RWBY DnD

by Essiter1987

As the young Silver-Eyed maiden Ruby Rose sets out on her first adventure far from the safety of her home, and the young Paladin Jaune Arc tries to leave the scars in his past behind, they find their lives inevitably joined as enemies from all sides seek the young maiden for nefarious ends. RWBY D&D Campaign with actual Dice Rolls!

9. Chapter 6

A/N: Not going to lie, boys, had a brief scare on this chapter. At about 55% done the original file somehow got super corrupted and I couldn't open it at all. All I can say is, thank God for local back-ups or I might've not been about to get it out at all.

Word of advice, always have multiple back-ups for your stories, friends.

Also, would've had this, and one other story out sooner, but my job decided to change my schedule and I had to do my 12 day shift a week earlier (Yes, I do mean 12 day shift.) I think that you'll understand that I needed a week to recover from that before I could get back into writing anything, so sorry.

RWBY was created by Monty Oum

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RWBY DnD

Chapter 6

Roughly a hundred and twenty years ago the Kingdom of Arcadia was an unknown quantity on the continent of Sanus. It grew out of the Valean trade city of of the same name as it flourished and expanded out into the frontier beyond under the influence it gained in the area.

The same nation was allowed to flourish in peace for a time under the shadow of its parent Kingdom. Better that it had been put down before it grew out of infancy.

The nascent nation's influence on the surrounding territories was further strengthen by the then known Cult of Salem. The local populace took to the Cult the same as all Valeans did, with open minds and trusting natures. But when the Cult starting gaining more and and greater political power the more moderate nobles and merchants began to decry the Cult for its xenophobic and intolerance stance.

It got so bad that the leaders of the moderates, the Arc family, formed a party of like-minded individual throughout the kingdom to petition against the rising power of the new state Church.

To put down what they considered a threat to their power base and influence, the Church sent what was officially a envoy to talk terms with the moderates on the Arc's Estate. In reality, it was over a score of the most fanatical and devoted members of the original Cult backed by dozens of Grimm at their beck and call that attacked the former noble family in the dead of night. There were no survivors on the Cult's side save for one. On the Arc's side there were none at all as far as the Church was aware.

To hide their involvement in the death of the well known family the Church produced false records that stated that the family had been attempting a coup on the Monarchy and, as such, had been slaughtered as traitors. Their ruined estate was then buried under the Church's Divine magics and the remains was renamed Traitor's Rise.

But all was not well with the new nation.

The Arcs had been able to either hide or destroy the documents had held many of their allies among the moderates. Moderates who even now were doing their best to erode the Church's influence on the people. A task unknowingly made easier as the Church of Salem kept forcing their tenets and desires on the King and his council of advisors.

The King of Arcadia was not a Devout follower of the Church,merely using their power and assets to assist him in expanding his growing empire borders against his neighbors, the Vacuan Sheikh to the West, the Valean Monarchy to the East and the Independent Federation to the South. But, his Queen was, and her patronage was currently preventing the King from doing anything overt against the Church's more aggressive stance on the dispersal of the kingdom's funds and politics.

As such, this had created quite the widening gulf between the two formerly close Royals. One that threatened to split the upper ranks of the nobility in two.

In short, with a brewing cauldron of different ideologies and potential rebellion within, and larger, aggressive neighbors without, the Kingdom of Arcadia was one lit powder keg away from exploding. And, may the Gods help whoever survived the fallout.

/ /

Ruby breathed a sigh of relief as the last of the Creeps collapsed under its own weight before dispersing into smoke and ashy remains. Then she winced in pain, still hurt.

Jaune looked to her in concern, but she waved him off as she bent down to pick up her fallen bow. With a grunt of pained effort she piked it up before she went and gathered up the few other weapons left scattered around the last stand of the Arc Patriarch.

As she did she looked over at Jaune and the new armor he was wearing and asked, "Just how has that survived all this time down here in the earth, anyway?"

He hosted the blade and then the shield of Crocea Mors, revealing the Arc's emblem of two crescent moons before shrugging and answering with, "I don't know. My sisters used to say the old sword was magic. I never believed them."

He swung the blade down, a faint gush of wind was pushed forth from the momentum behind the simple stroke, before twisting it in his hand, spinning the blade as he went through a series of swings, cuts, and maneuvers at a rapid pace before coming to a stop just as quickly. She saw him grin faintly as he looked at her fondly and said, "I guess they were right, after all."

She smiled back at him before she finished putting the last of the non-magical weapons in her backpack. She was sure that the two of them would be able to get something for the rusted pieces of metal at the nearest blacksmith. That, or she could use the metal for… something, after she melted it down, of course.

She turned to find Jaune staring down at the remains of his father, a frown on his face. She stepped towards him hesitantly before asking, "Jaune?"

He looked at her before going back to staring at his father again, "I don't want to leave him here. Not like this."

He then proceeded to gather up his father's remains before placing them as gently as possible in his own pack. He then looked around the remains of the room for a moment before sighing and turning to her as he asked, "Are you ready to go, Ms. Rose?"

She nodded before asking, "Is there anything you can think of doing here? Jaune?"

He crossed his arms as he thought about it. He looked around, remembering how the estate's interior used to look.

(Knowledge Check (Situational;Advantage): Roll Result: 3 + 3, 19 + 3 = 6, 22) (Saved by the Advantage. I know the feeling well after playing Baldur's Gate 3, for a bit.)

The he looked up as he remembered. He looked around once more to be sure then he said, "Though, largely destroyed, this, was my father's office. I recognize it now. And what that means."

Ruby blinked at that, and the bitterness underneath the last comment. "What does it mean?" She asked then.

It means," he started. "That my father was not expecting the attack. He would've never have let in so many, if he thought his family would be attacked."

"Oh," she whispered as she understood the severity of that answer. Her mother had died under similar circumstances. She told him as much.

She watched as he frowned at that. He clenched a fist as he gritted teeth in anger at that before sighing as he let his breath out said, "So, the Cult's responsible for that, too. I see."

He looked up at her as he said, "I swear, by my Oath, I'll never let them bring harm to you, Ms. Rose. Not so long as I live."

Ruby flinched at that before walking over to him and wrapping her hands around his as she smiled sadly up at him and said, "No. No, I would rather you didn't promise something like that, Jaune." She continued to look up into his eyes as she continued, "As I said, I don't want anyone else to die for me."

He gazed down at her for a moment in silence before nodding as he said, "Very well then." Then he turned the broken entrance to the room as he said, "Come. I have an idea of where we might find some more supplies while we wait out the night."

Ruby nodded and followed after him in silence.

/ /

It took but a minute for Jaune to walk her through the remains of his ancestral home to a room he believed was safe. By then, the sunken halls had darkened with the gloom beyond.

He gripped the door to the room firmly and pulled at it forcefully.

(Strength Check, DC10; Roll Result (Jaune Arc): 9 + 3 = 12; Success)

With a swift yank of his hand the door was wrenched away from its rotten frame. He shook the rotten bits of rusted metal and wood from his hand where they embedded in the armor of his gauntlet.

(Perception Check; Roll Result: 11 + 1 = 12)

He then looked to the left and the right then, seeing nothing the in the gloom. He motioned her into the room. She swiftly made her way inside.

Jaune followed after her, closing the door behind him. He looked inside the dark room for a moment before pulling out a torch and lighting it.

Instantly, the interior was revealed to the pair. It appeared to be some kind of armory or treasury. Though, quite a small one at that.

There were several half rotten tables, replete with tattered cloth on top. Too frayed to tell what they used to say. Around the empty tables were several dozen equally rotten chairs. There were barrels and chests.

All were stoved in and empty.

Jaune grimaced at the remains of his family's holdings before raising the torch to look at the distant wall, hoping against the obvious that what he was looking for would still be there.

(Perception Check; Roll Result: 15 + 1 = 16)

He smiled at what he saw there.

It was a large picture frame. One that was faded from the years of decay. On it was a charcoal etching of a lake with a misty shrouded island on it. He knew he had chosen correctly then and smiled at Ruby as she looked around the interior in confusion.

"Here," he whispered to her as he started over to the picture frame.

"What is it, Jaune?" She asked as she started after him, following him closely, nervous at the quiet and the darkness around them.

He said nothing as he felt around the edges of the window frame for a moment, feeling for the slightest of rises. One that only a master thief, or someone familiar with this particular portrait, would find.

(Dexterity Check, DC15; Roll Result: 19; Success)

With a subtle click, the portrait popped forwards as he pressed the button, a mere raised pinprick on the filigree of the upper left corner. He grinned at that as he pushed against the loosened frame's edge, revealing a small sealed box made of the strongest steel. There was no lock, no dial. Only a faint indentation in the shape of two crescent moons.

Jaune looked at that for a moment before swallowing and pulling up the chain from around his neck. On the end of it was a ring. Its face was in the shape of two crescents moons. The signet ring of the once noble house of Arc.

He squeezed his eyes closed at the sight of the ring and gripped it tightly in his fist. He remembered the day that ring came to him in the mail. An envelope with no address and no message. But he had known instantly what it meant when he saw what was in it.

And, only a week later, he had his suspicions confirmed by a report that his family was dead. Killed as traitors to the Arcadian Throne. His ancestral home and lands destroyed as part of their punishment.

He knew it was a lie. But he had never been able to confirm whether or not that was true. A nameless orphan with no money or title could do nothing to investigate something so serious a matter.

But, now. Now he had confirmation of his suspicions. He had received it as soon as he saw his father's corpse, and the tattered remains of his assassins. The king would've sent his own enforcers, not members of the Church.

He opened his eyes at that before inserting the ring into the indentation. He sucked in a faint breath and twisted the ring. It turned.

With a click the safe popped open, just like the portrait hiding it. He sighed in relief at that before opening the door and looked inside. He gasped at what he saw.

In the sputtering torchlight he found a pair of sealed scrolls, safe from exposure thanks to the airtight seal of the safe, as well as roughly five thousand pieces of gold. He swore at that before moving to take the coins, pocketing them in his coin purse and in pockets in his pack.

He also took the three faintly glowing gems inside as well. One was blue. The other two red. He looked at that them, trying to ascertain as what they were exactly.

(Arcana Check; Roll Result: 3 + 3 = 6)

He frowned at that, unsure as to what they were before shrugging as he put them away.

"Hey, Jaune?" He looked up at the question to find Ruby observing the image of the portrait closely, deep in thought.

"Yes?" He asked.

"This island? Do you know where it is? Have you been there before?" She asked softly, though an undertone of excitement was there.

Jaune blinked at that before walking around the empty vault to look at the portrait once more. He was right. It was a picture, a sketching of a mist-shrouded isle. He tried to remember if he had been there before, if his family had been there before.

(Knowledge Check (Situational;Advantage): Roll Result: 2 + 3, 1 + 3 = 5, 4)

He shook his head, whatever memory was there being lost to the ages. "Unsure," He muttered to himself before looking at her in question as he asked, "Why?"

She showed him the broken rose emblem as she said, "My mother said that there was something special about this emblem. Something that had been passed down through our family's lineage. A map. To an island no one can find."

He stared down at the broken silver medallion then back up at her before saying, "And, the only way to find such an island is through this emblem."

She nodded and said, "Yes. At least, that was the last thing my mom said to me before giving it to me."

"Hm," Jaune answered with. "Well, something else to ask around about when we get to the next village." He pointed at the portrait as he said, "Go, and take that with you. It might help. And, besides, it has no use here anymore."

She nodded at him and began cutting around at the portrait's edges as he made his way back to the door. He cracked it open and listened.

(Perception Check; Roll Result: 15 + 1 = 16)

At the sound of something creeping around outside he made to shut the door quietly.

(Stealth Check; Roll Result: 9)

Squeak!

The door's rusted hinges decided to make a noise at that instant. He hissed a muttered curse to himself at that as he heard whatever was out there let out a hiss of its own. A more curious one rather than something similar to an alarm.

"Ruby!" He hissed out then as he tried to move one of the tables to block the door.

(Strength Check; Roll Result: 3 + 3 = 6) (Oh no, panicking is no what we want right now!)

The heavy table barely even moved, even as rotten as it was.

Ruby rushed over to his side as whatever was out there hissed again, more alert now to the noise beyond its line of sight.

She grasped the door beside and made to help him move it.

(Strength Check (Advantage); Roll Result: 4 + 3, 10 + 3 = 7, 13)

With her help he was able to just pick up the table by one side and began dragging it towards the door. At the sound of the table dragging over the stones of the room's floor whatever it was let out a hissing, whistling shriek of alarm.

(Knowledge Check (Favored Enemy;Advantage): Roll Result: 20 (Natural 20) + 2, 19 + 2 = (Does it even matter?) 22, 21)

"Creep," Ruby hissed as soon as she heard that cry and dropped the end of the table she was on and made her way toward the door, slamming up against it. She got there just as the Creep on the other side rammed the door itself.

(Strength Check (Creep): 14 + 2 = 16; (Ruby Rose): 12 + 2 = 14; Roll Result: Creep Wins)

The door was bashed open, bowling Ruby over, as the Creep slammed into it. As it entered the room, shrieking, Ruby drew her scimitar from the sheath at her side and swung it at the creature's head.

(Roll to Attack, (Ruby Rose): 20 (Natural 20); Creep AC 14; Roll Result: Critical Success) (Hell yeah! Was not expecting to roll so bad on the stealth or strength checks but this is awesome!)

(Roll for Damage 4d6 + 4 (Silver Eyes Vulnerability) (Critical Hit); Roll Result: 5 + 5 + 6 + 3 + 4 = 23 points of damage!) (Woo!) (Eh, I know its not that much, especially in comparison to the rifle or something like the building blowing out, but still, that was cool! And, I'm a nerd. Let me have this.)

The scimitar's curved edge cleanly sliced through the Creep's head as it was in mid shriek. The lower jaw dropped to the stone floor with a wet splat, followed by the rest of the beak-like skull, the red eyes dimmed over in death, before the entirety of the corpse collapsed before her. It then faded away in the same way as all the others.

She laid there, in disbelief, gasping for breath, as the stinking, yet somehow not smelling smoke and vapor washed over her. After a moment she clambered back to her feet just as she heard the distinctive sound of another two Creeps dashing down the ruined hallway outside the room. Her eyes widened at that as she slammed the busted open door closed and turned to where Jaune was struggling with the table still and shouted, "Jaune!"

"Quickly," he ordered as he shifted the table in his arms. She rushed over and took her side yet again.

(Strength Check (Advantage); Roll Result: 18 + 3, 19 + 3 = 21, 22)

With renewed strength born of desperation they physically lifted the heavy table before walking it over and slamming it down before the door, effectively blocking any chance the Grimm had of getting it. For added measure Jaune even place a few of the loose chairs around the barricade as added padding.

There would be no way in or out now.

The two held their breaths, blades at the ready, as they heard the Grimm scrabbling around outside before breathing a sigh of relief as they heard them quiet down, having no prey in sight. Jaune turned to her as she breathed another sigh of relief before wincing in pain from her remaining injuries. He frowned at that before placing a hand glowing with golden light, closing the last of her wounds, and said, "I'll take first watch. Alright?"

She sighed with relief and nodded in silence before making her way over to her sack and laid down. She was soon asleep.

Jaune turned and faced the door, blade at the ready.

/ /

(Long Rest Benefits: Characters fully healed with all abilities fully restored)

"So, is there anything like a hidden passage way in here for us to use like that vault?" Ruby asked before tilting her head to the side as she thought about it. Then she asked as she brushed a hand through her hair, "How did that not get discovered during the raid, anyway?"

"Because," he answered as he finished putting his new armor back on, tightening the various straps as he did so. "They weren't here for a raid, but a genocide."

He paused for a moment as he went to pick up his new weapon and shield before saying, "Besides, that was the whole point of the etching. It's… too simplistic, to be thought of as the opening for a wall safe. At least, to a thief. Hopefully, anyway.

"A good thing, too, or we wouldn't have the funds we now have."

Then he looked around the confines of the room once more, thinking.

(Knowledge Check (Situational;Advantage): Roll Result: 14 + 3, 15 + 3 = 17, 18)

"Oh, uh… no, there's other hidden secret in here. There is another hidden chamber- No! Not a chamber. A corridor. If the main route out of here is blocked, I know of another way out."

"Okay," Ruby said as she set her quiver to the back of her belt and slung her rifle. "So, you ready for this then?"

He made a few practice swings to loosen before nodding at her in agreement. She nodded back before following him over to one side of the heavy table and place her hands against it alongside his.

Then they pushed together with Jaune leading.

(Strength Check (Advantage); Roll Result: 19 + 3, 18 + 3 = 22, 21)

With a sudden squealing lurch, the heavy table was half lifted up from the ground by the two and sent skidding across the floor to slam up against the opposite wall with a loud clamber. Then they moved to stand before the door as something outside let out a surprised hissed followed by a squeal of rage.

Jaune drew Crocea Mors blade as he took up a Ready Stance with its shield out in front of him. Ruby took up a position behind him with her longbow, an arrow notched and half drawn for the coming attack.

At the sounds of rapidly approaching foot stomps from outside the now unbarred, battered door, the two tensed up, waiting.

(Strength Check, DC 8; Creep (1) Roll Result: 1 (Natural 1); Critical Failure) (Huh, anticlimactic much?)

The thundering footfalls was immediately replaced by a startled squawk as something heavy struck the door causing it to shudder in place for a moment, but nothing more. The two paused at that, letting out simultaneous "Huh?" as they dropped their guards briefly before refocusing on the door once more as they heard another one of the Creeps outside.

(Strength Check, DC 8; Creep (2) Roll Result: 18 + 2 = 20; Success)

With a resounding crash the Grimm tore through the rotten door with an eerie, whistling cry. Jaune swung at it then with both hands as it came in blindly.

(Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc): 10 + 5 = 15; Creep (2) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d10+3; Roll Result: 4 + 3 = 7 points of Damage)

The mighty blow cleaved into the Grimm's armored hide, wrenching it to one side and opening it up to Ruby's own attack.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby Rose): 2 + 7 = 9; Creep (2) AC 14; Roll Result: Failure)

Unfortunately even with his attack opening the hellish creature up for a follow through by the young ranger the arrow shot by as the creature squealed snapped to one side. The arrow even missed the first Creep while it lay stunned upon the ground, shooting by over its head.

(Initiative Roll, Ruby: 20 + 3 = 23)

(Initiative Roll, Jaune: 10 = 10)

(Initiative Roll, Creeps: Creep (1) 13 + 1 =14, Creep (2) 6 + 1 = 7)

(Initiative Order: Ruby 23, Creep (1) 14, Jaune 10, and Creep (2) 7) (First, way to go Ruby with the Nat 20, but, also, why Jaune? Why do you keep falling so far down in the Initiative Order? Man's needs to get some Dexterity for his Initiative Bonus, and I know how.)

Ruby quickly notched another arrow and loosed it at the wounded Grimm before it could retaliate.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby Rose): 1 (Natural 1); Creep (2) AC 14; Roll Result: Critical Failure)

Ruby drew the bow back and to watch as the string suddenly snapped in her hands, breaking the longbow. "Shit," she hissed at that before dropping the bow to draw her scimitar.

The first Creep remained stunned while Jaune swung at the wounded Grimm once more himself. First with his shield, then his sword.

(Bonus Action, Shield Bash; Roll to Attack (Jaune): 4 + 5 = 9; Creep (2) AC 14; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc): 9 + 5 = 14; Creep (2) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d10+3; Roll Result: 3 + 3 = 6 points of Damage)

While the shield bash missed, Jaune whiffing as he misjudged the distance, the swing of his sword didn't, the blade cleaving another deep wound into the Grimm's side. It let out a keening cry before collapsing onto the dust laden stone floor for a moment before subsequently vaporizing into smoke.

Ruby ignored the smoke as she ran through it to strike the still stunned Creep.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby Rose) (Advantage from Stun Condition): 7 + 6, 7 + 6 = 13, 13; Creep (2) AC 14; Roll Result: Failure) (Sigh. I have no words.)

The strike missed, just sliding off its bony skull. Ruby snarled at that in anger as Jaune came up to attack the still stunned creature.

(Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc) (Advantage from Stun Condition): 8 + 5, 16 + 5 = 13, 21; Creep (1) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d10+3; Roll Result: 10 + 3 = 13 points of Damage) (Well, shit. Who needs Silver Eyed Vulnerabilities, huh?)

With a single swing of his sword Jaune decapitated the Creep as it lay there. It vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Well," he said with a sigh as he rested the blade of his sword on his armored shoulder. "That didn't exactly turn out like I had expected. But, still, they're dead all the same." Then he turned to his companion as she walked back into the vault to pick up the remains of her longbow and asked, "Ruby? Are you alright?"

"Not really," she replied in a somewhat more subdued manner than her usual as she began to remove the broken string before pulling a fresh one from her pack. "Once again I couldn't do anything while you had to save me again."

She slung the newly repaired bow over her shoulder as she turned to face him and said, "I promise, Jaune, that won't happen next time."

He shrugged as he wiped away the leftover Grimm residue on his sword and said, "It's of no matter to me, Miss Rose. It's… kind of my job, as your guardian."

Ruby blinked at that, thinking it over for a moment before dropping the topic, not liking the connotations of that, to ask instead, "By the way, was that magic you were using earlier?"

"When?" The Armored knight asked as he looked out down the ruined hallway for more threats.

Ruby blinked at that before tilting her head to one side as she stared at him with her silver eyes almost glowing in the dim light of the torches and said, "That one Creep. When you killed it, there was a flash of silver-white light before your blade pierced through it's neck. Your old blade."

"Ah, that," Jaune replied with a nod of acknowledgement before turning to look back at her with a shrug and a grin. "It would seem that I can do that now."

Ruby shrugged at him before walking towards him as she asked, "How? Why now?"

He gave her a sheepish smile before looking down and rubbing at the back of his head in embarrassment as he said, "Well, it would seem that you gave me the initiative to push myself once more."

"What do you mean?" Ruby then asked as they started down the hallway.

"Well," Jaune started. "For a number of years I've been… listless. Without purpose." He glanced at her before looking off into the middle distance as he continued to elaborate. "Ever since my family died, was murdered, I, I lost my way."

He paused for a moment before saying in an offhanded manner, "My magic comes from a Divine Patron. A Deity, some angel of some sort. But, also from the power of my Faith, the belief in my order's Oath, as it were."

He looked back at her and smiled boyishly as he said, "So, again, as I said, without you there to give me a push, I would've had no reason to try again, to propel myself forwards once more."

(+ 5 to Charm Stat, (Jaune Arc)

"Oh," the young woman returned with a visible blush on her face as she glanced away a subtle smile visible on her face.

(+ 2 to Charm Stat, Ruby Rose)

Then she paused and tilted her head to the side as she thought about it for a moment before saying as the two of them ducked under a crumbling support beam, "Actually, now that I think about it. I think I can use magic, too."

"Oh," The paladin asked. "How so?"

"My mom, before she died, taught me the secrets of being a Ranger," Ruby started as she squeezed through a narrower part of the corridor, briefly flushing as her bust got caught in the narrow confines before she forced her way forwards, glad Jaune couldn't see what had happened as he waited for her to go through first, standing guard for any new threat.

"In her own words," she said, "A Ranger is more than just some common hunter. They are as much the guardians of Nature, of Life, as a Druid is. Unlike Druids, though, a Ranger actively tracks down and hunts that which is aberrant to Nature."

There was a brief silence behind her. One that was more contemplative than not. Before, with a brief grunt of exertion, Jaune pushed his way through the crumbling edifice, it collapsed behind him. He stopped and stared at that for a moment before he coughed once in embarrassment as he turned back to her and said, "So, the Grimm then."

Ruby nodded in the torchlight before saying, "That. And those who would destroy the delicate balance out there. Poachers, hunters, that over hunt an area. Bandits. Sick or blood-maddened animals. Cultists like those we faced in the Capitol."

Jaune nodded at her explanation as he once more took the lead, saying almost as an afterthought, "So, the Church then."

Ruby said nothing to that. She only gave a silent nod in agreement again as she took up a position behind the taller, broader man so she could see around him.

He paused as they came upon the end of the hallway due to a cave in. He then turned to the right where a side path was and started on again without hesitation, saying, "Hm, quite the long list of threats there, Miss Rose. I'd say you Rangers have done quite an admirable job of protecting the Frontier so far."

He then muttered bitterly, "More so than we of the Order have done so."

"I wouldn't say that," Ruby instantly defended with a shrug. "The Orders, most of them, defend the Kingdoms in their own way. Guarding and patrolling the roads and towns." There was a pause from behind him before she said, "You can't really protect anyone when the very Kingdom you are tasked with defending is ruled over by the church of an Evil God, now can you?"

Jaune erupted into a bout of boisterous laughter at that before saying humorously, "Aye. There is that, Miss Rose. There is that."

She grinned in satisfaction at that as they made their way through the ruins of his ancestral home. The mood soon sobered as they came across the remains of another battle and the bodies left there.

At once Jaune stopped, staring at the corpses, or what was left of them. Ruby looked around seeing the state in which the bodies of those who weren't so lucky to sheltered from the elements became.

There were numerous skeletal remains, more so than even than that of Jaune's father's last stand, and they knew instantly that this was where the rest of his family had fallen.

He stepped forth to kneel before a body slumped against the remains of the wall opposite of them. The armored rib cage was still partially held aloft by the remains of a spear embedded in the wall. There were also several broken arrows puncturing the remains of what was once an intricate, beautiful work of art.

He stared at it for a moment before proclaiming, "This was my sister, Violet. She loved roses and flowers of all kinds. So much so that she had the local armorsmith detail her armor with them. She was three years younger than me."

He then looked over to each of the other corpses in and around the narrow confines of that pathway and began to speak as he came across each of his sisters. "There lies Rosa, my eldest sister. She was a strong, matronly woman with a strong zest for life. We all thought that she would've made a great mother.

"There, Saphron. My favorite among my siblings. She would tease me incessantly over every little thing, but was always the first to defend me against the machinations of the others. She was wooing a local Mistrali woman at the time. I wonder what happened to Terra Cotta."

Ruby listened in silence as he continued, going ever each of his seven siblings and the first things that he remembered about each of them, and she grieved for him. For he would not himself.

Till, finally… "Here," he said as he tore a sickle from the crumbling ribcage of some unknown person and handed it to her. "This was Violet's. For all that we were a knightly family, we had few weapons made."

She took the weapon in silence and looked it over. Much like with her new scimitar, or Jaune's sword, its surface remained unblemished for all the years caught in the elements. Its edge sharp. She looked up at him as he gave her a grim smile and said, "High quality, and tailor made for a fighting woman such as yourself."

She nodded in agreement as she stowed it on her belt. He was right. It was as light weight as it was sharp. Excellent for the kind of close range fighting they would be getting into in the future.

She was sure.

"Shall we, then?" she asked in answer to his silence. He nodded and hissed grimly, "Yes."

They took a moment to carefully gather up the remains of his sisters as well before placing them alongside his fathers in his backpack then the two left the remains of the hallway in silence.

There was no more talking after that. Not for some time at least.

/ /

Eventually, after a bit more wandering around the collapsed and dirt-ridden remains of the knight's ancestral home.

(Athletics Check, DC 15; (Jaune Arc) 12 +3 = 15, (Ruby Rose) 17 + 4 = 21 Roll Results: Two Successes)

Making their way through more narrow gaps between ruptured inner walls, broken ceilings beams and collapsed flooring, the two soon grew tired.

(Constitution Check, DC 10; (Jaune Arc) 4 +3 = 7, (Ruby Rose) 9 + 1 = 10 Roll Results: One Failure, One Success) (All that armor, Jaune, not good for Athletic.)

(Jaune Gains a Level of Exhaustion)

Though Jaune, more so than Ruby. The two took a Short Rest as soon as they could get to a relatively safe area, stopping to down some Rations and water. Jaune even dozed for a moment during the break.

(Constitution Check, DC 10; (Jaune Arc) 15 + 3 = 18 Roll Results: Success) And the Boy's right back at it. Makes sense to me, I remember Volume 4 and the implied nightly training of my favorite character. Very Main Character of him, if I do say so myself. Very Shonen.)

(Jaune Loses a Level of Exhaustion)

After the break, Jaune seemed to be doing better, while Ruby had taken the time to tune up her modified rifle again, cleaning it and patching up some more of the damage, as well as looking over her other weapons as well.

(Tinkering check, DC 10; (Ruby Rose) 11 + 3 = 14 Roll Results: Success) (Results of Success: One Time Advantage on first attack with this weapon in the next combat Encounter.)

She was able to straightened the rifles sights, giving her an increased chance of hitting her next target. This time, she'd make certain to help Jaune out with the fighting.

Once they had rested, the two set off again through the remains of his ancestral home. Jaune tried to keep his feeling about that in check, but struggled in part due to having most of his family's remains currently resting in his backpack. Still, though, he refused to keep it from doing his job, protecting the young woman next to him.

And that he would not fail at. Not this time.

(Perception Check (Ruby Rose); Roll Results: 18 + 2 =20)

"Hey, Jaune!" Ruby called to him then. He blinked and looked up to see her pointing ahead of them before turning back to him with a smile as she said, "I think I can see a light ahead."

He blinked at that and looked ahead, staring into the gloom around them. There was indeed a spot of light ahead.

He smiled at that before nodding at her as he said, "Well then, lead on, Miss Rose. I believe this endeavor is finally behind us."

She nodded back as she said, "Right."

The pair then took off as a quickened, if still cautious pace. One that was quickly ended as they came to the source of the light. It was a massive caved-in wall with light shining in from the outside. Light that revealed the desiccated remains of a battle.

There was dozens of dead cultists, or, at least, they assumed so, from the remains of the clothing as well as their rusted weapons. All of the corpses surrounded one other one in a still shining breast plate and an equally shining battle-axe still in hand. That corpse, though littered with the remains of various arrow shafts, had obviously felled the others around it as it laid there centrally in the broken open passageway.

Ruby glanced around at that before looking to Jaune as he stood there, gazing in silence at the scene. "Jaune," she asked as he remained standing there in silence. "Who is it?"

He grimaced in silence before finally rasping out, "My mother. I had hoped… But, no. I should've known not to. Not in this world."

Ruby bit her lower lip at that, seeing the sadness and grief emanating from him and made to reach out to him, only to stop as she heard a noise from beyond the threshold of the wall. Jaune blinked as he then noticed the noise as well. The two turned towards the wall just a gigantic bearlike creature entered the chamber.

"Oh, shit!" Ruby shouted while drawing her rifle and raising it to her shoulder to fire. "It's an Ursa!"

(Perception Check (Ursa Minor)(Keen Scent); Roll Results: 1, 7)

The big bear beast sniffed the air before turning to look over towards the sudden noise, not quite seeing them in the shadows. That's when Ruby fired.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby Rose) (Advantage from Tinkering Check): 7 + 7, 1 + 7 = 14, 8; Ursa AC 14; Roll Result: Success) (Hoo, just barely made it there, Rubes.)

(Roll for Damage 4d10 + 3 (Silver Eyes Vulnerability); Roll Result: 2 + 2 + 10 + 5 + 3 = 22 points of damage)

With a thunderous retort so loud it shook loose bits of the ceiling above the rifle barked and spewed forth a round that tore a gigantic gash across the shoulder and neck of the Ursa. The bear Grimm howled in agony at that blow as its front left leg almost buckled under the blow. The beast then snarled and bellowed as it gazed focused on the one who injured it, the one with the Silver Eyes, and tore off at her.

Another Ursa then bellowed behind it as it came into the ruined corridor as well.

(Initiative Roll, Ruby: 10 + 3 = 13)

(Initiative Roll, Jaune: 14 = 14)

(Initiative Roll, Ursai: Ursa (1) 14, and Ursa (2) 4)

(Initiative Order: Jaune 14, Ursa (1) 14, Ruby 13, and Ursa (2) 4) (I mean, yea, for finally being first, I guess, Jaune, but still, really? Why so low everybody?)

Jaune watched as the berserk bear beast began its lumbering charge towards Ruby and remained unfazed. He took a mere five foot step to place himself before the girl and beast coming towards her. Then with a deft hand he first tossed a knife at the creature before launching his last javelin at it as well.

(Bonus Action, Knife Throw: Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc): 11 + 5 - 5 (Bonus Action drawback) = 11, Ursa (1) AC 14; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc): 1 + 5 = 6; Ursa (1) AC 14; Roll Result: Failure)

He watched with a grimace as the the knife bounced off the armored skull of the Grimm while the javelin flew over its charging form. He could do nothing else beside bracing for the impact of its sheer bulk.

Only to watch as it hurled on by him for Ruby in a blind rage.

The woman in question ignored the Grimm charging at her to target the next one, firing her rifle once more.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby Rose): 4 + 7 = 11; Ursa AC 14; Roll Result: Failure)

(Perception Check, DC10; (Ruby Rose) Passive Perception Score: 12, Roll Results: Success)

She gritted her teeth as the shot went wide before glancing upwards as a pile of dust and sand fell down on her shoulder and side-stepped in behind Jaune back, brushing inside the enraged Ursa's reach to do so.

The second Ursa bellowed at the sound of the rifle, shaking the room with its roar, and began to make its way towards the only figure it could see before it attempted to maul him with claw and teeth.

(Roll to Attack Ursa(2) (Claw): 9 + 5 = 14; Jaune Arc AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll to Attack Ursa(2) (Bite): 15 + 5 = 20; Jaune Arc AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

But both attacks failed to bypass the man's armor as he dodged the obvious swipe of the bear Grimm's claw and blocked its bite with his shield. Then he counter-attacked, wielding his new sword two-handed.

(Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc): 17 + 5 = 22; Ursa (1) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d10+3 plus 2d6 for Flame-tongued plus 2d8 for Divine Smite (plus an additional 1d8 against Undead or Fiends); Roll Result: 8 + 3 = 11 + 5 + 6 (Flame-tongue) = 22 + 7 + 7 + 7(Divine Smite) = 44 points of Damage!) (Holy shit!) (Also, I forgot to add the additional damage to the attack last chapter - the Creep was killed either way.) (Also, just realized how similar this seems to that epic moment in Volume 1 with the Ursa Major. Coolest moment for Jaune, ever. He's had others, but none that have really reached the level of that scene. Although, the Lancaster meme involving Ruby when he first reveals the sword - sword from Volume 4 is pretty good, too.)

Ruby watched on in amazement as the man's blade suddenly caught on fire in mid-swing before he cleaved the blade through the Grimm shoulder, tearing it all the way through. Not half a moment later the wound exploded in silver light, vaporizing the beast in one fell blow.

Jaune then turned to face the other Grimm as it made to once more attack Ruby.

The Grimm shook the last traces of the rage from its gaze before closing with Ruby once more. Jaune proceeded to impose disadvantage on the creature by using what was left of the flaming light from his sword.

(Reaction (Jaune Arc):Protection-Disadvantage to Attack)

(Roll to Attack Ursa(1) (Claw): 11+ 5, 10 + 5 = 16, 15; Ruby Rose AC 15; Roll Result: Success) (Even with the Disadvantage. Damn.)

(Roll to Attack Ursa(1) (Bite): 13 + 5 = 18; Ruby Rose AC 15; Roll Result: Success) (Oh, no. I knew I should've had Jaune perform an Attack of Opportunity instead earlier. Live Ruby, live!)

(Roll for Damage: 2d6 + 4 (Claw); Roll Result: 1 + 4 + 4 = 9 points of damage)

(Roll for Damage: 1d8 + 4 (Bite); Roll Result: 4 +4 = 8 points of damage)

(Strength Check, DC 14; (Ruby Rose) 11 + 2 = 13, Roll Results: Failure) (Why does this keep happening to my man's girl?!)

Ruby cried out in pain as first the bear slashed a great line down her flank with its claw before then biting at her. She fell over prone, bleeding all over the dust and sand coated floor.

She grunted, groaned, before clutching at her wounded side and, mouthing some secret words, cast a healing spell on herself.

(Action (Spell-casting), Cure Wounds 1st level, 1d8 + 0 (Wisdom Modifier 0); Roll Result: 7 points healed to Ruby)

She sighed with relief as her wounds began to close. Then she looked up at the ceiling and swallowed in fear and started to back away from the bear again.

It to that as an opportunity to bite at her again.

(Reaction: Attack of Opportunity (Ursa (1); Roll for Attack (Advantage from Prone): 7 + 5, 6 + 5 = 12, 11; Ruby Rose AC 15; Roll Result: Failure)

Fortunately, this time the bear miscalculated and Ruby dodged the bite as it snapped her way, ducking backwards as it snapped at her. She felt the fetid breath of the creature as it did so before continuing on scooting backwards away from the beast, and the ceiling.

(Perception Check, DC10; (Jaune Arc) Passive Perception Score: 11, Roll Results: Success)

As Jaune made to move over to Ruby and heal her he looked up at the sound of cracking from overhead. Just in time to see a portion of the roof collapse inwards from the sonic vibrations of the gunshots.

(Reflex Save, DC 12; (Jaune Arc) Roll Result (Advantage from Perception Check): 4 + 3, 8 + 3 (Athletics) = 7, 11; Failure)

(Reflex Save, DC 12; (Ursa (1) Roll Result: 12 + 4 (Athletics) = 16; Success)

(Roll for Damage, Damage from Rock Fall 2d6; Roll Result: 5 + 6 = 11 points of damage to Jaune and 5 points of damage to Ursa reduced to 3 for Ursa (Resistance)

(Strength Check, DC 12; (Jaune Arc) 11 + 3 = 14; (Ursa(1) 13 + 4 = 17; Roll Results: Two Successes)

And was unable to dodge in time as the pile of debris slammed into him and the remaining bear Grimm. Both, at least, were able to withstand the crushing debris and stood their ground.

Jaune sighed at that before looking over at the Grimm with a mixture of embarrassment and resignation just as it looked over at him with the same type of look. He nodded at it before suddenly swinging his still flaming blade at it -

(Roll to Attack (Jaune Arc): 15 + 5 = 20; Ursa (1) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d10+3 plus 2d6 for Flame-tongued; Roll Result: 7 + 3 = 10 + 1 + 3 (Flame-tongue) = 14 points of damage)

- And lobbed its head off.

He proceeded to go and help his companion back to her feet as she continued to lay there in exhausted pain. Then he cast Cure Wounds on her and Lay on hands on himself.

(Action (Spell-casting), Cure Wounds 1d8 + 2; Roll Result: 6 + 2 = 8 point healed to Ruby)

(Swift Action, Lay on Hands (Self): Heal 5 HP)

"Owwie," Ruby whined as she looked down at her shredded armor and clothes to see the majority of her wounds closing up. "That really, really sucked. Darn it."

Jaune snorted softly at that and the corner of his mouth almost twisted upwards in a smile. Then he cleared his throat as he began with, "That, could have gone better, Ruby. Far better." Only stopping to glance up at the ceiling in concern as a shower of dust once more rained down at the tone of his voice.

She nodded and winced again, still clutching at her side as the residue pain throbbed. "Yeah, and it had started so well, too! Ow!" She chirped in reply only to yelp as she stepped wrong and was jolted from the remains of a pair of cracked ribs.

"Hm," Jaune returned before walking over to the remains of his mother and looking down at it in silence for a moment. Then he unbuckled the silvery white breastplate and held it out to Ruby as he said, "Here, you need better protection."

Ruby paused at that, before nodding and hesitantly holding her hand out to take the armor. Jaune said nothing as he then wrapped up his mother's remains as well as attaching the battle axe next to the remains to his belt.

Then he merely said, "Come," over his shoulder as he made his way outside the ruins of his home. Ruby paused at that, mostly to don her newer armor, before making her way after him.

/ /

They took a moment to bury Jaune's family in a series of small graves next to a tree he remembered being fond of. They had broken Ruby's shovel while doing so, but she found that to be a trivial thing, especially when in comparison to what Jaune was currently feeling.

And that was pain. Plain and simple.

He didn't say anything. Hadn't the entire time that he had dug the holes, beyond a gruff refusal on his part when she tried to help. All he did was weep silently as he prayed for them and stared off into the middle distance.

Eventually, he nodded silently to himself before donning his helm once more and turn to her with a small, sad smile. He seemed to blush beneath the metal as he said softly, "Miss Rose. Ruby. Thank you for this. I know that we didn't really have the time, but, uh… Thank you."

Ruby smiled beatifically up at him as she said, "There's nothing to apologize for, or thank me for. This was important to you. I was happy to help." She then kicked at the remains of her shovel as she said, "Though, maybe, don't break my shovel next time, yeah?"

Jaune let out a short laugh at the joke before nodding as he replied, "Agreed."

She smiled back at him again as her eyes shone brightly in the deepening night light of the evening. Then the two set off once more, having no idea at how well their little misadventure had saved them from their pursuers.

(+ 15 to Charm Stat, (Jaune Arc) Personal Quest: Of What Remains completed) (Passive Bonus unlocked)

(Sorry for putting a bit of Dragon Age content in this DnD story, but, well, I kind of already did that with the Charm Score, anyway. That being said, I do now have a Dragon Age - esque story on FF now. One where YOU are the character. Or, will be, should I get anyone to leave a review on what they want the character to be. Already have one review for that. Still, more would be nice. Hint - hint, wink - wink)

(+ 5 to Charm Stat, (Ruby Rose)

/ /

A couple of hours later, after the two had found a safe place to rest, the two were sitting around a fire as they rested for the night. Jaune was currently polishing his new weapons after checking them over for damage while Ruby was once again tinkering with her new rifle, trying to repair it with what she had at hand.

(Tinkering check; (Ruby Rose) 18 + 3, = 21, 1 (Nat 1) Roll Results: One Success, One Failure) (Results of Success: One Time Advantage on first attack with this weapon in the next combat Encounter.) (Results of Failure: Chance of misfire on next usage increased by 50%)

It wasn't going well.

Oh, it wasn't all bad. She was once more able to straighten the sights to improve her chances of hitting her next target, but it came with the caveat of the rifle possibly breaking on her afterwards, and she just didn't have to tools to repair it if that happened.

"Hmm," she mused as she checked over the rifle once more, thinking about what else she could do to improve the weapon. Maybe something to reduce the recoil? Then she'd be able to fire it more quickly. Of course, that might be countered by a reduction of damage or accurate.

Or, it could break entirely.

She sighed at that. What was a girl to do?

"Problem?" Jaune asked softly while he worked on his own weapons. She she blinked and looked over at him, having actually forgotten that he was still up, being so engrossed in what she was doing.

Finally, she shrugged and said, "Nah. Not really. It's just, I wish I could do more, you know? The last three battles that we've been in you did the most work, and saved me repeatedly. I need to get better if I'm going to survive this journey with you."

Jaune seemed to almost smirk at that as he went back to polishing his blade one final time before sheathing it. "I wouldn't worry about it too much, Miss Rose. You aren't a trained warrior like me." Then he stood before turning to walk over to his bedroll to sleep for the night as he said, "I trust you to back me up in case things get serious, just like they have. As I hope that trust me to do the same for you."

Ruby smiled at that as she said, "I do, Jaune. I do."

He smiled at at her before bedding down for the night, saying only, "Night, Ruby."

Then he turned and quickly fell asleep.

Ruby continued to smile at that as she took watch, remembering how cool he had been as he ignited that very sword before using it to kill the one Ursa. He had looked so cool as he did so. Perhaps, one day she could do the same with her own weapons. They seemed to be magical, too.

Maybe fire, or ice? She mused over what she wanted for her weapon upgrades for the rest of her watch as the pair finally had a night of peace.

/ /

Early the next morning the two gathered up what few supplies they still had and started down the narrow path next to their camp. According to Jaune, there was a small village close by called Sunsett that they could gather supplies before continuing on with their journey.

According to what he remembered, the village, while nominally a part of the empire of Arcadia, was actually independent of the theocratic nation's rule. Though, they were quick to kowtow to any demands, should a representative of the Crown show up.

They would find no shelter there.

With that in mind Ruby was quick to put her hood up while doing her best to hide just how rich her new vestments were. Jaune, on the other hand, had no such ability. He would go in as he was, a knight of the Sacred Order of Light, and damn be the consequences.

Ruby had secretly approved of that mindset.

It took much of that day, even with Ruby's aid while in the forest, for the two of them to reach the village. Once there, they had a brief hiccup with the Arcadian Lion guards stationed there due to the time of day.

(Deception Check, DC 8: (Jaune Arc) 14 + 2, = 16; Roll Results: Success )

But a quick bit of deception on Jaune's part, saying how he was escorting the young woman next to him on to the next town over as a member of the Order of Sacred Light, and the guards there gave them no more trouble before letting them pass through.

By then, it was turning towards the early to late afternoon, though it appeared later than that with the darkening sky overhead.

Once through the gates, the paladin turned to the young ranger next to him and asked, "So, what shall we do first? Supplies, or transportation?"

Ruby frowned slightly at that question, placing a thumb between her teeth as she thought about it for a moment. Then she turned to look at him quizzically as she asked, "Is this not the village that we need to go to to repair my Emblem?"

Jaune shook his head in reply before saying, "Nah. That village is further away, nearly at the border with the Kingdom of Vale." He glanced around a bit after saying that before continuing on with, "Best keep quiet about that, by the by. This village may be nominally independent from Arcadia, but that shouldn't mean you should lower your guard around any of the locals. I'm sure, by now, that there are some kind of wanted posters for us."

Ruby frowned at that before sighing and nodded back in reply. Then, as they began walking into the main thoroughfare, tapping at her chin in thought as she said, "Supplies then. I want to get some tools and parts to try and fix up my rifle a bit, if possible. And, maybe some ingredients for making bullets for the rifle, seeing as I'm almost out of them now. Oh, and some more rations - we're almost out of those, too!"

Jaune merely smiled at his friend as she continued to spout off things that she felt that they needed. Finally, he said, as she took a breath in to keep speaking, "And, what a bout transportation? I'm thinking horses."

Ruby seemed to almost freeze in place at that before turning away from him as she stuttered, "W-well, I-I mean, wha-what's wrong with a wagon? It's, it's what I used to reach the Capitol after all."

(Insight Check, (Jaune Arc); Roll Result: 12 + 3 = 15) (There's some empathy for you, even if in this situation it's for comedy.)

Jaune smirked before asking, "What, are you afraid of horses, or something?"

"What? No!" she whined back sharply. "It's just," she continued. "They're so big, you know?"

Jaune continued to smirk at his friend's antics as he said, "May'aps, it's not that they're so big, but that you're so small?"

"I'm not small!" Ruby returned indignantly, slamming her fists into her side as she practically leapt in place even as Jaune chuckled some more at her antics.

/ /

Cardin lurched out of the local bar under a chorus of boos and a pair of haphazardly tossed pints of beer with a drunken smirk on his face while he scratched at his balls. He looked around the main square for the village of Sunsett for a moment, really more a congested, cramped collection of slapped together produce stalls and animal pens in the middle of the few large scale buildings by the main gates of the village's outer wall, before taking in a deep, satisfied breath and scratched at his junk once more.

The local whores had been a bit miffed him lately, but a bit of coin tossed their way and they forgot whatever it was he had supposedly done their way right quick. And Almira had been in rare form today. He wasn't quite sure how he was able to walk so well right now, but he'd take it, and the grin that came along with it without fuss.

He chuckled then. Aye, today was looking real good right now. Now all he needed to do was get the boys together and formulate a plan on how they were going to tricking those two bounties.

Whenever they showed up that was.

"I'm not small!" He looked over towards the main gates at that shrill sounding, girlish voice. He sneered as he saw a plain-looking girl in tattered, threadbare clothes with a bow on her back strolling by with a knight in the colors of the Sacred Order. Stupid knights he thought as he continued to sneered after the two. I'm glad that I never made the cut with them. Couldn't stand to be so… subservient to those who aren't worthy of my time, let alone my life.

He shuddered as the girl kept talking, finding her shrill voice obnoxious. Gods he thought as he turned to look for his men I couldn't see myself bothering with someone so annoying for even a moment. I mean, yeah, those silver eyes are kind of-

He jerked back around to stare after the two, gasping harshly in stunned amazement. Those two, they were the bounties!

He stood there for a moment more as the pair disappeared into the crowded square of hawkers and shoppers. Then he shook himself before turning to stalk away quickly, hoping to gather his men in short order before he lost this opportunity.

As he did he found himself grinning once more. This really was looking like a very good day.

/ /

One hour later…

Jaune was feeling pretty good about their situation after that brief shopping trip. His family had had far longer ones for something as simple as clothing, he recalled.

They had lucked out and found a local woman who was selling adventuring gear, including rations.

(Persuasion Check, DC 10; (Jaune Arc) 17 + 2 = 19; Roll Result: Success)

With a bit of persuasion on his part they were able to get all their supplies, forty rations, rope, a couple of new sleeping rolls after they ruined their last ones during the journey through the remains of Jaune's ancestral home, and a new shovel for Ruby, for a reasonable rate of two hundred silvers for the lot from the woman running the shop.

Ruby seemed to find something amusing from the way the woman took to him, batting her eyes at him while offering him extra supplies as he talked with her. Jaune didn't see what was so funny about it, nor why the woman found his stuttering so attractive.

Maybe it was his armor? He didn't know.

Now, all they needed was the horses and they could get out of this infernal empire. He wasn't sure where he could find some. Maybe they should just buy a donkey or mule to carry their supplies since Ruby seemed to be uneasy around horses.

He wondered why…

(Stealth Check (?) (Disadvantage); 12 + 2, 16 + 2 =14, 16; (Jaune Arc) (Passive Perception): 15; Roll Result: Failure)

(Stealth Check (?) (Disadvantage); 13 + 1, 3 + 1 =14, 4; (Jaune Arc) (Passive Perception): 15; Roll Result: Failure)

(Stealth Check (?); 20 (Nat 20) + 5 + 25; (Jaune Arc) (Passive Perception): 15; Roll Result: Critical Success)

It was as he was thinking this that he heard a great cacophony of noise from behind the pair as they were making their way towards a local eatery the woman had recommended for them to eat at. He turned to find several barrels from nearby brewery knocked over and the apparent owner of them berating a pair of armored men as they made to get up from where one of them had fallen. They were wearing plate armor that wasn't the color of the local Lion Guard detachment.

While that wasn't strange in and of itself, it did make him curious as he took a moment to look around for anything strange in the area. After finally escaping their pursuers, he wasn't dropping his guard just yet.

(Perception Check (Jaune Arc) 13 + 1 = 14; Stealth Check (?) 16 + 5 = 21 Roll Result: Failure for Jaune Arc)

But, he saw nothing strange besides the pair of clumsy warriors.

He turned, shrugging, as he took off after Ruby again as they made their way to the eatery. Strangely enough, it was a Mistrali-named place called A Simple Wok.

They went in just as the gathering clouds overhead began to unleash a torrential downpour.

/ /

Thirty minutes later…

Cardin grimaced as he tugged at the left shoulder strap of his armor's breast plate and made his way over to where the rest of his team were waiting for him. "Boys," he said as he stepped up next to them and crossed his arms while gazing at the pair across the street from the alleyway where they hid. He turned towards the smaller man next to him and demanded, "Russell. Report."

The smaller, Mohawk-toting man sneered at his allies as he answered, "Well, no thanks to these two clods, but they have no idea that we're watching them right now. And, I'd like to keep it that way - Sky!"

"What?" The blue-haired, blue-armored man whined in turn.

"You know what you did. Idiot!" Russell retorted viciously.

"Enough!" Cardin boomed forth, silencing his men before they could begin to argue with each other. He fumed in silence as what Russell wasn't saying before turning to the two smaller, armored men to his right and said, "Sky, Dove, get the to the site and lay out our welcoming gift for the girl."

The two armored man-at-arms nodded his way before clamoring back to their feet and turned to take off again, only to stop as Cardin held up a hand at them as he said, "And, Lark, make certain not to mess this up for me. Got it?"

The blue-haired man flushed at that but said nothing in return. Only nodding as he made to follow his comrade.

Cardin then turned toward the smaller rogue to his left again as the pair watched their targets getting up to leave the eatery. "Russell," he ordered. "Go do what you got to do to get them to follow into my grasp."

The smaller man stood and nodded, saying, "You got it, boss."

Cardin stood there for a moment more as he stared at the bounties, but especially at the knight guarding the woman before grinning to himself as he backed away into the gloom behind him.

This was going to be fun.

/ /

Thirty-five minutes later…

(Constitution Check, DC 12; (Jaune Arc) 9 + 3 = 12; Roll Result: Success)

(Constitution Check, DC 12; (Ruby Rose) 17 + 1 = 18; Roll Result: Success)

Ruby stepped out of A Simple Wok with a hand placed on her belly and a satisfied look on her face. She stared out at the evening night for a moment, enjoying the first bit of piece and quiet that they had since this whole journey began before inhaling deeply. She then breathed out in a deep, satisfying sigh as Jaune stepped out next to her, holding his gut with a pained expression on his face.

For some reason, the larger warrior had only been able to just barely finish the massive meal that the shop's owner had made for them. Ruby had been fine, but maybe that's because it had been a while since her last warm, home-cooked meal.

(Sleight of Hand Check (Russell Thrush) 6 + 3 = 9; (Perception Check (Passive) (Ruby Rose) = 12; Roll Result: Ruby Succeeds)

As she was doing this she was suddenly bumped by a smallish man in leathers as he rushed by her, and she felt it as he tugged at her groped her midriff, tugging at her belt as he brushed by her. Her initial shock at having such a thing happen to her was swiftly replaced with outrage and anger as he realized that the thief had stolen her mother's pendent.

"Hey!" she shouted after the thief. "Come back here!" Before sprinting off after him.

"Ruby! Wait!" Jaune called out after her.

"He's got my Emblem!" Ruby called over her shoulder as Jaune started after her.

(Initiative Roll, Russell: 14 + 3 = 17)

(Initiative Roll, Ruby: 18 + 3 = 21)

(Initiative Roll, Jaune: 19 = 19)

(That, is actually awesome for everyone here, and surprisingly canon, in my opinion. Ruby would be faster than Russell in a straight sprint - Not in DnD, true, but in the show - whereas Jaune is much slower than either, but has a longer gait due to how tall he is in comparison to the others so he should, in theory, be able to keep up.) (That, or the food from A Simple Wok is just that damned good. You decide.)

The thief looked back in time to see Ruby was already almost on him as she dashed after him with an almost murderous expression on her face. He blinked at that in shock as he turned and dashed away himself some more.

Jaune was right behind the two doing the same.

(Athletics Check, (Russell Thrush): 15 + 10 (Expertise bonus to double proficiency) = 25; (Ruby Rose): 12 + 4 = 16; Roll Result: Russell Succeeds)

(Athletics Check, (Jaune Arc): 20 (Nat 20) + 3 =23) (What the heck did my boy eat?)

The thief did his best to dodge them, ducking into a nearby alleyway as soon as he could while dancing and dodging around the various clutter littering the main boulevard as well as the back alleys he led them down. But, Ruby was right there behind him, running with unexpected tenacity.

Jaune continued to follow along behind them as fast as he could, somehow not only keeping up at a steady pace behind the pair, but actually closing the gap between him and Ruby, quite literally chasing down the red-haired, cloak-wearing woman as he did so.

(Athletics Check, (Russell Thrush): 16 + 10 (Expertise bonus to double proficiency) = 26; (Ruby and Jaune): 12 + 4 = 16; Roll Result: Russell Succeeds)

Once more, the thief dodged around the next corner as quickly as he could, jumping off the opposing wall of the alley to launch himself down the other way, widening the gap once more as he did so with Ruby and Jaune only able to just barely see him as he vanished from their sights.

"Darn it!" Ruby growled at that even as she continued to chase after the man.

Jaune frowned, starting to think that there was something strange about this situation. After all, if this guy was so skilled at evading them, then how the heck did he fail at stealing from Ruby. Moreover, why did he steal her emblem, and not her coin purse?

(Perception Check, (Ruby Rose): 2 + 2 = 4)

As she rounded the corner, Ruby grinned as she saw that the wily thief had ducked around into a dead end. He was standing there over forty feet from her before a towering ten foot tall brick wall. There was also some other debris in the otherwise empty alleyway in the form of half ruined crates of moldy fruits and netting.

She started towards him, saying as she panted, "Alright - pant, pant - That was fun - pant, pant - I'll admit. But - pant - this game is over. Now - Whew! - Give me back my emblem, and I'll simply let you go. No mush, no fuss. Promis - AAAH!"

She cried out as a net suddenly snatched her up from below and left her hanging in the air.

Jaune rounded the corner then, shouting, "Ruby!" as he did so, having heard her cry out. He rushed down the alley as he saw what had befell her, drawing his sword as he did so. Only to stop, as he heard the sound of uproarious laughter behind him.

He turned, and found the entrance to the alley was now blocked by a trio of armored men. Two, of which he recognized from earlier. The one of the right in blue armed with a pole-arm and the one on the left in brown armor, drawing a longsword of his own. But, the third one, that one was new, and, boy, was he a massive hulk of a man, one a solid inch taller than himself and twice as broad.

"Ah, shit," he muttered to himself as he took a Ready Stance as he turned to face them. "So," he then said as he took a couple a steps back to assess the situation. "Can I help you, or…?"

"Hah, no," The bruiser in the middle said with a chuckle as he started toward him while unslinging the massive, bladed mace from his belt. "We're here for you and the girl both."

He then pulled out a pair of flyers from a pocket and lifted them up to show Jaune what was on them. He frowned, seeing a sketch of himself as well as Ruby, as the brute said, "See, there's quite a bounty for the two of you. Moreso for her, but it's only if she's alive." He grinned at that before saying, "You, on the other hand, have a higher bounty for being dead."

He laughed uproariously then as he tucked the two flyers back into his pants as he said, "And, tha' works fer me jus' fine."

"See," he continued as he finally came to a stop before the paladin. "I was once considered part of your Order, but was determined by the Knight Captain of my particular band to be, unworthy, of joining the Order beyond my initial Initiate days."

He took the mace in both hands as his grin turned into a scowl and he growled out, "Let's see just how unworthy I am now, eh?"

Then he swung at Jaune.

(Initiative Roll, Cardin: 19 = 19)

(Initiative Roll, Sky: 6 + 1 = 7)

(Initiative Roll, Dove: 7 + 2 = 9)

(Initiative Order: Ruby 21, Jaune/Cardin 19, Russel 17, Dove 9 and Sky 7)

(Roll to Attack (Cardin): 14 + 5 = 19; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

Jaune fortunately dodged the attack before returning first with a pommel strike of his own followed by a swing of his sword.

(Bonus Action: Roll to Attack (Jaune): 15 + 5 - 5 (Bonus Action drawback) = 15, (Cardin) AC 18; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll to Attack (Jaune): 11 + 5 = 16, (Cardin) AC 18; Roll Result: Failure)

Both missed, but only by the narrowish of margins as the big man snapped his head backwards away from the pommel strike before lunging to one side as Jaune swung the sword upwards in a sweeping arc. Jaune noted the grin was once more on the big man's face, and he didn't like that.

By then, the other members of the mercenary band began to form around the pair with the thief drawing a pair of daggers as he made his way slowly towards the dueling pair. The other pair continued to stay back, but it was clear to Ruby from where she hung that they were preparing to attack themselves, should their leader require it.

She frowned at that as she hung there pitiably. This was clearly unfair from the start.

Time to even things up then.

(Dexterity Check, DC 15; (Ruby) 2 + 3 = 5; Roll Result: Failure)

She struggled then to reach for her equipment only find it tangled up in the netting. "Damn it," She cursed to herself at that before looking up to see if anyone was watching her.

(Perception Check (Ruby): 2 + 2 = 4)

So far, as far as she could see, no was watching her right now.

The pair faced off again.

This time it was Cardin that struck first with a pommel strike followed by a swing of his oversized mace.

(Bonus Action: Roll to Attack (Cardin): 14 + 5 - 5 (Bonus Action drawback) = 14, (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll to Attack (Cardin): 4 + 5 = 9; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

Both failed horrendously as Jaune backed away from him before diving back in with a swing of his own.

(Roll to Attack (Jaune): 18 + 5 = 23, (Cardin) AC 18; Roll Result: Success) (Almost a crit!)

(Roll for Damage: 1d10+3; Roll Result: 9 + 3 = 12 points of damage)

The blow was so devastating it almost took the armored mercenary out in one fell swoop. The man gritted his teeth to stop himself from collapsing from the pain before he bellowed out, "Russell, Dove! Get 'im! Sky, keep an eye on the line holding the girl up. I don't want this all to be for nothing."

Jaune then made to strike at the brute before him again with the pommel of his weapon, hoping to knock him out before he could get surrounded.

(Bonus Action, Pommel Strike: Roll to Attack (Jaune): 2 + 5 - 5 (Bonus Action drawback) = 2, (Cardin) AC 18; Roll Result: Failure)

Only to fail as the man danced back away from him, clutching at the wound on his chest. Jaune grimaced at that before making to turning to face the rogue, Russell, running up to him then.

(Roll to Attack (Russell) (Advantage from Flanking): 15 + 5, 19 + 5 = 20, 24; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll to Attack (Russell) (Advantage from Flanking): 12 + 5, 7 + 5 = 17, 12; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll for Damage: 1d4+3 plus 1d6 for Sneak Attack; Roll Result: 3 + 3 = 6 + 3 (Sneak Attack) = 9 points of damage)

Jaune grunted in pain as the first knife slide in between the plates of his armor and stuck him deeply. He wrenched himself away in time to avoid the follow up attack made with the second attack and turned to face the rogue, just in time to here yet another opponent coming up to attack his flank yet again.

(Roll to Attack (Dove) (Advantage from Flanking): 7 + 5, 12 + 5 = 12, 17; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

This time, though, he was ready and ducked away from the expert thrust made by the somewhat doughy man. "Perhaps, you could hit me if you opened your eyes!" He couldn't help, but bark out as he did so.

The man in question, Dove, grimaced at that before taking up his blade in an en garde position.

(Dexterity Check, DC 15; (Ruby) 15 + 3 = 18; Roll Result: Success)

Now that everyone was thorough distracted, Ruby tried again, wiggling down with her hands to caress art her thighs and the dagger that was strapped there. She took it in hand and made to cut at the rope, but not before shouting out to Jaune in encouragement, "You tell 'em, Jaune! You got this!"

(Swift Action, Second Wind (Cardin), 1d10 + 1: Heals 9 + 1 = 10 HP) (Lucky roll there, Cardin. Also, this should technically be a Bonus Action, but since I already made the Lay on Hands (Self) a Swift Action, why not? It means at higher levels that our boy can take a licking and keep on ticking.)

Cardin groaned as he continued to clutch at his wounded side. He inhaled deeply before sighing as stilled his mind and forcibly willed his injury closed. Then he spat on the ground before bellowing as he charged back in.

Unfortunately, he wasn't thinking, or he would've flanked the man before him with either of his comrades.

(Roll to Attack (Cardin): 20 (Nat 20); (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Critical Success) (Oh, no. It's Volume 1 all over again)

(Roll for Damage (Critical Hit): 4d6+3 ; Roll Result: 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 = 12 points of damage) (Oh, shit! Jaune lives! He actually lives!)

(Constitution Check (Jaune): 2 + 3 = 5; Roll Result: Failure)

Not that it seemed to matter as he swung the oversized mace - really, a maul - into his opponent before he could properly plant his feet, and struck him solidly in the midriff, knocking him backwards and off his feet from the sheer savagery of the blow.

(Swift Action, Lay on Hands (Self): Heal 5 HP)

Jaune coughed and groaned as he rolled to a stop before placing a hand on his battered ribs and imbuing himself with divine healing magic. He coughed once more, spitting up blood, as he felt the energy restore him to some measure of a fighting shape. He stood up then, thankful to not be near either of the brute's comrades as he did so, they had both backed after their initial attacks, waiting for another opportunity to bring him down.

Jaune wasn't going to give it to them.

And that started with the rogue behind him.

He struck first with his shield then swung his sword one-handed at the man before he could react.

(Bonus Action, Shield Bash; Roll to Attack (Jaune): 12 + 5 = 17; (Russell) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage, 1d6 + 3; Roll Result: 6 + 3 = 9 points of damage)

(Roll to Attack (Jaune): 15 + 5 = 20; (Russell) AC 14; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d8+3; Roll Result: 3 + 3 = 6 points of damage)

The rim of the shield snapped towards the mo-hawked man jawline, snapping his head backwards before the edge his sword sliced a jagged furrow across Russell's torso. The two-hit combo was more than enough to drop the shorter man, forcing his other two opponents to shift around if they wanted to continuing flanking him. Which he then prevented as he moved to place his back against the wall nearest to their battle while just barely skirting the edge of his opponent's reach.

(Constitution Check, Bleeding Out state, DC 10 (Russell); 17 + 2 = 19; Roll Result: Success) (So, as per the rules for this. Our characters don't start having to do Death Saving throws, even though that's basically what this is. The difference? The saving throw is to remain conscious while in the state. Any damage dealt to the character while they are in a Bleeding Out state incurs instant death, regardless.)

Meanwhile, the rogue was clutching at the deep, jagged wound across his chest, spitting up blood through his shattered jaw and broken teeth through his teeth as he did so.

"Russ!" The other, shorter man in blue called out and made to rush to his side only for his leader to snap, "Stay back!"

"But, Cardin, he's bleeding out!" Sky rebutted, even though he remained where he was.

"Doesn't matter," the big man growled harshly. "If he dies, he dies. If he lives, hopefully he'll use it as a lesson for next time."

Then he slapped Dove on the shoulder and motioned him forward. The man nodded back and began to step in towards Jaune again.

Who stood there, waiting.

He swallowed for moment at that before stepped toward him again, then again. Suddenly, he launched himself forwards to stab at the taller man.

(Roll to Attack (Dove): 20 (Nat 20); (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Critical Success)

(Roll for Damage (Critical Hit): 2d6+5; Roll Result: 6 + 3 + 5 = 14 points of damage) (Oh. Okay, then. Here we go.)

Jaune wasn't quite expecting the sudden surge of energy from the heavyset man and was unable to avoid the sudden stab to his torso. He grunted and winced as the sword slid back out, covered in his blood. He took a step back, then another before suddenly coughing up a wad of blood as his legs finally gave out on him.

Sky merely grinned as he watched their target finally fall.

"Jaune!" Ruby screamed out in horror then as she saw her friend collapsed. She gaped at that for half a second before shaking her head and drew the dagger she now had clasped in hand. She then struck at the matted net holding her.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby): 8 + 5 = 13;NetAC 10; Roll Result: Success) (If it had been a Crit. I would have just made the damage automatic. Also, the Stat block for a Net I got from )

(Roll for Damage 1d4 +3; 1 + 3 = 4 points of damage) (Dang it! A net has five HP!)

Ruby gritted her teeth as she saw that the rope held and bit back a curse before she looked up and out at the conflict around her. The others were still ignoring her.

For now.

That wouldn't last long, she was sure.

To that end, she forced her arm through the now widen netting and flung her last dagger at the only target that seemed important right now.

(Bonus Action, Knife Throw: Roll to Attack (Ruby): 15 + 5 - 5 (Bonus Action drawback); (Rope) AC 10; Roll Result: Success) (Again, if it had been a Crit. Also, there's not an AC for a rope, so I just gave it the same as a net's. HP is only two, though, so Ruby literally can't fail this time.)

(Roll for damage 1d4 +3; 1 + 3 = 4 points of damage)

With expert precision, she flung the dagger at the bundle of ropes holding up the netting she was in as well as several others she hadn't known about.

The net she was in collapsed heavily, briefly stunning her as it struck the cold, hard ground. As did the other bundles being held aloft. All ten feet up.

And there was only a couple of people left standing in the immediate area.

(Dexterity Check, DC15: (Ruby) 8 + 3 = 11; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll for Damage, Fall Damage 1d6 for falling 10ft; Roll Result: 3 points of damage)

(Reflex Save, DC 15; (Cardin) Roll Result: 15 + 3 (Athletics) = 18; Success)

(Reflex Save, DC 15; (Dove) Roll Result: 8 + 5 (Athletics) = 13; Failure)

(Roll for Damage, Damage from Falling Objects 2d6; Roll Result: 4 + 3 =7, Full damage to Dove for failing the save and 3 points of damage to Cardin for saving)

The pair did their best to dodge the sudden falling debris, but only Cardin was able to, grunting as he was struck in passing. He shook his head at the pain then jerked his head over to where Ruby laid in in the pile of debris, and, with a sudden snarl of noiseless rage, started towards her.

The alleyway was now difficult terrain for him but it wasn't enough to prevent him from approaching her. Which is what he said as he towered over her, "Stupid, little Bitch!" And, spat at her, continuing,"All this for you?!"

"This had better be a good reward." he grumbled to himself as he kicked at her before going to pick her up.

(Strength Check (Cardin): Roll Result (Athletics): 14 + 3 = 17; Dexterity Check (Ruby): Roll Result (Athletics) 20 (Nat 20); Grappling Contest Results: Ruby Succeeds) (Way to go, Girl!)

Only for Ruby to kick out at him, struggling away from him and his fumbling hands, shouting, "Unhand me, you, you big, butthead! Jaune's going to kick your ass, and so will once I get out of here!"

Cardin burst out in a peal of laughter at that, saying as he pointed over his shoulder, "What do ya mean? Him? He's dead!" He grinned evilly at her as he tried to ignore the pain in his shin from her rather solid kick and continued with, "Soon, you'll be in the hands of whoever made that bounty, and I'll using the funds for more beer and women than you've ev'r seen!"

(Swift Action, Lay on Hands (Self): Heal 5 HP) (Remember, the rules for this is that they go into a Bleeding out state where they will die from the next attack set their way until they are given healing or are stabilize in some way before then. If he was unconscious, he couldn't use Lay on Hands at all. A bit of a cheat, sure.)

With a sudden, faint, flash of silvery light from behind him the big man turned as Ruby's eyes widen in surprised delight to find Jaune standing back up. He spat out some more blood before popping his neck and readying his sword, turning toward his nearest opponent, Dove.

As he did so, he placed a hand on his person and muttered a prayer to the Gods.

(Action (Spell-casting), Cure Wounds 1st level, 1d8 + 2 (Wisdom Modifier +2); Roll Result: 10 points healed to Jaune)

Once more, his hand emitted a flash of silvery light and they watched as his wounds continued to heal.

Dove snarled silently at that and stepped forwards to swing his short sword at the man standing there.

(Roll to Attack (Dove): 9 + 5 = 14; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

Only to snarl again as Jaune deftly dodged the attack, with little issue. Sky remained standing there, unsure as what to do, before finally making to attack at a gesture from Cardin.

(Roll to Attack (Sky): 16 + 5 = 21; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

The half-hearted gesture was then blocked by a sudden back hand from Jaune's shield as he said, "Hey, Ruby, could use some help. Mind helping me out?"

Ruby grinned at that before she rolled away from Cardin as he looked back and forth between the two. Only noticing as she left his melee range that she had somehow broken free of the ruined netting thanks to both her earlier attempt at escaping and the resulting rebuke to his attempt at grabbing her.

Finally, he blinked and swung his weapon at her.

(Reaction: Attack of Opportunity (Cardin); Roll for Attack (Advantage from Prone): 11 + 5, 13 + 5 = 16, 18; Ruby Rose AC 16; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 2d6+3 ; Roll Result: 4 + 1 + 3 = 8 points of damage)

She let out a high pitched grunt of pain as the bladed edges scraped across the back of her shoulder and upper back. Then she pulled out her rifle and fired as she came to up to a kneeling position.

(Roll to Attack (Ruby Rose) (Advantage from Tinkering Check): 9 + 7, 6 + 7 = 16, 13; Sky AC 18; Roll Result: Failure)

(Intimidation Check (Ruby): 11 + 2 =13; (Sky) 7 + 1 = 8; Roll Result: Ruby Succeeds)

While the projectile missed the man by just the barest of margins, the resulting, thunderous retort of the rifle was more than enough to cause the mercenary to wet himself with fear. He immediately dropped his weapon as he made to turn and flee.

Ruby used the sudden silence to finish standing back up and leveled her rifle at the thug in front of her, giving him an almost coy twerk of her eyebrow as she looked at him over the iron sights.

Cardin blinked at that, thoroughly confused and concerned at the sudden turn of events now befalling his band of mercenaries. He shook his head, grimacing, and made to attack her. Only to pause, as he remembered the bounty for her.

He glared at her for a moment more before turning to attack Jaune, once more. He rushed in as best he could with the difficult terrain and swung at him, yelling hoarsely as he did so.

(Roll for Attack (Cardin): 12 + 5 = 17; (Jaune) AC 24; Roll Result: Failure)

Only for Jaune to once more dodge the strike, turning with swing of his maul before moving in between him and Dove once more. He then struck out at Dove with his shield before attacking Cardin with his sword, one-handed.

(Bonus Action, Shield Bash; Roll to Attack (Jaune): 2 + 5 = 7; (Dove) AC 18; Roll Result: Failure)

(Roll to Attack (Jaune): 18 + 5 = 23; (Cardin) AC 18; Roll Result: Success)

(Roll for Damage: 1d8+3; Roll Result: 5 + 3 = 8 points of damage)

While the heavyset man once more dodged his attack, the same could not be said for his leader. Cardin grunted harshly as the blade cleaved through the same damaged area of his armor once more. He reeled back away from the paladin they were fighting before dropping to one knee, gasping for breath.

Dove observed all this, turning to look between his companions for a moment before finally dropping his sword and raised his hands, saying, "I surrender."

Sky blinked at that before looking over at the girl with the gun, and summarily bolted, dashing full tilt to the other alleyway as fast as he could, vanishing around the corner as he did so.

Ruby watched him go for a moment before slinging her rifle as she walked over to Jaune, drawing her scimitar and hook as she did so.

Jaune placed the edge of his sword under Cardin neck and asked, "Do you surrender as well?"

Cardin continued to gasp and pant for breath as he glared up at the pair in intense rage, only letting out grunt of pain as Jaune pressed the point of his bloodied sword into his skin. Finally, he nodded in submission.

"Good," the paladin of the Sacred Order returned before promptly knocking him out with a pommel strike to the temple. Cardin dropped like a sack of potatoes.

Jaune sheathed the blade of Crocea Mors into it's shield-sheath before placing it back on his armored frame as he turned toward Dove as the man stood there in uneasy silence and said, "Go. Save your friend. We will do nothing more."

"Yeah, just don't go attacking us again," Ruby snarked before turning and rummaging through the still groaning, writhing rogue's attire to recover her emblem. "Or, stealing our things!"

The man nodded at that before dropping his arms and, skirting the two, bloodied, angry warriors, made to staunch the bleeding injuries of his friend. Jaune and Ruby watched the two for a moment more before leaving the area without looking back.

---

First, a quick update on the status of our heroes.

Jaune (Level 2): 22hp, Charm Score: 39 (Source: Ruby Rose) (Passive Bonus, Level 1: By My Sword or Shield: +1 Additional reaction use of Protection/Sentinel, only in response to threats against Source of this Bonus (Ruby). +5 Temporary HP per Charm Level for each Source of this Bonus to Jaune and his allies.)

Ruby: (Level 2): 18hp, Charm Score (Level 1): 32 (Source: Jaune Arc) (Passive Bonus, Level 1: Heritage of the Silver - Eyed: +1 to Silver Eyes Gaze DC and damage roll while near the Source of this Bonus (Jaune Arc) and he is in danger. +1 Bonus to Morale Checks while within 30ft of the Source of this Bonus (Jaune Arc). This Bonus stacks with each the Source of this Bonus.

---

Then, the initial levels and stats for the final bosses of this chapter.

Cardin Winchester (Level 1, Fighter): Str: 17 (+3), Dex: 10 (+0), Con: 17 (+3), Int: 14 (+2), Wis: 13 (+1), Cha: 14 (+2); 13hp, AC 18, Alignment: NE

Russel Thrush (Level 1, Rogue): Str: 13 (+1), Dex: 16 (+3), Con: 14 (+2), Int: 13 (+1), Wis: (+1), Cha: 10 (+0); 10hp, AC 14, Alignment: N

Sky Lark (Level 1, Fighter): Str 17 (+3), Dex: 13 (+1), Con: 12 (+1), Int: 11 (+0), Wis: 11 (+0), Cha: 13 (+1), 11hp, AC 18, Alignment: N

Dove Bronzewing (Level 1, Fighter): Str 16 (+3), Dex: 14 (+2), Con: 13 (+1), Int: 11 (+0), Wis: 10 (+0), Cha: 9 (-1), 11hp, AC 18, Alignment: N

---

Why make Cardin Evil? Well, for one, because I believe an adventuring party should be made up of different Alignments, makes it more fun for story hooks. And you can be sure that that will be brought again.

Also, it's Cardin! He's clearly Neutral Evil in Volume 1. Now, whether or not he's still that Alignment by Volume 2 or even 3, well, that's up to you. I like to think that he's gotten better with time. (Maybe our first villain will make an appearance again come Volume 10. that was a joke, by the by. I know that that was actually Roman, who just so happens to appear first in this story, too.)

Also, I am trying to make everybody at least a little bit similar to what I think they might be as DnD characters, so, Neutral Evil for Cardin, Chaotic Good for Ruby (And a few others) and Lawful Good for Jaune (And a couple others).

Also, you might not agree, but, and I've said this before, Lawful Good does not prevent someone like Jaune from bending the rules/laws.

One of the better parts of the two Pathfinder games (Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous, respectfully), which you can play on PS4/PS5 as well as PC (I don't know about the other systems, but I'm sure they're on Xbox, too.), is that there's a range on the Alignment chart for each Major Alignment.

Which makes sense to me as people are individuals and not even Paladins are excluded from that. You can gets someone like Jaune, who is clearly a pretty Lawful Good character, doing some "Evil" things - Cheating his way into Beacon/Stealing Atlas Military property - all the way to the guy from the Dungeon & Dragon movie being so rigid in behavior that he becomes comedic (Also, go watch that movie, if you haven't. It's pretty entertaining. Then again, so is the Warcraft movie. Here's hoping that Warhammer movie will be, too.)

---

Finally, a couple more Grimm stat blocks for public use, if you want to use them

Grimm (Ursa Minor): Str: 19(+4), Dex: 10 (+0), Con: 16 (+3), Int: 2(- 4), Wis: 11 (+0), Chr: 13 (+1); HP: 34, AC: 14

Size: Large

Speed: 40ft

Frightening Presence: DC 14, Wisdom Save. Any Creature that fails it Save must use its movement to Dash away from the Ursa so long as it is within 30ft from it and has Disadvantage on all Attacks against it while under the effects of Frightening Presence.

Resistances: Ursa are resistance to all damage made by non magical attacks

Immunities*: Ursa are immune to Fear, Poison, and Disease

Vulnerabilities*: Attacks enhanced by Aura are treated as normal damage even with non-magical weaponry

Unnatural Anatomy: Ursa do not need to eat or drink

Siege Monster: Ursa deal double damage to buildings and objects, so long as they are made by humanoids

Darkvision: 60ft

Sense emotion: Ursa can sense strong emotions of negativity (Sadness, Fear, Anger, among others) within 120ft

Keen Smell: Ursa has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell

Multi-attack: Ursa makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws

Maul: Once per battle an Ursa can make two claw attack in addition to its bite against one target, if the target is prone

Claw: + 5 to Hit, 5ft reach. 11(2d6 + 4) slashing damage

Bite: + 5 to Hit, 5ft reach. 8 (1d8 + 4), piercing damage, and target must make a Strength Check (DC 14) or be knocked Prone

*A Grimm is treated as not being immune to Fear when hit by a Silver-eyed Warrior's Silver Gaze. And Ignores all other targets, save those under the effects of Fear or Rage.

*Any Damage dealt by a Silver-Eyed Warrior bypasses a Grimm's Immunities and deals double damage. For the next Round the Grimm is Enraged. This effect stack per turn but not per attack per turn.

Grimm (Ursa Major): Str: 22(+6), Dex: 8 (-1), Con: 18 (+4), Int: 7(- 2), Wis: 13 (+1), Chr: 15 (+2); HP: 52, AC: 17 (Spiked armor)

Size: Large

Speed: 40ft

Frightening Presence: DC 16, Wisdom Save. Any Creature that fails it Save must use its movement to Dash away from the Ursa so long as it is within 30ft from it and has Disadvantage on all Attacks against it while under the effects of Frightening Presence.

Resistances: Ursa are resistance to all damage made by non magical attacks

Immunities*: Ursa are immune to Fear, Poison, and Disease

Vulnerabilities*: Attacks enhanced by Aura are treated as normal damage even with non-magical weaponry

Unnatural Anatomy: Ursa do not need to eat or drink

Siege Monster: Ursa deal double damage to buildings and objects, so long as they are made by humanoids

Darkvision: 80ft

Sense emotion: Ursa can sense strong emotions of negativity (Sadness, Fear, Anger, among others) within 120ft

Keen Smell: Ursa has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell

Multi-attack: Ursa makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws

Maul: Once per battle an Ursa can make two claw attack in addition to its bite against one target, if the target is prone

Claw: + 7 to Hit, 5ft reach. 11(2d6 + 6) slashing damage and target must make a Strength Check (DC 16) or be knocked Prone

Bite: + 7 to Hit, 5ft reach. 8 (1d8 + 6), piercing damage, and target must make a Strength Check (DC 16) or be knocked Prone

*A Grimm is treated as not being immune to Fear when hit by a Silver-eyed Warrior's Silver Gaze. And Ignores all other targets, save those under the effects of Fear or Rage.

*Any Damage dealt by a Silver-Eyed Warrior bypasses a Grimm's Immunities and deals double damage. For the next Round the Grimm is Enraged. This effect stack per turn but not per attack per turn.