Search Posts
He was muttering an almost silent prayer to himself as he went along with the others, worried over what his wife would think about the risks they were taking. While the others worked with the intructions and the wheel. "Keep sharp eyes out still folks puzzles or no."
"I've never been that great at climbing as strange as that may sound, we have some rope though give me a moment to find a spot to tie it off and a couple of us can head down." He offered peering over the edge with the others.
"the coin and gems will be useful enough for trading I suppose, though I guess I had hoped for something more miraculous." He said to no one in particular. He kept his head and eyes in constant motion scanning almost everywhich way as if still expecting some terrible thing to happen.
"I have a crowbar, though it may not be long enough." He offered going through the things in his pack until the approaching ants arrived. Now he was nervous, those things were huge and he realized he didnt really know much of anything about ants. . . especially not the giant kind.
He follows after Varr, doing his best to aid in his attack by making sure to flank the monkey stabbing at what he hoped would be a vital spot.
"Great... sounds like good neighbors." He drew out his rapier, cracked his neck and slowly looked about.
It was a strange thing...moments before he had been preparring for the need to end the very same creatures that were strewn about in peices very already lost lives...and now he felt bad for them. He was no ranger or tracker or even healer but he did know meat. He knelt beside some of the remains inspecting it.
He held up his hand stopping the others from getting closer and tilted his head studying everything. "There are some crude traps around the gate....Looks like some sort of falling brick trap there." He began pointing towards some otherwise normal looking work in the gate. "there are some pits traps along the wall there... I'll mark them in a moment. Looks like a staircase just over there on the far side of the gatehouse that leads up.... I guess we have some of those damned tree goblins from earlier... at least looking at the traps that is." He said lowly to the others looking up for any of the goblins in case they were watching.
He didnt like the newcomer taking such risks all upon himself...but he also didnt want to be well uncivil. He waited for any weird feeling to fall upon him when the spell was cast over them... He did however place his hand on Olivert's chest stopping him from heading straight for the ruined guardhouse. "No offense master Olivert...let me go first." He said slipping ahead of the others as quietly and carefully as he could.
He frowned at the man's revelation. He definitely didnt like temples filled with skeletons entering folks thoughts and minds. From Olivert's tone Francoix didnt doubt the man wasnt telling the truth either. "Great." He let out a soft sigh shaking his head. He made sure to begin to keep a sharper eye out for sure.
"great some ancient fly spirit has taken notice of us." He grumbled for a moment wrinkling his nose in distaste. He stopped swatting at the flys though and took care to ware his surroundings even more.
"After swatting a million of the damned things i think a fireball or two would be in order." He grumbled as he swatted away bite me's again. He was miserable and glad everyone else seemed to be paying attention.
"Im better in a fight than with puzzles, but I prefer to avoid fights... Puzzles it is." He shrugged and nodded at Dargys' jest.
He frowned as the morning sun roused him from his slumber. He wasnt sure how long they would be gone, or whom would be coming back. But it was important. He quietly leaned over the bed and kissed his sleeping wife before he slid from their small room like a ghost... He dressed himself in the kitchen quietly before he stoked the fires of the oven. Things would be ready for Noemie to begin the bread when she awoke. They were having to use less and less quality wheat. at his rate he would have to start considering other options. He found the procession with the others easy enough, after all, the crowd followed them. Once they neared the edge of the town he moved closer, adjusting his belt he nodded to the others.
His eyes narrowed when the pretty man mentioned tormentors. He had been watching everyone keenly of course, and he saw nothing that would suggest someone slipped under the table and pulled that prank. His forced smile faltered for a moment. "Im afraid at some point we are liable to upset one neighbor or another, but you are right, I would like to avoid annoying either the centaur or the locathah. The centaurs are volatile, the Locathah actually friendly." He paused and looked about the room. He didnt have the sleeping quarters built yet. . . but they had some clean space on the floor. He could set up a few sleeping pallets. "I would normally charge, but since you folk are new and are looking to step up and help, I can arrange some sleeping space here later. Meals on me as well. If you will excuse me though, i need to prep my things and get some stew going. Lots of new folk here to take care of." He said nodding to all the new folk and hurrying back torwards the kitchen area.
He paused watching the new entrant and he found himself suddenly scowling as the young handsome man ran his eyes along everyone there... but in particular the young and pretty ones. For some reason that got his dander up. With a sniff he called back to his wife. "Love. Perhaps we should get one of the pies off the sill and start some of that coffee. Seems we have more guests.!" He began tossing the towel he had just wiped his hands off on over his shoulder. He made his way over to the newcomers offering his hand. "I am Francoix Delacouis, this is my Tavern and well eventual Inn. Welcome to Haven." He paused making sure his eyes met the Shelynites as he added. "You are welcome. Borjan had it coming." He said simply only a slight twitch to his eyes hinted at anything more than what his word's entailed. "Feel free to take a seat, the count and well all of us were discussing the future of the town. He beleives its wise that one of the townsfolk take the mantle of being the leader of this endeavor and while I dont agree fully, I see the merit in his decision..." He paused as he caught the movement of his wife out of the corner of his eye carrying a freshly cooled pie in her hands and a bottle under her arm.
Welcome to the game folks.... personally I always prefer a good charector and story to a good crunch block so you will hear no complaints for me however you build it :)
He paused and watched the interplay between the others keeping silent. The dwarf was right, there was no true leader here if the count wanted to keep out of politics. He knew nothing of true leadership, nor had he the deisre. What he wanted was a quiet life with his wife and maybe some day children. He did know.... someone who had some experiance with such things though, leading people and the like. Well second hand at least. He sighed Thankfully Sargon entered.. much much larger than the last time he had saw the little wyrmling. "Oy.... Sargon my young friend... growth spurt indeed. Im going to have to ask you to avoid the rafters now my friend." He chuckled and shook his head. He kissed his love on the head and asked her something quietly in the ear. She nodded and head torwards the kitchen. "Well hail and well met new friends. Welcome to my inn. I've sent Noemie for one of the nicer reds we managed to acquire and bring with us. Searching the ruins? Im sure she won't mind if i tag along. . ."
fun fact.... you super sweet cook and all around nice guy Francoix will heroically murder you and not even think twice about it... As long as his Noemie isnt about. :)
He paused watching the dwarf enter for a moment his breath catching as their was almost a strange moment between Dargys and the now named Dwarf Varr. "The town still in discussion, as to this Inn.... Im in charge, its mine and my wives. Im Francoix, this is my wife Noemie. Ive still got a few casks of the brown sour left, First cups on my new friend. Welcome to Haven." He responded to the dwarf offering his hand. He did not the leather gloves over metal gauntlets, but that wasnt entirely too strange.
Francoix definitely wouldn't strike me as one to rule, but I could see the story arc where he begrudgingly accepts, then complains constantly about all the work. It may fit him haha. Oh indeed and that is pretty much i would do it too *lawls*
I had not yet updated my sheet thank you for the reminder. Its been... well I've no excuse just the depression has robbed most of my drive. will get it fixed up tomorrow!
"None of us are not super charming?" He said with a chuckle shaking his head. That wasnt exactly true. But he wasnt much for leading folk. "This certainly requires discussion, and no doubt a long one. Let's head to the inn. I will corral up some drinks and we can figure this all out. Im Sure Noemie wont mind the company. I had planned on trying to cycle through the new folk, getting a feel for them and maybe helping them settle in, but that can wait i guess. Perhaps Noemie would be able to get a list of names and professions and the like while we talk."
Glad to have some new blood aboard!
"Yes, please, see if we can round up a cart and horse or two to help the walking wounded. Stop by the inn, tell my wife to start a large stew we have folk who need help." He nodded to Dargys while he still looked over all the folk trying to just get some idea what they were dealing with. In particular he looked to see how many little ones were still left. It occured to him some may be orphans, that pulled at his heart. He would have made Borjan's death more painful if he could have for that.
With a sigh he frowned and shook his head at the lifeless mass of folk in front of him. It was depressing. "All right here, if not for Borjan, or this evil bastard who is in charge here? Who is the elder?" He called out to the people....
"Okay then... You yes you!, take ten adults and begin to take down what ever tents you folk have. You miss find out what foodstuffs you have. M'am yes you in the gray with the hair that matches, find and gather your wounded." He began ordering the folk into movement. As lifeless as they seemed perhaps they just needed a nudge.
I know a few folk who maybe might be intrigued by the game. I definitely want to continue but like Dargys said. Burnout happens, want you to have fun too!
Francoix and Noemie live happily ever after with five point five kids?
It took everything in his power to not just scream in fright and run when Mia the tiger leapt torwards him. The warmth and tickle of her tongue though faded that fear away. As the healing magic took effect and she sat on her haunches he couldnt help but smile at the girl. He colored slightly as he reached forward and lightly scritched behind her great ears. "Alright folk, now that nasty business is done for, who wants to start a new life in a quiet place? Haven is just that a safe haven for any who want a fair shake at life. It won't be easy, we are still building but most importantly who you were or what you did doesnt matter, its who you are now and what you do from this point that we care about." He paused as he looked for something to stand on, to elevate himself so everyone could see whom was talking. "Im Francoix, this handsome half orc is a wizard named Dargys, the pretty tigress over there is called Mia, no worries she is a druid most of the time. If everyone could return to your tents, pack you things and get prepared to move, we will get on the road shortly. If you have any questions, feel free to come see me." He hopped down and moved closer to Dargys, "Care to search the bodies of that zealot and the tent and body of that Borjan while i keep the crowd...distracted from their troubles?"
He stood staring there for a moment as he watched Mia the tiger be struck by the axe and took two steps towards her. Then she roared and began to maul the man badly. In all the crazy things they had done so far this was easily the scariest thing he may have seen. He moved quickly shifting behind the man and trying to end his life quickly... to save Mia from what she was doing to a life and to well put the man out of his misery.
"MIA! MIA! Don't lose yourself!" He called out trying to catch the tiger's eyes his heart pounding rapidly. She didnt actually turn into a wild beast right? She was still in there somewhere?
He yelped... a very undignified pain filled yelp. That had hurt. A lot. He withdrew, doing his best to shield Mia as a tiger for as long as he could before he took two steps to the left and spun about, readying for his next go at the zealot.
so good news. its not covid killing me. Its a bronchial infection mixed with walking pneumonia.... good times I will try to manage more energy for posting things im terrible sorry. Today was the first day in like the last five days ive been able to be upright for more than an hour.
He was torn, he didnt want this zealot monster of a man getting anywhere near his friends, but looking at the size of him and his battleaxe. He moved closely still trying to use the crowd as a sort of physical shield hiding him from sight but he readied himself to strike with his rapier when the man closed on himself or his friends.
So... uh I may have forgot to upload my leveling into my charector sheet... derp.
He moved quietly torwards the crowd, hopefully out of sight of the large crazed zealot. If he could time it right when he moved he could no doubt perhaps stop the fight before it started. . . but he also didnt want to see his friends get hurt. He was impressed by Mia's sudden voice. It was firmer than he remembered Hanging out with Kalig was good for her it seemed.
He paused in the darkness and took a deep breath studying the camp. He was looking for patrols. Hopefully the fools on it were civilian mobs and not trained watchmen. If they were civilians, they would probably be dumb enough to look into the camp and probably campfires, and not out in the wilds where they should be paying attention.
If/when he spotted a patrol he watched it and took a count to see how long it took them to make a full round. He also kept his eyes out on what would be the most likely spot for their target to be at. He was surprised at how calm he was. "Next time that patrol passes we move in, keep low until we get to the tents, then just try to avoid standing in direct light."
"I suppose the question is do we try to take out this Tattercloak first of straight for the head of the snake? I dont know him, but for some reason just the sound of his name makes me think i dont want him anywhere near Haven either." He frowned already planning everything in his mind. Coal to darken the highlights of his face, some of miss Mia's potions in case things went bad.
"We could all go, slip in see if we can't cause some harm and slip out. I dont mean sneaking around their tents when i see what I can do to even the odds, but i mean into their camp. If i get into trouble you could be there to help me abscond."
"Did she say how there defenses are at night? Do they appear to be wary of folks sneaking in? I am not above a silent blade at night for his ilk."
He looked conflicted. The young cook and tavern owner was paler than normal. Finally he spoke and when he did his voice was higher than it normally was. "He dies.. he has to die. Bringing his followers all this way to cause problems is bad enough, but to bring a final blade with him? Thats evil and madness. By the gods my father's soul might be trapped in that damned thing. Hundreds perhaps thousands of innocent souls. Borjan can't be allowed to continue infecting the world with his madness.... he just can't." The look of worry and just general upsetness in his face said it all. "I ... i may be comprimised on decision making it seems, I trust you all's judgement when it comes to it." He said faltering in his reserve. Although he did his best to hide it, his fists were clenched white and they were trembling slightly.
You will be missed Kalig. I always loved your whats the word i want to use... crankyness? It fit perfectly. I loved it. You are a great player and will be missed a lot. But.. as the others said you will missed a lot.
At hearing they were bringing a Final Blade with them the young innkeeper at first grew pale... then his skin began to flush as his features contorted into a very clear hate.
"I'll have a talk with Eloyse about commissioned tableware for the inn in copper. Maybe getting her to work with the material for coin and favors will open her eyes to the other options. I don't know about rust monsters or leading them to the problems, not my sort of thing, but if you need a volunteer for anything or need me for somethings just let me know."
"Hey Eloyse, I dont think we have met, Im Francoix, the innkeeper here? I've heard from some of the others of copper deposits and tin to the north and was thinking that a nice set of bronze utensils for guests to use at my place would be nice. I would need at least two dozen sets. Would you be able to handle that or is bronze unsuited to your skills?" He asked with his best polite smile.
He caught the tail end of the conversation, having been busy helping prep meals and the like. "There are very good odds that most of his rabble arent following entirely because of his ideology but because they dont have a choice. Showing them empathy might mean they decide his cause is a foolish one and most of his 'army' melts away before there is a fight. You arent wrong though, this is a gambit, but one that must be done im afraid. I will definitely help with the digging as best I can, will be good to spend this nervous energy."
He listened to what the viscount and the others had to say keeping quiet. He didnt really want to go back to his childhood skulking in the shadows again but he liked the idea of the the bloody baron even less. He loathed the need to return home and inform Noemie what they were having to do. She was too sweet for such things. This was not the life he had envisioned when he promised her to take her away from all the troubles of their former lives. . . "Viscount, I will return to the inn, see about helping Kalig prep some food packages. Maybe take a walk through the storehouses and see if I can make anything into something that will hold longer...just in case."
If there are a lot of folk with him, someone skilled at fast talking and keeping a low profile might be able to get close enough it would have to be someone he knew however to actually get him to go. We could possiblle trick one of his followers into thinking they found a great treasure which might pull him to the place." He paused and frowned. "Maybe the old tomb we found, you know the one with the skull that the centaurs claimed. As for taking the lead to take him down? Once I would have said very few things would make me happier than to kill the man responsible for my parents deaths... But I have Noemie now, and a chance for a good life." His voice broke off and he took a deep sigh. "But The man is a very real threat to what we are trying to do here, of that I have no doubt. A couple of years back I would have told you to make a distraction and leave it to me, I would sneak into the man's very tent where he slept and dealt with him, Now Im not sure Im that good anymore."
"Some of us think it can be resolved without bloodshed, personally i hope we kill the a*#@*&*." He muttered very quietly. "Our new friend here has some ideas on how we could improve the defenses."
|
