There is a strength in unity that cannot be found as individuals.
Berrin strips down to nothing revealing hundred's of scars across his entire body probably from lashings or cuts and begins to wash up, however his head remains above water and his matted hair stays unkept.
"Didn't realise there was this conflict of battle you speak of Bark"
"I will see this council of thieves destroyed by my sword even if it takes my life in the process, with whom I share this path with is of no concern to me. So long as I get to cleave!
After the eagerness and tentativeness shown by Berrin in the sewers, you seem to notice that Berrin has slipped back into his usual cold shoulder self. Keeping a more than serious look on his face at all times.
not conflict young warrior, but egos, competitiveness. We Must act as one moving forward. not trying to best each other you can see bark is talking in a heart felt manner, maybe concerned with events yet to unfold.
I stand with Berrin. As far as I'm concerned we have done nothing but act as one and I intend to continue doing so. I will say nothing more on the subject.
Attris turn to the corner of the room and sits cross legged ignoring the others and begins to silently chant the mantra taught to him by his father as a means to meditate after a long day in battle.
I am a Boar Warrior, like my ancestors before me and I will hold myself as they did, with honor, strength and humility...and I'll skull f%*@ any man who stands between me and victory.
The chant is punctuated by Attris spitting once in the air and once on the ground.
He quickly washes the blood from his shoulders and face and leaves his three comrades to stroke each others feelings.
Stubborn FOOLS. I had assumed we were all battle wise? I assumed wrong. Be as you will. Barks states in a firm angry and disappointing voice whilst looking at Berrin and Attris dumbfoundedly.
are they really that naive? or are they just lacking experience? The halfing had to come back at one stage to say something because of the 'bickering'. Calm yourself bark, they will understand ..... in time ....msybe
Sorry Benni, I will do my best to stay out of the who can battle better stupidity. As for the others they will do as they wish. Bark looks at Benni then hangs his head with a shake and continues to wash.
Attris spins violently just as he is about to leave the room and glares at Bark with a burning fury. His heavy arms flex as his palms turn upright unsheathing his wicked claws. His words spray from his maul with a barely restrained rage.
Call me a fool again!
Intimidate
I don't need to Attris. Your actions are doing it for me Bark is shaking his head with disappointment as he speaks.
I am trying to say we need to work as a team, not try to threaten each other into submission. We must act as one and that means taking each and everyone of us for who and what we stand for but you must learn to control that boiling blood of yours. Bark doesn't break his gaze from Atrris's eyes.
If i have offended you I apologise, but this is the sort of thing i am trying to avoid. No one in this party should be ready to fight another member here. we have enemies out there that deserve such anger, but we shouldn't have it among ourselves. Bark keeps his contact with Attris's eyes awaiting his reply
surely he will understand what i am trying to say. can he not see such anger should be pointed outwards not in?
You have some nerve...insulting us and then claiming that it is us who are not working as a team. Its obvious you have no grasp of social interaction...so I will let this insult slide but may I now give you a piece of advice.
Attris head tilts forward and his gaze fixes on Bark through his greasy black hair.
The best way for you to avoid a fight is to keep your mouth shut when it concerns me.
Attris muscles relax and he lowers his claws. He turns and exits the room.
I am unaccustomed to dealing with Tieflings. Are they all this stupid? That miserable bastard needs to open his eyes. Nobody is against him here. He sees separation and competition where there is none...and to think I was just beginning to like him.
just before attris turns bark state I pointed no fingers orc. I merely stated we needed to work as team. I claim no sense of social interactions or etiquette but you are clearly taking this personally when it was a broad comment on how WE should work, not an attack on you Bark states with a much calmer voice now he can see the ord has de'flexed'
How can he get "Now, lets just get one thing cleared up men, I don't want to be getting into this tit for tat horse s#+# as to who can fight better than who. we are all individuals and have areas that other cant compete in, so lets keep the competitiveness to a minimum and our heads on straight! bark says in a stern voice as he eyes the party member's with serious look.
I've seen men fall over stupid mistakes in battle because they let there ego's get in the way. I don't want that for any of us....Agreed? " as a personal attack? maybe he took a blow to head in battle? maybe drinking blood does this to you?
Bark fix your post so I know what your saying aloud.
Duda post as Attris ;)
I just wanted it posted there so you could the molehill just in front of the mountain you created ;) haha
I also meant your spelling and grammar,lol. ;)
I think it was maybe that you put his talking inside your thoughts with no bolding - at least, that's what I found a little confusing. But whatevs, the spelling/grammar throughout this whole thread has been rather... whatevs. And I'm still digging it :)
I'll take good fun and good roleplaying over proper English any day (just don't tell anyone).
just before attris turns bark state I pointed no fingers orc. I merely stated we needed to work as team. I claim no sense of social interactions or etiquette but you are clearly taking this personally when it was a broad comment on how WE should work, not an attack on you Bark states with a much calmer voice now he can see the ord has de'flexed'
How can he get "Now, lets just get one thing cleared up men, I don't want to be getting into this tit for tat horse s#+# as to who can fight better than who. we are all individuals and have areas that other cant compete in, so lets keep the competitiveness to a minimum and our heads on straight! bark says in a stern voice as he eyes the party member's with serious look.
I've seen men fall over stupid mistakes in battle because they let there ego's get in the way. I don't want that for any of us....Agreed? " as a personal attack? maybe he took a blow to head in battle? maybe drinking blood does this to you?
I dunno why I'm being such a Nazi with this. I just don't like the big slabs of text with multiple text types running together. Its just a bit confusing. Anywhoo Im just about to post my level up so I better get to it.
I dunno why I'm being such a Nazi with this. I just don't like the big slabs of text with multiple text types running together. Its just a bit confusing. Anywhoo Im just about to post my level up so I better get to it.
As Attris is about to open the door to the kitchen and Bark finishes speaking, Fiosa pulls the door open. "Your supper's in the kitchen waiting for you, and the mistress is gathering the rest of the... Oh!" she exclaims, looking over to see Benni out of the basin, drying his hair vigourously, wearing nothing but his skin. She backpedals swiftly till Benni is out of her field of vision, then stammers, "Sorry sirs... Supper's ready!", then pushes the door shut in Attris's face.
Oh dear, Come friend, it's just not your day. Lets go enjoy a meal and put this bickering behind us bark pats Attris on the back as he leaves the change area heading for the kitchen.
Berrin finishes washing in the tub and steps out after witnessing the pointless confrontation between the two party members.
"Attris, a moment alone "
Berrin walks over to Attris and looks at Bark waiting for the tiefling to leave the room.
Before Attris responds Berrin with a stern faces pushes open the door and heads for supper.
He is pushing this too far. One more smart mouthed word from that disgusting thing he calls a head and I will not restrain myself any longer. At least the young lion has picked up on him also. We will see how this plays out.
Attris walks in to the room and tries to hide his restrained anger from Janiven and the other new acquaintances.
Bluff:
Benni grins broadly at Fiosa's embarassment. As he gets dressed you hear him singing to himself:
I got passion in my pants and I ain't afraid to show it...
I'm a Halfling and I know it.
As he and Bark walk out to join the others, he favours Fiosa with a warm smile.
Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle, yeah!
When he and Bark are alone, Benni offers the following advice sotto voce:
Benni looks around and smiles, aware that he is being rude to his hosts by whispering to Bark.
"Gosh, that smells wonderful! Who else is hungry?"
bark listens intently as he is crouched down to the halfings height.
"You are right Benni, your wisdom continues to surprise."
bark pats Benni on the back gratefully
"I shall be the bigger man"
Bark stands up next to the halfling as to indicate the last sentence was a comical reference to height.
"well i am famished, LETS EAT!"
Bark leans back with his tail whipping around and rubbing his thick belly area.
As you all make your way out of the washup area, a wide-eyed and blushing Fiosa stands near the doorway in the middle of the empty kitchen. Her gaze drops to her shoes as Benni enters the room, and she gestures to the door. ”Through here sirs, the rest of the folks, they await you for supper.” She holds the door open for you, and beyond you can see the warm glow of candlelight.
As you enter the room, you can see it has been outfitted a bit better than the other, more poorly furnished rooms. The large, darkwood dining table is made to seat over twenty people, and holds a number of nice silver candelabras. The heavy drapes that cover all the windows appear to be black silk, and there is even a small ferny potplant in one corner. Above the cheerily burning fireplace is a large painting of the goddess Iomedae at the moment of her ascension.
The table holds quite a few people, and the hubbub of their conversation dies, and as one they turn to regard you as you file in. Janiven, sitting across the room to the right of a vacant chair at the head of the table, stands to greet you. Her large dark eyes gleam in her serious face, and she nods at you all encouragingly. The chairs at her end of the table have been left vacant for you, and she gestures at the empty seats. ”Please, be seated. We will leave the head of the table empty – it is Arael’s place – but come, sit, and we will eat and drink.”
Benni makes himself comfortable and pours drinks for himself and those around him. Before eating he clears his throat and raises his glass to make a toast.
To Iomedae and the people of Westcrown! May her holy light illuminate our righteous struggle.
He looks around expectantly...
Attris is picking at his food with a disinterested expression on his face. It is not apparent to the others if this is due to consistency of the meal prepared for him or the fact that he is full from eating the flesh of the Hell Knight earlier in the evening.
Perhaps I was too quick to anger at Barks words? Or perhaps it is his very intention to disrupt the group and paint me as a dissenter within the team. Could he have been planted in this team by Azazel and those connected to my fathers murder and defeat in the ring? Am I being paranoid?
As Attris seems occupied with his thoughts he is suddenly snapped out of his brooding by a strong confident voice at the table. He raises his eyes and sees the voice booming from the most unlikely source. Attris is transfixed by the conviction in the halflings toast and the way he is commanding the attention of the room.
It is amazing that one so small and physically weak can be so powerful. As long as he remains in our party we will hold this just cause close to our hearts and I will do all I can to ensure that he does not come to harm, for without him we will surely fail.
Attris immediately stands and raises his glass to Benni and nods in agreement and approval with the halfling.
But what is the nature of this Iomedae? Is it one of these so called gods the humans worship?
As you all sit with Janiven near the head of the table, Fiosa and Ermolos, the smith with the prominent limp, bring out two large trays of roast game birds and large loaves of bread. They duck out again, returning swiftly with two large pots of rabbit stew, seating themselves.
Jugs of wine line the table, and Benni wastes no time, pouring and raising his glass to make his toast. As he finishes, the seated rebels responds enthusiastically, hoisting their goblets aloft. The Wiscrani rebels' eyes glow as they grin at each other, some of them murmuring to each other. One incredibly beautiful, yet plainly dressed dark-haired young woman speaks to a pretty but cynical-looking gnome dressed all in black. The gnome snorts, and with a strident voice proclaims loudly, "Ha! I'll bet you a gold to your silver that there was no Shadowbeast - Morosino would tell you anything to get you to smile in his direction!" Morosino, nearby, blushes and gulps at his small cup of wine, his eyes on the table.
Fiosa beams at Benni's words, but blushes when he sees her looking at him, perhaps still uncomfortable about seeing him in the bathtub.
Ermolos has seated himself next to Attris, and stands up when the gladiator does. As they both sit, and people begin reaching for food, he says, "I've been thinking. If you can afford the materials, I'd be honoured to forge you a special set of spiked armour. And, if you'd consider it... No, never mind..."
Next to Bark sits a thin fellow dressed in the leathers of a working man. He looks up at the tiefling, nodding shyly, his amber eyes glinting.
The tall, cocky youth from earlier on in the kitchen continues to appraise Berrin with a contemptuous air. His lip curls as Janiven leans over to speak to Benni and Berrin.
"After dinner, I'd like to discuss some things with you all, but for now, please feel free to get to know the good patriots of Westcrown we have gathered. Morosino has already mentioned some parts of our journey through the sewers, but perhaps after dinner you could tell them it properly, Benni?"
Seating plan
...Benni...Berrin..... Attris.....Ermolos.....Brunette....Gnome......Cocky....Quiet guy.
.Janiven...Bark..Ambereyes....Fiosa...Thin woman...Small guy..Woman..Greenhair.
What is it he would ask of me? I have only known him for less than half an hour. Such generosity...what are his motives for being so forthcoming with his...Attris stop it!
Attris shifts uncomfortably in his chair, unaccustomed to such generosity from strangers or anyone he has ever known for that matter.
I am sorry Ermolos but I could not ask you to spend the time to forge armor for me while so many other members of the resistance are yet to receive adequate protection. I can make do with this old thing for the time being.
Attris eyes drop and his chin tucks in to his chest as he gazes down on the armor he is currently wearing. What were once long sharpened spikes in a spiral pattern on his chest have now become merely blunted studs. The armor which had once held a blinding finish was now dull, stained and caked with all manner of creatures insides.
Attris suddenly becomes aware that he is the most roughly dressed member at the table and just for a fleeting moment he appears to show a flash of embarrassment. Attris leans toward the craftsman and in a low voice says...
Perhaps I could stand to have this properly cleaned though? How much would such a service cost?
Attris: Ermolos's eyes light up at your concerns about payment. "Well, I'd never ask for payment, but if you felt you had to..." He pauses, looking embarrassed. "See, my father was a warrior. A wandering adventurer, even. I... I have his sword still. You could train me, in return for better armour." He drops his eyes to his rabbit stew.
Ermolos well I would be happy to train you in exchange for an upgrade on my current armor although I'm afraid if you wish to learn how to swing your fathers sword you may wish to receive training from another warrior. I am a proponent of Tremab Dorr or Terror Boar style. My ancestors have developed and refined this fighting style over hundreds of years. We fight with our hands and mouth so that we may absorb the strength of our enemies and use it against them. Could you see yourself fighting in this manner?
Ermolos turns thoughtful. "Well, I want to learn the sword at some point, but I don't see how learning what you do could hurt. The more tools the better!" He grins eagerly. "I have some great ideas for your armour, too. It should be easier to manoeuvre in..." He begins spiralling off into the world of smithing, using technical terms to describe processes you're only vaguely familiar with.
Well then Ermolos it looks like we have ourselves a deal. Your training will not be easy...
Attris studies Ermolos's teeth as he takes a bite out of a particularly large pheasant drum stick.
...but your off to a good start
Attris bares a toothy grin and also takes a huge bite out of a drumstick. He appears to have regained some of his merriment as stray pieces of cooked poultry hang from his mouth.
With Bennie words spoken so boldly and from the heart bark raises his glass and stands.
"this halfling is proof that a man is not measured by his brawn but by his heart and intent." bark looks around "can I have a toast for the great fellow?" bark looks past the man next to him and to Fiosa expecting her to help fuel the fire he then glances his eyes expectingly to the amber eyed man next to him giving him a suggested nod. "BENNI..... May you keep our hearts strong when our bodies may be weak rarrr"
After the toasting and commotion has settled and eating is well commenced bark turns to Janiven "So Janiven. I may not be the smartest getting around but I've done my fair share of hide and seek. As far as I can see our next step is to find areals where abouts ans secure his safe return?" bark pauses for a second to remove a piece of food stuck between some scales in the side of his mouth. "do we have any. Information that could give us some leads?" bark puts some more food in his mouth giving Javien a chance to reply.
With Bennie words spoken so boldly and from the heart bark raises his glass and stands.
"this halfling is proof that a man is not measured by his brawn but by his heart and intent." bark looks around "can I have a toast for the great fellow?" bark looks past the man next to him and to Fiosa expecting her to help fuel the fire he then glances his eyes expectingly to the amber eyed man next to him giving him a suggested nod. "BENNI..... May you keep our hearts strong when our bodies may be weak rarrr"
Unfortunately for Bark, as he stands up to speak it becomes apparent that an entire quail wing is lodged in the scales that surround his mouth. As he begins to speak it flaps around for a moment, then falls to the table.
Conversation stops as everyone turns to regard the malformed head of the tiefling. His eyes glow diabolically with his enthusiasm, and his entire visage seems to remind the crowd of the infernal cloud that hangs over Westcrown. There is no response to Bark's suggestion for a toast, and conversation doesn't resume until he sits down.
The mood in the room has chilled noticeably.
After the and eating is well commenced bark turns to Janiven "So Janiven. I may not be the smartest getting around but I've done my fair share of hide and seek. As far as I can see our next step is to find areals where abouts ans secure his safe return?" bark pauses for a second to remove a piece of food stuck between some scales in the side of his mouth. "do we have any. Information that could give us some leads?" bark puts some more food in his mouth giving Javien a chance to reply.
Janiven blinks at Bark, still apparently a little shocked at the effect he has had on the crowd of Wiscrani. "Well... uh... actually, I have just received some information from a mutual friend of Arael and me. I'd like to discuss a plan with everyone after dinner, but I was hoping to let everyone... enjoy... I mean... have a good time. Um. Yes, anyway, we'll get our chance tomorrow, if everyone agrees to my plan. I'll leave it at that for now..." Janiven gulps down down some wine, looking away.
Bark clearly having made Janiven uncomfortable recluses and takes smaller nibbles of his food and then pushes the plate away as if he has finished.
As the meal is drawing to a close and people are starting to lean back in their chairs a little, Benni asks loudly "perhaps you'd like to hear of our adventures in getting here this evening?" Without waiting for an answer, he recounts the events of the night, sparing no glorious detail but omitting the less heroic occurances.
From the ambush at the inn, to the frantic pursuit through the sewers. The hideous undead and the cunning deceit in avoiding the Hell Knights. The fate of the Hell Knight who got too close to Attris is related in especially vivid detail.
The horror of the Shadow Beasts makes a fitting conclusion to the tale of adventure.
Berrin is gnawing on a mutton leg and without looking at the man says in a straight voice
"Something bothering you about us ?"
Turning one eye from his meal and to the tall cocky individual
"I don't particularly like being stared at"
Intimidate:
Berrin is gnawing on a mutton leg and without looking at the man says in a straight voice
"Something bothering you about us ?"
Turning one eye from his meal and to the tall cocky individual
"I don't particularly like being stared at"
Intimidate: 1d20+4
The table quietens as Berrin looks at the tall, rough fellow. The sneering man opens his mouth as if to retort angrily, then sees the look in Berrin's eye - that of a lion deciding whether or not to rouse itself for combat. The man drops his eyes to his food and snorts. "'Course not. Just wondering why you're here. And what Janiven wants with you."
"Oh, hush Rizzardo. You know well why they're here. They're going to help us in our cause. And they have proven their worth twice over this day." Rizzardo seems to scowl even harder as Janiven dismissively berates him, and he flashes her a glance.
Sensing the moment is right, Benni launches into the story of your journey beneath Westcrown. The table falls silent, but this time in rapt attention. Hardly any of the rebels touch their food as Benni's tale progresses, and even Rizzardo appears caught up in Benni's verbal tapestry.
Once Benni finishes, Janiven stands. "These are the heroes I promised to find. These are the men that will make the people of Westcrown take note and understand that the tyranny of Hell is not our friend. That goodness, not darkness and fear, is what binds us together. The world is meant to be a better place than this, and together, we will make it so!"
The people cheer as Janiven finishes strongly. As the hubbub dies down, a quiet, bookish looking man at the far end of the table raises his hand. "So, who are "we"? What do we call ourselves? A group like us needs a name, a symbol, to help convey our intent."
At the man's words, conversation fires up immediately, louder than ever. This is obviously not a new topic - ideas are loudly championed by nearly everyone present but your party and Janiven. Some of the more aggressive voices suggest ideas like "the Knights of Westcrown", or "the Scions of Aroden", while others suggest things like "the Children of Westcrown", or "the Guardians of Cheliax". Janiven frowns, and shrugs at you all.
"How about 'The Sons of Westcrown'?" Benni offers.
He looks around at Janiven and Fiosa and shakes his head.
"No, too patriarchal. How about just 'The Rising Suns'?"
Barks keeps mildly quiet feeling slightly awkward due to his blustering display of eating previously, he oblivious his words were not right and thinks all have been disgusted by his appearance.