Monster Mashup - Master Thread

Game Master CaveToad

Tavros raises a hand in response to Dalang's (most likely rhetorical) question, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of books. But he otherwise doesn't try to contribute to the planning. His siblings would think of something; they always did. And too many cooks in the kitchen...or something. He'd end up going with whatever group needed an extra pair of hands.

He instead focuses on Makoto's questions. "We don't know where we are, but we're looking for Master Goodwin and his friend..." He pauses, scrunching up his face to remember what Jovar had said. His entire face lights up when he remembers. "And Master Kao Lor. I don't think our stuff came with us. But when we get settled, we'll find paper and writing tools for Lucina, shades for Xanya and Quassine, and more paper and paints, so you can make new paintings." Yes, Tavros did indeed have his priorities straight.

"My concern with food is not for starvation, but for energy. Ever enter combat after not eating for a lengthy period of time? Hunger makes us slow...sluggish. We will need to keep our strength up in order to repel hostiles, or even to run for our very lives if it came to that. I imagine it's even easier to study spells when one is not distracted by hunger. It can also be embarrassing, to say the least, to be hiding and given away because of a...rumbling tummy."

"Have... any of you ever read a book-."

Grobly spits at that. "books are... Wordy! No good comes from words. Or letters. And they wont be saving the Goodwyn."

"Goodwin is missing?" The fox, tilts her head, ear twitching. "Did his friend take him somewhere?" she isn't quite certain of what to do with the highly decorative spear in her hands, settling on resting it over her shoulder. It hums lightly as she moves it into position.

"But... why are we -here-, and not in the demiplane? Or did Goodwin reshape it again?"

"He was captured, so long ago his world unraveled without him. All that's left is what we brought with us." Eleanor answers getting Makoto up to speed.

Lucina gave a small smile at Tavros attempt to replace her journal but was still visibly upset, she walks near Makoto when she awakens.

Mlinzi decides to flip back down to the ground, pulling his hammer up to rest over his shoulder as he does so. "Grobly would be the best choice for scouting up high while we're together, but thanks for the offer of a boost." He nods to the minotaur, smiling in a way that he hopes comes off as friendly rather than threatening. "My skills lie mostly in stalking, scouting, and fighting. I know animals, and I can take care of myself in the wild, but it's not what I'm best at. If we need to hunt..." he grimaces at the thought of a diet consisting of a lot of meat, "I can move through the trees almost as fast as I can walk, and if I'm quiet, I could take prey by surprise. I don't think we should focus on trying to survive out here for a long time if we don't have to, though. Chopping down trees and making stuff takes a lot of time and energy, and for all we know, there could be a village nearby full of paper and waterskins and shoes and everything else we need."

He rubs his chin thoughtfully and nods to Champawat. "You've got a good point. We might be okay for a day or two without food, but it certainly wouldn't be a fun time. Much longer than that, and we'll probably start getting sluggish. Still, I doubt it'll be hard to find someone in this group who could purify any food we find." He looks to those who could produce water, eyebrows raised questioningly.

"If you're going to look for towns... finding water is a good idea. People almost always build towns near flowing water." she suggests. "It's less defensible, but it's a lot easier to grow when you have access to it." Maks added to Mlinzi's statements absentmindedly, as one of her tails fluttered up to rest in Lucina's down-turned palm.

"I believe this is where I step in, as I can both bring water to us, and purify any good we may find. My hunting skills are excellent as well, and I would enough the opportunity to practice them, whatever course of action we choose."

"So are we talking about raiding some occupied civilization and taking it for our own? This is not what master would have wanted. Or are we talking about mind-flayers and minotaurs and gargoyles just strolling into the shops to make purchases with all of the money we have in our pockets? Things maybe different then we remember but I'm guessing our family isn't really welcome around these parts."

"Well, you make a good point Champawat. I don't think we should steal if we don't have to. Still, we're all quite skilled, and maybe some of us who are less threatening or able to disguise ourselves would be able to bargain with the villagers." The Vanaran sighs, growing more serious and seeming to withdraw into himself a little. "I'd gotten so used to being a part of Goodwin's family I'd forgotten the outside world sees us as freaks..."

"I..." Makoto stopped for a second to look over Champawat, her eyes narrowed in a look of befuddlement. "Why on earth would you assume we'd need to raid the village and take it." her Kitsune tails twitch. "Some of us are quite capable of blending in." she said, apparently completely oblivious to the state of her own dress (which may well have caused issues, given the proper settings). "We'd have to have some thing to barter, but I'm certain that once we arrive, we'll be able to make some quick and easy deals."

"And none of us are freaks. I don't want to hear any of that nonsense. Some of us could use a haircut, or a pair of shoes, but none of us are freaks."

Edited out using Change Shape. I forgot. :|

"While I appreciate the expression, everyone, we don't know where we are. And this village might be nonexistent or several miles away."

"And while I wouldn't use the word freak, not many of us can fit in as well as others. Or want to, for that matter. I, for one, have no care for any man who says I don't fit in. I know this."

"We need to find other people," Teniel adds, "Before they find us. That's all. We don't know who lives here, how advanced technology has become in our absence, whether the whole world's regressed to murderous savages. We'll need to interact with the locals eventually, to find maps, and maybe information as to where we should go; but it's certainly safer to observe from afar, if we get the chance to."

"And none of us are freaks. I don't want to hear any of that nonsense. Some of us could use a haircut, or a pair of shoes, but none of us are freaks."

"I agree sister. None of us are freaks, but that does not mean that those outside are family would agree with that assessment. From what I remember before joining the master's family, appearances were often what people were judged on. I truly hope that those times have changed, but until we know for sure, it would be unwise for most of us to simply walk into any existing settlements. I admit I know nothing of this current world, and all of my guesses are based on assumptions, but I urge caution. I know what curiosity does to the cat, and I do not wish that for me or any of or kin."

"Your abilities at disguise will be one of our greatest assets in this place, but we still have nothing of value to barter with. I believe I speak for everyone when I say that they will have to pry my only possession away from my cold, dead paws. I'll not lose my master's gift in trade. Also, while I'm aware that we could barter services, I do not know how quickly I would agree to remove a band of say, goblins in exchange for gold. Master has shown me a new way to look at other creatures, one I could not forsake so quickly."

"If what you say is true and we are feared we can use that to our advantage, the town might not have hostile goblins but we could create our own service."

"I'm sure there's some work we could do, or maybe someone would even help us out of the goodness of our hearts. There's always something heavy that needs lifting or some project that needs a few extra hands around a village. No need to give up our most prized possessions!" Lovingly, Mlinzi traces the engravings on the head of his hammer.

"Well... that, and there's also the option of hunting, herbalism, and the like. We can definitely gather things traipsing through the woods, and have those as a means of barter before we even arrive." Maks's tails, other than the one next to Lucina, swish back and forth in a slow, but friendly manner.

Didn't see Lucina's post until after I'd posted.

Mlinzi looks appalled at Lucina's suggestion. "I don't think scamming poor superstitious village people is the right thing to do..."

Eleanor ties her sword onto the sash of her robe. "Goodwyn didn't have us work our asses off to be reduced to simple mercenaries, and there's no chance in hell I'm adventuring in my nightwear. If we have to break a few rules to get back on our feet then so be it."

"Nor is attacking someone for their race but if they would do so they should have to pay the price of their assumptions."

I'm not sure how much we know beyond what Jovar has told us. It's possible we do not know about the extreme passage of time.

"I pose this question to each of you. What do you think the likely outcome here is? That we find master within a few days time and we all return to our home together? That seems unlikely at this point, given what Jovar has explained. I fear we will become a part of this world, and as such, we should start planning where we are going to fit in, for the long haul."

"Perhaps, once we find a civilization Lucina, Eleanor, and Maks can infiltrate it and learn as much as possible. Maybe Grobly, Xanya, and Teniel can fly on Grobly's bat and scout from the air. I think they should head towards the mountains. Mlinzi, Greebins and I could scout the forest while the rest of you fortify a defensible position. Hopefully we can find a cave in the mountains to use as an immediate shelter."

"Maybe... I don't know... test the waters first, instead?" Maks suggested. "They might not want to kill all of us on sight... or any of us on sight. Like the others have suggested, maybe they've evolved."

Then she turned her attention to Eleanor. "And besides, what's wrong with nightwear. I think it's all rather flattering." she gave a foxy grin, as her tails swished playfully.

"And while we're in town, we can get your shoes, my painting supplies, and Lucina's journal. We'll have to find a way to make money, though. I don't suppose you're both opposed to putting on a show?" her tone moved towards teasing.

Oddly, she seemed unworried about Goodwin; the mage had always been fine without them, and anything that was dangerous to him would be unstoppable for them; as such, the fact that they were still alive was a good sign that he also was.

"If they don't then the one that went to town could tell us and we'd be safe either way."

Sly arrives on the hill silently, contemplating the information thrown at them in the last few moments. He lifts his snout in the air, smelling the air around them, but there are too many scents here for anything to stick out. His gaze lands on the nearby snow-capped mountains and he freezes in place for a moment, remembering a time long since past. Finally, he turns to the chaos and conversations of his family.

"We have many talents between us. We will be well," he says calmly to no one in particular. He shares a nod with his lizardkin, indicating a willingness to protect the softskins.

Hseir nods silently back, seemingly understanding Sly's message.

"I agree with my scalebrother. All will be fine."

Just made the word up; sounded appropriate."

Kiki uses a hand to shield her eyes from the sun, crosses two arms below her breasts and shouts, as her normal speaking voice is not loud enough, "I will help with scouting, most of you don't notice when I am around, so not much chance that some bumbling villagers will"

If Kiki is close enough, Maks will move a trio of her tails to provide the tiny drow-like creature with shade.

Hseir nods silently back, seemingly understanding Sly's message.

"I agree with my scalebrother. All will be fine."

Sly grins and moves close to his scalebrother. "They're an excitable bunch, aren't they? It is no wonder Master Goodwin needed us even though we are but hatchlings ourselves."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

First, love it. I was thinking I really wanted a word that would capture that idea. I think you nailed it.

Second, given our familiarity, it is well-known that 'Sly' is under the delusion that we are dragon hatchlings that just haven't matured enough to grow wings and such.

Hseir-shae Sendorus wrote:

Hseir nods silently back, seemingly understanding Sly's message.

"I agree with my scalebrother. All will be fine."

Sly grins and moves close to his scalebrother. "They're an excitable bunch, aren't they? It is no wonder Master Goodwin needed us even though we are but hatchlings ourselves."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

First, love it. I was thinking I really wanted a word that would capture that idea. I think you nailed it.

Second, given our familiarity, it is well-known that 'Sly' is under the delusion that we are dragon hatchlings that just haven't matured enough to grow wings and such.

"You're right about that. I guess we're here to be the calming factor here."

I'm glad you like it! Feel free to use it as much as you like.

I see that as a constant point of lighthearted debate, as Hseir is convinced that lizardfolk are actually a lesser breed of dinosaur.
You're going Dragon Disciple, right?
I'll be turning into actual dinosaurs, trying to prove my point, and you'll be turning into dragons, trying to prove yours.
I'd love to play this out!

I see that as a constant point of lighthearted debate, as Hseir is convinced that lizardfolk are actually a lesser breed of dinosaur.

I'll be turning into actual dinosaurs, trying to prove my point, and you'll be turning into dragons, trying to prove yours. I'd love to play this out!

Haha, that's fantastic!

At Champawat

Quassine nods to Champawat, "I agree, we should stick around here a little longer. Perhaps Jovar has more for us?"

Current

Quassine looks around then speaks up, "Anyone recognize the landmarks from reading or perhaps was old enough when adopted by the master? I know it has been 10,000 years but the mountains are probably not going to change in 10,000 years. Maybe hundreds of thousands or millions of years but not 10,000? Is Jovar conscious?"

Tor runs a hand through the fur under his muzzle, pondering their situation. "I am not familiar with this area," he says to Quassine, a look of frustration heavy on his brow. "Before we go anywhere, we need to be perfectly clear about what we will do from here on out. There are too many of us, and this situation has too many unknowns, for us to simply wander off in hope of a lead."

Jovar upon hearing its name, responds, "I have little for you other than I know we must seek the Master's friend. It makes sense to assemble into smaller teams to cover more territory, although a method to communicate or keep in touch would be valuable to share information gained." Jovar ends mid thought again, and seems to consider flying higher to take a look. It has noted the goblin with his bat, and the vanara with his hammer looking to obtain a better look. It studies the very large group assembled, and the noise associated with such a large group seems to be growing as conversation and consternation grow, everyone talking louder and louder trying to communicate and make themselves heard.

"And while we're in town, we can get your shoes, my painting supplies, and Lucina's journal. We'll have to find a way to make money, though. I don't suppose you're both opposed to putting on a show?" her tone moved towards teasing.

Tavros seems to miss the teasing tone, almost everything about him lighting up at the prospect of being able to perform for people. "We could put on a terrific show!" Somehow or another, he seemed to be ignoring the obvious fact that most people in this world (heck, no few people even back in the demiplane!) would take kindly to a minotaur prancing about, especially in the wee hours of the day. Although he had read that fancy people really liked to dance at balls and such. So all he had to do was find a gathering of such people to impress them. Fancy people tended to like nice dishware, so maybe if he just found a purveyor of such goods....

A dreamy expression comes across his face as he begins to think about how magnificently his dancing career would go.

"We could! You could lead, and I could be backup, that way I don't steal the show." she smiles, noting that the other two didn't quite seem up to dancing just yet; though that was somewhat obvious with Eleanor: She had expressed disdain for the concept of night clothes as a whole.

"Lucina, I know how cruel 'ordinary' people can be, but... a lot of that is just ignorance and fear, and a lot of times, it's justified. How many of us here were doing bad things with others of our kind before Master Goodwin reformed us? Can you blame farmers and peasants for grabbing their pitchforks at the first sign of trouble?"

Mlinzi shuts his eyes as painful memories of his past flooded back. He saw the cage bars, the jeering crowds, and the faces of those he had been forced to kill. "We are not monsters!" The Vanaran's voice took on a much deeper, throatier tone as he said it, and though the words were passionate, they were actually somewhat quieter than his previous speech. Then the moment passes and his voice returns to normal, but his passion remains evident. "We are people, and if others don't see it that way, it's our job to show them they're wrong. If we rob people, especially poor people without much to start with, they'll be right not to trust us. We have to be better than that."

Quassine hears the conversations get louder and messages Jovar at will,

As the banter noise increases, Quassine yells out, "QUIET! Let's all reduce our volume until we figure out what we want to do! We do not want to draw in unwanted denizens that may be even too bad ass for us for we do not know where we are!"

"Stealing and tricking people is wrong! Goodwin said so!" Xanya shouts out to those who suggested they should obtain things by less honorable means. Ignoring the call to silence. "In order to obtain what we need I hope we can find someone in need of our particular skills. I would love to protect the innocent by defeating evil or to solve mysteries no one have solved before! Maybe those who need help will loan us what we need? If not, we can accomplish the task and then purchase what we need with the rewards? I don't think we should steal in order to get clothed. You look beautiful in your nightwear Maks." Xanya smiles at the kitsune. She is not really wearing all that much more herself, her legs and arms are bare and she has no shoes. "Maybe we could get pretty shoes as a reward? That would be sweet!"

Sly gives a deep-voiced harrumph, throwing one clawed hand up in the air while his other hand is behind his back. "Dancing! As if we are a troupe of vagabonds and thieves! Undignified, I say!"

A snowy owl lands on his outstretched claw.

"Dancing is not on the list of things Goodwin say is evil." Xanya pauses for a moment. "Well unless you dance on someone to hurt them I guess. But dancing on the ground should be fine!" She smiles at having figured it out. "I am much better at fighting than dancing so I think that will pay better, but I can try to learn to dance."

Mlinzi grins and nods at Xanya, hoping his smile isn't off-putting. "Of course, if we run into bandits or slavers, things are different."

Goivan gives a small smile at the others. Even now, so innocent to the world. "Perhaps we can worry about dignity once we've covered survival. It may not seem like much now, but a few days spent at the mercy of the elements can change your perspective quickly."

Quassine rolls his eyes and mutters to himself regarding the bantering group, ::"Too many children generals!"::

Grobly watches as his larger kin begin squabbling over what needs to be done to survive and find Goodwyn. Much of their talking seemed pointless to the Goblin. There was nothing that needed to be done to survive except survive. The concept of finding food and shelter seemed lost on the young druid; all he needs is some shrubbery to sleep under.

Looking around at the clearing, an idea pops intot he goblins head. "We be talking like we are lost. We are here!" The Goblin stamps his foot for emphasis. "There is wood there" He points to the edge of the trees. "Why don't we make here, home? We can make a nice village! and invite the other longshins here to see we are friends!"

Makoto looked to Quassine, tails (that weren't currently busy) flickering in annoyance. "No one is being loud, save you. We are simply discussing necessities. We need a plan."

Her annoyance at having been told to be quiet by a squid may have carried over as she responded in time. "What, in particular, do you have against art, Sly?"

"And of course I do, Xanya... everyone here does, except maybe Grobli. But he has other positive aesthetics. Like that huge smile of his. The others could probably use a tailor, though..." she said, taking a moment to think as her mind cooled a bit.

Then Makoto stopped, looking to Grobli. After only a brief pause, she nodded. "Actually, that does seem wise. You're brilliant, Grobli! We could certainly use a new base of operations, and several of us have studied architecture." She claps, her tails all swishing in time, and possibly robbing the spiderling of shade as she turns in place, casting her eyes about their surroundings, and trying to figure out where her room should be for the best view.

Shaeyl wasn't too keen on the daylight, he much preferred to operate from his natural environment, the shadows. He eyed the trees with a desire for the shade they offered over the open hill they were on.

While the others debated among themselves he took stock of his own few belongings and mentally cataloged the spells he had memorized.

Shaking his arm, he coaxed Pi from his sleeve and moved his companion onto the brim of his hat, keep a look out, would you?

Once he felt ready, he eagerly joined into the debate.

Water, shelter, food. These we need first, and fast. Many of us can provide water, but that is a short term solution. Shelter and food will both require a bit more work, specifically, we are in dire shortage of even basic tools. Shaeyl looked around at this companions, it seems that while we all have clothing, and some of us have some manner of weapon, none of us have even the basic equipment for travel or survival.

"Lucina, I know how cruel 'ordinary' people can be, but... a lot of that is just ignorance and fear, and a lot of times, it's justified. How many of us here were doing bad things with others of our kind before Master Goodwin reformed us? Can you blame farmers and peasants for grabbing their pitchforks at the first sign of trouble?"[

Lucina sighed as her idea was dismissed so quickly."If that is what you wish." She returned to her normal silence for now.

Quassine looks strangely at Makoto and thinks to himself, "She must be deaf?"

Yes, I read that, and Maks still disagrees. Yelling to be quiet assuredly is the wrong answer, though. Thus you receive her ire. :)

Maks speaks quietly to Lucina. "It's too close to extortion for me to go along with it. I... just shouldn't." She continues her musings, completely missing Quassine's 'ood' look.