Lost Knife Playground Options

[Grits]

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The Lost Knife Hideout Adventure

Here we have the expedition from the Wobbly Goblet Inn to Lost Knife Hideout across the border in Skyrim. The plan was hatched in the Goblet somewhere right around here.

[Grits]

Darnand led the way to the cave, expertly guided around several obstacles by Kayla and Aravi. Annoyingly the fallen logs and gigantic trees did not appear on his map along with the lines indicating settlements and terrain. He was working on an enchantment that should do the trick, but so far it had not been successful.

He gave his map a little shake. Dammit. Perhaps a stronger charm of Clairvoyance…

“Herk!” Darnand popped back up to his feet again, brushing off a knee. That rock came out of nowhere. He reached back and tugged his staff loose from where it rode across his back, carrying it in one hand for balance like a walking stick.

“This carries a shield enchantment,” he remarked to Kayla. “Though I should not like to test it against a troll.” His eye ran over the numerous scrapes and gouges carved through the scorch marks and into the wood. Each held a violent memory. Darnand kept his body fully healed and free of blemishes as a testament to his own skill and Abiene’s. These were the scars that reminded him of the fights he had barely survived.

The song of falling water confirmed what his map had already told him. They had arrived at the cave system. He folded the parchment and put it away.

Vera sorted her arrows at the cave’s entrance. Her armor appeared to made of pure midnight, and her face was concealed by a full helm. It was slightly unnerving to look upon. She asked how the group would split up if such became necessary.

Darnand glanced over at Aravi. He had fought at her side, or more accurately somewhat to her rear, and she knew his capabilities. She had also witnessed his mistakes. He awaited her judgment.

Aravi indicated that she would accompany Vera while Kayla paired with Darnand. Salyan would choose her path when the time came.

Kayla handed Darnand one of her highly potent potions. “In case something happens to me. Vera and Aravi both know how I attract sharp objects to my organs.” Her laugh held an edge.

Darnand tucked the small vial into the bandolier across his chest, nodding with respect and appreciation. He possessed a vast reserve of magicka thanks to the stars that blessed his birth. His own potions could not refill it, but he knew that Kayla’s could. That reminds me…

“I was born under the Apprentice,” he told her. “I have taken measures to alleviate the condition, but I am still cursed with a weakness to magicka.”

Darnand shot Kayla a quick grin. Truth be told, anticipation always brought the kind of energy best released in solitude or in a fight. Today there would be no need to seek out quiet time behind a sheltering tree trunk.

“Shall I cast a charm of fire resistance upon you?” he asked her. Instead of the reassuring flicker of a Restoration spell he brought a small tongue of flame to his palm as a jest.

Kayla continued, speaking of stealth and the need for caution. She told him she would stay in front and take the brunt of the damage.

“All right.” He looked up at the elven warrior, completely serious again. “If your blade carries an enchantment I might have opportunity to cast a curse of weakness that would strengthen its effect,” he said. “Call out if you would like a ward cast over you, or a rapid healing spell. I have little defense, but I am capable of casting an array of spells under pressure.”

Darnand removed his cloak and set his pack aside at the entrance. A casual observer wouldn’t see it there, and a thief wouldn’t bother with its contents. He lifted a fold of his robe. “I wear little metal, but a spell to silence our steps would be most welcome. If we should come under fire from above I will cast my traps as quickly as possible and then shoot concentrated flares.” He held his hand palm forward and made a short gesture to demonstrate.

Vera’s helmeted head turned from Darnand to Aravi. The mercenary was ready to get the job done.

Darnand glanced over at the pool next to the cave’s entrance. He imagined rinsing the sweat from his face later. How cold it would feel. He centered himself with the thought of after.

Darnand glanced at Aravi. He told her with a look that he was ready.

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This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 24 2013, 03:48 AM