Sentinel Camp

(OOC: JP by Bandorchu, Lucian, Omni, Strangetides, Winteroak & Jaxx)

Alexis looked around the camp and was content everyone was alright so far.

She joined Voah at the fire, looking at the construction with interest.

“Quite the useful arrangement. But it might still be too visible to keep it going through the night.”

Looking at Voah she continued.

“We are far from done with the wreck, it is bigger than any ship I have ever seen. We’ll need light, tools and maybe more people to search it thoroughly.”

Alexis nodded to Nicolaus.

“Nicolaus scraped of some of the burn marks. Not sure it will help you to come to a conclusion though, Arbiter.
All in all that ship is in a better condition than it should be, given the damage. We found a symbol on the hold. It looked something like this…”

She showed the group her sketch.

“And we found some kind of trinket, a plain bracelet, not that it helped much with the mystery. I’d like a second trip to the ship, but first we should find out where the natives are in relation to us. Wreck’s not going anywhere. So, guys, you all done with securing the camp? Found anything interesting?”

Remaining silent and enjoying to fire so far, Tarmen chimed in to mention a seemingly minor note.
“Traps are set and no sign of our hosts yet. Not much sign of anythin’ other than distant wildlife and scat.”
He had been working on his map as well, though he showed the group a sketch of a rock. Faces seemed to peer from its surface, expertly fashioned and looking as if they were simply sleeping.
“Saw one on my way back, realized I had only seen its rough side the first time through. No signs of recent activity and I even looked a bit around to see if it was part of some kind of boundary line. Nothing.”

Seeing as they began a meeting with the group, Hunter came down from his perch and crouched by the group. He was curious what was found on the ship since it might be used against them later on. If the owners of that wreck had dangerous weapons or magic and the natives got a hold of it, then things would get much worse for the team. However since he was not in charge he remained silent and listened to the others.

Till let the others talk. He hadn't much to report. He waited until everyone had helped themselves to some soup and tea and stopped feeding the fire. It would die out soon enough.

Seeing the symbol of Allos, Voah’s blood ran cold and she searched her mind to recall the lore.

“…the Demon’s Nail…” she said absently, her eyes moving around, thinking, though she looked as if she was seeing ghosts all around.

“…His fire will destroy you three times, until you are purified…”

She swallowed hard.

“I need to see the ship…. Now.”

Alexis looked at her sharply.

“Explain… please.”

“The Fire Blizzard… The dying curse of King Pritus of Allos…”

She looked at Alexis with a new determination in her eyes.

“Saint Pahadron’s words, ‘We must not let the curse come to pass a third time.’”

“If you could please be a little less cryptic, Arbiter.”

Alexis was not inclined to let herself be infected by the sudden zeal of the holy woman

“So this is what this is? The crest of Allos?”

“If that ship is a vessel of Allos, then they were never truly defeated. Over 167 years ago… it is thought that we vanquished them… that Commander Stoneshade’s ancestor's army defeated the Sorcerer.”

“It did not seem to be that old, that is true.”

The mercenary agreed.

“I am not sure what you can glean from the wreck, but I did plan to investigate further, if at a later point. We can go tomorrow, however, if you need to see it for yourself that urgently.”

“This talk of fire may be more than rumor. And I want to be certain. If tomorrow it must be, be on your guard.”

With that, the Arbiter pulled out her box of sacred salts and closed the circle ensuring a little protection. It should last long enough for them to be ready if an attack came in the night. She was no longer anxious. The news all but confirmed her suspicion that magik was indeed afoot. Now she could rest, feeling more relaxed and mostly confident of what to expect.

This night she would sleep with her sword in hand.

Alexis watched the Arbiter for a moment, inwardly shaking her head. That was going to be fun, wasn’t it?

With a sigh she turned to her scouts while consulting the map Tarmen created.

“So neither of you have seen hide or hair of the natives? Huh…
Ye think we are in some sort of “do-not-enter” area or something?”

With talk of Allos taking over the meeting, Tarmen’s response came with a weary breath.
“Would make sense to me. Makes me want to look at this ship as well, maybe get some answers before I am islander food.”

Alexis nodded.

“Anything to add, Hunter?”

Hunter saw how serious the holy woman responded to this information and was glad he made the traps. Then he responded, “They are either well hidden or unaware of our presence.”

Also there will be three watches with two people each. So give wishes who wants to take watch with whom.

I will take first or third watch.

Glancing at the darkening sky, Alexis shifted gears to getting through the night in one piece.

“We will have three watches with two persons each. Arbiter, how about you take first watch with Hunter here. I’ll do second with Till, and Tarmen, you’ll cover last with Nicolaus.”

She doubted anyone would have a peaceful sleep with all that had been put on their plate, but it would have to do.

Hunter simply nodded as he was assigned to the first shift. He really didn’t care which shift he was assigned or who his partner was, because it was going to be a long night and everyone was on edge. He looked at the holy woman and debated on if he should say anything to her. After nothing came to his mind he found a decent spot for his first watch. He calmed his mind into a serine state so he could hear all the sounds of nature. He was listening to any disturbance that spooked the bugs and jungle dwellers. That was usually a sign of a predator or worse. As a precaution Hunter had and arrow ready to quick fire. Hunter was not thrilled about sitting in the open but he made it work.