Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 00:18
After a couple days have passed of Idris being unable to reach out to his celestial guide he would look around the fortress see if he can find Pine
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 00:23
Whether late at night after he was done with his tasks for the day, or after their time of rest, Pine would look up and over to where Idris had sought him out. He would be looking better, more rested despite the work that he'd been undertaking, and certainly he, like most others, was in better shape after having had proper bathing and grooming time. His fur was once more clean and neat, and his ears would perk up as Idris came over to him.
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 00:58
As soon as Idris spots pine he would start to approach him looking a bit worn out even after the rest they got from all the adventuring.
"Hey Pine, I wanted to ask you something regarding connections to otherworldly beings.. If I remember correctly Clerics usually draw power from the gods they worship, right?"
He has clearly been overworking himself these past days while helping out the citizens settle in.
To everyone else he just seemed like he had too much energy as always since even during his distressed state he would smile and be cheerful but to everyone who was present during the last fight it would be clear that he was just trying to find a way to distract himself from his thoughts.
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 01:02
He would give Idris his attention, much as he had others when they came to him seeking some sort of answer or wisdom, although he was not always good at conveying that knowledge in a pleasing manner, if one got past his rather abrupt side, the wisdom was still there. Usually.
"That's right," he would say, setting aside the tools he had been cleaning in order to give Idris his fuller attention. "All my skills in magic are from a source outside of myself, granted like a prayer in action. Yours is the same, is it not? You are the weapon of your god, are you not?"
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 01:19
Visibly pondering hard about something Idris would reply
"I'm not sure about that. Actually this is the reason why I sought you out. Lately I haven't been able to get in touch with my guide and I thinking about it the connection I have really feels non-existent at the moment. How do you draw your power? Praying hasn't really been doing it for me at the moment and I'm not sure how I can grow strong enough to protect everybody."
After a short pause while looking deeply in thought he pulls out the dagger.
"Actually, this dagger wanted to make a deal with me but I'm unsure wether to accept that power or not. I'm at a complete loss at the moment and it feels like my guide has forsaken me.."
As Idris looks at the dagger his sadness is clearly visible... further insight might reveal more
[ give me an insight check if you want! ;) ]
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 01:24
[Rolled in game if you wanted to check. But I got a 19]
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 01:31
Further insight reveals a glint of anger, frustration and temptation in his eyes.
Now it's clear how broken Idris currently is after all the deaths Idris had to witness during their travel together.
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 01:34
He would take in what he could of Idris and understand, especially as the paladin had come to him, that yes, this situation needed to be handled delicately. Unfortunately Pine wasn't exactly known for his delicate touch, so perhaps hard truths may be what he could offer instead.
"From what I know of paladins, you are driven by your oaths. You told us that your guide had come to you and demanded you give affirmation of your oaths back in Phandalin. What were those?"
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 01:51
Thinking back to the time he first met his guide he stands straight as he recites his oath without hesitation:
"I am the shield against the endless terrors that lie beyond the stars. My blade must be forever sharp and my mind keen to survive what lies beyond. I swore to Discipline.
The threats I face are cunning, powerful, and subversive. I have to be ever alert for their corruption and swear to Vigilance."
While pausing for a moment and looking down he looks back up and continues with more vigilance in reciting his oath.
"Never accept gifts or favors from fiends or those who truck with them. Stay true to my order, my comrades, and my duty... So I swore to Loyalty!"
After finishing reciting his oaths and still standing straight in a saluting manner he stays silent waiting for words of wisdom from pine.
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 02:14
Pine would listen attentively as Idris spoke those oaths, thoughtful, although even in stating them he thought that perhaps Idris had caught some inkling of what might be wrong.
"Your guide tested your resolution against adversity when they got you to raise your sword despite the weakness that was upon you. I suspect you are being tested again, or you have failed a test in some way."
He would pause a moment, trying, much as he had with Zenari, to work out words that would give the outcome that would not alienate him from Idris.
"Although nothing like your deva, the Three who guided us here and liberated Axeholm, they who set my test, they were in some ways similar to the connection you had with the deva. I have heard that in religions, but especially with paladins whose oaths are so integral, tests might be given. You speak much to that dagger at your side. Is it coincidence that a weapon who has sentience, who is eager to talk to you in ways that Siax's shield does not, was hidden away in your God's temple? Unlikely. Be wary, Idris, of the power it offers, if taking it will sully your oaths."
Pine would pause in his words, checking how Idris was taking them.
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 02:29
Standing in place while thinking about his oaths and what pine said his expression changes.
Without any warning Idris starts to run into the distance while shouting back, "Thank you Pine!" and disappears into the night.
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 02:35
Pine would be left sitting there, somewhat non-plussed. He'd had other things he had thought to mention, but it was too late with the paladin having run off.
He would shake his head a little, looking down to where he had been storing away his masonry tools. Idris knew he had the ability to remove curses, but it was up to Idris if he wanted it removed, if indeed there was a curse stopping him from unattuning, rather than something else. Pine had always made sure to not get in the way of other people's beliefs and religious practices, after all. If Idris wanted his help again, well, he would know where to find him, for the moment at least.
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 22:10
For anyone at the Gates they would see Idris return a lot more worn out than he was when he was last seen...
Slightly exhausted as Idris would approach the gates a creature can be seen behind him.
Looking closer everyone in the vicinity would see a small red creature on two legs, with wings sprouting from its back.
Further approaching Idris would look for pine to give him his signature thumbs up and his usual cheerful smile
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 22:17
Pine would look up from where he was at the sound of Idris's familiar footsteps. Although exhausted, the man seemed to be in better spirits, although he did not come alone.
Pine took in the shape of the creature that followed along with Idris, some sort of devil or demon, he didn't know which. It was not the outcome he had thought, nor what he had intended his words to impart, but people's journeys were their own choice, and Idris seemed happy with his decisions. He would nod his head in acknowledgement of the choice, and of the improved mood on the paladin.
Was Idris still a paladin after that? He didn't know. Only time would tell, no doubt.
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Yesterday at 22:23
Idris would approach Pine while looking around for the other party members hoping they would be in the near area his expression not hiding the excitement he has in telling his story that transpired during the last 4/5(?) days.
"I'm back. Thank you Pine. I want to introduce everyone to our new companion. Eefendruphunka or Eefen if you prefer that"
Pine (Darren M) — Yesterday at 22:28
Pine would turn his attention more fully towards Idris as it seemed he was in a chatting mood. His own time after the events of Axeholm had been one that took him largely away from the main populous, still not comfortable around so many people, yet for those he knew, he gave his time willingly. Especially as he was curious as to what had happened, or at least the thought behind it.
"Hello," he would offer, nodding a bit towards the creature, before looking back to Idris. "So you came to a deal after all," he said, his tone mostly bland of inflection, neither approving nor disapproving. "Have you decided to give up on your religion then? or have you somehow managed to an understanding with those you served?"
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Yesterday at 22:33
Idris would smile at Pines question.
"I have re-affirmed my vow with my guide to strive for a higher goal."
Giving him a reassuring look.
"Don't worry I have not turned in my ways rather I'm more committed to my path than before. Eefen is just the first step towards my goal of Harmony between all realms with the help of my guide."
He declares as he stands proudly with his chest up.
"I will make sure to keep protecting everyone to the best of my abilites"
Pine (Darren M) — Yesterday at 22:39
Although it was often difficult to pick up Pine's facial expressions outside of his ears and tail, it was with clear surprise that he looked at Idris. Clearly there was much that he still had yet to learn of religion.
"I am glad. Considering your oaths, this is not an outcome I foresaw. That is your God's remit, not mine. It is good you got things sorted out and were able to contact your guide once more."
He would look to the creature, Eefen, then back to Idris. The paladin seemed to have a soft spot for gathering sentient creatures in his cause. A useful skill in a budding leader.
"How did you manage it?" he asked after a moment, curiosity getting the better of him.
DM (Charalampos "Babis") — Yesterday at 22:39
The small implike creature, busy walking over Idris's head and down his arm would briefly look at Pine and stick it's tongue out at him.
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Yesterday at 23:01
Chuckling at Eefen's behaviour.
"While maybe a bit mischievous sometimes Eefen is friendly." Smiling at his new companion. "During our last fight she teleported me closer towards Siax so I was able to reach him."
Sitting down on the ground as he is exhausted he would start to tell the story.
"After our talk I realized that in order to get in touch with my guide again and perhaps overcoming the curse that was preventing me from contacting her I had to go to a place with a strong connection. I decided the best place was the shrine of my god as that was also the place I found the dagger. So I went there with Barolts help as fast as I could and prepared a ceremony while channeling my divinity."
Looking down and remembering the feelings he had during his trip and the ceremony.
"I was pretty nervous I wasn't sure if that was going to work or not but eventually Lumalia descended. It was a test indeed. I was surprised by the benevolence my guide showed me when I told her I wanted to be friends with Eefen and that I would strive to archive peace and harmony between all realms. She supportively accepted my new found dream and we manged to form a stronger bond."
Petting Eefen Idris would continue.
"She also freed Eefen from the dagger and lifted the curse on the dagger. Instead she is now bound to me and will accompany me on my quest. I no longer need to be attuned to it but it still retains its benefits."
dropping completely to the ground while letting out a loud sight of relief mixed with exhaustion.
"I was really ready to do anything I have to prove my conviction. At some point I thought in order to defend my dream I would have to fight my guide! I'm glad it all turned out so well" as he looks back to Eefen with a wide grin
Pine (Darren M) — Yesterday at 23:13
Pine would listen attentively, largely ignoring the creature with Idris other than to keep track of its location.
"It reminds me of something one of the Three said, and that there is always another option outside of what is set out. It sounds as though you have chosen that route, while I was... less creative. Perhaps they would have been more entertained if I had done so, but they seemed pleased enough with the results either way, as yours seems to be. I am glad it worked out well for you."
He would be thoughtful, allowing himself to pause there since Idris seemed unlikely to run off in the immediate moments, before speaking again.
"The wizard, he was curious as to why we have all been gathered together. Our group. I suspect perhaps our Gods have some plan for us here. Yours deals in the future, while mine is used to guiding me where I need to go."
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Yesterday at 23:26
Exhausted and not having the brain capacitiy anymore to think about deep and complicated stuff which he usually never did anyway Idris would simply answer with a big grin
"Whatever the reason I'm sure we'll overcome it and I'll be the party's shield along the way!"
Pine (Darren M) — Yesterday at 23:37
Pine would nod, guessing the man would rather rest, much as Zenari also wished to rest rather than talk. He could understand that, not being one for craving conversation as much as others.
The group was changing, altering over time, and he couldn't tell if it was welcome or not. Zenari was different than before, much of her previous behaviour having faltered since coming to Axeholm. He wasn't entirely sure why, compared to other things, but perhaps it had merely been one situation on top of many. Koraliki was more noticably frightened of things as time went on, and Idris was making more deals that seemed at odds with his oaths in a way that Pine just couldn't work out how they functioned. Siax, well, he seemed largely the same, as was Factoré, but who was to tell what was going on beneath the cheerful exterior.
Nundro though, he understood the weight of grief on the dwarf, not because he felt it himself, but because it was a familiar accompaniment to times when he was around people. Familiar. Pine's being somewhere did tend to herald a need for his presence after all, and it wasn't as if he was usually there with joyful news.
"So you are not a weapon then, but a shield," he said in response to Idris. "We will likely need it. I think Zenari could use it. She is troubled. A shield is not always physical."
Idris Doryu (Kiziro) — Today at 00:29
"A weapon for my guide and a shield for the world. Thats who I am. Whatever it is. I will be there if you need me"
Idris would say with his voice slowly fading as he just falls asleep where he's lying on the ground as he does not know when they would depart for their next adventure
Pine (Darren M) — Today at 00:33
Pine would nod, and watch Idris as he slumped there against the wall, asleep. Considering his usual boundless energy, Pine was left in no doubt as to the struggle that the paladin had been through.
His gaze shifted to the creature still perched on his shoulder and head, doing whatever it was doing. It seemed, much as Idris had said, bound to him, for it did not move from where it perched. Having not spoken one way or another to him, other than the rather rude gesture, Pine was in no mood to offer up any more words when not requested of him. He simply got up, and continued on his way.