Truly the morning started out a little different from the rest of my days with The Shield Of Citadel but the end result was not what I would have expected…
We started the day finishing up our time on the third Isle of Baratoria. We chose not to give up the cursed sword for fear of what hands we would entrust it to. So, with the emerald sword in hand we ventured across the water in hopes and making out way towards Hobbe’s End and eventually to the ship. While crossing the sea we noticed a loud bang and large cloud of black smoke arise from the other end of the island. We grew quite concerned for this and started to hurry our pace while walking along the beach. In an attempt to steer clear of the wilds of the jungle we decided to stay close to the coast and continue until we were past the run down part of town.
Suddenly, while walking, we were startled by large ogre like beasts that arose from the water. One by itself appeared to be a great challenge for a group of our size but considering there was about twelve of them charging at us I soon realized that we would need every ounce of energy to defeat this group. I started the fight going to Throrn in prayer asking that he would not only carry us through the fight safely but also that he would somehow hinder the onslaught of the incoming Skum.
Most of the group chose to run away from the battle, more than likely because of the number but myself, Lochlan, and Rorrin chose to stand at the frontlines and take the brunt of the first attack. I was surprised by Rorrin’s strategy but impressed that he decided to take to the front unlike the others. Since Throrn rewards those that follow his philosophies I believe Throrn’s hand of protection was over my brother because of his actions.
Of course, I did not but expend all of my energy healing Lochlan and myself after we started to take blow after blow. Eventually, because of our massive wounds we had to take a tactical retreat to regroup and heal up a bit. After that, Gim and the rest of the crew decided to engage the enemy as well helping us to pick off the enemy one at a time. It seemed like ages before we even killed the first but with Throrn’s healing we were able to sustain the frontline combatants long enough. Gim was even able to convince Kano to run off a few of them, and while they gave chase we continued to kill them one at a time.
It was at this moment when the tide was turning that my brother and Jas decided to close in and attempt to finish off the rest of the group before Kano came back with those that chased him. While tumbling in to swing at one of the large beasts Jas must have slipped ‘causing an opening in his guard in which the Skum took full advantage of. His bite eventually ripped Jas into a pile of limbs. I quickly realized I could not save him from this damage and I feared we had no means of healing him with everything from the island. It was truly a sad event that could not have been avoided and was very necessary for the safety of the rest of the group. Since I had drained all of my resources during the fight I was extremely grateful for the sacrifice and trained my hardest not to make it in vain. I believe with the death of Jas we became invigorated enough to tear through the rest of the Skum with little to no problem.
My relief of the fight being over was greatly overshadowed by the death of our strong and quiet friend who placed his friends over himself. His wisdom in battle and weak jaw will not soon be forgotten throughout the island of Baratoria. For Throrn!
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