Thorun Madsen |
What do we know about Nial? Is there a way we could bait him out? If he's a poor survivalist, perhaps food and a fire? Or maybe a loved one? Or maybe predict a spot he might go? What do we know about the guy?
Thorun grunts. "I'll go along, I know the wilderness." As the two slaves stop Aoife, Thorun pads up beside her, then takes another long step forward and looms over the slaves. "You sure you want to be the heroes on this one?"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Aoife FitzStephen |
Aoife was shocked when she saw Thorun stick up for her like he did. A warm smile pulled at her lips as she reached out and placed a hand upon his arm. "Please." Aoife said softly to him. "They're only doing what her feel they must to not face her wrath." She explained.
Aoife looked to the slaves, "Please, I've known you both since I could walk. For your sake stand aside. I'll send Thorun in and he can tell Fintan what the Queen has told you. Just please, move." She requested. "Thorun isn't one to be tested. Trust me." Aoife said before she looked over to the Norse man.
Amergin the Wise |
Having immediately stepped aside upon hearing Thorun's threat, the slaves are more than happy to let him pass. The older woman smiles to Aoife as if to say thanks for understanding.
Thorun makes his way into the hall and finds Fintan there tending to the affairs of the kingdom. The prince greets Thorun with respect and sets aside the business at hand to hear him out.
Ruadhán Ó'Brolacháin |
"It probably makes sense for me to try too, I might at least be able to be a little more subtle, unless I can help you guys more. This Niall, does he have any interests that we know of? Fine wines, fine weapons or whatever? Might prove handy if I can pretend to work for a trader if needed."
When he gets an answer, Ruadhán will grab his things and gather food and fresh water for the trip.
Aoife FitzStephen |
Aoife smiled up at the Norse man. "You don't need to be diplomatic. Just loud." She told him. "Tell him that I wish to report to him, but his mother has ordered the other slaves to keep me from the Hall. He'll take it from there Thorun." Aoife reassured him with a squeeze of his shoulder. "Trust me."
Thorun Madsen |
Thorun shrugs. "Sure, not my hide on the line." Thorun breezes past the servants with a final glance, then knocks open the door and goes in to look for Fintan. His method is subtle, precise, and delicate.
"FINTAN! WHERE THE BLOODY HELL ARE YE?!"
Aoife FitzStephen |
Aoife sighed as she placed her hand over her face. "By God... what have I unleashed." She muttered to herself as she leaned against the door frame. She wasn't in the Hall, though she was just outside it. While she couldn't set foot in the room, Throun had left the doors open and she wasn't going to pass up a chance to see this.
Brother Ó Máille |
Ó Máille stays seated while Aoife and Thorun leave. He speaks only in response to Ruadhán. "Unfortunately, I don't know much about the man, personally. Last we met, our peoples were negotiating a treaty of sorts after generations of bloodshed. No casual conversation was had. All I know is he is an accomplished warrior more level headed and kindhearted than his father."
Ruadhán Ó'Brolacháin |
Isn't Kassidy still there too? Not that it really matters.
"Brother Ó Máille, that may well be enough. If he is an accomplished warrior, then weapons is something I can talk about. Let us just hope we can find him without too many difficulties, and I don't have to bluff too much. You wouldn't happen to remember what his weapon of choice was, would you? You know what, never mind, I had better get some bits together for the trip, let me see what the kitchen can provide"
Wandering over to the kitchen of the main hall, Ruadhán misses Thorin's bellow, but spots Aoife's sigh. Turning to the two slaves he turns on his charm "Ladies, you couldn't do me a favour now could you? I hate to ask when you deserve to be putting your feet up for a brief moment or two, but I think we are going to be leaving very shortly on a short trip. You couldn't put together a few bits of bread and cheese, or whatever you might have. Enough for 3 or 4 for a day or two?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Obviously, however the concern over what is happening, dampens down Ruadhán's attempts to be charming and sociable, still he turns to Aoife anyway. "What is happening? Why the big sigh?"
Aoife FitzStephen |
"The Queen has told all the slaves that I am no longer allowed in the Hall, so I sent Thorun in to tell Fintan that I can't come in but need to speak with him." Aoife explained as she crossed her arms. "Of course I made the mistake of telling him to be loud...he just yelled to the whole court." She giggled as she shook her head.
Kassidy O'Kennedy |
While the others seek Fintan, Kass attempts to seek out Sean. After all, his sister cannot be with him at all times. Perhaps alone Sean will be more amenable to compromise.
Amergin the Wise |
"I am where I have always been," Fintan states simply. "You may speak your mind."
Brother O'Maille is welcome to follow Kassidy.
"My sister has gone to speak with her husband," he specifies, guessing at their desire to speak to him alone.
Thorun Madsen |
Amergin the Wise |
"Aoife has to learn to hold her tongue," Fintan reluctantly admits.
"If this is with regards to Boho, you have my leave to do as you all see fit. I trust that you will bring honor to our kingdom. Kassidy can continue to speak in our name."
"Is there any else?" Fintan asks, clearly eager to end a painful discussion.
Ruadhán Ó'Brolacháin |
"Ah, that certainly doesn't seem... err.. subtle! Will the Lord Fintan really stand for that?"
Aoife FitzStephen |
Depends on the reasoning honestly." Aoife answered with a shrug. "I mean his mother is still his mother, no matter how she treats me. Honestly if it wasn't for the fact she's always been such a b&%@+ to me I'd be a lot nicer. After all, she is Fintan's mother and is my-" She quickly stopped short remembering where she was and who she was speaking to, "The closest thing I have to a brother." Aoife finally said.
Kassidy O'Kennedy |
Thorun Madsen |
Thorun arcs a brow as they're given free reign. "Mhmm, 'tis appreciated. Aoife may still want to see ya for a minute though, if only to gripe."
Amergin the Wise |
"Now is not the time," Fintan explains, not entirely displeased by the Dane's foul language. Sitting on his father's throne, surrounded by the nobles and freemen of the kingdom, he finds himself in an impossible position...
"You have my leave," he dismisses Thorun before calling another of his people forth in order to address his complaint.
Amergin the Wise |
"My sister isn't making waves of trouble," he answers with a mix of sadness and bitterness. "We've lost everything. She's just trying to make sure that I don't end up forever stuck in this attic. Perhaps we can negotiate, but don't assume that my sister and I disagree. She's my only family. She's the only person that I can really trust. You would feel the same if you were me."
Brother Ó Máille |
Amergin the Wise |
"I have been thinking about that a lot – about what to do with the rest of my life," Sean answers honestly. "This is the only path for me. It's the only way for me to bring honor to my clan. I need my life to have some meaning, and I don't want to be remembered as the limping coward who lost everything and lived in an attic. It's not enough to be alive. Not for me. Maybe I'm vain. Maybe I'm self-centered. I don't know... I know that I haven't always been a good man, but maybe this is my chance at redemption?"
Kassidy O'Kennedy |
My familial birthright has been taken away after a judgement made by the pro-reform Archbishop of Tuam, Cadla Ua Dubthaig. All my families' lands lost!
Worse yet, I left the priesthood to claim them and was cheated of what was mine!"
Kass seethes with rage, something O'Maille had never seen from Kass before.
"Still, I ahm tryin' ta make a difference despite what happened ta me. I am not sure of my place in the world anymore. What I am sure of is that I'd like ta' see justice done.
Are ya lookin' ta join the clergy cause ya believe in tha' Lord an wish to devote yerself ta him err cause ya've no other choice?
If ya want ta do it cause ya wish ta serve, then I suppose I could support yer callin'. Doin' it fer the wrong reason though ya won't make a difference, just another mistake.
Make me believe ya want it, not that ya've decided ta tale the cloth cause nothin' else ta turn to in recourse".
Ruadhán Ó'Brolacháin |
Aoife FitzStephen |
Thorun Madsen |
Thorun walks out, not looking too upset or pleased. He sees Aoife and jerks his head, indicating to get her out of earshot of the servants.
"Says the Queen don't like you threatened her, says she was talked down from a hanging to keeping you out. Also we can do whatever we like and Kassidy can still say he speaks for 'em."
Aoife FitzStephen |
Aoife laughed a bit as she shook her head. "I'm sure. Tis an empty threat anyways. Would the King return to find me dead at her hands... well let's just say I wouldn't want to be her." Aoife muttered as she looked back on all times the Queen could have called for her head but never did. She could abuse Aoife all she wanted, but now the young half-breed realized the Queen could never kill her. Or so what her assumption. "If She wasn't such a b##@@ I'd be nicer to her for Fintan's sake." Aoife mentioned as she ensure their horses where staddled and read. "Shall we?" She asked as she looked between the two. "We're losing day light."
Amergin the Wise |
"I can't," Sean concedes. "I never heard the calling. Not like Brother O'Maille. Not like you. I am just trying to make my way and now that I am forever bound to the church... Father O'Maille keeps saying that God works in mysterious ways and that He will show me the path. If this isn't the path, what is?"
Kassidy O'Kennedy |
Yer game Sean?"
Amergin the Wise |
Sean nods and being unlearned, looks to Brother O'Maille and Kassidy to lead the prayer.
Brother O'Maille's Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
"I understand that these are strange circumstances," Brother O'Maille reassures Sean who seems willing but clearly ill at ease, "but you must trust in prayer. It is not only a time for communion with God but also an occasion for reflexion and introspection."
Brother O'Maille kneels then and there. "In Nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti," he begins, crossing himself. "With an open heart and open mind, I beseech you, God to grant me wisdom so that I may know your will. May the truth be spoken by us and affirmed in others, that in seeking the truth, the world will come to find You, the Source of All Truth."
Brother O'Maille casts Zone of Truth DC 17
The priest turns to Kassidy and without saying a word invites him to speak a prayer and reveal himself to God.
I hope that's alright, Brother O'Maille? Just trying to get things going!
Kassidy O'Kennedy |
Ah've been vain and covetous of tha' which ah lost and I hope that ye shall show me the path as to why such a fate has befallen me that I may no longer stray from yer path.
I ask that you here and now grace Sean in the same such wisdom that we can see a way through err current dilemma and arrive at a fair and equitable outcome fer all parties involved".
Amergin the Wise |
"May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me," Sean prays. He hesitates for a moment, unsure as to what to say, before continuing: "When my father died, I was furious. I wanted to kill those I held responsibly. And I hated myself most of all. I felt guilty..."
He stops. With a patient smile and a nod, Brother O'Maille urges Sean to continue.
"I don't hate the McGovern. Not anymore. But I still feel guilty. I should be with my people, tending to our lands and cattle. Instead, I am here... I am coward. I should have died in Boho," he admits to himself, holding back his tears.
"Why am I alive? Why am I here?" he implores God for an answer.
Brother Ó Máille |
Thanks for the bot, Amergin, still trying to get in the groove at school here."
He places a hand on Sean's shoulder. "I will speak to my father on your behalf."
Not 100% how Catholic prayers and such work, so feel free to correct me.
Amergin the Wise |
Brother O'Maille finds his father praying in the church. When Father O'Maille sees his son returning, he crosses himself and greets him with a smile that is tinged with sadness.
"These are difficult times," he states the obvious – but sometimes, it helps just to admit it.
Ruadhan, Aoife, and Thorun: do you want to rejoin with Brother O'Maille and Kassidy before heading out to search for Nial?
Amergin the Wise |
Having both Sean and Nial on your side would certainly improve your chances of the Fili judging in your favor. That being said, insofar as whether or not to meet with the others is concerned, keep in mind that only Kassidy speaks for the McGovern. I honestly have no idea if that could become relevant, but it is worth mentioning.
Kassidy O'Kennedy |
I say go and find Niall, if you can. We will stay here and see what happens with Sean.
Ruadhán Ó'Brolacháin |
Only slightly late to all the questions, but... What they said!.
"I can't say I don't prefer being on my own two feet than the back of a horse that doesn't like me, but I'm not as fit or fast as I used to be. Let's get going."
With that, Ruadhán swings himself up into the saddle, readjusting the shield on his arm and his grip on his darts. Once out of town Ruadhán becomes more wary, his eyes scanning the horizon and any obvious hiding places beside the road.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Aoife FitzStephen |
Aoife pulled herself onto the horse with a sigh. "Well it could be worse. Just hope that we're successful quickly." She said before they moved out.
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Amergin the Wise |
Aoife has a flash of insight, remembering the Battle of Ross Lough when they ambushed the warriors of Boho. They had found a good position uphill from the north shore of the lake where their enemies had camped for the night. They never saw the enemy camp, but she is confident that she can find it if they return to where the battle happened.
Aoife's natural 20 gives +2 to the roll below.
Aoife FitzStephen |
"The Battle of Ross Lough...." Aoife muttered as she opened her eyes. "I think I know where we need to start... do you trust me?" She asked as she looked from Thorun than to Ruadhán.
Thorun Madsen |
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 1 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 5 + 2 = 12
Thorun scratches his head. "Bah I can't make heads or tails of the map. Take a look, would ya?"
Amergin the Wise |
Knowledge, Geography: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 20
"Can I have a look?" Ruadhan offers and Thorun hands him the map.
"It's beautiful," he remarks, admiring the artistry and detail – it is indeed stunning, and priceless. "This is Belmore Mountain... This is the Sillees river... And this is Ross Lough," he says, his finger going north from a peak to a river and finally to a lake.
Without wasting any more time, they ride off...
Do you want to go quickly through the pass, and risk being seen? Or do you prefer the longer and more arduous – but more discreet – route through the northern mountains?