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I want to offer my apologies for my total lack of participation. I really am very sorry.
Again, I'm very sorry.
"Sin spawn," Mags says, as much to herself as those around her. Reacting almost without thought, the half-elf's eyes roll over black for a moment.
Mags had let down her guard, diverting her attention to her footing on the bridge. Tani's cry brought her attention back immediately. Ducking slightly at some unperceived attack, her gazes darts forward down the trail looking for goblins.
Tani:
I think in the few months that we've known each other she would have probably talked about her adoptive parents. She, of course, loves them, and would have occasionally gone to visit them. They probably have been to the Dragon a few times as well, though probably not since you started there. She seems to associate more closely with the Dwarven culture than human or elven. She may have told you a very little about her natural parents, though she'd probably not be very inclined to discuss that at any length. You would have had to kind of dig to get any info on that subject. You probably only know that she was born in Cheliax and that her parents are dead now. She wouldn't have given any indication of her magical abilities. She's secretive, confused, and a little embarrassed by it. Her dwarven clan never spoke very highly of witches, and I tend to think that the average person wouldn't trust a witch anyway. She knows this, of course, so she keeps the info to herself. But you'd also probably have observed by now that her pet is a bit smarter than the average (not to mention having a fox for a pet is probably unusual). Magdelia walks along quietly, watching the scenery and listening half-interestedly to the conversation between Tani and Kodachi. Sticks rides along resting his head upon her shoulder for a short while before scrambling free of her pack and leaping down to explore some scent or another. Unperturbed, she turns her attention to Eisen, noticing his look at the Tian conversation taking place. "Aye," she replies to his comment, looking down the trail. "I was thinkin' the same." She looks back at the two Tians, adding, "They ain't talkin' 'bout you, if you were wonderin'. Just girl talk." She smiles as if it at some private joke.
Mags watches Sandaru leave, giving the man's back a feigned sneer. "I think we did fine, whatever 'e says," she says, once he is out of sight. "Well, you all did fine, anyway." She is returning her weapon to it's place when Tani startles her from behind. Once she realizes it's not another goblin, she let's escape a short hissing laugh. "I'm not leadin' anybody anywhere, hon." She didn't immediately try to escape his grip however, instead calmly putting her sling bullet back in the pouch at her belt. She waits several long moments, giving Tani time to tire of her clowning around, a look of long-suffering on her face. Finally, when she couldn't wait a moment longer, she laughed and shouted as loud as her damaged voice would allow. "Down, boy!" She turned briefly to look at the man, a grin on her face. "Gods below, Tani," she laughed. "You know this is serious business." Turning back to the others, she asks, "How near is the lane we're lookin' for? I think I'd like t' find this Proudstump. See what 'e knows 'bout fireworks." She settles her pack on her back and casts Tani another distantly amused glance and appears eager to continue on.
"We're more interested in those goblins." "Speaking of which," Mags says, stooping down to the goblin at their feet. Grabbing the creatures ear, she pulls her sickle from her belt and regards the goblin for a long moment. Placing the blade against the taught skin of the beast's ear, she hesitates for several long moments with a look of distaste growing on her face. It seems she won't be able to bring herself to collect the trophy, but then, with an almost effortless pull on the sharp, curved blade the ear comes off in her hand. Holding it between two fingers, careful not to get any gore on herself, she rises with a slightly queasy look. "Ten gold," she shrugs, trying to hide her disgust. For a moment she considers what to do with the thing. "Uh, anyone have a sack?"
Mags watches the alchemist take down the last goblin, wincing slightly at the wet sound of his sickle as it cuts into the creature. She would have explained the queasy feeling she had in her stomach on this, had she not experienced it every time she used her powers. It'll pass, she thought, looking at the fox at her shoulder. She approaches the group, eager to help with Tani's wound if needed, but the ninja pulls the arrow free himself. "Gods below, Tani," she says in her rasping whisper. "Let Eisen help you. Are you all right?" She looks at the wound, though she doesn't approach too closely, not wanting to get in the way. Turning to look at Sandaru, her concerned look melts into one of distaste. "I'm gonna assume it was the goblins that set that wagon alight, and not you. So to what do we owe the pleasure?"
Seeing the arrow pierce Tani's shoulder, Mags winces. "Bloody hells," she whispers, the loaded sling still in hand. Moving in closer she gives Sticks a resigned look and then turns her focus upon the goblin closing on the barmaid. Hoping she is far enough behind the action to go unnoticed by her associates, Mags gaze goes momentarily stoney, her green eyes turning, for the briefest of seconds, a dull black and then back to normal again.
Mags is about to make some form of answer to Tani's question, but. as he runs off to join the battle, she let's it go. Not sure if Eisen has noticed the full extent of the situation, she calls to him, "Eisen. Company, sweetheart."
Magdelia's gaze falls on Sandaru, and she feels a mixture of gratitude and annoyance. "Burning out the competition?" she calls out, before noticing the goblins coming into view. She offers Kodachi a nervous grin, happy at least that the Tian woman seems up to the situation. Speaking an accented Tian:
"Entertainment? I thought Tani was the entertainment." She manages a strained chuckle, pulling her sling from her belt and reaching for a bullet. Though she held a certain dislike for the caravaner, she was thankful for his appearance at such an opportune time. With luck she would be able to refrain from revealing her true abilities for a time yet.
Mags is shaken from her reverie by the sudden display above them. Her first thought was, How beautiful. But that thought was quickly forgotten as the rest of the scene penetrated her consciousness. She follows Tani's gaze to the burning wagon, wondering for a moment if there was any point in trying to extinguish the flames. It looked like everyone was clear, however, so she joined Tani half-heartedly in helping direct the people away from the flames. Her attention was instead mostly directed to the surrounding terrain, looking for anything out of place. And more than half an ear she kept open to the conversation Eisen was having with the townsman. The fox, peering from the opening in the top of her pack was on full alert, his emotion spilling over into the half-elven woman and heightening her own apprehension. Her hand went to one of the pouches she carried on her belt and it took an act of will to move it away again. Not yet. Not here.
Mags nods to Kodachi, her gaze on the road ahead. After a few moment, she says, "Well, she does like tales. You'll 'ave her ear after this, t' be certain." Falling silent, Mags watches the surroundings as they make their way south. She'd had little opportunity to travel this way before, most of her wanderings taking her north of town. The country side was pleasant enough at this point, though she suspected that would take a turn for the worse once they reached the marsh. Seeing Eisen look back at them, running his gaze up and down her in particular, her brow arched curiously. She suddenly felt a tinge of self-consciousness, which she pushed aside purposefully. Yet, when he had turned back around she looked down at herself, making sure nothing was out of place, and running a hand through her hair. Casting a look back at Tani, Mags answers the alchemists query, "I'm wonderin' if I'm a bit under-dressed, but otherwise..." But am I ready for this? she wondered. Her experience with killing was limited to trapping a few animals here and there. And that had all been years ago. Not quite the same thing as fighting goblins anyway. But there was a larger problem; something that had been nagging at her since she had retired for the evening last night. She carried both a sickle and a sling, and she was fair with them, though she knew she'd never be a warrior. But she had other abilities, more useful than those simple weapons. Abilities she had made great effort to keep secret. Indeed, only Ameiko had any idea of what the small barmaid was capable of. It was unlikely she'd be able to keep her secret through this little adventure, though. What'll they think, I wonder? Not much love fer witches, in my experience, though it don't seem fair. Scratching Sticks' ear, she gives the little creature a sad smile and resumes watching the country pass by, her thoughts clouded.
As they make their way down the road, Mags walks next to Kodachi. "Were y' able to get a word with Ameiko?"
What an odd party we make. :)
Mags stares at Tani, slack-jawed, for several long moments. "Well, you look just great," she says sarcastically. Picking up her pack and, to Sticks dismay, slinging it over her shoulder, she begins to turn away. Stopping she looks back at Tanimoto as if she were going to say something else. Apparently thinking better of it, she adjusts her pack more comfortably on her back and turns away again. "Can we just go?"
"Nothin' except that that goblin chief we're after's probably died o' old age by now. Where in the hells have y' been?" Mags irritation, though still obvious, is tempered slightly by the fact that they can at last get on the road.
Magdelia greeted the alchemist with a smile. "He should be along any time. Bit of night owl, that one." Still, she looks back the way they had come, anxious to get on the move. Been waitin' a long time fer this. Too long.
Mags makes her way down stairs, her pack slung from one shoulder. This early, the room is nearly empty, little evidence of the raucous singing and drinking of the night before evident. She liked the Dragon most at this time of day, the morning sun slanting through the curtains, the quiet. Dropping her pack to the floor near the bar, she offers the only other occupant of the room a smile. "Glad to see you back on yer feet," she says to the Tian woman. "Didn't catch yer name in all the excitement, last night." Offering her hand, she says, "Magdelia, though most just call me Mags." Having made introductions, Mags turns to the stairs and calls out, "Sticks! Let's go." Her call is answered soon enough by the arrival of a small red fox, hopping down the stairs and padding into the room to sit at the half-elf's feet. She stoops to scratch the creatures head, spotting the note from the corner of her eye. She reads it quickly, tucking it into one of the leather pouches hanging from her belt. "Eisen'll meet us at the gate," she tells Kodachi. Looking around suddenly she realizes Tani hasn't joined them yet. "Torag," she mutters. Rushing up the stairs, taking two at a time, she bangs on Tanimoto's door, oblivious to any other guests sleeping nearby. "Rise 'n' shine, beauty queen," she calls out, opening the door just enough to stick her head in. Waiting for any indication that he is awake, she adds, "We'll meet you at the south gate. Hurry along. We wanna beat the crowds." Returning downstairs, she gathers her things, helping sticks into her pack before slipping it onto her pack. Somewhat indignant at the jossling, the animal eventual settles down, resting his chin on her shoulder and watching the world with strangely intelligent eyes. "Ready? she asks herself, running over the list of things she's gathered for the trip. Satisfied, she says again, this time to Kodachi, "Ready?"
Mags fought down the tavern-honed instinct to pull away from the man's touch, nodding in thanks at his offer to check on Shalelu. Following his motion to the customer, she closes her eyes and lets out a long sigh. "Torag save me," she mutters, before turning back to wish Eisin a good night. "Bright 'n' early," she says with a smile. To Ameiko she says, "If you'll excuse me, duty calls." After giving the drunken patron a piece of her mind and showing him the door, she returns to duties, her mind preoccupied with the day to come.
Mags avoids Ameiko's gaze as she questions her, feeling a competing mix of guilt and desire to take up the sheriff's task. "We won't be gone long," she says at last. "Just down the coast a bit and then straight back." Quietly, she adds, "Most likely..." Looking at Ameiko, Mags smiles. "Besides, y' know I spend more time out 'ere socializin' than I do actually workin', so it ain't like you'll be that short 'anded." Nodding toward the Tian woman - What did she say her name was? - Magdelia says quietly, "That one's 'ere to see you. Nearly killed herself gettin' here at that. I think she may 'ave a screw or two missin' from the ole brain crank though; mentioned something about the heir to yer long-lost empire or some nonsense." Mags shakes her head. "I reckon she's here t' sell ya somethin'. But ye may wanna have a word with 'er."
Is it just me or does anyone else sense a little chemistry between Mags and the cross dressing he-she Tani? See? You can't even be nice to cross dressing he-she without every one jumping to conclusions.
"Probably best we wait for mornin'," Mags says. She casts a suspicious look toward the newly arrived Tian woman. "She's gonna need some rest first. And I have a few things to do t'get ready. Plus, imagine the fit Ameiko'd have if we just up and left in the middle o' the dinner rush?" She chuckles at the idea of that. "You okay with that?" she asks Tani.
Mags gaze follows Tani as he makes his way back to his room. "Aye. He's nice enough." She pauses for a moment, still staring at the spot where the Tian man had disappeared. "A bit of a go-getter, I guess," she adds, as though this were a revelation to her. With a sigh, she heaves herself back to her feet. "I suppose you're right. Finish out the shift, and then I've got some packin' to do. I gotta admit, since I been here I've gotten a bit... settled. Not that I 'ave a whole mess of gear, exactly. But who knows where it's all gotten to." Whether it's the thought of finishing her shift, or just the reality of what they are about to do finally sinking in, Mags seems to have lost the school-girl glee she had a few minutes ago. Turning to the Tian woman, she says in an almost motherly tone, "You be sure to eat all that, 'n' ask fer more when yer done. Yer rooms taken care of, it seems, so ye'll be wantin' to get a good nights rest 'fore we 'ave ta set out in the mornin'." Almost as an afterthought, she adds, "Ameiko'll be around tonight, I'm sure. You can say yer piece then, if y' want." With that, Mags returned to the bar, lost in thought.
"Guess that caffeine wasn't such a good idea," he says to Magdelia, "I'm going to need my rest tonight." Mags chuckles. "I doubt I'll be sleepin' much tonight, coffee or no. So much t'do." She listens to Tanimoto, her grin wavering slightly at the mention of Shalelu. "Well, I don't know what Ameiko's gonna have to say 'bout it, but I'll be damned if I'm passin' this up. Besides, did you hear him? Three hundred gold pieces! That's seventy-five a piece, Tani!" And best of all, I won't 'ave to just listen to Ameiko's talk of adventuring. I'll 'ave a few tales o' my own to tell. "Koya will look after Shalelu." She looks around at the group, looking for confirmation.
The report of new attacks over the last few weeks brings an increased attention to Mags visage; yet she can't hide the sparkle that lights her eye at the mention of reinstating the bounties. The rest of the sheriff's speech only serves to heighten her excitement. After he departs, she leans back in her chair, openly grinning. "Well that's a bit of excitement, and no doubt." She seems, for the moment, to have forgotten all about Shalelu lying injured in the other room as well as the Tian woman and her tale. Then, adopting a questioning look, she asks, "I wonder what in the hells made him task us with this?"
"All right, all right. Let's just let 'er eat, as Eisen said." A thoughtful look has settled over Mags as she listened to the conversation. "There'll be plenty o' time to get to the bottom o' this after," she adds, her voice distant. After a few thoughtful moments, she turns to Tanimoto. "Maybe y' should go fetch Ameiko. Tell her to take 'er time, though. Give the girl a moment to get some strength back." Sidling over to the alchemist, Mags speaks softly, "Maybe she's delirious? Sounds a bit... I dunno. I mean, Jade Regent? What's a Jade Regent?"
Here's something the other pbp I'm in is considering giving a try. Take a look and see what you think. It seems well suited for the slower pace of a pbp.
"The sheriff is with her now." Magdelia nods at this. "Good. I'd like t'know what 'e plans to do about it." Seeing that the smelling salts are beginning to take effect, she answers Tanimoto, "Another bowl of stew'll do her right, if ya don't mind. Mostly broth to start, I think." "May i request accomodations for tonight?" "Let's get ye back on yer feet, before we start worryin' about where y'gonna lay back down." To Eisen she says, "Let's get her to a chair."
Having used the salts to rouse more than a few drunks in her day, Mags brow knitted slightly at how resistant this little woman seemed to be. "C'mon, honey," she said in her whispy voice, gently slapping the Tian's cheek. "Any time now." Looking somewhat embarrassed, she said to Eisen, "Usually brings 'em right 'round..."
Mags keeps her own mouth shut during Shalelu's speech about Sandru. Though the half-elf held her own misgivings about the man's ties to the Sczarni, and was suspicious of the past he shared with Ameiko, she did her best to hide her feelings from the elderly healer. Thanking her again, she watched the elf leave and then turned back to the alchemist. "I suppose it's a little late to be inquiring as to whether there are any rooms available, huh?" "We can arrange somethin', I've no doubt. And no charge, all things considered." She seemed about to say something more when the Tian woman entered, made her announcement and promptly hit the floor. "For the love o' gold," she said, a hint of alarm showing as she rushed to kneel at the woman's side.
"She's nearly starved for certain," she says, examining the woman. "But I reckon she'll live. There's smellin' salts behind the bar, Dooley. Toss me one over, if you wouldn't mind." Looking up at Eisen she let's out a humorless laugh. "One of them nights, I guess."
"Hey, I..I..I'm coming up on my break and I would like to take some food to Shalelu. Not booze but something hearty and healthy. If it is okay I'll go get the some stew and the key. Is that okay?" Nodding, Mags says, "That's a good idea. Let her know the sheriff'll be along shortly too." She pauses for a moment, then adds conspiratorially, "You know y'shouldn't be leedin' those men on like that. Some of 'em don't like surprises." She gives Tani a wink, amused at his little game despite her words, and turns her attention back to Eisen and Koya.
Eisen. So we've known each other for a week. How much do I know about you at this point? I assumed I would know your relationship with Koya in the IC thread. Hope that was OK. For my part, Mags probably would have talked mostly only about the last 4 years in Sandpoint so far. She's very secretive (fearful, embarrassed) about being a witch at this point, so she wouldn't have mentioned that at all. Ameiko is probably the only one in town who would actually know.
Magdelia takes care of the most noisome of the patrons, making sure to replace Dooley's mug first. Drawing a mug of spiced coffee, she returns to Eisen and Koya. Handing the steaming mug to Eisen, she says, "Here y'are, hon. That'll keep yer eyes wide for a bit." To Koya she says, "My thanks, Koya. Happy t'hear she'll live a while longer. I suppose I should send someone to fetch the sheriff. He'll wanna know 'bout this, I'd guess." Finding one of the younger customers, not too far into his drink, Mags quietly asks him to go and find Sheriff Hemlock. Though he balks at first, the offer of a free drink or two convinces him, and he heads out the door at a trot. Returning to Koya and Eisen, Mags says to the woman, "You've taught yer boy some of yer skill, I see."
Seeing that everything is starting to get back to normal one of the bar's patrons shouts MORE ALE and bangs his empty mug on the table, trying to get Magdelia's attention. "Don't get yer panties in a bind," Mags says to the room in general. "Takin' a moment to breathe between gulps won't hurt none of ya." Turning to Eisen, she offers the man a smile (in thanks for his treatment of Shalelu, perhaps) and an exasperated, but good natured shrug. "They love me 'round here, these ungrateful bastards," she jokes as she goes to refill mugs. Catching the exchange between Tani and one of the customers, Mags chuckles to herself and shakes her head.
"How'd they manage to get the drop on you like that?" "Wanderin' 'round in the marsh all by herself, I don't know what else she expects," Mags says, sounding a bit motherly. Satisfied that the ranger's wounds were sufficiently tended to, she lets out a sigh. "Do y'need to lie down? Koya'll be a long any minute I guess." She looks about, shooing away several of the tavern's patrons who are crowding around. "Give 'er room t'breathe, y' idiots."
Seeing Koya arrive moment's later, Mags steps back to make room for the healer.
For Mags, I think I'd say Friendly toward Ameiko, Koya and Shalelu. And Competitive against Sandru.
Mags passes the time behind the bar, chatting with several of the older fishermen who frequent the Dragon most evenings, and waits for the music to start. "Oh, no," she laughs in response to something the elder man says, "I'll not be goin' out in no boat alone with you, Dooley. I aint fool enough to fall for that kindly old gentleman act of yers." Casting a wink at Dooley's equally elderly companion, she turns to draw a fresh ale for the man. Handing it over she begins to say, "Besides, what would yer wife..." Her words are cut short as she see's Shalelu enter, torn and bleeding. "Bloody hells," she says, a look of concern drawing her face tighter. Snatching the freshly drawn ale out of Dooley's hand, she offers him a reconciling smile. "Next one's on me," she says, by way of apology, and passes the mug over to Tanimoto, who seems to be on top of things. Goblins, she hears Tani mention as she moves around the bar to join the elven ranger. As she examines the work that Tanimoto has already preformed, she says to Shalelu, "Torag, they did get y'good. What the hells happened?"
Though I totally see your point, I have to say that I do occasionally enjoy the tactical side of combat that the grid provides. But, I'll work with it whichever way Mathpro decides to do it.
heheh That should be entertaining. Mags character sheet is updated now. Traded Misfortune for Healing and switched out a spell for CLW, just in case. Forgot to add my favored class skill point, so I did that as well. Added some gear. I still have a lot of cash left, so I may buy a bit more before we start. Otherwise, ready to roll. Or role...
Also, Mathpro, not to jump ahead, but will we be supplied with any gear or do we need to outfit ourselves?
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