Jeremy and Remy stared at the pair of Herbearvores which came charging in. Herbearvores, more powerful than Brown Bears, which could easily tear them apart.

‘We’re going to die,’ they thought, knowing the difference between Iyrmen and the large creatures.

Battle Order

D20 + 1 = 5 (4)

The bears roared as they charged forward, one towards Jaygak and the porters, the other towards Jurot and Kitool.

Jurot clutched his axe tight. Seeing the Herbearvores had filled him with a momentary panic, the faces of his mother and father flashing in his mind, before the faces of Turot and Lanarot appeared. He tried to cut at the Herbearvore, but it tore its claws across his side, rending his flesh, before biting deep into his shoulder. Jurot roared in pain as the rage filled him, and he gripped his axe tighter.

“Dunes!” Adam shouted, panic setting deep within him, seeing the bloodied Jurot.

However, as Jurot stood, covered in his fresh blood, there were a pair of shouts as Jeremy and Remy, who had been clutching at their spears, fell to the mighty blows of the Herbearvore, which had easily torn them apart like paper with her mighty claws and teeth.

“Dunes!” Adam shouted again, unable to even comprehend the scene. ‘Jurot’s in trouble,’ Adam thought, the chill beginning to set in. “Get them up!”

“It is not your time to die,” Dunes chanted, his Mana coursing through him, his voice healing Jeremy, who blinked awake. He dropped down and pressed a hand against Remy, hoping that his Trick would be enough to stabilise him for the moment.

Warrior Spirit: 3 -> 2

Attack (Flanking)

D20 + 8 = 12 (4)

D20 + 8 = 10 (2)

Omen: 10, 18

10 + 8 = 18

Hit!

1D6 + 2D6 + 6 = (2)(3, 6)

17 damage!

His blade cut through the Herbearvore beside Jurot, flashing white as it seared the screaming beast. ‘Damn it!’ he thought, leaving Dunes and Jaygak against their own Hearbearvore. He knew that Jaygak wasn’t as powerful as Jurot or he, but Jurot had taken a heavy blow from the Herbearvore, and he wasn’t sure just how powerful Dunes was either. ‘Really? Two fucking Herbearvores, you bastards? Just you wait until we meet again!’

However, in order to pierce through the Herbearvore, he had plucked a Thread of Fate.

Jaygak, with all the desperation she could muster, swung her blade wildly against the Herbearvore. Yet, even with Dunes beside her, ready to face the creature, her blade missed. ‘What?’ she thought, sure she was going to strike it.

Onward Soar: 1 -> 0

Mana: 8 -> 7

Spell: Healing Word

1D3 + 3 = 6 (3)

Attack (Flanking)

D20 + 8 = 24 (16)

D20 + 8 = 19 (11)

Hit!

1D6 + 2D6 + 6 = (1)(2, 6)

15 damage!

“Jurot!” Adam exclaimed, channelling his Mana to fill the Iyrman with great strength.

Jurot’s rage had taken root in his body, and he swung his axe towards the giant Herbearvore, though he managed to cut off some of its fur, but the renewed strength had filled him relief.

Though Jurot’s attack had missed, Adam, inhaling deeply, struck the beast again, cutting through its shoulder, causing it to roar in pain. “Kitool!” Adam called, though before he could command her, the Iyrman struck the Herbearvore with her staff, almost crushing its skull. “Get to Jaygak!”

The Herbearvore struck Jurot across his front again, scraping off his skin with ease, almost causing the Iyrman to fall. He was barely conscious as the Herbearvore threatened to kill him.

Kitool was unsure if she should leave Jurot, considering how hurt he was, but Jaygak would need her too. Still, she found her legs were shaking, and her body was cool with sweat.

Dunes, leaving Jaygak by herself, grabbed onto Jurot and filled him with his magic, healing the Iyrman’s wounds.

Adam cursed under his breath, having expected Dunes to stay beside Jaygak. The chaos of the battle was filling him with uncertainty, though it was quickly washed away with fear as a claw crashed against his side, the puthral plate mail protecting him barely. ‘Fuck!’

Jurot, with his great strength, struck the Herbearvore with his mighty axe, cutting into the creature’s side. As its blood spilt, Jurot was renewed by the creature’s life force. He grit his teeth, grinning wide. “Today is not the day I die!” He dared to defy the heavens, for the blade in his hand was heavy with bloodlust.

A spear struck the other Herbearvore, which roared as it turned towards Jeremy, who had earned its ire. It was healthy, and eager to feast.

“Get away from him!” Jeremy shouted, stumbling backwards. He had lost the strength in his legs, as the bear charged towards him. ‘Sorry, Remy. I think this is it for me.’ He covered his face with an arm, shutting his eyes tight, not wanting to see his demise.

Warrior Spirit: 2 -> 1

Attack

D20 + 7 = 21 (14)

D20 + 7 = 11 (4)

Hit!

1D6 + 2D6 + 6 = (2)(4, 6)

14 damage!

It was fortunate for Jeremy that Adam’s heart could not bear the guilt of his death, with the Half Elf leaping away from the Herbearvore beside him, which was focused on killing Jurot, and drove his blade deep into the Herbearvore’s leg. “Did you think I’m the same as back then?” Adam asked, tearing his blade out of its leg. “I can handle you by myself!”

The shout, meant for the ears of Jaygak and Jeremy, spurred them into action, as they quickly moved aside to support the other three locked in combat with the heavily injured Herbearvore. Jaygak managed to barely strike the other creature, her heart pounding wildly as she struck the creature, which roared, on the cusp of its life.

Kitool managed to strike the creature with her staff, standing beside Jaygak as the pair cut off its retreat. However, due to their actions, the creature was stuck between them, meaning it retained its focus on Jurot, who cut into it, healing again with his weapon’s power, before it crushed his shoulder with another bite. Jurot roared, and slumped, the rage leaving his body as it was replaced by unconsciousness.

“Jurot!” the pair of Iyrmen yelled.

Adam dared not look back as the Herbearvore in front of him swiped at him, scratching against his plate mail. He ducked under its bite, the sounds of its mighty jaws clamping causing him to keep his entire attention onto the beast. He’d have to entrust in his companions for now.

“Who said he’d be dying today?” Dunes asked, placing a hand against Jurot’s back. Though he was ready to strike with his blade, he understood his role in this combat, and he would be keeping the people alive, as long as they were able to deal with the Herbearvores.

Jeremy, whose cousin had been helped by the War Priest, thrust his spear into the creature’s side. “Are you sure you can kill it?” he asked, his body telling him to flee, but he couldn’t leave his cousin behind. The Herbearvore landed atop him, and he screamed, before his eyes rolled back into his skull.

Warrior Spirit: 1 -> 0

Attack

D20 + 7 = 21 (16)

D20 + 7 = 11 (8)

Hit!

1D6 + 2D6 + 6 = (5)(2, 4)

17 damage!

Adam drove his blade into the Herbearvore’s chest, which roared in pain before it slumped towards him. He stepped aside, quickly spinning to see Jurot on the ground, Dunes over him with his shield on his knee, not strapped to his arm as of yet. He hadn’t the time, but he needed it for his spells, and so held onto its edge instead.

“Jurot!” Adam shouted.

Kitool and Jaygak struck the Herbearvore, only to realise it had been slain by Jeremy, who had passed out from fear.

Mana: 7 -> 6

Spell: Cure Wounds

1D6 + 3 = 7 (4)

Adam dropped beside Jurot, slapping him across his back as he channelled his Mana, filling Jurot with his healing magic. Jurot gasped for air, noting he was face down on the dirt, and he rolled over.

Seeing Jurot was fine, Adam breathed a sigh of relief. “Fucking hell,” he said, dropping down onto his ass. He panted for air, and though he hadn’t been struck once, his plate mail managing to protect him from a harsh blow, even if it was now scuffed from the battle.

Victory!

Herbearvores

+100XP

XP: 2100 -> 2200

“Thank you,” Jurot said, staring up at Adam and Dunes. The pair had healed him in the battle, which had threatened to take his life.

“Any time,” Adam said, quickly healing the other two, and healing Jurot once more.

Mana: 6 -> 5

Spell: Cure Wounds

1D6 + 3 = 9 (6)

Mana: 5 -> 4

Spell: Cure Wounds

1D6 + 3 = 9 (6)

Mana: 4 -> 3

Spell: Cure Wounds

1D6 + 3 = 6 (3)

“Why do you need me?” Dunes asked, noting how much Mana Adam possessed. Not only were his sword skills greater than his own, but his Priestly abilities were greater too.

“The same reason why there are three Iyrmen,” Adam said.

“I’m alive?” Remy asked. “Oh sweet Mother Soza,” he whispered.

Jeremy slapped the man’s shoulder, laughing hysterically as they somehow managed to survive.

“Let’s pick these Herbearvores up and leave,” Adam said, glancing around the forest.

“We need to rest,” Jaygak said.

“No,” Adam said. “We need to leave, now.” His tone was sharp, and he was already squatting down to lift the Herbearvore.

Jaygak hadn’t expected Adam to snap back at her, though she noted how Jurot had gone to assist him in lifting the Herbearvore, so kept quiet.

“If something comes, we’ll drop ‘em and run.”

They rushed back to the town, where the walls welcomed them with their stone. The porters had some light trouble, but with Jaygak’s assistance, they had managed to carry their palanquin back.

A guard whistled, noting the two Herbearvores. “How the hell did you manage that?”

Adam shook his head. “Unbridled rage.”

The guard stared at Adam and slowly nodded his head. “Alright, well, why don’t you head inside.”

Currency: 19CP -> 16CP

Dunes managed to walk in without paying anything, but Adam didn’t question it.

When they were finally at the guild, Braun stared at the Herbearvores. He blinked twice, once for each creature, before looking to the group. “I heard you were going to hunt some wolves.”

“There were some complications,” Adam said, dropping down onto a seat. His entire body ached, though he could only imagine Jurot’s pain.

Quest Complete: Herbearvore Hunting

XP Gained: +300

XP: 2200 -> 2500

Stamps Gained: +2

Stamps: 14 -> 16

Currency Gained: +450GP

“If you had used blunt weapons, we would have paid out roughly a thousand gold,” Braun said.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Adam said, paying out the money to the rest of Fate’s Golden.

Currency: 14GP -> 74GP

Currency: 74GP -> 54GP

“You’re giving us so much, boss?” Remy asked, staring at the coins.

“Yes,” Adam said. “We’re taking tomorrow off, so I need to pay you for that. Consider the rest a bonus, and go enjoy yourself with your family.”

Jeremy and Remy stared at the Half Elf, but nodded their heads. “Whatever you say.”

The group went to the bakery with Dunes, and Adam ordered some jam buns for everyone, as well as some bread.

Currency: 54GP -> 53GP

“Two Herbearvores?” Pam gasped, staring at Jurot and the rest. “Are you okay?”

“Thanks to Dunes here,” Adam said, patting the War Priests back.

Dunes wasn’t sure if he was joking. “I didn’t do much.”

“No,” Adam said. “You did much more than you think. Without you, at least one of them would have died. You shouldn’t sell yourself short.”

Dunes nodded, enjoying his jam bun.

“They were powerful beasts, but we had managed to slay them,” Jurot said. “It was Adam who had truly defeated them.”

“No kidding,” she said, looking to Adam, who had yet to reveal his Fae nature to her. “An Iyrman singing praises of another warrior? I know it isn’t rare, but it’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“Well, you know,” Adam said, chuckling.

“I’m glad you’re all well,” Pam admitted.

“Of course,” Adam said. “Who else is going to buy all your jam buns?”

She smiled. “Yes.”

They ate outside, with Adam handing most of the bread to the porters as he usually did.

“Adam,” Jurot called. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. You?”

Jurot nodded, eating his jam bun. ‘It tastes sweeter today.’

“Since we made a lot of coin, we’ll take a break tomorrow,” Adam said.

“Yes?” Dunes said, having expected them to take a break.

“Oh, right. Actually, Jurot and I used to quest daily.”

Dunes blinked.

“We went on a quest yesterday too,” Adam admitted. “We almost lost Kitool to a Brown Bear.”

“Resting is important,” Dunes said.

“Yes, mother,” Adam said, rolling his eyes. “I know that, but sometimes we have a need to make more coin.”

“What need of you for coin at this moment?” Dunes asked.

“That’s beside the point,” Adam said. “You’re sounding a lot like aunt Sonarot.”

Dunes glanced between Jurot and Adam. “Aunt Sonarot?”

“Anyway,” Adam said. “How long should we rest?”

“A day is fine,” Jurot said.

“Shouldn’t it be a week?” Dunes asked.

“Don’t you want to make more money for your good Lady Arya?” Adam asked.

“Well… yes.”

“Then we should go out multiple times a week to make a ton of money for her, right?”

“Right.”

“However,” Adam said. “If you want a week off, you should take a week off. It’s not a good idea to go out and quest if you’re not feeling it. We could try and manage a few easier quests if someone is out.”

“I’ll quest with you,” Dunes said. “Didn’t you say someone would have died without me?”

Adam smiled. “Fair point. Still…” Adam thought about it for a few moments. “Let’s take a few days off. Jurot, make sure you rest tomorrow. I have a few matters to deal with.”

When they returned to the Adventurer’s Guild, which was full of life, some of whom were pointing their way and gossiping about the pair of Herbearvores which had been brought back.

“We need to talk,” Braun said, placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder.

“How am I always getting into trouble with large, muscled men?” Adam whispered.