Action 1:
The 'Forged looked seriously at his companion "This means we may need to revise some of our other plans based on new information on the number of human males.." Squeak paused "Er, males..." another pause "Organics. Organics who are interested in a liason with Bronwyn." He shook his head "After all, childbirth is quite dangerous to human females, due to their inferior reproductive mechanisms. Bronwyn's delicate skin, fine bone structure and low body weight will render her especially vulnerable."
Bronwyn's eyes widened as Squeak went on and on, trying to keep her cheeks from reddening. Finally she held up her hand to stop him from speaking, "Hold your horses, Squeak. First of all, it's a big jump from liaisons to childbirth - at least in my case. And what plans do you two have that need revising?" She placed her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Since when do your plans affect my decisions about who I'm with?"
Action 3:
Sur’kil paused before contining, “However, if the legends are true, discovering why Jheamast lived might be your only chance for survival.”
Bronwyn rolled her eyes, "That seems a little unnecessarily fatalistic. I think we've proved that we're fairly hard to kill." The wizard was obviously choosing not to acknowledge the fact that they'd all almost died a couple times during this last excursion.
Having studied history and being somewhat familiar with politics due to her upbringing, Bronwyn asked, "Do you know which island Jheamast died on in the Principalities? It'll affect which prince we will possibly have to deal with. Each ruler has their own peculiar code of laws and traditions so it'll dictate how we approach them. I guess we could go directly to the High Prince but one thing is for sure, no one is going to be overly welcoming of outsiders."
"Hold your horses, Squeak. First of all, it's a big jump from liaisons to childbirth - at least in my case. And what plans do you two have that need revising?" She placed her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Since when do your plans affect my decisions about who I'm with?"
"Unit Squeak, this one believes this is a moment where a tactful approach is required," Palisade said. "Lady d'Deneith, there are no plans that affect your decisions as to who you spend time with. We are, however, required to do our best to ensure your safety, and a Lady of your social and financial status may draw the attention of fortune seekers. Thus, when we determine a suitor is a potential risk factor we seek to influence his actions and motives, not yours," Palisade explained helpfully.
"Hold your horses, Squeak. First of all, it's a big jump from liaisons to childbirth - at least in my case. And what plans do you two have that need revising?" She placed her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Since when do your plans affect my decisions about who I'm with?""Unit Squeak, this one believes this is a moment where a tactful approach is required," Palisade said. "Lady d'Deneith, there are no plans that affect your decisions as to who you spend time with. We are, however, required to do our best to ensure your safety, and a Lady of your social and financial status may draw the attention of fortune seekers. Thus, when we determine a suitor is a potential risk factor we seek to influence his actions and motives, not yours," Palisade explained helpfully.
Palisade's mention of her social and financial status reminded Bronwyn that everything had most likely changed along with her dragonmark. Tears welled up in her eyes again and began to stream down her face. "I'm sure that will no longer be an issue because the change to my dragonmark has made me no longer desirable. I will be considered a social pariah."
"Four weeks...?"
Dusk shrugged
"Fair enough then, but Vi makes a good point, there are dozens of Princes and fleets, many domains, and a mostly oral tradition of passing knowledge. A thousand years is a long time for a story to remain told and retold. Is there anywhere with a repository of records? Or a clue of where to start at all!?"
She watched as Vi rolled up her sleeve, raised a hand to touch her arm and caught herself before she touched the Changeling's scar.
"I'll perhaps ask you about that another time, if it's something you want to talk about?"
She smiled reassuringly.
At least if the marks are that lethal we'll either find our cure quickly or else die on a grand adventure together!
Dusk's brow furrowed at Bronwyn's words
"If that is so and this curse cannot be lifted, then at least you will be in the company of other social pariahs. And given I undersand you have spent the vast majority of your recent time with this same group of companions, even if you live apart from society you will still be amongst friends."
She tapped Palisade on the shoulder.
"I'd also add my opinion to the Forged's, regarding motive of those seeking to court you. If they are put off by the misfortune that has befallen you, I strongly suggest that you yourself wouldn't want them as a paramour"
She glanced at Vi for a moment, warmth in her expression.
"It matters most how people are with you when things get difficult, when action is needed instead of pledges of devotion. Promises are just pretty words, they can't lift you up like the hand of a friend, or be the reassuring touch of a lover."
As the group is discussing where to land, Fendir pipes up and says "Regalport is bigger and more expensive, but Port Verge will be cheaper and more dangerous."
"It matters most how people are with you when things get difficult, when action is needed instead of pledges of devotion. Promises are just pretty words, they can't lift you up like the hand of a friend, or be the reassuring touch of a lover."
Vi reached out an gave Dusk's hand a squeeze, then did the same for Bronwyn. "Dusk is right. We're here for you, and always will be. You've had more fun with us, than your time in Sharn anyway, angry monkeys notwithstanding. And now we get to see the highlife in a new place."
As the group is discussing where to land, Fendir pipes up and says "Regalport is bigger and more expensive, but Port Verge will be cheaper and more dangerous."
Mei'Vi raised her hand and said, "My vote is Regalport! Bigger and more expensive means better beds and nicer food. Might as well start there."
**
Catching Fendir alone of the ship later, Mei'Vi approached him and said, "I know that your Mark is causing you a lot of distress. I have a lot of experience with make-up and disguises - I could show you how to cover it up if you like."
"I already tried." Fendir said. "It didn't work."
Dusk nodded at Vi's suggestion
"Regalport would then also have more chance of information brokers with access to the knowledge we need, so we stand a better chance of finding what we seek as well as tasting better food it seems!"
She tapped one clawed finger on her lips
"It's possible I might know someone there, presuming he still haunts the pub at the end of the docks, 'Sir Vesa's'. A gnome by the name of Spragniony, a big drinker. Anyway, he's a player in the underworld and could hook us up. "
Action 1
She tapped Palisade on the shoulder, “I'd also add my opinion to the Forged's, regarding motive of those seeking to court you. If they are put off by the misfortune that has befallen you, I strongly suggest that you yourself wouldn't want them as a paramour”
"Agreement. A mate that would only accept pieces of the wonderful whole that is you is not a mate worth pursuing," Palisade said, nodding its head. "Suggestion. If such individuals approach you, Lady d'Deneith, you need only to point them out to this one and it shall eliminate them."
Action2
Mei'Vi raised her hand and said, "My vote is Regalport! Bigger and more expensive means better beds and nicer food. Might as well start there."
Palisade nodded its head in agreement, producing a sound of metal striking metal as its newly attached copper beard scraped against its plate gorget. The 'forged was quite pleased with its latest model - the idea of hollowing out the originally solid block of copper had been an inspired one, as the first iterations of the beard had weighted enough to put a constant strain on its neck just to keep its head level. And the clever placement of the screws, thanks to unit Squeak's assistance, allowed it to remove the patriarchal reputation aid when needed, in favor of a new and improved model.
Palisade was already noticing the effect - people it passed on the streets often stopped to stare at the shining new glory of its chin. Clearly, it was working as intended. It could hardly wait for them to return to Sharn so it could get back to converting the masses to the One True Faith.
Action 1:
"Agreement. A mate that would only accept pieces of the wonderful whole that is you is not a mate worth pursuing," Palisade said, nodding its head. "Suggestion. If such individuals approach you, Lady d'Deneith, you need only to point them out to this one and it shall eliminate them."
Bronwyn looked up at Palisade in surprise, "You think I'm wonderful? That was very sweet to say." She squeezed Vi's hand in thanks, "I don't doubt your friendship. But I'm not just talking about potential relationships." The dragonmarked woman paused, "I've always been treated a certain way because of my status and if that changes then it will be...difficult"
Action 2:
Bronwyn added her assent to the others'. "Regalport does make the most sense to me. Hopefully it has more to offer than Adderport."
When Palisade first entered donning his beard, Bronwyn's face lit up with a pleased smile. She couldn't help but reach up to touch the copper metal. "Looking good, Palisade. I knew it would give you a certain je ne sais quoi. It definitely makes you stand out but in a good way."
Fendir smirks when he sees Palisade's beard, but says nothing.
I intend to move things along later today.
OK, no moving these games forward, at least for the time being. :(
I am not feeling excited about these 5e Eberron games for different reasons. The Eyes of the Lich Queen is a commercial game that has a story that is hard to swallow (hard too suspend belief even for a fantasy game) with an ending that I will have to totally redesign.
The Against the Dragon Below game is a homebrew game that is modeled after a series of books that is getting harder and harder to play out (too time consuming).
Most importantly, I'm just not feeling like 'reading' about Eberron. I'm sure you have all noticed my slow response rate, a clear sign that I'm losing interest.
Instead of stopping these games outright, I am going to take a two-week break and see how I feel about them.
Like I tell all of you, when the game becomes a chore then it is time to do something that interests you.
Most of you know me, and I won't be able to stay away from this creative medium for too long but we'll see what strikes my fancy next (maye even these games).
I'll stay in touch so please do the same.
Game on!
Funny you ask because Starfinder is something that I am interested in.
I'm a sucker for 'against all odds - resistance' type of stories so the Attack of the Swarm AP strongly appeals to me.
I'll of course give you all first right of refusal should I start another game, whatever system/world I select.
Like I said, I like this too much to stay away too long. And even though I hate leaving games unfinished, I still think the time played is well worth it.
Questions?
Game on!
Bummer, but understandable.
At least we're leaving Dusk and Vi sailing off into the sunset together. :)
And this group is too good to stay down long.
Stay healthy!
I'll miss you all. But you know where to find me when you get inspired again.
Agreed. I have enjoyed the game overall, and team warforged has been a delight.
I've had a ball, though I know I have dropped that in the last few days I think everything has settled down.
If you are not enjoying it, absolutely take a break and think about what to do.