Sorry to hear this, though it is understandable.
This had been one of my favorites and I have enjoyed playing with you all.
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Morgraine remains properly subdued, yet surreptitiously watchful. The next few moments, and perhaps all their fates, would rest upon the efficacy of Evelyn's silvered tongue...
Ditto to what Tif said. I missed your Monday post, or would have said much the same earlier. I liked Inire quite a bit and am sad we won't get to see her develop further this go around. But good luck with the new job / workload!
Morgraine nods almost imperceptibly at Nadya's words and will follow the wagon inside, keeping her eyes downcast as much as possible.
"They, and whomever they are reporting to."
Morgraine looks swiftly about at Evelyn's whispered warning, but whatever was following them must have been quite adept at stealth. She continues walking along the path, though was now even more alert than before.
I think we are as ready as we can be..
Morgraine also listens to Nadya's suggestion and hides her dagger on her person. The crossbow was another matter entirely however, and she looks at it wistfully. "I suppose I shall have to leave this behind."
Yup, ready. It's a crazy busy week, but I'll try and keep up once we get going. :)
"You have done much already, for which we are grateful. While we will not refuse any aid you still offer, I do hope and trust that you now keep the welfare of those that remain to you in primary view. Nadya, know that while I yet breathe, this witch will never be completely secure. Whether it take a day, or a decades, I will see that this woman pay for her deeds and see justice done."
Sure no problem! Good luck with end of semester and congrats. :)
"Sounds reasonable to hopefully get us inside. Once there though, we'll have to be ready to fight. There will be trouble the moment they discover we intend more than to deliver and leave."
Ditto with Morgraine. Still here and kicking, just haven't felt like Morgraine was the one to push this forward, either mechanically, or more importantly - from a character or rp perspective.
"Is there anyone you are aware of who is close to her, but who might also bear her a grudge?"
A Domovoi, which explains the spells Nathara mentioned, thinks Morgraine, who still has not said a word since arriving. DM: Would Morgraine know what a typical 4 story witch's tower would have for defenses? I'm sure there would always be a garrison left behind, not to mention servants and the like...
Morgraine smiles lightly at the two boys and inclines her head slightly.
”Not necessarily about everything, no. Remember though, that the best lies are always those that are mostly true. When she was speaking of Whitethrone and the rumors of the riders, she was hiding something. When I asked her the witch’s name, she most definitely lied about not knowing and that her learning about it from an accidentally overheard conversation. This, and she most definitely knows far more than she tried to let on - and these things should throw suspicion on everything she told us. I rather suspect that she may in fact work for this witch, whomever she may be. It would certainly help explain why she knows what she does about the rider and why she “just so happens” to be in the area at this time. Always be on your guard with everyone, Tiferet - all of you. We are navigating thin ice while blindfolded and hopping on one leg right now.”
To Mierul, "Luck to you as well, MIerul. Safe travels." To Vosi, "Yes. I am afraid we are unlikely to have seen the last of her. She was definitely hiding something. If you remember where you have seen her or who she is, let me know. It could be important. I suspect that she is very likely.... 'involved in things'." Let us hope she has not already seen to much.
Morgraine frowns as the others make the comparison between this village and the one on the other side of the world. It did look nearly identical, now that they had mentioned it. But how or why could that be? Morgraine could not even begin to guess. She nods at Nathara's unconvinced-sounding statement that the village was just a village. Her thoughts had run much the same way, and left her feeling much the same. Though she supposed there wasn't much she could do about it at this point, even if there was some nefarious purpose or explanation for the oddity. At the mention of selling extras, she nods thoughtfully. "You are unlikely to get much in the way of coin, I think. This place looks fairly poor. Yet you might be able to barter or trade, though other than bits of food and clothes, I am unsure what we would need. Perhaps we will have a clearer picture of the days before us once we've spoken with Nadya further."
Me too. I'll try to post something tonight (it's morning here). Has been an extremely busy few days.
Morgraine notices Inire's strange demeanor and peers about confusedly, unable to figure out what was wrong. "What?" She finally asks.
Ditto. I don't have anything further - or at least not that I think would be prudent at this point anyway. :)
I too am wary of pushing our luck, but I like the idea... and it seems like a reasonable response for 'we travelers' to have, given the bard was the one to bring the topic up. Knowing the name of at least one party loyal to Elvanna would be beneficial. Eve would be our best bet if it comes down to a bluff check, but she has also been silent thus far. Not that this necessarily matters. If it is being done 'for coin' it might be best if it isnt brought up by Morgraine, who being Jadwiga should be at least comfortable financially already (or so I would assume). I am also fine with aid another, on whomever broaches the offer.
The woman was good once she got going, Morgraine would give her that. Almost she would have accepted her word, if not for Kettu's suspicious and silent yiff carried through the bond she had with him. "I see. That is a pity." Morgraine shakes her head ruefully as she considers. It was obvious the minstrel was hiding something, perhaps a great deal of somethings, but Morgraine was unsure how far to press her without making her suspicious in turn. Perhaps it would be best to drop it for now until she could consult with her companions. The storm would likely last for hours and the half-fey creature was unlikely to depart before then, surely?
Ugh. The old "am I going say too much and give us away, did I say too little and miss something?" quandry. Sometimes it can be refreshing to play dense characters. lol
That single eyebrow remained lifted a moment longer before Morgraine smoothly composes her features to that of mild interest. "Truly?" she asks, with just a hint of surprise in her voice. "Well now, that is more interesting. If one of the witches puts stock in these rumors as you say, perhaps it is worth taking note of after all. Hmm. Does this woman have a name?"
"These rumors of sightings may be nothing more than the idle gossip of the peasantry looking for a few moments of self-importance," Morgraine states dismissively. "The year is not yet up. Who knows when or where the three might appear... for real." She raises a skeptical eyebrow and looks at the Forlarren. ”Or are you saying you heard them from sources more… substantial?”
Morgraine nods slightly and offers a slight smile. "Indeed. Have you traveled far on your journey? You have probably seen and observed much. What news can you share?"
"Yes, it is. I must confess I find myself jealous Mierul. It must be wonderful to have the freedom to come and go as whim and fancy take you... the odd 'obligation' here and there aside, of course." Who is she working for, I wonder? And to what end?
"I may indeed." Morgraine says with a small smirk before turning her attention to hear Mierul's answer.
"The pleasure is mine, I'm sure Mierul." Morgraine says smoothly, though inwardly wishing she had thought to have her companions use a different first name. "Come and warm yourself at our fire. No one should be out alone in this weather."
Morgraine stands only moments behind Eirikr and peers out into the snow.
At Morgraine's instruction, Kettu moves silently amongst the caravan, staying hidden as much as he can. The intelligent little fox tries to learn what he can as he observes the men and women from the outskirts as they go about their tasks and listens in on snippets of their conversations.
Morgraine herself was tight lipped as she helped setup the camp, and grew even more so the more her companions divulged. She did not interfere, however, for the die had already been cast. "We can of course discuss this later," Morgraine hints. The woman Nadya was obviously deeply affected by the dire news, as any mother would be. Such a state of such anger and sorrow, if not numb shock, was hardly the time to be carefully weighing options for infiltrating a well appointed witch's fortress. "For what little it is worth Nadya, I am sorry for your loss." She finishes after a moment, feeling awkward and inadequate to the situation. She knew the words meant little, were just that, words - but said them anyway.
Morgraine remains mostly silent as she walks alongside Eirikr. She shakes her head ruefully from time to time and even rolls her eyes once. Glad to see we aren't spilling -everything- right off the bat to the first person who smiles at us... Still, she had to admit that their ruse and backstories had always been flimsy, and practically worthless given the circumstances and speed with which they had run into their first Irisseni.
"You speak Skald well," Nadya says. "Your accent won't give you away unless someone really looks too closely at you. But it's more your clothes than your voice that are the problem. You have good winter clothes, but that kind of fur isn't found anywhere near here and furs are one of the few things that Irrisen doesn't have to import." Morgraine steps forward finally. She had held back, noticing the odd look the Nadya had given her. The others had left, probably to inspect and do something about the portal. Morgraine didn't hold much hope that they would be able to shut it down. The power and intricacies of the spell was far beyond anything any of them had seen. Still, from what Morgraine had noticed, Nathara and Tiferet between them had at least as much knowledge of spellcraft and the arcane as Morgraine herself. If there was something that could be done, she trusted them to find it, or to at least inquire after it. So instead she remains behind and steps up beside her 'bodyguard'. She studies Nadya openly a moment before speaking in flawless Skald, "Thank you for your generosity. Was this the first trouble you have had on your trip? I understand things have been...unsettled of late."
Long, long, busy day. I will try to catch up as I can tomorrow - or today as the case apparently is as I glance at my clock. geesh.
Morgraine follows after the others, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the giant bug-like creatures. How did they get here? Not through our portal, surely. Is there another so near? She takes position behind Eirikr as she studies the creatures.
:
Morgraine did not sleep much that night. Thoughts and emotions were a jumble as she tossed and turned. Long before her watch was to start, she shrugged out of her bedroll and wrapped her fur coat closely about her. The air fogged in a small cloud with each of her breaths. Silently, she left the cave and wandered about the camp, not paying much attention to where she was going.
Her steps led her inevitably before the portal. Picking her way carefully by the moon's light so as to not set off one of Tiferet's traps, she came to stand just before the abyss. The wind swirled about her, blowing out from within the portal and whipping her hair and cloak as if trying to bow her over backwards. She leaned into the storm, eyes tearing against the wind; tears freezing as she squinted into the darkness. One word formed upon her lips as it simultaneously flooded her mind: Home... That single word brought a rush of emotion Morgraine had long buried and forbidden herself from feeling. It all came rushing back at once, hitting her like a blow to the stomach and threatening to succeed where the wind had failed in bringing her to her knees. The longing, the homesickness of the months away flooded her being. Images of people she had left, friends and enemies both. Images of her home, of the forest where she had hunted as a teenager. The beauty of the sun’s rays as they kissed and shone upon the frozen lakes. The promise when her power had begun to blossom. The incredible sense of loss when it had all come crashing down and it was all ripped away from her. The sound of Lydilia’s laughter ringing in her ears as she tore Morgraine’s power from her very being. The sorrow, the seething anger, the loneliness that came after as she fled. Now, in the present: fear. Fear of failure. Fear of it all happening all over again. Something had reawakened within her, despite Lydilia’s spells – yet she knew she was still but a shell of her former self. She was not ready to face Lydilia – nevermind Elvanna herself and all the covens and armies of Irissen, Night’s mantle or no. Yet fate had brought her here for its own purposes. She must go on. Destiny was inexorable. Morgraine dropped to her knees and, perhaps for the first time in her life, began to pray. She did not know to who - it did not matter, so long as someone heard. She sat in the snow long minutes after the words drifted away. If there was an answer to her silent cries, the only one she heard came in the form of something nudging against her side. Morgraine pulled Kettu into her lap and hugged him close... That morning, a tired looking Morgraine shared what bits of useful information she could think of with the others. Common greetings and farewells, proper attitudes and demeanor when addressing the Jadwiga or a Winter Witch. Common trading practices, including what goods were typically valued highly (merchants usually trading minerals or furs for cloth, wood, or food that doesn't grow in Irrisen's cold).
"I agree. Entering together would be advisable." Morgraine says, though it seemed to have been already decided anyway. She yawns and rubbs her eyes then looks at the portal. A look of determination hardens upon her face and she and Kettu take position in line to go through after Nathara.
Morgraine nods while wearing a wryly amused expression as Eirikr makes his 'proper obeisance'.
Yes, that's fine. Both the watch, and whichever 'group' Eirikr would like to 'work' for. :) Unless the DM says that Morgraine would know otherwise, I would likewise assume that most merchants traveling through would have guards.
Morgraine smiles, crouches down in front of Ashen and takes his offered paw solemnly. "Very well Ashen, I will take you into my service" She grins and ruffles the fur atop his head before rising. "I will not ask you to do tricks Eirikr, not unless it is necessary - and it may well become necessary. I do not know what the future holds. To that end, we will just have to trust each other, yes?" She says, looking the man in the eye. To Tiferet, "Excellent, I had nearly forgotten Lily. If there is plunder to add to her stores, it should aid our deception."
Morgraine continues, " A traveling Jadwiga would normally have an entourage, guards and servants. Tiferet, you and Eirikr would pass well enough for Ulfen guards, I think. Neither of you would get a second look under normal situations, so long as you remain deferential to any Jadwiga we meet and have reason to travel, which as my guards, you would. Now, for the rest, virtually the only foreigners in Irissen are the Varisian and Tian merchants that bring the food and goods necessary to keep the nation running. Eve and Mouse might pass as these, though merchants without goods to sell might raise eyebrows. Perhaps they were robbed and now have been allowed to travel with me for protection as they seek redress? Which leaves Nathara. I will not hide it, she is likely to be looked down on by most. She might pass for a tiefling, looked down upon, but if we are lucky, shouldn't attract undo notice. Of anyone here she will see the most suspicion and would be watched more closely. However, I could probably pass her off as mine; a personal servant or bodyguard also specialized in assassination perhaps.
So long as we don't meet someone who knows I'm an exile who has even less business being in Irrisen than any of you... she thinks before pasting a smile onto her face. "Perhaps. Though we'll need a deal less sass in your tone if we expect it to be believable," Morgraine says with a small laugh. Then she turns more serious. "It won't see us through an invitation to court or anything like that, but for traveling on the roads it may serve. I will think of some reason for my being out and about - though without knowing the full situation over there it may be difficult. For all we know Elvanna could have the place under martial law as she hunts dissidents."
Oh I know, and I agree that it's a reasonable and logical ruse for the party to attempt as well. I just found it humorous, mostly because Morgraine was originally envisioned by me prior to the game's start to be a fundamentally honest person and -bad- at lying. Of course that has changed a little bit since.
As the character who "belongs here in Irrisen", I get the feeling that I am going to wish Morgraine had invested more heavily in bluff....
Morgraine seemed to be the last to come to, and opens her eyes once again, though she hadn't consciously closed them. She glances to her hand, still held outright, the key lying in her palm. She glances to the rider sprawled in the snow. Then back to the key, then became suddenly aware of the others standing nearby, of Nathara helping Tiferet back to her feet. She blinks, still shrugging off the vision, her hearing coming back to her all in a rush. Other than the mental fog that was seeping away, she couldn't say she felt at all different. Should she? Inire certainly looked different, had her armor changed? Morgraine shakes her head, looks down at the key once more. Her fingers closed around it. "Yes, we need rest. But then we should press forward. There were two other keys, and it would be safest to assume they are in the hands of our enemies now, though if the Rider was correct, they should be useless to them. Though speaking of 'shoulds', none of this should have been possible for them."
Those look nice... (though I'll never be able to view Kettu the same way ever again).. Which book are they in Inire?
Eh, I think I'll just go with Dual Path: Archmage. Was considering Mythic Spell Lore, but since you only get a handful of spells to know, I think I'll wait to take it when Morgraine has access to higher level spells to choose from. Her other options based on the feats she currently has weren't very exciting, and archmage has a lot of stuff that could be useful at some point. :) Oh, and not that she can use it unless she dips into an arcane class at some point, but she'll go with Wild Arcana. Hmm if only Mystic Theurge wasn't so painful. lol Lunetta Datura has not participated in any online campaigns. |