DaWay's Legacy of Fire - Howl of the Carrion King (Inactive)

Game Master DaWay

Having been hired by Garavel for the Merchant Princess Almahn you have reclaimed an Old Monastery to Sarenrae now you must launch the plan to reclaim Kelmarane as your contract details.


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Grand Lodge

Fionnbharanel wrote:

"Ah, I know that tale at least... Sarenrae herself helped Asmodeus imprison Rovagug at the end of that battle. Ah that was an awesome event, that it was. Protection and creation are wonderful things indeed. I am no warrior myself, but somewhat of a healer, when the Goddess allows. Well, if we both find ourselves on this mission to Kelmarene, I humbly offer you the promise of Sarenrae's healing touch in exchange for a little of that protection. "

Fionn lowers her voice somewhat at the mention of the mission and it's destination.

She seems fascinated by his symbol of Torag and nods sagely. "It is good you carry your god's sign with you. It shows devotion."

"Oi, gives me strength when I need it the most. This was my fathers, and his fathers before him, and has seen more battle than a 500 year old elf. It'll be good to have a cleric of Sarenrae at my side, they are some of the best healers there are"

Taldor is still a little uneasy with the gnome's magic, but knowing it's divine and given to her through Sarenrae makes him almost completely relaxed


Khatijah hadn't moved far away when the talk of gods began. She found herself fascinated with the devotion of the dwarf and the gnome, and found a seat close by to listen from. When there's a pause in the conversation, she asks them:

"I've heard some give thanks or praise to gods in the pits, but most of them called on Gorum. I'm afraid I do not know of Torag or much of Sarenrae, though the tales have shed much on these."

Grand Lodge

Taldor gets an odd look on his face when Gorum is mentioned

"Gorum isn't downright evil, but he's a destructive god that cares for nothing but war. If you plan on mindlessly destroying everything than by all means pray to him, but for true strength Ioemadae, Torag, or Caiden wold be much better"

He looks at the girl for a moment before continuing

"I may not be quite as devoted as our gnome friend here, but I follow my god's teachings. It gives you some calm and sense in all the chaos, some kind of foundation to it all"


Tolus, sitting in his chair beside them, chimes in.

"I have few options when it comes to the Gods. Not many are fond of people like me. However, I have heard and learned some of the god of all serpent-folk, Ydersius . He seems as close as someone like me is to get to having a god who I can truly relate to.

He starts pulling out crossbow bolts, coating them with light green spit, and stowing them away carefully.

perception 15:
sometimes the green substance has milky white lines in it. Sometimes not.

Grand Lodge

perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Taldor is confused by the green spit Oh no, on top of being useless in battle he's sick

"Don't know anything bout this...uh...Yidersus of yers. Only know the major gods. However if yer looking fer a good god to turn ta, none's more fergivin' than Sarenrae.

He pauses a moment to consider his action, then moves on

"Can't help but notice that funny colored spit ya got. Now I can do meh best to defend ye in battle, but if ya got some disease on top of it we're gonna be hard pressed ta keep ya alive


Sorry I'm not really clear about whether you are still accepting characters or not. In any case I submit:
Agnar The slave
Ulfen Male Barbarian

Son of Jorund the Mad Bear
Jorund sought to be chief of his tribe but his bid for power failed. Angered he took to the sea with hopes of gaining a great foreign victory to regain lost honor. 
Deep he ranged to the south and threaten the coasts of Varisia and Cheliax for years with only a small band of warriors on a single vessel. Agnar was taken at a young age to accompany him and learned the art of reaving and slaying from his father. After some years it became clear that Joround never sought to return and his loyal crew accepted their fate. Deep in the inner sea they hit a squal and eventually began to starve. Agnar was given food before all others and thus when the squall broke only Agnar (14), his father and several others were alive when the slavers arrived. Joround sent many slavers to Gozreh's depths that day but was eventually slain. His death marked the beginning of Agnar's servitude. The youth was traded and sold many times for many purposes. Throughout his enslavement Agnar learned to be quiet and observant. He learned how to fight amongst slaves for survival. He also learned to control his temper but has a lot of bottled up rage. The scars that cover his back have taught him a number of lessons. Agnar seeks to end his thralldom and find glory like a proper Ulfen warrior. He would also like to sire offspring.
I'm happy to have him start with any two-handed weapon and whatever armor he can get as a slave. I don't properly understand why a slave would start with anything I'd prefer that the DM make that call.


Taldor wrote:

perception 1d20 + 6

Taldor is confused by the green spit Oh no, on top of being useless in battle he's sick

"Don't know anything bout this...uh...Yidersus of yers. Only know the major gods. However if yer looking fer a good god to turn ta, none's more fergivin' than Sarenrae.

He pauses a moment to consider his action, then moves on

"Can't help but notice that funny colored spit ya got. Now I can do meh best to defend ye in battle, but if ya got some disease on top of it we're gonna be hard pressed ta keep ya alive

Tolus chuckles. He reaches into his left sleeve and produces a green and white blowgun dart. "I asked you earlier if poison was useful. This will be my contribution to the coming fight. It is also why I worship Ysidrius. Few gods like followers who are literally poisonous. "

Grand Lodge

Tolus the Serpent Servant wrote:
Taldor wrote:

perception 1d20 + 6

Taldor is confused by the green spit Oh no, on top of being useless in battle he's sick

"Don't know anything bout this...uh...Yidersus of yers. Only know the major gods. However if yer looking fer a good god to turn ta, none's more fergivin' than Sarenrae.

He pauses a moment to consider his action, then moves on

"Can't help but notice that funny colored spit ya got. Now I can do meh best to defend ye in battle, but if ya got some disease on top of it we're gonna be hard pressed ta keep ya alive

Tolus chuckles. He reaches into his left sleeve and produces a green and white blowgun dart. "I asked you earlier if poison was useful. This will be my contribution to the coming fight. It is also why I worship Ysidrius. Few gods like followers who are literally poisonous. "

Taldor frowns. His blood is poisonous? What kinda creature is this...

"Well that sets a little roil to ur belly. Remind me not ta kiss ya"


Taldor wrote:
Tolus the Serpent Servant wrote:

Tolus chuckles. He reaches into his left sleeve and produces a green and white blowgun dart. "I asked you earlier if poison was useful. This will be my contribution to the coming fight. It is also why I worship Ysidrius. Few gods like followers who are literally poisonous. "

Taldor frowns. His blood is poisonous? What kinda creature is this...

"Well that sets a little roil to ur belly. Remind me not ta kiss ya"

At that Tolus gives a hearty laugh. [b]"I don't think we need to worry about that, but see, I have derailed the conversation. Do you know of any god who would accept someone like me? I am truly curious. In my Master's houses slaves were not taught of the gods. We had too many duties. Now that I am a loyal servant of the Pactmasters, I have slightly more time and have been trying to find my 'best fit', if you will. " [\b]

Grand Lodge

Taldor looks at him a moment, trying to consider which deity would be best for him.

"My guess would be Abadar. Or, if you fancy being a little less restricted, Cayden Cailen"

For the sake of not typing out two entire dogma's, assume i explain both their faiths to you


Taldor wrote:

Taldor looks at him a moment, trying to consider which deity would be best for him.

"My guess would be Abadar. Or, if you fancy being a little less restricted, Cayden Cailen"

For the sake of not typing out two entire dogma's, assume i explain both their faiths to you

Tolus considers both, but doesn't come to a decision. "They both have merit, I'll admit. I'm more inclined toward that drunken god you mentioned. But I must concider carefully. This business of gods is a serious one. "

Grand Lodge

Taldor nods solemnly, glad that Tolus is making a informed decision

"I'll have to admit I favor Cayden as well. He is well known as Torag's drinking friend"


Tolus casts his gaze to all near by, especially to the little cleric Fionn, looking for other opinions on which god would be best for a charming half snake with poison in his veins.


Kara ignores the discussion about deity, completely engaged as she is in experiencing a whole plate full of new culinary experiences. She takes small bites of each item one at a time, savoring the flavor and making faces ranging from surprised to pleased with each new one.

Kara's pretty agnostic - occasionally invoking Shelyn's name is as religious as she's ever been.


Fionn looks Tolus over cautiously and shrugs slightly. "I cannot say I am entirely comfortable with the use of poisons... may I ask what affect your spittle has on it's... victims? Regardless, and remember, I am not well-trained in the worships of other gods than Sarenrae, but I think yes maybe Cayden Cailean... or maybe even Pharasma, might suit you." She does seem uncomfortable talking about poison, but not totally averse to discussing it at least.

"Please don't be offended, but I am not familiar with beings such as yourself... may I ask, if you don't mind... what exactly are you?"


"He looks kinda like an eidolon that has been set free somehow"


Tolus decides to answer the last question first by immitating the calls of the auctioneers he had heard so often. He straightens in his chair and proclaims "I am called Viskanya! I am a rare and Exotic species gathered from the far reaches of the world for the glory of Kataphesh. Legends tell of a fabulous and dangerous beasts who's blood and bile can freeze a man as though he were dead in mere minutes. But this specimen is rare in even their mysterious cities! For it has not only the eyes of a snake, but the skin as well! Not only that, but he is also trained, cleaned and ready for service at no additional fee! Behold, the most Exotic and rare Tolus the Serpent Servant!
He finishes with a dramatic gesture then grows distant for a moment.
And then they would unfurl me. And the bidding would start.

He seems to stay there on the block for a moment before snapping back to the present.

Forgive my dramatization, my lady, but what was proclaimed at the flesh markets is all I know of myself racially. It is true that I can freeze a man with my blood or bile, as they said. My poison damages your ability to move and react, eventually paralyzing you if you are not either very lithe or very hearty. Mine has one additional effect that even they did not know. If I choose I can add the white that Taldor so keenly observed. This has the effect of disorienting a man so that he may either move or fight, but not both. If he is frail, it will knock him out for about a minute. So you see, I am more Exotic than they ever knew.
Tolus was suprised at himself. He was usually outgoing, but he was basically telling his life story to a bar full of strangers. Could they already be called friends? Surely not. Friends required shared hardships, joys, and experience beyond a shared drink.
That must be it. He was drunk on companionship. If he was honest with himself, he had to admit that if he was drunk on these people then he'd rather not sober up.

Grand Lodge

Taldor is very interested in this foreign race. However his brows lower when he seems so proud of being a slave

"Well that's actually a fairly useful ability, specially cus no-one cant take it off ye."

Than his eyes narrow and he quiets his voice, pointing at Tolus

"However, there's a lot more to life than being someone's slave. I'm gettin out o' here, and when i do i'm bringing ya back to yer homelands. Ye have me word on that"


"Wise words, friend Dwarf. But, I would expect nothing less. Good, sensible people."

Just how long had the quiet spoken newcomer been listening to the conversation, anyway?

A little late submitting my character, but better late than never!


"Oh my! I'm glad first of all to hear that your poison does not kill outright, for that would be a terrible thing. I'm still not fond of the use of such things, but at least yours is not outright harmful. Of course, what you can do to the victim of your poison while he or she is under its influence is another matter, which we'll table for another discussion." She gives Tolus a little smile as she goes on.

"As for slavery, you seem rather proud of yourself in that regard. I'm afraid I don't understand this. It seems to me that such a state is something to be reviled and avoided. I know I would hate to be a slave and would do all within my power to avoid it or get free of it. Can you please explain why you seem so content and pleased with such a lot in life for I just am baffled by your attitude."


"I've noticed that many of you feel that way, and it has baffled me just as you describe being baffled. Taldor swears against it, you abhor it, and I alone appear to stand for it's merits. Slavery has been my live. As such, while I sincerely appreciate your vow, Taldor, I have no idea where my people live or even if they still live. My first memories are of my mentor Ashshram in the house of Riyar al Bohoor, a Guild Master of slave traders. When I say that what the auctioneers announced about me is all I know, I mean it. I don't even know if there are more like me.

"Re-focusing on slavery, however, how can I revile that which sustained me all through life? It is because of slavery that I am here with you all, my new friends. It is because of slavery that I have survived these many years without turning into a brigand or assassin, as my natural talents so obviously predispose me. Slavery kept me, clothed me, educated me, trained me in the finest points of etiquette and service. I owe all I am to being a slave."

Tolus is obviously sincere in all this.

"You all seem to assume that all slavery is bad. I am a living testament to the good that can be found in the system. If you wish to blame someone for the hardship of slaves, blame the Masters. I have also experienced death and pain and starvation and neglect from my position same as each of you (though not perhaps to the same degree), but that was not the direct result of the Slavery you condemn.
"The blame for that rests on the Master, and the Master alone. Surely, you see abuses of power outside Slavery. I have witnessed them first hand. Slavery can be convenient for the corrupt, but it is not by itself corrupt. Again, the Master is the sole cause of that abuse."

By the end, a deliberate pause to allow for rebuttal as high society debates require (a reflex from his slave-training, no doubt), he seems to almost be pleading for understanding if not commiseration.


Kara laughs and applauds at the sudden dramatic display from Tolus. At Taldor's response, she exclaims, "Home? This land is likely as much home as he's ever known - how do you know he'd even survive if plucked from here and returned to his 'people'?

As Tolus explains his feelings about slavery, Kara's face sours, but she listens silently.

Grand Lodge

Taldor blushes again as another female talks to him, but he's starting to feel more comfortable.

"A servant would be better, at the very least"


Kara wrote:

Kara laughs and applauds at the sudden dramatic display from Tolus. At Taldor's response, she exclaims, "Home? This land is likely as much home as he's ever known - how do you know he'd even survive if plucked from here and returned to his 'people'?

As Tolus explains his feelings about slavery, Kara's face sours, but she listens silently.

Tolus does acknowledge her comment with an open-handed point, even if he doesn't acknowledge her verbally.


"You find pain, suffering, starvation, abuse, and all the other evils of man on the streets, with no effort or specific source to blame for their presence. Assuming that others do not suffer similar problems because they are not from your background assumes a great deal of importance to you being more special and unique than everyone else in the world."

He lifts his arms and opens them wide, hands open and palms up, thumbs extended, indicating the room.

"We are all unique, and each of our stories bear telling more than we believe of ourselves, but we are not more unique than anyone else in the world. We are not more important than anyone else, though we may be important to different people."

Mas'ud tuns his gaze upon Tolus. "It is also an amazing assumption of self-importance to assume that the perspectives of those around you are wrong, simply because they do not see through your eyes. A good story-teller must learn to see through the eyes of all the characters in his stories, and to help his audience do the same, or the characters become flat caricatures, and unimportant to the audience.

"Everyone here has missed opportunity. Everyone here has paid costs they would rather not have paid. Everyone here has had unexpected pleasures that we did not earn. These are simply part of the lives we lead, and they help build our stories, to help us grow and become more than we were moments before. Well, they help us grow if we do not reject them, and refuse to take them into what we will become."


"But everyone here should have the right to be free as well.. slavery is a wrongness. There is no justification for ownership of a sentient person. Always other options exist - In most places, people work for wages and earn their way in the world, find their way to education and all the other important aspects of life - housing, clothing, food - through commerce and trade. I just can't personally condone any system of slavery. That is not to say that I have a say in how others conduct their lives, this is simply my opinion. I would free those I could if I had the means to do so, but until such a time I am also free to state my opinions, as are you all, even those who disagree with me."

She settles back down on her stool, having stood up on the rungs of the stool to make herself a little taller while she spoke. She mumbles something quietly to herself in gnomish as she sits back down, then takes a deep draught from her mug.

Silly girl, I should keep my opinions to myself in such a land. They might not appreciate it here, since they depend on slavery for much of their workforce. But still I have the right to what I believe but in this land, maybe not so much the right to speak what I believe. If I cared a whit for laws, I'd respect them more... but i don't so that is it, I guess. She giggles to herself softly as her thoughts tumble over themselves.

Grand Lodge

Mas'ud wrote:

"You find pain, suffering, starvation, abuse, and all the other evils of man on the streets, with no effort or specific source to blame for their presence. Assuming that others do not suffer similar problems because they are not from your background assumes a great deal of importance to you being more special and unique than everyone else in the world."

He lifts his arms and opens them wide, hands open and palms up, thumbs extended, indicating the room.

"We are all unique, and each of our stories bear telling more than we believe of ourselves, but we are not more unique than anyone else in the world. We are not more important than anyone else, though we may be important to different people."

Mas'ud tuns his gaze upon Tolus. "It is also an amazing assumption of self-importance to assume that the perspectives of those around you are wrong, simply because they do not see through your eyes. A good story-teller must learn to see through the eyes of all the characters in his stories, and to help his audience do the same, or the characters become flat caricatures, and unimportant to the audience.

"Everyone here has missed opportunity. Everyone here has paid costs they would rather not have paid. Everyone here has had unexpected pleasures that we did not earn. These are simply part of the lives we lead, and they help build our stories, to help us grow and become more than we were moments before. Well, they help us grow if we do not reject them, and refuse to take them into what we will become."

And now i need my INT 30 wizard to have a conversation with you lol


Mas'ud wrote:

Mas'ud tuns his gaze upon Tolus. "It is also an amazing assumption of self-importance to assume that the perspectives of those around you are wrong, simply because they do not see through your eyes. A good story-teller must learn to see through the eyes of all the characters in his stories, and to help his audience do the same, or the characters become flat caricatures, and unimportant to the audience.

"Everyone here has missed opportunity. Everyone here has paid costs they would rather not have paid. Everyone here has had unexpected pleasures that we did not earn. These are simply part of the lives we lead, and they help build our stories, to help us grow and become more than we were moments before. Well, they help us grow if we do not reject them, and refuse to take them into what we will become."

Tolus waits politely for the cleric to finish then responds:

I could turn that same assumption of self importance on you, my eloquent friend. You assume from your own bias that slavery itself is the reason for Master's cruelty to slave. Does not seeing it in such a light without variation visit upon it the same flat essence you accuse me of applying to each of you and your beliefs? I am here as living proof that there are exceptions to the rule you all seem to assume about the practice of slavery. I am living proof of my assertion: It is not slavery that is cruel, or abusive, or inherently evil. It is the Master you serve. That is why I am both proud and sorrowful to have held the title of Slave. I have experienced both extremes of a relationship that is much more complex than most of you seem to realize.


Kara rolls her eyes at the bickering duo and turns back around.

In Halfling:

"Slavery or Masters, it doesn't matter. Men are evil."


Tolus the Serpent Servant wrote:

Tolus waits politely for the cleric to finish then responds:

I could turn that same assumption of self importance on you, my eloquent friend. You assume from your own bias that slavery itself is the reason for Master's cruelty to slave. Does not seeing it in such a light without variation visit upon it the same flat essence you accuse me of applying to each of you and your beliefs? I am here as living proof that there are exceptions to the rule you all seem to assume about the practice of slavery. I am living proof of my assertion: It is not slavery that is cruel, or abusive, or inherently evil. It is the Master you serve. That is why I am both proud and sorrowful to have held the title of Slave. I have experienced both extremes of a relationship that is much more complex than most of you seem to realize.

Mas'ud raises an eyebrow as Tolus speaks. "Did I? Where did I cast blame or credit? Who did I accuse of doing anything more than refusing to consider that their perspective is not the only perspective? How many people in this room would that apply to at this moment? Your response proves beyond doubt that you still have your mind closed, for you did not listen, and now argue against words I did not use and did not even suggest."

"If you want me to blame you for something, I give you this, from one story-teller to another: You are working very hard to refuse to acknowledge how your audience sees things. There are not many faster ways that you can chase an audience away."


For the most part, Khatijah's voice is even and smooth. She hardly ever raises her voice, and even in the increasingly noisy tavern, she kept her voice low and level.

That makes the bite in her voice all the more bitter as she speaks.

"Tell me, Tolus, are you cattle?"

Her face is grim as she awaits an answer from the snake-man. Her eyes, though, are alight in fury, like twin orbs of dark fire.


Mas'ud wrote:

Mas'ud raises an eyebrow as Tolus speaks. "Did I? Where did I cast blame or credit? Who did I accuse of doing anything more than refusing to consider that their perspective is not the only perspective? How many people in this room would that apply to at this moment? Your response proves beyond doubt that you still have your mind closed, for you did not listen, and now argue against words I did not use and did not even suggest."

"If you want me to blame you for something, I give you this, from one story-teller to another: You are working very hard to refuse to acknowledge how your audience sees things. There are not many faster ways that you can chase an audience away."

Tolus seems taken aback and bows in apology,

"Honored sir, I meant no particular blame. I was simply attempting to make it clear that we both obviously come from very different backgrounds and that I think the open-mindedness you reference is going to be required of every member of any group we are assigned in our march to Kelmarane. I never meant to suggest that my view alone was correct. My attempted friendships here, namely with Taldor and the good cleric Finn, should be proof enough that I recognize many views as valid.

If I have appeared defensive, it is due to a feeling of overwhelming minority in this company. I alone seem to stand in defense of one of the economic pillars and chief trades in Kataphesh. I alone seem to stand for a system that, in spite of its numerous flaws, has made me who I am and given me everything I have today, including this chance to see myself free. You, Taldor, and Finn have spoken to defend your values and system at this very moment, if I am not mistaken, which is right and proper. We just happen to be on opposite sides of a very complex and emotionally involved fence called the Institution of Slavery. A fence that could, if we permit it, kill this opportunity for freedom for all of us slaves.

How would it look to our new Masters if the slaves were caught preaching of Freedom and Liberation. I have tried to communicate this before. We are in Kataphesh. Slavery, agree with it or not, is reality here. First, become free if that is your true hearts desire. Then preach of freedom when it is just a little harder to bury you."

He seems deathly serious on this point, and his tone confirms that he believes everything he asserts, including the fact that continuing conversations on freedom could lead to "lost" people on the road to Kelmarane.

Wow, playing Devil's Advocate is fun. I sense this leading to many fun conversations in the future.
Also, just so no one gets too mad at me, I plan to grow Tolus's character and world views over time to include the horrors and basic evil of slavery that he has not witnessed, thus providing me with some direction for the character and some interesting opportunity for serious discussions and debates over the course of the AP. This also gives the other characters the opportunity to not only combat disembodied slavery as an institution, but also 'convert' someone who is dependent on slavery at his very core.


AdamWarnock wrote:

For the most part, Khatijah's voice is even and smooth. She hardly ever raises her voice, and even in the increasingly noisy tavern, she kept her voice low and level.

That makes the bite in her voice all the more bitter as she speaks.

"Tell me, Tolus, are you cattle?"

Her face is grim as she awaits an answer from the snake-man. Her eyes, though, are alight in fury, like twin orbs of dark fire.

Though the look unnerves him, Tolus, feeling embattled, locks it with his serpentine gaze and answers,

"No, and neither are you. Nor have you ever been. I do not defend the Masters who use cruelty and neglect to enforce, or attempt to enforce in your case, obedience. I I only defend the system of slavery in its ideal form, which I have experienced and was raised surrounded by. There can be good from it. That is all I wish people to recognize."


"I have been a slave since birth, and honestly, I have never had a problem. I know my parents want me free, so I am here. Never seemed so bad to me though. As far as gods go, I believe in the basic teachings of Desna. Be nice to other people and help the oppressed, the end."

With that, Arizhel gives Kara a knowing nod and sits back to relax and enjoy a small glass of red wine. After thinking a moment, Arizhel sits up on continues.

"Magic is the force that creates my tools. I would liken it to a steel axe. An axe can be used to cut a man in half, fell a tree, or shape wood for making a home, and much much more. Magic is much the same. It can be used for almost anything, it can heal, it can harm, it can build a bridge," Arizhel lovingly caresses Zerika's arm, "it can even bring your best friend to life. I can understand you not trusting magic about as much as you can understand me fearing and distrusting all things made of steel. I do not begrudge you your belief, and I do not have any desire to change your mine. All I ask is that you treat the rest of us with that same respect."

Arizhel smiles, then leans back and closes her eyes, resting comfortably in Zerika's lap.


"Then why accept being treated as such? You speak of an 'ideal form.' Then you have obviously seen much. You know how a father cries when sent to the pits while his daughter is made a whore. You have seen the tears of a mother as her son is sold to work on the plantations. You must understand what a girl feels like as a man trains her to be one of his concubines. Forgive us, for we are all ignorant peasants that should bow to your great wisdom!"

She stands and gives Tolus a mock bow and a smile that's more a snarl than anything friendly. When she straightens again, she gives full vent of her fury.

"So what if every master who has owned you has been kind? The trappings may be different but you are still cattle to them. The slave's quarters are your stable. Your clothing is your harness. The food at your table is your feed. Your master tells you how to act, what to do, when to do it, and how long you do it. I may be beheaded for what I say, but at least I am saying my thoughts and not those of a master who only cares how much you are worth and how rare and exotic you are."


AdamWarnock wrote:

"Then why accept being treated as such? You speak of an 'ideal form.' Then you have obviously seen much. You know how a father cries when sent to the pits while his daughter is made a whore. You have seen the tears of a mother as her son is sold to work on the plantations. You must understand what a girl feels like as a man trains her to be one of his concubines. Forgive us, for we are all ignorant peasants that should bow to your great wisdom!"

She stands and gives Tolus a mock bow and a smile that's more a snarl than anything friendly. When she straightens again, she gives full vent of her fury.

"So what if every master who has owned you has been kind? The trappings may be different but you are still cattle to them. The slave's quarters are your stable. Your clothing is your harness. The food at your table is your feed. Your master tells you how to act, what to do, when to do it, and how long you do it. I may be beheaded for what I say, but at least I am saying my thoughts and not those of a master who only cares how much you are worth and how rare and exotic you are."

This seems to bite. His eyes become sad, but his shoulders don't slump. In his mind, the faces of dozens upon scores of abused people he has seen in his many decades of slavery dance in and out of focus. Particularly the faces of his lost best friends who died to starvation and neglect at the hands of his last master. They were the most recent of many. Ever proper and composed, he quietly, solemnly, replies:

"You are right to say that I have seen much. 40 years in fact. I have seen most of what you describe at least once, many atrocities and abuses dozens of times and over again.
Remember, I served in the highest confidence of the highest of nobles. Guild Masters all. I have seen all you said and more in their private chambers. The only reason I am not dead due to the trauma of my life is the fact that I can attempt to fix what I have seen. Society has moved beyond use of me as a servant. I am now here, same as you, earning my freedom, same as you."

I can't have him change now! the AP isn't even begun yet! I can't use all my character development progression up in the tavern before the party even sets out! Why must youall make it so difficult! :P


The bronze skinned man simply chuckles. "I have still made no argument on either side of this discussion, and yet you still demand that I have. Tell me, what did I say proclaiming that the world of my experience is superior to the world of your experience? I even based this discusion on an assumption of similarities, not differences."


@ Tolus: That's cool, but I should clarify something, and should have done it in the previous post, because now I see how it could be misinterpreted. Khatijah was speaking very sarcastically in that first part. Not that it matters since this is probably not going to be canon, but I was rather surprised the response was as calm as it was.


Mas'ud wrote:
The bronze skinned man simply chuckles. "I have still made no argument on either side of this discussion, and yet you still demand that I have. Tell me, what did I say proclaiming that the world of my experience is superior to the world of your experience? I even based this discusion on an assumption of similarities, not differences."

Tolus looks tired now. He sighs. "I apologize if I have misheard or misrepresented your intent, Sir. It was not my intention. We are, most of us, very similar here, I agree. You have said nothing and I have meant to say nothing to show that my experience is more valuable than anyone else's here, including anyone who fought in the Pits. It may, in fact, be broader but that does not make it superior. I apologize, to each of you, my new friends, if my words have made it seem like I was saying such."

He turns back and forth for a moment, looking all around and offering his apology to all.
"I regret broaching this topic of slavery now. It was not my intent to initiate such a firestorm of emotion and accusation. In a few days we may all be dead or all be comrades. Whichever route our stories take us, we need to not be with each other as we are now or all the tales that feature a fractured, bickering army will come true of us and we will all be dead in a weeks time for certain. I am doing my best to accept that I may be very close to, if not in fact, alone in my opinions."
Because he feels like he's in an environment that is suddenly very hostile where it was so accepting and cherry before, Tolus has missed the few friendly remarks that some have offered.
"But I need each of you to work accept mine as I am working to understand and accept yours. This is difficult for me. You are the first group, in my life to have talked of freedom this loudly, for this long. In all my experience thus far, anyone talking of such things was not treated kindly."


AdamWarnock wrote:
@ Tolus: That's cool, but I should clarify something, and should have done it in the previous post, because now I see how it could be misinterpreted. Khatijah was speaking very sarcastically in that first part. Not that it matters since this is probably not going to be canon, but I was rather surprised the response was as calm as it was.

Yes, I read the sarcasm, thanks for the clarification though.

I still wish you all would give me some room to grow later, I mean you all are pulling out the big guns right from the start. It's making it really hard to come up with legitimate, in character responses without making Tolus seem completely heartless and callous while simultaneously seeming to stand his ground in his beliefs.


"In a free society one may speak of anything openly and freely. That one may not in this place does not represent the land well. Of course this is just my opinion. I think everything you have been through, good and bad alike, could have just as easily been experienced had you been a free person employed for an honest wage. That such is not the case in this country saddens me, but I have no right to disclaim it other than in terms of my own beliefs. Sometimes however, laws, be they local or even broader, are in need of review and change from time to time."

Fionn shrugs and sighs, "Not meaning to incite anything... just saying..."


I need to go to bed now. I will reply as needed tomorrow. High-fives all around for RPing well done and for giving our dictionaries a workout. Well done guys. :)


Tolus the Serpent Servant wrote:

Yes, I read the sarcasm, thanks for the clarification though.

I still wish you all would give me some room to grow later, I mean you all are pulling out the big guns right from the start. It's making it really hard to come up with legitimate, in character responses without making Tolus seem completely heartless and callous while simultaneously seeming to stand his ground in his beliefs.

Could always have him lose his temper. He is being hammered on all sides and that definitely doesn't help the nerves. Being insulted, and let's be honest here, Khatijah was insulting him, if only implicitly, would be enough to trigger that realistically.

Grand Lodge

Taldor looks offset by all the emotions flaring around him. He just hunkers farther and farther down so he can escape them. Oh please be quiet, just by quiet...shut up...shut up...Shut Up...SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! "SHUT UP!"

Taldor realizes he just smashed the table with his fist and said that out loud. Blushing from his cheeks to his neck he sits down, laying his hands in his lap, then closes his eyes and grips the handle on his warhammer until his fingernails draw blood


Though she remains poised and calm, Kara seems to diminish visibly at the mention of whores and concubines. Without looking up from her meal, she speaks in a low voice, "A slave with aspirations of freedom is a dead slave more often than not." After Taldor's outburst and a moment of silence, she turns and faces the room. "I don't know how I came to be in the company of men and woman such as you - I'm no fighter and wield no magic, nor am I gifted in the healing arts. Yes, they say that we're to be set free for our part in the battle to come, but be honest with yourselves. Who lets slaves go of their own free will? It doesn't happen. Not in Katapesh. No, we're being sent because we're expendable. When we've all been slaughtered the pact masters can say to the lords that they made an effort to retake the city without having to lose any of their precious guard or army. As for us? We are nothing, and we will die in the desert."

I must admit, I've never had nearly so much fun in a recruitment thread before.


"Didn't mean to upset you, friend dwarf..." Fionn slips off her stool and wanders outside for fresh air for a few minutes while things calm down inside. Obviously, more than one patron was upset at the turn of conversation, which she was contributing to and therefore equally at fault with the others.

I hate being yelled at... though truly being told to shut up was uncalled for... everyone has the right to speak their mind. Still, I need a little break from the tension in there. Ah.. the air is clean and clear out here. Not so smoky with the stench of liquor and sweat in the air like it is inside. Still, I like these people, even though they don't all think like I do, most of them seem nice and I'd like to know them better.

After a few minutes she comes back into the tavern, hopefully not having missed much. She hops back up on her stool and orders another mug of ale, her third since entering the tavern earlier, though she doesn't seem at all inebriated. She might be tiny, but she can obviously handle her liquor.

Grand Lodge

Taldor opens his eyes, and it's clear to see he's incredibly upset at himself. he quickly stands up, walking outside to escape all the looks of them. Why...why have i been cursed so? exiting the building, he walks around the corner into the alley and sits down in the dirt, hands over his head and shaking slightly.

Perception DC 10:
Taldors left hand is bleeding


nom nom nom 24th! Yay!


Tolus gives Kara a nod, but stays silent while he waits for Mas'ud to deliver what he hopes will be the last word on the matter. The last word for now, at least. He is as tired as Taldor of this debate, though his training forbids outbursts. This issue was far from resolved.

He hopes desperately that none of this leaves the room. In spite of sharply opinionated differences on the topic of slavery, he has grown fond of some these people. Especially Taldor and his game.
This group is spirited. That spirit usually warrants at least a lashing, but if they can keep a lid on this perhaps he will see new friends live on.


And, yay! It's Doom's Day for character selection! :)

Grand Lodge

oh ya it's the big day! well regardless of what happens, i had a lot of fun even just playing in the imaginary tavern that's in every recruitment thread. usually don't play characters this socially awkward, but i'm rather enjoying it. good luck and cheers to all!

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