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**Manicorn** · August 15th, 2021, 05:24 PM

"I'd rather put my tongue to a brittle desert cactus!" Zarden quickly scoffs at Orfo's banter. "But the fact remains something strange has been done to our--to our backsides--and I aim to discover what it is. To that end, I think you had better drop your pants as well. Unless..." He makes eye-contact with the orc at his side. "...you'd prefer Orazi and I to take them down for you."

Though what the leonin doesn't realize is that one of their number is already drawing dangerously far from the rest of them, or exactly what the consequences of that might be...

**Eurus** · August 15th, 2021, 06:00 PM

Zarden's casual smack doesn't prompt any reaction from the rune, but Tambourin's casual attempt to leave most certainly does. Everyone else -- Zarden, Orfo, Orazi, Killian, and Mouse -- feel an odd tingle from the mark on their asses, not exactly painful but certainly enough to get their attention. Something seems to be mentally nudging them to look outside as well, in the same direction that the gnome apprentice ran off.

Tambourin, for his part, has just enough time to wonder. The mysterious booming voice wasn't familiar, but if it was some sort of elder fae, his uncle's library would probably have information on the creature... but as he's pushing it out of his mind, he feels a growing warmth in his butt. It's not painful at first, but it continues to build up steadily, even if he stops walking.

After a few ominous moments of this, the warmth is replaced by a sudden, sharp sting! It's almost as fierce as the bite of his uncle's cane, although more oddly localized to a single spot on his left buttock. A moment later, a cool breeze touches that same spot -- not only does Tambourin have the same mark as the others, but it's glowing bright red, and has somehow burned a small hole in his clothes and undergarments right over the mark so that its crimson glow is easily visible! Anyone looking out from the shrine can easily see it.

**Zollith** · August 15th, 2021, 07:44 PM

"AIIIIYAAAAARGH!!"

If the others are not drawn to Tambourin's location by the mystical bond making itself known, they would be alerted by a shrill, piercing shriek that reverberates throughout the green.

A brief moment later, the gnome has clambered back up to where the others are, grumbling pitifully to himself all the while as he keeps a hand on his left buttock. A keen ear may hear mumbled complaints such as how could something like this happen to him, what did he do to deserve this, is he some sort of cosmic butt of a joke etcetera etcetera. Eventually, he finally acknowledges the group he begrudgingly rejoins and grumpily asks, "Are there any tailors among you I can commission? Some nasty prankster seemed to have zapped a hole right through the seat of my robe."

**Eurus** · August 15th, 2021, 07:55 PM

Even after Tambourin returns, the mark hasn't stopped glowing! It's warm to the touch, and prickles quite painfully. Covering it with his hand mostly works, but you can clearly see red light shining between his fingers... everyone else's marks seem to have gone back to normal, or as "normal" as these mysterious butt-glyphs can be.

**Manicorn** · August 15th, 2021, 10:13 PM

"What happened?" Zarden asks, bending down to examine Tambourin's small backside as well. His eyebrows knit in concern as he sees a mark there just like the one they all sport. If the marks can produce pain as well as simple embarrassment, then that is... not good.

**Zollith** · August 15th, 2021, 11:10 PM

Tambourin gets visibly perplexed about his rear being inspected, but only takes a moment to internally reason that Zarden's interest in gathering information about the strange phenomenon is earnest. Therefore, with a long sigh, he shifts and gathers up his damaged garments out of the way so the druid to examine his glowing rune, as he is not quite flexible enough to look at his own buttock.

"I believe I felt a growing twinge where you are looking by the time I made it to the path," the gnome explains, "I felt it more as I got further and further away, until a sudden stinging sensation struck my delicate posterior." He looks around and sees others are inspecting each others buttocks as well, along with a glimpse at their own versions of the rune and wonders if it is something he may recognise. He does not forget Zarden's gaze, however. "Must I expose myself much longer? I know for a fact I risk ending up over someone's knee for offending their eyes with my indecency..." he snaps anxiously.

**Manicorn** · August 15th, 2021, 11:36 PM

"Of course not," Zarden tells him to assuage his fears. "You're safe enough with us. Although--I do have some experience with the healing arts. Would you mind if I attempted to... heal this mark you bear?" He coughed. "It would require me to... touch the relevant area for a short while."

**Eurus** · August 15th, 2021, 11:39 PM

Tambourin can tell a few things by looking at the marks. First, although it's clearly some sort of rune or glyph, it's not in any language he recognizes. It's not a normal arcane sigil, either. On the other hand, he's sure that it's magical in nature, and that the marks on all of their buttocks are connected. They're probably anchors for some sort of spell that has been laid upon the entire group, but the nature and origin of that spell is deeply unclear. He might be able to figure out more with access to a proper library.

Orazi can tell that this obviously isn't a normal tattoo, but the resemblance to one might be intentional. For some reason, it's putting him in mind of the sort of matching tattoos that he's seen on mercenary groups and warrior clans, even knightly orders.

**Zollith** · August 16th, 2021, 12:04 AM

After a brief moment of consideration - mostly considering the druid's reassuring nature and the idea of the persistent sting being soothed, along with what he can theorise about the marks - he answers Zarden with a slightly softened grumble. "Oh, very well...I doubt it will rid us of what may be branded anchors for some sort of strange and advanced enchantment, but I will deeply appreciate some alleviation from this horrid stinging. Do whatever you must." Despite his usual harsh tone, the gnome has more colour in his cheeks as he speaks, anticipating the first gentle hand on his rump in a very long time.

**Manicorn** · August 16th, 2021, 12:28 AM

Zarden slowly nods, then clears his thoughts as he prepares to draw upon nature's aura. He can't knit wounds as well a true Cleric of Healing, but he can take care of assorted scrapes and thorn scratches well enough. He's hoping it will be enough to reduce the enchanted mark, and even dispel it completely. No way to know except to try.

His pawed hand lays on Tambourin's bottom, engulfing one buttock completely. It feels warm against the gnome's skin. And there's a slight glow of green as he pumps nurturing energy into the stung cheek...