Male Dwarf Cleric1
Feeling a deep sense of inadequacy, Dorrak looks around at the group. I ... I can't help these people. Sadness overcomes him and tears fill his eyes. His shoulders slump, his hammer drops to the floor and his hands cover his face. A voice enters his mind. Rid yourself of your impurities, Dorrak. Doubt, weakness, addiction. Fire. That is the answer. Slowly he picks up his head, eyes wide, he begins walking toward the open furnace door. A growl turns into a roar as his pace quickens. Running toward the furnace he screams and jumps into the flames. His voice becomes a short-lived pain-wracked yelp and fall silent as the flames take his body.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Round 3(?) Dorrak rushes the last standing goblin with the intention of crushing him. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
But the face of his hammer finds only air as he swings and misses. Slimey bastard! Get back here and pay for the trouble you've caused! He shouts in frustration.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Meddlesome bastards! Dorrak growls as he recovers from the first miss and returns his hammer in a mid-level arc intending to crush its ribs. Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Unfortunately, he finds only air as the goblin evades the attack.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Before everyone busts through the door, Dorrak quietly says Try not to spread out too much. Looks like a big room. To Aria Keep distance and obstacles between you and them if you can, lass. He nods to the others Hard and fast before they can sound an alert. And he gets ready to charge in behind Vulf, Rohan and Florin.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
We're not standing by. We're also not going to over-react. No one saw Ameiko come in or out, she may not even be here. Dorrak looks around and sighs. Let's start by checking the perimeter again for unlocked doors or windows that we could boost Copper to. If there are people inside we should see or hear signs of life.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
But we don't know for certain that she's in danger or that she's inside. We have just as much reason to go kick in doors at the rusty dragon. All we have is a note from her brother and the fact she didn't show up this morning for work. Let's not get carried away until there is more reason to do so.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Lonjiku was seen goin' in around the time of the meeting mentioned in the note, yeah? No one saw anyone else enter or exit. He's not home so he must still be at the glassworks. Copper, how's your climbing skills? Maybe you can get a look in some windows and let us know what you see? Dorrak scratches his beard. One thing's for sure, we can't go knocking down the doors or walls of a respected business in daylight with no real cause for such.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Heh, no worries. So Dorrak won't be forced to take monk levels? :p Thank you, enjoy the day. Yes, I've looked inside myself and I believe I've learned I'm a hungry dwarf in need of some eggs. Maybe there's something to this. A wide smile forms beneath his beard. After breakfast and attending to any chores that need attention around the Cathedral, Dorrak sets out to find the others. .
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak sits quietly watching the men moving through their forms. Hypnotized he tries to visualize the opponents they're facing and the strategies exhibited by their evasions, deflections and strikes. He can't help but appreciate and admire the time and effort these men have clearly spent honing their craft.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Zelaria: My message to you when you sought counsel had nothing to do with Vulf's Ferocity or your magic. It has to do with the wounds left by the uncertain fate of your family. You have to heal those wounds and you cannot do it by filling the void with Vulf and Rohan or by ignoring your troubles in an attempt to solve the trouble of others. You alone must move beyond the great pain in your heart and you must do so by confronting it directly.
If your heart is reaching for Vulf, it's only fair to you both if you allow him to etch his own place in your life. Same with Rohan and Florin and even myself. As for limitations, well, I'd like to see you establish greater confidence in your abilities and stop assuming everyone has ulterior motives. Without you we would not have fared nearly as well as we did in the raid. Shalelu isn't going to steal Vulf away, you've already set your hook soundly in that boy. Acting like he's going to run off with any passerby who might wink at him is more likely to push him away than it is to force him closer. In a long drawn discussion, Dorrak's message is basically
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Zelaria: Ah yes, so they are. I suppose I have Torag to thank for that but is it a strength or a weakness? Perhaps it doesn't matter as long as I keep my natural pace. Dorrak takes a few long exaggerated steps forward, then a few short, shakes his head and returns to a normal walk with a shrug. I won't speak to Desna's messages to you, it's not my place, but it does seem we're draw together. Nearly every day since we've met a clear reminder of the path I've chosen has been dropped in my lap. Dorrak makes a motion with both hands like he's dropping a boulder in front of himself. Normally Torag is a quiet god letting disciples sort things out for themselves but this feels like more than coincidence.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Intimidate you!? Dorrak chuckles.
Dorrak clasps his hands behind his back.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Keep in mind the Sheriff went to Magnimar of his own accord to ask for more troops stationed here in Sandpoint. The attack this past week was largely unsuccessful if, indeed, their goal was the foodstuffs or weakening the defenses of Sandpoint. Dorrak raps his thumb on the table. Unless there are other suggestions, I think our best lead is to have Shalelu chat things over with her bugbear informant to see what he might know. The disappearance of the goblin chieftan in a 'magic cave' is suspicious, too. What else do you know about that story?
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Indeed, it's not the limbs we need to remove but the head and heart. Take away their ability or willingness to work together. Isolating those targets is another matter entirely. Maybe your bugbear friend has more information or could find out for you? Dorrak scratches his beard. How long has this been going on? Can you tell when the tribes started forming alliances?
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak slowly sips his drink while Shalelu and Zelaria discuss the situation. No doubt, usually their stupidity and infighting keeps their numbers in check. If the ugly buggers start cooperating we'll be in for a bad time. You said their heroes couldn't bring them together like this before, yeah? Any speculation as to what is getting them to buddy up now?
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak listens to Vulf's story and the reason for his angst suddenly becomes very clear. So too does the message Torag has laid out in front of him via these companions. Such a damaged bunch you've laid in my path, Forge Father. The girl, with the health of her family uncertain as they ran in fear of some unknown pursuer. This boy, treated as an outsider by his kin. The family of Alergast, torn apart by his death. Reminders of the damage I've done to my own loving family. Dorrak clears his throat. I can't tolerate the taste of this hagfish any longer and we need to lighten the mood. A round of drinks on me to put the bad taste behind us. Aye? Dorrak looks around the table and over to Zelaria. His Dwarven fortitude would keep the drinks from his head but he'd need to play a good hand to keep her emotions in check.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak glances at Vulf, surprised that he's not bounding after Zelaria as she storms away. Even in Sandpoint she shouldn't be off alone in that state. Vulf if you're not going... Copper would you mind keeping an eye on her? If you don't mind, of course Rohan. I suppose I'll go if no one else. BATS I hate babysitting. He turns to Shalelu to offer an explanation She's green, fragile, and unsure of herself. Doesn't understand where you're coming from because you're on the opposite end of the spectrum. I respect your work well enough I won't ask you to change anything but just bear it in mind.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak carves his name next to the others in traditional dwarven runes and hands the dagger back to Jargie before making his way to the table of companions. Catching the last bits of the discussion between Shalelu and Aria Dorrak shakes his head, seeing this could quickly lead in the wrong direction. While the others listen to Florin Dorrak leans toward Aria. Now lass, the more you let her get you worked up the more she'll push it. Just let her insults pass you by. We can't bring back those who've been ripped away and a bit of conversation shouldn't put us off course. Let's focus on learning what we can from her experience and not get hung-up on the barbs of her personality. He lightly takes Aria's mug of drained grog and slides it away from her. You and I might be better to stick with common wines tonight since clean water isn't on tap.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Nodding to Aria's inquiry Indeed, the reward money has been put to good use. It's not sufficient to mend the great damage done to a young family but it will at least keep food in their bellies for now. It was a selfless act and I commend you for it, Lass. When Jargie sets the mug down on the bar Dorrak begins to regret the idea. Picking up the glass to examine it he begins to nervously tells a story. Saw something like this once when I was on rounds outside of Janderhoff. Squad came across slime trails just like this... Troglodytes were raising giant slugs as mounts, wreaking havoc on everything they came across. Weren't sure how we were going to handle it at first so we tracked them and the day before we found them one of the deep runners pointed out slugs don't like salt. Heheh let me tell you, THAT was an interesting time. Looking up from the liquid he realizes everyone is staring at him and tunnel vision sets in. Dorrak looks to Florin and says Tell my mother I love her. And with that he closes his eyes, puts the mug to his mouth and starts gulping down the slime. Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
After several heavy swallows the vile fluid stops flowing from the mug. Head still tipped back, Dorrak slowly opens one eye to verify the bottom of the glass is visible. Okay... horrible taste but it's down ... seems like it's going to stay there ... Thanks Torag ... now, play it cool ol' boy, play it cool. He pulls the mug away from his mouth, returns his head to an upright position, places the mug lightly on the bar and shrugs at Jorgie. So, who writes my name on the wall now?
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak feels nervous walking into the bar. The smell of alcohol, the telltale signs of inebriation on the faces of a few patrons. It brought memories of her. Drinking her *custom* wines and teas made from the plants and fungus he knew to be dangerous. Getting lost for days in the swirl of color as she danced with her scarves ... and don't forget the disappointment caused by my frequent absence he reminded himself. Sober and steady, ol' boy, sober and steady. Let's not get carried away. His thoughts returned to the present and he listened as Jargie listed his beverages to the others. HAHA! Dragon Punch is when you're about to ... and she's ... well ... Dorrak blushes and stammers realizing that he's not among his closest friends and perhaps needs to filter his jokes. Never mind, old Dwarf joke. Better for you to stick with the stuff in the mug but watch yer head. He smiles and winks at Vulf. For me, I'm trying to keep my thoughts in order and my mouth out of trouble. As bad as this idea might sound ... I'll try my gut at the tank water. Worst case scenario it'll provide a laugh at my expense, yeah?
Noticing Zelaria's face after she has taken a sip from her mug he chuckles. Aye, you watch your head too, li'l miss. Before ya know it the sun will be up and we'll be recounting horrifically embarrassing tales of the evening if you're not careful.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Seeing Vulf's playful gesture, Dorrak smiles remembering what it's like to find excitement in the company of a woman. It had been long enough that the perfume had faded but not so long that the memory was lost. Ah, Torag, they're an impulsive lot these humans. Seems our paths may converge for a time. If my duty is to help guide either or both of them to greater stability I shall see the task through. Or perhaps they will right themselves... sometimes the most worthwhile lessons are learned by making great mistakes. Heh. Indeed, the most direct route to the peak seems so clear when peering down the mountain. Dorrak bends over and picks up a few stones from the ground. He lightly tosses one at a time up in the air and lets it fall into his hand making a sharp *click* as it meets the other stones. Since the others have all gone off to chat with other acquaintances, he decides to wander around town lost in thought until it's time to prepare for the dinner meeting with Shalelu.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
I just deleted a really long explanation about what Dorrak was going for with his advice, complete with links describing the type of situation he wanted to avoid. BUT sharing it now might make subtle changes to the way Vulf reacts so I'm not going to ooc the reasoning behind Dorrak's advice.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
I see. Please see this money reaches her pocket, courtesy of our friend Zelaria. I'd also be quite pleased to know a portion could be used to purchase a guard dog to sleep at the foot of the boy's bed. Dorrak hands the sheriff 150gp. Safe travels, sir. Shalelu, I look forward to meeting again soon. Pleasure to meet you, Mayor he says shaking the mayor's hand before turning to exit with the others.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Zelaria Quiatris wrote:
Noted and it's going with Amele to Magnimar, just wanted to see what her path would be before choosing where the funds are directed.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak listens to Shalelu's tale, arms folded across his chest, right hand pinching and twisting at the ends of his mustache. I'd very much like to join you later for dinner, Miss Shalelu. I'm interested in hearing more about what you've seen of late, it may be important information which we can use to help defend Sandpoint and outlying communities. It's certainly very suspicious, and troubling, to hear the tribes would suddenly band together like this. On receipt of the reward, Dorrak bows to Sheriff Hemlock. Great thanks for the coin, sir. I hope a fair lot was returned to Sandpoint for the damages incurred during the raid. We'll be sure the remainder of this gracious reward is handled appropriately. He carefully places the potions into his pockets and secures the share of gold distributed to him and looks up to the Sheriff again. I was wondering, does Amele have family and friends here in Sandpoint that can support her? Not just financially but emotionally?
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak exits the house with dour expression. He sees Florin comforting the widow and the young boy looking up at them lost and confused. Dorrak approaches the boy and, with hands on his shoulders kneels to look him in the eyes. Your Father was a hero but you're the man of the family now. Be strong. rest of post pending toddler falling asleep
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Since Florin was on his way out of the house I figured he would be the first to have the option of telling those outside. And yes, I skim posts that don't directly involve Dorrak because those posts would contain information he doesn't know(yet). Around town people suspect Markullus was abducted by aliens but no one wants to admit they believe such things and instead pretend they never met him.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Dorrak covers Alergast's corpse with some nearby blankets, wrapping the body respectfully in a Dwarven style death shroud and says a prayer asking Torag to help guide his soul on its journey. When Rohan and Copper return he looks up shaking his head. This is what troubles me most about these creatures. Too stupid to run away it hides in a closet with no food, no water, no plan for survival. Terrifies a boy, kills his dog in front of him, kills his father. Makes a widow of the wife ... This family is scarred now and this miserable creature will be remembered as long as the three people outside live. He stands and wipes his brow. We can't let the boy or the mother see this but we need to tell her what has happened. They needs to know this man was a hero and died defending the family... He stands staring at the body for a moment, inhales deeply and lets it out as he turns toward the door to the room.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
Actually, after loot was brought up here I realized none of us said "grab whatever valuables are on the dead goblins." I'd like to retcon and say Dorrak grabbed it all. Usually in games I play everyone is cool with the party cleric dividing things up evenly. Just kidding. Dorrak would like fair share of gold, silver and gems. Other items can be divvied up as it befits the party - I'm sure if anyone feels left out they'll bring it up here in the ooc thread.
Male Dwarf Cleric1
I'll present two possible actions depending on what happens when Florin and Rohan take their turns. The 'goblin not moving' portion will hold true as soon as it has been dispatched. goblin still moving:
With Copper attached to the goblin's neck, Dorrak will swing his hammer in a low arc to avoid possibly hitting the eilodon. Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
goblin not moving: Twisted devil! Dorrak spits angrily on the goblin corpse. This family has been scarred by your actions and I fear your miserable corpse is far from appropriate retribution. He wipes his mouth on his sleeve. Let's stay on our toes, there may be more. Dorrak moves toward the closet looking in at as many angles as possible while he advances. Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
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