You decide to take the coastal route. It may take a bit longer, but as far as you can tell you are not on a schedule, and a Siren with access to water is a Siren with options should the shit hit the fan.
The frozen wilderness is quiet. In these last few weeks of winter before the brief thaw life is on its last legs, pleading with the world in which it exists to let it squat for yet another day. To your people, you think poetically, the world had whispered back a stern and bloody 'no'.
Even Sunfish, who cannot understand the situation, feels it's gravity and partakes of the mournful still. She remains mute for several hours, much to the benefit of your brooding.
Chattering. The silence of winter in death is broken by speech. Speech in common. Human sounding speech in common. You look up from your feet, which have been occupying your eyes, to see a human fishing party. They stare in awe and fear of you, and you as well contemplate them with at the least caution.
You doubt these humans carry arms or magic any more threatening than knives and nets. If you had your blade and your voice you would not think twice of slaughtering them all. Even if you didn't suspect that they were from the village that did you wrong, no Siren worth her salt would pass up the chance to feast on the sweet flesh and organs of game most dangerous.
That said, you haven't handled a Javelin in battle before. You were okay in throwing contests for sport with you family and tribe, but you are not eager to see how that translates into a kill or be killed situation.
There is also the matter of Sunfish. The girl possess the basic Siren ability to enthrall male beings, as well as empower her allies with song. The spell that makes her famous however is the song of simplicity, which reduces all non-siren listeners to Sunny's own cognitive level. You recall whispers around the village that Sunny had other spellsongs as well; verbal magic too dangerous to use around her own people. Perhaps the spirits would guide her to use one of them if you ask her too, but you have know idea what they do. You note that Spellsongs take some time to kick in, and that she would become a priority target the second she opened her mouth. You are not sure your healing magic can keep up with five knife wielding humans.
As you weigh your options you note the humans seem to be psyching themselves up for battle. They are too tightly bundled in winter clothes for you to discern their gender. The rocky beach here is slippery, impeding safe movement. The nearby water could make for a simple escape. You look to Sunfish and find the girl beaming a bright smile. You hope that the girl will defend herself if need be, but cannot waste time explaining the situation to her. If you wish to strike the first blow or even talk the humans down, your moment is now.
Battle Map:
Party:Lilith (You!):
Race: Artic Siren
Hunger: Full
Humanity: 50% [Can fit into civilized society if wearing covering clothing. Monsters are less likely to be aggressive. No bonus or penalty to skill learning]
Health Points: 23/23
Mana: 13/13
Conditions: Powerless Voice [Cannot Use Voice Magic], Sentient Flesh Addiction [5 days until withdrawl sets in], Imunity to Voice Magic, Natural Resistance to Cold
Skills: Swordmanship [Rank 3], Voice Magic [Rank 2], Healing Magic [Rank 2], Speech [Rank 1]
Spells: Song of Seduction, Song of Might, Lesser Healing, Lesser Dispel Curse
Equipped: Siren's Robes [Enchantments: Moisture Control, Corporal Control], Human-Leather Swim Shoes, Javelin Quiver [8 Javelins], Walrus Leather Belt, Combat Knife, Traveler's Sack
Sunfish 'Sunny':
Race: Artic Siren
Hunger: Full
Humanity: 5% [Looks much more like a penguin than a person. Monsters are never aggressive unless sorely provoked. Bonus to learning magic skills, penalty to learning mundane skills]
Health Points: 12/12
Mana: 34/34
Conditions: Savant [Cannot lean skills other than Voice Magic], Sentient Flesh Addiction [3 days until withdrawl sets in], Imunity to Voice Magic, Natural Resistance to Cold
Skills: Voice Magic [Rank 4]
Spells: Song of Seduction, Song of Might, Song of Simplicity, Earthshaking Screech, Drowning Song, Chant of Reality Alteration
Equipped: Human-Leather Winter Coat [Enchantments: Never Wet, Heated], Cloth Panties [Enchantment: Never Wet], Polar Bear Leather Swim Shoes, Steel Harmonica
Lilith's Traveler's Sack (100% Full):
10 rations [Party eats 1.5 rations a day]
3 servings water [Party drinks 1.5 servings of water a day. Sirens can drink salt water]
3 Potions of Health Restoration
2 Potions of Mana Restoration
1 Flint
1 Butcher's Cleave
1 Steel Vermin Trap
1 Wheel of Walrus Cheese [Can be used as a days ration, or a functionally bottomless supply of vermin bait]
1 Tome of Fire Magic [Written in Common]
1 Tome of Healing Magic [Written in Siren]
1 Perl Necklace
4 Cloth Pouches of Vision Lichen
2 Walrus Tusks
3 Gems of Siren Alteration
Author
Topic: A Siren's Adventure (Read 1808 times)