[she gives Kynneth a hand shake]
"The same goes for some customers at Alkaid's Inn and Pub, but luckily it is only ever a slight beating with little to no counter attacks recieved."
Hermia nods in agreement to David's observation. "I am aware of these necessities. But, as you said, it has been some time since we saw the benefits of such initiatives."
As the remainder of the group begins speaking of combat, Hermia looks increasingly uncomfortable. She has neither height, or stature, and carries only a large, smoothed stick at her side. It stands to reason that she is not a combatant.
Kynneth shakes Devin's hand. "I am no great marksman. My tutor's felt that if I was to be travelling, I should be able to protect myself and my travelling companions. I am actually a scolar of magic and religion, and command some modest magical abilities."
"Hey Kynneth. they're talkin' religion and Government stuff. And about her"
Pointing to Tina, Interesting weapon choice. Tho to tell ya the truth I haven't seen them used ever, That be an interesting demonstration."
[Tina shows an angry expression, with both her arms at her sides and says]
"How rude, its impolite to point."
[She calms down a bit, with her right forearm raised up with a fist]
"The reason you hardly see these weapons used is because only women are allowed to take up this combat style.
In fact there is an alternate-style of this style that allows you to use opponent's smaller than you as a CLUB and a BODYSHIELD."
"I only said I hadn't seen anyone use them, and I'd find a demonstration interesting...don't get angry...servin' in the militia I'd seen plenty of folks use different things...mostly passed down from their pappy..and as for the pointing..we gnomes do that a lot...hehe" as he points at her with both hands and smiles...then quickly drops his hands.
[she calms down and replies, with her right fore arm lowering]
"Well, if that's the case then I can understand it,"
[but now you can hear anger in her voice increasing with every word with her fore arm raised again with a fist]
"as this style never gets in the militia, because of some pig-headed captain who can't stand women, fighting in their militia."
[she is completely calm and her right arm is at her side and the hand is relaxed]
"and please don't point at me."
Laughing That we can agree on...Captains in the militia being pig-headed."
[she laughs a bit and replies]
"well, I guess we both had our share of pig heads, though in my case, some were real swine."
Kynneth listens to the by play of the gnome and giant woman. He turns to the gnome and asks "Who is speaking of religion?? Politics do not really interest me much, but I would love to speak about religion!"
An almost feverish glint can be seen in his eyes as he waits for the gnome to introduce him to these people.
Gaeron smiles and exchanges a firm handshake with Kynneth. "Then let us speak of religion. Which god do your prayers and respect fly to?" The silver pendant of Apsu hanging from his neck is obvious as he smiles down at the slender young man.
To Kynneth, "It was those 2 pointing." to Gaeron and Devlin
Seeing Gaeron heading to Kynneth, he knows his job is done.
tho why anyone would want to converse about religion on end and at length is beyond him
Gripping the offered hand like a drowning man might grasp his saviour, Kynneth returns the handshake.
"I am a follower of Nethys. Well actually only a lay follower, but I hope, in time, to become anointed into his church. And you are a follower of the Waybringer. Very interesting, please tell me more about the mate of Tiamat!"
"Friends often become enemies speaking of religion...you would do well to keep that to yourself. For my part, I begrudge no one's religion, but I will have words with anyone who tries to make their religion mine."
Kynneth looks at the large man and asks, "Why would they become enemies? All religions, and all gods are valid and worth the worship of their congregations. Why would you be angry with each other? Different dogma, to be sure, but it is that difference that makes all religions interesting, don’t you agree??
[Tina replies to Alaric's words]
"Here, Here, When one shoves one's religion on another, it is not of their will and only breeds resentment. And as I said earlier "You can spread the light of religion, but never let the light create a shadow" and it is true for anything that brings light."
Hermia flushes and looks abashed when the travelers insult her profession.
"Beg pardon, Master, and Mistress, but I must disagree. Religion is not a tool meant to oppress. Faith comes from within, uplifts and inspires. Mine in the good Lord Erastil has called me to serve my community. I give of myself, freely, each morning, every part of my heart and soul to them who have need of me, and ask nothing in return," she says passionately. "What my community chooses to share with me I count a blessing. In times of scarcity, we suffer together, as it should be."
Gaeron will go into detail on his knowledge drilled into him by his foster-father with Kynneth, after bowing deeply to Alaric and saying "I would not dream of imposing my beliefs upon anyone, i merely seek to bring others to acknowledge and pay their respects to my lord Apsu. Your choice of belief in Lord Erastil is commendable and highly respectable, I bow to you Sir Alaric."
After speaking to Kynneth at length however, he will say, in a serious voice, "And i would be careful when and where I spout the Chromatic Queen's name. You never know when she may hear you, and when she may decide to act upon it. Draw not the gaze of the Five-Headed Dragon."
[she replies to Hermia, calmly]
"I think you misunderstood, its alright to spread the light of a religion that benefits the community,and allowing people to decide their god or goddess, but if that light creates a shadow of itself, the shadow part will not respect people's free will and will do so by force."
Kynneth has a look of rapt enjoyment on his face as all this new and wonderful ideas sail about him, each taking life and interacting with the other comments.
"Do you truly believe a being as vast and great as the Chromatic Queen would actually hear me and act upon my utterance of her name!! Marvellous!!"
Turning to Hermia, Kynneth asks, "Are you truly free to give yourself to your god, or does your god give you the freedom to do so?"
"I have no animosity toward your profession or your calling Hermia. I merely thought to warn you of my leanings on the subject."
Alaric turns to Gaeron. "I think you've misunderstood me brother. I have no god. I will not increase some planar being's trength with my worship so he can let harm befall my flesh and blood. A man makes his own way in this life."
The big man spits to punctuate his thought and walks in quite contemplation.
[she replies to Hermia, calmly]
"I think you misunderstood, its alright to spread the light of a religion that benefits the community,and allowing people to decide their god or goddess, but if that light creates a shadow of itself, the shadow part will not respect people's free will and will do so by force."
Gaeron opens his mouth to retort to Alaric then snaps it back closed, thinking better of it. Instead he sighs, pinches his nose from the headache he is developing and instead marches up to walk in step with Alaric. To turn the conversation away from such potentailly insulting matters, he asks the warrior, "What say you and I spar once we break camp for the night?"
Turning to Hermia, Kynneth asks, "Are you truly free to give yourself to your god, or does your god give you the freedom to do so?"
"Implying that I am a simpleton who is not, in fact free to choose?" Hermia qualifies. "While my Lord Erastil is a bastion of Order, His would not require that one make sacrifices at the cost of their own lives. Through my efforts, I improve and enrich the lives of the community, as the farmer and the trappers efforts feed and clothe us. Every man and women is free to take their own path. Some leave for the cities, or work against the community by becoming thieves, or worse," Hermia frowns. "I pray for the souls of those who stray, but know that that is the path they have chosen. If they return, I will welcome them back with open arms, knowing that they have chosen that as well."
[she is behind Gaeron and Alaric when they talk and hears about the spar, and whispers behind them, but load enough for them to hear her]
"Why don't we just do a free for all spar match, it'll be tougher, but better training."
@ Gaeron "You talking to the Tall warrior or the short one?
Gaeron inclines his head to the lady and after a pause to the Gnome without making it look like he is looking down at the small man. "Of course milady I meant no offense as to not include you. and of course, Sir Wicket, I meant both of you. Back at the Church one of my greatest instructors was the Halfling Keflon Gaspar. As far as a free for all goes however...in my opinoun, duels of one on one are more productive for the purpose of training. Proving who is strongest or who is most skilled I think is not important at all."
"Remarkable, absolutely remarkable!!" Kynneth holds his hand out to Hermia. "That was so beautifully said! Thank you for the uplifting conversation."
With that, Kynneth steps aside and watches the others as they go about their routines.
"I agree one on one duels are much better training. Can't tell you how many hours we spent practicing....tho it was much safer than going after the stray ogre or so. Hehe."
Devin slowly shakes his head "It seems that everyone here is either ready to spread the good word of their deity or knock someone's head off. How exactly did this group get wrangled into trekking into the wilderness to defend a besieged hamlet?" he chuckles to himself. "And people wonder why I like talking about Politics." He turns to Tina, who appears to be closest to him, "So how did you end up on this journey, hired by the wagon master you said?"
[she replies to Gaeron, MibbiWicket, and Alaric, politely]
"Well, if that is how you feel, Then I will then spare with the gnome and demonstrate my combat style to him."
[she hears Devin and replies]
"Yes, I was hired by Kevin. He decided to hired me as a replacement for one of his men,"
[you hear anger in her voice, and a raised fist]
"who happened to be a real swine,"
[her voice calms down]
"that did not follow my workplace's policy "Look, but don't touch" and if I recall, I Knocked him out for a few days and left him with a few broken ribs."
Devin slowly shakes his head "It seems that everyone here is either ready to spread the good word of their deity or knock someone's head off. How exactly did this group get wrangled into trekking into the wilderness to defend a besieged hamlet?" he chuckles to himself. "And people wonder why I like talking about Politics." He turns to Tina, who appears to be closest to him, "So how did you end up on this journey, hired by the wagon master you said?"
"We each of us have our own expressions of faith," Hermia volunteers, sagely, and casts a glance at the Master Smith. "Those whose work with their limbs provide arms to others, and those who defend," Hermia continues. "We've all our own unique gifts as well. Together, we lend each other strength to persevere in the midst of any challenge. This is the basis of good community." Hermia concludes.
She wets her lower lip with her tongue, and nods to excuse herself, and strides up to Master Smith. "I apologize, too, if my words have offended you. If you will allow me to travel beside you in quiet, I've a spell that will bolster your ability to defend us, should the need arise. What say you?"
Looking at Tina "I'd be happy to spar with you to see how you use those weapons. And I need the practice...Don't want to get rusty. "
[she replies, with a slight grin]
"I would not want to get rusty either."
Hi guys. Please forgive me for interrupting your game but I was wondering if there is a way I could speak to GM Raventhorn privately. Or if I could join this project a little late because I just got on and really like the idea. Though I would still like to talk with GM Raventhorn. Again forgive the interruption please?
What ya need jester and ya man admissions open till monday but other than that what ya need lol
To Gaeron: "I can likely show you some of the finer points, lad. But truth be told, I don't much care to fight. Particularly when a real fight seems inevitable."
To Hermia: "Of course you may walk with me priestess." Alaric lowers his voice so as to keep this next part private. "I'm sorry milady. I do come off gruff sometimes, and no, I'm not overly fond of religion. However, I see no reason people can't benefit from it, and I certainly acknowledge and revere them as my superiors. I just don't want their help or hindrance in my life."
Not since father died...
"Hermia," she corrects him sharply, and then spares him a disaffecting smile. "We have titles within the church," she pauses and looks about them, "but we are not within the church now, are we, hmm?" she hums and salutes him with an inclination of her head.
"Beneath this sky, in this place, we are each of us equal, so far as social stature is concerned," Hermia corrects, indicating his mass with a flash of her eyes. "I wished you to know that I've no agenda further than becoming familiar with you. If we are to continue to travel with one another, we should forge at least a tenuous peace, no? For the benefit of all?"
Hermia smiles and nods approvingly. "Aye, I would at that. I have been told that I should not imbibe too deeply, however," she hums and pats her slightly rounded belly. Hermia's build hardly lithe, and she has slightly more than a healthy layer of flesh around her midriff. "Though rotund, I have not the stomach for enormous quantities, Master Smith, er... I am sorry, with so many voices speaking at once, I did not manage to catch your name?"
Devin narrows his gaze at Tina "You have a bit of fierce edge on you. I'm sure that you've found it useful before, but I would hope you've learned to temper it on the battle field. It can quickly become a liability." His eyes then sweep up and down her form. And as far as I see, you haven't reason to fear anything getting 'rusty'. as he smiles slyly.
I didn't want to keep posting in the middle of the RP I thought it might be rude. I wanted to discuss a character design based on a set of twins. How it would be fair to play them together but separate. They would share the same stats, traits, feats, skills and equipment but would act independently in RP and combat. Think of them similar to the twins from the Matrix reloaded. They feel each others emotions and complete each others sentences but two different bodies. No walking through walls either.
[Tina replies to Devin, with her right index finger at her chin, and with a slight smile]
"We are, who we are, and our past is what defines us at the present."
MibbiWicket spars with Tina for about 2 hours if she is up for, struggling to get used to fighting against a different fighting style tho using his size and his training thinks he shows her a new thing or two also. But after a bit he gets used to it and gives as good as he gets.
Afterwards "That was fun, it took me a lil getting used to your style of fighting but I think I got it worked out. We must do this again."
Bowing to Tina...
[during the spar Tina gave a good show of it, she was a little off at first due to the fact that almost all her past fights were with people with in 6 inches of her height]
[at the end of the spar, Tina was sweaty and slightly out of breath due to the duration and ferocity of the match. She replies to MibbiWicket]
"That was a good match, took getting used to your height since almost all were within 6 inches of my height, but it still was a good match."