Marten Noral's page

Hey guys. Just a heads up. Having problem with time Warner so I'm unable to do much of anything right now. Should have everything sorted by tomorrow night. Thanks for being patient.

Heh. Lets split up after lunch. Rhoekk and I can go. You all can investigate the library and all you've found. I feel as if we need to accomplish as much as possible, as quickly as possible.

Stupid titles and leadership. Splitting up seems the best option, as we can get more accomplished.

I feel like the Aeilman and I can defend ourselves. With that being said, I still want to investigate these things you brought back. Lunch time it is, though.

I smiled at the group, trying to keep the mood light.

Yes, we finished up. Apparently I'm no good at fighting people with swords. Well, at least without hurting others.

I looked down, a little ashamed of admitting my slight incompetence in the battle.

More importantly, how are you? These items, I can sense they have saidin within, but not what. Where did you end up?

I looked at Tesliin. I would not mind going there, that seems like a good suggestion. But first, I need to know how Joliar is doing, and what exactly went on. I cant imagine that it was a coincidence that he fled and returned with... whatever this is.

Yes. Sorry for the delay, school and work are killing me. Will post soon. ;)

Larger post coming tomorrow.
I dont know what he brought back, but it clearly resonates with Saidin's influence. I will look. I feel as if Joliar is better now. The incident earlier does scare me. He should not have traveled away like that, not without reason.

I took a big pause, considering the possible ramifications of what I was about to say.

I tell you this, in confidence because of what you did with the grey men, and for healing me. It is likely the taint has caused him to... have a difficult time. We need to watch, and make sure it does not get worse. But at the same time, is it coincidence that he brought back these things? I dont know.

I have to admit being a bit scared. Joliar should not have run off like that, but why did he bring back these things?

Appreciated. I was just thinking we can cut out some time by having them "fill the group in" out of the scene.

Gonna wait until the rest are finished with their adventures with the grey men to post. Marten's sleeping on the couch like a champ.

I do not believe he goes to betray us. All I can figure is that Joliar has followed some intuition that I do not have. He will return. I hope. Without Joliar I feel like I will be stranded. Still...

I fear for your brothers, for if these... things got past them, knowing who your kinsmen are, well... You savages are skilled, but these things are the Dark One's creatures.

The savages have uncanny skills. It is no wonder that they are on our side. Without them, we would be limited by our own prejudices.

I sighed, not the least due to what she may have said. The truth is, madness was always an issue. Joliar had traveled to who knows where, and without letting anyone know. During training, some of the weaker men had succumbed to the taint.

No need to apologize. Even in my remote village, we heard of the false dragons. In training, I have seen what may happen. It was difficult, staring your fate down. The madness will come, I know. But I have faith that it is after Tarmon Gai'don. Now, back to matters at hand. Joliar is gone, and we must stick to places we have been until he gets back. If he gets back.

I was unsure at first as to their loyalty. But Tesliin, you did not have to heal me. And that speaks volumes. I owe you, and my father always taught that debts are to be repaid.

It was true. She saved my life. And looking at her now, it cost her a considerable strength. Another saying of my father's was that you cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater. I dislike the witches in Tar Valon, but not all of them can be bad.

I have seen the Aielmen fighting before. Even with certain death raining down amongst them, they were not without courage or skill. Their skill is not overstated. If these creatures got through your kinsmen, it was for a purpose, and they came in strength. I am sorry for your loss, Rhoekk. But we can get vengeance by serving the Car 'acorn.

I was not sure about the pins either, but I figured I could RP the things. ;)

My friend Ogier, I fear discretion went out the window due to my enthusiasm. With that being said, you are right, and in the future I will weave something so that others will not hear us when we speak.

As I said this, Tesliin finished her weave, and tried to stand.

And how do you expect me to do that? Look. I took out the pins from my pocket. Recognize these? What clan are you, anyway?

In that case, I feel better. You understand that several days ago, we were called to rescue the Lord Dragon from a group of your kind. Shaido, they called themselves, well, before dying.

At the least, this one was an ally. I'd never actually met an aielman up until the battle, but the stories were not so kind to them. And the women fighting. Strange.

I dont think it is a coincidence that this attack occurred while we were here. Myself, the other Asha'man who left, the Aes Sedai and her warder, and the ogier were sent from the... er.. Car Carn or however you say it, on a kind of mission. Perhaps our asking around town, or time spent in the library was noticed by someone. Thank you for your assistance, in any case.

Walk it off son, walk it off.

I watched as A'Mar interrogated the fallen lord, perhaps angry over being perceived as an Asha'man. The savage with the spear spoke harshly to the warder, but the mention of the Lord Dragon caught my attention. What side is this one on? I turned to the Aielman, and got close enough to speak. Thankfully, I didnt need to fear exposing ourselves, as I had already done that.

You mention the Lord Dragon, have you sworn to him? I know he has placed some of your kind here.

How xenophobic and racist do we think Marten is?

Waking up, I was disoriented and very frustrated with how the fight turned out. If we were to face more of those things, I may have to start wearing some sort of armor, no matter how heavy or cumbersome it might be. I'm fairly quick, and decent with a sword, but with so many innocents in the area, I could not unleash much power.

Some Lord, who Amorial referred to as Lord Jareen, collapsed, just having asked A'Mar if he was an Asha'man. That must really have made A'Mar feel good about things, being mistaken for one of us. The Aes Sedai was bent over him, using what must have been the last of her strength to heal him.

Tesliin Sedai, thank you. What is wrong with him? I assume he was struck by one of the grey men. Is there anything I can do to help? My skills with healing are limited, but there.

Waiting for a response, I looked around the room, at something that did not appear to be a grey man. I saw Joliar's residue, having traveled somewhere. Damn wilders, learning all sorts of weaves. In time, perhaps. It seems Joliar has fled us. I cannot trace him. As you Aes Sedai have talents, so do we. That one is not one I have, not yet.

*coughTeachMartencough*

:)

Alright. So Marten will be back up to 25hp, with 28 subdual damage. How does the subdual work? I assume that means I'm still unconscious for the next... twenty-five to thirty minutes or so, right? At that point, the subdual will be less than my current hp, and I'm back to consciousness, albeit a little unhappy.

I get everything right?

Oh. So ignore what I said, and heal me. ;)

And Marten has time. Take care of the rest, and you can RP healing me without losing those rounds. ;) Although with the rate my rolls have been going...

Cool. I just realized I forgot to add my incredible con modifier to the early roll (-1, lol) so...

Round 5

Stabilize: 1d20 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 2 - 1 = 0. Hahaha, wow. The dice hate Marten, lol. Down to -3hp.

Round 4

Another Max dmg attack, on the most vulnerable guy. HP :-1. Stabilize: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2. Down to -2hp. Did I do the stabilize roll right?

No worries about the map updating. I just wasnt sure if you had or hadnt.

Round 3

Confused as to where the things are, as the map didnt seem updated. Also, did Marten take damage? G3 isnt listed, but assuming he's being targeted again. Come on, Joliar is prettier than Marten, go after him! ;) Not that shooting a fireball makes you... inconspicuous.

The grey man kept coming, and nothing I did seemed to stop it. Already having exposed myself for what I was, nothing was stopping me from continuing to be obvious. Unfortunately, my training as an Asha'man left me with few subtle weaves.

Taking another step back to avoid the grey man that was attacking me, I tried to take it out of the equation. Joliar channeled near me, but the effects of his weave seemed negligable.

Weave: Liquefy earth, level 3, 5ft radius on G3. Reflex save: DC 16, if he falls in, swim check to avoid drowning, and Marten drops the weave anyway. I think its a free action to just stop concentrating, right?

Ouch. All of your successful damage rolls come up max, lol. HP: 17

Another sword flashed down, hitting me and cutting deep. I saw all of the grey men, legends and nightmares come to life. Yelling, I tried to clear the hall. With the people gone, I could do some damage.
There are four of them! Everyone GET OUT!

I took a step away from the now burning foe, and let loose with a fireball, hoping to consume the thing.

5ft step to L12, fireball at level 2. 5ft area of damage, centered on G3. Direct line of sight, I think.
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 = 17

I barely caught sight of the creatures attacking the party. Enough to get off a slight warning, but not enough to avoid being struck by the thing's sword. I immediately embraced the source, anticipating the waves of pleasure combined with the oily, nauseating presence of the taint.

Surprise round: Embrace saidin. HP: 26

Was waiting to see if Joliar wanted to input, but I'll move ahead.

Well, Nael was a lead, at least. I watched Pace walk away, thinking on the man's odd demeanor. I slapped Joliar on the shoulder before walking towards the stairs, and up to join the rest of the party. This little contest would be entertaining to watch.

Weavesight1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

What have you heard of the battle, recently? Suffice to say, we are no longer much of a secret, and a large number of Aiel were destroyed in order to save the Lord Dragon. A number of Aes Sedai were stilled, and more forced to kneel and swear allegiance.

As for our party, we number a strange band. Joliar and I found an Aes Sedai and her warder, along with an Ogier, wandering close to the sight of the battle. After the woman swore her loyalty, the Lord Dragon sent us on to find out about the... Grey Man. Not the grey men I heard legends about as a boy, but something else. This led us here. Any help you can give us would be in direct service to the Lord Dragon himself.

I looked around as I heard the sound of bells.

Um, I guess that summons us. Quickly, what news is there here?

I noticed the other servants leaving the hall, some quicker than others. For the moment, our "masters" would have to wait.

Forgive me, I am a bit on edge. We need to go somewhere private, if possible. Warding for sound is not a talent of mine.

I took a look around, trying to see if anyone was watching, or if there was someplace we could go without being overheard.

There is much news to share, I am afraid.

Report yourself. I am the tsorovan'm'hael, and i demand it.

Great. I wasn't sure who this was. If he was another asha'man he'd respond. If not then his appearance demanded that he speak to us. I was on guard. For the first time really since entering this city my attention was focused. I should have known that there would be others following the lord Dragon. I felt Joliar stiffen beside me and felt reassured. Strength was always the best approach when dealing with other men who could channel and I felt like this was the way to do it.

I nearly embraced the source. Only the thought of losing control fought the fear and anger rising up.

Haha, I see that. Err, what exactly is Toh? And I'd love to hear more of the tournament here.

Right, dont act like the stupid midlander who knows nothing. Still, gotta learn somehow.

Err, sure. I'll have a beer. Thank you, Molly

Not bad looking. I wonder what all this is about. The sorts in here arent bad enough, just letting loose before having to bow and scrape.

So what happens now? Our, umm, Lady mentioned something about a tournament?

I took a good look around the room, holding the weak looking beer without taking a drink.

Perception roll, for grins and chuckles: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Side entrance, yes.

Well, time to get this little show started. I glanced at Joliar and headed around the building to the side. Entering the side door, I wasnt sure what I would find. Just wanted to keep my head down, listen for anything interesting, and make sure the rest of our odd assortment was alright.

Joliar got this in the discussion. I assume that the two of us are there as servants, but not actively participating.

Same here. Still in and checking regularly.

Rdy to go. :)

I'm alive again. Woot. Back in a land with internet. Will update marten soon.

Lets get this party... err... restarted?

Alright. I'm out of contact until the 1st. Have a good holiday everyone!

Assuming those diplomacy checks are for our wandering and attempts to gather info -before- said party.

Discussion w/ Amorial...
Agreed. I dont have much experience with intrigues, politics and so on. Among the Asha'man... power is all you need. But I'll do my best on that front. Good luck with the library. I'm still not sure why we are doing this, I dont know anything about this grey man. But I am scared to learn why the Lord Dragon put so much stake in us. I fear that in the end, A'Mar and Tesliin may be more allies than enemies, and not out of a desire to help, but because of fear of a common enemy.

Anyway, good day, and... er.. thanks for listening to my ramble.

I walked out of the room, uncomfortable at how much I had said. It was becoming an issue, the fact that I was wearing my thoughts on my sleeve. Stress, maybe. I dont know.

Walking in on Tesliin and A'Mar discussing their disguise and new identities.

I walked in on the Aes Sedai having a discussion with A'Mar. Before I opened the door, I heard the start of what I thought was how to act during the party.

Sorry for the interruption, but I cant help but overhear that you were discussing tonight. What identities will you two people be taking? Joliar and I need to have some idea of how to act, as well.

Waiting for a response, I thought about what I learned during the day.

I hope you were better at this intrigue than I. I was only able to find limited information about this lord... Jarreen. He comes from somewhere in the south of the midlands, Amadicia or Altara. And has put it out that he left because of the increasing violence. But that is all I have.

Servants indeed. At the least, the Ogier seems to understand what he is asking. Well, being servants gives us access to those other than the nobility. I wouldn't be surprised if we cant learn something from their own servants. After all, its hard to hide something from those around you all the time. And, from what I've heard, they get treated as if they arent there anyway.

The deception is necessary. You are right in that soon, all will know what wearing the black and pins means. I also agree with Joliar. As servants, we may learn more about the people you are meeting. That is, if those servants dont play this houses game.

I have no issue attending A'Mar. Just dont get carried away with the charade.

I feel the same way about Tesliin. If she's some "lady" that means the other nobles would have noticed this previously unheard of nobewoman, right? And I have a feeling the Asha'man and A'Mar wouldnt let each other have too long of a leash lol not trusting.

Marten's down for the same thing. I doubt he'll get much, as he's probably a little overwhelmed by the whole thing. First really large city and whatnot. He might peruse some of the bookshops in search of anything related to the grey man, knowing the chances of finding anything are unlikely.

Super. We get bunk beds. If this was a year ago, I'd be upset. To be honest, this was not so unlike the lodging while training with the rest of the Asha'man. I was getting used to being uncomfortable.

How much do we want to let this little... charade keep going?

I apologize Master Ogier, but as you can imagine, I am eager to get this under way.

Cut to the inn...

The fourth floor. I could understand the need for a ruse, why would a bunch of men travel with a lady unless they were her bodyguards or servants. Doesnt mean I like it. I spared a look at Joliar, who's jaw told me he felt the same way.

A'Mar looks strangely at ease, and I wonder if he's had to do this sort of thing before, or he just puts on a smiling face better than I do. Unlikely given earlier.

The inn was, I must admit, stunning. I had done some minor crafting at home, but making chairs and tables has nothing on this. Perhaps being a "servant" also wasnt as bad as it sounds. We could gather information, and see what others knew.

Oh creator, what a city. So many people outside the walls, what a mess. So much... sadness and despair. I could not help but look around and pity them. At the least, we were in control of our destiny. Well, as much as we could be on some quest. But these people...

I looked down at myself, and at Joliar, eyeing our new clothes. It felt odd to be out of the black wool of an Asha'man. It was so much of who I was. Still, we would stick out like an... well, like an Ogier.

The ogier pushes towards an inn, making plans to get rooms and informing us he had work to do at the library.

That is all well and good Master Ogier, but our mission here is to find information about this... grey man. There will be time for you to write of your adventures, I am sure.

Well, so much for leading. It seems we are the ones being led. As long as we succeed, in the end... only my pride will suffer.

Lovely. We are already known and our presence marked. Lets hope that whoever is watching is confused as to who we are.

Great Tree Inn it is, then. Lead the way. We can discuss this later, but it seems to me that five pairs of eyes is better than one. Maybe we can be scholars of some kind, or some such cover story that will allow us into the library.

I turn to the Aes Sedai, as she asks about traveling. I wish I knew myself, as it is not a talent I possess. I have heard of considerable dangers, however.

I cant help but agree with you on that. Traveling never loses its... uniqueness.

I looked around, taking in the big city. Aside from a week spent in Caemlyn as a child, I've never seen such a city.

Well, Master Ogier. Lead the way.

Alright. The first conversation is four hours ago. As best I can tell, Marten and A'Mar were discussing plans for disguises. At this point, Joliar says he wont change clothes, and Marten pulls rank. The party goes off, gets supplies, and reconvenes.

Here, everyone gets back, Joliar and Amorial talk gateways, and we're waiting to see where the intrepid Ogier decides to go. Is that right?

Time out. We've got two conversations going, and Joliar is in both at once. The first is between A'Mar and I about the cover story. If Joliar is there, then he can discuss with us, but he wont be channeling at the time. I'm going to assume that this is the case.

First conversation w/ A'Mar and Joliar. I had forgotten the whole heat wave thing as well.
The fur trader thing is a bit far fetched, I will admit. However, the idea of not going as conspicuous has merit. Joliar, people will be suspicious of us if they do not recognize the clothing, and openly afraid if they do. Being incognito is a good idea. Please secure yourself something less attention-getting.

Pulling rank, ugh. But, damnit, he was right.

The second conversation is hours later, with Amorial, Joliar now channeling to open a gateway to wherever. The party has picked up a bunch of stuff, including perhaps a change of clothes.

I look at the Ogier, and listen as Joliar answers him. I am glad he had the same thoughts as I, but he says it with more conviction than I could have.

Great Scott! Two conversations at different points in time! I feel like my picture is fading. We've got to go... back to the future! Dun dun dun... All joking aside, lemme wrap up my convo with A'Mar, and continue w/ the Ogier.

With A'Mar...
The black coats are our uniform. But... they do stand out. Perhaps it is best. He was right. Conspicuous. Perhaps we can scrounge some clothing from the Two Rivers folk. Alright. Meet back here in several hours time.

With Amorial, Joliar, Tesliin
The ogier was more right than he knew. The look on the Lord Dragon's face scared me. No doubt he was under stress as I had never experienced.

I had gathered up a few goods for the journey: some food, a backpack and a bedroll. Nothing like sleeping on the ground to make a person happy. When Joliar got here, we'd have to figure out the transportation options. I think he knows how to create a gateway, and it would make the trip shorter.

The Ogier is sitting next to a tree, and I approached him.

Hello again, Master Ogier. Your first time seeing saidin in action? I have to admit, it still makes my jaw drop. Errr, I... I have to thank you for before... I shut up before continuing. The Lord Dragon always uses force and strength to lead, well, that and the fact that he is the Dragon Reborn. Showing weakness may not be the best choice.

I looked around and watched my comrades leave, a little envious but at the same time knowing that we were personally selected. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself.