Clearing the Trail[Plot][Closed]

[Reid]

If it wasn't for the potential of finding and exploring ruins Reid wouldn't dare staying in the same room as these... meat heads, all he heard was a bunch of grunts and them talk about how they stab things. One of them even suggested they drink, how could one stand the taste of ale? That was a greater mystery than Elder Magic. "I'm not here for the physical riches this expedition will pay out. The knowledge and information is much greater than gold. I will be keeping a journal of our journey, once we're done if you'd like I can make a copy of it for anybody who wants it. When are we leaving? I would like to retire to my room until we set out."

[Eberon]

A horseman rides into town, hailing the townsfolk as he passes by, slowing to a trot. While doing so he looks down at the flyer he had found to sign on with the mercenaries, that had taken refuge here until their departure, to see which tavern they had been lodging at. After finding out, he rides down the roads to the tavern. He then arrives outside the building, in which he proceeds to climb off his horse, hitching it to the post. He then approaches the tavern doors, pausing to brush himself off after a long ride and looks forward to his ambitions of signing on with the company of hired blades before they part take on the journey ahead of them.

He puts on a stern face to hopefully make a decent impression as he opens the doors, proceeding into the tavern. While entering, he raises his head to scans over the commotion in search of the company of mercenaries but has a bit of difficulty finding them. Finally he spots them at one of the tables across the room, he makes his way over, reaching the party he raises his hand to chest level, hailing the group by gently waving the flyer with a grin saying, "Where do I sign up?"

[Aegis Hawk]

Aegis had been quietly thinking about the group's questions. One asked if they could retire to their room, another new arrival entered, and then the small chat of the group also rung in his ears. Aegis had always lived more of a loner life when his adopted parents died, which even then they lived in an isolated part of Lycia. The noise had finally got to him, but he didn't snap. Instead, he sighed and got up, quickly grabbing and sliding his gear into position. First his sheathed blade, then his axe on the other hip. Sliding his shield onto a strap before slinging it to his back, he opened his arms toward them, speaking clear but not too loudly to be heard outside of the room.

"That's enough chatter everyone. We've no time to sit around any longer...I realize more may seek to join the expedition, but we don't have the time. In truth, I was...not forgoing of information. The path we will take is not to be an easy one. The ruins of my parents city is old...but the roads to reach it are just as old and twice as treacherous. We will leave now...so we will reach the path and cross it, with luck, during the afternoon. If we lose the sun up there, then we will likely find trouble the next day"

He motioned them all to follow, starting out with a simple stride. Aegis wasn't the largest, nor was he the strongest, but he understood the importance of light. In the morning sun, one could see the bandits that would threaten them and defend. At night, they would have far less time to react.

Outside, a few young aides held horses on the road, a wagon holding supplies in the center and carefully being stocked by an older fellow. As Aegis emerged, the man turned and smiled to him, speaking up for any following to hear. "Take a horse if you need one! Aegis spent almost all his gold from his youth on this, so you should make it-" He was silenced with a smile and a hand raised from Aegis. As he moved, he got on the lead horse, giving a soft sigh. "It'll be quite the ride...we'd best set in."

---

[OOC: Skipping to the arrival of the group on the trail. Thread is officially closed to new entries and the thread will begin moving accordingly.]

The trail had been rather smooth out of the village, but the path had turned to gravel and hard rock as they moved their way up. The horses snorted, the cart creaked, but as they rounded a bend in the path, the mountainous curves opened up to a large, downhill path that panned out. The desert had come into view at last, visible below and past the fields of grass that edged from the mountain. In the distance, however, were the border mountains to Etruria, the distance between them and the opposite mountains holding an old, ancient sight. Walls were wrapped in ancient vines, the faded stone blending in as it had sank into disrepair. However, one thing still stood proudly in view, despite the distance they still had to go. A lone statue of a soldier holding an axe upward, the alabaster just slightly faded despite the long absence of activity and care. Aegis brought the group to a halt, not minding their position in the valley-like path of the mountain.

"The city of Alabaster...the ancient city that touched three nations...even if one of them is only a desert."

He wasn't paying attention, not that it mattered with how hidden they were, but up the mountain sides near them were ancient fiends, slowly working their way down the mountain-sides toward the expedition. The sun was low, having just rose once more, but the mix of faded light dreary shadows hid them. Bael, many of them as large as any man, were creeping low on their prey. They hid in the mountains to survive, but the chance of such a prize had brought this nest of fiends out. And they saw the chance, sneaking ever closer to the group.

"Everyone take a breather...we can start off soon enough." Aegis spoke without much focus, still in awe of the city. They had only charted half the path, rather uneventfully, but seeing the ruins standing in even remotely decent shape was a sight that made him hopeful to repair his birth town...

[Dietrich Landrik]

As impersonal and rushed as the expedition was, when Landrik stepped outside to see the wagon as well as horses for travel, he knew he could depend on getting paid. Fuchs was of the same mindset as Landrik, but with a little coercion, Berg went along with the job - still making sure to keep an active eye on the misfit group. There wasn't much time to prepare, and the night was a long one on the road. The three were doing alright, already accustomed to much more rigorous sleeping patterns when on ship.

Fuchs was looking after the horses whenever the group took short stops and knew enough in their care and maintenance despite not being a rider himself. Berg and Landrik found themselves at the head of the column a few times, helping Aegis with path-finding through the night.

With dawn making itself known, the temperature was at its lowest, Landrik putting on a pair of knit wristwarmers he always carried around with him. He had his toque up around his ears and his face, his blonde hair sticking out on top was a bit comical, but being comfortably warm was better than looking good for a painting. The night sky starting to lighten to a purple and blue, the tired faces of the caravan could be faintly seen. The swordsman didn't know just how much trust he could put into the other men in the group, but he made sure to stick close to those he absolutely knew he could - Berg and Fuchs.

"Everyone take a breather...we can start off soon enough."

With that, sighs of relief were made. Landrik had started taking sips out of his canteen and Berg was already quick on the scene with cutting up bread, meat, and cheese - passing some to the other men in the caravan. "Ah, thank ye kindly, Berg." Landrik commented, stacking all three together and taking a hearty bite out of the small breakfast.

[Aethan]

When the time for a break came, Aethan wasn't sure who was more glad. Him, or his horse. He wasn't by any means familiar with how to ride. In fact, he generally made it a point to avoid animals of the equestrian sort. Maybe there was a slight grudge from his childhood, but they weren't exactly fond of him either. The horse he settled on riding wasn't fond of him initially, and that was plain to see to everyone.

Now, it was probably even less fond of him, he thought with a laugh.

Along the way he had kept loose watch, but didn't exactly have the skills to make for a good scout or rider during the trip. It was his lack of perception that let the Bael continue past his gaze, as he dismounted and grabbed his water skin from his belt, taking a drink while resting on his lance.

"So ah. Are we there yet?" Aethan asked jokingly, taking a drink, giving a nod of thanks at the offer from the other three mercenaries. He would never pass up good food, especially when all he carried was dried travel food. As much as he was fine with that, he didn't mind a little flavor every now and again. He made a mental note to return the favor if he was presented with the opportunity. He rarely had the memory span for debts, though.

In the distance the view was quite remarkable. Something so old against the valley, and the sands. The sand was something practically alien to him. He'd never seen anything like it, except snow. It was quite a pretty sight, all in all. He wondered how it'd look against a true sunset. Or in the moonlight. He was always fond of moonlit scenery.

All this he thought, while resting on his lance and enjoying his food, oblivious to practically everything else.

[Orcleous]

The sudden departure of the group had broken up any conversation Orcleous had wanted to have with Kyle. It seemed for a moment that he and Kyle were going to be on bad terms, though Orcleous had no idea why. Still the road dissolved all thoughts on that problem. It was the first time that Orcleous had ever ridden a horse and as one would expect he was very clumsy at it. Through out the entire trip he was fighting on tow fronts. The first was with nature and the second with the beast he rode atop. When Aegis announced the break Orcleous was more than ready to accept. Getting a break from trying to control that steed was well welcomed.

The mercenary dismounted and a sense of euphoria rolled over him. It was good to be back on his own two feet and off the horse. In truth he did not see how the nobles did it. Riding a horse was a difficult task, for Orcleous anyway, but to actually fight from one of them. That was a bit extreme in Orcleous eyes. Still it was another feather in his hat.

Orcleous opened his personal bag and pulled out one of the many containers of water he had. The mercenary came ready for the desert. His trip to this region in the past had taught him well. "I hope there are no wyvern riding cannibals this time", spoke Orcleous aloud. The words seemed to come out of nowhere for the weary traveler, but for Orcleous he was simply reliving his past.

[Feren]

Feren dropped from his horse less than gracefully. Despite his years of travel he rarely used horses, they were too expensive to purchase and feed over long journeys. After a quick recovery he walked to where food was being handed out. He thanked the men and stood looking at the distant city while eating. He wondered what it would look like in the future, assuming it was successfully rebuilt.

"Who's the statue of?"

He asked idly as he finished his meal and began looking around. He noticed with a frown that no one seemed to be on alert. Well, to the surroundings at least, it seemed some were more concerned with their traveling companions than anything or anyone nearby.

Not that that's foolish in the least.

He thought to himself, remembering the times he'd seen groups turn on one another. He let his small, center grip shield slip from his back to his hand in a practiced motion and kept an eye on his surroundings.

Have to have someone paying attention.

Despite his frequent looks to the sides of the path, he failed to notice the creatures making their way towards the group.

[Ryuzaki]

Ryu was hungry. But he didn't feel right. Something about the valley... Bothered him. Call it hypersensitivity, or paranoia, but he was a thief. Thieves felt things. And sometimes, feelings saved lives.

Walking up to the men with the food, Ryuzaki mustered some courage and started talking.

"Does this feel...wrong to any of you? I get the sense that something's just not quite right. I want to say that everything's fine... But I have a nagging sense of dread."

Motioning toward the food, Ryuzaki addressed the man called Berg. "May I... Please?"

[Kyle]

It was a good thing that the group got moving right as Orc began to talk to Kyle so he couldn't say anything he'd regret right then and there.

After they had stopped Kyle painfully got off his mount. Riding hurt, he was glad he didn't have to ride everyday. If only he could just walk the rest of the way, it would be so much easier.

Once people bagan to pass out food Kyle unslung his pack and sat on the ground, digging out some of the dried meat, rabbit if he remembered correctly, and some dried fruits, just random wild ones he'd found a couple of days prior.

After giving a piece of meat and some water to his dog, Kyle noticed that here seemed to be some long dry grasses scattered about the place. He went and gathered a pile and sat down again, slowly trying to fold it into a shade the way his father had taught him, although the memory of it was extremely hazy.

[Reid]

Reid had wanted to spend some time starting the intro of the journal of the gathering but Aegis had other plans. The group was to leave now, oh goodie that means he gets to explore ruins that much sooner. Apparently they were to travel on horse back, something Reid had never done before. Oh joy, time for a learning experience he rather not have had to learn, granted it was better than asking one of the brutes to lug him around on their back because his frail body wouldn't be able to make the journey on it's own, he was lucky enough he didn't mount the horse backwards. It would have truly been an embarrassing moment. As the group traveled Reid constantly looked around absorbing the surroundings like a sponge, memorizing every detail of the eerie trail for when he had a chance he would be able to write about it. He didn't get out much but this place definitely didn't appear to be "safe", other than the group and the plants that did grow there he did not see a single sign of life, he had a feeling in his stomach that was very unfamiliar to him. Was it possible this is what fear felt like? He never traveled far or into places that would warrant danger, yet another learning experience he would have wished he could have avoided.

He was too focused on his surroundings to notice Aegis talking, he would have kept going if his horse didn't stop when the others did. He wasted no time getting off of the beast, almost falling to the ground in fact. Before his bottom touched a rock to sit he had his book and quill out ready to start writing. He was in full study mode, making the only contact he knew and loved he began to write about the city everybody met in and their first meeting. He was obvious to the fact that others had began to eat and drink, such activities would only slow his work down he didn't have the time to join them. "Shhh...." Reid had said in response to people talking, he had spent too much time in libraries, it was his natural response to hearing chatter while he was at work.

[Aegis Hawk]

Aegis quietly watched the sight, his eyes holding memories of dreams and old fantasies from his youth. Long ago, the city was nothing more than a name on an old map. The view alone had brought Aegis into his own shock. Carefully sliding his leg over the horse, however, he answered Feren's question with a tad bit of distance, as if he were answering someone in a whisper.

"The statue is of what my family represented...guardians and shields to those who needed a place to rest before they ventured into the old Nabata..."

Once down from his horse, he carefully checked his gear, putting his sword on his hip, followed by his axe. However, as he reached up for the shield, the light gleamed a reflection on the surface of the purple tower shield. And in it, creeping down the hill, was the sight of the Bael.

Aegis froze, snapped back to a cold reality. Grabbing the strap of his shield, he carefully lowered it before looking back over the group. They had come to a stop and made themselves targets, all on his orders. Carefully, moving his hand to the sword at his waist, however, he finally spoke up for them all to hear.

"No sudden movements, but ready yourselves...we are surrounded."

Carefully drawing his blade, however, the sound of the sword being removed raised a chitinous screech into the valley's air. At once, Bael rose from their low positions on the hills around them, hissing and cursing in their spider tongue as they made their way toward the group. No venom was shaken from their sharp, blade-like legs, but the creatures were still a threat. There were easily twelve Bael, the man-sized spiders only slightly outnumbering them. The horses began to panic at their rush into visibility, all of the steeds neighing and rising up as they tried to see a way out. However, much like Aegis, they finally nervously lowered as they saw the path behind and in-front blocked. The group was in for a fight.

One of the creatures rushed Aegis, as he had been the first to draw a sword, the Hero raising his shield to meet it. The claw hit the steel, a crack sounding as the exoskeleton fractured and the spider oozed its greenish gel from the new-formed fracture. Aegis had only been staggered slightly, retaliating with a yell as he drove his sword through the creature's good fore-leg to send it sailing threw the air as the creature backed away, hissing and chattering loudly. It would by the group just enough time, if they were quick, to rise and ready themselves for combat.

[Orcleous]

We are surrounded. That was all Orcleous heard. The mercenary placed his hand on his silver swords hilt and began to look around atop the hill. To his great surprise he saw them, Baels. Orcleous had never heard or seen such a monster before in his travels, however fate seemed fixed on sending him up against beast that exist beyond a persons imagination.

"By the beardless chin of Hartumut they are huge", shouted Orcleous as the monsters rushed the group. The mercenary drew his blade. Their leader Aegis was the first to draw blood. He chopped off the foreleg of one of the beast. It would not be long before another moved in to attack, and this one's target was the crimson mercenary. The beast attacked with its claws and Orcleous rolled. The mercenary tried to swing at it with his blade, but the spider hopped back in time to dodge the blow. Not wanting to give the monster the advantage Orcleous rushed forward. That would prove to be a mistake.

The Bael hoped forward and knocked the mercenary to the ground. It's body was now over Orcleous and the spider began to attempt the final blow. Its sharp claw slammed into the ground as Orcleous rolled to his right. He grabbed his sword and stabbed into its right forearm. The spiders exoskeleton cracked as the blade drew blood and the spider rushed back with pain.

"That was a close one", spoke Orcleous as he tighten his grip on his blade. The swordsman stared at the spider as he prepared himself for round two of their bout.

[Aethan]

There was a small grin on Aethan's face at the mention of a fight. He wasn't disheartened by the fact he didn't notice; He rarely did. Of course, when he heard that they were surrounded, he expected bandits. Or something otherwise human. But these... Well, these were new. And new meant interesting. He took the momentary pause to quickly put his helmet on, readying his lance and stepping forward to meet the enemy.

As soon as he stepped forward, one of the beasts charged to meet him. It lunged forward, its forelegs extended as it hissed death at him. It struck at him, hitting Aethan's shoulder near his heart, causing him to step back and rock his entire upper body backwards from the force of the blow, trying to roll with it but still feeling some of the blow transfer through. He was too sturdy to knock down, thankfully. Aethan brought his left hand up, grappling the monster's leg as it went against his armor, leaving the two standing against one another in a match of might. Aethan brought his other arm up, aiming a strike with his lance at the creature's softer underbelly, scoring a direct hit and causing the creature to shriek loudly. It wrenched away from him, dripping from the new wound, putting itself on the defensive and waiting for another opening.

Aethan rolled his arm, adjusting to the pain and limbering up a bit more, laughing a bit. He was a bit more excited by this than he probably should have been. It was a good thing that these creatures were choosing individual targets; If these beasts all had chosen a single target, Aethan doubted even his armor would stand up to it long. He kept his eye on all the beasts around all the same.

"I've got this one!" he shouted, as the creature readied to attack him once more. It kept low to the ground this time, going to pounce at the last minute, while everyone else was tied up with their fighting.

At this rate, they'd need a plan, or to keep hoping that they'd keep coming one at a time. Once Aethan could finish this fight, he intended to move on to assist in someone else's fight.

But right now, he'd have to settle on the thrill of this one.

[Ryuzaki]

"Hmm?!"

Food forgotten, Ryu began to scowl and narrowed his eyes at the closing circle of Bael. But... Weren't these the things of legend? They weren't supposed to, well, exist.

Drawing his sword, Ryu rushed forward, intercepting one of the beasts. It raised a foreleg, and Ryu quickly darted in, thrusting upward toward its underbelly. That would be a soft, weak spot, right? Unfortunately, he never found out -- the claw descended rapidly, and the two weapons met with a discordant clack. Ryu was astonished by the rigidity and strength of the foreleg -- it'd make good armor if it was light. Smiling now, but not from happiness, the thief was slowly moving backwards, sword flickering left and right as he struggled to block the alternating jabs from the Bael. He needed an opportunity... Suddenly, the thief made an abrupt feint toward the monster's head, and, as it moved a foreleg up to block, the thief swung his sword at the other, solidly connecting with a stabilizing leg and causing the monster to tip forward, ramming its face into the earth. The thief ran forward, and, swinging his blade up and poising it above his head, leaped into the air, using the mechanical advantage of the long handle and his momentum to deliver a downward strike to the thorax of the beast. What he didn't calculate on was how deep the sword penetrated. It was firmly embedded in the monster, and, Ryu noticed, from the violent shaking of the beast, it didn't seem happy. Grabbing the sword tightly with both hands, Ryu prepared to shove it even further down when a vicious jerk sent the thief swinging into the air. Holding onto the sword for dear life, Ryu gritted his teeth as the monster continued to convulse.

[Dietrich Landrik]

As diligent as ever, Fuchs was already at the ready. Sighting a Bael that came lunging at Berg, he quickly intervened with his halberd smashing down on the spider from the side, tripping up one of the Bael's legs and causing its attack to stutter. It turned to meet its new opponent and striked quickly, trying to bite into the thin soldier. He managed to dodge out of the way just barely, falling back on himself. This was just enough time for Berg to stow his food messily and reach for his bow. "Damn! Fuchs are you alright?" he asked as he backed away from the Bael and drew an arrow. In this moment, Fuchs didn't care to reply, but managed to upright himself to prepare for another attack.

Landrik fumbled with his canteen in hand and his horse rearing from the surprise. Miraculously, he was able to keep hold of the beast. He knew he couldn't fight atop it, however. He looked back towards his comrades and dismounted. "Alaaaarrrrm!!!" he shouted as he drew his blade. Just behind him a Bael had turned his attention on the blonde swordsman. However, in a flash of navy blue and white, the beast was brought to its knees. Dietrich knew it was the shady man who just saved him, but the moment was too quick to give thanks.

The blonde swordsman went directly towards the cart they had, realizing it was the only spot they could organize a defense if called for. He looked onto the wounded beast that Fuchs had done serious damage to and saw he had an opening for an attack. Putting his trust in his comrades, he rushed in and managed good footwork to close with the beast. As it turned towards him, it was too late. His sword pierced right through one side of the Bael's head through the eyes and out of the other set, cutting clear into the beast's head. As soon as he realized what he did, he got the shivers. "By the Gods... What are these freakishly huge spiders!?"

Berg had his arrow ready. He tried to seek out anyone who was in perilous danger and quick to put an arrow into their attacker. His arrow could be considered their savior.

((OOC: Feel free to use Berg's shot in your post. Shot used by Reid. Limited to only one shot and one character. Otherwise GG no re.))