Just a note. My rate of posting has gotten more erratic lately. It may remain that way for some weeks yet.
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I'll be travelling this weekend and I won't be posting again until Monday at least.
I may not be able to post again until Saturday. Just a heads up.
I currently have an earache so my response time might be affected.
"Fair enough, Thorun! I would see what was stolen from us back in our hands. Our artefacts and stains on our honour, though I worry about the former more! I would accompany Aoife to retrieve her cloak - and the rest!"
"So, what is on your mind, Thorun? We have much to talk about I would say."
"I have no quarrel with the lovely Aoife McDermot but let us find a quiet place to speak," replies Daire, looking about himself.
Maybe now?: Daire shakes his head and chuckles. "Ah the head will be sore on him today! Aoife, I will be joining ye. Just to find my book, of course.", he finishes with a wink.
Apologies for delay. This week has been tricky for me getting to update pbp.
More Talking? Why, certainly!: Daire gives the Sister a wry smile. "Aye, Good Sister, that is all true. We have much to do and Largay is indeed a small piece of the kingdoms of this isle. That said, I have no intention of forgetting Dubhdara's spite and callous ways, even as I remember her clan is a large reason why Fergus has Largay at all. Also, if we see a way to stop her petty vengeance against our friend Aoife, we should seize upon it!" "Speaking of which, do either of you know where Thorun staggered off to last night?"
Why not?: "Did you ever think that Fintan might not *want* you to suffer all your life for him? In his ham-fisted way, of course. As for how she got the household against you, that I can guess at very easily. The woman is nothing short of enchanting and nearly as sharp as that sword. You do not see it because she shows nothing but spite to you. To others, look at the smiles that promise warmth and alliance, and you will have your answer." He pauses. "Why do I care? Why would I not care? Dudhdara is all of the things I have said and more but I do not believe that she cares for any beyond her own petty whims, with Fintan being the one possible exception. Those warm smiles? They last until someone becomes an inconvenience. She is no reliable ally either. You on the other hand have proven yourself again and again to care for the fate of others and not just to enrich yourself or for pettiness. Not to mention that we would have all died several times over if not for your stubborn courage and swift sword arm. So, to hell with shivering from her wrath. I shall do as I please!"
Interjection: Daire pipes up. "Aoife, think on this. What would happen if Fintan disregarded his mother and welcomed you into Largay without reservation? Would she simply stand by? I doubt it. I think that she would focus every last bit of effort into your ruination. In a way, Fintan has spared you from an illusion of a life in Largay, whether he realises it or not. Unless we have a plan to deal with the cunning and certain wrath of Dubhdara of Largay, it would be folly to remain. And I say 'we', because what she has wrought is petty spite against someone who never deserved it and has served Fintan literally beyond death. If you wish it, we can makes plots of our own, or win such renown in the living world that even her word cannot deny you any longer. I for one will find a way to back you."
Ties: "We can protect Fintan by enhancing his standing. *We* can still do that even away from Largay." "We should speak with Thorun, make sure of his thoughts on the matter."
Aoife and Sister Cobhlaith: Daire is quiet, and remains so for some long moments after the Sister has ceased speaking. Then he replies. "Aye, it does indeed, good Sister. We have had dealings with gods and monsters. It is difficult to know what comes after such deeds." He pauses. "That said, we still can help Fintan. Not everyone is enamoured with him from rumours I picked up last night. No names, unfortunately. But we can safeguard his poisition and his continued breathing better than anyone else I can think of."
Having A Chat: "A stroll out in the morning air. What else?", replies Daire breezily. He seems in good cheer. "The good Sister said that you two had been talking about the past and the future, and invited me to join in."
Daire: Daire does not object to being ushered out of the Queen's chambers. It's the way of these things., he thinks, with a silent chuckle. He walks the streets in a mood that is more sweet than bitter, with no great aim in mind. Then he sees Sister Cobhlaith and walks towards her. "Good Sister! How do you fare this morning?"
I may not be available to post at all tomorrow.
Continuing: Daire thoroughly enjoys himself. Live, for tomorrow we may go to the otherworld! Hah!
Continued: I could think myself into a cold bed or walk to a warm bed. I know what I'll do. Daire quietly follows, seeking said warm bed - and its occupant.
A Quiet Talk: Daire smiles. After all this time!, he cannot help but think but tries to focus on the matter at hand, surprised at his own rising feelings. "The price was paid. It is purest foolishness to pay more of our own blood with no gain. Not to mention the price of treachery. I will keep eyes out for ill-intent towards Fintan and I expect my companions are too steeped in protecting him to shift now." His smile remains. I can not ignore this chance, God help me. "Are you expected back soon, my lady?", he asks, a glint in his eyes.
A Quiet Talk: Daire wonders at Dubhdara's motives at asking for escort. It has been some time. She explains, he listens. He looks her in the eye and says: "After what I have already done for him, you would ask that? Aye, I will back him. Do you know whom are the ringleaders and followers of this plot?"
Daire ponders his drink, then slugs it back. This drink follows in the path of several others before it.
"Aire Désa", he says, as if trying the title on for size, and to no one in particular. "Quite the welcome!"
A merry Christmas to all!
What would Daire know of what would be expected of an Aire Désa? Daire would most definitely weigh up what he's been given here before responding.
Daire nods. "Not a word of this to others. Also, to echo the good sister, who would believe it?" ************************************ Daire wears a smile. A genuine one. "We are free of our recent troubles and the sun shines! Ah, things are not so bad for a spell!", he says, obliquely referring to the group's recent harrowing in the Otherworld.
A note of anger enters Daire's voice along with sadness. "Ruadhan gave himself up to save his wife's soul. So he is gone." He takes a moment, trusting Aoife to take care of the uppity goddess if necessary- Now that is a strangely bold thought! "A year? A bloody year!? Yes, that makes sense in a way. That cursed place played tricks on us and pushed us harder than I thought we could be and live. But most of us did make it back. The Sister is not so well though, it was hard as I said."
Daire does listen to the good Sister. He does love a story after all, well woven and well told. But he is so damned tired. He takes the draught of potion with no hesitation whatsoever. If I never wake up, at least it won't be in that place. Hah! The warmth of the goddess reminds him. Reminds him of many things and many people. ************* Then, light. "Argh, my head! Praise the Lord, though!", calls Daire, as he struggles to rouse himself and rise himself off the ground. "Hello Amergin! How long has it been?"
Real life? Yup, that comes first! We'll wait! Though thanks for the status update. :)
I may not get to post again before Friday evening.
Understood. Take care!
Daire does not bother to hide his widening smile at the prospect of imminent escape from this place.
Daire looks at the woman with sadness and sympathy. Also, grief in his heart for Ruadhan. "So, he will not be returning with us. Come, let us leave this place, hopefully never to return!"
Okay. I'll post now. Ready to go home too.
@Amergin: Did Daire know Aine from his youth, even in passing?
"Aoife, Ruadhan has already abandoned *us*. He knew full well the risks of leaving by himself in this place and he did it anwyay. I say we press on and hope that he has the good sense and fortune to rejoin us."
"Ack, that stubborn lunk!", Daire replues in exasperation. "Ah Sister, you were sworn to it. It is frustrating, since he knows how deadly this world is. But we can hardly chase after him with that kind of head start. Not if we want to complete our quest and leave alive."
Daire McKiernan, Bard Level 6 and Level 7 (Brazen Deceiver) HP: 40+16 -> 56
Skills: 16 (6 + 1 Int +1 favoured class ; x2) Bluff +2, Diplomacy +2, Knowledge Arcana, Knowledge Nature, Knowledge Planes, Sense Motive +3, Perception +3, Spellcraft +3 Feat:
ABL
Spell Slots:
New Spells Known:
Class Features:
Bardic Performance rounds: 28 Blatant Subtlety: Those specifically looking for abnormal effects in Daire's music must succeed at a Sense Motive check (DC = 10 + half the brazen deceiver’s bard level + the brazen deceiver’s Charisma modifier) to detect his performances: now Sense Motive DC 19 Shameless Scoundrel bonus to Bluff, Disguise, and Stealth checks is now +3 Devil's Tongue (the bard can take 20 on any bluff check as a standard action) is now 2/day
******************************************* Daire has learned a few things from his sojourn into the Otherworld, about himself, his powers, and those things outside the normal ken of men. His mind-manipulation skills, both mundane and magical, are something to be feared. Should anyone else find out about them! Oh, and Daire's current Bluff? +21
Sounds good to me!
Ye may be interested in this Kickstarter: Wolves of God: Adventures in Dark Ages England, a semi-historical rpg by the creator of Stars Without Number.
As a character, Daire wouldn't *mind* helping Ruadhan. But we (presumably) have the two artefacts now. As a player, I am a bit curious as to what other horrors reside in the Otherworld. But I could wrap up with contentment by now and get tackling the Cumbro-Norman Invasion.
"Lwt us be away!", Daire says.
"The duplicity here is your, Abarta, and I will hear no different!" Daire replies, his irritation plain.
I could tell them. I should tell them. But they wouldn't trust me...they might trust me if I tell them. Daire takes a breath and turns to the others. "When I ate the eye, I could see the world through Abarta's eyes. I think I am bound to him in some way. I can not see through him right now though."
I wonder what I will see... Daire says nothing and looks intently at the spear in the warrior woman's hands...
Daire wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, managing to not gag. He cannot help but glance at Aoife's side, at the sword. He then looks at Abarta. "Unless you have anything to add, we will have the spear and be on our way."
Daire looks at Thorun, and pauses just a moment... It is a damned fool idea to eat this damned thing! ..then before he can think more of it, snatches the other half of the eye and begins devouring it, looking Abarta in the eyes as he does so.
"I am sure enough, Thorun, but I appreciate the offer. I can hold my drink well for a start!"
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