Elebrin purses her lips and considers the captain leaning to Jym to respond, Lavinia is about to enter into a harsher world with greater threats than hurt feelings. She may one day wipe the stain from her house but the reality is the captain is right. It is our task to guide Lavinia and, to an extent, ease her wounded pride. In this we serve Lavinia by insulating her from a capable but perhaps less than gracious employee. I say we judge the captain on what she can do and how she can do it. We...and perhaps I mean I will work with Lavinia if she comes to fret. What do you think?
Heck I'll do it, I think that would be hilarious.
Not bothering me. Irina thinks of him a bit like a cowering puppy so she is committed to luring Thel out with treats, lol.
Seattle? Welcome to the great haze! This is normally a pretty great time to visit...sorry we let Canada catch on fire :( I am back around and trying to get in the swing. Sorry for the delays.
Elebrin starts rubbing her chin and muttering to herself, Not Aklo. I know that one. Not Celesital or Draconic. That leaves elemental languages of course, the Runics...Dwarven, Giant maybe? Not enough yips...not Gnoll. Abyssal would fit...too bad I don't know any. Of course there is a case for just straight up gibberish. A spell that inverted vowel assimilation or transposed brain to tongue execution? Really it could be anything...
If Elebrin had a staff she would have leaned upon in that way that inquisitive wizards were known to do. Bereft of a tall pole to lean on, however, the wizard settles for crossing her arms and cocking an eyebrow at Gwl to read his reaction to Uro's questions.
I honestly enjoy the dynamic that is forming, this has been a great game so far. I'm grateful you folks let me tag along, lol.
Elebrin gives Jym a withering look as though to say "I think I could figure it out" but remains tight lipped. She was still the newcomer after all. Elebrin does her best to walk with the other through the streets as though their motley crew was perfectly reasonable looking in hefting a crate through the town.
Elebrin offers a polite cough and adds a flourish of her hand to have Gwl and Uro transfer to the piece to the porters, A...uh...stunning tribute to the grace and power of such creatures. A fine...hrm...hearty and virile specimen.
When I wasn't on hold for an hour and a half the talk to Comcast was surprisingly pleasant...I think they knew I was in "murder mode".
Elebrin scrunches up her face at the contents but decides to keep the pouch. She could perhaps ask her mother about...and then potentially suffer some sort of protracted disdain for the next five years that her daughterly magical acumen did not account for such a thing being oh so common to certain wizarding types and... Elebrin shakes her head back to the here and now and looks over at her unconscious companions and tries to feebly rouse them.
Hi folks, there has been a parting of the chaos just long enough for me to poke my head up and try to touch base with my various games. The probate and estate stuff for this branch of the family seems...challenging at best. Between my new promotion and what might be weeks if not months of familial wrangling I need to be honest about what I can accomplish and how often. I am going to try to keep up with this game, we aren't as aggressive as other games in the posting and I want to try to keep it up if I can. I am cutting a bunch of my other games and have a hard weekend ahead of me but I want to try to make this one work.
Yeah a big advantage in Pbp is that you can also deal with non conversational cues. Maybe Fergus is introspective and is thinking something but not saying it. Maybe Fergus is being quiet but his demenaor shifts. He leans on his staff in an intense way, watching closely. Think of what you notice actors or characters doing in films when they aren't talking, you could simply describe that. I play a dour elf in another game who tends to grunt and scoff as others talk. I'm not interrupting but everyone else certainly knows what my character thinks or likes about the conversation. Feel free to experiment.
The dryad demures at the elegance of Duska's words and the raw vigor of Ra'hls introduction. Rising from her place she offers a light smile, a creature clearly aware that her beauty is beyond that of normal measure. Yet she seems restrained in her manner and slowly approaches keeping her words in the common tongue, That my brawd grig to the north would be so moved to cease his pranks and song to seek aid is touching and I shall kiss his lips when I see him next, if my grove survives its plight. Few of the folk have been brave in my time of troubles but I see it is because a dragon sleeps along the edge of the wood... The dryad approaches Ra'hl with an air that borders on provocative or sensual but the party (save for Cuddles perhaps) knows enough of the famed dryads to know that their power of beauty and sexual energy are beyond normal "civilized" custom. She stops short of the bloodrager and smiles again only to pause and tilt her heard to something behind her. Emerging from the woods a satyr appears, apparently wounded but armed and glowering at the group. He keeps his distance but seems displeased. Tiressia smiles again, My consort. My bravest enaid. He darkens like a spring time cloud at the thought of needing aid...at the thought of taming the dragon and binding him to the grove...but he fears an
The dryad smiles again and takes a step back. Looking over the group again with unearthly eyes of amber and gold.
The ranger nods after Regus knowingly, Indeed. The affliction seems minor and contained but I worry about the potency of the source. My own knowledge on the matter leads me to believe that the site of befoulment must be gaining in some power to allow its curse to creep further. We will find the source, but I worry we are not prepared to attend to it... I hate to be the sort to bring a report where I tell you of such things and then tell you to be patient as our groups find the sources. But I thought it best to inform first before a rare circumstance where our rangers perish in finding these threats rather than come to you unbidden demanding aid without warning. Even now the Lovecký Pes ride under cover of night to hunt the maker of the steps and other of my contingent range to better estimate where the undead might be ranging from. I hope to have word soon.
Kressle nods thoughtfully, Actually my lord Abera Orlovsky is something I would like to look into deeper if you will allow. I hear both in public and private settings the great Duke is angry at his daughters actions. In public, he denounces her to maintain face. In private he rails that she would put herself in danger and steals his authority of the houe to contact you as he would intend. She seems to be a wildcard in the great political game. Osk also chimes in, Lords the issue of domestic spying. Against our own people? I know that our nation is new but I worry that allowing Kressle free reign will only naturally lead to increased paranoia...
Anton is free to come and go. A game with long breaks in game and magic make for easy coming and going. Take care of you Ronza.
Osk nods and shuffles though his notes, Expansion of the kingdom goes well. As of this morning with information provided by Matt and Duska's teams we can officially declare the northern territories granted to us by Brevoy as fully mapped, with some basic information of the lands beyond to the East and West. The Sootscales have agreed to some limited trade in response to our dealing with a threat of "mites?" or some such thing that inhabited the large dead tree that marked the area north of the river. This apparently is of interest to Bokken and his fledgling alchemical "guild" as apparently the kobolds can find some reagents much easier than larger races can. Resources continue apace and with support of Jhod and the many skilled immigrants that have come into our lands we believe that Stagfall will soon be ready to have an earnest discussion about a town wall and assigning sections beyond the town limits for further development. The low council is assessing multiple expansion suggestions from the community and we are assessing the need for a full time city planner already. We have received a request to allow one "Ithin Hobbard" to erect a tower off the keep's southward edge. An enterprising wizard he is looking to start an Academy. Anton and I have discussed this proposal with the low council and they asked we bring it to you. Hobbard has some pedigree and comes with letters of recommendation but he is a theorist and has little practical ability. There is a mixture of concern that he might attract more prestige to the town or cause an issue with security if he takes on pupils who have the power he does not... Osk continues to flip through some pages and finally grunts in frustration as he withdraws spectacles and places them on his nose he then resumes... With the northern territories in hand it is time to discuss the southern lands granted by the charter from Brevoy. We have many hundreds of miles to map and there has already been word from preliminary scouting parties that there may be creatures and hazards in greater power and numbers than here northward. Some of this may be that the Stag naturally thinned the area closest to him and drove things south, though that is merely a guess. We can send out the teams as we did in the north but I would suggest that we have them check in more frequently? And one...final..piece of business...Brevoy has sent an ambassador and she has requested a meeting with the council. Osk looks up and nods slightly, So...that is what is going on.
No problem Matt I just need you to make 56,000 or so HAndle Animal checks please, lol
Jirani nods after Barnabus but considers Noriel's words as they wait and watch, The morals or life. You speak true to something that all manner of being has struggled with since the start; my Lady's call home. It is hard to know why she takes what she does when she does. It is hard to know how active a hand she plays in things with Aroden passed it is murkier still. What deaths are the moral ones, of her choosing, and which ones are a perversion of her will but judged fairly in Her presence regardless. I content myself with such reflection while I wait to serve and pray that for beast I strike down I am bringing things back in balance as she wishes rather than seeing the scales distorted even more. Jirani smiles to no one in particular, My order is fantastic at parties, I assure you.
No selling the haversacks, they are gifts dammit. GIFTS! >_< Ra'hl you are correct in your assumptions about my request and also that no way in hell Cuddles gets that much gear...yet. Keep in mind that your items of office can be further enchanted.
Condolences all around. Losing folks is tough. I had a fair about of it when I was a bit younger so I know it can be hard to process no matter what the connection. Well we will plink along but take the time you need, either of you. So here is where we are: Each of you should have magical gear at WBL. Account for your current magic gear if you have any, Duska the helm is worth 1,000 for these purposes. Any amount of mundane or masterwork gear is yours to have (within reason, so a few weapons yes. 87 MW daggers, no) Each of you ALSO have a handy haversack. I am going to advance things 1.5 years. Wrap up your gear, let me know if there are anyt hings in the area you want to have poked your nose into (For instance I am sure Duska will check out the fey) and then I will set the stage for chapter 2.
I dunno I feel like the stag's helm can be modified but still be a symbol of the old regime, besides the way Duska killed him makes her wearing it pretty epic in my book.
Cuddles treats the roguish bandit like a rag doll, slamming the man to the ground with enough force that he almost seems like his going to lose consciousness. He feebly swats at Cuddles but its clear he is practically delirious. Matt closes the distance and a brisk trot and finds that Cuddles has caught himself a bandit. From there its little issue to bind the man and haul him like a sack of potatoes wherever the party decides...
I'm sure the Wood Elf warriors will take the jerkiness of the a High Elf wizard in stride. Its important to get the stride right when you are trying to get perfect kick placement after all... Bonesaw...I mean...er Rolen...is ready.
Matt gives the owlbear a wide bearth and the creature meanders out of the cage and towards the door. Not truly latched the creature pushes the door to the courtyard and trills a bit and cocks its head in curiosity as the door opens wide. Chirping again the creature builds up some momentum and starts walking/running toward the stable...
Akiros reluctantly draws his eye from Duska as Ra'hl speaks. He lips his licks distractedly still seemingly quite stunned from the events as he shifts his gaze, Uhm yes. Those are the ones. I would suspect with head in hand Dovan and Auched will run if the path is clear. Kressel...I'm not sure what she will do. -------- Matt pulls the pin to the door. The owlbear, quite slowly, shuffles forward but does not make any hostile actions...
There is a brief flash of potential struggle as Ra'hl and the drunk bandit lord get close but it ends all too quickly. With only the taut pull of the string and the muted "thwang" little else proceeds the gore that follows. Blood splashes across Ra'hl's face as suddenly buried beneath the black paint and stag's head is the brilliant fletching of the ranger's arrow. Buried through the man's throat the feathers slowly soak what blood it can but wild spurts accentuate the surprised gurgle of what was the most fearsome man in the area. The Stag Lord collapses to the floor more blood flowing from his throat. Akiros can do nothing more than turn to the half-elf with a mixture of surprise and abject fear.
I read things...I swear...
Were I not a naive wizard I would pack more but Elebrin is a bit of an adventuring idiot so she will claim she is ready, lol.
1. Will do BD. 2. I am having a heck of a time at work. Next update Fri AM
The man practically guffaws at the pair's questions as he unconsciously pulls at the beard growing in around his mouth. In the dimmer light of the room a shadow plays against man's right eye showing a well word and faded scar that might well have been someone's attempt to take the man's eye a long time ago. If you don't know my name, Akiros Ismort by the way, that proves you aren't one of ours. New recruits we see. Silver stags well I handed most of those out myself. The few I didn't? I was standing next to the Stag Lord himself when he did. So here you are now and here I am. I'm not yelling and you weren't stupid enough to storm the place like the last lot when there were half as many of us... What is your plan? Duska: Duska feels the confidence of the man, his inquisitiveness but also senses...more. Like Ra'hl he seethes with fury beneath whatever veneer of proper convention or conversation he may outwardly express. There is also a tension there, something...unsettled. The ranger is able to indeed pull the edge of the card from her deck. The Eclipse winks back at her from beneath the table.
I don't want to deal with another archer because they are harder for me to kill...I mean they are a pain in my ass...I mean...er... O:) I wouldn't worry about the healing part per se, every time I have run Kingmaker there is no healer. Actually in almost every GROUP I have ever run there has been no healer (I am the only one who likes clerics and divine types in my IRL groups) and t seems rare to get one on the boards so there are ways around it. Wands, crazy hermits that will make you potions, NPC clerics who owe you. That sort of thing. My intention for introducing you is that that player who ran Natasha, our erstwhile Cavalier, has basically created a continuity in this KM game where there was a previous group that attacked the fort and failed. Why kill heroes when you can use them as slaves? That's how I will get you here so fast. Its been a really unfortunate year and a half for your character, lol.
Yeah I think I need to tuck this one back in the "big book of ideas". I run other games with most of you and would rather I can make those flourish and for Yorick...well...one day we will game again, lol ;p I appreciate you guys willing to have an honest convo about it. For no I will mark this one as inactive. I'll see you elsewhere.
Glom-Glom works the key with maniacal glee and is greeted by a small iron pot filled with stew. Working the pot out of the chest Glom-Glom discovers that it is quite small (roughly the size of a baseball) but the stew within seems chunky and smells delicious...
DAMMIT. I was planning on making Anton a roaming wraith of some kind but now you gotta stick you head back in here and blather on about "real life" and "internet"...FINE the wizard can stay....for now. In all seriousness, I know you have had a lot going on so I always assume Anton is lurking in the background....probably reading a book.
The droid absorbs the commentary of his companions filing the information under "biologicals are strange". At Rae's suggestion "5" raises a finger in approval, I believe Mos Eisley is also the best chance we have of blending in. We might need to ditch the Grasshopper outside of the city and arrive by foot however?
Zika perches for a moment and looks over things, not getting any closer but casting a critical eye none the less. Nothing about the terrain or the foliage suggests movement. If anyone or anything has been around here, its been a long time. If someone did place the vines as a mean of disguise they did and incredible job at making things look old and grown over...
The birds report the movement of a handful of creatures that almost forces Mattrim to roll his eyes until they mention 2 legs on 4 legs in 2 groups of 3. The blinding speed that birds love to quote the numbers of things the notice in patterns almost being indecipherable at first.
Cuddles, Mattrim, Saber and Anton navigate west partially by memory but otherwise by skill tracking back over the terrain and back into the woods to meet up with the others. The small band passes by the gold vein that the original group found early on as well as the large bandit camp (now abandoned) that set the stage for the current tensions with the Stag Lord. The group notes that until they hit the treeline there is an almost constant presence of kobolds just off the horizon seemingly moving about too and fro to parts unknown and back, never getting close to the group but in many cases seeming to be keeping an eye on it. The group also notices a few times that there are tracks belonging to horses and men. Most of it is old, and very well may be the bandits the group has at the Post but there may be more scouts. Regardless there is little trouble and after 2 days of brisk travel the wizard, hunter, monk and tiger come upon their comrades at the Temple of the Elk... ======================================================== Aleria, Ra'hl, Jhod and Duska take their time at the temple as a number of events unfold over the next two days. At the recommendation of Jhod the group commits to staying and exploring the ruins. The place brightens notably as the bear passes and the fountain in the center of the grounds, with water that was much filled and murky becomes cool, clean and restorative, offering healing magic. After a day the magic fades but the water remains bright and pure. Aleria and Jhod find old journals and notes from a priest who lived here in the days of Taldor's efforts in the region. It is a story of sadness as it is clear the priest meant to provide a beacon of Erastil's glory but turned to despair as civilization was defeated at the hands of wild natural forces. The cleric's faith clearly turned in his final days and his writing border on blasphemous as he notes preparations for a ritual to sacrifice a bear in the name of driving out the "trolls and monsters of these lands". In the days that follow the ritual the cleric notes his body is changing and a sickness is taking him, he laments his sins against Erastil's promise of natural harmony and views his ritual as an affront to Old Deadeye's will...Jhod concludes that Erastil punished the cleric for his folly, giving the temple a protector and sustaining it at the cost of the cleric's humanity. The two Erastilians are able to make significant headway cleaning the temple site and restoring it to its former glory; a symbolic melding of wrought stone and man made beauty deep in the heart of the wood. Ra'hl finds little of interest and is often wathing warily along the outer edges of the site. Occasionally the bloodrager spots predators and prey alike but they all seem to give the temple a deference and distance. Ra'hl swears once again that he catches a glimpse of a unicorn but even a fleet footed pursuit shows no evidence. Duska receives, on the other hand, a very clear sense of fey presence. In the two days before the others arrive Duska finds her harrow deck's cards rearranged (some placed in the deck backwards) as well as small artful arrangements of acorns, twigs and other foliage. At one point the half-elf finds a hand written note that literally says "no fey here" and upon reading it the ranger could swear she heard the sounds of laughing and then a brief struggle. All of her attempts to put eyes on the culprits, however, are for naught. Just has been made as clean as it can get without supplies (to replace broken stones or otherwise do what the groups limited magic can not) the other half of the group arrive...
Bloodrager with a heart of gold. ;p
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