Thelen Mallory's page

Sighing almost imperceptibly, Thelen listens carefully to the discussion and says, "Indeed these foul curs certainly will not share my desire for an honorable and fair fight. You are correct that proper use of tactics more often wins a fight than brute force. Stealthiness and information are our allies in this endeavor. Let us gather what knowledge we can so as to better make an informed plan of attack. And then," he pauses meaningfully, "attack we shall."

Congratulations! Sounds cool to me; you'll have minions of your very own... :D

That made me smile. The favorite D&D bumber sticker I have ever seen/wanted began "Wanted: Minions" and then went on to explain the requirements. I would still love to have that. My wife couldn't find it at the time and got me the one that says, "Chaotic evil means never having to say you're sorry." which also seemed somehow appropriate. :)

Thelen Mallory wrote:

Thanks for asking. I'm doing a bit better. Still somewhat dizzy and have a medium sized headache. And I hate the insurance companies. Other than that, I seem to be ok.

The new job is keeping me insanely busy. But the job is a *great* thing.

New job? What do you do, if you don't mind me asking?

Well, as of a few weeks ago I am the (drum roll)...new VP Operations for a $10MM installation services vendor for Home Depot. It's not as cool as it sounds though it a. someday could be and b. is far cooler than anything I have done to this point. Basically we either install, provide and install, or sell, provide, and install (depending on which project type it is) different home improvements for The Home Depot as a service provider.

Thanks for asking. I'm doing a bit better. Still somewhat dizzy and have a medium sized headache. And I hate the insurance companies. Other than that, I seem to be ok.

The new job is keeping me insanely busy. But the job is a *great* thing.

Let me be clear. Thelen is willing to go forth with that plan of action. Dan would love another plan. :) Somebody be really convincing and give Thelen some options here, will ya? I'm not a fan of suicide so would be open to other, sneakier or more creative, options.

Remember he has military training, so tactical battle logic would be persuasive.

"With, at most, one of us invisible, considering that we are not the stealthiest bunch, and that the light of Lathandar blesses us I believe we should make haste towards the camp of the bloodthirsty wretches. In any case, it is just as well the circumstances be what they are--I prefer an open fight. Maybe they will give in to their nature and run from the might of our fair country as the cowardly scum they are. Unless anyone else has a better suggestion, I move that we progress onward with all due speed."

Thelen can perceive of no sneaky way to approach (and frankly probably wouldn't work real hard to do so) so unless someone can persuade him otherwise he will lead on toward the orc encampment ready to invoke divine vigor at a moments notice as necessary.

"It's amazing that they are able to get past their own overpowering stench to do so, but you are likely correct. Can any of you discern the message in those smoke signals?"

Thelen prepares for travel feeling much refreshed. He reflects back for a moment to his morning prayers and feels the warmth of the Morninglord wash over him. He smiles a bit and says, "Blessings are on us. This shall be a day of valor and victory for us. Let us make haste to put an end to the evil flowing in this land."

See the things that suck item to see why I missed out on the last exchange. Short version is that I was in the hospital and am now working on recovery. thanks for helping me out Fatespinner.

I am very dizzy still so can't look at a screen for long at a time but I will try to keep up. Hopefully I will be virtually all better in a few more days but there's no way to tell.

thank you all for your patience. This has been an amazingly challenging few months. I really like this game and plan to continue it as long as it goes. Thanks.

Turning to face the priestess, Thelen says, "I am glad to see you are well. And, limited or no m'lady, I would suggest saving what blessings remain for times more dire than those we currently face." Turning to rhe rest of the group he continues, "What then, shall we rest or forage on? I am certainly up for either though a bit of rest may prevent us from becoming too exhausted in our journeys. 'Slow reflexes lead to a quick death,' my father often said."

I suggest she save the cure minor for emergency stabilizing if necessary. Thelen wouldn't mind the rest and some long term care to recover his strength, but also understands there may be reason to move forward--or at least away from here.

Mr. DM sir, at what point would be become fatigued if we continued on as if nothing were amiss? Thanks.

"Riann, I am glad to see you awake once more. Is there more I can do or are you able to help yourself at this point? I have this potion if it is necessary."

After receiving the answer and taking the appropriate action (giving the potion or putting it away), Thelen stands and says, "All of acted most bravely and performed well in our first real trial together. Now that these beasts have been dispatched, maybe we can get some real rest. What are your opinions?"

Thelen surveys the situation as he speaks and walks over to the bodies himself to get a closer look at the runes. "Do any of you know anything about these runes that may be helpful?"

At an appropriate point assuming we do rest, Thelen will ask Riann if there is anything she can do to help him recover his sapped strength. long term healing, lesser rest, etc

Speaking quickly as he moves rapidly to his prone comrade's side Thelen says, "Aynesly, please keep a watch to see if there may be others. Anain, please check the bodies for any useful information we may gain. I'll tend to Riann."

Thelen attempts to minister to/stabilize Riann. If he succeeds at the heal check to stabilize, she will also heal 1d6 points of damage due to Thelen's skill trick
If he is unable to wake her with his own skills, he will pull out his potion of cure light wounds and help her to drink it hoping that will solve the problem.

Despite Thelen's desire to heal his fallen comrade he embraces the grimmer task and charges the caster saying, "I told you I'd be here in a minute. May the light of the Morninglord send you from whence you came!"

Charge! Friendly reminder that speed and hp are still increased due to divine vigor

With a concerned glance in Riann's direction, Thelen quickly comes to the conclusion that pausing to heal one downed comrade would likely result in the loss of the rest. He then steps forward and attempts to crush the life from the orc nearest him. If possible he would like to shield Riann's body from any coup d'grace attempts in the process but will not provoke AOOs to do so.
As a note, he is willing if possible, to act as cover so one of the others can help Riann without being attacked by the orcs standing over her. Not sure if that works logistically though...

yeah, yeah, yeah. I get that. I just thought with Lathander being so cool and all... ;)

Yeah, I took it as intended...then did the Paladinish thing and stood there and scoffed at them and their 'feeble ways'. I might get paid back for that, but hopefully not.

By the way, did the days change during our short rest? Just curious if I have any lay on hands or smite evil ability renewed yet? I suspect not, but I was hoping. :)

If I had a round free I could heal check riann to stable and heal 1d6 with my skill trick, but I suspect fighting is my best option at this point. Hang in there Riann!!

Thelen's turn. You are flanked by raging orcs with axes. The spellcaster is 20 feet directly ahead of you with nothing standing between you and him. Nothing that you can see, anyway...

Thelen glances meaningfully at the shaman and says in a loud voice, "I'll be with you in a minute," and allows a look of annoyance cross his face as he turns to face the foes surrounding him.

I'm assuming I would provoke to AOOs from the raging orcs should I charge the shaman. If this is not true, my actions would be to complete that charge. Assuming it is true, and since I'm not a fan of suicide, I'll stand my ground.

He steps carefully to the side of one of the orcs and strikes forth with his shining mace uttering a prayer of guidance to his lord.

5' step diagonally to one of the orcs' sides and away from the other with the goal to open up an attacking lane for an ally and eliminate the flank (at least until the orc moves) and then attacking with all his might.

Anain quietly intones a defensive spell upon himself, the air around him rippling with arcane power before going still once again.

Thelen's turn. They are too far away for you to complete a charge in heavy armor (60 ft. from you). Any ranged attacks will suffer a 20% miss chance since they are in the 'shadowy' area of your light.

With my Divine Vigor active I think I have a 30' movement which would allow me a 60' charge right? If that is the case I would prefer to charge in some heroic looking fashion and attack with my mace in place of the below action

Thelen whispers words of protection (casting protection from evil on himself) and prepares to attack the onrushing beasts. Those close enough would see a slight smile touch his lips as, despite his weariness, he feels the adrenaline of the coming battle.

shamgar wrote:

Again my apologies. Seems I have many of those to make right now...

Not as many as Fatey does for not putting enough mayo on my sandwich. Sure, sure, fabulous DM, but ask him to make you a sandwich, noooo...

Thanks for the smile Pickwick. though I must admit that I think mayo in any of it's forms is more than a little repulsive. *shudder* :)

Sorry to keep y'all waiting. I've finally posted (though I'm out of practice so may have rambled a bit. I should be fine to post except for the end of this week. Those of you following the 'Things in life that suck' thread know that I have to go to a funeral for my mother in law this weekend. What you wouldn't know is that it is in an area with no computer access. Argh! Truth is I'm not sure yet what days we will be gone and I might be able to sneak on for a minute here or there but I can't promise. We might not even be leaving until Friday so it may not matter, but hey--overcommunication is better than the *no* commuication I did for a few weeks.

Onward friends. Let us discover these interlopers and, should it (as is likely) prove necessary, eradicate them. :)

Squinting her eyes into the dark, she slowly gives her head a shake. "I'm unsure..." she whispers, blowing a curl out of her eye. "Be at the ready- ...Thelen!" she says harshly, glancing towards the light. "Do you hear?"

Speaking quietly, but firmly Thelen responds, "Yes m'lady, indeed I do. Let the foul beasts come. If it is a grisly end they desire, I am all too happy to provide it for them."

Thelen wills the power of the Morninglord strengthen him as he attempts to quietly rise and readies himself to attack anyone who attacks him.
I would like to use my 1st use of Divine vigor for +8hp and +10' mv for 3 minutes please and then be ready to attack if these are indeed aggressive beasts.

He suspects if they aren't blind they can probably see the light and know right where we are but doesn't want to give them any indication that we are aware of their approach so is as discreet as it is possible to be during his preparations.

Thelen runs the remainder of the distance up to the pit, looks down to see if there is danger from below, and begins scanning the area with his 'evil sense' turned on high. :) Detect evil in the area please, assuming there is time. He also says, "The cursed beast seems to have both outrun and outsmarted us this time. We can try to track him further possibly in a moment, but we should first determine if we are secure where we stand." After seeing the bottom of the pit, he steps back from the opening so as not to be bullrushed in by anything that might attempt to do so.

As Thelen moves, he raises his repeating heavy crossbow, takes aim as best he can, and lets loose a bolt at the fleeing beast.

I'm hoping the long range increment (120') and a good amount of luck will help me here. I'd like to move as close as I can while still being able to fire this round

Fatespinner wrote:
Oh, except for the paladin. Killing a defenseless animal in cold blood will definitely cost him his class abilities until he atones.

[ooc]I'm kidding.[/ooc}

Hey--At least I wanted it to find peace in the afterlife. I wasn't wishing an eternity of suffering on it...save that for the crazy orcs. :)

*ahem* EVIL MUST BE VANQUISHED! [/palidanspeak] ;)

There is no redemption of the evil beast. Maybe we can help it find peace in it's darkend afterlife. :)

"Thank you kindly, m'lady for the assistance," Thelen says as he grabs the remainder of his gear and prepares to move.

Assuming the others agree with Riann regarding the light, Thelen will walk with his shining mace in hand (making himself a target for all the world to see :) closely behind, but not disturbing his tracking companion.

Forgive my tardiness, I was hosting a luncheon today! :X

Aynsley sighs, tugging her leathers into place neatly and bending to heave her pack onto her shoulders.

"How far do we wish to follow? There's a chance this creature is just a feral and our following will only lead us deeper and deeper into empty wilderness, leaving our intentions long behind. When should we decide that enough is enough, if it doesn't take us where we're hoping?"

"Based upon the fierceness with which Lathander allowed me to smite the foul beast, I am confident it is no simple creature. We should decide after we have more information. For now, we follow and keep as alert to trouble and ambush as we are able. Should we proceed in darkness or with the aid of light?"

If he is able to (and considering the speed of tracking I suspect he will be) Thelen would like to maintain a detect evil in an arc ahead of us, sweeping for potential trouble. It may or may not let us know in time, but it could at least prevent ambush.

No Divine Ward yet then. As for catching up... makes the most sense to work on armor for 2 min, take the penalty, and all leave together, but I'll leave that decision to him...

-1 ac penalty is still far better than losing the 7 or so I get without donning. Yes, I'll wait the two minutes. If the two others want to go ahead I suspect that would be ok as long as they only fight the 1 worg (if it comes to that). If they run into any other trouble they shoudl come back to us asap. We don't need to be in an ambush *and* split up.

"Though I wish to follow hastily, I suspect I shall be far more effective whilst in my armor. Would you please assist me so as to save substantial time as I put it on?" He lays his mace down beside himself and begins putting on his armor with a sense of urgency but also with the precision of someone who has done so many times. (unless someone objects--but a 10 armor class is just painful!)

Thelen responds quietly to Riann's healing touch, "Thank you dear lady for sharing the blessing of your patron with me. Your kindness is appreciated."

Then, hearing Aynsley's musings, he says, "It seems we have a choice, then: Do we follow this morbid monstrosity in the gloom of night hoping it is slowed enough that we may intercept it before it returns to it's nefarious masters, or do we wait, rest, and possibly walk into a fully prepared fortification? The choice has blades on both ends. What say you all?"

*wonders if the magic missile would have done enough to take down the worg so he didn't alert his 'friends'.*

"All of you fought well this night. The Morninglord has blessed us with good fortune even in the darkness to have survived such a battle more or less in one piece." At this point Thelen moves to Riann (that is who was injured correct?) and uses his lay on hands ability to heal her to full while saying quietly, "Let the healing light of Lathander light your way, m'lady. You fought bravely and well."
He then glances around to assess the situation, heals more (including himself, but only after everyone else is healed) as necessary, and suggests someone look more closely at the remains of the wolf which the party managed to take down for anything unusual or useful.
After all of this is taken care of, assuming nothing else is suggested, Thelen suggests the group return to it's attempted rest. Finally he asks the others whether they think it would be better to sleep with the 'lights on' or continue as before. Before going to sleep, Thelen takes great care in cleaning and examining his weapon. He mentions something quietly about proper care of ones equipment being essential to their peak functioning.

Thelen, grateful for the help from his companion but saddened by the painful result, quickly asseses the situation. Thoughts of laying the healing hands of the Morninglord upon the wounded Riann or seeking the vigor of the divine are quickly discarded as he recognizes his true value in this moment lies in the pain that may be issued from his mace. Quickly deciding to attack, hoping to finish the beast, and then rise, Thelen mutters a prayer for strenght as he gains the best angle he can and swings a two-handed smiting blow with his shining mace at the nearest creature.
If he is lucky enough to remove the life that so stubbornly clings to this creature he will stand and attempt to draw the second wolf's attention to himself.

Smite evil (assuming they are) and stand while looking particularly tasty. :)

Full round stand is also an option preventing aoos, right?

Though that does not allow for as much positive 'action' in the round.

*sigh* Just waiting for my turn to carve them puppies up. :)

Fatespinner: If I use my smite evil ability, it it early enough in the night to count against the day that is ending rather than the one that is beginning? Thanks.

His military training bringing him to a point of instant awareness (I hope. :), Thelen in one smooth motion pulls his shining mace from its cover and rolls to his feet quickly assessing the situation around him in the warm glow of it's light. (Assuming he has time to attack) He charges the nearest one, swinging with the two handed might desiring nothing more than to repay in blood the creatures violation of our his companion's safety and slumber.

Would that also grant us mere mortals a listen check? *hopes so*

Thelen was simply searching to see if there as anything that could be used to provide early warning in the area of an intruder. He has nothing of the sort in his pack, so if there is nothing in the area the point is moot.

Upon returning from his walk with Riann and seeing the annoyed look on Aynsley's faces as she scratches away the dirt, Thelen asks, "Lady Aynsley, what was that you were drawing? I understand you have many talents and wonder if it was something that may be of use to us?"

He then turns to Anain and mentions in a pleasant tone, "I understand the need for scholarly pursuits to be furthered, but I do caution against any of us using anything other than natural light unless absolutely necessary. Each moment we do so is a moment we are as a painted target in the night to those around us. If it is essential that your studies be conducted this evening, I understand, but if they can wait, then perhaps morning would prove a more beneficial time for all."

Finally, Thelen brings up the topic of a watch, "We should agree on a most appropriate and effective watch order. It seems to me to be sensibile that Riann take the darkest watch as her ability to see through the gloom would be best utilized. I prefer to take the early morning watch so I might bask in the glory the Morninglord has provided. Anain ?, I understand needs continuous rest and therefore should have the first watch. That leaves Aynsely for the remaining slot. Is everyone ok with this? Do any of you have any other suggestions that may enhance our safety in this situation?"

Thelen seems happy to be of assistance and follows behind to offer his protection. Once arriving at the spot of her choosing, he stands carefully chooses a spot where he will have vision of the area around, but also not be a distraction to her. He then stands alert and at the ready, hand on his sword and scanning the nearby area for danger. He allows his senses to extend to their sharpest, listening and watching intently for any hint of danger. He takes his role as protector very seriously and respects those greatly for whom he views himself as responsible. His attitude here is in sharp contrast to the 'presence' he radiated while in the city, but no less powerful in it's own way.

He finds himself moved by both the woman and the song and after Riann approaches him and they are on their way back to camp he says, "Lady Riann, that was truly one of the most moving examples of..." He seems to struggle for the word and finally settles upon something that seems far more basic than he would prefer, "...music that I have experienced. I am honored that you have allowed me to accompany you and duly apologize if I have intruded in any way by overhearing. Truly we all speak to the divine in our own way and clearly Elistrae's sp?power works within you."

When they arrive back at camp, Thelen will work to make any minor fortifications or alarms he can, ask for help in removing armor as previously mentioned, and then offer to take whatever watch is convenient. Last watch may make the most sense so that he could stand it while armored. That and it will allow proper homage to the Morninglord.

Not that's an entirely different kind of perform check! :)

Thelen finds himself watching with both appreciation and amazement as Riann removes. He blushes slightly as he becomes conscious again of his surroundings and tears his eyes away. He turns to grant her privacy (and is thankful for the 'privacy' his armor currently gives him :) and surveys the land around. As she says that she is going off by herself he says (while looking respectfully away), "My lady Riann, though I certainly have great respect for both your privacy and independence, it may not be safe nor wise to be going off alone under these conditions. Someone should stand watch near you to insure you are not interrupted in some heinous manner. If none other should wish the task, I will gladly consider it my appointed duty to venture forth with you. If you would, however, feel more comfortable with one of the others, I completely understand." He wants to be respectful and supportive, but feels it is a bad idea to have any of us wander off alone, regardless how good the reason may be.

Either after they return or if he is not going, Thelen decides he must, of necessity sleep unarmored, though he both regrets the idea and feels it might be a mistake. Since he can draw his sword for light if necessary and feels it would be better not to draw attention on these plains at night, he is fine without a fire. Though it has been some time since he was away from the comforts of nobility, he finds it refreshing, in a way, to be 'testing' himself once more and living as those less fortunate often had no better choice than. He looks to see if there may be a way to provide some sort of defense or alarm in the area. After 'securing' the area as best he can (and directing the others as necessary), he reqests some assistance in removing his armor. He is clearly grateful for the help and attempts to strike up a conversation with whomever obliges, preferably regarding their views of nobility, royalty, diplomacy, or healing, as appropriate.

"As the Grand Marshall indicated every able bodied horse in the area is currently in use, we are, sadly enough, limited to our own 'appendages' as you say. Let us gather our things and be off on our noble quest."

Should we assume this happens and move forward to the time when we leave town, or is there more we should discuss here? I believe Thelen is ready to go.

Also, what time of day is it currently?

Thelen is appreciative of the young man's assistance and also thankful to be moving to action. He speaks, "Indeed! And thank you young Dorian for your kind and timely assistance. We shall now go forth and fell the mighty evil that attempted in vain to send such a fine young man to an early grave. They will regret the day they entered our lands with murder in their hearts. But they will only regret it for a short while--as long as it takes the blood to course in freedom from their fetid flesh."
After pausing for a breath, he continues in a somewhat calmer tone to the others, "Are further preparations necessary for either of you, or shall we be off on our urgent quest?"

The young mage stood before them, a boy no older than twenty, with a nervous smile on his face as he glanced from face to face. Finally, he seemed to relax a bit before speaking. "Well... what would you like to know?"

Still standing as a gleaming beacon in the room, shows a somewhat softer side than the others had witnessed earler. He says in a gentle, but confident voice, "Feel at ease Dorian. Your deeds of bravery have done your countrymen proud. Perhaps we could sit off to the side at one of these tables." He indicates a table where (hopefully) we all might fit that is the farthest away from others in the room. When we are situated (at a table or not), Thelen continues, "Thank you consenting to meet with us on such short notice. Moving forward without knowledge of what you have seen and experienced, our questions are likely to seem unnecessary or out of order. It might be best if you take a moment and share your story first, though it may be difficult. Unfortunately, second hand accounts have a disturbing tendency to unintentionally leave out critical details."Diplomacy check to help make him even more eager to remember every pertinent detail--not sure if it will help, but hey that's why you're the DM. :)

He leans back a bit with a patient look on his face and waits for the young man to speak.

Turning slightly so as to include all within his statement, but sitll managing to give preference to his superiour, Thelen says, "Indeed then, onward. The sooner we complete the interview, the sooner we can joyfully complete our noble quest."

His mother, the diplomat's, lessons learned well, he outwardly projects confidence and calm along with an appropriate reverence for those who have been lost to this menace. While these expressions are entirely sincere (since he has a hard time being anything but), Thelen is also truly excited by the opportunity to test his skills, as well as the honor of the mighty Purple Dragons in an effort to save the land from these orcs.

Indeed. He is not to be trifled (with). :)

Lathandar shall smite them for their insolence with his anvil of mighty partying. :)

Thelen stands quietly waiting for the others to complete their queries.

As he does he feels a tinge of sadness for the young lady who so obviously doesn't understand that the loss of life, especially that of his countrymen is dramatic. He debates for some moments delivering a persuasive lesson on the topic that might enrich the soul of this one, and possibly others in the room, but decides in the end this would be better served at another occasion. Instead he chooses to ignore the light insult as words from the unintentionally ignorant should be. He begins thinking of the moments of glorious battle that are sure to come presently and smiles a bit.

Yeah, mine's just reading and making snarky comments. :)

On the other hand, she is playing in several campaigns I'm running IRL.

You da man. :)

I read the tirade to my wife and she laughed out loud. I said, "See, I can play good after all." She basically said, "That's right you can play good," and smiled sweetly. Nice. *laugh*

Thelen Mallory wrote:

I like being shiny. Mmmm...purty. :)

Well, my first post/tirade is up. Let's see how long I can handle being the bastion of goodness. My gaming group says it is against my nature to play on the side of good. :)

As far as your post is concerned, it looks good. There's a couple of coding hiccups that should probably be corrected (your ooc bracket needs to be completed, I believe).

Also, when dictating your character's attitudes and actions, don't bother using OOC text to state that you're saying something emphatically, slowly, etc. Try to let it flow like you would read in a traditional piece of reading material. For example, instead of: "Shall we he barely contains himself with disgust at the nexttake one alive? with more vigorOr shall we smite them until their very marrow runs in rivulets into the soil they have ruined?"

You could just use: "Shall we," he barely contains himself with disgust at the next, "take one alive? Or shall we smite them until their very marrow runs in rivulets into the soil they have ruined?" The latter he states with more vigor, his thirst for vengeance evident.

Please don't take this as a complaint. I think you've got an interesting personality here. It just makes it easier to read and seems more natural if you do it the other way. I like the character's attitude! It'll be fun to see how long the others can stand you! Hehe.

Good suggestions. Is that better? I'm still getting used to what works best (for example what should and should not be in ooc) and I appreciate any assistance.

When not in 'public' he is slightly less annoying. Slightly. :)

I like being shiny. Mmmm...purty. :)

Well, my first post/tirade is up. Let's see how long I can handle being the bastion of goodness. My gaming group says it is against my nature to play on the side of good. :)

Thelen stands rigidly at proper attention throughout the conversation in respect to his superior and the fact that this is a military mission. He shifts somewhat and scowls at the description of the atrocities to the northwest. He mutters something about, "Let's see how they do when there's someone who can stand up for them." and comments along a similar vein on more than one occasion.
Thelen stands firmly and confidently in the room, but when he speaks kindness and compassion fill his voice. He is a mass of splendor in shining metal. He stands 6'4" tall in stunning full plate armor with a heavy mace at one side, a repeating crossbow on the other, and a greatsword across his back.

"We must with all due haste deny these vile beasts the opportunity to visit more atrocities upon our noble people. We must go forth and stanch this blackened river of evil from the land before it gains nary a fingerhold of sway or dominion. We will indeed sir blight the darkness and send it whence it came in such a manner as no more shall follow. We shall not fail to remove from the land those who seek to besmirch it with their bloodthirsty ways." He does have a flair for the dramatic. That said, he clearly passionately cares for the people and towns which have been destroyed. He indicates his support for the proposed interview at the appropriate time (either before or after his tirade) and moves to a more planning mindset as the conversation continues.

"Sir, where do our esteemed military intelligence officers believe these rank spawn of all that is evil to be? Once we have a description of these runes, are there any local sages who might, in all due speed, provide us knowledge of their meaning and power? Is there transportation at our disposal or, due to the festivities at hand, shall me move forward on foot?"
"Shall we," he barely contains himself with disgust at the next, "take one alive?" With a much happier, more vigorous tone he continues, "Or shall we smite them until their very marrow runs in rivulets into the soil they have ruined?"

He does ask these separately, but this is the general pattern. He does take time to look around for everyone to have their input (so long as they speak up) before making further grand statements.