Alright, I hate to do this, but it's pretty clear to me that I just can't keep up in my PbP games and take care of all the stuff life is throwing at me right now. I thought things would get better once student teaching was over, but between looking for a new job, a new car, and a new place to live I just don't have the time to spend on these games anymore. :(
I really feel bad about leaving you guys in the lurch, but I haven't been able to give you guys enough of my time and attention for quite awhile now.
The Fire Beneath the Mountain moves up to aid his companions, stone-clad fists clenched and ready to strike as he centers himself. "It may be more compelled to speak with us if we don't kill it..." he offers, his calm countenance clashing with his balled fists.
Makallun'abad recovers maneuvers and moves up next to the redcap (full-round action).
Makallun'abad looks the creature over with a critical eye, his hands slowly curling into fists. "I don't like the sound of this, even if I can't understand him," the Fire Beneath the Mountain whispers to his companions.
Makallun'abad seems to stand down his guard just a tad as the others talk, but he still keeps a watchful eye on the door. "Hope this doesn't turn sour..." he whispers to himself, not particularly interested in making more enemies when surrounded by thick stone walls that would prevent an escape.
Makallun'abad grins at Hadran, thoroughly impressed. "You've more tricks up your sleeve than I had anticipated, friend. Let us make haste, before they can react to our lovely little plan."
Makallun'abad looks about, attempting to detect a place where his powers would allow him to provide the group egress into the fort. Sadly, his magic is not yet capable of allowing him to penetrate the stone roof. "I only wish I could punch a hole in this stone," he mutters in a frustrated voice.
Makallun'abad doesn't look terribly broken up about their statements. "It cannot be helped, I suppose. If we must, then we shall simply take the fight to them."
Makallun'abad crosses his arms and presses his lips into a fine line as he considers the options. "I must say that I agree with Beseth. This is a small regional spat at best, or could lead to all-out war at worst. Either way, it is unlikely that we should stick our noses into it," the dwarf admits. "I've no interest in letting Cheliax crush Andoran with its superior military might, but I also don't see the benefit in antagonizing them."
Makallun'abad takes his time to prepare his belongings and ready himself for the journey. The sea was most certainly not a place that suited the Fire Under the Mountain, but he would make due. He is present, and looks only slightly uncomfortable, when the ship is prepared to set sail.
Makallun'abad bids Drandle farewell, following suit after Hadran and Beseth. At the woman's suggestion to look in on Lady Dacilane's daughter, the dour look on the dwarf's face fades. "As a start, I have no problems with that. I'm sure she is being well-cared for, but there is no harm in stopping by."
Diplomacy and such things aren't really Mak's forte. If either of you guys want to try it, by all means do so. If we can't pull that off, then the blatant show of force route is something we can do.
The Earthen Defender looks displeased with the commotion. "By all means, feel free to venture down into the ruins. I understand your concern for your own children, but we are not your personal servants," the dwarf states in his most assertive voice. "You are rich and powerful people. The fact that you have done nothing until now reflects on you, not us." The look on Makallun'abad's face shows that he is thoroughly disappointed with the assembled nobles, who sat and wrung their hands for ten whole years, and then come crying like spoiled children the moment someone else did what they would not.
Man, I can't wait until we start getting more of our deity-level powers back. Being able to make mini-earthquakes and stuff when people pull stuff like this would shut them up right quick."
Shaking his head, Mak looks between the various folks trying to mob the inn. Flexing powerfully, a suit of stone wraps itself forms around the dwarf's skin, as he sits down on the stoop in front of the door. Glaring, he addresses the crowd, "Is there a problem?"
Makallun'abad gets out of bed, straightening his beard as he grumbles about the commotion outside. Soon he is dressed and presentable, and his heavy footfalls on the stairs of the inn seem to echo slightly as he goes to see the source of the loud noises.
As the woman and her daughter pass Makallun'abad, the dwarf nods a greeting to her. Once she's left, he turns to the others. "Now, let us go get some rest. We can deal with the rest in the morning."
Makallun'abad watches the proceedings from the doorway, having followed the frantic Lady Dacilane inside. His frown slips away as he watches mother and daughter reunite for the first time in ten years.
With his arms crossed, Makallun'abad leans against the wall outside of the Sarenraen church. He grumbles to himself in typical dwarven fashion, waiting for Lady Dacilane to arrive.
Asmodean priests don't lie about stuff like this. Mak is straight broke and we're all going to be just as broke if the old man decides that we need to pay him for this. You're pretty much just being obstinate, and there's no reason not to let the Asmodean guy at least talk to the other priest. He would gain exactly nothing for trying to hurt Junia, which means that we'd win either way. Mak is considering the girl's best interests faaaaaar before any stupid posturing or worry about who worships what. The fact that Asmodeus and Sarenrae are actually allies means that there is no reason for us to stand in anybody's way.
Makallun'abad throws his hands up in the air. "Do what you will," he growls, stomping out of the building into the night.
"Alright, that's it. Hadran, shut your mouth and let the man pass," Makallun'abad finally bites out, thoroughly fed up in listening the to former god of knowledge act in such an uninformed manner. "I will NOT let the poor girl suffer while you posture at and argue semantics with the one who can help her. Neither you nor I have any authority here, so if you will not move aside, I shall make you. The girl's well-being comes long before anything else, and we have no reason to believe this man won't do exactly as he says he will."
Sorry, I really can't see any reason for you two to be monologuing back and forth at each other while the poor girl is still unhealed. Mak doesn't care about either Hadran or the priest's stations, just that the former can help her. And that's the 100% most important part.
Makallun'abad sighs heavily. "Just let him do what he must, Hadran. It doesn't matter who helps the girl, as long as she gets the healing she needs. As long as she is awake and unharmed, that's good enough."
Makallun'abad turns to look at Beseth, a deep frown on his face, but he nods at the woman. "I believe he is being straight with us," the dwarf states simply, stepping to the side and out of the Asmodean's way. "If the girl wakes up, I don't care who helps her out," he adds, motioning for the priest to head over to where Hadran and the old man are.
Makallun'abad shakes his head at Beseth's blunt statement, but doesn't reproach the woman. "If you have something you wish to say, we will gladly hear you out. The Priest is currently busy, but we can keep you company until he is finished," the dwarf states. His words and tone are polite, but the look in his eyes clearly states that the Asmodean will not be seeing the man assisting Junia just yet, come hells or high water.
Makallun'abad stands with his arms crossed, nodding his agreement with Hadran's statement. "Whatever you decide, we would appreciate it if you made your decision swiftly. Without the magics that sustained her all this time, I fear for her health and safety," he offers. "I am sure you understand exactly how cross Lady Dacilane would be were we to inform her that she had lost her daughter a second time."
I personally think bringing the girl to her mother first would be the best plan, but if Hadran's right and our employer can cure her of the Wisdom drain, then that's a solid plan, too. That said, the girl's been gone for years now. An extra night won't kill her... but we should still try to feed her and get her some rest, even if she's still out cold.
Makallun'abad nods his agreement, his eyes flitting to the unconscious young girl. "I hope they can heal her easily enough. There will be many questions waiting for what happened, without a doubt."
The Earthen Defender shrugs. "If he will not leave, then so be it. We have warned him of the dangers of this place, and he has made his decision." Makallun'abad seems slightly distraught that the man won't follow them, but he will not force the issue.
Okay, so we're done, then. The guy wanted the ring, the noblewoman wanted a reminder of her daughter... and I think the real thing is probably a step up for that. So, do we drag the crazy schmuck out of here or just leave him to listen to the spirit kids until he keels over?
Makallun'abad finds himself grinning, despite himself. He turns towards Hadran and chuckles, before cracking his knuckles. "I believe that is our cue to continue on," he says with a grin.
Realization dawns on Makallun'abad's face. "Right, there was one of those still hiding here. Do you think we can leave the girl here with him, lest we risk bringing her into combat?"
"He seems familiar enough with this place. I am not entirely convinced he would come to harm if we were to leave him be," the dwarf states, but the Stalwart Peak does look a little conflicted about leaving the man alone here. "If he doesn't wish to leave, I believe we should respect his wishes."
"Her wits have been sapped from her, somehow. Her family should have the means to heal her, however. We must bring her back to them as quickly as we are able, lest something else endanger her well-being."
Makallun'abad looks pensive. "I suppose that might be fine? It's one thing to bring a woman the body of her dead child, but another entirely if she never died in the first place."
