Clint charges the leader, reaching him much faster than any of the group expected. He drops the man with a well-placed punch as he pulls out his greataxe with the other hand. Two of the farmfolk immediately behind the leader are shocked into inaction by the sudden dropping of their leader. The other three in the front rank move to attack the aggressor, wielding a shovel, a hoe, and a pitchfork respectively.
Deidre's shout booms over the crowd, stopping them in their tracks for a moment. Dzae's bullet hitting one of the farmer's attacking Clint seals the deal, and they all drop their make-shift weapons. Two of them pick up the leader with wary glances at Clint's axe, then all of them make for the nearest exit from the graveyard, leaving all their tools behind them. Kendra stands dumbstruck, staring at the equipment scattered on the ground and the axe in Clint's hand.
Smiley watches the farmers leave the graveyard with an ugly expression on his face. It is obvious to those watching that he is restraining himself from chasing after them. Abruptly he seems to shudder, and a more normal expression flows across his face.
He seems to notice for the first time that he's holding his axe, and turns red with embarrassment. Somewhat sheepishly, he hangs the axe back at his side and shuffles back to the group around the coffin, head hung low.
"Gosh Miss Kendra, my mum would be so ashamed of me right now. This is one of those things the Professor told me I needed to work on. Sometimes my temper gets the better of me. I'm sorry for messing up your daddy's funeral."
He seems genuinely contrite and embarrassed by his actions.
Dzae walks over to where the farmers were, picks up his sling bullet and returns it to his pouch. Then looking down at the array of abandoned tools says, grinning to the others in the funeral party, "So, shall we divide up their tools? I suspect the local market for used farming equipment just got a whole lot better."
"No, we shouldn't take their tools. I don't believe those villagers were deliberately malevolent, merely misguided and afraid," Korvus says in response to Dzae's query.
"Gentlemen!" Korvus calls to the two villagers who are also serving as pallbearers. "Do you know those ruffians who accosted us? Could you return their implements to them as a sign that we bear them no ill will?"
"That is, if it is alright with you, my Lady?" Korvus asks, turning to Kendra with a questioning look. "After the funeral, of course."
Virgil mutters to himself and he starts picking up the burlap and wrapping himself back up in it.. "I got undressed for this?
As he picks up the sickle and carefully checks the blade for sharpness, Dzae says to Korvus, "Now hold on Mr. Fancy Pants, umm, I mean, Korvus, my parents, Zarzuket and Neji, taught me that is disrespectful to return a gift whether you receive it in trade, battle or a birthday party. If you want to return your share, that's your choice."
Turning to include the others, he says, "So let's see, there are 12 tools and 8 of us. That would be one each with the extra being divided among those who actually fought." He points the sickle toward Clint and smiles congenially, "Smiley, since you actually did the most work, you get to choose your 3 first."
Deidre shrugs slightly.
I've no interest in farming equipment. Do with it what you will, as far as I care. Although I have no need for it, I would just as soon see that those ruffians not be re-armed, lest they return in greater numbers.
...And please, let's bring the good professor to his final resting place as quickly as possible, eh?
She reaches down as if to lift the coffin, awaiting a similar response from the others.
"I beg your pardon, Master Shadowalker, but with all due respect we are outsiders here in a land whose people are known to be less than accepting of those who are not natives. Do you really believe that you will find anyone here willing to pay you fair market value for farming utensils that you have appropriated from their neighbors - if not their relatives?" Korvus asks politely.
"Being outsiders here, we would be better served by attempting to ingratiate ourselves with the local populace - returning these tools to their rightful owners would be a step in that direction by demonstrating that we bear our erstwhile adversaries no ill will for their misguided actions. Or, if it would make you more comfortable, such an action could also be construed as a sign of our confidence in our superior martial prowess in that we hold so little fear of our former assailants that we are willing to return their weapons to them. Either way, by returning these implements to their owners we all stand to gain much more than the few coppers you would likely receive from their sale - if, as I stated earlier, you were even able to find a buyer. However, if you are truly in need of farming utensils then I could see why you might wish to retain these."
"But of course, the final decision should be up to the good Lady Lorrimor - after all, it was her father's funeral those ruffians disrupted," Korvus says with an apologetic bow to Kendra.
...And please, let's bring the good professor to his final resting place as quickly as possible, eh?
She reaches down as if to lift the coffin, awaiting a similar response from the others.
"The priestess of the Lady of Graves, of course, speaks wisdom," Korvus says, bowing his head respectfully to Deidre as he resumes his position as pallbearer.
"The priestess of the Lady of Graves, of course, speaks wisdom," Korvus says, bowing his head respectfully to Deidre as he resumes his position as pallbearer.
As do you, kind sir. As a native Ustlavan, I often forget about our prejudices and predispositions. It probably would be best to leave the tools here, that they might be retrieved by those farmers once they cool down a bit. At least, that is what I will choose to do with my, as the gentleman points out, "share". This walks a line between taking them and attempting to ransom them back to their owners, and disposing of them entirely. The Lady often asks us to negotiate delicate situations, and I agree that this would be one of them.
Dzae sighs and says Oh well, so much for having a little fun. He tosses the sickle over his shoulder and strides back to his spot at the coffin. Speaking to the coffin,"Alright Professor, why don't we just get you to your new home." He reaches down and grasps the coffin.
Kendra shakes herself out of her shock when addressed. "What, yes, of course. Might as well. Let us continue." One of the men who was helping to carry the coffin admits to being acquainted with most of the fellows. "Poor farmers, low characters all around. Still, I'll see that they get their tools back, and a lecture to boot, although I suspect that beating you handed old Gibs should show them."
Around this time, a rail-thin man walks up from the path you were heading for, a couple of shorter men tagging along behind him. Kendra greets him as Father Grimburrow, telling him in a reasonably calm voice what happened. He looks sternly at the pile of tools as if they were to blame, then sighs. "Perhaps once he's in the ground they'll settle down a bit, Miss Lorrimor. Come, let us get this sad business settled." He and his grave-diggers head back down the path to the grave itself.
Carrying the coffin is presented with no more problems. Father Grimburrow gives a short sermon, and then Kendra talks about her father and how courageous and selfless he could be. Through her tears, she thanks everybody, and invites those who wish to to speak about the Professor before he is buried.
Smiley shyly clears his throat before beginning to speak, quickly, and as if he's embarrassed to be the center of attention even briefly.
"I did not know the Professor for very long, and I did not understand everything he tried to tell me, but he really opened my eyes to how lucky I've been, and how unlucky others have been. I may not be smart, but the Professor told me anyone can make a positive change in the world if they put their mind to it. In his memory, I'm going to try to make that change happen."
Smiley is then quiet, staring at the Professor's coffin with a wistful smile.
In contrast to Smiley's shyness, Deidre steps forward confidently, as though she is used to speaking at occasions such as this.
Friends, we are gathered here today in rememberance of a great man. Professor Lorrimor touched all our lives in different ways, and seems to have made a positive impact wherever he did. To me, he was a colleague, a mentor, and to my surprise, somewhat of a benefactor. I thought of him as kindly even before I learned that he had left me a fair sum for work I would otherwise have gladly performed for free. It is a sad day for me, and yet I know that he will be judged fairly by the Lady of Graves, and for that I do not weep. May her blessing be upon his final resting place, upon this boneyard and all it's residents, and upon all of us here assembled.
Having said her piece, the young woman steps back and bows her head in prayer.
"Amen, Priestess," Korvus says softly as Deidre finishes speaking.
After the priestess steps back the tall half-orc steps forward, bowler hat held respectfully over his heart.
"Professor Petros Lorrimor was more than a man; he was a gentleman and a scholar," Korvus begins. "The Professor knew my parents, and encouraged them to enroll me into the Stone of Seers in Magnimar when I demonstrated a gift for academics and wizardry - even though no one of orc-blood had ever attended the school before. Indeed, I believe it was his letter of recommendation that finally convinced the Deans to grant my admission. The Professor was a frequent guest lecturer at the school and his time was in high demand, but he always made an effort to spend time with this young student. Why, I'll never forget all the hours we spent debating the finer points of arcane esoterica!" Smiling wistfully at the memory Korvus retrieves a silk handkerchief from a vest pocket and dabs at his eyes. As he does so, a brown-furred weasel pops out of a jacket pocket and scampers up to his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek in a comforting manner. Korvus pats the creature on its head and it scurries back to the pocket from which it emerged.
Korvus places the handkerchief back in his pocket and turns to speak directly to Kendra. "Of all my teachers I would have to say that it was Professor Lorrimor who truly inspired me not only to excel at my studies, but to open my eyes to the wider world around me. If I can someday become at least half the man that he was - noted scholar, intrepid explorer, and kind, giving soul who inspired others - then I will feel worthy of all the effort he put forth on my behalf. This world is a better place as a result of his presence in it. He will be sorely missed."
Korvus bows his head to Kendra and then steps back to allow the next person to speak
Dzae steps forward with the poise of an experienced showman and says, smiling only slightly, I met the professor by sheer chance, but we became quite close friends. I remember it well. It was a cool and misty night. I had just entered a city strange to me when I heard a man cry out.
Sleight of hand to juggle Suddenly four daggers appear in the air in front of Dzae and he beginds to juggle them. He continues in a dramatic tone, smiling widely, I ran around the corner of a building to discover three cutthroats attempting to rid a man of his possessions and his life. Naturally, I was able to persuade them that their talents might be of better use somewhere else. The intended victim was, of course, the Professor. Afterward, what started as a drink bought in gratitude became a fast friendship. We traveled together for a time, each teaching the other both skills and knowledge. He was fascinated by my stories of life in the circus. He became quite an adept juggler. I learned patience and the art of research.
Dzae pauses and lowers his gaze to the coffin and says in a softer more wistful tone, Since we parted, Old Man, I have missed you sorely. I was certain we would meet again... Farewell, my friend. He returns to his spot and bows his head solemnly.
"Well for me, I ate the professor." Looking around at a couple horrified looks, Virgil panics for a moment "I mean I ate with the professor! Sorry, I forget to add words into things that I say at times! I only met with him for a little bit, during this time he tried to teach me words."
Kendra and Father Grimburrow look around the group, making sure that all have spoken their piece. Kendra looks to Father Grimburrow, and he nods. Kendra picks up a handful of dirt and scatters it across the coffin in the grave. As each person present scatters a handful over the coffin, Kendra blinks back tears. She then invites all present to her home. Father Grimburrow and the people who were waiting when you arrived decline, although the older gentleman says he will be by in an hour or so for the reading of the will.
Dzae accepts the invitation politely.
"That was a beautiful service, Father... Lady Kendra" Korvus says to Father Grimburrow and Kendra at the end of the funeral. "A fitting tribute to a great man."
Korvus graciously accepts Kendra's invitation.
Smiley nods acceptance shyly, seeming willing to do whatever Kendra requests.
Kendra leads you all back to her home on the far side of town. A modest two-story home first becomes visible from the town square. Walking up the path, more of the house becomes visible around the trees. It seems large enough to house many, although Kendra indicates that it was only ever her father and herself with an occasional guest. Inside the house, books spill from shelves covering at least one wall of every room. Kendra shows you each to a guest room large enough for a bed, a desk, a dresser, and a full bookshelf. Visible through windows at the back of the house are a large planted field with stabling off to one side. Kendra offers the use of the bath or drinks for any who would like them. Councilman Hearthmount's presence is required prior to the reading of the will, and she indicates he had some errands to attend to before coming here.
Clint
Deidre
Dzae
Korvus
Virgil
After getting to kendra's house, when she offers drinks, Virgil asks for a bowl of water.
Dzae takes a long very hot bath and then after getting dressed rejoins the others and accepts Kendra's offer of a drinks. He takes a moment to assess the others present and finds himself most curious about the Furry Half Orc. He ponders, Were-Orc? Orc-Wolf? Frog-Bear?. With that last thought he chuckles to himself. During his years with the circus and since he has met many strange and interesting people. Although he often finds people's differences amusing, he is never bothered by unusual people or creatures. He casually wanders over to Virgil and says So, Virgil was it? What's your story?
Nothing much of one really.. for as long as I can remember I wore chains and was chained to a wall. They made me fight, and bet on me. I had to fight dogs, zombies and anything else they captured..."
Though rather forthcoming with the story, pain is quite obvious on his face.
Kendra brings a tray of drinks. Some are alcoholic, some are not. She brings Virgil a bowl of water as well.
Deidre graciously accepts a glass of wine, and wistfully lounges on a side chair. As Virgil tells his story, she shakes her head sadly.
That is...unfortunate. Hopefully, now that you have...escaped? You will begin to see a different side of society. I'm sure you're aware that your appearence is a bit...disconcerting to some people, though. If people greet you harshly, don't think overmuch of it. I will admit that I reacted hastily to you myself, and I am shamed by it. I believe in judging someone by their actions, not their appearence. I will gauge you by your deeds henceforth.
This having been said, once Dzae returns from his bath, Diedre frames Kendra with a look.
Kendra, how did your father pass to Pharasma's embrace? He was not sick that I knew of - this was all so sudden and unlooked-for!
Smiley takes a drink and sips it as he begins looking at the books that line the walls. He is obviously listening to everything that's being said, but seems content to be silent for now.
Dzae warmly clasps a hand on Virgils shoulder and says to him sincerely, That is a sad tale. I am glad you are free. It is not always easy being different. As gnomes traveling with a circus my parents and I were sometimes received harshly by locals. Of course that never stopped them from enjoying the show. And I never let the bigotry of others keep me from having fun. With that he gives Virgil one of his patented grins.
"Who is Sir Cuss? Or is it some sort of position? Anything like a Her Attic? I heard some people at a church screaming about Her attics.. Is it so bad for women to have attics that they had to yell so much at me about it?
Looking down at the bowl.. he mutters under his breath.. "crap I did it again.
Upon hearing Virgil destroy the words so badly, Dzae grins widely and is just about to laugh out loud while offering a joke comparing Virgil's brain to an attic. However, when he hears Virgil's muttered oath, he is uncharacteristically moved. Perhaps the solemnity of the day is finally sinking in. Instead, he asks kindly, Did what again?
The professor said I shouldn't drink from a bowl and should stop asking for them. Its hard to not..
But who is Sir cuss?
Deidre smirks bemusedly.
He's referring to a "Circus", Virgil. It's a gathering of showmen, where there are generally spectacles of all different types for viewing. But I must say, Dzae - I've noticed that a few times now you've said that your parents were gnomes? However did that come to be? If you don't mind my asking, of course...
In most situations, Dzae would have replied haughtily "I am a gnome! What kind of parents am I supposed to have? " But this group felt different. Letting his brow wrinkle and his gaze drop somewhat, he pondered this feeling a moment before answering.
Having known these people less than a day, he actually felt some kind of kinship toward them. It must be our common link to the Professor, he thought. So instead, he brought his gaze back up and answered the question as he had once answered the Professor when he asked,
I don't know much of my origins. I vaguely remember that my family and I were part of a tribe of deep-woods Elves. Truly I no longer even remember my parents names or our family name if we had one. I believe some sort of tragedy befell my people, but I have no memory of it until the moment when the Circus caravan came upon me on that lonely road. I am told my clothes were torn and scorched, and I had wounds that suggested that somehow, at the age of ten, I had fought off one or more attackers. Zarzuket and Neji saw my condition and took me in. They were a husband and wife team who had their own show. They raised me as their son. Thus I really do think of myself as a gnome.
Having revealed so much of himself, Dzae tenses awaiting their reactions.
Deidre listens intently, her brow furrowed in thought. As Dzae concludes his tale, she nods her head in agreement.
I can...understand. I think of myself as "Deidre, cleric of the Pharasman faith" more than "Deidre, daughter of Rhys Deimos". We do not choose our family, our family is chosen for us. Fortunately - she says, smirking - elves, gnomes, humans, and half-orcs are all the same in my eyes. The Lady of Graves has servants within all races, and so each are my brothers and sisters in their own way. However, Ustalav as a whole often tends to feel differently...
Her voice drifts off with the thought, as though she would prefer not to discuss her homeland and it's prejudices any further.
Smiley looks up from the shelves of books as Dzae and Deidre speak, and an upset look flows across his face as he strides over to Dzae and speaks with passion in his voice.
"It ain't right that a little kid should have to deal with that. And it ain't right that people should judge you not on who you are and what you do, but instead they only care where you came from. Me and the Professor talked about this a lot, and I'm going to do my damndest to make sure that stuff doesn't happen to any more little kids!"
He suddenly looks abashed and gulps down his drink as he sits down and mutters to himself. "Though to be honest, I was kinda counting on the Professor to tell me how to do that."
As he listens to Deidre, Dzae relaxes visibly. When she finishes speaking he looks over each person present, his eyes stopping at Smiley. He notes that Smiley is standing a bit apart looking at books on the shelves. Dzae considers what he has seen from Smiley so far, He's an odd one, great in a fight, but he seems embarrassed by his own power, truly odd. Dzae says to Smiley, So Smiley what's your story?
Virgil shrugged, not knowing what a Known is or how one could have them as parents, he didn't want to get in it any further.. and slowly, without really thinking about it began to lap up the water in the bowl.
Why am i even here, he thought to himself. I should be out guiding someone. But I'm stuck here with Knowns and people who like graves.. And that one guy who keeps smiling..
Smiley stares vaguely in Dzae's direction, obviously considering the question. After a pause of several seconds he shrugs.
"I don't really have a story. I'm just a small town boy, born and raised in the northern Palatinates. Until the professor opened my eyes, I wasn't going any place."
He shrugs again and smiles somewhat apologetically.
While the others partake of the amenities offered by their hostess, Korvus contents himself with browsing the plethora of books shelved throughout the various rooms of the house.
Stumbling across a particularly interesting volume regarding the Shining Crusade, the tall half-orc settles into a comfortable chair and quickly becomes immersed in reading. Snippets of the other guests' conversations occasionally filter through to his ears.
"...It is not always easy being different. As gnomes traveling with a circus my parents and I were sometimes received harshly by locals..."
"Forgive me, Master Shadowalker, but did you say that your parents are gnomes?" Korvus asks, looking up from his book in genuine surprise. "What a coincidence! My parents - rather, my adoptive parents - are gnomes as well. And you and your parents are circus performers you say? That explains the phenomenal skill at sleight-of-hand and juggling you displayed at the cemetery. Quite impressive, I must say!" Korvus enthusiastically compliments the elf.
Upon hearing Korvus address him Dzae spins to face him. At that point he realizes that the stuffy (or so he thought) half-orc is not only complimenting his performance skills, but just claimed gnome kinship. Dzae bows deeply with a performers flourish and a grin. Upon straightening he states to Korvus:
... I wasn't going any place."
"Oh you want to go places? I can lead you places, I've very good at it. I don't understand why all these people have Knowns for parents, but its apparently a really bad thing.. Especially with this sir cuss.. some sort of show thing.. I could probably find one now. I still don't understand it, but I could totally lead you to there. Like this one time I had a guy who wanted me to lead him to a place that no one could find him. A few days later some other people came to me asking me to find the man, I asked them their name and guess what?! They told me they were No One. Then they called me special. So I help No One find the man. I don't know what he was so mad about, he specifically said he wanted to be led to a place where no one could find him and no one did.. with my help of course. When I left those massive mountains, with their winding and dangerous pathways, I herd the first man scream for joy.. It was like YaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaa and he jumped into the river. It was a very dangerous thing to do, but the man must of loved it for screaming so much as he passed by me. He even tried waving at me, but he only extended his middle finger.. so it was kinda screwed up. Then when I got back I later found out that some people died up in the mountains, got lost after their guide left them there. I asked if it was No One, cause well you know I they were still up in the mountains and the cryier said no it was.. Well I don't remember the name but the important thing it wasn't No One. I haven't seen him around.. But the first man, he totally died. Not my fault though not at all. If he wanted to find a place to go jumping into rivers with no one, he should have asked, not a place where no one could find him. So you like to smile alot, I like to guide alot, you have a big ax, I have teeth.. *GRRRrrr* See teeth. Oh and chains, I got chains lots of chains. Some chains I've had since I was a puppy.. but this one here I've had ever since the bandit camp burned down. It has sharp pointy spikes and instead of wearing on my neck I can HIT people with it. They don't like it.. But sometimes I want to bite people with my teeth. *Grrr* I like eating stuff. Do you like eating stuff? I really do. Oh thats right we are in a fancy house, fancy people like weird things. Like this one time, this one fancy guy was talking about eating beavers and cats. Personally I found them a bit bland. Beavers tasted like wood and cats.. I tried eating them together and It was like eating a violin..."
If Virgil has a tail, It would totally be wagging all over the place right now.
Korvus waits patiently for a few hours for Councilman Hearthmount to arrive, contenting himself with perusing several interesting manuscripts and listening to the conversations of the other guests. As the day turns to evening he speaks to Kendra, again offering his condolences and thanking her for her hospitality. "I'm afraid I must be heading back to Magnimar," he says apologetically. "I'm scheduled to depart for Sargava next month to join up with my cousin Ambroze on an expedition to the Mwangi Expanse. My carriage is due any minute. May fortune favor all of you," Korvus says, bowing to Kendra and each of the other guests in turn. The tall half-orc dons his bowler had and takes up his walking stick as he heads out the door to meet his carriage as it pulls to a stop at the gate.
Hey guys! Since your DM Vanished, and you all originally wanted to roll with my game... I may be willing to put up a game for you all.
It would NOT be Carrion Crown however as I dont have access to it. It would either be Curse of the Crimson Throne or Second Darkness.
I am checking to see if I can get ahold of one of those, but if you would want to give it a shot let me know.
Post here, or in my Crypt OOC Thread if you want. Also, if we do this it would be a 6 person party cause a friend of mine would be helping me get the AP together.
So, sound off, let me know, either here OR in my Crypt of the Everflame OOC Thread, found here: CRYPT OOC THREAD
Dzae watches Korvus leave with resignation. It appears to him avenging the Professor's death may either be unnecessary or impossible. He looks over those remaining and finds he has no witty comment to make. So without a word he slips out a window and disappears into the nearby woods.
Oh one more thing:
You guys have 3 days from today (So THURSDAY Night) to claim your spot. If you do that you will be promised a spot for sure.
After those 3 days (IE FRIDAY) you will have to apply if you want in like everyone else, and if we have less then 5 people I will be doing an open recruitment for the spots. Hopefully I wont have to.
The recruitment will be first come first served as usual.
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Hi, Stomp - that's really good of you to pick up the GM's seat. Honestly, though, I picked up another game since this one seemed to be failing, so I'm sadly going to decline your very generous offer. I have faith that, sooner or later, you and I will end up in a game together, somehow, some way. I'm sure that those who accept your offer will be very pleased - your GM-fu is very strong. best of luck, and I'll see you around!
Hi, Stomp - that's really good of you to pick up the GM's seat. Honestly, though, I picked up another game since this one seemed to be failing, so I'm sadly going to decline your very generous offer. I have faith that, sooner or later, you and I will end up in a game together, somehow, some way. I'm sure that those who accept your offer will be very pleased - your GM-fu is very strong. best of luck, and I'll see you around!
Hahah maybe. I SEE HOW IT IS MAN YOUR TOO GOOD FOR ME! *cry cry*
And thanks for sayin my GM-fu is strong. I dont think it is compared to peeps like Alex/Aubrey/Megan/Lucendar but thats me :P