"Maybe they're big cat tracks after all," Arlo muttered, as much to himself as anyone else, after he'd taken a closer look and examined the tracks in more detail. Actually, it was the
absence of particular giveaway details that had thrown him somewhat off his mark. The little tells that went with cat tracks, large or small, were missing. The central pads, the smaller, distinct toe pads, even those tiny indention marks that could often go unnoticed if the claws were somewhat extended.
"Interesting," he muttered again, and again thought that since the tracks hadn't
melted into the ground, it was more than likely this was not a flesh and blood tiger at all. He might have spent time elaborating, except that they needed to keep moving and time was at a premium. But mostly, it was because the deafening silence that had been tickling at the back of his mind ever since Isis had appeared, was suddenly broken.
He couldn't help but grin as the endless stream of dialogue broke through as if a previously impassable dam had finally broken.
"Lyova?" It was definitely
her. No one could chatter on and on like Lyova.
"I can hear you just fine. I've missed you, you know," he said, only just realizing that Prae and Eckman must be hearing her too. But yes, it made perfect sense. The tiger was made from ice. Darius had found statues, but not the ones that Arlo was most familiar with. A shame, that. If it had been the case, he might have been able to use Cassion's Compass to get him and the other two just where they needed to go. At least to rejoin forces with Darius.
After all, the map in here didn't seem quite as useful as he'd have hoped it might be. It showed him where they
were, which his eyes could see well enough, but not where they were intended to go. So, Cassion and Daia were there, and he'd told Kura off? Arlo might have liked to see that. This oath though seemed like a great deal of rubbish to him, to be honest. Though as he understood it, Cassion hadn't taken it himself, and Daia hadn't been present, to have been asked at all.
"Yes," he thought, quietly and with a smile when Lyova opened a private stream of conversation.
"Thank you, and I'm very glad you're back." As for Prae's diri, and whether or not Arlo could hear it, he frowned a little and admitted,
"I'm not sure, to be honest." Then again, Lyova rarely came up for air once she got going, so anything else would be hard pressed to get through. Prae asked a good question though.
"Ordinarily, I'd think so," he said, so far as what distance Lyova's voice could carry.
"She can communicate across great distances usually. In this case, Lyova, can you?"
So off they went, in the directions the tracks were leading them, and in the process they passed by one tunnel after another, large and small. Prae's earlier comments came back to Arlo and he nodded quietly to himself. If they took the time to explore even half of these passages, it could take trials or even longer. And there wasn't that time to spare. As it was though, if the tracks were leading them to the bench, it might be that it was exactly where they were intended to be. Or, it was a trap.
As for the bench and what was known about it? Well, now that he knew and an explanation had been passed along...at least there was
that. Previously, others had sat on a bench like it, singular or collectively, and been transported someplace else. Benches of that sort did beg to be sat upon, and all indications seemed to be leading them that way. There were other tracks too, as strange as the pair they'd been following, but somewhat different.
Even though he hadn't felt or sensed it himself, Arlo nodded when Prae informed him and Eckman that they'd moved, and that directions were shifting.
"Having been in this cave system before, it's one of the things that makes it exceedingly easy to get lost. Bread crumbs left behind don't do much good in that regard." Prae's inability to get lost in this case, was proving to be extremely useful. And again, there was the bench.
The tracks had led them here, as if the specter of the glowing bench wouldn't have been enough on it's own. The symbol at the back of the bench caught his eye. The elements, certainly, and the sight caused Arlo to lift up the tooth dangling round his neck, curious how it might be responding to the proximity, one to the other. If it did at all. And then Lyova warned them about the curious stone, which Arlo took a trill or two to examine, hands off.
When Prae went to pick up the stone, Arlo made sure to speak up before contact was made. After all, did Lyova mean don't touch it at all, even with a gloved or covered hand?
"I think it might be better to use something else, a rod, knife...something anyway, to scoop it off into a sack, rather than pick it up directly." Lyova only said not to touch it directly, after all, and hadn't elaborated on what sort of contact was acceptable.
He'd rather err on the side of caution, in this case. Which was ironic, considering what Arlo was about to do. But he'd only do it once Prae had scooped up the stone, however he did it, and the immediate results of that action were known. If something awful and catastrophic happened, that might change things. If not...?
"I'm starting to wonder if the tracks that have led us here, well if it's not a trap, it may be our guide, showing us where we're intended to go. We can't spare the time to explore all those other passages," he reminded Prae and Eckman.
"The symbol on the back, and the stone make it seem even more likely." That, and a bench that as good as shouted,
Sit on me!.
"According to what Doran has said about a similar bench, if not the same one, sitting on it transported those previous others to...somewhere else. It's possible that it might take us to where we ought to be."
In addition to all of that, why the x on the map, indicating a nearly inaccessible opening, leading to just this spot when easier ways were presumably close at hand? There was only one way to know for sure, and Arlo didn't need to ask himself,
what would Cassion do? He figured he probably already knew.
"I won't ask either of you to take a chance that you're not comfortable with taking. But it's the only way to know for sure." They would have to decide for themselves. Of course, there was always the possibility that something awful might happen, or on the other hand
nothing at all. But time was everything right now, and they had very little of it to spare.
Keeping in mind though that he wasn't sure of the surface and he didn't want to create an instant puddle with his backside, Arlo reached into his sack and took out his folded waterproof tarp, before wrapping it around the back, across his backside. There were three options here. Either this bench would behave like a previous one, and he...along with whoever decided to join him, would be transported somewhere else. Or something awful would happen. Or something anticlimactic, as in nothing at all. There were probably possibilities he hadn't even thought of. There was only one way to find out, so Arlo sat down on the bench.
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Arlo's Mortalborn Domains
*Discovery: Hidden Truth
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Arlo's body acts an uncontrolled hot/cold meter on things unknown and for him, yet to be discovered. This ability might present itself in various ways, and change, apparently on a whim. Examples include negative mood changes as he moves away from something that has triggered the ability, and a sense of happiness or excited urgency when he moves closer to it. On the other hand, he may feel extremes in temperature as he moves away, but only be comfortable as he moves towards the source of this ability. He may experience physical discomfort or increased / extreme hunger than is only satisfied while heading towards the Story As Yet Unknown.
Upon discovering the person, place or thing he was drawn to, it triggers a secondary part of the ability. Now at the place he needs to be, Arlo sees a physical story related to the "hidden truth" played out as a hologram. While usually only visible to him, he can choose to make it visible to others, but must concentrate to do so . This isn't a play by play of what happened, or a vision of the truth, but rather a story that could help Arlo find the truth.
The consequence of making a conscious choice not to seek out the unknown that is, in a sense, calling to him, may be that he suffers from random but stubborn hot and cold spells, and suffers more changes in mood that for him are unusual.
*Risk: All In
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Risk is, and has always been an important aspect of life for Cassion’s son. The larger the risk the greater the reward. In either case, with choice comes consequence. When faced with a physical risk, such as crossing a rickety bridge or leaping across a chasm that's much too wide, Arlo can focus his energies and use his Immortal heritage and Domain to beat the odds and succeed. And when faced with that challenge, something fundamentally changes in Arlo. Depending on the situation, he mentally and physically adjusts and adapts to the challenge. It may be a physical, emotional or mental consequence, a risk in and of itself. These changes could become permanent, should he fail to take the chance.
An example of physical change could be that at the sight of a ravine with a perfectly serviceable bridge, next to which is a place that seems narrow enough that Arlo possibly make the leap. Whle observing the riskier option that in essence calls to him, Arlo's bones become lighter and less dense, much like a bird's. If he chooses to take the risk, regardless of whether he succeeds or fails, his bones return to normal. But if he chooses to take the safer path, his bones remain that way until he returns to that same place and takes the riskier route. This would mean his bones may break more easily, but he is also lighter, in order to make things like climbing and jumping easier.
The same ability might even extend itself to the natural mechanisms that allow a cat to right itself when falling from various heights, and the unique way they are able to absorb the impact of hitting the ground from some height without sustaining the same serious injuries that a human, a dog or other four legged creature might. In this way, Arlo might be able to drop or jump from high places like rooftops or ledges, and come away with fewer injuries than other men or women might.
The physical change that would allow Arlo to 'do is the cat does', would rely on the same righting reflex that the cat does; a more flexible backbone, non-functioning collarbone and a unique apparatus in the inner ear. Since it is the inner which which is key to the reflex, should Arlo choose to forego the challenge, he will be plagued by a nagging case of vertigo until he returns and rises to the challenge.
*Imagery: A Cultured Man
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Imagery is the most personal of Arlo's Domains and it is in this that his similarities, and differences, from his Immortal father show through. This functions much like the Sojourner ability The Tale Told, but there is a key difference. When Arlo tells a story, his audience does not see the imagery he portrays to them. He does not pull them into his images, and instead they pull him into theirs. As he tells a story, Arlo can see the images of that story from the perspective of the audience.
This ability allows Arlo to understand the culture and nuance of the group he is in. As a Sojourner, when he gains the ability Any Land, Any Time, Arlo will be able to blend in anywhere, whether he's trying or not. Cassion's son, though, uses this ability to not just appear to fit in, but to understand the place. Appearances are not enough, this allows him to truly comprehend.
Arlo's stuff
*Outfitted by the Elements for this outing. Cold weather gear, rations, etc. Layers, lots of layers. *A small axe/ pick axe for cutting wood and breaking through ice. *An oiled leather, water resistant tarp that could be used to create a makeshift shelter, etc. *Rope. "Tinder box. Fire starter. *First Aid Kit. *Good strong knife for cutting. *Utility, multi-use type tool (basic tools). *Leather skin for collecting water. *set of strong metal stakes/ice anchors for securing makeshift shelter to hard frozen or icy ground, among other things. *A mallet/hammer.
*Statue of a Bear: A small statue of a bear, carved from ice which does not melt. It's excellent quality - eerily so.
*A silver locket with a faded painting on one side.
*A pair of small scissors that are always sharp, never bluntand are able to cut things that would normally require a much larger tool.
*A single gold earring, recognizable by pirates and might be used to get Arlo out of trouble or bartered for a favor.
*A treasure map. The X is in the Scalvoris Mountains.
(A small piece of parchment which, it turns out, is a map of the surrounding area. It is always a map of the surrounding area, no matter where in the world Arlo is as it changes with him.)
*A small pirate coin. If Arlo is nearby another person with a coin like it (in the same room, line of sight etc), they are able to send one telepathic message. It works once a trial. Holding the pirate coin in his hand, he can make himself invisible to nearby spirits or souls for 1 break per trial
*U'frek's Shell. A small shell given to Arlo by U'frek as a memento of the time Arlo helped him. It's used it's power, but keeps a slight glow to it.
*Schubert's Statue: Although Arlo's was used up, it remains a masterwork statue of Schubert. He's smiling and giving Arlo a thumbs up.
*+1 Cassion's Gem. A swirling blue and green gem, with wisp-like clouds in it. This gem is an artifact that was sought by U'frek, Ethelynda and Faldrun. It’s mystical powers are still a mystery. Why the Immortal’s desired this artifact has not been revealed at this time. The gem is glittering and beautiful ~ every now and then the clouds form words written in Ancient.
*Edasha's Gift ~ a metal-wrought, jewel-encrusted amaryllis, symbolising worth beyond beauty: This too maintains a taste of Edasha's touch upon it in the waking world. Once only, Arlo is granted the ability to see through the eyes of another person. This ability can be activated if he has secured uninterrupted eye contact with the individual for at least five trills, and is holding the Edasha-granted item - the ability may be used any time within that same trial. Using this ability incapacitates Arlo as he moves into a trance-like state where he is unable to see his surroundings - only what his target is seeing. This makes using the ability when in the presence of others somewhat risky. The target does not lose their own sight when the ability is activated. This lasts for one break and my be used once only before the item loses power.
Weapons:
*Sword - Harmony
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*A masterwork crystal sword forged from the body of Perfection. This sword is nearly as hard as Adamantite and slices just as cleanly. On the flat of the sword two words will appear when the blade is held in the right light that only Arlo can see. The words are: "Remember me".
Harmonic Ballad:Harmony is unique as it 'sings' when the blade is swung creating a deep resonate tone that sounds similar to the long peal of a massive bell. The sound is not loud enough to startle anyone but it can be heard even amid the din of an ongoing battle. The Harmonic Ballad creates an aura around the wielder roughly twenty feet in diameter that inspires those around them to stand firm and face the enemy. Harmonic Ballad heightens the discipline of nearby allies along with that of the wielder, allowing them and their comrades to bravely face down the most fearsome of foes. [NOTE: This effect is strengthened slightly and it's radius of effect increased by ten feet when in use alongside the sword Melody
March to Arms: Arlo will find over time that, after using the sword for several trials [20 trials] that Harmony will return to his hand if he focuses enough on the sword, the blade with resonate with sound before flying into his grasp, as if borne on an invisible wind. This effect can only be achieved if the sword is within his line of sight. This ability cannot be used to harm others as Harmony will always move around obstacles before returning to it's master's hand.
*Dagger in boot.
*Lifebreath Shortbow
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On the way back to shore Arlo stumbles upon a bow in the clearing where they met the Heartmourn. It is made from yew wood but somehow seems to remain alive even though it had been rendered into a usable bow. There are little leaves and tendrils growing along its surface. The bow seems to behave much like a normal tree throughout the seasons, becoming dull and gray in the colder seasons before bursting back into greenery when the temperature warms. The bow is perhaps most beautiful during Vhalar when its foliage turns amber and gold to suit the season here
*The Staff of Arlo
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This weapon designed and crafted by Vega can be fitted to be a bow, a spear or staff, and a nunchuk. It has received a small enchantment from Aeva that protects the Staff from water damage, humidity, and rot. Additionally, while wielded, the wielder will find that rain refuses to fall upon them.
*Dead-Eye. Pistol Crossbow
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As a gift from the Lightning Knights, Arlo is given a masterwork pistol crossbow made from beautifully laminated yew wood cut from the Ywyngyll Forest that has gleaming Adamantite metal fixtures along with fifty bolts made from matching materials. The weapon feels as if it was made for his hands and is perfectly balanced. This weapon is made to contend even with armor plating. When using the specially made bolts with the crossbow Arlo will find that his bolts more successfully penetrate armor than previously.
Memorabilia and Souvenirs, etc.
*Wolf's Tooth - As a relic of Arlo's time fighting the fire wolf in the ice caves, this token imparts Arlo with an extensive resistance to being burned. He takes no damage from most burns, but this doesn't mean that he doesn't feel the pain of it, he does.
*Cassion's Hat - While in possession of the hat, Arlo feels far less tired than he would normally. He doesn't feel fatigue and remains alert for longer. He still needs to sleep just, less. 1.5x the stamina and the need to sleep only a full night's rest over 2 trials
*Nella's Pearls - once a trial Arlo can activate the necklace and it buys him 5 seconds where he is moving but no one else is (or they're really slow motion). Due to the nature of his mother - and his own way of being - in that time he can't kill / injure anyone or put a sword in a hand or a piano over anyone's head - but what he can do is get people OUT of danger. Away from the attack, out of the burning building. It buys him 5 seconds of time in which to be the hero in his own story.
*Ring - a plain gold ring with the Sevrath Favored ability of Prison with the same restrictions etc.
Prison: An offensive/defensive ability that is used to trap the opponent or shield the character. Pushing energy into the earth, the character is able to form sudden traps from dirt and stone, quickly ensnaring the opponent in a prison of soil and rock. Defensively, the character is able to draw the earth around them, cocooning in thick, almost impenetrable layers of earth and stone. This ability works well only if the user practices. Otherwise, the character cannot hold the structure for more than a few seconds, they cannot extend it for more than a few feet, and they will become exhausted from trying to exert energy to correct themselves. 
