Hope you get to feeling better Wrath. The nice thing about PbP we can work around illness :) We can wait, your game is great.
Milhar asks to see Bia-Mah before the burial ceremony and discusses the Tien and their outlook on life and death.
Bia Mah comes to Milhar at his request. The man appears sombre, but not shaken by the days events. Certainly he is far calmer than Emallion seems to be.
"We of the Tien nation believe the spirits need to be escorted to the afterlife with praises of those who new them in life. It is with these blessings and stories that they barter with Lady Pharasma for passage to infinite bliss of the heavens. Normally, it would be family and friends who provide the tales, and they would burn precious woods and incense with which to please the lady of death as well."
He looks a little sad at this last statement, knowing that no such materials have come along with the group of refugees. "None of us truly new Bia Mah, though I shall say a few words. She worked with you and Algret the most, staying in the medical bay as often as she could. I believe she was growing to love the work, and may have asked for such skilled labour when we arrived at our destination. It was not to be alas."
the following day when milhar can walk again, thanks to self healing and time, he spends a while with the carpenter and/or mjobo trying to find any decent wood on board ship.
if none can be found then the sorcerer will chip a little out of the infirmary walls, using his new spell mending to repair any damage.
then he makes sure that as many people as possible from the crew and passenger list know about the funeral. using anyone who was under her care or his in the infirmary to quietly spread the word. milhar explains that it will be a short service and all he wants is for people to pay their respects for the dead.
he asks for a small brazier to be set up onboard so that the wood can be burnt.
if the intention is for the tien girl to be buried on the island then there should be a rowing boat ready to her body's last journey.
eventually when the funeral begins, milhar steps up to say a few words, he haltingly explains,
this girl would not harm anyone, she bore no malice, just a gentle heart and a gentle touch, she had a gift for helping others heal and would have gone on to make a fine healer. but she has been struck down and taken from us far too soon. i will always remember the way that she smiled even towards the end of a long day in the infirmary.
sien was her name and that means hope in her language, as i understand. we must remember her and hope too for now and the future together.
but do not worry for her, she has a good soul, and is even now looking down on everyone here wishing them well. she has just stepped into another room and although she is out of sight, she is not out of mind.
finally you people are facing many trials and tribulations over the next few days and weeks and you must be filled with sien's hope. take heart and work together.
the sorcerer throws some wood in the fire and watches it burn.
**When Khsimia introduced herself and her daughters, Bo-dan bows formally to each of them. In a way, she owed the daughters some small amount of ji'e'toh as well for having almost taken their mother away from them. She had noticed the attractive older daughter before of course; in fact she and Paera has shared some amusement over the 'mother hen protecting her chicks from the eager roosters' more than once. Now that she knew the girl though, Bo-dan intended to take a more active interest in her protection and education herself.
When the Khsimia indicates she could use help with her tent and invites Bo-dan over, the half-elf demures apologetically saying "My apologies Khsimia, first I must help see to the safety of the rest of the camp. I will make my way to you as soon as I am able though." And with a final bow, she departs
**Bo-dan had been gladdened when Paera took her hand and led her into helping round-up the refugees and turn them back from the beach. Her lover always seemed to know how to soothe her soul and at that moment, Action was the thing. It did not eliminate the ji'e'toh Bo-dan still owned Khsimia but it did make the monk feel better.
**When the two young boys came up to Paera, giving back to her the items she had found on the skeleton and passing on the dinner invitation from their mother, Bo-dan's smile was even larger. It had not always been thus for the two of them. Much of the land and it's people still held great hostility for half-breeds such and Paera and herself. Yet if anyone could charm away people's fears and ignorance, it was her Sweet Pea. And the wonder of it to Bo-dan was that her ves'tacha seemed to do it all so effortlessly.
**When asked the question by her dear-heart, Bo-dan replied "Yes my love, I must help Khsimia and her daughters with their tent. You know them, or one her daughters at least. Remember she is the pretty one we noticed earlier. I would like for you to come and meet them, and then perhaps after we can go eat with your young friends?" The open invitation and love was clear in her eyes, yet also was the understanding that she would be fine with whatever her companion decided to do.
Wrath
The only things I can really think of for Bo-dan are to:
1-repay her debt of honour to Khsimia and her family
2-continue to ensure the safety of the camp
3-Once she hears of events on the boat, make sure the captain knows what she saw the other night from the rigging and identifying the men to make sure that all of the conspirators are known.
4-and finally, Bo-dan will seek out Milhar and the Gnome to speak to them on something which has been in her mind lately...
Milhar
At a time when they both seem to be free, Bo-dan approached the quiet man and, after some small talk, explains her reason for seeking him out "It is been taught to me from my masters that all beings have within them some spark of Magic yet that some have it stronger than others and are thus able to...manifest it."
She is quiet in thought a bit before continuing "It had been assumed by many that because of my heritage" as she unconsciously places a hand over her medallion "that I should be a one to display such a gift." she is quiet again and it's becoming clear that this is a somewhat difficulty matter for her. Yet after a short time she continues
"I have always been more than diligent in my studies and training yet never was i able to...manifest...any significant display of whatever magical heritage may be mine." She seems about to pause again but pushes on "It was very frustrating. I...I must admit that at time though I...felt...something. It is difficult to explain..."
"Sensei Tchindai always assured me that this was natural. He explained that one cannot force these gifts to come before their time. Yet I have had to fight so hard most of my life that it seems strange to me that I should not have to train or work hard to bring whatever gifts may be mine to the fore."
"So, what I wish to ask you Milhar is...how is it for you? How did you come by your gifts? What made you able to manifest...Magic in such a way? I would be deeply grateful for any advice you may be able to give me in this matter."
Wrath, Bo-dan will also be having a very similar conversation with the Gnome whenever she has the chance.
*Milhar's preparations for the burial of Sieu Dien went without trouble. Many of those he was able to talk to are willing to say a word or two for the girl at her ceremeony, to be held on the beach on the morrow. Timber was far harder to come by, and he was forced to remove some fo the intricate cabinetwork from the medical bay, as the only source of expensive timber in the ship. His new found ability to repair such damage quickly repairs the marks though, and no one would be the wiser about his actions.
After readying the event and preparing a few words for the girl, he returns to his cot to gather a few remaining personal items before the trip to the beach. As he reaches for his bag, a small hand darts out from under the bedding and clutches his wrist, causing the Sorceror to jump with a start. **Milhar**
**Bo Dan left the three women at their campsight, the mother fussing over her daughters and their gear. Nothing more was said to the monk, but she got the definite feeling from the woman that she was not impressed about the half elf leaving without helping them set up camp.
As Paera joined the monk, the two rounded up refugees and got things back to a settled pace in the camp. The invitation for dinner was a welcome distraction and turned out to be a great boon to both of their spirits. The young boys enthusiasm for asking questions was never ending, and both half elves found themselves constantly telling tales of their lives to the small group gathered near them. Despite the fearsome events of teh day, the night began to ring with laughter as certian tales were embellished for the benefits of the crowd. When the meal was served, it proved to be hearty and surprisingly tasty. The mother had preprared fish and some of the molluscs from the rockpool, served on a boiled seaweed but seasoned from something she had brought with her from fallen Azaghur. They were left feeling content and welcome, somthing neither had experienced for many months. Finally Bo Dan bids a farewell to those who welcomed her and relived Vik at the pallisade. The big Ulfen nodded to her, and returned to sleep where Algret and her two adoptees had settled. As she paced the trench, Bo Dan's mind was drawn inward in a self reflective moment **Bo Dan**
***Paera watched as her lover moved to patrol the makeshift barricade they had made during the day. As Bo Dan left, the rogue also bade her farewells to the famliy, having to work hard to convince the now exhausted boys that it was time for sleep rather than talk. When she retuned to her sleeping gear however, she took out the golden Torc she had found earliuer and began to clean it up a little. As she scrubbed the metal, pieces of encrusted sea grime fell from its surface, better revealing the markings etched into its surface.
**Paera**
Paera's knowledge local if successful
[spoiler]Iceeyes was the name given to Captain Haven Valgruus, a notorious pirate who roamed these waters nearly 50 years ago. Many Varisians talk of the massed treasure he accrued before vanishinng into these islands, and even the gypsy folk of the northlands dream of travelling south to search for it.
****Vik stood like a bastion against the encroaching night sounds of the tropical jungle before him. His senses felt heightened, more alive now he was off the ship and on firm ground again. Twice he thought he caught glimpses of movement near the camp sight, but when he moved to inspect it, there was nothing there. At one stage, some large animal could be heard snuffling around in the jungle near to his posiotin, but it too moved on, probably not willing to risk itself with the many little fires that burned through the evening. Yet despite his edginess, nothing of great import happened during his watch. When the Half elven monk replaced him at the wall, he gratefully returned to his sleeping mat next to Algret and the two children. He had placed himself between them and the most likely approach of danger, so as to have the best chance of acting in time if something were to occur. As he removed his gear, he again felt the weight and balance of the silvered blade that he had removed from the prisoner. The hilt was supuerbly crafted, the guard made to look like the unfurling wings of a great desert eagle. The counter balance was crafted int he shpe of the raptors head and its curved beak formed the palm rest of the pommel. The blade itself glimmered in the moonlight, and Vik could sense the silver metal woven into the folds of the wepons blade. The stuff sang to him on a primal level, resonating as a counterpoint ot his own heart beat. The blade made him nervous, though he new the silver had no more effect on him than it did any other Ulfen. Still, it was better in his hands than n those of an enemy. With thought, he drifted to sleep.
*****Algret slipped into a deep and untroubled sleep, her mind reaching through the vastness of the world to touch that place where Torag would commune with her. As Vik approached, she woke briefly but quickly allowed herself to return to sleep. Her watch would be son enough, when one of the half elves returned for her. As she settled she felt something else reaching into her dreams
**Algret**
It was Bo Dan shaking her slightly that had awakened her. The monk had pulled a double shift to allow her lover to get more sleep. She looked tired, but still managed a part smile at the dwarf when she arose to take her turn at the pallisade. As the dwarf made ready her gear, she felt a small hand, smooth and waarm reach up and hold onto her own. The priestess looked down, knowing already what she would see there. The little doll had changed dramatically though the evening. It's skin had a more stony appearence, the heair had thickened and was now a straw blonde, braided into great plaits down its back. The eyes, which had been painted so darkly beutiful yesterday now glinted bronze in the moonlight. It stood, legs slightly apart and watching the darkness for any sign of trouble, clearly taking a protective stance before the priestess of Torag. Her companion doll had quickened.
No problems Bo, we'll assume you went and helped them with the tent. More from them later this week, when I also do your conversation with the Gnome.
The funerl for all the dead was held the next morning, after everyone had broken their fast. This was done more to keep the children sated and less restless than any other reason.
The graves were dug by those who had perpetrated the attack. All but Rafiki had remained tied up on the beach during the night, and none of them had even tried to escape. Rafiki was left locked in the brig on board Vixen, awaiting the captains decision about what was to be done with him. The death of both Schorl and Spider at the hands of the man had affected the Captian deeply, and his eyes had a haunted look about them in the morning.
When the graves were dug, the bodies were lowered in. They had been wrapped in sail cloth and linen, to protect them as much as possble from the ravages of the marine life on the beach and island. Sieu Dien's wrappings were further decorated with written scrollwork, daubed with ink down the midline of her wrappings. Milhar stepped forwards and spoke his benediction over the body of the young girl, and no less than 8 others also stepped up with a kind word for her. All of them had been tended by her at some point.
Captain Venn spoke over the bodies of his fallen crew, invoking the name of Gozreh, god of weather and oceans to watch over them, Besmarda the goddess of pirates to keep them free from trouble in the afterlife, and Pharasma, goddess of death to speed them through her realm and on to the paradise that such good men should deserve. As he spoke the words, his haunted look seemed to pass and a kind of peace settle over him.
The two Khelleshites were lowered in to the sound of wailing and keening. A song was sung, in the harsh clipped syllables of the Sunspeak language and one of the eldest boys in the group steped forward and spoke some words from the "Tome of the Emperors Wisdom" that one of the families had managed to bring along.
Within the hour, the bodies were buried and people were back working.
Captian Venn called all of the protection detail over to the large tent he had errected as the communal mess. "We face two interesting dilemma's now my friends". Everyone noted the change in his demeanour. Gone was the undercurrent of tension, the unreasonable edge of anger and seemingly barely contained violence that the man had possessed throughout the trip. In fact, there were subtle changes in nearly everyone since the fight yesterday. It was as if a canker had been burst and the suporous toxins been leached from the refugees.
Captain Venn continued. "First we have the issue of Rafiki and his cronies. While those on the beach ended up causing no harm and seemed to have been heavily influenced by the bugbears taint, Rafiki himself was responsible for three of the deaths we had, all of them innocents. I am aware the Bugbear had a strong hold on the man, but from what I gather they only enhance what one is thinking. Our first problem is to decide what to do with that man"
He did not pause, before continuing his dialogue "Secondly, we have two groups out in the jungles gathering meat and honey. I have no way of knowing whether they ran into trouble with the natives you report seeing, but I do know that they'll need to return through that jungle soon, and they may have no idea that trouble is here. Sooner or later we need to deal with these natives and see what they want. I have secured a treaty with the fishmen in the bay. They are happy to let us moor here, but we owe them a tithe in meat and alcohol before we can depart. Alcohol we can spare, and with luck the halfling woman will bring us the meat. I belive our position here is secure enough that you could try for a meeting with these people. What say you all to our problems?"
Looking around briefly to the others, Bo-dan avoided only looking at her lover. She knew that this was one of the few subjects that they differed on. "I do not know the particulars of shipboard law Capatin, or if or even how it applies on land, but I do know that, in most lands, Rafki would be considered to have already decided his own fate. Those who willfully do murder have forfeited their own lives. If this man were allowed to live he would be a constant danger to other innocents and that cannot be allowed."
The demeanor of the Monk is not a happy one. She has look of one who is swallowing a bitter, but necessary, fact. The look she finally gives Paera seems to be an almost apologetic one.
"As for the natives, if you feel the camp is properly secure Captain I would be willing to be among those to seek out the peoples of the jungle to sue for peace; or at least gather more information. I am no skilled negotiator, but I can provide another pair of eyes and ears and offer what protection it is within my ability to give."
**Paera**
** spoiler omitted **
Knowledge(local) : 7 on a natural 1 :(
Paera had been grateful for the distraction of being introduced to the family Bo-Dan had sworn to help and the dinner with the young boys' family. She had eagerly taken up her lover's invitation to meet the former, and seemed reluctant to leave her side for long at all. She seemed to be on the edge of saying something more, something that had been on her mind and eating at her for a while, but she always found an excuse to not want to sour what brief moments of peace they could find.
That night after she cleaned the torc, she held it up against the sky and studied it for some time, wondering at what the markings could mean. She even turned to the skull to ask, "You wouldn't happen to know what all this is about, would ya?"
She held onto Bo tightly as the time for the funeral came. She noticed the change in the captain's demeanor, and even she had a hard time holding onto her spite towards the man. She was beginning to rethink her harsh judgment of him... She whispered a silent prayer to the goddesses he beseeched to look over the dead, as well as one to Desna and Shelyn, to help the husband and wife find each other, whereever they were going.
Later, as the captain brought up the other pressing matters, Paera pulled the torc out of her pouch, wondering if she should bring the matter up.
On the matter of Rafiki, she met Bo's look and nodded. She took no joy in what she said next. "No one forced his hand, and he got a lot of people killed already. To hell with him. But..." she turned her eyes to the captain. "How do you plan on doing away with him without making the refugees more nervous than they already are? A lot of 'em might think he deserves death, but I know I'd start worrying if I were in their shoes. A bunch of foreigners executing one of them after killing a bunch of them before their eyes. What about marooning him?" She almost made a bitter remark about the matter of the offering of meat and killing two birds with one stone, but even she was too shocked by the thought to repeat it.
She began to twirl the torc around her fingers. "And the natives...if we do try to talk with them, we need ta be real polite. They haven't hurt us out here on the beach yet, even after the mess yesterday."
She stopped spinning the torc about and held it forth. "And then there's this. I found it on that body in the water. Anyone here have any idea what these markings mean?"
Bo Dan and Milhar (A gnomes view on Sorcery)
Christoff looks at Bo Dan with a broad smile as teh two of them take a walk around the deck during the night. Above them the stars twinkle in the clear sky and around them the noise of the calm bay can be heard in the lapping of waves against the ship and the occaional splash of something breaching the still waters.
"Tis funny that you should ask me such a thing my dear, for I approached the young man Milhar with a similar question.. He twirls his mustache and stares out over teh dark waters, his fey eyes gleaming with intelligence and whimsy as he prepares to speak.
"I am Fey, my people driven from the Faery lands before ever I was born. However that blood link allows me to reach across the voids and tap into the very nature of the realms. I can use that fabric, and here on the mortal world I can weave it into other forms, only limited by my imagination and the hard wiring of my brain. Or so it was explained to me by a Wizard companion of my mine many years ago. To me it is as instinctive as drawing breath, or the beating of my heart." his brow creased somewhat as he thought on the matter some more.
"My friend also warned me, however, that those of us with this blood power were borrowing from the source. We need to be careful or else others will notice its use and some may come looking to see why. It is different for Wizards you see, they tap into the natural magic that is inherent to this world. They weave what already exists, changing it at a base level to suit their needs, but we who "feel" our magic are bringing something foreign to the land. Apparently there are places where the excess borrowed arcana bleeds from this world, returning to the plains from which it came. I would dearly like to see one some day."
He looks directly at the Half Elf then, a whimsical smile upon his feay features. "So my dear, unless you are born to the gift, all the introspection and training in the world will avail you nought. I believe if you contain a high enough level of intelligence though, you may be able to tap into the arcan of this world, as the wizards do." He seems a little sad for Bo Dan that her dreams may not come to fruition.
BoDan and Paera (A family in need)
When Bo Dan and Paera return to the campsite of Khsimis and the two girls, they can hear an argument raging. The mother of teh two young girls is speaking quite firmly to her eldest daughter Khraisi. She was admonishing teh girl for wanting to have her dinner with one of the young sailors that had passed by and made the offer. "Certainly not young woman, you are far too young to be "dining out" with the likes of that man. Besides whihc, would you leave your mother and younger sister to fend for themsleves int his wild land?". The woman was a master of laying teh guilt on her daughter, but both Half Elves could tell she was merely trying to protect her daughter from teh advances of the sailor. While the argument was raging, the younges girl, Eliisal was busy trying to get the piece of hessian that they had been allocated to form a make do tent. The weave was tight enough to hold rope and would protect them from mild weather, but a heavy rain would come right through the thing. As Bo Dan and Pae come into sight, the girl smiles warmly and says loudly enough to interrupt the fight "See mother, I told you heros like them wouldn't break a promise". She practically glowed with admiration for the two half elves.
Algret considers the Captain's words ans well as his new found attitude. She closes her eyes for a moment, and when she speaks it is with the tone of one recieving Wisdom from a far more knowledgable source.
"I would say that there are only two ways to deal with one who endangers the others. The first is obvious. He chose his path, and should be struck down, that his soul can be reforged into something...better.
The other option is to cast him out. Set him adrift with a few days food and let fate punish him as it sees fit. I doubt Gozreh would be any more merciful than Torag on the issue of betraying one's allies."
"My concern is the creature that took over Rafiki's body. I saw a shadowy man enter the infirmary, Rafiki, he fought us and then a strange large goblin separated, and I gather fled."
"What is that? Let us deal with the past before we go into the future. Rafiki's acts may not have been his own so I do not think that capital punishment may be justified. I do not mind what task is assigned next, I try to help."
Milhar keeps the quickened doll with his kit and not carried around. He watches the others to see how fit they are.
"Algret what of the web I told you of earlier? This island may have a greater story to tell, perhaps the villagers can tell it."
"Aye, if it is a web then let us not be flies to their spider"
"And then there's this." She held the torc forth for everyone to see, pointing out the map carved upon it. "This is what I found on that body in the water. The words are in Varisian. 'They say Iceeyes treasure is secured within. Beyond the village of the greys and at the base of the fire mount, look ye to the cleft foot.'" She pointed at the volcano. "'Fire mount'?"
She couldn't keep the grin from fighting its way onto her face. "Look, where we're heading these people are going to need money to get by." She gave each of them a pointed look, hoping they remembered what she had mentioned about their destination. "Maybe this could help!"
"Wait, what web?"
Wrath and Bo-Dan - Family In Need
Paera had a somewhat worried look in her eyes as they approached the Khsimis, the kind of look that one had when they cross to the other side of the street rather than walk by a potential brawl. But Bo had to keep her promise, and Paera wasn't going to leave her side tonight.
As she caught what the argument was about, she couldn't help but smile softly. The mother was just trying to protect her daughter. She believed her mother would have treated her the same way if she were...
She put the thought out of her head as the younger girl announced their presence. She placed a hand behind her beloved's shoulder and pushed her forward slightly. "Yep! Bo will do anything if she promises to." She looked at her ves'tacha, hoping to push her into the center of attention. She deserves it, she thought. She deserves it a lot more than I do...
There was love and admiration in her eyes, but there was a hint of guilt and worry that played over them for the briefest of moments.
"This is hard to explain. The Source of All My Magic is real and from time to time it gives me messages, in dreams and visions if you like. This island was in one such dream, and I saw skeins of a web emanating out across the island as if something or someone sits at the centre, a dangerous someone I would guess."
"Rafiki's creature, this bugbear what happened? do any of you know?"
Captain Venn looks at each of the group in turn as they speak their piece. He nods at each person and finally states "You have given me much to consider. I too would like to know more about how this "Bugbear" affected the man. Emallion and the Sunfolk seem to know a fair bit about it. Emallion is pretty worked up that it escaped."
He rubs his hand through his rough beard, seemingly thinking long and hard before making his decision. "I don't like killing. I've only ever done so in defense and yesterday I killed a woman, something that will haunt me for a long time. I'll not have any more killed under my care if it's within my power. Rafiki is a threat, even now, when the beast has left him he rails against us continuing our journey, and twice he has called for your death Milhar. I shall banish him on the morrow. I will take two of my lads and we'll row him around the Northern point, beyond where the spur of volcanic overflow meets the sea and leave him to his fate. Today I'll tell these folk of my decision, and we'll see what we shal see.". The man looks pensive for a moment, knowing that the news may not be greeted very warmly by these folk. Rafiki had gathered a fair bit of support during the journey here so far.
"Perhaps it is best that you remain in camp until that deed is done. Having you folk around will certainly disuade any further trouble makers. As for those that attacked us on the beach, I shall give them a choice. Repent and rejoin us, or travel with Rafiki into banishment."
When Paera holds out the medallion and speaks of the words on it, the Captains eyes light up a little. "Iceyes you say. That's the name of old Captain Haven. He's a pretty famous pirate rumoured to have romaed these waters. My varisian...aquaintances shall we say, are always gabbing on about his lost treasure." A smile crosses his face as Paera's excitement seems to mount. "Don't get too excited my girl. People have been searching for his treasure for over fifty years ow. Everyonce in a while someone claims to find a map or clue of some sort and they go tearing off into the islands to find it. Most of don't return, and those that do are empty handed and short crewed, thanks to the damnable pirates in this place."
He seems to put paid to the idea though there is a slight change in his demeanour. Sense Motive or spot DC16
When Milhar asks of the bugbear, the captain relates the tale of its escape from the ship. It stole a skiff and fled the boat while confusion reigned on teh ship during the attacks. "My guess is it went for the island, as none saw it trying to traverse the lagoon. I agree with Paera's sentiments in this case, the jungle is welcome to it."
As he says the words, a disturbance deep in the jungle sends a flock of parrots and small ptreodons wheeling into the air, their harsh cries echoing through the morning air. Then the jungle returned to its usual brooding stillness.
Algret uses a day's worth of chanelling on Vik
The protection of the community should take priority. I say leave the fool Rafiki to the whims of Gozrah and anyother gods he may or may not worship.
Milhar looks pained at the Captain's decision over Rafiki, but he doesn't speak out.
"I like the idea of venturing into the jungle, Paera, but maybe after we have dealt with some of these more pressing matters. For myself I hope everyone doesn't mind if I change my mind a little. The dream of the web leads me to suspect that our foragers may be in trouble. Should we not safeguard them first?"
Then he steps back out of the conversation to let everyone decide what to do. Despite his best efforts the man still winces in pain whenever he moves or bends.
Paera frowned a bit at the mention of Emallion being upset. She still needed to speak to her again but... She glanced over at Bo-Dan for a moment before turning back to the conversation.
Paera's eyes lit up more and more as Captain Venn told them about Iceeyes. She thought she had sold the idea to him for certain until he warned her about how successful previous attempts to find his treasure had been.
She nodded emphatically at Milhar though, for the first time, when he suggested it could be something to look into later. "Yeah, of course! We gotta make sure everyone's settled in and protected first!" She put the torc on as she spoke. It was a bit of a good luck charm now as far as she was concerned. Nevermind the luck the previous owner apparently had...
Paera
The moment Paera places the torc around her neck she feels small spark between it and the pendant she wears. The little charm from the halfling woman starts to feel warm and seems to vibrate slightly against her neck.
**When Algret returns back to her camp area, she can see Sahba playing with the newly quickened companion doll. They are sitting and playing tea parties together, the dolls hair crudely done in new pigtails and the two of tehm using bits of rock and stick to mimick food and plates and tea. They are surrounded by the most complex and detailed sandcastle Algret has ever seen and a number of the people around are looking on with a mixture of worry and wonder at the event.
Kahir is no where to be seen, thoug a large number of children have moved off to the fish pool as the tide rolls in to see what comes in. There are some supervising adults with them and the sounds of laughter and questions can be heard from that area.
***When Milhar returns for his gear aboard Vixen he finds the entire medical bay in a state of carefully arranged order. The medical tools are laid neatly around the room, bandages and other dressings have ben unpacked and rerolled and the bedding area seems to have been made and unmade. Amongst all of this,the little woodan man who awakend the night before is moving and seemingly studying everything in minute detail. As Milhar enteres, he turns and holds up a large bone knife for Milhar to inspect, a little smile upon his face.
Paera and Wrath (a family in need)
Feeling better than she had in some time, Bo-dan had a smile on her face as she made her way over to the Khsimis and her daughters. She was beginning to feel that she and her sweet Pea were actually welcome and...liked, by the refugees. The feeling was a very unusual one for the young Monk, at least outside of the Monastery, but it was a very welcome one.
And they heard the sound of raised voices a slight frown of concern began to crinkle her forehead and she quickened her pace yet as soon as they grew close enough to her what it was about she relaxed, slowed her pace and shared a quick and secret smile with her beloved.
Folding her hands and bowing, Bo-dan faces Kshimia and says, "Eliisal is correct Kshimia in that I shall never break a promise to you, or anyone. As for the hero part, well, I can certainly attribute that to my dear Paera here, for she is the bravest soul that I know." with a smile private small, knowing how the public praise will affect her humble lover. It also serves to repay the rogue for pushing her into the center of attention as she did.
Turning slightly to Kharaisi Bo-dan says softly as her hand seems to drift on it's own to grasp her medallion "Never would I seek tell you how you must live your life Kharaisi. Yet I do wish to share with you this. My mother was taken from this life on the day of my birth. I never knew her, never got to see her, hold her or have her hold me. I would give...almost anything, even just to see her face one time. To actually have her presence in my life, to know how she loves and cares for and looks out for me...would be a bliss I can hardly imagine. Family is the most important gift we have. Were it not for my beloved Pae, I would have none. In this time of trial and tribulation we all now face, family is more important than ever. You are very blessed to have a mother and sister who love and care for you as you do Kharaisi. I only say these things to perhaps remind you of them, and to remind you of how fortunate you are to have so much that many others have never had, or have lost." And with that she also bows deeply to the young woman before her.
She then, with Paera's aid, helps the women set up their tent and with anything else that they may need.
At the Captain's decision to simply exile the man Bo-dan says "Exiling Rafki is almost surely a death sentence as well, as you are fully aware Captain. Killing him would simply a swifter and more merciful death. Yet it is your decision make, so I shall support it."
Perception/Spot (1d20+10=24)When her sweet Pea excitedly explains about her find, a genuine smile Bo-dan's face. Yet brief a frown ruins it as she catches the surreptitious looks from the Captain to her dearheart and the Monk's strong hands tighten into fists of their own accord. She does not say anything about it for the moment though.
As for the treasure itself, riches have always been of very little concern to the Monk, yet if it were to enable the refugees a better chance of survival once they reached the mainland, she would support the hunt, yet she most definitely saw making peace with the natives as the first priority.
As Milhar and Paera mention the safety of refugees and the other groups half-elf asks the Captain directly "Has there been any word or sign yet from any of the other groups yet Captain?
The Captain responds to Bo Dans question about the foraging groups with a shake of his head. "No, but I am not too concerend yet. It would be the meat wranglers I would expect to hear from first. However Tila told me not to expect them back for at least 3 days possibly 4. Something about ensuring the herd they rounded up wasn't going to affect the islands balance too much. I trust her instinct on this."
He doesn't answer the challenge about Rafiki's exile, but it is certainly a mark to the change in him that he also doesn't end up screaming at Bo Dan for what she says to him. He merely nods his head and walks away to inform the main group of refugees of his decision.
There are some shocked murmers when he speaks of exiling the man, but far more people seem to be nodding their heads. Partcularly the core of passengers who are not from the Empire itself seem to support this idea. Whether the others are afraid to show support for the man, or if they are generally in agreeance with the captain is hard to tell.
The remainder of the day is spent with people working on preparig food stocks for the trip. More fish and other sea foods are gathered, the meat cleaned and dried on makeshift racks and rocks. Salt is extracted from the sea water by the expedient method of evaporation and is spread liberally over the dried food to further preserve. Certain seaweeds are harvested from the rocky area, though people are reluctant to enter too deeply into the waters of the lagoon. The battle with the strange clawed creatures from the day before was still fresh in peoples minds.
The defensive wall is further fortified, the trench being deepened and reinforced with woven netting from dead palm fronds gathered near the jungles edge. No one breaks the taboo of the jungle, the brooding darkness of the green foliage proving too daunting for even the children to cross. The totem placed there the day before stands as a mute warning, a sense of forboding and danger emanting from it as palpable as the humidity that hangs in the air. There is no sign of the "grey ones" throughout the entire day. The evening also passes without incident, though the sense of forboding grows ever more tangible as the hours pass.
In the grey light of the early morning, a small skiff leaves the side of Vixen and sails out of sight around teh point. It returns an hour later and Captain Venn leaves it and moves to the camp. Many eyes watch him as he walks to the main tent area, but he simply ignores them and motions for the defence crew to gather around him.
As they do so he begins to speak. "He went quietly in the end. I provided him three days of hard tack rations and a full water flagon. There is plenty of foriage on this island and the place is rumoured to be strewn with ruined buildings and other forms of shelter, remainders of an old settlement apparently. If he is clever, or lucky, he will survive." the last is said while looking at Bo Dan, though there is no rancour or challenge in his voice, only a grim resignation.
"However, now is the time for you folk to again attempt something I fear may be quite dangerous. We need to make contact with those who watch us from the jungle and try to secure peace with them so we can get supplies from there. We need fruit, and we have meat coming from up the mountain with some luck. If they have taken umbrage at us, we need to find out what we can do to change it.". He sighs then, and his face looks haunted as he looks up again and makes his last statement No matter what is said and done though, we need that meat and that fruit to survive a trip to the northlands. Two hundred souls rest on your success my friends. Please do what you must"
Knowledge Religion
The totems that have been placed are drawing on nature magic, definitely the feel and aura emanting from this is divine in nature, though whether it be a god or an alternate belief system is unclear. They seem to be generating an effect of enhancement, though without magical aid you can't really tell what type.
Knowledge Arcana
The totems in teh area are defintely emanting magic of some type. It seems to be tapping into a field or ley line that might be running through the island. Some form of magical aid would help you understand it better.
Disable Device
The totem looks not much different to some of sentinal traps frequently used in city buildings. Apart from its crude construction, its reall just some for of warding barrier. You're pretty sure you could stop it.
Sense motive (trained only please)
The fact that this was placed as a warning not encroach on the jungles definitely gives you the impression that it also shouldn't be messed with. The people who put it here may not take kindly to you tampering with the totem.
Survival
The sense of the jungle within 100 yards of teh totem is completely different to that further away. There is afar more ominous and brooding presence about things near the totem. What's more, the sounds of the animals within the jungle take on a more ominous tone when heard close to the totem.
Paera and Bo Dan (a family in need)
Khraisi seems to not listen to Bo Dan's words, her mouth forming a small pout as the half elf speaks to her. The effect on her mother is completely differnt though, and the look of gratitude she throws both half elves is heartfelt. The camp is quickly completed with the help of Bo and Pae, even though Khraisi and Khsimia don't talk to each other the entire time. Eliisal makes up for it though, talking to both of her heroes continuously as they tighten ropes and level the sand for comfortable sleeping. She bombards both ladies with tales of the past and how the two of them remind her of the great heroes of The Empires formative years. She seems very knowledgeable about such things. Before long, the camp is complete and it is time to join the other family for dinner. Khsimia thanks Paera and Bo Dan with a big hug, pressing both half elves firmly against her ample bosom and squeezing quite firmly. She seems on the verge of tears but holds herself together admirably. Khraisi snorts and throws herself into her bedding, rolling her back towards the three of them, clearly dismissing the small group. Eliisal promises to see both of them in the morning and help withwhatever they are doing.
Vik (Something Unexpected)
Vik spends most of the day digging the trench system deeper and reinforcing the fortifications around the camp. Part way through the day he is pleasently surprised when a young Khelleshite woman brings him fresh water to drink. As she hands him the cup, she stands quite close, her face turned in a demure fashion and a slight smile on her face. She is quite beautiful, though he puts her at only 16 or 17 summers. When he finsihes the water, she takes the cup from his hand and her fingers bursh against his calloused palm, almost as if by accident. She blushes at the contact then smiles shyly at the big man defore walking back to the camp, her hips swaying slightly as she walks. She turns her head once to glance back at the Ulfen, again that shy smile playing across her lips before she disapears into a crowd of women drying fish on some stones.
Algret looks at the darling little girl playing with the doll and her heart lightens. Taking in the magnificent sand sculpture, she admires the mastery of the work.
"Who made this little one? It is beautiful!"
Her eyes pass over the group at the water searching for a sign of Kahir.
Algret looks at the darling little girl playing with the doll and her heart lightens. Taking in the magnificent sand sculpture, she admires the mastery of the work.
"Who made this little one? It is beautiful!"
Her eyes pass over the group at the water searching for a sign of Kahir.
Algret can see Kahir standing wasite deep in water. He has fashioned his stick from yesterday into a crude spear and is bring shown how to use it by one of the Chelaxian men from teh ship. He looks to be another passenger, but Algret isn't too sure from this angle. There are enough people around that she feels the situation is safe enough.
Sahba looks up at the dwarven priestess and nods to the little companion doll. "She did Ma-aati. While I was making the tea!". The little girl sounds as if everyone should have known that fact.
The little doll picks up the rough bark "cup" that Sahba has given it and proceeds to mimic the motion of drinking, pouring sandy water all over itself.
"That is...impressive."
Algret looks to the doll, reaching out her mind to connect to her mystical companion, seeking an understanding of how the doll achieved such a feat.
Alget (empathic link)
The sense of the little doll blooms into wakefulness. What was only moments before a mild awareness, as of a small itch Algret could ignore, suddenly becomes the knowledge that some else is sharing her thoughts. The little construct turns her eyes towards the dwarven priestess and Algret gets the sense of increased joy from it, it seems to be revelling in the attention its master is now providing for it. Unfortunately, the bond that the two share isn't strong enough, nor of the right quality for the doll to share more than emotions at this stage. The feeling of comfort and understanding comes through when Algret thinks of the Sandcastle, but that is all she gets.
The sorcerer spends a little time casting about the totem. He calls in waves of magical energy to try to divine more of the powers involved.
I can not understanhd much of magic, no archmage here, just a serving hedge wizard, but perhaps there are clues that need finding, like the breadcrumb trail to truth.
Paera's eyes widened and she quickly took of the torc, staring at it for a moment before placing it in her pouch. What the hell? I really need to speak with Tila now...
When the matter of entering the jungle to speak with the people who placed the totems was discussed, Paera did not have much to add. "I guess the best thing we could do is not go in with weapons drawn and try not to seem like we're looking for a fight. We're strangers in their home after all, and they've given us plenty of warning to keep out. Does anyone know anything about these folks? The "grey ones"?"
Bo-Dan and Wrath:
After a while, it really did start to get to her. It warmed her heart to be among a family such as this, even with their troubles. She glanced at Khraisi every now and then, thinking that she would have a gentle word with her about listening to her mother. Hell, about appreciating that she had a mother... But not now.
After Khsimi's crushing hug, which Paera was certain popped her back at least, she leaned forward to Ellisal and whispered as if conspiring with her, but loudly enough so that her mother, and more importantly, her sister, could obviously hear, "If ya'd like to learn some of those moves, we might be able to teach ya a thing or two about defendin' yourself." She winked at Khsimi and tilted her head towards Khraisi, hoping the older woman caught her meaning.
"Well," Paera hooked her arm through Bo's, her uneasy mood shaken off and forgotten for the moment. "You did your good deed for the day! Ya hungry?"
Anyone using detect magic
The totem seems to be drawing some force from teh island. A small line of magic streaks from its base, like a line of infection from a deep wound. The line appears to run towards the central volcano.
The thing itself seems to be channeling a greater version of a compulsion effect, probably a fear or charm type spell. Certianly it is more powerful and focused than what can be used in normal combat situations. The magical effects are definitely nature driven, most likely divine.
Paera
Was the disable device so you could try and disarm the totem? I'll wait and see what others do and say before I implement that action if it was your intention.
You can read all the informaion in the spoiler I wrote for disable without having to roll anything. You only need to roll if you wanted to pull it apart. Just wanted to make sure I hadn't sent confusing info at you is all. Cheers
"Captain Sir, what have you got that we could barter with these greys? Is it best to sail around to their village or is it further inland? Does any of the crew know the greys at all, could act as a guide?"
"Everyone I am beginning to wonder about the totem. It may have be placed by a grey but it is acting as a conduit of power, divine nature power. That leads me to suspect a druid is at the heart of this and seeing how you were attacked by crabs, maybe that is true. The ley power seems to travel from the totem back towards the volcano, a bit like those web lines I keep mentioning."
"Could we have a sketch of the isle, and the various positions of the village and foragers Sir? I am having trouble imagining the view."
"Maybe we should just take the totem back to the village? See what happens. My heart tells me that the greys are not as evil as the magic of the volcano, but I do not know if that is just wishful thinking."
Algret approaches Bia Ma in the midst of a group of Tien women.
"Bia Ma, the little ones have become quite close to me as am I to them. But I am also a warrior, and they will need me in the jungle. You are a ceretaker, like me, would you look after them while I'm gone? Sabah is slowly coming out of her shell and Kahir is a brave little soul. He will bear watching."
"I think moving it will mark us as the enemy. This is their home and we must show respect."
Still not knowing very much about magic, although after her conversation with the ship's mage she does feel like she can sense...something...from the totems, Bo-dan simply trusts Milhar's expertise on the matter. Yet when he mentions return the totems though the monk does quickly speak up saying
"Whatever we do, I strongly reccomend not touching the totems. I am sure they are of significant religous significane and touching or disturbing them in any way may very well be considered a strong taboo if not an outright insult to whoever placed them there. If they do not represent any direct danger, we should just leave them where they are and issue a strong warning that no one else is to disturb them either."
Paera
** spoiler omitted **
Wrath
Paera was quick to agree with Bo. "I gotta agree. I'm getting the feeling this is some sort of alarm. Messin' with it would probably upset 'em."
She rubbed her chin and voiced the question that had been bugging her. "But...we gotta go in there. But we're going to try and meet these people too. So do we bother with entering the jungle as far from these totems as we can, or do we go straight in, set off whatever warning there might be, and make it obvious that we're coming to them?"