + 10 + 0 + 10 = 28
28 damage
Counter failed. No additional damage dealt and no damage reduction
Hyper Sense | Athena | 612

Play Sheet Link
@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

60 / 140

-20 Retal Damage​

Caelia watched the downed men with a sharp gaze, ensuring that they stayed down on their knees or otherwise in compromising positions. Her gaze slid across to the bandit leader as he spoke venomously towards Athena. He wasn't paying any attention to Caelia.

He wasn't paying any attention to her.

How about you look at me?! I'm the one you should be worried about!

She watched Athena move forward and take a blow, realizing that the priestess warrior was in a bad spot. She rushed in, slashing at the bandit's arm to try and get him to drop his weapon. While he retained his grip on it, the blood poured from the wound, seeping into Caelia's own weapon and darkening the blade. She flashed a grin at the man as he gave her a shocked look, darting out of his reach before driving her blade into his flank, right between his ribs.

(hissing) No one's going to miss you when you're gone.

❰ 1 / 3 ❱

Rolls

Steady Attack
6d20 exploding (15 + 9 + 19 + 16 + 12 + 17) + 10 + 5 + 10 = 113
113 damage (Explosions: 0)
Hemomancy | Caelia Etterni | 612C9

Play Sheet Link

@Athena

 

[Athena]

70 / 150

-20 Retal

And there went Caelia, standing up for her again. The way the Faerin had continually defended her throughout the fight hadn't gone unnoticed by her. Athena felt a little ashamed that she couldn't do more. With Caelia now distracting the bandit leader, Athena grasped her side with her free hand, blood trickling in between her fingers. She was getting tired of dealing with this. Why couldn't they just be nice and repent when she asked. She front kicked the bandit right in the face, sending him tumbling backwards onto the ground, grasping at Caelia's dagger stuck in his ribs.

She marched over to him, holding her sword vertically by the tip of the sheath, smashing the oversize scale built into the cross guard into his face. She stared at her handiwork for a second before going for it again.

Why. Can't. You. Be. Nice!

Each word was punctuated by a rather violent smash, sending blood splattering all over the hem of her dress. Judging by the mess, the Bandit Leader was probably not with them anymore.

❰ 0 / 3 ❱

Rolls

Counter
1d100 (66) + 10 + 0 + 10 = 86
86 damage
Counter failed. No additional damage dealt and no damage reduction
Hyper Sense | Athena | 612

Play Sheet Link

@Caelia Etterni

 

[Caelia Etterni]

76 / 140

+16 Recovery​

Caelia hissed as her dagger was ripped from her grasp, still stuck in the side of the bandit leader as he was violently kicked away by Athena. While she couldn't really loom over the scene because of her height, she still sauntered up, watching the warrior priestess as she bashed him again and again and again. As the high of the auto-assist started to fade, she was rather surprised that she wasn't horrified by what had happened.

Killing wolves was one thing. Killing people...

Well... They were non-player characters in a game, right? So did it really matter? Caelia decided in that moment it didn't matter, no.

Athena... Athena, I think you've done enough.

She gently reached out a hand to place it upon the taller woman's elbow, holding her back from yet another blow to the decimated corpse before them both. She looked back at the injured individuals that remained alive, seeing the fear gleaming in their eyes as they watched their leader be pummeled to death.

Yes... You should be afraid of me. I'm not a weakling here. I have the power here.

The words came unbidden in her mind, but Caelia made no efforts to shove them down. She relished in them, rather.

We need to round up those that are left and see them back to the town. You wanted justice, right? Let us ensure they are brought to it.

Rolls

Recover
1d20 (16) = 16
Recover 16 HP
Caelia Etterni | 612C10

Play Sheet Link

@Athena