I start searching through my backpack. I don't really have anything all that interesting, otherwise I'd offer something. Xeron, take a look if you like . . .
I'll show him what I have, including weapons (although I'm not iwlling to give him my bow or armor!)
"Ahhh, this would explain the reaction. Hehe. Women. You know what they say, you can't live with them and you can't live without them. Too bad about the fall from grace, though. So do you know what ever happened to Castor's sister? Is she still around?"
Xeron looks through Vaughn's backpack and finds only the rations interesting
What's this dry meat, and the bread, and the cheese...
Absent-mindedly, he answers Kyren
Oh, I think she jumped from the highest point of the serpentine into the lake...
What's this dry meat, and the bread, and the cheese...
THese? These are what we call "trail rations" or "iron rations." Dried surface food that keeps for a long time. Here, take some.
I give him 1 days' worth.
Kyren, I always say "Women: Can't live with' em, pass me an ale!" HAW HAW HAW
THese? These are what we call "trail rations" or "iron rations." Dried surface food that keeps for a long time. Here, take some.
"Don't forget the important feature that they stick to your ribs and probably stay there decomposing slowly over the entire year. In fact I find the best thing to do with them is fling them like a frisbee!"
Oh, I think she jumped from the highest point of the serpentine into the lake..
"Oh Shelyn, that is terrible! It sounds like they were in love and perhaps it was forbidden. Poor Grendel and poor Castor as well. I am glad to know some of this background. It may be useful in our visit with him. I'm not much of a cleric and all, but do you think there is a chance that Grendel could ever find redemption. I mean, I just love happy endings."
Xeron's questioning look seems to signal that the concept of redemption is rather alien to him
You mean if Castor will forgive him? No, such a thing has never happened in Deepclaw. Grendel is a pariah now...someone without a caste and without protection. Only his skill with all kinds of weapons has kept him alive by now.
Really? Huh, interesting. I've heard of castes before. Thanks Xeron, you've been a big help.
[ooc]I don't know whether Kyren will continue discussing stuff with Xeron, but if he does, I'll wait until Xeron leaves the table before making this next comment.[/b]
*speaking low* So, Grendel is a pariah here. I just had an idea. Maybe we could offer him a job as a guard for the Revive! I mean, of course we'd have to get a read off of him--whether we think he's trustworthy and all that, but if he's a weapons master he knows his stuff, and if he's an outcast here, then maybe he's got nothing to lose and might want a better life elsewhere! What do you all think of that?
"If Grendel seeks redemption, he will get it." Salfon looks over his shoulders and turns back, "All creatures under Sarenrae can."
You mean if Castor will forgive him? No, such a thing has never happened in Deepclaw. Grendel is a pariah now...someone without a caste and without protection. Only his skill with all kinds of weapons has kept him alive by now.
Well, Xeron, forgiveness is certainly not a common practice up on the surface either, but many of us try our best to practice it, when we think of it. It just so happens that some of us think about it more than others. Well, I think we are ready for some lunch. What do you recommend we try?"
So, Grendel is a pariah here. I just had an idea. Maybe we could offer him a job as a guard for the Revive! I mean, of course we'd have to get a read off of him--whether we think he's trustworthy and all that, but if he's a weapons master he knows his stuff, and if he's an outcast here, then maybe he's got nothing to lose and might want a better life elsewhere! What do you all think of that?
"Vaughn, my man! You are one clever guy! Now I know why I hang out with you. I like the idea a lot. When we meet him, I will offer him the job! We don't need to make him a Wee Bluet, but certainly a valued ally! In the meantime, how do you guys like the idea of sleeping out in a stable? I personally think it is a better idea than going to the House of Strangers!"
"Agreed! I practically grew up in a farm's barn, I'm sure it can't be that different here. And I think having a security specialist at the Revive will be very necessary soon, so why not start soon?"
Bonzo looks down shamefacedly as his companions offer their new friend various items from the surface. His possessions are very meager, except for the weapons he wields and the wands stuffed nonchalantly in his belt.
Bonzo, don't worry about it--he wanted my *food*. Who knew??
.
And offering to hire Grendel is only an idea--don't go offering him a job until we're all agreed that we can actually work with him, OK Kyren? Let's all get a read off of him at the very least before we go jumping into something we may regret.
Alcheringa is quietly watching all of the conversations unfold, slightly aloof.
And offering to hire Grendel is only an idea--don't go offering him a job until we're all agreed that we can actually work with him, OK Kyren? Let's all get a read off of him at the very least before we go jumping into something we may regret.
"Ok, then I will play it by ear. Let's see how our conversation goes and then I can make a decision. Hey, I've got an idea, let's agree to a secret signal to communicate with each other while we are talking with Grendel. I want you each to scratch your head with your right hand if you think I should ask him to join us. If you think he is too much of a risk and a liability, and you want to vote no, then I want you to bend down and retie your boot. Does this secret code make sense to each of you. Scratch for yes. Tie your boot for no. Otherwise, I will assume we are all still assessing the situation. Are we all agreed? Trust me, this is a much better system than we used with Uncle Frizzbeam. He wanted us to pick our nose for yes!"
"Will it look odd if we all decide to tie our boots at the same time?" ask Salfon, rather bluntly.
This is a good point, Salfon. We would soon falsely build the reputation that overlanders cannot tie their shoes! Perhaps if you all drink your fungus ale with your left hand. That is a little more subtle. However, you must remember to use your left hand!"
Kyren, you're delightfully complicated.
Alcheringa looks at Blaze momentarily "Which one is your left hand?"
Alcheringa looks at Blaze momentarily "Which one is your left hand?"
I bring my head close to Alcheringa's to whisper Just tell one of us whether you want to invite the dwarf back--but not in front of the dwarf so you don't insult him
Alcheringa leans forward and whispers conspiratorially "Oh I was worried about how Blaze might tell us what she thinks is all"
*smile* I guess that will be something of an issue, until we all learn her elegant language!
As soon as you have filled your bellies and familiarised yourself with the strange but potent mushroom beer, you follow the dwarves directions and find a small stable built of quarry-stones at the edge of the serpentine. Two of the shaggy dwarven ponies are housed inside it and as soon as Blaze comes closer, they begin to prance fearfully.
The building has about the size of the Revive, yet only one level.
Well, seeing as how "friendly" so many folk are to us Above Grounders, I insist that we post a good watch. I suspect that a good number of locals will hear about us, and some may be curious in a way we don't like. I'll take whatever watch is open after you all pick yours, just let me know.
Let's take a look around, see how many entrances there are, windows, stuff like that. Find a good vantage point where the watcher(s) can see as many entrances as possible.
The building has only one large "entrance" (its rather a 5m measuring gap in the wall) and no windows.
"Well, my friends, if you don't mind, I am going to get some sleep right away. I think that Mushroom ale went straight to my head. Wake me up for third watch or if you need me for anything."
"I suppose I'll get some rest as well. Just wake me when you want me to come watch." Salfon says, with one eye shuttering closed due to the potent ale. He fumbles with his bag awhile, but finally lays down his bedroll and slumps onto it.
Bonzo hops onto Donna's back as she's seated, and she wrestles him off playfully. "I really like that ale! *hic* Potent and tasty. We'll take first watch, dwarven booze wakes me up I think."
I'll take 2nd watch then. Wake me when you're ready to rest, Bonzo.
On my watch, I'll pearch as high as I can, bow out and ready, focused mainly on the entrance.
"I really like that ale! *hic* Potent and tasty. We'll take first watch, dwarven booze wakes me up I think."
"Bonzo, if we are going to make it down here for long, I think we should stock up on this ale and spread out the fun over the next week. It appears to be the best thing this oversized cave world has to offer! Now, if you have some tucked away, be sure to share it with your good friends. Trust me, you are not going to have as much fun drinking on your own as you will with the rest of us Wee Bluets!"
"Bonzo, if we are going to make it down here for long, I think we should stock up on this ale and spread out the fun over the next week."
"Good planning, Kyren. I couldn't agree with you more. We may as well sample the finer things Deepclaw has to offer while we're here!"
@ Vaughn:
You have been watching the serpentine for about an hour until you suddenly make out a duergar that does not just pass the stable. This one remains standing about 30m away and stares at the opening where you hide.
You cannot tell whether he is armed or not, but he wears a ragged leather armor and looks rather shabby.
Kyren snores and dreams of a warm tavern room filled with good company, delicious food, and a good game of Tzarek by the fire.
Alcheringa snoozes with Blaze, content and happy.
Hmmmm . . .
I'l call out in Dwarven just lound enough to be heard (but hopefully not so loud as to be too startling) Grendel? Grendel Shadowfist?
I'll come down to ground level, put my bow down, and walk out toward the entrance w/hands empty and open out to the sides.
The duergar nods and comes closer
Ya, Gren'el me's name.
Even though you're still some metres away you can clearly sense how strong this guy reeks of alcohol.
I's tol' te come here, ye know?
Yeah, hey there. My name's Vaughn Elliot. My friends and I were told you might be able to help us. Hang on a sec, let me wake one of 'em up.
I give Kyren a gentle shake. Hey--Kyren. Grendel's here. You're better at talking than I am. Just remember--don't offer him a job until we all get a chance to meet him, OK??
Kyren pulls himself to his feet and quickly brushes the hay off of his clothes. "Well met, Grendel Shadowfist!" the halfling exclaims as he offers an open hand. "I am Kyren Tosscobble and I am honored to meet such an esteemed warrior of your caliber. We are the Wee Bluets and although we obviously come from the surface, please do not hold that against us. You see, since we were children, we've always loved throwing rocks and playing underground. In fact that is why my family's name is Tosscobble, but that is another story. Anyway, We were told of your great skill in battle and your depth of knowledge of these parts. I was informed that you may be able to help us with our quest."
Diplomacy
The duergar tries to take your hand, but misses and stumbles right into you
Shorry mishter. Oi...Oi...need te sit down.
He slumps to the ground like a sack of ooze and is hardly able to keep his eyes open.
Shorry Mr. Throwshtone, wha' did ye say?
I'm sorry, Master Shadowfist. I did not realize you were so tired. Please have a seat." Kyren helps him become more comfortable by offering him a sack of hay to place under his head. "Is there anything else I can get for you, my friend. Are you hungry perhaps?" Kyren takes care of the Dwarf's every need and treats him as a proper host. If he falls asleep, Kyren will also take a nap.
AAhh, maybe you should relax, catch a few winks. We'll keep watch--whadaya say?
Oh, shat is very noishe...Oi wash jus' abou' te tell Mr. Hurlrock here tha'...
and with that the dwarf falls in a deep and resounding slumber...
Oooooo--kaaaaay . . first impression, relatively lackluster. I've seen too many drunken louts to be overly inclined to hire one. But we'll see once he sobers up a bit. Kyren, go on back to sleep and I'll finish out my watch.
Kyren looks at his friends and says, "I don't know. Should we all start retying our boot laces?"
hey, he may be . . . well, he may not be what he appears. Let's give him a chance to sober up.
"Sleep on it 'til morning, then lets see what he is"
Alcheringa goes back to sleep.
Still having no exact idea about the time without the help of the sun, you guess it must be about morning as the drunken duergar awakes.
Damn, me head...hey, you there, aren't you this Flingbrick, I met yesterday?
Bonzo yawns and opens his eyes, annoyed to still be in the darkness. As he realizes they have a new occupant, he says, "What, hey, who're you?" and scrambles back a few steps, surprised.
Good morning, Sir! Why yes indeed, I certainly am a Tosscobble, but I assure you, your headache has nothing to do with the flinging of rocks! Is there anything I can get for you in our humble abode. As I mentioned last night, we are the Wee Bluets and we are delighted to make your acquaintance. "
He scratches his head and scrambles to his feet
Oh, noice te meet ye, me name's Grendel, Oi went through a series of tough foights yesterday, ye know. Now, Oi heard you moight have a job for me?
Kyren looks to his companions to see if they are reaching for anything with their left hands and then replies. "Well, my good sir, we will speak of that soon, but first we were wondering if you could tell us anything about Ilvarandin."