GM Smashtag's PFS: In Service to Lore
Game Master Smashtag

Mai bows politely to the horse without yielding an inch of ground. "Greetings, Noble Turin. I hope the errands today do not bore you. You have not the look of a post horse, nor of a simple beast of burden." Glancing at the tall elf, she remarks, "You seem fine companions for one another. There is no need for jealousy of a silly donkey." The faintest shadow of a smile passes across her lips as she calmly regards the massive animal as if utterly unaware of the difference in their size.

The big stallion's head came up in a clear preen at the bow, his long tail flicking while a single foot lifted and stomped down in the exact spot it had left from so only a single sharp click of his shoes could be heard. Then he ruined the effect by whickering and tossing his head rapidly in a nod, agreeing with everything she was saying. He liked this human. In the same manner he had with his master he chuffed, and made little noises while lipping at her. Turning slowly to push his shoulder into Faeron and with his weight push his master out of the way so her attention stayed on him as he pressed the big head to her chest and rub it there in an offer that said she could touch him as clear as words. Stomping a hind foot when the tall cavalier moved around behind him.

"I see the lady knows how to tame wild beasts."He drawled, a full smile in place as he watched the huge dappled horse preen under her praise. Turin clearly appreciated someone who appreciated him. Mimicking his horse he inclined his green head slightly at the smile and statement that they were fine companion's for one another. Placing a hand on the shoulder that was at height with his own to pat it lovingly.

"He's a hassle, but a friend."And with the precise timing of a horse Turin chose that moment to push his weight into the armoured elf. He briefly debated pushing back but with a soft chuckle let himself get shoved out of the way and keeping a hand on the white-grey hide walked around the back.

"Behave."He murmured at the threat of a stomp but there was no fear in his voice. Him and Turin had come to an understanding years ago. Having armour generally helped. He motioned for the stable boys to bring him his tackle and gear while amused storm orbs watched the female who was vastly dwarfed by the horse who was demanding attention.

"If he annoys you, little sister, just push him away. Turin is clearly abused and starved for attention."He patted the gleaming hide once more, the solid muscles of a well fed and cared for horse under them easily taking the impact. Although Turin did flick his tail again, and thanks to the length, edges of it caught the tall male's side. He sighed and shook his head.

Mai regards the big warhorse gravely, unconcerned at his lipping of her simple robes. She reaches out to stroke his neck, breathing softly on his velvet nose and radiating serenity. "Charming as well as gallant, I see. We will all be safer with you around. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. But now we must be off to our tasks. We would not wish to keep the others waiting." She looks to Faeron. "I shall run at your stirrup. It is an exercise I am accustomed to from training. When you are ready?" A thought seems to occur to her. "And it is 'Second Sister', not 'Little Sister'."

The moment fingers touched his neck he made a hedonistic chuffing noise of enjoyment and tilted his head to get her to scratch closer towards his ears. His weight shifting so he leaned partially into his master who was on the other side. Not caring when his saddle was added but sucking in air anyway, and only releasing it when he took a knee to his chest but made sure to grumble about it to the clearly sympathetic female. He was less inclined to let his bit be put in as it required him to remove his head from Mai's attention so he snapped sharply at the hands that were within reach.

"You've ridden horses before, Mistress Mai?"He asked, sounding a little startled at this and for a moment it was clear he was picturing something in his head. Mostly it was the small mountain ponies he'd occasionally seen as a child, and in fact had as his first pony, being ridden by the dark haired female. His lips twitched, and only a deeply ingrained sense of respect kept him from allowing any more of the amusement to touch his features, but restraining it did give him that slightly distant look he got when addressing the lodges leader.

"Thank you."He drawled to the two teens who had hurried over with his equipment. Casually settling the saddle in place and tying the strap before just as easily shoving a knee into Turin's expanded belly until he could get a few more notches in the leather. From long practice he ignored the grumbling, there was no harm done to the dappled stallion except for his being unable to dump his rider at some point from a loose saddle. The bit provided a bit more of a problem and only practice and quick reflexes kept him from loosing a hand. He sighed again.

"If I may, little sister?"He inquired, before stepping up and catching Turin's ear in a gauntled fist and arching an eyebrow with a bemused expression on his face. The grey grumbled and huffed but opened his mouth at the threat. While he was tying the rest of the halter in place he glanced over his shoulder with a soft smile for the young woman.

"I apologize, but little sister is simply something from my youth used for non-family female's. I can cease if you wish."He offered, pushing Turin's nose down with a free hand when the other started shoving him with it in retaliation for the bit that the horse was now chewing on unhappily.

"Ah, I see," Mai replies, ceasing her scratching of horse ears and stepping aside so the equipping could continue, "I thought you misunderstood my... title. If it is your custom, please continue. I take no offense if none is meant. As for horses, I do not ride to speak of. Our training taught reliance on self. We are trained to run with those who ride, though my ki is not yet sufficiently focused to easily keep up with your Turin. That will come with time, study, and self-discipline."

She watches the saddling process patiently and waits for Faeron to mount before trotting off towards the Pathfinder Lodge entrance to meet the others.

You can hear the Chamberlain yelling outside of the foyer.

"What kind of stable boys are you? How did that donkey make it all the way from the stables to the foyer of the Venture-Captain's office? Well, it's too late now, he found his master, but you'd better not let another animal just come wandering into the Grand Lodge or you'll be cleaning ship holds down at the docks!"

Corbyn walks up to the Chamberlain.

"I apologize Chamberlain. I am much more comfortable having Plod at my side rather than in the stables. With your permission I'd like to keep him close rather than return him. I will assume responsibility for Plod at any cost."

Oops. I recall reading the post about the stables and than forgot about it. My bad.

Corbyn walks up to the Chamberlain.

"I apologize Chamberlain. I am much more comfortable having Plod at my side rather than in the stables. With your permission I'd like to keep him close rather than return him. I will assume responsibility for Plod at any cost."

The Chamberlain scowls, but grudgingly acquiesces with a bow of his head.

"Just as long as you know that any damage that animal causes is your responsibility, Pathfinder! Including dung stains!"

The Chamberlain takes his leave, huffing to himself.

Don't worry about it!

Plod stands there flicking a fly away with his ears, eyes half closed, minding his own business...

...and the poops.

At how upset the Chamberlain seems over Plod's presence, Samara just goes wide eyed and stares at him until he leaves, at which point she exhales and starts wandering out towards the stables. Her thumbs hook around the straps of her backpack and her eyes drift about the walls, roof and floor, whether just to observe or to avoid making eye contact with any she passes, it's unclear.

Jace waits as the others leave, Passio at his side he leans into and whispers something to the enthusiastic man. Watching intently as they file out, then he moves quickly to his room. A habit drilled into him from his tutor, that he always made sure to know the quickest routes between lessons. He shakes his head remembering the times he was caned for tardiness, as he takes long strides back to his quarters.

Rummaging through his heavy box Jace puts a few extra items carefully into his backpack and swings it into place. Throwing some water from the pale china bowl onto his face and checking himself in the hand mirror he moves back down towards the front of the building.

Nearly out of breath he sees a large grey mount stood next to the Cavalier, arresting his pace as to not startle the horse. "I didn't take too long did I?" He says, "I fine horse you have. This should prove an intriguing mission."

Jace bows slightly; "Miss Mai, you are from the north? I have never been that far, it is said that your people are very advanced." watching around the beautiful entrance. "You had a wander-lust and came south?" his eyes go wide; "Sorry, I mean not to pry, just I wish to know more about our team mates. And I like to travel."

"Where are you from Faeron?" he adds lamely.

"The path here leads over the Crown of the World in the north, yes, but my homeland lies east. As for advanced, who can say? There are many measures of a man. I came here to redeem my failure. I never had sufficient skills to be First Sister of any skill during schooling, so of course I could never be a hero. But it seems that in these lands, perhaps a Second Sister will do," Mai replies without expression, staring off into the streets of Absalom past the Lodge.

Laughing richly and freely, his voice warm and melodious. As he quickly walks to catch up with her. "I see, so we are weak barbarians compared to your people. I am sure there are some areas where I could prove superior, but then again you probably were not taught those arts." he smiles with an irreverent twinkle in his eye.

The smooth strides through the paved streets keep him easily a pace next to the svelte woman. He calms down and adds quietly; "I know what it's like to be second, but it just makes you try harder - work more. It's better than being complacent."

"I did not call you barbarian, nor weak. Our standards differ. Our training differs. Our ways differ." Mai continues her brisk walk, unsmiling.

Jace concedes "Barbarian is perhaps a strong word, different cultures, different ideals. Yes, training..." his mind drifts back to getting up before dawn to do those chores expected of young knights, followed by the morning prayers and then his knightly training.

Breaking out of his revere, Jace continues to try; "The city is so crowded I find, give me the mountain air. How about you?"

He smiled at the formal acceptance of his title, which was a good thing as he had them so deeply ingrained it would have been difficult to stop. His hands deftly finishing their work on the harness while listening to the dark haired lady explain that she didn't ride, but could run along side them.

"I have seen horses at full gallop on the battlefield, Mistress Mai, I will admit that I find it hard to imagine a person who could rival their speed. I will be interested in seeing it when you master the feat."The green-haired male ran his fingers along the thick mane, checking that the alignments were right and getting the horse to tilt his head and lean his weight into the cavalier for more scratches, which he provided. Turin immediately began making enthusiastic noises while two other's joined them. The nervous elf and the human who made a bee-line for the dark haired female.

"Love shines even here"He murmured softly into the hey smell of Turin's mane. Which had the stallion nickering curiously and turning his head to look with soulful eyes at the two humans who were now talking back and forth. His ears dropping as he noticed one was a male. A gauntled hand grabbed his grey nose to keep him from going after Jace.

"Thank you, Jace."He drawled, patting the horse while still keeping him from charging forward. Using a free hand to scratch his ear to keep him distracted.

"I'm from Verduran."the tall elf answered calmly, mostly because a question had been directed at him rather than because he believed that Jace truly cared. It was clear his interest was in the tiny female human. With a casual strength he pulled Turin's head from the pair and towards the pale haired female who was standing nervously to one side. Turin's ears immediately perked up and he gave a small snort.

"Mistress Samara, would you prefer to ride?"The lady Mai made it obvious she did not ride and would view it as a personal weakness, but he would never ride while a female walked who did not wish to.

Jace looks from the martial artist he was keeping pace with, up the the tall and strong form of the elf. 'I must not pester the Second Sister overly. No that title despite being earned through grit, determination and hard-work - she uses it like a shield reminding herself of her place and standing. I should not use it, she'll make her own mark and title in time of that I am sure.'

He nearly misses a step as he train of thought rumbles back and a man nearly bumps him. 'Yes, persistence is good. It shows you care, it shows attentiveness. But I know little of her to be acting so much the besotted-fool.' He then realised the Knight replied to his query; Jace with a mental rebuke for taking his mind off his other comrades. "The Verduran, on the Taldoran borders? That must be hard to ride through, though exciting? And when you get to the plains I am sure" Jace bobs his head slightly looking delicately at the undercarriage "he really can put on a turn of speed."

Corbyn follows the rest of the party silently as he studies his new companions. He reads over the piece of paper with the groups objectives on it still trying to decide which would be the best option to take on first.

"We still have yet to decide on out first task. These people waste their time on formalities."

Plod follows Corbyn at 5 paces to the rear. He is being led by a rope that is loosely tied to Corbyn's belt.

"Mountains are nice," Mai murmurs in response to Jace. "So, we are off to the Ascendant Court to pick up the package to be delivered, yes?" she says brightly to the group in general.

"Mmhmm, a delivery, that is a thing that we are doing," says Samara, piping up at that, eyes looking up from the ground, then turning towards Faeron, "Ride? Oh, I like horses, they have such big faces, and... I'd like to ride, if your horse is friendly? I mean. Just to try it. If that's okay." She pauses for a few moments and clarifies, "Because your armour looks heavy. For walking in. I'm pretty good at walking."

"I'm sure a big, strong horse like Turin could bear you as well as Faeron, Samara, if Faeron would allow," Mai coos to the big grey.

He wasn't offended that it took a moment of concentration for the cleric to pull his attention for the attractive monk and towards his statement. He wasn't nearly as pretty. But his lips did quirk up slightly as he continued distracting Turin.

"Yes. Although Turin has never been there. He is much happier in cities and open plains indeed."The suggestion had a single ear of the massive grey flick towards the human as if he might almost acknowledge him for the compliment that he would be fast. But his closeness to Mistress Mai would insure that he didn't relax fully until the stallion had been distracted with the white-haired elf. "He's fairly impressive at full gallop."He agreed before slowly letting off his hand and allowing Turin to move a couple steps forward towards Mistress Samara.

"Given the structure of the city's districts it may be best to go to the Ivy district rather than hitting the middle with the Ascendant court and sweeping either directions."the tall elf murmured while the grey nose of the big horse nudged into Mistress Samara's chest in a demand for attention as well as an assurance as he read her nerves. He also appreciated that she admitted to liking horses. Faeron smiled, the smoky orbs picking up the emotion.

"Turin won't hurt you, little sister, and Mistress Mai is correct. He is more than capable of carrying both of us so I will make sure you don't come to harm."He caught the pommel of the saddle and easily vaulted himself into place before pulling his foot free of a stirrup so she could use it to get up as well as the hand he held out for her.

"My thought to starting in the Ascendant Court is that we may then discover where the package is to be delivered and plan the rest of our journey in an orderly fashion," Mai says primly, this time speaking to Faeron rather than to Turin, "It is simple sense, but not worth arguing about if the group prefers another route."

When the horse nose is nudged into her chest, Samara reaches slowly to pat Turin on the nose much as she did with Plod, slowly and carefully. "Well... if we do an arc, we may have to backpedal... but if we pick up the package first, we will certainly have to backpedal to cover the entire arc... But maybe it would be less backpedaling? I don't know. I guess an arc, I would say do the arc around..." Towards the end of her speech, she just starts to get more mumbly, before looking about quickly and reaching to take Faeron's hand up onto the horse.

'She seems to like the horse more than me. Very sensible he's a mighty stallion.' his thoughts slip away before moving back to the project at hand.

"Yes, although time may be a consideration, I think the delivery is a good start. It allows us to get to know each other more." he then adds; "Plus we can always finish up with the Ivy in a loop than an arc." Jace looks up towards the elves riding atop Turin.

"Okay. Getting to know each other. That is a thing that we can do. Probably. I think it is," says Samara, staring towards Jace from atop Turin just long enough for it to get uncomfortable. "So. Perhaps. Tell me things about yourself. When we decide what path to go."

Slightly taken aback Jace looks to the elf on the horse, with her irregular speech patterns. "Me, well I was trained to be a knight. I learnt the courtly graces, but... there was our families priest and confessor, Miller."

Jaces eyes go slightly misty as he remembers the old priest; "It was a pool of tranquility in the midst of the pain of training. Although that was no less enduring and difficult; we travelled to the nearby villages tended the sick, helped those blighted by disease and pain." Jace breathes deeply as they move through the streets; "It's amazing how little some people can have that just freedom from pain and the mindless drudgery of every-day life, can give such happiness."

He gives a little shake of his head; "We should head to the Temple in the Ascendent Court District, medicine for orphans could be most urgent." 'Or some trap, I suppose.'

"Oh, yes. I guess medicine for orphans has a timeframe," mumbles Samara, "That is a thing on a deadline." Pause. "Pun not intended." She grimaces and then says, "I do not joke about dead orphans."

"Of course not. Hopefully it's just cold or preventative medicines." whilst he mentally adds in his jaded voice; 'And not narcotics.'

Passio's eyebrows raise at Jace's comment. Then he laughs quietly as Mai Lin strides away after Faeron. "Good luck!"

Passio walks down the hall from the foyer, politely saying, "Excuse me," to a passing donkey with whom he almost collided as he turned the corner, and finally reaching his small cell and begins taking a few things from the pack he had prepared in case they were meant to go on a long journey.

Once settled he makes his way to the stables to find most of the Pathfinder Team already gathering around an impressive warhorse. Faeron's no doubt. Also, he sees the donkey he encountered earlier being led by Corbyn.

As he reaches the group, he smiles broadly. With eyes wide, Passio exclaims, "What a great day! For the lodge! For Humanity! For Magic!" He punctuates this final statement with a finger into the air from which a small 6 inch bit of lightning sparks.

ZAAPP!!

"That's a mighty application of magic friend. We are off to a temple in the Ascendant Court to help some orphans first. How does that sound?" Jace asks as they move through the streets and a medium sized group. His eye is taken by a stall selling flowers, then he moves on.

The streets of the Foreign Quarter are awash with peoples from all over the Inner Sea. A Qadiran merchant cries at passersby from his awning-covered stall to sample his perfumes. An Osirian, draped in finery, uses a fan to gently spread the smell of his spices over the street. Children of all races scramble through the crowd, laughing and batting at one another with sticks.

The crowd parts reluctantly around the Pathfinders as the combined bulk of warhorse and donkey help clear a path, only to close back in behind the group. It is a riot of sound, a cacophony of colors, as you follow the main throughway from the Foreign Quarter to the Ascendant Court, where The Temple of the Shining Star, dedicated to the glory of Sarenrae, lies.

Everyone make a Perception check please. Masters, make a Perception for your animals as well.

DC15 Passed:

DC15 Passed by Plod:

DC15 Passed by Turin:

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Mai Lin strolls through the crowded streets appearing somewhat distracted, but spares a look around now and then. After one such glance, she looks startled, then looks at her companions to see if anybody else saw what she did.

Jace is slightly taken aback by the crowds, unused to so many in such a small place. The cacophony of colours seem to assail his senses, he realises maybe he is a small town man. Used to the plains and small towns, helping the needy he is slightly distracted by the aliens smells. However he tries to pull himself together and not let it show.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Ummm," says Samara, once she connects her gaze to Mai Lin's, mumbling, "I... I feel uncomfortable. Did you see... ?" She looks back to where she was looking before, also indicating to Mai Lin where she was looking as if asking for confirmation.

Mai Lin nods at the high-altitude elf. "Anyone you know?"

Jace looks around slowly, and subtly as the women talk trying not to appear oblivious. 'I hope no-one thought I was staring a Mai. I wonder whats going on.'

"I don't know many people," admits Samara to Mai, "I have not met a halfling who looks like that halfling. That is not a person I have met."

"Nor I. It did not look happy with us for some reason. Maybe he had a problem with one of our fellows?" Mai suggests to Samara.

Perception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"I have no complaint at an adjustment to our schedule, little sister. Jace is correct that an orphanage is likely more pressing in need. It will cost us nothing to adjust our pattern for that need."He calmly smiled with a slight lift of his lips before helping the pale haired elf up onto the massive warhorse who held perfectly still for the procedure. Only slipping a booted foot back into the stirrup when they were both settled and nudging the grey stallion forward at a slow walk amid the others. Turin was carefully placing each steel shod hoof so it would not land on a stray human's toes.

Fearon was careful to maintain a perfect distance with the arms wrapped around the female to hold the reigns so as not to invade her space or be inappropriate as his weight easily shifted with each step from years of long practice. Storm grey eyes sweeping the surrounding area with an almost militaristic manner while the others spoke around him, listening with half an ear that showed in the occasional twitches of his lips from something said. He approved of Jace's story, it showed a strength of character he could trust in. Sympathy was a virtue in rare supply these days.

Trained together, he felt it the instant that Turin's muscles tightened under him. The soft snort radiating the aggression that was breed into his very blood as the stallion turned his head towards the alley way. The reigns silently pulling while a sharper crack of a hoof was the warhorses warning to his master. The gauntled hand reached out and patted the soft neck.

"Still, friend. I see him."He softly spoke, like he was soothing a skittish animal. Few knew the tells of a battle trained horse so it was easy to blend the motion into appearing as if he hadn't seen the small creature. Apparently he wasn't the only one to notice them because in front of him Mistress Samara asked quietly if the dark haired woman to their side had seen anything. Mistress Mai responded negatively, suggesting that it might have something to do with them.

"Our numbers will provide some protection, thankfully his intelligence is somewhat lacking to show himself and put us on our guard. Hopefully it is less personal and more to do with being Pathfinders"The green haired male drawled, glancing around the crowded street to see if he could find any further signs of the small creature. Turin shifted, dropping back and around so that he moved Mistress Mai between the heavy horse and the smaller Donkey that was accompanying them. The cavalier gave the velvet neck another a pat for the action.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The sharp ringing of hooves on the slightly uneven paving of the street seemed to perk the grey stallion up as he placed each step carefully to insure he didn't step on the nice ear scratching lady that was walking near him. But because he was near her he was paying special attention to anyone getting to close to their group. Velvet dark eyes watching with aggression and chomping on his bit if he felt their space was threatened.

He knew instantly when eyes touched them, watching with ill-intent, and his head swung towards the source. Alerting his master with a few well placed tells and only quieting when a hand touched his neck to release him. The moment he was freed he swung his slim head forward and dropped his pace with a small shuffle to reposition himself to protect the squishier humans. His head coming up and his pacing changing to battlefield readiness as he inhaled in huge puffs of air and blew them out on a harsh sound. The second pat was acknowledged only by a tossing of his head that sent the long silver strands of his mane dancing before falling back in his eyes.

Carrying on walking, unperceptive Jace must have other things on his mind. 'Halfling? There are so many people here. How can one see but one halfing?" However he keeps silent, rather than appearing stupid.

Lol, so it appears that Jace alone (so far) is completely oblivious to all that's going on.

Perception : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Passio's exuberance causes him to gawk at the city as if seeing it for the first time.

He joins Jace in ignorance of his immediate surroundings.

"What kind of materials would they ask the Pathfinders to deliver you think? Kind of a strange request for seekers of knowledge, no?"

"Something dangerous, perhaps, with so many of us. Or something they cannot trust to ordinary messengers. Did the Venture-Captain not say we were to assess the recipient, or something in that vein?" Mai is silent for three more paces. "Or perhaps somebody is unhappy about the situation. Unless one of you has made an enemy of a small one," she finishes, eyes flicking to Passeo but face impassive.

"A very good point Mai. But my enemies are far from here." he says before he realises what he has said, so turns his words towards Passio.

"Some sort of mind medicine I would think, for youthful discomfited stomachs. Hopefully nothing serious." Jace ponders to the equally distracted man; "I believe that Pathfinders are not only about knowledge, but lighting the way - a beacon of hope, helping those and retaining knowledge not just hoarding it like a miserly dragon." he looks around hoping there are no dragon's nearby that he insulted.

Although even if there were he wouldn't have spotted them.

"Unless one of you has made an enemy of a small one,"

Passio looks down at Mai Lin with an eyebrow raised. Then concern appears on his face.

"I don't have anything to do with what Jace asked you. If he said I had any part in that, I swear I was just standing there! I had no desire to make an enemy of you!" The excitable sorcerer begins babbling insisting Jace was making that move all on his own. He seems very concerned that somehow the petite female views him with hostility.

Mai fixes the windy sorc with a gimlet stare, then turns the same look on Jace.

"The halfling. In the alley. Who looked evilly. At us," she explains calmly once Passio has run down, as if speaking to small children. "He disappeared. If either of you has talent for finding and following footprints, you might be of some use to track him down. Unless either of you crossed a halfling once who might have followed you here?" She reflects a moment, then mutters in Tian.