In spite of Arlo's warning about how uncommonly slick the ice was, a full half of their party fell, straight off the dismount. It wasn't a great start, all things considered, to an outing that promised to be fraught with peril and more than a few surprises. Of course, ice was slippery under ordinary circumstances, and even his own somewhat carefree approach had probably been better not done at all. It had nearly undone him, just as it had Darius and Elisabeth.
Alas though, falling on slippery ice was one thing, though it wasn't exactly the start one would hope for. It, the really strange thing, was how soggy the pair was when they got up, in spite of how quickly they climbed to their feet.
"At these temperatures, that shouldn't have happened," he said as they were attempting to brush themselves off.
"It, the ice and the snow should be dryer than dry. It shouldn't melt that fast," Arlo added and pulled out his notebook and a pencil to jot the thought quick down. It would be wise, he thought, to keep a list of their observations as they went along, so that he periodically could ask Lyova to relay useful information back to Kura and Doran.
Alas, he'd have to make uncommonly quick work of it; for the instant he glanced down at the page to make note of the strange anomaly, Arlo realized that the ice beneath his feet was beginning to melt. Another thing that shouldn't be happening, so quickly he began moving, if only in relative circles at that point; while making note of
that too, to avoid ending up trotting through puddles. A glance behind him seemed to mirror what was happening to Darius' and Elisabeth's clothing. It was freezing quickly.
"At this accelerated rate, neither of you can afford to wait, since the layer of insulation between your body and the cold has been destroyed. And the effects of the wind are going to make that worse." Once said, Arlo tugged at the thick scarf round his neck, into which had been sewn packets of orange sand like the rest of his clothing, up around his face to reduce his exposure.
Apparently, even as they all got moving quickly, Darius already had some ideas about how to address their current predicament. Of course in a world where everything worked as it ought to, heading indoors or at least inside even an ice cave, might alleviate part of the problem, since it might act as a shield from the wind. A lethal one in this case. As it happened, however, this was no ordinary place or set of circumstances, and they couldn't rely on anything to work as it ought to. And then there was the question of what might be laying in wait inside of that cave; colorful mist notwithstanding. A legend of Isis, for one thing. Alas, their options were limited; but Arlo felt compelled to add a note of warning at the least.
"If inside Gambit's Gate, I'd advise a level of caution." If there was any other choice, given the fact that time for them was critical and options were limited? Alas, Arlo couldn't at all be sure.
"I've never visited this section of the ice caves and can't even say for sure if it's connected somehow with the parts that I have. I also can't guess what might be in there beyond swirling mist and Isis the ghost. Also," he added, laying a gloved hand flat over his chest where the wolf's tooth rested against his skin.
"If what I'm sensing is anything to go by, the four wolves I talked about earlier, back at base, may be nearby." As to whether that mattered where it related to the fix they were in or not, Arlo couldn't begin to guess.
And would the mirror even work in this place as well as Darius hoped it would? Only Darius knew for sure how it ought to function or how they could be use it. Ah, but who knew, nothing yet had gone as it might have been expected to.
Either way, he'd knock out a quick line in his book regarding the wolves and the sensation that their supposed nearness induced, just in case, then pulled out a small piece of jerked beef from his sack to chew on as they moved closer to Gambit's Gate. It was one of the very small drawbacks to being Cassion's son, and being granted greater physical strength and endurance than was the norm. It kept him hungry, really hungry; and required him to keep fed to maintain that.
"A damned inconvenience," he whispered, muttered, under his breath.
Arlo had kept to the rear of the pack as they moved, intent on observing what he could, when he could. And that meant that Darius entered the gate. In keeping with his own thoughts though on taking a longer look at the statues, for it might prove to be very, very important, Arlo had lagged behind and then paused outside the entrance. As he remained on the move nonetheless, in a somewhat oblong pattered, he dipped into his sack and pulled out a map to have a quick look at. A so called treasure map of the surrounding area that he hoped might be of some use.
"I'll be happy to hold Elisabeth's things," he called out through the opening, when Darius called out to him.
"I'll do it here outside if you don't mind. I'm sure Elisabeth would appreciate the extra privacy while she changes without an audience, and I'd like to take the time to examine these statues while we still can, and have a look at a map I brought with me." All things considered, probably better to do that outside in the light a few stones throw from the entrance, even with the mist, than inside tighter quarters where visibility might be worsened by dark and colored mist. Or ghosts named Isis buzzing away in his ear.
If Elisabeth was happy for him to hold her sack, or whatever, he'd accept the burden, should she choose to join Darius inside. It was no problem really, and he'd sling whatever she gave him across his shoulder, balanced off with his own pack, while moving, constantly and veering off just a bit to get a closer look at the statues. An uncommon collection of exceptionally uncommon creatures, Arlo thought while getting a closer look at the statues.
And not surprisingly, at least to him, it struck him that while the subject matter was definitely a departure from anything he'd witnessed before, they couldn't help but cause him to wonder; the similarities between
these, and the statues he'd spoken of back where they'd gathered, all of them together.
"All these statues, they're disturbingly similar to the ones I talked about before," he said to anyone remaining nearby, or called out to those in the cave, were they capable of hearing him at this distance.
As for Darius' question about their once wet and now frozen clothing, should Arlo have been in the position of hearing it, he'd call back,
"I'd say they'd dry out eventually, even while frozen, but not if they're balled up and stuffed in your sacks." A freshly washed blanket, after all, wet and then frozen from being hung up in the freezing outdoors,
would dry eventually through a process that Arlo wasn't remotely science-y enough to either explain or completely comprehend in those terms. A physicist might be able to set him straight in that regard, and yammer on about vapors and
subjugationsublimation; in which case said scientific explanations would sail right over his more practical head.
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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.
*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.
