Hearing Amaya play Aemon sits back and lets out a sigh. Her singing helping him finally come down from his high closing his eyes a small smiles breaks his lips, he feels himself being taken away before the blood and cause of Westcrown. She sure can sing, just like my mother used to sing to put me to sleep.
Almost nodding off Aemon's eye's flash open as he sense's someone walking towards him. "Larko my friend it's been to long, I'm sorry we haven't had a lot of time to just practise but the places we need to go are never a walk in the park I think i'd get bored if they were." A smile crosses his face as Aemon let's his guard down around Larko.
Aemon smiles on while watching Amaya and Larko's comment just makes his smile even more. He then leans in as Larko whispers something to him while still looking at Amaya. "She is the most fascinating woman i've ever met, when i'm near her i feel like i can let go everything i do i do for her and the people like her..." Aemon feels his anger building up but then let's out a sigh. "You think she's thinking the same about me? maybe after.. I don't know i'm not a ladies man.. maybe after Delvehaven but i think i'll talk to her before we leave." Aemon then pat's Larko on the back. "Thanks my friend, i hope your ready for some intense practice soon we've been slacking and need to catch up soon." Another smiles crosses his face as he sits back with a drink and let's go with the music and singing.
For a time Taryin enjoys the music, adding to the atmosphere with a few cantrips. He mostly sits back and enjoys the atmosphere, but time and time again his eye is drawn to the injured tiefling. Finally he shrugs What the hell. He goes over and sits by her, offering a drink. After another moment of listening to the music he takes a long drink "You know I've never met a tiefling who hasn't gave me a look of hatred or drawn a knife. But I'm here for a new beginning, and I shouldn't expect the city to change if I won't." He pauses, looking at her reaction. "I'd like to hear more about you, and tieflings...I know that's a lot to ask since I just met you...but I want to understand. Ignorance breeds confusion, confusion breeds fear, fear breeds hatred...and I don't want to hate anymore. That's not what my father would have wanted"
Beppo spends the evening more somber mood than usual. He does not return Taryin's smile. Gnomes. Bunch of ... fae.
Though he chats with Janiven about their new companions and with Ermolos about the arts of combat, his heart is not entirely in it. He tells fewer stories of his recent glories, and lets others recount their experience in the belly of the Order of the Nail.
From time to time, he, too, turns his eyes toward Tessai. I still don't understand how she can't be healed - some sort of hell-spawn plane-travel thing, dammnit. Who gets broken up about some devil-spawn anyway?
...
He watches Taryin offer Tessai a drink. These may be good men. Hopefully they too don't get broken, thrown into an abyss, or suchlike... He shrugs to himself. Perhaps it's just some curse of the devil-spawn.
Janiven! Come sit on my lap and I'll tell you how we slaughtered a Hellknight in his own building and we saved Kyle's woman from the depths of Hell!
As Taryin sits next to Tessai and asks his question, she seems to ignore him. Suddenly, her eyes focus. Oh...I'm sorry. My mind was elsewhere. I.... what did you ask?
After he repeats the question, she says, Ummm. Yeah. Well, it's my faith in Cayden Cailen. He's not a respecter of persons. Everyone is always invited to his parties. And if anyone or anything gets in the way, he knocks them on the head... I mean... She trails off.
In a lower voice, she says, He chose me. Or I chose him. I'm not sure...but...but what if I can't even walk to the party. What if I can't fight anymore? What...what good am I to the Shades? To Cayden... I...
While not crying at all, it's clear that she's upset.
I just don't know...
Why don't you tell me the story first, and I'll consider it? Janiven says loud enough for everyone to hear, causing laughter to erupt from most.
Taryin looks at her a moment. "From what I hear the real reason they admire you is because you're a leader. That takes something muscles can't do, to inspire people. Yes, a lot of the work here is physical, but we're trying to change a way of life, and most of that is a conceptual battle. Your fight isn't over, not while you still draw breath." He looks at the others, singing and dancing and telling stories "You think they would be in the mood to celebrate without your aid? I haven't been here a day and I know you're the heart of the Shades. Let us be your backbone"
So she'll consider it, eh?
Beppo jumps up from his seat. It was a grey, cloudy day. A feathery mist fell upon us as we arrived. A woman almost as lovely as Janiven confronted us at the door. Blah blah red tape blah blah running all over the stupid keep blah blah THEY HAVE A CENTAUR AS AN OFFICER blah blah the jailer won't let us take Calsenica.
He steps closer to Janiven, looming over the other people and things at table. We give this guy the papers, and he sic's his f~*@ing hellhounds on us. Naturally, Edmond starts cutting them to ribbons, Aemon sticks 'em with a few arrows, and I finish off one of the dogs and this asshat jailer with one swing...
As he comes to the telling of their rescue of Calsenica, he sweeps Janiven up from the table and tosses her over his shoulder. His tone drops and he eases her back down as he recounts Tessai's actions. ...she wouldn't take no for an answer, friends. She held her ground against three devils to get us out of that place - He glances over at Tessai, in conference with Taryin. I'm not sure we would have made it otherwise. That, my friends, is true dedication to the cause...
Aemon hold up his drink to Beppos last sentence. "Here here! A true hero to Westcrown someone we all strive to become." He then takes a drink.
Brandon starts when Edmond is mentioned, wondering if the newcomers have any idea what he really is - if Janiven spoke about it.
Tessai, drinks some more...maybe a bit too much as she slurs out Here, here! Thank ya Beppo. I would get up to hug you, but you know...I'm not the girl I used to be, I think. Yeah, we should thank Cayden. He got us out! He sure did!! She raises her mug and takes another swig.
Beppo trots over to Tessai to clash mugs.
Janiven laughs at Beppo's story. Arael motions to her. She pats Beppo on the shoulder. Good, but no cigar this time, big man. The bossman calls. Try not to have too many women give you a lap dance while I'm gone!
She meets Areal in a corner where he discusses something with her.
After a while, the party begins to wind down (Last call to chat with NPCs or each other!)
Finally seeing Amaya alone Aemon get's up, straightens his clothes and walks over to her rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey... Amaya you're looking lovely tonight." He looks down at his feet. "And you're singing, it was just what i need... we, all of us needed after what we just went through." He turns and looks at Tessai. It was my fault.. He then shakes he head and look back at Amaya now looking her in the eye. "I wanted to ask if maybe after we get back from the pathfinder lodge you would like to.. go for a walk with me? maybe get some food?"He tries to break a smile at the last line. I sound like an idiot
Bran kisses Tarvi on the cheek and says;
I'm very lucky to have met you Tarvi. Excuse me a moment.
He strolls over to Tessai and takes a seat beside her. He doesn't say anything because he doesn't have the words. But takes her hand in his, gives her a nod of reassurance and hopes it is enough to just sit quietly and watch the party wind down.
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Oh... She smiles. That would be very nice, Aemon. I would be honored!
She bows slightly. The smell of sweet perfume surrounds her.
Aemon's relationship score with Amaya increases to 12. They now have a Fellowship. Aemon earns 6 power points. Brandon's relationship with Tarvi increases to 14. Beppo's relationship with Janiven increases to 13.
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As the party winds down, everyone eventually falls asleep.
As everyone gets up in the morning, Janiven pulls the group together. You note that Tessai is not here in the morning huddle.
I want to make sure that all of you have everything you need to be prepared before diving into that Lodge. To that end, Arael is preparing a number of potions to assist you. I know some of you would like to purchase some new adventuring gear and the such. In order to free up your time, I've arranged some of the other Shades to run those errands for you. Just tell them what you need, and they'll hunt Westcrown for it. Yako and Amaya, in particular, seem to have some great connections for some more rare things. Tarvi has been working on her skill in enhancing magic items. If you require divinely blessed items, Fiosa and Arael can assist you.
This will take some time, but it is time well spent. I know a few of you are just itching to go. However, I want to make sure that you have every advantage going up against the nightmares of that place. In the mean time, while you wait, you can relax, work with the others, or spend time in town. If you have any questions, let me know.
"Diving into a lodge? Is this an underwater adventure we are about to embark on? Or do you perchance hint at plumbing the depths of a long sealed Pathfinder lodge? Ho ho! Oh but that would be a fine affair, would it not?"
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Heartened by the realization he'd be exploring the long sealed Delvehaven in just a short week, Killian nearly glides through the ruined shrine as he gets to know the other members of the Shades of Grey. Upon seeing Amaya, his face brightens, "Ah! Amaya, I must thank you again for the chance to play along side you last night. I've not had the opportunity to play like that for some time and it was an honest delight." He smiles broadly and falls into stride beside her, "I was wondering though, if perhaps you would care to play together again? It would do my heart well do rehearse and practice with someone with as much natural talent as yourself."
As the two walk and discuss plans for scheduling their practices throughout the week, they pass by Mathalen. "Oh, Mathalen! I just had a marvelous idea. Would you care to join us in our rehearsing? I couldn't help but notice your exercising and stretching earlier and I wonder if you might enjoy doing so to music. I find it helps me a great deal, personally."
Killian spends the time still tenatively feeling out his place in the group, trying his best to be helpful during the practices and not arrogant or intrusive. He makes a few simple suggestions, offering to both simple tips on regulating their breathing. Apart from that, he simply enjoys his time with the pair.
I think this group of do-gooders may be just what I've been looking for. Ah, Shelyn, the steps of this dance you have for me are truly beautiful.
Beppo occupies his day-time with continuing Ermolos's training.
Back! Parry! Thr-okay, okay, big man! I think you have the hang of this. You're acting more boldly, decisively. I like it!
He notices Sclavo taking an interest in their exercises. Another fighting-man, perhaps? Sclavo, my man - care to take a couple of swings with us?
Aemon set's out planning what's needed for their next mission, talking it over with the other's and writing down what he'll need before the next outing. He then looks up and see's the new member of the group Killian speaking to Amaya he watches them for a second. Get back on mission Aemon nothing can go wrong on this one, Tessai was lost on the last one. He then get's back to planning, but finding it hard to concentrate he looks for Larko.
As the practise starts to die down Aemon turns to Larko. "What do you think of the two new recruits? That Killian... i'm not sure what to make of him"
After a while he moves into the room up to Amaya. "Hello Amaya."He smiles. Javian said you wouldn't mind pick up a few things for me. If you wouldn't mind that is? It's not much but it would help me out a lot. Also would it be ok for me to speak to you later? After i finish my training." He then turns to Killian. "Hi Killian... are you ready for your first mission? maybe you should go check on your gear."
"I believe I am Aemon, but like most things, you can never really know until you're knee deep in it." His brow furrows in confusion briefly when Aemon mentions his gear, but then his eyes brighten in understanding. "My equipment should all be quite in order, unless something untoward has happened since I last left it by my cot this morning. I, however, could stand for a drink to wet my whistle. Mathalen, would you care to show me where I might find some water? I've not quite gotten the lay of the land yet, so to speak." Killian leaves with Mathalen then, bowing to Amaya and offering her another thank you as he departs. As he passes through the door to the room and out into the hall beyond, he glances back in and offers Aemon a big toothy smile and a thumbs up before vanishing around the corner.
"Well it will be an interesting time being 'Knee deep' in it with you. I'm sorry im being a bit hard on you but i don't want to loose you on the first mission, i look forward to seeing what you have." Aemon then nods at him as watches him go the then flashes a quick smile at Killian when he gives him a thumbs up. Why am i getting jealous, she's shown you a slight interest and you're already jumping in to scare off anyone she's talking to. "Sorry about that Amaya, what i had to say could have waited... but i would really like to speak to you later can we meet back here? Maybe go on that walk later since we've decided to prep before we leave."
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"You show a lot of promise. Your brother would be proud."
Brandon wakes early. The night before he remembers drinking with Aemon and Tessai. Beppo and Ermolos arm wrestling. Yakopulio making jokes about it and then leaving with the big warrior.
He is a man who has become something of an expert on humanoid physiology over the years, even working as a doctor for a time. And yet he still can't quite reconcile the size difference between the pair and their coupling. He tries not to think about it, his head hurts already.
He spends some time in his lab, quietly closing the door so as not to wake Tarvi. The alchemist watches her sleep from the doorway for a moment, a smile on his face.
Brandon tries to ignore the question.
Brandon's already delicate stomach turns over at the thought and he lurches to the sink where he noisily disgorges the contents of his stomach.
Thanks... a bunch.
He only did that because I won't tell Tarvi about him.
He mixes a batch of chemicals and drinks the concoction, the effects of the Alchemist Kindness taking the edge of his hangover almost immediately.
Despite the beautiful woman lying asleep in his bed, Edmond's childishness had riled Brandon, and he felt in the need to hit something.
Fortunately for him, he could already hear the clash of steel from the other room and for the briefest of moments he almost hoped the Hellknights had found them. Foolish.
It was in fact Beppo and Ermolos trading blows. Excellent.
It was in no way scientific, but as a doctor his recommendation to deal with his current inner pain was a healthy dose of outer pain.
Mind if I join you? It's a little early, but I feel I need to sweat out the last of that wine.
Once Beppo has finished his tuition, Brandon selects a heavy mace from the rack and stands ready before Ermolos. As the bigger man attacks Brandon does his best to fend off the blows. They trade for several long seconds, Brandon's mace connecting with Ermolos' sword hard enough to make the bigger man's arms numb to the elbow and he is amazed in the strength of the skinny alchemist.
But Ermolos is much improved since Brandon last trained with them. He feints low and strikes high, the flat of the blade crashing into Brandon's chest in a wide sweeping blow, knocking him on the seat of his pants.
Urrrgghh... Beppo you've taught him well. He's becoming a swordsman almost as good as you. he rubs at the sore spot on his narrow chest.
But then Beppo has always been a better fighter than me. I use my own advantages... he kicks out hard at Ermolos' knee, generating that freakish strength again and hyper-extending the warrior's knee.
Like anatomy. Did you know I was a doctor? That's was probably a torn maniscus for example. Without magical healing I'd recommend six weeks care.
The warrior roars and lunges with his practice blade, which Brandon easily avoids to one side and brings his mace crashing down on Ermolos shoulder.
That was the rotator cuff. Damaging that will make it hard for you to lift your shield.
And true enough he watches as his grip fails and the shield falls to the ground with a clang. Seeing that he is losing the fight, the warrior again tries to feint low and aim high, employing the tactic that worked so well moments ago.
But Brandon is ready this time and blocks the attack, deftly stepping to the side.
And finally. The nerve cluster behind the ear. the exact place his mace lands with a thunk. Where if you catch it just right, will render the opponent unconscious practically immediately.
Ermolos crumples to the ground with a groan.
Laughing as he hands the mace back to Beppo he says;
He's getting strong! I might ask Kyle to take a look at this. he gestures to the already-developing bruise on his chest. Oh don't worry about him. He'll be fine in a few hours. And hopefully learn that not all opponents fight fair. Besides, I wanted someone's head to feel as bad as mine. Breakfast?
Beppo watches the fight between Brandon and Ermolos closely. As he does so, his arms make little jabs and swings.
When Ermolos knocks the alchemist down, Beppo leaps from his bench. Ha! Great job, guy. Don't get cocky.
He grimaces as Brandon kicks Ermolos's knee, again when he strikes the smith's shoulder, and finally drops his face to his hands as Brandon knocks him out.
Beppo sighs as Brandon returns the mace. He's getting there. I'll have that, uh, Fiona or whatever come around and fix him up later - he stands up to join Brandon. Can't have that man down. He has the stuff to be a good fighter, and he gets burnt dents out of plate armor like no one else.
As they walk toward the common room, he raises an eyebrow at Brandon. You know, I came by earlier to ask you about some potions, but someone else's voice was behind the door to your room, and it wasn't Edmond. Any idea who that was?
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As the two walk and discuss plans for scheduling their practices throughout the week, they pass by Mathalen. "Oh, Mathalen! I just had a marvelous idea. Would you care to join us in our rehearsing? I couldn't help but notice your exercising and stretching earlier and I wonder if you might enjoy doing so to music. I find it helps me a great deal, personally."
[dice=Teacher Check (Cha)]1d20+5+4
Killian spends the time still tenatively feeling out his place in the group, trying his best to be helpful during the practices and not arrogant or intrusive. He makes a few simple suggestions, offering to both simple tips on regulating their breathing. Apart from that, he simply enjoys his time with the pair.
I think this group of do-gooders may be just what I've been looking for. Ah, Shelyn, the steps of this dance you have for me are truly beautiful.
Oh. Yes, I welcome any opportunity to learn more about music with others. Thank you.
Mathalen has been a bit depressed, or so you have heard. You certainly can see it in her face. However, at the mention of being invited to work with others, she softly lights back up. Yes. He would want that. I should focus on my disciplines. I believe I will join you.
Both characters earn experience. Mathalen is now level 1! Their relationship increases with him by 1 point.
Brandon looks up at his much taller companion.
Oh it was Tarvi. She wanted... to... ummm borrow some components.
He looks up hopefully but the warrior's raised eyebrow just says yeah, yeah.
<Sigh>... It was Tarvi. We've been spending... a lot of time together recently. And after what happened to Tessai, I guess I just didn't want to waste time. Anything could happen to us at any poi- hey, don't laugh at me! the alchemist says with a grin.
Edmond though. What the hell is she going to make of him....?
What do you say we see what Sclavo and Gorvio can do? I haven't spent much time with either of those.
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[dice=Teaching (Wis)]1d20+2
Back! Parry! Thr-okay, okay, big man! I think you have the hang of this. You're acting more boldly, decisively. I like it!
He notices Sclavo taking an interest in their exercises. Another fighting-man, perhaps? Sclavo, my man - care to take a couple of swings with us?
Emolos
Hey, thanks man. I've been sparring with Janiven from time to time. I'm glad it's showin'!
Scalvo
Uh, me? Wow. Yes, sir. I would like that!
Both of them earn XP. Scalvo is now level 1 Paladin! Emolos is a level 2 fighter! You earn 1 relationship pt with them each.
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[spoiler="Aemon Brooks" Quote] Aemon set's out planning what's needed for their next mission, talking it over with the other's and writing down what he'll need before the next outing. He then looks up and see's the new member of the group Killian speaking to Amaya he watches them for a second. Get back on mission Aemon nothing can go wrong on this one, Tessai was lost on the last one. He then get's back to planning, but finding it hard to concentrate he looks for Larko.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
After a while he moves into the room up to Amaya. "Hello Amaya."He smiles. Javian said you wouldn't mind pick up a few things for me. If you wouldn't mind that is? It's not much but it would help me out a lot. Also would it be ok for me to speak to you later? After i finish my training." He then turns to Killian. "Hi Killian... are you ready for your first mission? maybe you should go check on your gear." [/spoiler]
Larko
Anytime, man. He shoots several bulls-eyes in the practice in far distance shots. Well, I didn't get a lot of time with him, yet. But, I'll keep an eye on him. Just between you and I, I think Janiven is a little too quick to trust people sometimes.
Amaya
Yes, I have a number of contacts on the north side, who have some find goods from Tian Xia. I'm sure I can find what you need there.
After hearing his other request...
Yes, I would be honored. She blows slightly.
Larko earns experience, and his relationship increases by a point.
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"I believe I am Aemon, but like most things, you can never really know until you're knee deep in it." His brow furrows in confusion briefly when Aemon mentions his gear, but then his eyes brighten in understanding. "My equipment should all be quite in order, unless something untoward has happened since I last left it by my cot this morning. I, however, could stand for a drink to wet my whistle. Mathalen, would you care to show me where I might find some water? I've not quite gotten the lay of the land yet, so to speak." Killian leaves with Mathalen then, bowing to Amaya and offering her another thank you as he departs. As he passes through the door to the room and out into the hall beyond, he glances back in and offers Aemon a big toothy smile and a thumbs up before vanishing around the corner.
Drink? I must admit, I never touch it myself... but I can take you to a nice tea house near the theatre that I go to from time to time to help clear my mind, if you would like.
If you want this to be one of your 'evening' action to improve relationship, feel free to RP that out next with the appropriate roll.
Beppo gets a good chuckle at Brandon's attempts to avoid the obvious. I'm sure she did borrow a component or two - eh? Hah!
Seriously, though, it's good - I'm proud of you. You didn't waste time, and you need something to come back for. He pauses for a moment, looking ahead, then gives the alchemist a friendly pat, perhaps too close to the bruise on his chest. She's a looker, boy. Bit odd, but you two have that in common... uh, in a good way.
Edmond though. What the hell is she going to make of him....?
Don't worry about Edmond - as long as she doesn't come along, she won't see him. Besides, Edmond is Edmond - he's not you. She's with you - right? You'll tell her about Edmond when you need to, and if she has any sense she'll be fine
What do you say we see what Sclavo and Gorvio can do? I haven't spent much time with either of those.
Sclavo was hanging around earlier when I was training Ermolos. He's got some heart, some toughness. He's a bit of an idealist, though, all unicorns and show ponies and whatnot.
...
In the evening, Beppo sits down with Janiven. You know, I'm not sure I ever got your whole story. How did you end up being Arael's right-hand man?
After all the training Aemon says his goodbyes to Larko. "Good work today my friend." He puts out his hand to shake Larko's "I agree with you Janiven can be too trusting, i'm glad i've got you to watch our backs back at base i'll see how they do when we assault the lodge i hope my thoughts as misplaced with these two."
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He then goes off and get's ready for his walk with Amaya, he washes and prepares his only 'smart' looking clothes. It's just a walk nothing more.. He feels his stomach churn as he slowly makes his way to Amaya room, and knocks. "Hello Amaya, you're looking lovely as ever. I thought we could go for a walk and just talk i don't remember the last time i got a chance to walk and talk with someone so beautiful." He swallows as his throat starts to become dry. That sounded so corny, she must get this from all the men chasing after her. "I'd really enjoy learning more about you." He smiles trying to cover up his earlier cheesy lines.
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He is a man who has become something of an expert on humanoid physiology over the years, even working as a doctor for a time. And yet he still can't quite reconcile the size difference between the pair and their coupling. He tries not to think about it, his head hurts already.
He spends some time in his lab, quietly closing the door so as not to wake Tarvi. The alchemist watches her sleep from the doorway for a moment, a smile on his face.
** spoiler omitted **
Brandon tries to ignore the question.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Brandon's already delicate stomach turns over at the thought and he lurches to the sink where he noisily disgorges the contents of his stomach.
** spoiler omitted **
Thanks... a bunch.
He only did that because I won't tell Tarvi about him.
He mixes a batch of chemicals and drinks the concoction, the effects of the Alchemist Kindness taking the edge of his hangover almost immediately.
Despite the beautiful woman lying asleep in his bed, Edmond's childishness had riled Brandon, and he felt in the need to hit something.
Fortunately for him, he could already hear the clash of steel from the other room and for the briefest...
Wow. Thanks. I think. Ouch. You're not sure if you wounded more, his pride more than his body. After Brandon walks away, he looks at Beppo and says, Whatajerk!
Emolos gains XP. Relationship score improved by 1.