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Of course, he's not going to help Victor with the net. That'd be below him, and besides, he's much too busy trying to entertain a strategy for how to talk to Granny Gulveig once they reach the inside. Strings of conversation flow through his mind, none appealing, whilst the others work. He is, of course, slightly satisfied that Feast seems to be eating. Finally, he walks over to Victor, ideas complete. "You finished that yet?" he asks quietly.
Seeing the fight over, Tashewren calls to Feast Orc:
"Rumplegrump is dead. Come, we must climb the rope." He then valiantly struggles to climb the rope, undignified, but eventually makes it to the top, huffing and puffing. He pushes the sweat from his brow. "Excellent strike, Victor. Just as I foresaw." He pauses, waiting for the words to sink in.
He continues nonchalantly. "I'll see if Feast can carry his trophies. Should be worth something in town, no?" Orc:
"Can you carry this, Feast?"
He collects himself a tad more, then answers Fallow "Yes, we should be moving on, shouldn't we?"
Hearing Victor's shout, Tashewren lets out a string of whispered curses. "Jump now then! While his hands are full! Feast, go get the damn thing!" He grabs Feast by the shoulder, and casts Vanish. Once he's finished, he shoves her forwards while darting around the tree and whistling loudly at the giant, before darting towards another tree.
Meanwhile, glancing between you both, Fallow asks, in a whisper, 'So... Tashewren's pretty and all, but does he ever... you know... do anything? Apart from bark out orders, that is...' So, I normally don't peek at the spoilers, but once I figured ya'll were talking about me I had to know. And no, he doesn't. Which is why he's the true embodiment of evil! :)
Tashewren's not trying to be argumentative, but he is trying to work out a plan- one that won't end in them all getting skewered as they go to jump from the tree. Fortunately, an idea has somewhat presented itself. We will all need to work as a team if this is going to work...” "Yes, yes, save your mighty platitudes," he says in a frustrated tone. "Just- get up the tree. Eugen and Zhen too. Don't jump across until I give the signal. Do you understand me?" Orc:
"Keep yelling at the ogre, my pretty," he says, rushing to stand beside Feast. "When I tell you to, we rush to the tree and grab the javelin you're eyeing. Do you understand?"
Tashewren nods appreciatively at Zhen, and then answers Victor. "Something like that," he replies, as he turns to Feast and Zhen. "Start hacking at the tree, but keep your swords clear on the opposite side- this doesn't work if either of you go down. We'll use the downed tree for cover as we make for the ledge, then push the tree onto the ledge, for us to climb up." He turns to Fallow. "Your turn. I assume you know how to use that thing in your hands?" He indicates her shortbow. "You're going to keep him occupied. I don't care how well you can aim it from that distance, I just want those arrows in the air, and at a distance where he'll have a hard time reaching the tree without getting hit." He nods to her. He indicates Zhen and Victor. "You two will go up first," he starts. "I have some magic that hopefully will keep the brute from noticing you until you're up top, but it won't last long- you'll probably have to hold him off by yourselves for a moment while the rest of climb up." He pauses, then turns to the wizard. "You'll be next, Eugen," he says. () "I assume you have some more tricks up your sleeve? Making one of them grow big again might be helpful against that," and he points to the ogre. Finally, "Feast and myself will follow you three, and will aid as best we can. Fallow here will go last," and he turns back to her "As you'll be helping our buddies up top keep away from the log. If that ogre wises up and knocks the tree off the ledge, this plan falls to pieces. and that means one of us is likely to die, if it fails." He waits a moment for dramatic tension, before continuing. "I can't force any of you to agree to this plan, but it's the best plan we have. It'll give us a shot a capturing our mark, and helping out those who help us," he finishes, with a slight dip of his head to Fallow. "What do you say?" He repeats the basics of the plan to Feast, in orc: Orc: "Help Zhen chop down another tree. Move the tree to the ledge. Then wait for my signal."
Tashewren looks to Fallow really quickly. "Appreciate the attempt, Fallow," he says. "Do you have any healing magic in that pipe of yours, there? My associate, Feast, could use a quick touch up." He points to the orc. Tashewren looks to the group. "Think one of you boys can help Feast here chop a tree? This time?" he asks.
Tashewren turns as Victor approaches. "Victor," he drawls, "I'm so glad to see you well. Do those spider bites hurt? Here, I'll tend to Feast, then if I have anything left I'll see to you as well."
He turns back to Fallow. "Fallow, I must see to my companions. Could you please lead us to Granny Gulveig? As I said, this person we're tracking is very dangerous, and has caused wanton destruction. Any attempt to stop her from hurting others, well, we must take it. However, I doubt we'll be able to find her in our current state. If you just lead us to Granny's place, well, we will be indebted to you." He dips his head as he says this, to make himself look meek. "Don't you want to stop people from being hurt?"
Tashewren's face lights up at Fallow's suggestion. "Fallow, could you tell us where Granny Gullveig's cottage is? We would very much like to talk to her, discern if she had any part in hurting our Baron." Hos face takes a darker tone, and he replies "If she has, then we will have to take more drastic measures."
"Of course not!" Tashewren lies. "I just recently finished disabling the traps on my side of the river; my loyal companion, Feast, actually was injured by one. In fact, a great Baron, a leader of my people, has been hurt by a man who laid traps such as those, and we are hunting him to put him to justice. That is why we have crossed the river, so that we may stop the traps that hurt people." He pauses, looking at her without moving. "Fallow, we're not like that. We're the good guys, I promise."
Tashewren's face lights up at the appearance of a creature, and one that doesn't mean harm, to boot! this was something he could handle. He smiles a wicked smile. "Yes, my dear one- I am indeed a man. As for my friends," he looks back towards them "well, just minor scratches, though we will probably require some rest. Is this your home, dear one? It is beautiful, as is the language of your voice- I've never heard it's like before. I am blessed to have heard it." He gives a small bow. "I am called Tashewren," he says. "May I have the honor of knowing yours?"
Zhen looks at Tashewren coldly. "Leave the menial labor to your savage there. My will comes only for things of war, not bridges." Tashewren clicks his tongue. "And here I thought an essential component of war was the construction of bridges. Very well. Just know that the longer we dally, the farther our target becomes."
Tashewren will light touch Feast on the shoulder, a he notices the spider. Orc:
"Danger." Tashewren states. He readies himself to move, should the beast attack.
As the fight finishes, Tashewren takes a moment to stop and clap for his fellows. "Might impressive, there! Can we get back to the real mission, now? It seems the rope has been cut, so we're going to have to find another option." As Feast begins chopping the tree, he'll chuckle. Orc:
"Good girl, Feast. That's mighty impressive of you. I shall have to find some way to reward you." He calls to the rest of the group. "Yes, my fellows, with the big sticks, there. Come help my Feast. We will catch this one yet."
Anyways, pointless stuff aside, at least for the first level or two Eugen's primary combat tactic will be: cast enlarge person on least wounded beatstick, slink off and spam cantrips. Tashewren's in the same boat. Start Bardic Performance, cast spells if need be, then cry. Or cast Daze, which is wonderful for really really low levels.
Tashewren just shakes his head. "We proceed with the original plan. You two are my champions in the tourney, men I sponsor. We bring him in together; I will, of course, give you all of the credit, lauding how excellent you shall be in the upcoming tourney; but we bring him in together." Tashewren smiles. Figured I should probably explain what he's lying about- Tashewren never gives all of the credit. Pretty certain that violates some oath he took long ago haha
"Good girl," he whispers as Feast eagerly begins tracking. She's doing a fine job of it, as he knew she would- it's one of the reasons he keeps her on in the first place. Orc:
"Go get him." Tashewren just shakes his head. "We proceed with the original plan. You two are my champions in the tourney, men I sponsor. We bring him in together; I will, of course, give you all of the credit, lauding how excellent you shall be in the upcoming tourney; but we bring him in together." Tashewren smiles.
"This bolt is poisoned. Snake venom. Is that useful? The old man didn't even check" Orc:
"Why, yes it is, Feast. Thank you. I will have to keep this in mind. As the crowds begin to disperse, Tashewren looks to Feast. Orc:
"You have been good, Feast, and now it is time for your reward.... would you like to go hunting?"[/b] Should she reply with a yes, he will add "You may eat the assassin, Feast; but please,
leave him alive. Now go have fun! He'll follow the tracks Victor, Zhen, and Eugune have followed, until they reach the edge of the forest. Coming closer, he'll call out to Victor and Zhen. "Ah, well met, friends," he'll say cheerily, "what have we found?"
[ooc]From what it looks like, most of the guards are around the Baroness and Lady Sophia, or escorting the people to safety. If there is a large contingent of guards protecting the Baron, I apologize- please retcon this to Tashewren following orders. Otherwise... Tashewren looks on as most of the guards abandon the Baron. "Sir," he starts, "there is a great danger here. You are these people's leader, and you have a responsibility to them- a responsibility to live. If you are hurt or injured, further panic will spread; if you insist on staying, at least let us get you to a defensible position." He quickly overturns one of the chairs, turning it on it's side, and stacks another chair on top. "I implore you, stay here; at least this way, they only have one good angle of attack at you." At that, he begins to go and attempt to escort the citizens safely out of the square- keeping well within sight of the Baron, of course, never more than a quick hustle away.
Tashewren will lock eyes with Victor, and slowly shake his head. Clearly, this is important; work must be done. However.....he turns back to the Baron and his men. "Tell me where you are going, sire; my man and I shall help escort you."
To Feast Orcish:
"We help the Baron. Keep your eyes peeled; make certain there is no further danger." This could be fortuitous indeed, Mistress; forgive me for not going to apprehend the man sooner. But the chance to determine the Baron's emergency procedures, safe rooms; well, that is an opportunity I shall not pass up. He moves in a defensive stance to help protect the Baron.
Tashewren smiles. As he is announced he walks slowly forward, and, upon coming to the edge of the dias, bows low to one knee. "Your Grace, Baron Phillip of Laurel," he says first. He slowly inclines his head. "Baroness Katarina. The Lady Sophia. It is an honor." He waits patiently for a response, keeping himself bowed until he is acknowledged.
Tashewren looks directly at the man. "I am Tashewren, of the noble house Julistarc, in Cheliax. I have come to witness the tournament- unfortunately, my party was waylaid by bandits on our way. I am not certain if my herald arrived here or not." He smiles. "I know this is terribly impolite... but I've traveled all this way, and it would be quite the shame to miss seeing the Baron. You will announce me?" His eyebrows raise at the man, and it is clear he is not asking a question of seeing the Baron, but rather of the man's cooperation in the matter.
Tashewren quickly exits the room, bringing Feast with him. He scans the crowd, noticing the regal men and women there. He loves the attention that's being focused on the rest of the crowd, and though the woman scanning people makes him nervous, he's eager to meet the Baron Phillip. He'll quickly find the line for nobles, vet himself, and await his turn in line.
Tashewren smiles as the halfling reveals herself, and takes a sip of the wine. As Lux explains herself, Tashewren listens intently, mind filling with possibilities. but for now I'd have your thoughts, my heroes – how do you plan to proceed?’ Tashewren bows low. "My lady," he begins, "lacking in clear instruction as to the nature of these 'events' you describe, I am unable to offer you a precise plan. For now, Feast and I will attend this sortie in the square soon, and introduce myself to Baron Philip. That should allow me to insinuate myself with his favor, with time, of course." He points to the others seated. "Meanwhile, I suggest our two allies here enter the tournament. I will act as their sponsor, which should give ample reason to be seen together, for when we must gather. Is this a fair plan?" He looks expectantly around at the group, eyes finally converging on Lux, trying hard to conceal the desperation in his eyes. He licks his lips. "As for this Sister Maria- well, leave that to me," he says, fiercely.
Your name? And the orc as well. My name is Tashewren, of Cheliax. This here is my personal protection. You need not concern yourself with her. Who might you be?" The man who answers is tall, lean, obviously not a physically gifted man, though attempts have been made, since he is far from out of shape. He is dressed in fine, if understated, clothing, as befitting his station. His skin is fair and his hair brown, with reddish auburn specks floating in it. His most remarkable feature, however, is his blue eyes- filled with an intensity and deepness, they seem to peer into your soul and discover you- for this reason, they can be simultaneously attractive, and intimidating. He speaks in orc Orc:
There will be plenty of time for new things, challenges, later. For now,
take some of the meat on the table. He speaks in a voice that brokers no argument. He walks over and helps himself to a glass of wine, smiling a knowing smile at the man already indulging. He does not, however, take a sip.
Tashewren will enter quickly and quietly, with Feast near him, of course. Looking up at the sight of the Laurel's castle, he's reminded of his own home, and says so. "We'll have to go and introduce ourselves, right, Feast?
He'll enter the Fox and Goose quietly- while being seen here wouldn't be the end of the world, it would raise a few eyebrows, seeing as he hasn't checked in with his normal high- society people yet. A risk well worth it, however. As the halfling Lady escorts them down, he'll talk to her, quietly- here, in this place, he doesn't want to be noticed. So he thanks the halfling as she moves them to a private room, and walks back to look for more guests. ‘The Lady said for you to wait here,’ the halfling lass comments, adding, ‘and for you to enjoy yourself whilst you wait. I need to get back out and look for her other guests, but is there anything else you may need?’ "My Lady, all I need is a promise to see the twinkle in your eyes again, and I will be a happy man. What time are you off; I am new to town, and will require an escort." He'll give her a wicked smile as his eyes meet hers, burrowing into them.
He eyes the two men as he sits down. He'll mention something to Feast "Is there anything to your tastes, Feast?" After her response, he'll turn to the others. "A good day to you," he'll start.
Tashewren: I see you've put down 'Maestro of the Society' as a trait. That's only available to members of the Pathfinder Society - and joining takes years of training as an 'initiate' (pretty much a slave) in the Grand Lodge in Absalom, or winning a coveted field commission. I guess a guy like Tashewren could have tricked his way in, stealing someone else's identity or something, if you want to add something like that to his background? Of course, then the Society has a reason to come after him... :) So, after much thinking, I can't really see Tashewren abandoning the family mischief long enough to establish a connection, so I'll swap it out with Fast Talker- to improve his already insane Bluff score. Didn't realize that was a Society- only trait, even though it says Society- always thought that meant society as a whole! I'm crazy, I know.
Tashewren's looking great - backstory is spot-on! I just hope there's at least one sturdy player character he can stand behind if and when the action starts... ;) If that type of action starts, and Tashewren's still around to deal with it, something has gone horribly wrong! Tashewren's first move: Throw the Antipaladin at it.
Here is the submission for Tashewren, noble son of Cheliax, who desires nothing more than carnal pleasures and the destruction of his father's house. Crunch is in the character page, but per request, here's the link to his archetype, Brazen Deceiver Bard. He took the Lingering Lust campaign trait. Backstory: Tashewren is the noble son of a minor house in Chelix. Unfortunately, like most people in Cheliax, the rules for subterfuge, decpetion, and outright competitiveness meant a rough childhood for Tashewren. Bullied, almost always alone, and punished frequently for not being "strong enough," Tashewren grew to hate his parents, with a passion.
One day, as a youth at the young age of 13, Tashewren met a group of malcontents upset with the way things were being run in Cheliax. In them, Tashewren found kindred spirits, and quickly adopted to the ways of the group. The group was, of course, a cult, hoping to raise a demon in order to end the Cheliax rule. Having Tashewren, son of one of the minor houses, seemed perfect. So they told Tashewren to stand in the circle, as they summoned the demon, presumably to "be the first to greet the glorious being who would end the reign of the Cheliax houses." He eagerly volunteered. What they summoned, however, was Lux, a succbus who quickly took the young Tashewren ravaged him. After she was done, she killed the rest of the cultists. As Tashewren cowered in the corner, alone, ashamed, and afraid, Lux whispered into his ear. She told him about how he had really been a sacrifice, how he had never factored into the cultists plans beyond ending a line of the noble houses. She told him how she instead had plans for him, larger plans, that she found him to be valuable, impressively valuable, even. She promised him that she would one day call on him, and use him to exact the vengeance that he sought, though forever and ever he would remain hers, her sacrifice. Tashewren had never heard this type of speech before. Slowly, he began to warm to the ideas Lux preached- she thought he was important, and her plans aligned with his! How quickly swore himself to her; Tashewren, the first of Lux's disciples. She departed him then. He grew up, quickly learning to maneuver in courtly circles, and becoming just like his "father" wished. Even his parents began to warm up to him, this totally inexplicable change in the boy, showing his cleverness, and most important, ruthlessness, being an advantage. By night, Tashewren led a live of carnal pleasure, seeking out whatever, whoever he could, delighting himself in the pleasures of gambling, alcohol, and sex. In disguise, he found himself a master, never letting anyone discover his true identity- not unless he killed them first, of course. And when she called, finally, after so long, he came eagerly- finding an excuse in the tournament around the Armasse Holiday. And so the adventure began....
"Here here!" Abaos cheers at the mention of getting paid. He smiles, visions of wealth and riches dancing in his head. And, of course, figuring out was this thing is, he thinks, fingering the broken compass he always keeps on him. Pretty crazy how they've managed to collect all this information about me, he thinks silently to himself. He shrugs his shoulders. Ah, who cares. What's on the schedule? He opens the dossier handed to him and begins reading.
Man, what a refreshing sight that is! a weary- looking man thinks to himself as a tavern slowly begins to crawl into place. How many months of travel- well, would've been less, had we not stopped in every inn and tavern for some games- but hey, the memories! He smiles, and jiggles his slightly more than- empty purse. Definetly worth it. He moves his brown hair out of his purple, off- hued eyes, and enters the bar. Note said 8:30pm, I think, and someone named Enoch Tomils- no, Torvald Emils, still not right- Tonald Emils! That's the name! He spies several tough- looking adventurers around the tavern, and a few of the locals off playing cards to the side, and immediately makes his choice. To the card tables! He saunters over, and, with a sigh, drops his bag to the ground. "One more game for the weary traveler?" he asks the pair, flashing a giant smile.
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