In the meantime, Gorguk is ok with Lothar and whoever else trying to get information from Kressel. Once that is over, he still wants to go back to Oleg's, let them know how we fare and then decide our course of action from there. Do we go after the mites or explore the Greenlands like is says in our charter?
"Likely a return to Oleg's for news and information, for supplies and to ensure the security of a base of operations, not to mention starting in exploration duties, I am open to finding new friends within the greenbelt."
Gorguk
"Aye but in the manner o tha story, had not tha staglord allowed his men tah rape, then tha situation would have not come to pass, also had they not been bandits then you would not have been taken. There is no rape tah save you from, an no people for ye tah be revenged against: although I clearly see your worth, an have no intent for you to doubt yer loyalties, hard earned as they were. I merely asked tah know tha woman whom I am unable to save or damn!"
IF needed
diplomacy
In the matter of location: My ruling is that Lothar and Rhasadilara had carted Kressle off away from the rest of you. If Barnabus chose to follow, that's up to him and a matter for in-character debate if the two of you want to call him on his actions.
And as for Kressle: She sits up and glares at Lothar.
"Do you think you can sweet-talk me out of the only way of life that I've even known, let alone made a success of? I have the Stag Lord's trust and approval: can you match that?
"You ask of my past. My parents were bandits before me, and when they were killed during a raid up Mivon way I fled here to the Greenbelt. Fell into the hands of some of the Stag Lord's men, but loosing fingers, hands, to my axes convinced them that rape was not welcome. I followed their flight back to his fort, where he saw my potential, one of the few to recognise my worth, killed his minions and took me on. I ask again, how can you match that? What have you to offer me to make me turn my coat?"
Lothar listened to Kressle's words, his heart not completely hardened to what she had to say. Deep down, the Vudrani understood what she was saying and, perhaps more importantly, how she felt. His situation, before meeting his current companions, had some similarities with Kressle's. But, unlike the bandit, the trust and loyalty that he had found with Gorguk, Calinder, Rhasa, and even Barnabus, that was real. No conditions had set to receive it. Rather, they were things that been truly earned.
Kressle, on the other hand, was merely a convenient commodity that had fallen into the Stag Lord's lap. He did not know her true worth as a human being. But she believed that he did, and to Kressle, that was mattered most.
This humble one knows that trust is indeed a truly precious thing. But surely you cannot believe that you have the Stag Lord's trust, especially when it is based on merely your merit. Do as I ask and you shall live. Fail me even once, and you die. That isn't even loyalty. That is a slow death just waiting to happen. Can you go back to him, fully expecting he'll allow you to live when he learns that you've failed him twice?
"Gorguk, do you think the others will want to head back Oleg's when we are finished here? I hope so, before we go to see if we can recover what we seek from these 'Mites'."
Calinder seems to be talking just to keep his mind from other thoughts. Things that he knows must be done, but is still uncomfortable with.
Rhasa looks back and forth between Lothar and Barnabus. What are they doing? Did they plan this to confuse the woman? They certainly don't seem to be coordinating their efforts. If they are trying to confuse someone, I guess it's working - but it's the wrong woman.
She shakes her head to clear it and backs up a step, ready to react if the woman attacks or flees.
"Gorguk, do you think the others will want to head back Oleg's when we are finished here? I hope so, before we go to see if we can recover what we seek from these 'Mites'."
I hope so. It would seem to me the wise decision to strengthen our hold on this area by making sure Oleg and Svetlana are involved in our council. This way we maintain positive relations with people here and we can garner supplies.
I hope so. It would seem to me the wise decision to strengthen our hold on this area by making sure Oleg and Svetlana are involved in our council. This way we maintain positive relations with people here and we can garner supplies.
"A wise thought my friend. If we become friends with the people that are trying to live honest lives the best they can, then we may gain their support in what we try to do."
It happens. Even to me. ;)
Sorry about not posting recently, but I've been kind of caught up with my Christmas gift - DC Universe Online Beta for the PS3.
Just give me until next week. Should have it out of my system by then, guys. Then it'll be business as usual.
I hope so. It would seem to me the wise decision to strengthen our hold on this area by making sure Oleg and Svetlana are involved in our council. This way we maintain positive relations with people here and we can garner supplies."A wise thought my friend. If we become friends with the people that are trying to live honest lives the best they can, then we may gain their support in what we try to do."
So what do you want to do while we are waiting for Lothar to finish his interogation? If this takes as long as he says it might, should we proceed to Oleg's and inform them of our success? That way we can sell all of the goods that we accumulated here and not have to waste time whilst the Staglord continues to run free and unchecked.
Rhasa, guessing that Lothar's need for her to remain non-threatening has passed, takes up her bow and continues listening to the men trying to confuse the woman.
Though Lothar's face was serene as he watched Barnabus usurp his intended role, within the magician was anything but. He spared Rhasadilara a slight glance before turning to walk away.
He returned to where Gorguk and Calinder stood.
This humble one has failed you, Gorguk, and therefore will return to Oleg's. Know that Barnabus has taken over this one's intended role to extract information from the bandit Kressle, and though it was one willingly taken on by myself, perhaps this one was not suited for such a task. If this is so, then this one most humbly apologizes and will remove himself from the field to await further instruction as to what place he has with you.
His words were calmly stated, but calm was not what Lothar felt.
When he was done, the Vudrani bowed respectfully, first to the half-orc, then to the priest of Erastil, and turned to gather his pack and a horse which he quietly led away to the trail that would take him back to the trading post.
(to Kressel)
"Can you please stay a moment longer and consider that no one is forcing anything upon you, there is no danger in the now."
"A rare thing is an exceptional woman."
Diplomacy
(if needed...)
Rhasa remains intent on the captive and tries not to display her surprise at Lothar's departure.
Bluff
So what do you want to do while we are waiting for Lothar to finish his interogation? If this takes as long as he says it might, should we proceed to Oleg's and inform them of our success? That way we can sell all of the goods that we accumulated here and not have to waste time whilst the Staglord continues to run free and unchecked.
"Well my friend, I think that we should wait to see if Lothar's initial attempt is successful. If it is not, then I think that as much as I hate to split the group, it may be wise for us to return to the trading post and get the supplied and equipment that are needed."
This humble one has failed you, Gorguk, and therefore will return to Oleg's. Know that Barnabus has taken over this one's intended role to extract information from the bandit Kressle, and though it was one willingly taken on by myself, perhaps this one was not suited for such a task. If this is so, then this one most humbly apologizes and will remove himself from the field to await further instruction as to what place he has with you.
As Lothar packs and begins to leave, Calinder catches up to him and says, "Lothar, you cannot blame yourself for this, it was a very difficult task that you attempted and in life things do not always go the way we would like. Although with determination and persistence we can increase our skill and abilities, and then the things that we now find difficult to do, will one day be easily accomplished."
"I believe that you should stay with us, at least for the moment. Gorguk and I have already discussed returning to Oleg's once we have determined if we can get any useful information from Kressel. If that is beyond our current skills ... then we must do what we must and return to prepare for the next task at hand."
Maybe your personal skill set that has been handed to you by the gods provides you with the means for a different approach. Maybe you are designed to be hidden behind the scenes and let others do the work that you initiate. Maybe yours is the ability to discern what the information means that others have gathered.
Maybe this is just showing you what skills you need to work on in order to perform the role that you see yourself in. No my friend this is not a failure just a means to a different success later.
Once we are done with this Kressel business, we will have to discuss what everyone wants out of being here in the Greenlands. What is our purpose for being out here? If we are to establish the area, what do we see ourselves doing/becoming? My course is set upon a leadership role, whether that is on the field of battle or sparring with words over policy I don't know yet.
"Gorguk, once again you have wise words to offer to the rest of us. As for the role I see myself in, well..., it changes with time. Right now I see myself in a support function to the rest of our group. I can heal those who are ill or hurt, and with time may do many other things to enhance the natural abilities of my comrades, if Erastil deems me worthy of such gifts."
"Later on after we have tamed this land, if we are fated to do so, then I will take up the role of spiritual guide and healer to those that seek a new life here."
The heart outweighs the brain...hoping against a fatal attraction!
Lothar stopped walking long enough to hear out both Gorguk and Calinder. When the two had finished speaking, the magician turned to confront them both, an uncertain look on his face.
The matter is not something this humble one would like to discuss in this place, at this time. The events of this night may have impaired this one's abilities more than he would have liked. In any event, this one perceives the failure, even if you do not and it is a fetter that this one will work to break asunder.
He paused, then continued. This one will head back, if only to prepare Oleg for your eventual arrival. Be assured that this one has no intention of abandoning the good work started by us, especially in light of what we have lost.
He waited to see what the paladin and priest would say.
If you feel that you have failed then so be it. As long as you strive to learn from this and focus on breaking your fetters as you put it that is all I can ask for now. We are all learning our place as we work together. And yes this is not the time or place to discuss this fully and should be better discussed later on the way to Oleg's. If we believe that Barnabus and Rhasa can handle the bandit woman, then we could go to Oleg's together and stock up on supplies for the next stage of our journey.
Lothar shook his head. That would be ill advised. This one feels that either of you leaving could have serious consequences where as the lack of this humble one's presence will not. Do not worry. This one got along fine without you before. He will do fine without you now. The magician put forth a faint smile. This one appreciates your concern, but it is unnecessary. This - that is to say, I, - will be fine.
Calinder doesn't know how to respond further to Lothar's statements and so in the end he just nods as Lothar says that Gorguk and he should stay with the others while Lothar heads back to Oleg's.
At the end of the conversation, all he feels that he can say is, "Good luck be with ye then Lothar, and may we meet again soon." Calinder is at a loss as to what else to say to convince Lothar to stay.
Barnabus calls upon magic forming the Command in his mind and a single word passes through his lips, "Approach"
The magic reaches towards Kressel compelling her....
Will Save DC 16
DM
I set my spear for when she returns...
:(
Rhasadilara, do you want to fire?
Longbow attack
Rushing the shot, Rhasa fires wide of the mark, missing the fleeing woman completely.
Calinder doesn't know how to respond further to Lothar's statements and so in the end he just nods as Lothar says that Gorguk and he should stay with the others while Lothar heads back to Oleg's.
At the end of the conversation, all he feels that he can say is, "Good luck be with ye then Lothar, and may we meet again soon." Calinder is at a loss as to what else to say to convince Lothar to stay.
DM
Am I ruining a story arc by trying to kill Kressel?
Let me know, if you want to finesse the will save for her escape, I am fine with that!
Rhasadilara, do you want to fire?
Longbow attack 1d20 + 6
Rushing the shot, Rhasa fires wide of the mark, missing the fleeing woman completely.
Under her breath, the elven woman mutters, "May Ketephys plague your evil existence." Louder, she shouts, "The woman flees! She's running that way!"
A little unnerved, Rhasa stares as the woman walking back and says, "So what do you want me to do?"
"Only for one round does this spell compell her, be ready and help me finish this Rhasadilara, as she is still in the act of escaping."
Barnabus prepares to attack kressel as she gets close enough.....
"Now we finish this!'
Attack with spear
Likely hits with her unarmored!
damage
DM
I am assuming Kressel is not really rolling D20's for unarmed damage!
"What is a round? Oh!"
Rhasa will move to flank the woman, drawing her sword as she goes, sweeping it through Kressel from behind.
Elven Curved Blade
Attack
Damage
In response to the scream, I don't know what is going on over there, but they had not be actually torturing the poor woman or they will have to answer to me later. Can't anyone just do a job and see it through to its completion. I wonder if Cal feels the same way I do. Well I am not going to interfere unless they need me to. I have already broken my vigil once and need to see it through. Barnabus and Rhasa should be able to handle it anyways. Maybe this will pique Lothar's interest and he will go back and try again. In the meantime, Erastil please guide me as to further actions to prevent the death of another of your followers.
Lothar was in the process of turning back to head towards Oleg's when he heard the scream.
No!
Dropping both the horse's reins and his pack, the Vudrani magician made his way back to where he had left Rhasadilara and Barnabus as quickly as possible.
When he arrived, Lothar was relieved to see his companions standing over the prone body of Kressle. He made his way over to the body and checked it for life signs.
Is... everyone... okay?
Well, at least the scream got Lothar to go back and get involved in getting what information he can from Kressel. Good luck to them all and may Erastil bless them in their efforts.
At the sound of the scream, Calinder starts to run in that direction. As he does he grabs his morningstar from where it hangs at his waist from a heavy belt.
Once he reaches the spot where Barnabus and Rhasadilara were dealing with Kressel, he is relieved to see Kressel on the ground and his companions still alive.
Slightly out of breath he asks, "Are you all right?" He then start looking his companions over for any wounds.