Maxim continues to relax at the table, enjoying his jerky (which he seems to have an endless supply of hidden within his robe) and icewine, all the while taking in taking in the myriad of new Shieldsmen and women. He gives a bit of interest to the almost confrontation between the young human lad and the goblin, and those who step in to offer support. But it is the exchange between the gnome and half-vampire, with their mutual excitement regarding the necromantic arts, that draws a shrill laugh from the cryptic halfling.
"Ladies playing with bones of the dead,
Dreams of grandeur rampant in their head.
Be wary for when you reach in that box,
Control over which you had will be lost.
Cast, bargain, and trade your soul for all,
But remember that He'll foretell the Fall.
So hold your actions closely to the law,
And perhaps you may avoid what He saw."
His voice fades off, the cackling laughter having devolved into a sense of foreboding dread. His words had not been loud, but they struck at the mind with the intensity of a Storm Giant's hammer.
"Undeath lies in my blood, I can't deny it, only embrace it's natural, or unnatural as most would assume, talents and work the best I can with them." She says regarding the halfling.
"Well Inil the fresh air is certainly good for everyone, but unless the sun has settled by now I'm going to have to decline and stay in here untill dusk comes around." Nicenzia says finishing her glass of wine.[/ooc]
Inil, feeling he had inadvertently slighted Nicenzia, Inil quickly bows in apology.
"My apology's dear lady, I should have thought before I spoke so thoughtlessly."
At Nicenzia's suggestion to have treats for the toad Grimlak looks worried and asked in a whisper, "What do ya be thinkin it be eating. Not souls and such?
He continues to watch the goblin with one eye but doesn't miss Nicenzia's admission to having undead blood in her veins. "Here I be thinkin dhamphire ment albino.
"Dhampir, eh. No wonder the pale skin suits you," commented Amed with a rakish grin.
"Well Inil the fresh air is certainly good for everyone, but unless the sun has settled by now I'm going to have to decline and stay in here untill dusk comes around." Nicenzia says finishing her glass of wine
Inil, feeling he had inadvertently slighted Nicenzia, Inil quickly bows in apology.
"My apology's dear lady, I should have thought before I spoke so thoughtlessly."
"I would assume some kind of insects would be a threat for it Grimlak. But to be honest I don't know much about animals." She says turning to Amed a little annoyed "Ah I see someone knows what race I belong to. Here I was refering to the power of my sorcerous bloodline which is that of undeath, but I guess that genie is out of the bottle now. Most people shun me once they know what I am so I normally keep it hidden, and talk about my sorcerer bloodline as the reason for my looks and fascination for the necromantic arts."
** spoiler omitted **
"As for circus... 5 humans, 2 tieflings, 1 Dwarf, 2 Dhampir, 1 Halfling, 1 Kobold, 1 Goblin, 1 gnome, 1 Hobgoblin, 1 Half-orc. Certainly diverse, but not a Circus"
Swen is a fetchling
After seeing one strange creature after another enter the tavern the dwarf has become numb and is unfazed by the entrance of the half-giant. Halfheartedly he responded, ”Yes bad giant. If ya gonna be a Silver Shield you better learn to be rampaging like a proper giant.”
"Um...am smol giant," Hanz says, holding his index and thumb only a few inches apart. "Don't like paging. But Paw say if I do, do paging all over bad men. Silver Shields not bad. Silver uh," he pauses trying to remember the name of the establishment. The last part slips his mind but he remembers seeing a cup on the sign. "Silver Cup not bad. So no paging here either."
Tush stifles a laugh when the big man breaks the chair by just sitting in it. "You alright big fella?" She moves up next to him, and has to reach up to pat him on the shoulder as he sits on the floor. "Names Tush."
Hanz looks towards the tough but sees nothing. It takes him a little longer than most to finally look down and see the gnome by his side. He is forced to lift an arm to see her. "Am fine. I Hanz. Cause I gots big Handz," he says smiling and holding his enormous hands up to show. "Yer hair pretty. Like Lavey flowers." His eyes grow wide as a thought enters his head. "Does it smell like Lavey flowers?"
|
Swen rolls her eyes, So the bizarre looking one can't take a joke... and thinks I'm a dhampir? She studies Nicenzia a little bit more. She's the first dhampir Swen has ever encountered, but she's heard rumours. So the drinking blood thing was real? It is then that Swen suddenly feels an odd connection with the other Shield members. A group of outcasts, misfits, just like herself. For a moment she feels her guard slip and she is able to relax back into her chair. Maybe its the wine. She decides to stop with the teasing, if just for a bit, and learn to get comfortable with her new surroundings, and her new associates.
In a move very unlike herself, Swen stands and moves toward the giant on the floor. Can I get you a new chair, or are you comfortable on the floor?
Peeking behind Hanz she addresses Tush, Hey, I like your dress.
Tindertwig's big-eared head comes up out of his pack (with an irritated toad precariously perched on top).
Mees coulds gits whatsevers stucks in yer ears?
He says waving a pair of rusty pliers.
The crafty goblin then turns his head to meet the dwarf's gaze.
He be likens insects..., whispers a smiling little goblin.
Rippit!, agrees Dirtbag (nodding his head at the dwarf?).
In a move very unlike herself, Swen stands and moves toward the giant on the floor. Can I get you a new chair, or are you comfortable on the floor?
Hanz recoils slightly at the sight of Swen. It seems to mostly be from fear but also, something else. Concern? "Where'd you color go?" he asks, commenting on her black and white attire, and pale complexion. Definitely concern.
After taking a moment to think he responds to her questions. "Uh, chair break," he says holding up a piece. "Floor sturdy. Can you make special chair? Paw make special chair. It really comfy. But can't carry it all over. He said, uh, save strength for real fights. So no comfy chair."
"Two dhampir?!? I get an otherworldly feel from Swen, however she does look like me maybe because it's the first time I meet another like me I get that sense."
"So Hanz do you bring any special talents to the Shields? I suspect you have some real talent to be joining us here tonight." Nicenzia asks smiling in an attempt to make him forget he broke the chair.
|
|
If fetchlings could turn red, at that moment, Swen would have. Embarrassment, anger, the hurt of years of childhood bullying from humans, the mixed emotions hit her hard. Her body tightens and a hand instinctively moves to the hilt of her sword. And here she was, trying to actually be nice.
But as Hanz kept talking, a tiny bit of compassion slips in, catching her before she could say something hurtful in return. He's just an ignorant... innocent... oaf.
No I uh... don't know how to... build a chair. I uh... I'm sorry I can't help you, she replies, still standing a little too rigid, feeling a little too self conscious, feeling the need to return back to the shadows and out of the light.
The strange halfling slides his chair closer to Nicenzia's as he places a comforting hand atop hers. Despite his strange manner, it is a calming touch, and the look on his face of one of genuine warmth and concern.
"Ah, but blood does not determine the fate of all,
For devils may rise just as angels may fall,
And given your presence within the Shields' hall,
I trust you will rise above your nature's call.
So be wary, and keep your guard hand high,
And remember, that the end is not yet nigh."
Then, his faces curls up into a broad smile. "Perhaps another drink, might help us to more calmly think!"
"So Hanz do you bring any special talents to the Shields? I suspect you have some real talent to be joining us here tonight." Nicenzia asks smiling in an attempt to make him forget he broke the chair.
Hanz looks over at Nicenzia and does a double take. He then looks at Swen then back to Nicenzia. He does this several times before finally figuring it out. "Is someone stealing color?" Sort of. He thinks for a moment on the question with his tongue sticking out slightly. He shakes his head. "Hanz not so good at stuff. Like horses but can't ride yet. Might hurt. Good in forest too. Never get lost. Know good berry from bad. Hmmm. Also strong." He smiles thinking that is a good approximation of his abilities.
If fetchlings could turn red, at that moment, Swen would have. Embarrassment, anger, the hurt of years of childhood bullying from humans, the mixed emotions hit her hard. Her body tightens and a hand instinctively moves to the hilt of her sword. And here she was, trying to actually be nice.
But as Hanz kept talking, a tiny bit of compassion slips in, catching her before she could say something hurtful in return. He's just an ignorant... innocent... oaf.
No I uh... don't know how to... build a chair. I uh... I'm sorry I can't help you, she replies, still standing a little too rigid, feeling a little too self conscious, feeling the need to return back to the shadows and out of the light.
Despite his mental handicap, Hanz must have had empathy on par with his strength. He sees the change in Swen and immediately looks panicked. He fidgets as he tries to think of how to make things better. He shifts to bring his pack around front and goes through it, sifting things around. He doesn't seem to find whatever he's looking for so he gives Swen a placating gesture. "Wait please." He gets up and daintily navigates back towards the door and out (barely missing his head on the frame). A few minutes later, he comes back, his hands full of flowers (and some weeds). Purple, white, yellow, all kinds of colors. He splits the bundle and hands one to Swen looking nervous. "Here color."
He gives the other bundle to Nicenzia looking just as unsure. "Color."
"Hanz my flowers do smell like Lavender. Good guess." Please don't lean over and sniff, please don't lean over and sniff
You seem like a nice fellow. We'll have to find you a special chair. Maybe we can order one for you."
"We are quite the group here. I can't wait to see what kind of missions we get sent on."
|
|
Seeing the door he was working on fall to the ground Throg sigh's, picking it up and placing it on the wall.
Well I will get to this later.
He slowly walks back to the others. Before half jumping out of Hanz's way and watches him talk to the others
Humm... is this human courting I thought you were only supposed do that one at a time.
As the night goes on and the drinks flow the arrogant dwarf begins to relax and come to terms with the fact that he will have to work with these strange people or break his oath to the Silver Shields. The dwarf would choke on his own pride before he broke his word. Fighting against himself he slowly raised his tankard and clears his throat,
With a grimace that he hoped passed for a smile he proposes a toast, ”To tomorrow and whatever it may bring.”
He drains his flagon in one gulp and looks about with an honest smile.
As the night goes on and the drinks flow the arrogant dwarf begins to relax and come to terms with the fact that he will have to work with these strange people or break his oath to the Silver Shields. The dwarf would choke on his own pride before he broke his word. Fighting against himself he slowly raised his tankard and clears his throat, ”Ahem.”
With a grimace that he hoped passed for a smile he proposes a toast, ”To tomorrow and whatever it may bring.”
He drains his flagon in one gulp and looks about with an honest smile.
Looking at the dwarf, a grin spread across Inils face.
"Finally something we can agree one!"
Amed raises his mug in toast.
"May the winds be at our backs!"
|
|
Come on Swen, you're here to blend in, not to hide.
As Hanz stands and walks out the door, all she can do is move out of his way and gulp. Now you've done it. You hurt the big guy's feelings. He's breaking plenty of furniture, don't want to be on his bad side...
When he returns with a gift of flowers, she is thoroughly shocked, not really used to overtures of kindness. He's just trying to be nice. Be nice back!
Uh.. Thanks. She looks down at the flowers and adds, a little more heartfelt, Where I'm from, not even the flowers have color. They're beautiful.
As toasts are being made, Swen is happy to feel like the spotlight has shifted and returns to her seat and her wine.
Descends into the madness that was the Silver Chalice this night. She had met the small paladin, Mister Binderbook, at a time when she was not old enough to leave her jungle home. However, flanked by her trusted panther companion, after what seemed like many years she traveled to met with the man who showed her that not all outsiders wished to kill you. She was tall for a drow, but was not unpleasant to look at. Dressed as any typical native Mwangi, she had on leather vestments, and a very clear holy symbol of Shelyn, one given to her by Binderbook. She watched quietly, observing everyone, having not mastered common well enough to join in all the jokes. The panther stayed near her side, and after a few words in elven to the barmaid, settled in with a nice cup of juice.
"To what tomorrow brings." Tush raises her glass and drinks.
Moved by those who offer their toasts, Maxim raises his glass in turn,
"Though night will end and day will come,
And we may not all be standing as one,
Let those who bare the mark of the Shield,
Be loyal and just whilst upon the field.
From varied race and background we've been drawn,
To stand for the righteous in the morning dawn.
Hazaa!"
With his final words, Maxim tosses back his glass of icewine.
The strange halfling slides his chair closer to Nicenzia's as he places a comforting hand atop hers. Despite his strange manner, it is a calming touch, and the look on his face of one of genuine warmth and concern.
"Ah, but blood does not determine the fate of all,
For devils may rise just as angels may fall,
And given your presence within the Shields' hall,
I trust you will rise above your nature's call.
So be wary, and keep your guard hand high,
And remember, that the end is not yet nigh."Then, his faces curls up into a broad smile. "Perhaps another drink, might help us to more calmly think!"
"You are the first to act like that around me, I guess you are right the leaders of the Shield might have known what I was all along, but allowed me to not share it as it was a burden for me. I try to ignore my nature, but the evil is easier to release the hold up, and in great stress I have giving into some of my urges my father's blood left me with. They are tough to hold back when you are already down on energy, why I keep the drinking to a single glass for enjoyment.
A toast to new friends and to what tomorrow brings." She says lifting her empty glass in a salute toward the halfling.At Hanz' remark "My color wasn't taken, my kind looks like this. I am a child of the night so colors don't really belong to me. But thanks for your consideration." She says accepting the flowers more out of courtesy then anything. She turns to Swen as she also gets the flowers "I hope we can get to talk more, I've never met one like myself before I like to know more." she says beliveing that she is a fellow dhampire.
"Ah Aurelain sounds like I don't have to explain Cheliax to you. Luckily I escaped that life being transported to Isger and the caravan was attacked by Eagel Knights. I met one of the shields senior members, Tamrinil, who saved me from a pursueing Hellknight of the Chain. She brought me here so that I could learn some things about the world and one day I hope to return the favor, before I like to experience Ustalav where my mother was taken from." Nicenzia explaines to the newcomers at Aurelain's request. She takes a sip from her wine and sits to watch the others interact.
To the goblin "Well met both of you, I must say it's rare to meet a goblin that doesn't try to kill you right away."
We share a bond then Nicenzia in our distaste for that land. And I for one am pleased you did manage to escape that life and sit with us here today. He raises his glass in a toast to her.
The half orc sits at table with the 4 or 5 others who were first to arrive and sips his Kumis as he takes in the variety of races and classes that are gathering. He seems confused by the lack of response from the kobold when he addressed the creature in Draconic. I had heard all kobolds spoke that tongue but perhaps I was misinformed. he finally concludes.
When the dog and goblin make a scene Aurelain slides his chair back only a small bit but it is not lost on anyone observing that he was ready to intervene if it came to blows. Not bothering to stand he warns the group in a loud growl. If anyone chooses to harm another in this place they must also fight me. There is something about the dim lighting of the place that makes the well groomed but clawed and tusked half orc even more intimidating.
From what seemed like her darken corner, Kelisa laughed softly as the half orc speaks. She speaks in broken common " One can not stop a fight, just as one can not stop the raining season. Do so is foolish. One only needs more juice." She was still with the big panther, only now the big cat was sleeping, reclined with its head on her feet. She points at Aurelain with a walking stick, the end decorated in various fetish items, a few brightly colored feathers, what seemed to be a few panther teeth, and an intricate design that matched some of the markings on her limbs, a clear symbol of who she was to her people.
Nizvit seems to shake himself from a daze as he looks up at the large man
"My sincere apologies sir, i was preoccupied with things that are not currently of consequence."
We share a bond then Nicenzia in our distaste for that land. And I for one am pleased you did manage to escape that life and sit with us here today. He raises his glass in a toast to her.
"Yeah bad country but at least they have some of the right ideas, the share my idea of an ideal deity the Prince of Lies is right up my alley, or at least he became as I grew to resent my masters and could work my way around them. But I'm glad I got away though I wouldn't mind to not have been chased by that stupid Hellknight of the Chains, but without him I'd wouldn't be here today so you know silver linings." she responds smiling to the growling half orc.
Both Tindertwig and Dirtbag wink at the dwarf...
The bloodrager files away that Nicenzia is a worshiper of the Prince of Lies under the mental column of "Why Would Anyone Ever Do This On Purpose", but only nods.
Turning to Nizvit for a moment he adds এটা আমার ছোট ভাই দেখানো হয় প্রথমে আমি ভয় পেতাম যে লাল একটি আপনার কাছে খুব আগ্রহী ছিল।
It is noting my small brother. At first I feared the red one was too interested in you.
|
|
Swen almost chokes on her wine as a drow enters the tavern. As with most of the species occupying this place, this is her first encounter with a drow, but from all the tall tales she's heard from mercenaries around the campfire, the drow were NOT to be messed with. However, something is off, her dress, her demeanor, this drow is quick to shrug off any stereotypes Swen has of her kind. Goblins, dhampir, drow... Best not to judge too quickly.
With this in mind, she coughs to overcome her startlement, and turns to Nicenzia in reply, About that... and I hope not to disappoint you, but I am not umm.. like.. you. I am Kayal, from the Plane of Shadow.
A hint of pride touches her voice as she speaks this last part, but she follows with a sigh as she returns to her glass of wine, wondering if she'll ever see her homeland again.
After a bit of thought, and a few seconds, Kelisa place a hand towards the half-orc, in an obvious gesture of peace. " Come join. They have good juice. Similar to the jungles." She had felt bad for laughing at him, since after looking around she was in the wrong. He had only wanted peace. A strange concept to her, since if the jungle did not kill you in some horrid fashion, a rival tribe might in a raid for new women. She was surprised there was no other pale ears, only the one with pale short ears. She had heard there was many like her only of the pale skinned. She muttered in elvish " Why all the stories of the pale ears, and yet I have not seen one here yet. Are they as rare as a panther?"
Uh.. Thanks. She looks down at the flowers and adds, a little more heartfelt, Where I'm from, not even the flowers have color. They're beautiful.
Hanz smiles big and warm, happy that all seemed to well and Swen was not sad anymore. He gently sit back down in the wreckage of the broken chair.
At Hanz' remark "My color wasn't taken, my kind looks like this. I am a child of the night so colors don't really belong to me. But thanks for your consideration." She says accepting the flowers more out of courtesy then anything. She turns to Swen as she also gets the flowers "I hope we can get to talk more, I've never met one like myself before I like to know more." she says believing that she is a fellow dhampire.
Hanz stares at her uncomprehendingly. Obviously he didn't understand something she had said but he refrained from saying anything. But he says nothing and just smiles.
Kelisa Rakil descends into the madness that was the Silver Chalice this night. She had met the small paladin, Mister Binderbook, at a time when she was not old enough to leave her jungle home. However, flanked by her trusted panther companion, after what seemed like many years she traveled to met with the man who showed her that not all outsiders wished to kill you. She was tall for a drow, but was not unpleasant to look at. Dressed as any typical native Mwangi, she had on leather vestments, and a very clear holy symbol of Shelyn, one given to her by Binderbook. She watched quietly, observing everyone, having not mastered common well enough to join in all the jokes. The panther stayed near her side, and after a few words in elven to the barmaid, settled in with a nice cup of juice.
Hanz looked up as the drow entered and was seriously considering telling Mr. Binderbook about all the people missing color. Something out there must be stealing it. But they didn't seem to mind it. Which was odd. Why wouldn't they be concerned about their...Big Kitty. Hanz eyes light up as he spies the large hunting cat. Color-thieves could wait. That was one big kitty. As big as a person. One so big he might not have to be as careful. Every cat he met he had to be overly cautious with. He'd never forget the time he wasn't. He cried for three days.
But he stayed seated. Alinna looked ready to say something and it was probably important. Petting the big kitty could wait.