"You explained your strategy, decided it was safe, and made a command decision. Palisade acknowledged the decision." Squeak pointed out "Expressing surprise would imply you or Vi were defective. Palisade gave the sentry alert call but did not then call for incoming." he paused for a second "Are you worried that we might not be satisfied that you returned safely?"
"Being invisible would not necessarily stop her from leaving footprints. Even if we cannot see her feet, she would still have had to step along the ground. Lucina remarked, "But I have no objections staying along the path.
Lucina sighed and attempted to bite her tongue for the whole discussion. However, as the warforged struggled to understand the wizard's frustration, she couldn't resist any longer "She doesn't want you do be overprotective and stop her from doing dangerous things. But she is upset with you for not being overprotective and stopping her from doing dangerous things. " She says with an exasperated tone, "Basically, she is being irrational. It's unfortunately common with our kind, but she'll be fine..."
Vi had been in good spirits all day, and they weren't dampened by the appearance of the quiet inn. Dropping down from Inky's saddle, she gave the horse a slap on the neck-part in what was almost affection. "Well, either we passed them in the woods, or they passed through here. Or they are here." The changeling walked up to the main door and tried to open it, calling out, "Hello! Customers out here!"
She said with an exasperated tone, “Basically, she is being irrational. It's unfortunately common with our kind, but she'll be fine...”
Palisade had been fidgeting with its greatsword, caught in a multi-layered dilemma. Lady d'Deneith was displeased with it, after it had tried to do what she had been asking for on multiple occasions. But she needed no justification to her wrath, being the focus of Palisade's existence. The only way to offer to redeem itself would be to fall on its own sword, but that, too, had been denied itself with an earlier standing order... unless Lady d'Deneith had not meant that one either.
Thus, companion Lucina's words came as a considerable relief. "Relieved. Thank you for the interpretation, companion Lucina Mindragus," the 'forged said, bowing its head to the druidess. "Query. Can you hazard a guess as to the reason for Lady d'Deneith's irrationality? This one's medical training has been based on battlefield conditions. The only related mental disorder this one is aware would be the Confusion, the numbness of memory and logical functions that sometimes strikes inexperienced soldiers before their first few battles. But this one does not think the accepted treatment would be suitable here."
Action 1:
Bronwyn became indignant at Lucina's last comment and the fact that Palisade asked Lucina about Bronwyn instead of asking her itself did not help matters. "I am not being irrational. For the last few years, I haven't been able to step out of their sight without being questioned. Now suddenly they let me have a midnight stroll without saying a word when I leave or return. In my experience, if friends or family suddenly ignore you then they're either angry with you or they've stopped caring about you. I wanted to know which one it was."
Action 2:
Bronwyn slid off Star and rubbed the feeling back into her bottom as she waited for a response to Vi's call.
Lucina contemplated the question and how best to explain it to the warforged. "In my experience, if a person is behaving irrationally it is usually because the complaint that they are voicing is not the same as the issue that is truly upsetting them. From what I have seen, Bronwn tends to get her knickers in a twist when she feels that you and Squeak only view her as a mission. Whether you are being protective or letting her do her own thing, she want to feel that your response is that of a friend, not one of mere obligation. " Realizing, she Bronwyn was growing agitated by them talking around her, she turned to address her also, "Squeak was badly damaged when you left and could barely form a complete sentence, let alone talk you out of leaving. Palisade was probably distracted by the tracks I was showing him. As for not being upset after the fact. They are not human. They don't think the way you do. They are logically driven. They are not going to be distressed about you dying when you didn't."
From what I have seen, Bronwn tends to get her knickers in a twist when she feels that you and Squeak only view her as a mission. Whether you are being protective or letting her do her own thing, she want to feel that your response is that of a friend, not one of mere obligation.
Palisade listened to Lucina's continued explanation in silent bemusement but in the end had to admit that, Lucina and Lady d'Deneith both being females of the species she should know what she was talking about. "Awed revelation. The discomfort of wearing coiled underwear can have an adverse effect of human psychology?" The 'forged turned to Bronwyn with a concern neither its featureless faceplate nor its toneless voice could show. "Lady d'Deneith, please see to the state of your smallclothes immediately before the effects become permanent. If you want, either this one or unit Squeak will gladly help in dewinding the offensive articles."
Action 2
"Observation. This one detects the noises of equine well-being within. The presence of a groom to care for them should be expected."
Bronwyn looked from Palisade to Lucina and back again. She thought about everything she wanted to say but decided it wasn't worth it and seemed to visibly wilt a bit with her decision. Instead she said quietly, "Thanks for the advice, Palisade. I will see to my undergarments immediately but I don't require any help." She then headed straight for the tree line. Just before she disappeared into the foliage she murmured, "I just wanted to be important enough to be missed."
She headed into the forest until she found a large enough rock to sit on without getting too dirty. She stared down at her hands but figured that fire wouldn't be wise sitting in the middle of the woods. Instead she twirled the ring on her finger. I miss you, grandfather. You always made me feel like I mattered.
OOC: I'll let others chime in. This is too good. :)
However, I'll add something to this so we can move things along.
Vi had been in good spirits all day, and they weren't dampened by the appearance of the quiet inn. Dropping down from Inky's saddle, she gave the horse a slap on the neck-part in what was almost affection. "Well, either we passed them in the woods, or they passed through here. Or they are here." The changeling walked up to the main door and tried to open it, calling out, "Hello! Customers out here!"
There was no one that came out to greet them. While it was indeed late, it was not common for an inn not to open up for travelers. This was their sole intent. And it wasn't that late...
---------------
Action 1
If you want, either this one or unit Squeak will gladly help in dewinding the offensive articles."
Vi snorted hard enough to start coughing, and had to bend over to catch her breath. When she finally stopped wheezing, she stood and wiped her eyes. She looked to Bronwyn to share the joke, but the wizard wasn't around. Looking askance at Lucina, she followed the druid's glance towards the woods. Sighing, she clomped in after her friend.
It didn't take long to find her moping on a rock. Coming up beside her, she said, "Shove a butt," and waited for her to comply before sitting beside her. She waited a few moments in silence, then said, "Did it occur to you that they didn't remark on your return because they trust you? Just because somebody doesn't make a big deal about something doesn't mean they're angry, or that they don't care. It just means that they trust you, and that they were distracted by other things. And anyway, they're Warforged. Who knows what's going on in their metal minds. I mean, come on, Palisade honestly thought your agitation is stemming from the coiling of your small clothes. How about you just trust them back, trust that they care for you, and let that be enough?" She slung an arm around Bronwyn's shoulders and slid off the rock, pulling her along. "And anyway, you always have me."
Action 2
Irritated, Vi tried to open the door, rattling and shaking it vigorously.
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Squeak waited until he had his chance, then carefully took Palisade aside - away from those of flesh and blood.
"I have a theory, comrade Palisade. I believe that Lucina's insight was incorrect given Bronwyn's reaction to it. While Lucina may indeed suffer twisted underclothes when she is upset, I believe this is due to her ability to shapeshift. My understanding of human anatomy would render this feat impossible, though I am willing to perform an autopsy on the next human female we kill."
"Humans are a herd creature. While we have assumed that their communication is the same as ours, undertaken to convey information, coordinate behaviour and clarify misunderstandings. However despite their intelligence, humans are still a type of animal." Squeak considered "Given their intelligence and bipedal nature, I suggest we classify them as a type of bird."
"Bird calls are intrinsic to their cohesion as a herd. These calls rarely convey information, but instead seem to act as some form of group identifier, much like a unit insignia. Remember that time we spent a few days waiting for orders while the ravens ate all the dead back at the massacre of Chesspiece bridge? Remember how Bigarm tried to learn to speak raven? He was unsuccessful at conveying information, but the herd used to perch on him to eat. I believe his use of calls convinced the raven herd he was a member."
"Humans deprived of their herd go mad. Remember how we were told it was not acceptable to keep that prisoner in the lightless box piping in food and water despite the fact it was demonstrably more efficient? The way he damaged himself trying to claw through the wooden sides, and his voice box stopped working after a few weeks? I believe that was because he was seperated from his herd."
"Bronwyn's behaviour is, I believe, the beginning of what I am calling 'herd-anxiety'. A worry that she is not part of a herd of humans. Lucina, despite her demeanour, still instinctively engages in herd-call behaviour. Vi is a natural mimic. We do not. Remember how the ravens would call when Bigarm walked over to them, until he cawed back or fed them - this was the behaviour Bronwyn was expecting last night."
Squeak finished triumphantly "Think of all those conversations we have heard that had no meaning. 'Have you cut your hair', for example, when the answer was obvious. The conversation was not for the purposes of conveying information! It was a herd-call!"
Squeak looked thoughtfully "I suspect the information is encoded in the volume and frequency of the vocalisation." he looked stunned "That explains why a single human uses different tones to talk, rather than as a method of differentiation." Squeak's eyes burned with excitement and victory.
"Yes, yes. It all fits. The frequencies. The cakes. Touching." Squeak nodded joyfully to himself "We should experiment. Think of the utility to other warforged if we can work out how to pass ourselves off as herd-members."
Squeak looked thoughtfully "I suspect the information is encoded in the volume and frequency of the vocalisation." he looked stunned "That explains why a single human uses different tones to talk, rather than as a method of differentiation." Squeak's eyes burned with excitement and victory.
”A masterful summary, unit Squeak,” Palisade said, nodding. This theory would certainly explain a lot. Although it raised a nagging worry… ”Worried query. This one recalls Bigarm did eventually convince himself he could fly like his black-winged brothers and jumped off the airship while in transit. As his body was never recovered, the possibility he was right does exist, but this one doubts it. We should try to steer Lady d’Deneith away from obsessions too all-consuming to avoid similar situations. Discreetly, of course.”
It took Lucina a little while to process the events that happened next. What in the world is he...Oh... Suddenly the realization had hit her. She had used an expression that was foreign to them and now they had run with the absurd literal meaning. Now Bronwyn was even more upset, Vi had given her the dirtiest look before following Bronwyn and both warforged were more lost and confused than ever. She kicked the ground in frustration with herself. Why did I open my mouth? Why did I think I could explain it to them? All I ever do when I speak up is upset people... Trying to do damage control, but far too annoyed to be anything resembling diplomatic, she turns to Squeak and Palisade, "Knickers in a twist is an idiom! Do you not know what an idiom is?" The frustration was clear in her voice. "It's just an expression means she is upset. Sheesh. It has nothing to do with her undergarments. Did you even listen to anything else I said!" She let out a deep breath. However, as soon as they started discussing herd theories, she just rested her face in her palm and shook her head quietly. In some ways, Squeak seemed to have come almost close to understanding, but she had spent just enough time with the two of them to learn that their application of this new theory was fated to tragically miss the mark.
---
Lucina scowled as her eye snapped up just in time to see the closing shutter. "Someone is pretending not to be home..." she muttered quietly to the others.
Well this is just GREAT! Vi said loudly, as she moved back towards the others. In a soft voice, she said, "Ok, what do we do? If there's people in there and they're not opening the door, then I think it's a good bet that Lucan and Grilsha are in there. Maybe forcing them to stay closed. So...do we break in? Pretend to leave? Stay in the stables? Circle around and look for another entrance? I don't think we should wait too long, or we may loose them again. They're wily."
"This one can force the door open if desired, but in the case of the proprietor simply occupied by other pressing matters and unable to answer the door, this approach will likely cause issues," Palisade offered, hefting its sword as it considered the barrier ahead.
"If the sword has corrupted Lucan like we suspect, I wouldn't put it past him to have hostages." Lucina contemplated for a moment, "No. I'm not sure we can just go busting in. Pretending to leave and finding another way may be our best best. Of course, confirming that they are in there would be ideal."
And anyway, they're Warforged. Who knows what's going on in their metal minds. I mean, come on, Palisade honestly thought your agitation is stemming from the coiling of your small clothes. How about you just trust them back, trust that they care for you, and let that be enough?" She slung an arm around Bronwyn's shoulders and slid off the rock, pulling her along. "And anyway, you always have me."
Bronwyn allowed herself to be pulled after Vi. Maybe she was making a mountain out of a molehill. "Fine. Of course I trust them but sometimes it's hard to trust that they actually like me. And maybe I shouldn't care whether they like me or not but I do. And Vi?...thanks." With that Bronwyn smoothed her features and pranced out of the woods. "Smallclothes are no longer a problem," she announced.
"Ok, what do we do? If there's people in there and they're not opening the door, then I think it's a good bet that Lucan and Grilsha are in there. Maybe forcing them to stay closed. So...do we break in? Pretend to leave? Stay in the stables? Circle around and look for another entrance? I don't think we should wait too long, or we may loose them again. They're wily."
Bronwyn motioned at her friend's hand. "Can't you morph a key shape or something to open the door? I do agree that it's weird that no one is coming to the door. I'd be concerned that Lucan and his sister made it here before us."
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Good stuff everyone! Really enjoying this game as well.
Action 2
The frustration was clear in her voice. “It's just an expression means she is upset.
Sheesh. It has nothing to do with her undergarments. Did you even listen to anything else I said!”
”Prompt answer: a construction or expression of one language whose parts correspond to elements in another language but whose total structure or meaning is not matched in the same way in the second language. Confused. This one observed you were both speaking the common trade tongue the whole time.” Palisade turned to look at Squeak. ”Query. Do you think this is another example of herd behavior in action? Should we take companion Lucina Mindragus’s offer at dialogue literally or seek deeper meaning in the social construct hiding behind the actual words spoken?”
Action 3
Anybody taking a look inside the stables? Right now, I have you all talking in front of the tavern with a couple of you noticing something (but not all) in the stables.
If checking stables, who's going?
Squeak considers "She is speaking in a louder voice, and, I believe a slightly higher pitch. Still, I believe you are correct to seek a deeper meaning. Perhaps she is using a metaphor; Underwear is to be kept hidden, and thus underwear that is twisted would not be seen by others. I posit it truly means that Bronwyn had a problem that she was hiding. Consider the context 'Bronwyn tends to get her knickers in a twist when she feels that you and Squeak only view her as a mission. Whether you are being protective or letting her do her own thing, she wants to feel that your response is that of a friend, not one of mere obligation.'"
"This would suggest that Bronwyn has a hidden problem - her metaphorical knickers are metaphorically twisted. This problem occurs when she feels we value her only as a mission objective, for some reason. If we can convince her that we are her friends her metaphorical knickers will metaphorically untwist and she will cease to display aberrant and illogical behaviour."
Squeak looked to Lucina for confirmation
"Friendship is a human construct, much like the more logical comradeship we have, but built on some sort of instinctive group bonding. I suspect using some combination of herd-calls, food-language and touching we can stimulate her instincts into accepting that we have the 'friendship' group bond." Squeak finished.
"Friendship is a human construct, much like the more logical comradeship we have, but built on some sort of instinctive group bonding. I suspect using some combination of herd-calls, food-language and touching we can stimulate her instincts into accepting that we have the 'friendship' group bond." Squeak finished.
Don't forget 'cake'; Squeak had an epiphany a while ago about communicating with 'cake'. :)
Action 3
Looking around, Vi said, "We should probably check out the stables first, in case there are any clues in there. And by we, I mean you. I'll stay out here and keep an eye on the place, make sure that nobody sneaks off." Stables ranked high on Vi's list of places to be avoided, along with sewers, zoos, and goblinoid-run bakeries.
Action 2:
This would suggest that Bronwyn has a hidden problem - her metaphorical knickers are metaphorically twisted. This problem occurs when she feels we value her only as a mission objective, for some reason. If we can convince her that we are her friends her metaphorical knickers will metaphorically untwist and she will cease to display aberrant and illogical behaviour."[/b]
"Ugh. Close enough" she responded grumpily, thoroughly ready to withdraw from the conversation she entirely regretted ever entering. As Squeak laid out his plan for expressing friendship, she continued to rub her temple and kept convincing herself not to get involved. This is going to end terribly...but I suppose that's Bronwyn's problem, isn't it?
Action 3:
Lucina gave Vi a nod. "Let's take a look."
"Friendship is a human construct, much like the more logical comradeship we have, but built on some sort of instinctive group bonding. I suspect using some combination of herd-calls, food-language and touching we can stimulate her instincts into accepting that we have the 'friendship' group bond." Squeak finished.Don't forget 'cake'; Squeak had an epiphany a while ago about communicating with 'cake'. :)
Action 3:
Lucina gave Vi a nod. "Let's take a look."
The stables did not look much different than the last stables they visited not too long ago. There were enough stalls in there for about half a dozen or so horses and a place for a wagon.
However, only two horses were inside; their stalls empty of food while other stalls had plenty of food but no horses.
Actions 3:
Hoping to find a treat for Star in the stables, Bronwyn followed Lucina. Looking in the stalls she looked concerned. "You poor things. Either someone left you without food or someone hasn't been allowed to come and feed you." The wizard moved the two horses into stalls containing food. "That's better."
Bronwyn went back to where Vi was waiting. In a whisper she said, "The horses in there don't have food. That's the second weird thing going on here. If you can get the door open somehow then it would probably be best. They may be in trouble."
I'm gonna let this run for another day so I can move things along with a definitive plan.
Questions?
Game on!
Squeak stood amiably about as he awaited orders.
Lucina eyed the area cautiously. Something felt wrong with the whole scenario. Looking to the ground she looked for recent signs of movement and disruption. "Seems like there could have been a cart in here...and more horses" she remarked to the others as she studied the ground.
This is all very good and will probably get better but don't forget that I need a resolution so I can continue moving this along.
Why are there horses and a wagon missing?
Who's inside the inn?
And why are they pretending not to be home?
Inquiry minds want to know. :)
Game on!
Vi groaned. "So, maybe they sold their cart and horses, and now Lucan is long gone. I don't think we can afford to wait, we need to know answers, now."
She moved to the door, and jabbed her hand at it in a strange motion. With a look of intense concentration, she stared at her hand as if willing it to change. Finally she took a breath and said, "Hmm, I guess that I can't just turn my hand into a key. Because, you know, I'm a person and not made out of moldable metal. I'm not THAT freaky."
She did, however, pull out her lockpicks to see if she could get the door open. "Be ready to fight."
Vi straightened slowly, her hands open. Her voice soft, she said, "We're not going to be killing anybody, sweetie. I'm sorry you were scared. My name is Vi, and this is Bronwyn." She pulled the wizard inside, then motioned for Lucina and the 'forged to stay outside. No need to further traumatize the family.
Taking a quick look around her, Vi continued, "We're looking for some people, probably the same people who scared you. Did some people come by here? Did they maybe take some horses?"
Action 1:
Action 2:
Bronwyn gave the little boy her most gracious smile. "Well aren't you a brave young man. Your mama must be very proud."
She caught the mother's terrified gaze and Bronwyn reassured her, "We're very sorry to intrude, ma'am. I can promise you that we mean you no harm. As my friend Vi has said, we're just looking for some people who aren't so nice."
She turned her attention back to the boy, "Our horses could use a good rub down. I know that Star is probably hungry for a carrot or something." She leaned down as if sharing a secret. "They're special horses. Some say they're magical."
The boy's mother stepped from behind the bar but her two little girls held her back.
The boy answered, "You see mama; these people are nice."
The mother pried the girls away and went to the door, "If you mean no harm then come in."
She sighed and started crying, "A man came in before dawn. Woke us up with a whole lot of noise asking for service. My husband got up to answer the door and... he never came back inside."
The boy interrupted, "Tell them about the shadow horses I seen."
"Hush, Jacob. Anyway, next thing I know my husband gets the wagon ready and takes off. Without saying nothing to me or the kids."
She started crying, "He's not back yet and I'm afraid something bad has happened to him. This is not like him at all."
Squeak stayed outside while the more enfleshed members of the party dealt with people. At the mention of 'Shadow Horses' he gave a sharp look to Palisade, but stayed quiet.
Action 1
Bronwyn smoothed her features and pranced out of the woods. “Smallclothes are no
longer a problem,” she announced.
”Welcome back, Lady d’Deneith,” Palisade said, throwing Bronwyn a salute – something the ‘forged equated to a greeting. ”May this one congratulate you on a job well accomplished?”
Action 2
She started crying, "He's not back yet and I'm afraid something bad has happened to him. This is not like him at all."
”Query. In which direction did you see your husband leaving?” the ‘forged asked, relaxing minutely now that it could see there seemed to be no hostile combatant in the immediate vicinity but failing to appreciate the woman’s mental state.
Action 2
She started crying, "He's not back yet and I'm afraid something bad has happened to him. This is not like him at all."”Query. In which direction did you see your husband leaving?” the ‘forged asked, relaxing minutely now that it could see there seemed to be no hostile combatant in the immediate vicinity but failing to appreciate the woman’s mental state.
The woman asked, "Why are you asking? ASre you going to find 'im?"
One of the girls sat on her lap, "He went north, towards the gnome place."
The boy added, "But that was a long time ago. My sisters were both asleep."
---------
It's late into the night so dawn was ... 15-16 hours ago.
I gotta check my spreadsheet at home so my numbers may be a little off but mechanically, I had them conjure up phantom steeds (the 'shadow horses' the little boy was talking about) and ride until they found this inn before dawn. It was a lucky coincidence that such an inn existed. :)
Don't forget that you guys got a late start today also with the girl sleeping in.
The 'conversation' is happening before you guys ride for the day. It is after the girls wake up that Bronwyn confronts you, gets pissed off, and goes off into the woods with Vi while you guys talk with Lucina.
Questions?
Game on!
I thought this was perfect. Palisade is looking for anything to compliment Bronwyn so when she announces that she's 'taken care of her underclothes' problem, the warforged just congratulates her on that. :)
Picture it, Palisade saluting Bronwyn on solving her 'knickers in a twist' problem. Too good. :)
Seemingly ignoring the family entirely, Lucina insisted to the others. "We should make haste in following him. We have lost enough time already. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Twelve moons!!" Vi couldn't help the anger and shock in her voice, and it made the already scared innkeep flinch. "Sorry, sorry, but how did they get so far ahead of us? It took us all day to get here. Assuming they rode through the night, it still took them less than half that. Argh! I HATE these guys!"
Seemingly ignoring the family entirely, Lucina insisted to the others. "We should make haste in following him. We have lost enough time already."
Vi agreed, but said, "Yes, but we also have to rest. As do the horses. And if they have regular horses from here, then hopefully they'll be back to a normal pace. Normalish. I think we should sleep here tonight, but be on the road again at dawn."
Action 1
”Welcome back, Lady d’Deneith,” Palisade said, throwing Bronwyn a salute – something the ‘forged equated to a greeting. ”May this one congratulate you on a job well accomplished?”Bronwyn smoothed her features and pranced out of the woods. “Smallclothes are no
longer a problem,” she announced.
Bronwyn smiled and returned his salute, "Why thank you, Palisade. Encouragement is always welcomed."