"Pork chops. It's PORK CHOPS!" Hrolf growls at the pig as it darts in front of him, chasing the Shirzon and the food. Hrolf's walking across the taproom to Merephel's table.
Grabbing a stool and seating himself at the table with a curt smile, he quaffs his ale and allows his gaze to drift throughout the chaotic barroom.
"Plenty in tonight. You know who this musician fellow is?"
"You know, I really don't. I've been here my whole life, and I couldn't recognize him. Maybe he is new? Or perhaps he doesn't get out much."
She smiled.
"Then again, who am I to talk? I've been so busy with my studies of late..."
She shook her head, as if to shake herself out of her reverie.
"And how are you this fine evening, Mr. Kuldarr?"
"To tell the truth? I'm tired. Been working all day, and just stopped for a beer before I have to get home and make dinner for the family. Tell me, how are your studies going? Do the priests of Shelyn know any pig-calming spells?"
Merphel laughed a soft, musical laugh behind her delicate hand.
"Unfortunately, I'm not that kind of cleric."
She leaned in close. In a conspiratorial stage whisper, she added,
"Truth be told, I wish I was though. Right now anyway."
She giggled softly.
Calden puts his bowl of stew on the table when Artix has cleared some space. He swallows hard when he hard the initate cleric make his prayers over the food. "Sorry, I forgot." He folds his hands. "Thanks to Erastil, for this meal. ...and to Shelyn," he adds belatedly with a look at Merephel.
He stifles a friendly chuckle after that. "Although it would be a sorry hunter would would 'slay' this sheep; I recognize mutton when I taste it." With that, he digs in again. "So, how has your training been going? Think you're far enough, that maybe you'll be selected for the ceremony?"
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"You know, I really don't. I've been here my whole life, and I couldn't recognize him. Maybe he is new? Or perhaps he doesn't get out much."
"No, that Jocyn. He's been around here for a while now. A few years, I believe. Perhaps it is because he's not carrying an instrument? Or... he looks pained, and his limp seems worse than normal. But wait until he starts to perform; if you've seen him here at all, that will jog your memory!"
When Rylka drops off the tea, Mahath smiles and says "Thank you." He pays for it, pours a cup, and then cradles the cup in his hands. He savors the warmth from the cup despite the relative warmth of the whole room. He glances down at the pitiful-yet-hopeful Truffles and says "Move along. You know I don't have anything to interest you."
Illya shakes her head wandering over to the animal begging for scraps. Reaching into her pack pulls out an apple, feeding it to the animal
Here you go She smiles petting Truffles.
Hearing Lily call from the kitchen, Shirzon leaves the plate of pork chops in front of Korach, heading off to the kitchen muttering under her breath.
"Cookies and bread? Hey Rylka," the half-orc says when the halfling comes into the kitchen to grab more drinks and plates, "you want my share? Bread makes me sick." Shirzon squats down to Rylka's height, exaggerating her already prominent slouch, and once she's sure Lily is busy with something, whispers, "Hey, you pinch anything good lately? I'm thinking about expanding my business to 'curios.' Could be a cut for you in it."
"Don't you worry," she called to Calden, "Shelyn isn't big on before-meal prayers. Unless the chef is truly an artist, and even, it's alright."
She turned her head toward Mahath.
"Thank you, my dear Mahath. I'm sure I just didn't recognize him. I do sincerely hope I get to hear him play. He sounds like a true Shelyn-Blessed artist." Her demeanor changed slightly, from calm and demure, to a bit more excited.
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I've been working with her for years, and every day it's the same thing. She can't explain everything, and somehow it's my problem. I shoot good. I hunt good. I'm getting better. But she makes me feel stupid all the time. All these humans make me feel stupid. I pro--
Korech starts out of his reverie as he stares at Rylka, who has run back and forth from the table repeatedly.
"Sorry, ale. Nothing for eat. And yes Arnama is pain," he mutters.
The young half-orc looks over the table and chaotic bar, as well as the distance sound of a dwarf chasing down pig before he blinks and looks up at Shirzn's inquiry about pork.
"Mieć co, nie jestem głodny. Ludzie zrujnować mój apetyt," he says sullenly.
"Have at, I'm not hungry. Humans ruin my appetite."
"Then the butcher be blessed then as well," Artix shrugs, "I don't know. While I'd like to possibly be in the number selected, there are many in this town that are worthier then me to receive such honors. My duties as a cleric of Erastil come first."
He takes a sip of water, "Now tell me of Shelyn. It is not often I learn more of other deities, as my learning of Erastil come first. Maybe miss Angorat could also help explain."
Mahath looks at Korech when he speaks Orcish, and then replies.
Korech blanches at Mahath's comment, and keeps his eyes fixed on the table as he mutters a reply in his bass voice.
"Zły dzień. Nie chciałem nic to. Niektórzy ludzie są dobre."
"Bad day. Didn't mean anything by it. Some humans are good."
Merephel smiled. It wasn't often she got to talk shop with other clerics, after all.
"Shelyn is the beauty in life. The Eternal Maiden is Goddess of all that is good and right in the world. Love, Beauty, Art, Music, and to a lesser extent forgiveness and redemption. She leads us through the darkness by giving us reasons to live; reasons to want to be better. Peace is where she prospers, and art is her gift to the world."
She paused to catch her breath.
"But I believe there is no greater gift than Love. Love brings out the best of us, and makes us desire to be better still. Love is why I revere Shelyn, and Love is why she deserves respect."
She nodded to Artix.
"One could argue," she added slyly,"She is just as responsible for the beauty of nature as is Erastil."
She added with a wink, "What say you to that?"
She turned to Korech. She didn't know what he had said, but she recognized the tone in his voice. He was upset about something. She patted him fondly once more.
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I have a character concept but I thought that I should pass it by you before completely building it as it does some things that are posibly questionable.
The character is a VERY stupid paladin. Something like an intelligence of 5 or so.
Now, I absolutely do NOT want any points back for reducing the intelligence below 8. I have no problem is it says 8 on the character sheet as long as you have no problem if I roleplay him as much dumber than that.
He is NOT at all Lawful stupid. Ie, he does NOT attack all evil, refuse to negotiate, etc. In fact, almost the reverse. He KNOWS that he is an idiot and so looks to others for guidance at most times. Still very good, of course, but easy to "trick".
He also has little formal training. He was chosen by the God (almost certainly Erastil) to become a paladin as opposed to him choosing to become a paladin. He probably doesn't even realize that he IS a paladin although he more or less instinctively follows the paladins code.
=======================
– Lamashan 28th 4710 AR
– Evening
=======================
Trelvar Silvers is suddenly brought back to reality by Caldan's words. He blinks as awakening from a dream, his eyes lost into the void, before absentmindedly answering to the lad: "Oh, you're welcome as always Caldan". A moment after the man realizes the situation and nods: "Yes, yes, put them down there. Lentils, honey and cheese...Oh, you're mom is kind as usual boy. I will try that recipe for sure. Thank her for me when you get home".
---
In the meantime, Jocyn has already begun his performance, singing a song about a drunk girl thrashing bandits as requested by Shirzon. His voice gladdens the evening, while the gentle notes from his lute merge with the incessant chatter of the tavern. When he's done, he switches to more conventional songs speaking of friendship, love and adventure.
---
Busy like never before, Jimes races out from one table to another. He stops nearby tables when he's done with serving, and in one of such times he approaches the table where many of the youth are sitting. "Excited, isn't it? Well, I've seen many...". The halfling is abruptly interrupted by Truffle moving between his legs. "GOLDILOCKS SUGAR FERRYWARDEN!", he shouts taking a look around, "I know you're behind all of this! Get this pudgy pig out of my way or I'll have a chat with your dad later! This is not a pigsty!"
---
The tavern if filled with music, chatter and laughters. All of them abruptly cease when the short-tempered half-orc known as Grimscar enters the tavern. Grimscar seems to be exceptionally and nervous, even for him.
Troubles ahead! If you've rolled this check, please attempt a Bluff check to look away before Grimscar notices you were looking at him!
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I have a character concept but I thought that I should pass it by you before completely building it as it does some things that are posibly questionable.
The character is a VERY stupid paladin. Something like an intelligence of 5 or so.
Now, I absolutely do NOT want any points back for reducing the intelligence below 8. I have no problem is it says 8 on the character sheet as long as you have no problem if I roleplay him as much dumber than that.
He is NOT at all Lawful stupid. Ie, he does NOT attack all evil, refuse to negotiate, etc. In fact, almost the reverse. He KNOWS that he is an idiot and so looks to others for guidance at most times. Still very good, of course, but easy to "trick".
He also has little formal training. He was chosen by the God (almost certainly Erastil) to become a paladin as opposed to him choosing to become a paladin. He probably doesn't even realize that he IS a paladin although he more or less instinctively follows the paladins code.
I don't think you need to have an Intelligence score of 5 to be VERY stupid.
Anyway, I should warn you before allowing you to create such a character: in the following adventures, the group will need people who can reason astutely and build some complex plans, and I fear that your character concept would exclude himself for long parts of the adventures to come due to his lack of intelligence.
Merephel looked over at the new arrival. He was obviously distraught.
'These wonderful songs about love should cheer him right up!'She thought to herself. As she listened to the wonderful music, she zoned out a little, and lost track of herself. When Grimscar looked her way, it took her a second to realize it, and she turned her head abruptly back to her conversation.
"Oh, I agree...that is troubling. And what about the pig?"
Merephel was sweet. Not a great liar.
Goldi was enjoying the performer when she suddenly heard her name again, but not form ma this time.
she rushes over to make sure Truffles is ok, Truffles!, you ok? she escorts Truffles back to her side to find her seat again.
Truffles, you have got to stop bugging people. You get plenty of...
her sentence interrupted as Grimscar enters. she falls silent. She simply stares toward him as he enters.
Artix sat upright, watching the half-orc arrival. He looks around the tavern with a grimace, spotting the tavern owner Trelvarn, "This cannot be good."
Truffles gobbles up the offered food, and soon as others start offering, Truffles makes rounds about the tables looking for the friendlier sort.
it was during this roaming that Truffles and Jimes have their little run in.
as Jimes yells for Goldi, Truffles sits on the floor, waiting for Goldi to come to the rescue.
Once she arrives and everything calms down, Truffles follows his escort to someplace out of the way.
but Grimscar's arrival changes the mood rather quickly. Truffles immediately takes a guarded stance beside Sugar ready to defend her upon her command.
<guarded> and <nervous> SNORT
Glancing up briefly at the newcomer, Hrolf's attention is drawn away by Jimes moving toward his table. His hand goes to his belt pouch. He and Jimes have been acquaintances for many years, but that doesn't mean Hrolf lets his guard down when the halfling's around.
Quite the opposite.
Turning back to the conversation, he's a little lost by Merephel's words.
"We weren't talking about the pig. You were telling us how a man can achieve redemption through Shelyn rather than through the sweat of his brow and the honour of his name..."
Rylka looks up at the half-orc as orders calm down and everyone is eating, drinking, and talking. "I gotta pocket watch offa that for went through town last week. I was gonna hold onna it a little longer. Maybe after the celebration. Don't want Is-Slow making any connections. If you can sell it, I'll let'cha have it for 20 gold. Itsa steal. She gives Shirzon a nudge and takes the hunk of bread. "I'm only gonna eat part of this, small belly y'know, but I'm certain Truffles would like some."
Shirzon shakes her head. "I just re-supplied, I don't have that kind of money right now. After the celebration is better."
Stepping out of the kitchen to take more orders, Shirzon stops dead at the sight of Grimscar.
She quickly tries to hide her expression and duck her head into the kitchen. "Get Grimscar's whiskey!" she hisses, pointing at the liquor that the half-orc logger was allergic to.
Returning to the floor, she approaches him carefully, keeping a table between them. "You should leave before someone gets hurt, 'Uncle.'"
Merephel tried valiantly to regain her composure.
"Oh, um, yes...I...that is we were discussing the Eternal Rose. She is accepting of all, and...is great at fostering Hope Eternal. She...uh...is also just as focused on the beauty inside, and many who come to Her find redemption through the sweat of their brow, or the improvement of their soul."
She had gotten back into her groove.
"Indeed, she understands that Art can comes in many forms, and to all she asks is that one pursues their own Art in any way they see fit."
As she spoke, she kept glancing back at the door, at the orcs speaking there. She wore a large, friendly smile, but her eyes belied the nervousness she felt.
Coming out of the kitchen behind Shirzon, Rylka Senses the mood change and looks up.
Her view partially blocked by the larger half-orc, she doesn't know why the mood has changed.
She moves over to Sugar and Truffles and tries to lure the pig towards the back again with a hunk of bread.
"Thanks," says Korech, a little uneasy as to how to behave with Merephel.
Korech glances up, oblivious to the music and the feel of the crowd as Grimscar walks in. Never one for subtlety, he watches the new arrival and Shirzon openly.
Ignoring the orcs, Hrolf leans forward over the table now.
"So you don't think there are any for whom all hope is lost? No-one at all? No matter what they've done?"
It's a familiar line of questioning. Hrolf has asked Merephel this question on occasion in the past. Regardless of whatever answer she gives, his answer is always the same. He fixes her with those grey eyes, thinks for a second, then nods gravely.
Merephel smiled at Hrolf's line of questioning. She always had a similar answer to give, the stock Church of Shelyn line on 'If it's good enough for Zon-Kuthon..."
Today she came prepared with a different answer.
She hoped to catch him off guard. She paused for effect, trying to time her answer to Hrolf taking a drink of his ale.
"Dear Hrolf, there is one exception. There is no forgiveness for anyone who wastes a well-brewed ale."
She threw her hands up in mock terror.
Artix gulps a little before while he listens Merephel, "Is that right now? What a splendid goddess Shelyn is. Nature owes kindly to her for it magnificent beauty," he stands up, taking another glance towards the half-orc and the other now conversing with him, "Erastil is not just about nature, but also community as well. And a happy community, is a beautiful one worthy Shelyn. It looks like it's my time to go to work."
Summing up a good amount of courage, and a possible last drink from his water, Artix slowly walks forward towards the agitated half-orc. He gave a silent prayer to Erastil, and another Shelyn for his face to be still in good order afterwards.
"Greetings to you Mr. Grimscar, what seems to be the troubles," he stands in front of the half-orc purposely to block his view of the tavern owner. A polite small on his face.
Calden silently eats his stew, eagerly listening to the discussion between both clerics-in-training. He's soon lost in thought, trying to tie in their statements to his own fledgling knowledge of the faiths. So, love makes us desire to be better still? Why does it have to be an outside force, a feeling for someone or something else? Why couldn't there be an intrinsic want to become better? Someone who would know what went on in the boy's head might appreciate the thick irony, but Calden's forehead just creases with thought.
It takes him a moment to realize that the music and conversation has stopped. He turns around to face the new arrival, just long enough to recognize the half-orc. Ugh! He keeps his head low, his first instinct simply to keep out of trouble. Or is that the coward's way? Should we stand up to him, tell him he's not wanted here if he's just going to cause trouble?
Something that Merephel says gets his attention. "Merephel, err... If she is so focused on love, what does that have to do with improving your soul? I mean, everyone want to become better at things, don't they? Even if they don't love some one?" Calden glances over his shoulder at Artix confronting the half-orc, hoping that the situation with Grimscar won't escalate and wondering what he would do in that case.
=======================
– Lamashan 28th 4710 AR
– Evening
=======================
In the midst of an unnerving silence, Grimscar's hoarse voice resound as a lion's roar. The half-orc takes a filthy look at Merephel, and with a an obscene spark into his eyes he says, apparently ignoring his "niece" and even the brave Artix: "What were you lookin' at, you lil' temple b%+#%? D'ya wanna take a closa look at my tusk?". The half-orc approaches Merephel with a threatening and filthy expression. "I know ya wanna see what's beneath these pants. They don' teach that n' tha temple..." says the half-orc before beginning to undo his pants.
A melodious voice breaks the silence. It's Jocyn's: "Stop there, you filthy creature. I won't stand here and watch you ruin this girl's youth with your rude manners. Are you not ashamed? Just take a look around you. This girl was speaking about love before you came up here stealing the innocence from her eyes. You're doing a great job in showing to this group of adolescents why their parents treat you like a...".
"", screams a voice from the outside. It's a matter of second before Guard Captain Wisslo enters the tavern together with two guards. "You won't cause unrest again today, Grimscar. Leave this place, NOW!" he commands emphatically. One moment after, the guards escort the half-orc on the outside. Grimscar screams and roars and struggles, but in the end his efforts prove worthless, especially when Guard Captain Wisslo arrives to help his underlings.
Before he's escorted out, the half-orc whisper something in his native language, continuing in looking filthy at Merephel:
Luckily for Orcish speaker, Grimscar isn't given the time complete his vile threatening.
---
The atmosphere slowly returns quiet. Jocyn approaches Artix and give two pats on his back: "You've been brave, Artix. Father Prasst will be proud of you when he'll hear the story". Jocyn smiles again at both Artix and Merephel and gets back to the stage, ready to start another song.
---
When everything is over and music has started to play again, Jimes winks to both Rylka and Shirzon. With a cool expression, he reaches them and whispers: "You have a lot to learn ladies...Everything's a chance". With an expert movement oh his wrist, he shows Rylka and Shirzon platinum coin, pointing with his head towards a foreigner who was sitting far from the group of adolescents. "Here's my tip for the night", he says with a smile before getting back to work as nothing happened at all.
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Merephel's perpetual smile saddened.
"Oh, but I wish that were true. Unfortunately, so many get lost in the day-to-day of their lives, and before they know it, their whole life has come and gone. There certainly are those who desire to better themselves without being in love, I myself among them, but not everyone feels that way."
Her voice drifted off. When she resumed speaking, it was barely above a whisper, her voice haunted with remembered pain.
"Some just get lost, and let their anger rule them..."
When Grimscar approached her, Merephel stiffened in fear. She clutched Korech and Hrolf's arms in wide-eyed terror.
Once he had said muttered his thoughts, and been escorted out, she released their arms, and began weeping openly. She was grateful she didn't speak Orcish. She was positive she didn't want to know what he'd said.
:)
Unable to get our from his seat at the table in time to react to the vulgar half-orc before the militia arrived, Hrolf returns to his ale, after taking a moment to comfort Merephel. Staring into it for a long time, he finally mutters:
"What kind of a monster would waste a well-brewed ale?"
Mahath blanches slightly at the Grimscar's orcish tirade.
He purses his lips and then addresses Merephel. "Perhaps it would be prudent if a couple of us escorted you home tonight. I'm sure that brute will be passed out drunk somewhere, but just as a precaution."
Merephel looked up ay Mahath through her tears.
"I hate to accept...but perhaps that is for the best."
She sniffled, and tried her best to stop crying. She failed.
As the tears came anew, she tried to smile through it, and pulled out her holy symbol. She polished it lovingly with her sleeve, and it seemed to help. A little, anyway.
"Th...thank you," he stammers out. A trial which he was unsure wither he had passed. He took it as a maybe for later thought and discussion.
He hurriedly walks over to Merephel, "Are you alright?"
As Grimscar starts spouting threats at Merephel, Korech leaps to his feet, trying to protect the woman who showed him a bit of kindness earlier. However, all he can do is fail to look intimidating as Merephel clings to him and Hrolf until Grimscar is dragged off. His eyes go wide as Grimscar says his parting words in orcish, and Korech shouts back a response.
"If you touch her I'll kill you!"
Shaking with rage, Korech suddenly becomes self-aware and sits down heavily. He looks around the table and at tearful Merephel.
"He bad. You go home with big friends tonight, like Mahath say okay? It good now though, you talk smart god stuff."
Merephel smiled that winning smile of hers, made all the more beautiful by the unshed tears still in her eyes. She looked at Artix.
"Boys, I...I thank you all. I appreciate what you're doing, but you see...I'm not crying because of what Grimscar did. I'm crying for Grimscar. A person only acts like that because of a deep pain. I weep for the life he must have led. He knows not what he does. All he sees is his own pain.
She leaned her head gently against Korech's arm.
Sniffling, she replied,"I'll keep talking smart god stuff. Thank you, Korech."
"A simple tragedy that such a being performs such vile acts when they can be doing the very opposite. Like bringing good smiles and laughter to people. Such potential wasted," Artix shrugs taking his seat back. He was to begin eating his meal again, but stopped in a pregnant pause, " I wonder what would cause such a soul like him to do such?"
Illya sits back watching Grimscar,studying the brutish half orc. she walks over to Merephel after the exchange.
You're alright i trust? she stares unblinking at the other girl, There are many things that would cause someone like him to act in such a manner, but still we must be strong we mustn't let the males be the only strong ones, yes? I think that is enough fun for one night She smiles readying herself for anymore more excitement this evening by sitting at a new table closer to the other youths.
Grimscar made no effort to hide his anger and make trouble today, i wonder if all male orcs are like this? If there is something wrong with with him? the others are quick to condemn him as a trouble maker...Gregor said not to go near the Vargidan's he said nothing about Grimscar...
Illya sat in contemplation thinking to herself whether or not to go investigate this new thought crossing her mind any further.
Merephel chuckled. She seemed to be cheering up.
"Yes, dear, I'm alright. It shook me up a little; that's all. I have inner fortitude, though you wouldn't know it by my pathetic display here tonight.
Merephel blinked, as she realized that the Halfling server had slipped her the drink she'd ordered sometime before all the commotion. She took a sip, holding the cup in both hands.
She sighed.
'When I wanted it to be an exciting night, I surely didn't mean for all this...'
Shirzon is halfway around the table, stalking toward Grimscar's back while he's focused on Merephel. Her hand reaches under her apron for the dagger stashed in her belt, clenching her fingers around the hilt, beads of sweat forming at her temples. Just as she makes up her mind to strike, Jocyn interrupts, then the guard as Grimscar is dragged away. Shirzon just scowls as he leaves. Not today, she concedes as she eases her blade back into its sheath.
---
Getting back to work, she raises a thick brow at Jimes' coinage. Giving a quiet, jealous huff, she whispers back, "Sure, everything's a chance when you're eye level with people's purses." Still, Shirzon scanned the room for marks - looking for any out of town merchants (unlikely) or drunk and tired townsfolk who wouldn't miss a few coins.