Shadowed Futures (Inactive)

Game Master Signore di Fortuna

Barelli shifts from foot to foot before deciding to speak, Orym and Derika's presence putting her a little more at ease. "That stinking Firean and Cullen think they're so high and mighty...they stuck me in this kitchen because they see me as a threat. I left the army because of stuff like this..."

The half-orc grunts. "Anyway...I wanna leave, start my life over. Clean and whatnot. I know there's a town a little ways from here. I could use some help getting away. There ain't much I can give you except some information..."

She nods, understanding on her face as clear as day when Barelli mentions the army. "I....I sort of understand what you mean....though my leaving the military when I did wasn't really voluntary....but at the same time I couldn't deal with everything going on there either. I was too....different for their liking and I never truly felt like I really belonged there. We're not on any one particular side really...just trying to find the truth to things is all. You can talk to us...whenever or wherever you feel safest talking and we will do our best to help you." She turns to look at Jerrica as she sort of shrugs her shoulders. She never pitied anyone, but she could certainly understand how someone could feel that way, especially about the army with the experiences that she had when she was younger...and even more recently. If it would get them information that might help them, she would do whatever they could to help her.

Barelli nods. "We'll talk after Firean heads to bed. Cullen usually stays in his room. The barracks are the next room over. We have a few less men than we used to, so I'm sure you can find some place to sleep."

The half-orc serves you all some food and goes about cleaning the kitchen as you leave.

She nods and makes sure to thank her for the food before they leave and head next door to find an available bed....shouldn't be difficult since they were the reason that they had the extra space in the first place.

Eight bunk beds occupy the barracks. You see several chests tucked underneath the beds. One of the bandits from before sits here, polishing his weapon. "Eh, it's nice to see a few new faces here. The higher-ups ain't much for company and there's only Abel and Hansen here besides me."

She nods in greeting, "Hey, I'm Derika and these here folks are my friends, Jerrica, Vishanti, Telsyn, Orym, and Abigail is probably still outside. She likes to pray....a lot, and it helps to have quiet to do that so....but she's okay. Anyways....yup...that's us." Not knowing what else to say, she just sort of stands there and rubs the back of her neck absently.

After a few minutes she sits on one of the bunks as her curiosity gets the better of her, "So....how did you end up with these people? I'm just curious...ya know, like if they have a cause....or it's just the companionship? What was it that brought you here to Firean's group?"

"Heh, it was just a way to make a living in the world," the bandit answers. "I'm Gregory. Nice to meet you. Firean just seemed to have a vision, y'know. About a better life for us folk who got swept under the rug. Nobody respects you unless you have money or power...it's how the world seems to me, at least. I couldn't cut it as a craftsman...so here I am. I just feel like I belong with these folk even though it isn't the best."

She kind of nods and hums quietly while taking in what Gregory was saying.

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Vishanti quietly takes in the scenario.

Fieran convinces the disillusioned that taking what they want by force will cure their feelings of invisibility and unwantedness, and the simpler ones believe it.

She was glad for Teslyn's comforting words, they helped.

She looks to Vishanti as she realizes just how messed up the situation is, and how much worse it could possibly get.

Gregory gets up after sheathing his weapon. "Any of you feel like pulling guard duty with me tonight?"

Jerrica shrugs. "Why not? I'm all healed up."

Gregory beams. "Alright, I'll get you in a few hours. Why not get a nap in after you eat?"

He secures the rest of his equipment and heads to the kitchen.

Gashka smirks a bit, "Careful Jerrica....he seemed to be awfully...happy that you would be uhh pulling guard duty with him." While she tries to keep her tone light and joking, her eyes convey her concern for the young woman.

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"If you need relief later let me know." Vishanti says to Jerrica, concerned for her safety, yet relieved at the idea that one of their own would be on watch.

Subtly, she nodded to Derika, looking forward to speaking with Barelli.

She nods slightly and tries to relax her tense muscles before meeting up with Barelli.

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"Don't worry," Jerrica says. "I know where to stick a rapier if he gets any ideas. But some information wouldn't hurt."

"I know....just be careful huh?"

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Jerrica nods and starts eating her quail and rice.

Anybody want to add anything else or shall I just move this along?

If anyone learns anything, let us know.

After you eat, the sun begins to set. Firean heads to bed shortly afterward.

Work that charisma! I'll just shut up and get my 8.

Also, Telsyn takes the sword (along with Mage Hand), and hides the new spellbook and his old sword in his room. He'll ask Jerrica for help, if it's hard at all.

Goblins? I think Orym will prove his mettle. :)

So...wait, I'm confused....are you taking the sword the belongs to Vishanti? Without asking her first? Sorry if I seem a little lost, it's been a weird kind of week for me.

Once she's sure that Firean has gone to bed, Derika heads back to the Kitchen to speak with Barelli along with whomever wishes to accompany her. Just to be on the safe side and make sure she doesn't stick her foot in her mouth.

Entering the kitchen she takes a seat at one of the tables and clears her throat, "So...would now be a good time to talk?"

Barelli nods at Derika. "I wanna leave tonight. I can get my things in a few minutes. While I'm decent at holding my own, I don't know my way to town. If you and maybe a couple of your friends wouldn't mind taking me there..."

I suggested it before. Unless I'm mistaken, Vishanti isn't proficient with those items. This way, we put them to use. If Derika ever needs some cold iron, she'll have it. We should practice a little before we head out.

It's not about whether or not she's proficient with them or not. They are her family heirlooms and therefore it's her decision on how we use them. I'm not in the habit of just taking things from people unless I have their permission. It's just common curtesy to ask first is all I'm saying. I can use all simple and marshal weapons, but I'm not gonna just take someone's property from them without their consent. Unless I missed her giving it, then that's something entirely different. I'm just not sure I wanna use a sword though. Will do it if I have to....but I prefer my war hammer. Does any of that make sense, or am I talkin crazy?

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Yeah....you just told Vishanti to hold onto them. I think she needs some time to deal with what's going on before just giving away her family stuff. Just....I don't know, ask her about it or something. Or I could talk to her about it.

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Also, Telsyn takes the sword (along with Mage Hand), and hides the new spellbook and his old sword in his room. He'll ask Jerrica for help, if it's hard at all.

Seeing him take the sword she looks at him before deciding to say something. Stepping over to him she says quietly, "Hey....hold on a minute. Just hold off on the sword until we can talk to Vishanti okay? I know we're dealing with a lot of stuff.....but I can't even imagine what she's going through right now. I promise we'll talk to her about it soon, but until then can she just hold onto it? I know it may seem silly to you, but.....please Telsyn?"

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Yup difference between OOC thinking (who's proficient and whatnot) and in game story driven action. Derika's got the right of it.

sorry all silence is not what I wanted, but a couple of reasons, first I am developing a sort of writers block and my creativity seems blah, another is work, been extra busy lately as the cold weather is affecting the plant systems causing large amounts of overtime. sometimes I come home and just want to sleep for 12 straight hours. anyway enough about my whining, I have a little to add just need to make sure where we are and if there is time.

Abigail spent some time meditating, listening to what Sarenrae had to offer, the setting sun giving her the last blessings of the day.

She gets up and returns to the watchtower, she makes her way among the rooms observing everyone, seeing what they are doing. As she watched she noticed some things, these bandit's were not any different that most people, she didn't feel they had true evil in their hearts.

many things were coming together in her mind, but there were matters that needed tending to first.

Abigail goes to find Vishanti, pssst, Vishanti, can we talk? trying to get her attention hopefully before she retired for the evening.

Looking up at Abigail's approach Vishanti was drawn from her own thought. "Yes Abigail, is something the matter?"

I was just trying to move things along.

Character interaction is just as much a part of the story as killing things and taking their stuff. ;P

Abigail looks a little apologetic I understand that you may have some connection to this keep. I don't know what that connection is, but I realize that I may have been a bit..ahh...insensitive concerning my plans. I am sorry.

Abigail takes a seat next to the Shaman, I would like to work with you to find a solution to possibly both of our problems. and possibly a chance to reform these bandits in the process. But first If you want to talk about anything, I am willing to listen, and Sarenrae is ready to guide you.

While we understand the desire to "keep things flowing" interactions between characters are very important. How would Telsyn feel if someone just decided that the spell book would serve them better and took it without asking? Not saying that anyone would do that, but I'm just trying to make a point. A story without the story is just a hack and slash....and I don't think that's what we're here for. At least, that's not what I'm here for. I'm all good with the action bit, but for things to make sense some things need to be worked out between the characters. Derika, understanding how hard this has been for Vishanti, wouldn't just let you take her sword without talking to her anyways. I know I pretty much just reiterated what Vishanti already said, but I didn't want it to seem like I was being mean or anything. I just tend to get pretty wordy sometimes when I'm trying to explain a particular line of thinking. Long explanation short, if you like the sword and you think you can use it...ask first before just taking it. ;o)

"I appreciate the sentiment, though I lean on something other than the gods for guidance. This keep, Valar Ironwolf is my ancestor. It is why I came here. To try to cleanse the place and restore it to what he had hoped it would be. At least we were able to finally lay them to rest." Vishanti says quietly.

Barelli nods at Derika. "I wanna leave tonight. I can get my things in a few minutes. While I'm decent at holding my own, I don't know my way to town. If you and maybe a couple of your friends wouldn't mind taking me there..."

Derika nods, the understanding plainly visible in her eyes. Quietly she sighs and says, "Yeah...I get where you're coming from. Okay....we'll help ya out. I'm sorry...I'm not the most sociable person and I have trouble relating to others sometimes....at least that's what I've been told. I've also been called foul mouthed and a trouble maker....but that was a while back. It's not that I try to make trouble....I just....I get tired of being lied to and used, that's all. Really...I'm just trying to figure out the truth of things. I have a friend or two that I think can help us out with this. Give me a couple minutes to round them up okay? We'll meet you back here...I don't wanna take everyone with us because that might look a little....strange. I'll be back in a few." Taking hold of the half orc woman's forearm, she gives it a little light squeeze before getting up and heading back across the hall to fetch Orym and Vishanti. The two she felt she could leave with, without raising too many flags.

Once inside she motions for Orym to join her and shakes her head as she sees Vishanti in a conversation with Abigail. I hate to be rude....but, it really can't wait.

With Orym following her, she makes her way over to where Vishanti and Abigail sit. She clears her throat before laying a light hand on Vishanti's shoulder, "Hey I'm really sorry to interrupt...but there is a matter that I need your and Orym's assistance with. Could you come with us to the kitchen across the hall?"

She looks apologetically at Abigail, "Real sorry bout this Miss, but I need the two of them right now. Why don't you just rest and relax for a bit while we go take care of something. We'll be back in a little while." Nodding at the follower of Sarenrae, she takes Vishanti's hand and has her and Orym follow her back to the kitchen.

Sorry...but the fewer people for this the better. Too many leaving at once would raise too many questions.

When Derika and the others return to the kitchen, they find Barelli with a small knapsack. "We ready?"

As Derika puts a hand on her shoulder, Vishanti pauses in her conversation. "We can continue this later." the shamaness says to Abigail.

Gathering her gear she heads out with the others to the kitchen. "Yes Barelli, we are ready."

Abigail was about to say something when Derika pulled Vishanti away.

yeah, later. is all she says as they leave.

Abigail, thought she was on to something, but whatever it is that pulled the others away must have been important.

Abigail decides to visit the graves of Vishanti's ancestors. she had blessed the ground and offered their souls to the gods for safe journeys to the afterlife.

she checks that all is well there, making the area a bit nicer.

She was a bit afraid to just go to sleep, she worried that she may be needed when the others return.

She nods slightly, "Yeah, ready as you are."

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Gregory passes you as you speak with Barelli. He gives you a nod as he heads to the barracks and flops down on a bed. You head downstairs with Barelli, the two other bandits paying you no mind as you pass them in the stairwell. The half-orc gives Derika a grin. "Quickly now before they get to the roof."

She hurries out the makeshift door and through the keep's main gate.

Derika nods and hurries out behind Barelli and out of the keep.

Vishanti keep her eyes open for trouble, thinking about the situation. They may suffer the consequences of aiding the woman's escape, but it was the right thing to do.

Orym, Derika, Vishanti and Barelli arrive in Vinse a couple hours later with no complications.

Diplomatize!

I don't haz that skill....as we've all witnessed. Lol

Ignoring the strange stares and barely hushed whispers, Derika and the others show Barelli to the Gilded Axe. Stepping inside, Derika looks for Lynnie and waves her over once she's not busy.