Journey of the Accursed: A Dark Souls RP (closed, PM if interested)

[IFS]

The clerics spoke little as they escorted the collected undead to the border, led by a knight of Astora and a paladin of Thorolund. The paladin and knights expressions were impossible to read beneath their helmets but the clerics kept a suspicious watch over their charges, occasionally muttering a prayer to Allfather Lloyd and checking that they still held their talismans close. Ahead of the group the border loomed.

The hills gave way to a flat grassland, burned and choked by a smokey haze and in the dark haze figures could occasionally be seen moving, some human in appearance many not. The road, which had decayed into disrepair the closer they got to the border, was a broken path through the haze and by some good fortune remained somewhat clear of the sickly looking smoke. The Evil Eye had laid waste to this land before it had been felled and many undead had been slain and rendered hollow in its wake, wildfires had been used to drive back the hollows and the foul beasts that had arisen in the desolate land and in this place at least they had served their purpose admirably, and had left a suffocating barrier of smoke and still burning embers to drive off whatever remained. A small bonfire sat burning alongside the road just outside of the haze, it had seen the coming of many groups such as this but never a safe return.

The knight signaled to the others and they halted, their horses moving to stand behind the motley collection of undead. The eldest of the clerics moved forward and spoke.

"We have reached the border, the object of your quest must surely lie within, you must not return without it," he said, the paladin placed a hand on his sword as a reminder of what awaited them should they return empty handed.

The knight stepped forward and spoke calmly "The records of Astora show that there is a keep ahead which was once a storehouse of knowledge, it would be wise to begin your search there, simply follow the road and you should arrive at the township surrounding it, with luck the sacred rite will be there."

The eldest cleric nodded and spoke solemnly "We will rest here at the bonfire for a time before departing, may Gwyn and the Allfather watch over you on this journey, Vereor Nox."

The others all echoed him reverently "Vereor Nox."

 

[Red_Fog]

"Easy Sue. Eeeeasy girl." Travis cooed to his horse, reassuringly stroking her mane. The haze left them both unsettled, Sue due to her instincts, and Travis due to the fact that he knew what lay within. Growing up as an Astorian he had heard all the tales of the Great Beast, or The Evil Eye, and it's assault on his homeland. The terror's it wrought were said to be unimaginable, and the effort and resources that had been needed to fell the Beast unfathomable. Now this once idyllic landscape was a cursed land, where only those who were cursed themselves belonged.

He met the gaze of the knight of Astora that had helped escort their party here. Sir Allistar, another of the King's Knights had been a close friend of Travis and had volunteered himself for the unsavory task of escorting his group of undead to see him off. Unconsciously Travis reached for the pouch above his heart, comforted by it's presence. Seeing this, the other knight nodded, and Travis nodded in return. There was no need for words. It was a somber enough farewell as it was.

Dismounting, Travis checked his gear assuring it had fared well on the journey. Satisfied, he made his way over to the bonfire and stretched his muscles tired from hours of riding before sitting on the ground and removing his helmet, eager to take advantage of a final moment of respite before setting on his... he looked around at the other undead for a moment, no, their quest.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Isis-​

Traveling with others, particularly foreign knights and priests, was a vaguely uncomfortable experience, but Isis ignored the discomfort as she held her mothers Ivory Talisman in her left hand, while her right rested on the pommel of her parrying dagger. As she glanced around, all she could see was the shattered remains of a road, and rather barren flatland.

In truth, she hadn't heard much about the Evil Eye, though she knew of its existence. But what exactly it had done to Astora, however, was a mystery to her, though since she had a feeling that the Evil Eye was the very reason why they were traveling through blighted wastes instead of proper grassland.

Regardless, it wasn't the gaze of the Evil Eye that she was concerned about, so much as the gazes of the Thorolund Priests that carried suspicion towards them. But, she could hardly blame them. They were Undead, so they were, at best, unlikely allies.

After a few more minutes of traveling, the group stopped right at the border, with the mounted priests and knights, save one, keeping behind the group of Undead. Then, one of the Knights spoke, keeping a meaningful hand on his sword.

"We have reached the border, the object of your quest must surely lie within, you must not return without it. The records of Astora show that there is a keep ahead which was once a storehouse of knowledge, it would be wise to begin your search there, simply follow the road and you should arrive at the township surrounding it, with luck the sacred rite will be there.".

Then a Priest.

"We will rest here at the bonfire for a time before departing, may Gwyn and the Allfather watch over you on this journey, Vereor Nox.".

Isis bowed low, clasping her hands around her talisman as a sign of both respect, and prayer. "Vereor Nox. May Lord Gwyn grant us success, and you a safe journey home.", she said, smiling warmly at them as she straightened.

And, with a small nod, turned to the bonfire and sat.

 

[sage42]

Avina breathed deep, allowing the smell of the smoke and ember's. She could tell the others felt uneasy because of it. It only reminded her of home. She took one last look at the dull and stuffy clerics as she moved towards the bonfire. Yes, yes Berinor nos and all that annoyance. She thought with a roll of her eyes as she un-hooked her sword from her waist and sat at the bonfire. She opned her hand and looked at the tiny ember she held within. Such a small thing yet if she allowed. and she would at somepoint she knew, it would become something deadly. Something The Hollowed undead feared. She smiled and offered a silent prayer. Dear Mother Izaleth, guide my ember as we traverse the dark. Let my flame stay strong and defend against those who would wish to extinguish it. Let the demons who stand in my way be turned to ash under it's power. Finishing ehr prayer she looked to the rest of her companions, studying them, as she played with the ember in her hand, making it float in small circles.

 

[Tactical Pause]

Looking around at the bleak and desolate landscape, Caelius felt a chill run down his spine. No longer was he within relatively safe lands, with merely a short journey between him and his beloved church. These lands, he could tell, were forsaken.

"We have reached the border, the object of your quest must surely lie within, you must not return without it."

Shaking off the gloom which pressed on his mind, he turned to the paladin of Thorolund. "Worry not, for I shall return with the Rite of Kindling, so that the Way of White may become stronger than it is even now." As he spoke the words, he himself felt reassured about his mission. Indeed, he would succeed where countless undead had failed; he would be the servant of Gwyn who would recover the art of kindling, that the flames might once again burn brightly. Once this was done, his church would surely welcome him back with open arms, undead or not.

Again, Caelius surveyed his surroundings, but instead of despair, he felt hope. This cursed place would be his proving ground, and would provide the catalyst for his greatest accomplishment. Saying a quick prayer to Gwyn and Allfather Lloyd, he knelt by the bonfire to rest. The followers of the light were counting on him to carry out this quest, and he was confident that he would emerge victorious.

 

[DarkRawen]

Rang was getting unsettled by the area they were in. He had traveled a lot, but never seen a place that was quite as abandoned and destroyed as this. It made him think of the journey that awaited, it would be a difficult and unpleasant one. However, there was the hope of getting his humanity back, and that gave him courage.

"We have reached the border, the object of your quest must surely lie within, you must not return without it."

As grim as it sounded, Rang understood the need for such words. It was far from comforting, but he had already acknowledged what would happen if he didn't become a human again. Even if it didn't happen soon, eventually it would happen, should they not be successful. A dreadful thought.

"The records of Astora show that there is a keep ahead which was once a storehouse of knowledge, it would be wise to begin your search there, simply follow the road and you should arrive at the township surrounding it, with luck the sacred rite will be there."

He hoped they spoke the truth, but as far as he knew, no one had ever returned from such a quest. Had they not be told the same? Rang told himself that it wasn't like that, that they would be the first ones to find the rite.

"We will rest here at the bonfire for a time before departing, may Gwyn and the Allfather watch over you on this journey, Vereor Nox."

"Vereor Nox."

That was rather unsettling, he had no idea what the last two words meant, but the way they said them sounded like a warning. He glanced over at the other people there, as he sat down, carefully. Rang didn't speak, his presence was probably enough to already make them dislike him, and he didn't want to be hated. They seemed to prepare themselves for the quest, some even prayed. He had never grown up with a faith, due to his parents telling him to never be tied to anything outside family bond. All he could do was to remember his parents and his younger sister, and hope to one day return to them.

Do these people also want to return to their families?

He didn't know, and he dared not to ask. In the light of the bonfire, they looked more intimidating then they had before. Rang found himself lacking the courage to even say hello. He would have to say something, eventually, but that could wait. Of course it could, he always thought that.

Perhaps if one of them says hello first...

Another excuse. He looked at the bonfire, and decided to just stare into the flames, clutching his knees as he curled up to make sure he wasn't in anyone's way. It was best like this, he had nothing of real value to say, nothing that could help the others.

 

[Red_Fog]

"Worry not, for I shall return with the Rite of Kindling, so that the Way of White may become stronger than it is even now."

A slight smile found it's place on Travis' face as the Cleric made his claim. At least someone was positive about their mission. As Travis studied the cleric's face he found that the man seemed to genuinely believe his own claim as well. Good. Travis felt they would need all the faith, hope, and drive they could muster between them all. Countless undead had already been sent on this same mission from this very same spot and failed to return. The Way of White's track record was working against them in this endeavor. Still, despite the negative precedent, Travis also believed they could reach their goal. He couldn't afford not to, if not for his sake, then for their's.

His attention then turned to the women who had also taken places by the fire. The first was lithe and thin and though her armor and adornments were foreign to him he recognized her weapons as matching the preferred fighting style of the Knights of Carim. A fighting style he found little care for. Travis fought in battles, not duels, and the shield-less duel-wielding style of Carim brought little to the table in terms of fighting in formation with brothers at your side. The other woman he guessed was a pyromancer by the way she admired the flame and her raggedy adornment seemed to match the description of the pyromancers of the great swamps he had heard tales of. Travis hadn't really dealt with many pryomancers as they were treated with almost as much disdain as the undead. To him though the fire users were much akin to the more socially accepted sorcerers who had proven their worth on the battlefield. Asides from that this girl looked much more fit and muscular and Travis couldn't help but admire her choice of armament.

Then Travis noticed an odd, almost sickly looking man curled up to himself away from the others.

Poor lad. Likely having a nervous breakdown from everything that's going on.

Travis had seen similar behavior from a number of soldiers while on campaign. They would isolate themselves, too afraid or embarrassed to seek comfort in the company of others. If there's one thing Travis learned in his time in service to his Kingdom, it was that you meet all sorts in the military and some needed a little help integrating into the unit and lifestyle. While this certainly wasn't a unit they would likely be working together and Travis couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible for the well being of these people.

"Hey you there!" Travis called out to the lonely man. Getting his attention, he waved him over, "Yes, you. Come, take a seat by the fire. It'll do well to warm your spirit and body for what's ahead." Anticipating his acceptance of the invitation, Travis held out his hand, and smiled, "I am Sir MacWilliam of Astora, though that title seems to hold little meaning to me now. You may simply call me Travis."

 

[DarkRawen]

"Hey you there!"

Rang looked around, slightly. It wasn't him, right? Of course not, yet he glanced over towards where the voice came from. It was a man who didn't look as frightening as some of the others. The man then waved at him, trying to get his attention.

"Yes, you. Come, take a seat by the fire. It'll do well to warm your spirit and body for what's ahead."

Rang froze completely. Did he want him to come closer? But he would just be in someone's way. However, if someone had told him to come over, he supposed he couldn't ignore them either. He stood up, slowly, and walked over, making sure he walked at least a meter from the rest as he passed them. The other held his hand out, waiting for Rang to take it. He didn't think that had ever happened to him.

"I am Sir MacWilliam of Astora, though that title seems to hold little meaning to me now. You may simply call me Travis."

Rang looked at the hand a short moment, before carefully taking it, trying to hide his limbs shaking, however, he couldn't really stop it. This was scary, what if he did something wrong? He was doing something wrong, wasn't he?

I should just introduce myself.

"R-r-r-ra-ang," he muttered, looking away. Rang made himself smaller. "N-n-nice to.... meet you." He was probably annoying the other already, and pulled away. Rang then sat down, closer to the fire.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Isis-​

Isis looked up from the bonfire to see the Knight of Astora that had accompanied the other Undead beckon one of the others to properly join the group, and her smile widened just a little underneath her porcelain headpiece, and she watched as the rather sickly looking man stood and slowly came over. She noticed that he carried what appeared to be a sorcery catalyst, in the form of some kind of staff. Then she looked over at the Knight as he introduced himself.

"I am Sir MacWilliam of Astora, though that title seems to hold little meaning to me now. You may simply call me Travis.".

The sorcerer looked utterly terrified, and stuttered when he finally replied.

"R-r-r-ra-ang. N-n-nice to.... meet you.".

When he sat, Isis promptly held out her own hand for him to shake. "Rang? My name is Isis, of Carim. It's a pleasure.", she said, before trying for a more reassuring smile.

"And don't be nervous, we're going to have to work together to get the Rite. We're comrades now.", she said.

Then, she glanced over to Sir MacWilliam, and then the Cleric and nodded to both. "It's good to know that at least most of us will be adherents of Lord Gwyn. There aren't many followers of The Way of White in my homeland.", she added.

 

[Red_Fog]

"R-r-r-ra-ang. N-n-nice to.... meet you."

Oh dear. This is more than just the jitters. He seems quite terrified of people. Still, he mustered the courage to shake my hand. I just hope he can muster the courage to face hollows and whatever foul demons await us.

Travis released the trembling hand as the self-identified Isis introduced herself.

"And don't be nervous, we're going to have to work together to get the Rite. We're comrades now."

Travis felt reassured by the Carimian's statement. She seemed to be a willing team player, an improvement over many of her countrymen in his eyes. He was then surprised to hear her exclaim that she followed the way of the white.

I suppose at least some in Carim have sense.

Travis then resumed relaxing by the fire as he waited for the others to introduce themselves.

 

[Tactical Pause]

Caelius watched as the undead around the bonfire began to introduce themselves, and waited for a moment of silence so he could do the same. When the opportunity came, he finally spoke to the group of people who were to be his allies on this mission.

"I am Caelius of Thorolund," he declared. "Cleric of the Way of White, and protector of the faith." He was positively brimming with pride as he spoke, clearly thrilled to bear such a title, whether or not it was strictly official. "I am here to ensure the success of this venture, and to retrieve the Rite of Kindling."

He turned his gaze to the timid, sickly fellow who seemed to have rather quickly become the center of attention. "Do not fear what lies ahead of us, my good man, for it will prove no match against the will of the gods." Smiling, he patted the mace that hung at his side.

 

[sage42]

"Do not fear what lies ahead of us, my good man, for it will prove no match against the will of the gods."

Avina giggled then, a childish one as she looked up from the bonfire. "And whatever does I can turn to ash!" She with a smile to the group. She inclined her head pulling back her ragged hood. "Avina of the Great Swamp. Or Swamp Dweller, Swamp Rat, Fire Bug, which ever your home preferred to call my kind. Izaleth knows I've heard them all." She said not moving from her place on the ground. "Not that I ever payed those who called me those much mind. The Swamp had a way of taking care of those who refused help crossing her." Her eyes shifted between the sickly Wizard and the cleric. "Such as those from Vinheim or Thorolund." She said her smile never fading.

 

[DarkRawen]

As soon as Rang had sat down, someone else held their hand out. It was a woman with light colored skin and hair. Rang looked around to make sure it was to him, before taking it and shaking it, quickly.

"Rang? My name is Isis, of Carim. It's a pleasure."

"H-hello."

"And don't be nervous, we're going to have to work together to get the Rite. We're comrades now."

He nodded, slowly. "Y-yes." She seemed nice, just like Travis had. However, why did she bother with saying hello to him?

Am I acting off? Perhaps my behavior is making them nervous as well?

"I-i'm s-sorry." He kept looking away. Apart from the ones where he sat, there was a couple of people, and he shrank a bit more, shaking more violently. It wasn't that he thought that they were bad people, but he couldn't help it. People terrified him, and now he was being a problem. Two of the others spoke.

"Do not fear what lies ahead of us, my good man, for it will prove no match against the will of the gods."

"And whatever does I can turn to ash!"

"I---" he thought about what to say. He had to tell them he weren't scared of the journey, else they would want to leave him behind.

"I-I won't b-b... be in the... way," he told them. He looked at them slightly, a red-haired woman and someone in a huge armor, like the clerics who had accompanied them. However, Rang was careful not to let his eyes linger, and looked away soon enough. He felt like it was too crowded there, but he didn't say anything about it, he was already being too much of a nuisance. The woman he assumed was a pyromancer spoke.

"Avina of the Great Swamp. Or Swamp Dweller, Swamp Rat, Fire Bug, which ever your home preferred to call my kind. Izaleth knows I've heard them all. Not that I ever payed those who called me those much mind. The Swamp had a way of taking care of those who refused help crossing her."

She seemed to look at Rang for a short moment as she spoke. He made sure to look even more away.

"Such as those from Vinheim or Thorolund."

The Great Swamp.

He had heard of it, but never been there. Rang couldn't find the words to say, so he kept quiet. It seemed that they got more worried if he spoke than if not, so keeping his mouth shut was probably best.

 

[IFS]

The clerics of the group stood a fair distance back from the undead, their backs to them as if they were trying to pretend they did not exist. Sir Allistar stood apart from the clerics and the paladin, keeping a watchful eye on the border and keeping the undead in the edge of his gaze, there was a sorrowful air about him seeing Travis sent out on a seemingly hopeless endeavor but he was determined to stay at least long enough to watch his old friend depart. The paladin stood with the clerics though his gaze remained vigilantly on the assorted undead, his fingers drummed against the hilt of his blade impatiently.

Clearing his throat the paladin moved forward towards the undead, "Your quest awaits you down the road, not sitting at the fire," he said, his grip tightening on his blade and his voice carrying the edge of a threat.

Sir Allistar began to move towards the paladin with a start but the paladin simply raised a hand as a silent command, and the knight halted. The paladin waited a moment then spoke again, "The clear path through the smoke will not last forever, I've seen groups less fortunate than yours have to set forth stumbling in the haze, you would be wise to take advantage of it while you still can."

 

[Pandalisk]

From the baneful smoke the rogue knight Dagonet revealed himself as if an apparition, moving slowly, methodically through the smoke and mist of Astora that robbed Dagonet of his warmth, breaths of cold air visibly rising from the slits in his helm as his hulking mace rested neatly across his shoulder griped firmly in his steeled hands. Navigating across the broken track and dead grass, heading towards the bonfire, Dagonet could see men and horse gathered around the soothing heat of the bonfire ahead, could hear greetings, pleasantries and vapid reassurances.

The rogue knight quickly picked out the clerics and knights of Astora, even from this distance dagonet could sense their visible unease due to their current charges, and beyond them, among the nurturing flames, huddled the shapes of the cursed undead the fool clerics were shepherding. As Dagonet came within spitting distance of the assembled party a sharp voice rang out.

"Your quest awaits you down the road, not sitting at the fire,"

Dagonet vaguely recalled the owner of voice, some upstart in the Way of White, though the name escaped him, what drew his attention first and foremost was the paladins fighting arm, clasped tightly around the grip of his sword, as if attempt was being made to wear out the hilt itself.

Dagonet made a sharp bark of laughter more alike to a heavy cough than a fit of amusement, and stood at the trail, leading towards Astora proper.

 

[Red_Fog]

"The clear path through the smoke will not last forever, I've seen groups less fortunate than yours have to set forth stumbling in the haze, you would be wise to take advantage of it while you still can."

Travis sighed as the impatient paladin pressured the group to move on. They had been traveling for hours and only just sat to rest a couple of minutes ago. It wasn't smart to go into a fight already fatigued but it was clear the paladin was being quite insistent. Travis had just replaced his helm upon his head and stood back up when a thing gave out a laugh behind the entire party. The divine blade Travis carried was out in a flash as his eyes caught sight of a dark towering beast of twisted, knotted metal. The brave knight had charged vast armies even to his death without a second thought, but the sight of the man, or at least it seemed to be a man, had even made Travis think twice.

Is it a hollow? Do hollows laugh? Was that even a laugh? If it was hollow shouldn't it have attacked by now?

"Who are you?" Travis asked the man, his free hand grabbing the shield from his back. "Why have you come here?"

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Isis-​

It wasn't long after she spoke that the Cleric that accompanied them finally introduced himself.

"I am Caelius of Thorolund. Cleric of the Way of White, and protector of the faith. I am here to ensure the success of this venture, and to retrieve the Rite of Kindling. Do not fear what lies ahead of us, my good man, for it will prove no match against the will of the gods.".

Isis couldn't help but break out into a grin. "That's right. Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight will watch over us as we search for the Rite, and I have faith that even the Darksign will prove to be a blessing in disguise. For us, even death is just another obstacle to be overcome.", she told them confidently.

"And whatever does I can turn to ash!".

At that, Isis turned to the robed woman, who promptly pulled back her hood and smiled, though she wasn't sure it was entirely friendly.

"Avina of the Great Swamp. Or Swamp Dweller, Swamp Rat, Fire Bug, which ever your home preferred to call my kind. Izaleth knows I've heard them all. Not that I ever payed those who called me those much mind. The Swamp had a way of taking care of those who refused help crossing her. Such as those from Vinheim or Thorolund.".

Shaking her head, she kept silent and simply gave Avina a mild stare. There was no point, and no gain, in making enemies with one another, since they not only needed to work together, but the Clerics and Knights that brought them there were still nearby. And one of them, a paladin, seemed particularly testy, judging by the way he was tapping the hilt of his sword.

"Your quest awaits you down the road, not sitting at the fire.".

With a small sigh, she stood as he started to walk away, only for him to pause as one of the Knights approached him. Without a word between them, the paladin addressed them again.

"The clear path through the smoke will not last forever, I've seen groups less fortunate than yours have to set forth stumbling in the haze, you would be wise to take advantage of it while you still can.".

What was either a bark of laughter or a coughing fit ended up making her whirl around to face the trail towards Astora, hands on both of her weapons hilts, and a slight smile back on her face. The man she faced was massive, in thick, battered armor that was crudely cared for. And he carried a twisted iron weapon that may have once resembled a mace.

"And who might this be?", she asked pleasantly, drawing her dagger and Estoc.

 

[Pandalisk]

Dagonet studied the aghast noble knight as he drew his sword in a single smooth motion, an impressive sight to say the least, such speed being almost alien to the rogue knight lumbering slowness. Indeed, it made the paladin to the knight's side look quite the fool, the honorable warrior of the white, had yet to to fumble the sword he clasped so tightly from its sheathe.

who are you?, Why have you come here?

The knight spoke from within his helm, it was a strong, unflinching voice. If this was the quality of the warriors accompanying Dagonet into the heart of Astora it boded well for the quests good fortune.

Before Dagonet could acknowledge the knight's questions the sound of blades being unsheathed once more rang out, behind the knight. The source of the blades was a unusual one, clad in thin, decorative armor he had never witnessed before in his years of travelling and wielding both a long rapier like weapon and a small dagger stood the physique of.. perhaps a young boy?. His eye's snapped to the talisman at the figures side, another young cleric then he thought with irritation, but Dagonet has come to terms with the face that he would have to travel in a party of sheep.

Then the voice came forth from the strange porcelain helm And who might this be?, the cordial and pleasing tone almost took him aback, it was a soft voice, a woman then..or perhaps a most feminine boy?

He turned towards the knight that had asked the initial questions

"stay your blade knight" came the craggy voice from the black helm. "Our goals our aligned, I too assist the White with their endeavors, to which the paladin can attest" Jabbing a steeled thumb in the direction of paladin in emphasis.

Dagonet spoke again, this time speaking to no one in particular. "I have been waiting well-nigh a week for your arrival in this place, my name is Ulrich Dragonet".

The black knight turned to point down the road.

"The paladin speaks the truth of it, the mist is a deceitful creature and the land beyond the track is most treacherous, if you wish to make it into the heart of Astora without a broken neck or worse we should press advantage of good fortune and set upon the open path".

 

[IFS]

"Our goals our aligned, I too assist the White with their endeavors, to which the paladin can attest"

The paladin nodded "I had heard you would be waiting for us, you took so long to appear though I had begun to wonder if you had hollowed."

He seemed unimpressed by Ulrich, though his grip never loosened from his blade and his expression was unreadable beneath his helmet. A light breeze began to blow across the plains and lingering traces of the smoke drifted into the road.

"The paladin speaks the truth of it, the mist is a deceitful creature and the land beyond the track is most treacherous, if you wish to make it into the heart of Astora without a broken neck or worse we should press advantage of good fortune and set upon the open path".

"I have heard that it is even poisonous in some spots," the paladin said almost cheerfully, one got the feeling that he was grinning underneath his helmet "If is gets thick enough it will choke you if nothing else, its not air after all."

 

[Red_Fog]

"I have heard that it is even poisonous in some spots. If it gets thick enough it will choke you if nothing else, its not air after all."

"Then I supposed it's time to head out then." Travis sheathed his sword and stared down the man in the dark armor as he made his way over to his horse. He didn't like the looks of the man, and something about his countenance unnerved him. Still he was a impressive sight and Travis had little doubt he would be a considerable force in battle. Travis then shifted his gaze out into the haze, then to the halberd secured to the saddle. He had used a halberd as an improvised lance before, but even from horseback the smoke wouldn't allow him to see them from far enough away to make good enough speed for a worthwhile charge. Best to stick to shield and blade to better defend himself from any sudden attacks from the flanks. The mobility of being on horseback would allow him to quickly come to the aid of one of the other party members or make distance between him and a threat should he need it.

After pulling himself up on to Sue and placing his plated boots in the stirrups he once again drew his sword in preparation to move on.