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Chan takes on a coddling tone one might use on a child. "Elaina, think of how a vampire would have to fit-in in such a vast city. If he were to 'look like a vampire,' everyone would suspect him of being such. No, a vampire would be careful to appear as a normal, unassuming citizen." Soon after he says this, a look of horrific realization comes to Chan's face. Oh no! Now the girl will start suspecting every commoner of being an undead scourge!
Chan hangs his head in shame as he hears Lavinia talk about her brother. When she speaks of redemption, he raises his head again with steely resolve in his eyes. "I am sure it is not too late for your brother! He was remorseful when he struck you, so you are right--the seed is there. I have come back from this path myself, and I would guide him on his journey!
This conversation gave me an excuse to finally check-out the Unchained Craft rules. Unfortunately, they're no faster. :/
Chan finds a bathhouse and cleans himself up a bit before joining the others. He orders green tea at the tavern. To Elaina, he smiles warmly and says, "I would be honored to escort you home. I live in the Sails district." He has trouble making eye contact as he says it, and his neck turns red. Chan visibly winces at Valghaz and Elaina's verbal sparring. A few times it looks like he might say something, but each time he bites his tongue and sips his tea.
Chan pats Elaina on the back, rather awkwardly, as he is not used to touching others--especially women. He's just happy her idea worked--he was totally lost!
When offered his share of the gold, he is astonished. He whispers to himself, "I have never before had the need to count to 300!" He is surprised by Elaina's comments trivializing the value of the vault, wondering what grand wealthy nobles must frequent her performances to make her think this way. Chan bows his head to Lavinia. "Lady Lavinia, I would help you collect the debts owed your family, if you would keep me on."
"I may not know much about riddles & monsters, but I should be strong enough to help spin the pillars if they are tough to move."
Chan absolutely beams at Valghaz's compliment, and scratches his head at Elaina's concern for the metal snake. "What strange magic makes such an unnatural creature?" he muses. As the archway forms and the new room is revealed, Chan's face is a mix of horror and fascination. "Besides the dragon, which I thankfully have never seen an actual one of, all of these creatures are unknown to me. And I hope most of them do not really exist."
Chan tries one more attack before backing-off.
Seeing how little damage his kick did, Chan opts to use his sansetsukon , moving into flanking if he can find an opening.
Chan rushes towards the snake, attacking with a flying kick. .
Chan's foot lands right on top of the strange metal snake, crushing a few of its expertly-crafted scales.
I'm here! I was bad over the weekend, totally forgetting about play-by-post. I usually find time to post at work, but we're scrambling doing cross-training because we're short-staffed. Can't complain about overtime pay!
Chan's mouth drops at the idea of 100 gold per month; more than he's ever had all together in his lifetime. He accepts. Upon entering the vault, his mouth is agape once again. Such lavishness, he thinks. It seems so wasteful. What is in here that warrants such expense? It seems honest work pays much better than thuggery--how could I not see this sooner in life?
"It seems your ship was being used to smuggle exotic animals, madam. Very shrewd of that Vark; using someone else's ship would give him 'passable denial,'" he says with a learned smirk. He means, of course, "plausible deniability." "We have turned Vark into the authorities. He must have already been wanted, for they were quite pleased to have him."
Chan uses the time to make sure the fire is out. "You are all such skilled combatants! I thank you and your god for your divine touch, Valghaz. Never before have I felt such a sensation!"
Chan's jaw drops at the decimation caused by Valghaz's blow. "Thank you, my friend," he manages to say as he seeks cover, confidant in the group's ability to take down Vark.
Slogging on through the pain, Chan deploys his three-section staff and rushes towards the two thugs.
To the one he caught with his throwing star, he says, "Stay down and no more harm will come to you."
Chan attempts to make the climb quickly.
He makes it, and draws a shuriken as he reaches the top. He throws it if he can see the thug. If not, he'll look for a doorway or hatch and move towards it.
"I will help you row, Valghaz," Chan says with a friendly smile.
Chan smiles at Elaina reassuringly. "Worry not, my dear; should it come to fisticuffs, I promise I will only incapacitate--I will not kill."
Chan blinks rapidly, trying to keep the pace of his thoughts with Mimi's speech. A few seconds after she finishes, he finally smiles. "There is wisdom in your words. I like your plan!"
Chan frowns as a dark thought--the kind he's been training to purge--enters his mind. "It seems Keltar Islaran is a coward. Perhaps we could intimidate him as Vark did. Lavinia already tried talking to him, but we could be more...persuasive."
"I'd be willing to swim out there, and I'm sure I could," says Chan helpfully. But then he lowers his eyes and sighs, "but climbing up the side of a slippery boat might be another matter."
Chan makes his way to Elaina. "Please excuse my ignorance, Ms. Newberry, but I have not heard of you. What is it you are known for? I am a simple gardener, and a student of psychology. Although I believe I was chosen for this mission more for my martial training."
Chan is crestfallen that he didn't get Ko'ren's attention, but he doesn't want to embarrass her in front of her peers. He watches her leave, sure they'll meet again. Chan is happy to eat such wonderful food as he listens. So it is a "job," but one on the correct side of "right and good." He stands and addresses Lavinia with a smile. "I, for one, will help you."
All of Chan's fears and doubts vanish once he lays eyes on the half-elf. His cheeks redden, a wide smile comes to his face, and his jaw drops at her beauty--despite his aversion to letting others notice his four missing teeth. As he finally breaks from her face to gaze at the rest of her, he wonders what she must now be; such fine clothes and that tattoo--certainly she has become someone of no small import! Wait; did the man in the breastplate just say something? Chan rubs his chin with his hand as he recovers. Pay attention! he thinks to himself. He is listening now, but keeps his eyes on Ko'ren, hoping to catch her gaze.
Chan feels very out of place here; he has never been in such fine surroundings. His fear nags him still. Either I once mugged a family member or employee of the Van Rebvorn's, or they know I was a thug and want me to do a "job." Perhaps this was a bad idea. He does not sit or eat, but studies the the tapestries. He knows the one of the shoreline is meant to be mysterious and disquieting, but he finds it strangely peaceful, reminding him of the night he saw a strange form in the sky.
Chan is a little nervous; he's sure he's far too plain to fit-in with a merchant family. And now that he really thinks about it, why him? Now he's a little fearful; what if it's his past catching-up with him? Still, the whole point of coming back home to Siren's Bay was to atone. If he must "face the music," he will do so with his newfound honor.
Surprised at such an auspicious invitation, Chan returns the bow and says, "tell your master I am humbled and honored; I will attend. Can I get you some tea?"
Corrected, and now I feel like a noob. Great catches!
I am honored to be chosen, and happy to be returning home to Siren's Bay after my five year absence. Oh; untrained D'oh! I'm lucky if I can find the street where I grew up!
Lord Kakabel here; my submission is complete. Presenting the humble Chan Kay, LG human unchained monk, taking advantage of your "Combat Expertise prerequisites not needed" rule! Completed background is in his spoiler. Thank you for your consideration! |
