Correction. As Kaylayne noted to me, Ederin had cover from Lief last round so I do NOT get an AoO last round. Lief has moved however, and I now do have an AoO if Ederin attacks.
So Ederin, you did not take the 12hp of damage and are currently only down 24 by my reckoning. As I say, I will get an AoO on you this round if you shoot. But I might miss. ;)
Sigh... correction to the correction.
Lief moves AFTER Ederin. So Ederin, you have an open field this round to shoot unimpeeded. At the end of the round, after Lief has moved, you will provoke, but not now. Damn that sneaky initiative.
I'm sure there is more wrong, but I'm running with it. A good round from Ederin and the fight is over in any event. So let's not sweat the small stuff. :)
Round 7, Init 17
"Ouch!" Kaylayne recoils from the vined strike. She strikes again, this time with flank to allow Lief's next strike to strike hard.
defensively aid Lief's next attack (flank)
"I'm fine! He just winged me!"
[ dice]1d20+7-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] damage.
+4 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 1/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 26 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Round 4, Init 13
HP: 18/42
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+2 Attacks/Saves/Skill Checks - Herosim
+6/+1 BAB
+4 Dex
+1 Bow
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 To Hit: Rapid Shot
+1 to Attack and Damage, PBS
Gravity Bow - 2d6 Weapon Damage
+4 Hit and damage Rangers Focus
-2 to hit Deadly Aim
+4 Damage Deadly Aim
Improved Precise Shot - No negatives from partial Cover or partial concealment
18 Arrows (Standard)/ 24 Blunt Arrows (15 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical))
"This room is too damned small!" Ederin shouts again as he fires off three more arrows trying not to hit his friends.
Dimitrio shows off his dance moves and hits the foul beast one more time. Kaylayne aids Lief’s swing and bravely suggests she’s fine. Ederin manages a pair of hits. Lief connects at last, and then backs away slightly to give the mound room to maneuver - and it falls over.
Aetheri cheers triumphantly in the hallway, ”Well done!”
We are again out of initiative.
"This is just one building, what the hell else is livin' in this city?" Ederin says as the creature falls and he relaxes a bit. He looks at his skin, smoking once again from the strength of the lightning that struck him.
"Don't suppose you got more o' that healin' magic, eh Aetheri?"
It takes her a moment as she's engrossed in some frescos.
"Oh? Oh. Yes. Of course."
She casts enough to heal the group. Not going to worry about tracking it just now. Nothing fancy, just cure spells, but she does seem to have a lot of them.
Lief thanks Aetheri for her gift of healing.
He snoops around the mound, and the rest of the room.
Content with the look-around, he returns to the central room, still left unexplored. He listens at the door, then proceeds to open it, hoping to get a look at the domed room.
In the nest you find 119 gold coins of antique elven mintage and 11 beryls of various shades (each gem is worth 100 gp).
You find nothing nefarious on the dome door, and you open it into a magnificent room.
Motes of dust drift lazily through this airy chamber. A dome rises high overhead, through which tangled vines tumble like leafy curtains. Across from a pair of sturdy stone doors engraved with chipped images of idealized elven dancers lie the dilapidated, weed-covered remains of some complex stone and metal device.
As the mound of vines falls, Kaylayne falls onto it as well. She uses her knees to hold it down while cuts a few more times, trying to ensure the beast is dead. With that, she looks up and around, happy to have survived.
"That was unpleasant. Arrows. Arrows do the work," Kaylayne notes trying to see if any of Ederin's shafts are recoverable.
She thanks Aetheri for her healing.
"Seems like we only have the main round room in the center to go," Kaylayne nods at Dimi. "Let's get in there while our magics last."
With 3 stones in hands, she awaits for the final doors to be opened and explored.
Kaylayne enters the room that Lied opened, looking around with detect magic.
Perception
Kaylayne detects no magic in the chamber.
This chamber once served as the conservatory’s most impressive recital hall, the dome above allowing the colors of the sun and moon to compliment the performance of ancient elven masters.
Aetheri comes in behind the party and exclaims, "A hydraulis! It's a type of pipe organ employing flowing water to compress air in the wind chamber."
A protuberance on the wall beneath the organ contains pipes that convey water from an underground source to and from the wind chamber.
She sits down at the enormous organ and prepares to play. She pulls out a few stops, jiggles this, pushes that, pulls the other thing, and a hum seems to fill the air...
Lief's eyes widen. "Aetheri, stop!! Are you trying to bring the drow down upon our heads?!!" If she looks to continue, Lief will bodily move her aside.
"Or anythin' else for that matter?" Ederin keeps his bow ready and starts listening for anything over the hum of the hydraulis.
Kaylayne is only a few steps behind Lief in stopping Aetheri before she can 'blow' our cover.
"Yes, let's not do that just yet. Or ever," Kaylayne follows up.
When Aetheri is safely protected, Kaylayne will get more practical.
"Lief, why don't you help Aetheri. Dimi, Ederin, and I will keep watch?" Kaylayne suggests. "Ederin, if you and Dimitiro will watch the front door? I'll watch the hole in the side?"
If they are agreeable, Kaylayne will mount the dias and keep watch there.
Dimitrio is mesmerized by the elven dancers depicted on the columns. His attention is quickly pulled as Lief and Ederin yell at Aetheri.
He quickly intervenes, "Hey guys, some respect here. No need to yell at the person who just healed you, eh?"
He then turn to the elven woman, "Ma'am, even though they are rude, they are still right. We still have to make sure this is safe and we have not done that yet."
The bard, rapier in hand, looks about to see what may lurk in this chamber.
"Who's yellin'? I believe that's the opposite of the point we're makin'. I'll take being rude and alive over dead and polite anyday."
Ederin shrugs and takes his place where Kaylayne suggested.
Aetheri shrugs, and pushes in a few stops silencing the hum. "You'd have been amazed at the sound. A life changing experience." she looks saddened... but only briefly as she realizes it's time to begin her research!
She bounds from room to room creating an unseen servant to help, and pressing you all to help as much as possible. Under her various requests, you'd have no guards - so I imagine she is left somewhat frustrated at times.
Still, with all her bouncing, she is thorough. She uses her illusion box three times and countless sticks of chalk, charcoal, and lead for rubbings and drawings. She goes from room to room, clearing walls, identifying sigils, copying musical notes.
There's a brief scare in one room as some yellow mold is discovered, but a quick lessor restoration potion later and all is well.
Those on guard don't see anything, and from their patrol maps the drow seem to be largely nocturnal with only skeleton-crews during the day, so you should be safe.
It takes Aetheri a few hours as she said, but in the end, she has gathered as much as she reasonably can. "I could spend years here, but this will give me enough to research for now." she says begrudgingly.
She is ready to leave.
"Alright, let's see if we can't get back to Crying Lief unharmed." Ederin's takes point and works his way back to the villiage. "We should probably give the maps of drow patrols to the elves when we get back, might make life a bit easier, yeah?"
It takes Aetheri a few hours as she said, but in the end, she has gathered as much as she reasonably can. "I could spend years here, but this will give me enough to research for now." she says begrudgingly.
She is ready to leave.
Glad to have helped in cleaning and obtaining valuable art, the bard is satisfied but saddened when it was time to go.
The enormous organ calls his attention and he asks, "Guys we have been here for a quite a while and everything seems pretty normal and safe, right?"
He points to the organ, "You know she is right. When will the next be when you are in the presence of an ancien musical instrument with an artist who can play it? It truly could be a life changing experience."
He looks about making sure everything is still safe, "Can we listen to Ms. Aetheri play, even just a few notes...?"
Aetheri looks eagerly to the instrument.
"I'm no expert, but I have some little skill."
"Did that tree hit you on the way down mate? It's quiet so let's make noise and hope for the best? The drow own this city and we're one man down."
Ederin looks absolutely mystified at the suggestion and he looks to Kaylayne and Lief for back up. "I'm not the only one who sees that we'll be pigeons if we play that right?"
Lief breathes a sigh of relief as Aetheri declines to play an instrument, under a dome, which, based on the hum alone, could have been quite loud. As she gets to work cleaning frescos and restoring health, Lief pulls Ederin, Dimitrio and Kaylayne aside. "I think we have more work to do here. We should probably be able to finish it as Aetheri does her work. There are two drow bodies, unretrieved. Their bodies should be disposed of, so no one is aware of their death for now. As we should dispose of the render. Cleaning the floor of lizard blood too. We need this place to be as untouched as it was when we arrived, so our presence in Celwynvian is hardly felt."
Lief spends most of his time doing just that.
...
When Dimitrio tries to wheedle a performance out of Aetheri, the young man stands in disbelief.
"Every hour we've spent here is another hour closer to drow stirrings, Dimitrio. As I understand, and I know that I'm very young," Lief stares at Kaylayne, "Life is built on regrets. Let this be one of your greatest. Perhaps when Celwynvian is liberated from the drow incursion, you and Aetheri can spend an enchanting evening under the dome."
Lief nods to Ederin, in agreement. "We should return now."
Lief nods to Ederin, in agreement. "We should return now."
Dimitrio nods, not totally happy, "Fine, fine. I don't want to be responsible should something happen to you. Gosh, this is the thanks I get for trying to get you to live a little. It's not like we haven't faced drow before."
He shakes his head, "I wanted to be able to share my experience, to have heard an ancient elven organ of water and stone."
He turns to Aetheri, "I think we need to go..."
Kaylayne checks the doors again, remembering that they might be soundproof.
"Aetheri, we could test the soundproofing if you'd like. If the doors outside are soundproof, then these doors might be as well. It's possible this room is well designed for perfect sound. There is only the big hole to worry about, perhaps."
Kaylayne looks to the others.
"Let us play one note, not a loud one with doors closed. I'll go outside and listen for it. Let us see if sound escapes," Kaylayne offers.
"I would do this because Dimitrio is right, we have only one chance ever for this opportunity and one chance only. This could be the last time music ever comes from this room."
If others agree, she will go outside to listen for the single gentle note to be played on the count of 20 after closing all the doors.
Perception
Lief nods to Ederin, in agreement. "We should return now."
Kaylayne looks wistfully at the organ, then nods, satisfied enough about the work they had done here.
"Yeah, let's go quietly..."
As the party readies to leave, Kaylayne turns to Ederin and Dimitrio.
"Can we scout a bit in this area? Just quickly for tracks. It would be good to know if the drow make it to this area often."
Kaylayne will scout nearby as they walk about.
Survival - tracks
"Uh, yeah I guess I could look for tracks quick. We got their patrol patterns so I don't see figure we'll find anythin' but it can't hurt I guess."
Ederin looks for any tracks but it's clear he's itching to leave. Having almost died in the conservatory he's not inclined to stay longer than necessary.
Lief, maybe with help, cleans up the conservatory a little, though without the application of magics it's hard to do. There's a lot of blood everywhere... also, how do you move the Render? It's over 4,000 pounds of dead flesh.
Kaylayne - you could climb up on the dome, but you're not sure how stable it is. Should be fine. There are also lots of trees.
However the city is quite overgrown, so you'll see little, and be exposed to the sight of others who might be doing the same thing. Let me know if you climb.
Ederin looks around and does indeed see patrol tracks. Like most guards he knows, they cut the corner a bit and don't really check this building out on their course through the major thoroughfares through the city.
He only finds a couple pair of drow tracks leading the conservatory.
Kaylayne is happy and ready to return.
"If we make it back safely, Aetheri, I think this trip went about as well as can be expected, don't you think?"
”Oh quite well!” exclaims Aetheri joyfully. She’s wistful about leaving however, and you sense she’ll be back ‘soon’, though it may take many months to sort out all the collected data.
You finally reach escape velocity and leave the city of Celwynvian to its ghosts and its drow. The trip home is uneventful, though you do get the feeling you’re being watched at one point - you can’t quite suss it out and pass it off as just a feeling, or maybe a scry. Nothing you can do, so you move on.
Eventually you reach Aetheri’s apartment. She welcomes you all inside warmly, and though she’s tired from her activities and excitement, she insists you stay for luncheon before she pays you for your efforts.
The lunch is very fine, but you have trouble getting a word in edge-wise as Aetheri talks incessantly about the music school. Still, her excitement is, at least a little, contagious and the lunch passes warmly.
After lunch the old elf continues, ”You have done well by me, and so I shall by you. The others won’t admit it, but they are hard pressed here and your, ah, unique way of handling things will be of great service to them. I hope that you will stay and fight along side them.”
”To spur your thoughts to that end, and as a thanks for what you’ve already accomplished, I grant you each a gift. These are items made through a long lost method, and to be honest, I don’t really know what all they can do, but I can give you some idea. You see, they grow in power with you - it’s a symbiotic relationship. So some effects will only become apparent in time and it is different for each person.”
She takes out a number of items and carefully describes each one as best she can. She allows each of you to select one item. Please don’t use the cash value of the item as an indicator of strength. That value changes over time, along with the items powers. It’s complicated, but all are ‘equal’ more or less in strength - some are just further advanced than the others right now. It'll even out.
Galvanic Gauntlets - These gloves are woven of a fine copper mesh and wire, and infuse the wearer's hands with an electric charge. The wearer can use the galvanic gauntlets to make a melee touch attack dealing 2d6 points of electricity damage. You gain a +3 bonus on the attack if the target is wearing metal armor or is composed of metal. (3,525gp)
Armor of the Celestial Host - This bright, silver-and-gold +1 chainmail is so fine and light that it can be worn under normal clothing without betraying its presence. It has a maximum Dexterity bonus of +5, an armor check penalty of –2, and an arcane spell failure chance of 15%. It is considered light armor. (6,900gp)
Lantern Pendant - This small pendant of brass and glass is crafted in the shape of a lantern and continuously sheds light as a light spell. As a move action, the wearer can open the miniature lantern pendant and direct the tiny phantasmal fire within to float to any point within 110 feet. This functions as dancing lights, and the wearer can create four lights. While the dancing lights are active, the light of the lantern pendant itself is extinguished. Once per day, the wearer can command the phantasmal fire to fly forth and illuminate all creatures in an area as faerie fire. Just as when using dancing lights, the pendant's light is extinguished throughout the duration. (2,400gp)
Five Fold Rings of Fire - These five golden rings are each set with a fire opal and are linked together by thin golden chains (making them take up only a single ring item slot). The wearer can release up to five scorching rays each day, one from each of the five rings. She can release one ray as a standard action or two rays (from two different rings) as a full-round action. (10,800gp)
Necklace of Infernos - This golden chain is strung with glowing red-golden spheres of various sizes. It acts as a necklace of fireballs (type I). After a bead explodes, a tiny new sphere of the same type that exploded begins to bloom along the chain, growing in size and intensity over the course of 1 week, after which it is ready to detonate again. (9,300gp)
Fruitful sash - This colorful sash seems to be the sort normally worn by any common sailor or traveler, yet within its folds is a bountiful pocket. The wearer can reach into this hidden pocket and remove a piece of fruit a number of times per day equal to their character level. The type of fruit varies. One piece of fruit has enough nourishment and water to sustain one medium creature for 24 hours and heal 1 point of damage similar to a goodberry. A given creature can recover a maximum of 8 hit points in this way in a 24-hour period. After 24 hours, the fruit rots and cannot nourish anyone. (2,400gp)
Boots of the Elven Spirit - These elegant, lightweight boots are durable yet soft in texture, being partially made of living leaves and other natural materials. They grant the wearer a +5 competence bonus on Acrobatics checks and allow them to treat the first square of difficult terrain they enter each round as if it weren't difficult terrain (which does allow 5’ steps). (3,100gp)
Vest of Golden Leaves - This garment is lined with gilded leaves, magically preserved in their autumnal splendor. The leaves retain this natural appearance in urban areas or natural settings other than forests or wooded areas. When the wearer is in a forest environment, the vest's leaves change to match the local flora. As long as the wearer moves no more than half their base speed in a given round, they gain a +4 bonus on Stealth checks and can attempt Stealth checks without cover or concealment. Each time the wearer attacks, the leaves turn blood red, negating this effect for 1 minute. (2,400gp)
She takes out a number of items and carefully describes each one as best she can. She allows each of you to select one item. Please don’t use the cash value of the item as an indicator of strength. That value changes over time, along with the...
Dimitrio's eyes are quickly drawn to the golden rings. Without taking his eyes of the exquisite jewelry, he thanks his host, "Madam, you are too kind."
He picked up the rings and tried them on. He winks and flashes a smile to Layne, "What do you think? Does it not scream Dimitrio?"
"This, this is very kind love, these ain't your everyday items that's for sure."
Ederin awkwardly nods his thanks as he inspects the items presented to them. Briefly he moves his hands over the sash, remembering the taste of the berry given to him at the conservatory, mouth almost watering. He also holds up the lantern pendant, knowing just how much it may come in use.
"What do you think guys? Never went in much for jewelry, but this necklace will be handy 'gainst the drow. Sash might make me look like a proper gent though!"
Aetheri beams with joy as her gifts are found desirable. "Yes that is very nice Dimitrio. It fits you well. Ederin, the sash is very nice of too course, but only if you need healing and food. I rather like the lantern pendant." she laughs lightly, "But then I always preferred jewelry to fruit!"
Lief looks over the table of items, impressed by their diversity and appearance. "Aetheri, you're quite generous here. Thank you. I'm not certain we've received enough information about the state of war to decide our involvement, to be honest with you."
He looks past the pendant and the sash, happy to have his own Ring and ioun stone. He's glad that Ederin senses their worth. As Dimitrio selects the Rings, he nods in approval.
For his interest in alchemicals, something about the Necklace of Infernos holds his attention. He picks it up, imagining the explosion contained in each ampule. "If anyone else has any objections?" If none are raised, he dons the Necklace.
Kaylayne reaches for the rings, only to see Dimitrio get to them first. She turns her attention to Ederin, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Oh that? I think that's nice, Ederin. And that necklace will be good for you, Lief. May I suggest not dropping it around your books, however?" Kaylayne suggests smirkily. Her hands go to the leafy vest, her mouth chanting words of arcane power even as her eyes seek to unlock the magical auras.
"These items are so...unique, Aetheri! I don't even know how to describe them...except as being resonant. They seem to echo our own powers? Does that make any sense? They seem to have more in them, but I can't figure out what it might be. They...they are utterly unique," Kaylayne says, trying on the vest.
"I can't thank you enough for the opportunity to earn this."
Ederin continues holding the two items in his hands, weighing their use. Healing was always good, and that fruit was delicious. The pendant however gave them more light, which they might find useful in the case of more drow.
As the others seem to have made their choices, Ederin feels rushed to make his own and he looks back and forth between the two. Pendants useful, but this sash is proper nice, it is. Utility, or vanity? As if that was a real question.
Putting the pendant down, Ederin smiles at the sash as he slides it through his hands, getting a feel for his newest acquisition.
"Alright, now I got a tougher question." He says, still grinning, to the rest of the group. "Around the waist, or over the shoulder? What do you think Carini?"
Putting the pendant down, Ederin smiles at the sash as he slides it through his hands, getting a feel for his newest acquisition.
"Alright, now I got a tougher question." He says, still grinning, to the rest of the group. "Around the waist, or over the shoulder? What do you think Carini?"
Dimitrio smiles, "You know Shorty that the colorful sash was my second choice but it does look good on you."
He asks Ederin to turn around, "Around the waist, definitely around the waist. It will accentuate your shoulders and give you that rugged good looks that make all the wenches swoon."
He quips, "You know the type? The wenches with less than a mouthful of teeth."
"Alright, now I got a tougher question. Around the waist, or over the shoulder? What do you think Carini?"
"Your waist, indeed," Kaylayne agrees. "If it's there, the fruit is less likely to smoosh when you fall..." Kaylayne almost adds 'in combat', but instead "...asleep."
Kaylayne spins in her vest, finishing her spin to face Aetheri.
"I do love this, thank you!"
Kaylayne spins in her vest, finishing her spin to face Aetheri.
"I do love this, thank you!"
Dimitrio whistles playfully, "Ok, now the girl even spins. What a change from the heartless wench that was serving drinks just a few weeks ago."
Aetheri is positively glowing with pride as you select items. ”I’m so glad you’ve each found something useful. That’s wonderful!”
She pours more wine with lunch, but eventually all good things come to an end and you’re pushing your welcome. It becomes clear she’s ready to pour over the drawings, etchings, and illusions she’s made of her conservatory.
As the party returns to their home, they are greeted at the door by their elven page. He says simply, ”We have another guest, another human like you. He has had a rougher day than you too by the look of it, and is resting now, so please keep your voices down.”
You are let into the main room where the page noiselessly prepares tea for the party if they desire it (with nice little spongy sweet-cakes in a variety of slightly fruity flavors).
You are let into the main room where the page noiselessly prepares tea for the party if they desire it (with nice little spongy sweet-cakes in a variety of slightly fruity flavors).
Dimitrio was still admiring his new rings when they arrived back at their place.
He thanked the elf preparing the tea, "Not tonight. Too much to drink; my bladder is ready to explode. The sweet cakes? Now that's different. There's always room for something sweet."
He claps Ederin on his shoulder, "Right Shorty? Looking good, archer man. That sash will bring them in. Just you wait and see."
He turned to the elf, "So who is man sleeping and why is he here?"
He turned to the elf, "So who is man sleeping and why is he here?"
Like any good servant, he demurs when asked a direct question about one of his charges, "I'm sure I don't know. Perhaps you know each other?" he suggests. After all, all humans know each other... right?
|
Allarnon is found sleeping soundly on the floor. His body curled into a smaller brown bear. The brown bear (Tarkir) seems to have small patches of bright white fur on his forehead in the shape of a curled claw while Allarnon himself is a younger man in his very early twenties. He seems to be very muscular with red tribal designs tattooed down his sides and arms. His hair is long and mangled as if it has never seen a comb while he wears a pack at his side. His head is adorned with a simple bronze headband etched with green leaves and vines. His cloak and clothing itself are embroidered with the same leaves and curled claw symbol that is found on the sleeping Tarkir's forehead.
Hearing the faint talking startles the sleeping man who has not seen a soul for days and now all of a sudden is in an entire village. In a fright he rises to his feet in a low crouch as he looks at Dimitrio. He lets out a low rumble from his chest that sounds like a growl as his face begins to contort and shape into that of half man-half bear.
Tarkir! More Drow! He grumbles. The bear simply lifts one of it's large eyes as it stares and Allarnon for a moment before shutting it again with a small sigh for he had smelled the newcomers moments before hand and is still recovering from the previous assault.
Getting his bearings Allarnon begins to calm and remember where he is at. With a second look he realizes that these men are not elves like Lady Eviana. As he calms his face reverts back to that of a man.
My apologies. I was told you would arrive soon. It seems I was more exhausted than I thought. He bends down and picks up a notebook from the floor and slides it back into his bag. I am Allarnon and this... He points to the sleeping, wounded bear ...is Tarkir.
Something bright and colorful breaks his attention as he springs towards Ederin and reaches at his sash. This is amazing. It reminds me of the fruit trees and birds from back home. So much color and so vivid.
Dimitrio wrinkled his nose at the bear of a man and the bear. "Wow, wow, there big guy. It's OK." He shows his hands, "Friends, we are all friends here."
My apologies. I was told you would arrive soon. It seems I was more exhausted than I thought. He bends down and picks up a notebook from the floor and slides it back into his bag. I am Allarnon and this... He points to the sleeping, wounded bear ...is Tarkir.
Dimitrio extends his hand, "I am Dimitrio, charmed I'm sure. Rough night? So who told you we would arrive you soon and have we met before?"
He looks at the sleeping bear, "Does it bite? I once toured the countryside with a dancing bear. I have a story or two to tell."
Something bright and colorful breaks his attention as he springs towards Ederin and reaches at his sash. This is amazing. It reminds me of the fruit trees and birds from back home. So much color and so vivid.
Dimitrio nods, "I told you Shorty. It's a real attention grabber!"
|
|
Allarnon jerks his head back up and stares quizzically at Dimitrio's open hand.
What does he want me to do? He looks over Dimitrio's shoulder at Tarkir and shrugs his shoulders. I'll just do what me and Tark do.
Bending down he grasps ahold of Dimitrio's extended hand with both hands, by the sides and gives the palm of Dimitrio's hand a lick with his tongue.
"Pleased to me you Dimitrio. I don't believe we have met before." he says dropping the man's hand and without missing a beat he continues on. "Yes, we had a rough night. We were traveling through the forest here and came across a small group of Drow that nearly killed Tarkir. I looked for a cave to tend to his wounds and the next thing I know I am face to face with an elven bow." He smiles broadly. "It was so exciting! They escorted us to speak with Lady Eviana about the dark-skinned elves."
He looks at the sleeping bear, "Does it bite?
Allarnon peers across at Tarkir and laughs. "Of, course he bites. He has to eat!"
Bending down he grasps ahold of Dimitrio's extended hand with both hands, by the sides and gives the palm of Dimitrio's hand a lick with his tongue.
The bard can not disguise a frown on his face, more of disgust than anger. He steps back and starts casting his minor magic to clean his hand before continuing, "OK, yeah. The elven lady. Did she tell when she's coming back? We are sort of on a holding pattern here waiting to see what she wants us to do?"
He quickly looks at Layne and corrects himself, "To see what she proposes that we do, which we will then discuss, right?"
Who the hell is this?
Ederin was already cautious when they were told someone was waiting inside, but this was certainly unexpected. When the sleeping man rouses and turns into something like a bear Ederin drops a hand to the sword at his waist and very nearly draws it as Allernorn reaches for his sash.
"Slow down mate!" Force of will keeps all his weapons where they rest but Ederin is clearly unhappy about the invasion of his personal space. He stumbles back a few steps back from the mangy man and eyes the bear warily.
As Dimitrio gets licked Ed takes a few more steps backward, shaking his head, his mouth agape. He's speechless as he watches the strange interaction.
Kaylayne leans against the door, watching the introductions. She was more used to feral guests than city citizens, and she feels more comfortable around the more honest natural types than those that affected city airs and desires.
She, in her time as a tavern bartender in a Varisian outpost, had seen a menagerie of animal companions. She had seen everything from poisonous vipers to furry rats to scorpions or everything in between. Nothing surprised her about a pet bear. At least it wasn't a yak.
"And I am Kaylayne," Kaylayne says without getting too close to be slobbered upon. "Well met. I thought you looked familiar for a moment, but maybe it is your bear. I seem to have more a recollection for the animals than the men with them. You haven't been to the tavern outside the Gypsy's Outpost in northeast Varisia, have you? I suspect not..."
"How is it that Aetheri made you welcome? Are you like us and some lost puppies she's taken in?"
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"To see what she proposes that we do, which we will then discuss, right?"
Kaylayne shrugs, her arms crossed.
"Pretty much, but I might ask tomorrow long we'll need to wait. I don't know why, but I'm anxious about staying here, or standing still. Not sure why. Maybe because I feel trapped here. Trapped here with the elves when normally I would feel safe in the forest. Maybe that is it."
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"OK, yeah. The elven lady. Did she tell when she's coming back? We are sort of on a holding pattern here waiting to see what she wants us to do?"
Allarnon shrugs "She didn't really say, now that I think about it."
"Well met. I thought you looked familiar for a moment, but maybe it is your bear. I seem to have more a recollection for the animals than the men with them. You haven't been to the tavern outside the Gypsy's Outpost in northeast Varisia, have you? I suspect not..."
"How is it that Aetheri made you welcome? Are you like us and some lost puppies she's taken in?"
"No, this is my first visit to Varisia. I have only been here a couple of days." Grabbing the bag at his waist he lifts it up for Kaylayne to see. "She gave me this sack that I can fit anything into! She asked me if I would help here with the drow." he says with a look of worry as his thoughts lead back to the wounded Tarkir.
Hearing more about the forest Allarnon begins to smile once again. "What did she tell you all?"
Lief debates making formal introductions. They would normally include some version of a handshake, and he already witnessed Dimitrio's encounter, so chooses to remain where he is.
"Both 'shes', Eviana and Aetheri, haven't spoken much with us regarding their necessities. We escorted Aetheri to the conservatory in Celwynvian, dealt with shocking lizards and a Will-O'-Wisp, then returned here. We'll all likely hear about it together."
Lief looks over at the bear. "What's your relationship with the bear? Are you a street performer?"
"No, this is my first visit to Varisia. I have only been here a couple of days."
Kaylayne looks at the reddish tattoos all down Allarnon's sides and arms.
"That's weird. First time in Varisia, eh? From your build and tattos, I marked you for one of the shoanti. You know, from one of their many tribes. If you are not Shoanti, what do your tats symbolize?"
"And how did you end up in the middle of tbis forest without the elves stoppin' you, eh?" Ed asks, breaking out of his stupor.
"They've been guarding it for as long as anyone can remember and you jus' wander in, get attacked by some drow and live to tell the tale?"
His eyes narrow as he speaks and he crosses his arms as he continues to scrutinize the strange young man.